Kathy Wilkins
This user hasn't shared any biographical information
You KNOW…..
“Our bodies have five senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing. But not to be overlooked are the senses of our souls: intuition, peace, foresight, trust, empathy.
The differences between people lie in their use of these senses; most people don’t know anything about the inner senses while a few people rely on them just as they rely on their physical senses, and in fact probably even more.”
― C. JoyBell C.
And as my wise sister, Melody, has said… “You are so much smarter than you think you are…….listen to your heart…listen to your soul….listen to your body….then trust yourself. “
YOU KNOW. You really do.
love,
kathy
I love my beautiful body…
You might remember Kallie…an original Brave Girl and a great blogger who has written many incredible posts for us. She also happens to be my oldest daughter! If you’ve wondered where she disappeared to, this beautiful piece she recently wrote will fill in some of those blanks. She wrote it last week as she was struggling through her 4th pregnancy…with a lap full of little ones and a very painful blood clot in her leg that, although harmless, had caused weeks of suffering with no relief in site. In the middle of all of that, she wrote this beautiful piece. I hope it makes you feel as good as it made me feel.
love, kathy
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
I love my beautiful body. It has done many miraculous things in its short 30 years, and will yet do marvelous things throughout my life and until it takes its last breath.
This body has taken me to incredible places…on hikes, on walks, on runs…to the mountains, oceans, rivers and rolling hills of this world….to the north, south, east and west where I’ve seen incredible things and met people whose love I hold in my heart.
This body has hugged the ones I love most. It has cleaned and cooked and cared for my family. It has experienced pregnancy and born our beautiful, kind, wonderful children. It has allowed me to experience things and express things that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience or express.
I love, honor and cherish my body for the priceless gift it is – a gift from God, given with weaknesses and frailties….opportunities for me to learn and grow.
I show my body I love it by speaking and thinking good words and thoughts about it. I love it, so I dress it well, groom it well and treat it the way I treat others that I love.
I honor my body by feeding it only the best food I have to offer it. I honor my body by listening to it, and trusting it when it asks me to stay away from certain foods and experiences. I honor it by giving it all the rest it requires – real, restful, deep sleep. I honor it by not expecting it to be able to do things that are beyond its capacity.
I show my body that I cherish it by treating it with compassion and mercy…by acknowledging its strengths and by gently, patiently, lovingly helping it overcome its weaknesses.
I love my hands for all the things they do before I even think to ask them.
I love my arms for the things they’ve allowed me to hold and carry….for holding my loved ones near to me…for cradling my babies.
I love my shoulders for the burdens they gracefully bear – burdens which are sometimes much bigger and heavier than it seems they should be asked to carry.
I love my neck for all that it lovingly supports…for all the coming and going it oversees – new blood in, old blood out, fresh air in, dead air out.
I love my head – my ears, my eyes, my nose, my mouth – through those tiny and under appreciated parts of me I experience the world…sweet conversations, laughter, the way the mountains look when the sun is just coming up, blue sky with giant puffy clouds, my babies’ first moments of life and every moment after that, Jeff’s blue, blue eyes and all the newness each year brings to his face, warm sunshine, flowers in spring, bird songs, wind and all the loveliness that home, family and life offer me.
I love my brain for the memories it tenderly holds. For reasoning through my greatest troubles, for guarding and controlling my complicated body systems.
I love my chest for all its years of breath in and breath out. I love it for holding my heart and for feeling fully all of the highs and lows myself and those I love have been through.
I love my abdomen for all it tightly holds. For carefully taking what my body needs from the food I give it…for the cleansing and purifying and detoxifying that happens there. For cradling each baby for 9 long months – providing everything they need and protecting them from harm. For stubbornly clinging to stretch marks – evidence that babies have grown there.
I love my hips for allowing me to freely move and bend. I love my bum for giving me a place to comfortably sit. I love my legs for holding me upright and for carrying me wherever I want to go.
I love my knees for holding me so often at toddler height. For providing a place for me to go for my most important conversations. For easily bending and unbending, allowing me to move freely.
I love my feet for all the places they’ve taken me. For the fun things we’ve done – jumping, walking, running, playing, swimming, long hours of cooking and baking. I even love my tiny little toes.
