...hidden talent...

I've been thinking lately how fortunate I am. With Thanksgiving around the corner and all, I suppose my mind's been more focused on my blessings lately. I realized just the other day that I am extremely fortunate to have not just one job that I absolutely love... but TWO. Photography is my 'fun job' that I do on the side... but I also work with an amazing group of people just outside of town in this crazy, awesome building teaching their kids. Two fun jobs. Ha. Who would have thought. :)

One of my favorite things about where I work, is how people genuinely care about others and their well-being. On top of that, they are able to see people's gifts and, as a result, create work for that individual that fits their gifting... follow me? -- Last spring I was wrapping up a day at the Learning Center when a mom walked in and said, "Miss Lauren. You're creative... ever thought of painting a mural?" Haha. I'm sure you can imagine my stunned response. "I don't believe that's ever crossed my mind!" "Well, would you be interested in trying?!"

And so begins the story of my mural-making-days...

^Said blue wall would eventually be transformed into a pirate's treasure-laden oasis...

Some days it took a little coaxing...

And some days my efforts were just not working so well...

...but then, the creative juices started flowing. :)

...and I bribed/rewarded myself with Scratch cupcakes.

...the sails went up.

...and pirates arrived...

Unfortunately, it seems my phone lost the photo of the room completely finished, paint catchers and lights put away, and electrical outlets covered again... However, this photo does show you the final product! Last I checked, 'Jake' had a new 'tatoo' on his arm... a foam eighth note. :)

^^Here's a shot of the 'workspace'...

AKA: their poor bathroom that I turned into chaos for a few weeks!
Yikes!

Now, the second mural was for a little girl...

she certainly didn't need pirates on her wall... instead, she needed...

BUTTERFLIES, of course!

Welp, butterflies, she got...

And some flowers and a singing bird, to boot!

I was fortunate enough to borrow the projector/lightbox from work...

but sometimes I had to get a little creative to get the images where I needed them on the wall.

Finished Product:

One whimsical liberating wall to inspire one sweet little girl

to dream big and use that beautiful imagination of hers.

As for me, I learned I am capable of much more than I seem to give myself credit for... (I wasn't exactly sure how it'd turn out when I first began!) I had SO much fun pulling these fun ideas out of my imagination and sticking them to the wall! SO very thankful for opportunities I am able to not only enjoy, but also learn from.