This body is the most magnificent blessing I have received or will ever receive. It is the starting place for all other blessings in my life. I will do my best today and every day to show my gratitude, love and appreciation for all the things this beautiful body does for me.
xo
kallie
Love and light always win…always
We are all reeling from the horrific events in Boston today. We are praying for all of the victims and their loved ones and all of the good and brave people everywhere who are doing whatever they can to help……the ‘helpers’ (as Mr. Rogers called them) are innumerable.
This afternoon, my hope was renewed, and I was reminded that love and light ALWAYS WIN…ALWAYS….when I read the following posted by comedian/actor Patton Oswalt today. It reflects my own feelings 100%…and perhaps it will help put things in perspective for you, too. Here’s what he so beautifully said:
“Boston. ___ horrible.
I remember when 9/11 went down, my reaction was, “Well, I’ve had it with humanity.”
But I was wrong. I don’t know what’s going to be revealed to be behind all of this mayhem. One human insect or a poisonous mass of broken sociopaths.
But here’s what I DO know. If it’s one person or a HUNDRED people, that number is not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the population on this planet. You watch the videos of the carnage and there are people running TOWARDS the destruction to help out. (Thanks FAKE Gallery founder and owner Paul Kozlowski for pointing this out to me). This is a giant planet and we’re lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is, every once in awhile, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they’re pointed towards darkness.
But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We’d have eaten ourselves alive long ago.
So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, “The good outnumber you, and we always will.”
Sending you all so much love today,
kathy
Brave Girl Kitchen: Yummy Peanut Butter Mousse
We just finished an amazing week of Brave Girl Camp at Melody’s home at Brave River Ranch! So much fun and friendship, art-making, memory-making, laughter and tears…and of course, great food! On Tuesday night at our Welcome Party, we served small, delectable little glasses filled with cool and creamy-smooth, rich-as-Donald-Trump, Peanut Butter Mousse. It’s a fool-proof recipe that we think you’ll love to have in your own arsenal. We took some photos during prep so that we could share them with you. On your next special occasion, give it a try!
Peanut Butter Mousse
Ingredients:
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 T granulated sugar
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
12 Oreos & 1 small bag Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Seriously…with these ingredients, how could you go wrong?
Coarsely chop the mini peanut butter cups and the Oreos. Set aside. Out of reach.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, milk, and powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy and smooth, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl a few times.
In another large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and granulated sugar until peaks form. Make sure you don’t over-beat or the cream will start to separate and get lumpy. Not yummy.
Combine the whipped cream and the peanut butter mixture in a large bowl.
Fold the two together.
…use a rubber spatula and fold oh-so-gently in an over/under manner…
…stop as soon as it’s combined so that you keep all that airy fluffiness. Spoon into a large piping bag or a large zip-top bag. Cut the corner off the bag.
Put some Oreo crumbs in the bottom of each glass. Squeeze some of the Mousse into each glass. Layer with whipped cream and more Oreo crumbs if you like. We used VERY small glasses (5 ounces)…so keep that in mind in these photos! If these were full-size glasses, these would be HUGE servings!
Top with a few pieces of Mini Peanut Butter Cups so that there’s no question what your guests are just about to enjoy.
This photo shows the tiny little spoons that came with the tiny little glasses. So cute! And just the right amount to be decadent without making us feel too naughty.
The finished Peanut Butter Mousse, ready to take to the tables of laughing Brave Girls!
Peanut Butter Mousse
Ingredients:
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 T granulated sugar
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
12 Oreos & 1 small bag Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Additional Sweetened Whipped Cream (optional)
Instructions:
In a mixer, whip the cream until peaks begin to form. Add the vanilla and granulated sugar and continue beating until peaks form. Set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth, fluffy, and pale. Combine with the whipped cream by gently folding them together with a rubber spatula.
Spoon into a large zip top bag (or a large piping bag). Cut the corner of the bag.
Place some Oreo crumbs in the bottom of 12 small glasses. We used 5 oz glasses…you may have some left over. Squeeze some Mousse into each glass. Add a layer of (more) whipping cream if desired. Garnish with pieces of chopped Mini Peanut Butter Cups. Serve chilled. May be made several hours ahead. After a day or so, the Mousse may lose a little of its ultra smooth texture, so don’t wait too long to enjoy it!
Love,
Kathy
It’s okay to rest and play…
It’s the weekend!!! Here’s your written permission to rest and play. In fact, consider this an order. ♥ ♥ ♥
Keep going anyway
We have all overcome something…lots of things, in fact….overcoming has ONE thing in common…..
…it means to keep going even when it is difficult, boring, tedious, thankless, exhausting, scary……..YOU ARE BRAVE….so keep going anyway. ♥
Stay in your own beautiful life…
We all have a different journey, we all have a different path…we all have different strengths, we all have different weaknesses…..our differences are what makes life so beautiful and perfect….let’s all stay in our own perfect life ♥
WINNERS: Friday Fun Giveaway: BG Tissue Paper!
UPDATE….Here are our winners! Congratulations!
- Jenneta Viall
- Lisa Woodhart
- Catherine Halpin
- Angi@MakingMayhem
- Sabrina K
Please email support@bravegirlsclub.com and give us your contact information so we can send your package on Monday. WOOO HOOOOO!!! Thanks for all the comments, braves…it’s so fun to read everything you have to say. We love you and we’re so thankful for each of you. Have a great weekend!!
love, kathy and melody
==========================================
When we opened the Brave Girl Shoppe, we knew we not only wanted to sell beautiful things, but we wanted them to be beautifully packaged. So Melody got to work designing custom tissue paper. She worked hard, and as usual what she came up with is breath-takingly beautiful….
This tissue paper is not only the most perfect thing to wrap our packages in, it is also lovely for art projects.
Stephanie Ackerman used our tissue paper in this beautiful piece of art….
Aaaaaand (even though Christmas is past) we thought you’d love seeing the LOVELY Christmas ornaments with it. We hope you’ll visit Stephanie’s blog for lots of amazing ideas for any time of the year…
So pretty.
Our tissue has also made some appearances in Brave Girl Art School….
Fun, right?
Well…we want to give some of this lovely stuff away today.
If you want to win it, tell us:
Which of the words on the Brave Girl tissue paper means the most to you?
In case you can’t see them, some of the words are:
courageous, authentic, lovely, true, incredible, soulful, happy,
amazing, phenomenal, inspiring, brilliant, extraordinary, brave,
strong, beautiful, gorgeous, kind, smart, sparkling, fabulous, fun, strong, sweet….
Leave your answer in the comments….either here or on our Facebook page. We’ll pick 5 winners at 5pm today (mountain time). FIVE!
Happy Weekend!!
love,
kathy
xoxo
PS. Learn more about this gorgeous tissue paper here.
Big Big BIG Announcement about Art School 1 & 2!!!!
The GOOD NEWS about Art School 1:
- Art School 1 is re-opened as a complete package for $99 (new students)…
- Repeats from 2012 are just $25…
- Access the online classroom through January 1, 2014!
And more GOOD NEWS about Art School 2-Wings:
- Classroom access for Art School: WINGS is ALSO extended to January 1, 2014!
What this means to you:
This means you can take advantage of the INCREDIBLE amount of material in each of these fun artsy classes without worrying that you will run out of time.
AND you can easily take a ‘break’ to take another class like Soul Restoration at the same time without sacrificing focus so that you can get the very most out of every class you take.
Later this year, both of these jam-packed packages will be broken into individual classes with a combined value of over $499 EACH and offered as LifeArt A La Carte classes for those who want to pick and choose which modules they take. Access through the end of the year for the $99 package price is a phenomenal value! Just ask anyone who is taking one of these classes already!
Let’s get busy making art!
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
Important: Although these courses are called Art School 1 and 2, you do NOT have to take them in any particular order. They are stand-alone classes that you can do at your own pace and on your own schedule. If you have a thing for wings, go ahead and take it first! Your call.
Let’s have some artsy fun, friends!!
xoxo
Soul Restoration begins TUESDAY…jump on board with us!
…the original YOU is still in there
Dearest Brave Girls,
Our most popular online course, SOUL RESTORATION, begins next week. We only offer it twice a year, so please please please, if you are ready to heal from everything that is holding you back and move forward bravely into your beautiful future, come join us!
| Details & Registration | $99 ($25 for repeats)
It’s very hard for us to say enough about how strongly we feel about this class. What we know for SURE it that it has changed the lives of women just like you. So we thought we’d let some of those women tell you themselves what this class has done for them and why they recommend it to everyone they know:
In the getting messy art projects, my hands got busy while my head got quiet and I got a chance to really hear my own voice again. – K
I’m not sure I can put into words what Soul Restoration is doing for me. But since I don’t usually lack words, I’ll try anyway. I’ve never felt such release, such relief, such self-realization – and we’re only on Week 3. I’ve learned so much about myself – the good, the bad and the ugly… and it’s transforming my life into what my life had the potential of being. The tears, the smiles… the comradery of the other ladies in the course – the beauty of friendship… it has consumed me and I don’t even want to go to work – I want to stay home and work on my Soul…I can’t say enough about it. If you have the opportunity to do it – DO IT. Sandi
I would have to say this is easily one of the best classes I have ever taken. Ever. One of the ones I learned the most in and grew the most in. I am the kind of person who pays attention. I would say I am aware. I listen to myself. I watch and observe and try to learn and grow. And, still, I learned so very much about myself in this class, it’s almost impossible to explain how much. I had revelation after revelation. – K. G.
I am so excited about my life!! This class has been WONDERFUL!!! Finding Brave Girls is helping me create and live the life I never thought possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! This workshop changed my life! I am more aware of who I am, of what makes me happy, sad, tired, frustrated, joyful, peace-filled…and I know what I can do about it now!! This is one class I would recommend to everyone!!! — L.A.
When I started the class I wasn’t aware that I was in need of restoring. Funny to write that…but its true. I was just hoping to create art! I was looking for a way to get inspired again. What I got out of this class is so much more than just creating art. I learned that there are things in my life that have made me strong and brave. There are things in my life that have made me vulnerable. There are things that I am so grateful for…and things that I never want to think about again. The curriculum in the class helps you to come to grips with all of it. To take each piece of your life and examine it. To find peace in yourself, to gather it and take it into your soul. Each lesson is a gift. It is hard work and some lessons come easier than others….but they all matter and they all work and they all make you whole. Melody’s approach is like sitting with a girlfriend. It’s comfortable…its funny. Each week comes with videos…and honestly they were my favorite part. Being able to have her in front of you helping you understand that weeks’ lesson was a gift. My journey in Soul Restoration allowed me to connect back to who I am deep down. You don’t have to be an artist! There is so much more going on than the art…the art is a vehicle for healing. Watch the videos of the lesson…watch the art technique videos and most of all enjoy the process….its so very worth it! – S
I have never been so impressed or moved or motivated by anything as by this class. I am not sure if it’s “the turning 50 thing” everyone talks about or if it’s just that I’ve reached a crossroad in my life where I NEED to make some changes, but this class is just amazing. If you are unhappy with your life (or you can use “discontent” if that makes you feel less guilty); if you feel that you want a “different” life for yourself; if as a woman you are feeling unfulfilled and that there is just “something missing” – take this class. Scrimp and save for the $99 if you have to. But take it. You will not regret it. – E
We hope these reviews will get you curious enough that you’ll go HERE to learn a little more about Soul Restoration and what taking part could mean to you.
In a nutshell you’ll watch fun, entertaining, and deeply effective videos (it’ll be as if you’re sitting right with Melody), you’ll make beautiful art to help you remember the things you are learning and committing to yourself, and you’ll be able to connect with other women who are on a similar journey. And you’ll do it all at any time that works best for you, at your own pace, and your own schedule.
Like so many other women, this may be the best thing you’ve done for yourself in a long, long time. We hope you will join us! We get started this Tuesday, February 26.
love,
melody and kathy
Questions? Email support@bravegirlsclub.com
If you’ve already registered, watch your email inbox for your LOGIN/PASSWORD email which will be sent on Tuesday morning. We’re excited to get started!!
BG on Pinterest
Followed by: 4,810 people, Likes: 1
Featured Posts
-
by Malary Ross on May 16th 2013
-
by melody on May 16th 2013
-
by Kathy Wilkins on May 15th 2013
-
by Malary Ross on May 13th 2013
-
by melody on May 12th 2013
-
by melody on May 9th 2013
-
by Malary Ross on May 6th 2013