Happy New Year & All the Best in 2016!

Wishing all of my Family, Friends, and faithful Followers Peace, Love, and Joy in the New Year ahead! Follow your dreams, take that trip, change careers, go on an adventure every opportunity you get! Most of all tell those you care about how much you love them, spend time together, pay it forward, and spread kindness everywhere you go! 

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Thank you all for your support of my new position as a Style Ambassador for India Hicks. You have astounded me with your excitement for me and this collection! It has been the most rewarding career change of my life. Let me know if you would like to hear more about this venture!!

www.indiahicks.com/rep/karenalbert

The Reason for the Season!

As this year is coming to a close I want to give thanks to all of my Family, Friends, and faithful Followers who have been here for me throughout the year. 

Even this precious little girl reminds us that we can always give something of ourselves to others.

In a world so uncertain, what can we do? Spread light, joy, kindness, pay it forward even if it simply a smile and word of encouragement. One person at a time making a difference and the world a better place.

Why do I focus my site on The Arts of all kinds and an Artful Life?

The beauty of art impresses upon us something quite indelible; a magic like no other. 

Come out of hiding, break the shell in which we tend to protect ourselves! Make a difference and take a risk this year, go for it! 

Gift to those you can; just remember that the best we can give those we love is the gift of ourselves, our time. That is what is so precious and makes memories that last forever.

The Country Club Plaza in my city, Kansas City, at the Holidays, a tradition for all, something we always love and cherish.

So shine bright and light up this world with goodness, kindness and love!

Here's to a brighter year ahead in 2016!

Thank you to all who have been so supportive of  my new venture with India Hicks as a Style Ambassador. I took a chance and it has been a most incredible experience with amazing men and women! I encourage you to give this Gift to yourself!!

My new Venture has also given me the opportunity to give back to some of my favorite and most worthy Children's Charities!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

www.indiahicks.com/rep/karenalbert

The Blink of an Eye

Today's post is about something I have been thinking about so much lately. In light of recent world events that can seem so far away, and while we are praying for those in Paris and across the world, I am bringing this letter close to home.

In America we are coming upon the Season of Giving. While we celebrate with our loved ones, there is often an empty chair at the table. Someone we lost too soon in life, or an elderly relative who has passed on to the next world; hopefully one full of peace and love.

I want to ask you to start taking time. Time to say thank you, to pay a compliment, to be kind, to invite a lonely person to join your family dinner. Reach out to a friend you've lost touch with over the years. Gestures like this can make a difference stretching as far and wide as saving that person's life and giving them hope.

Recently I gave an India Hicks Benefit Event for the Birthday Party Project to help give special birthdays to children in a Safe Home or Shelter. This was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in some time! 

Coming up in two weeks will be an India Hicks Event to Benefit the World Aid Foundation with Elizabeth Alex ( one of our local celebrities and former newscaster.)

A friend recently said to me, after all we do not achieve success or greatness alone. Let us take time to choose a gift for those who have helped us in some way throughout the year. Your office assistant, best friend, babysitter, design staff, anyone who has been there for you. It is so simple really and has a long lasting effect to the recipient of your gratitude and thoughtfulness.

I can help you, please email me at artbykarenablog@gmail.com or go to my site www.indiahicks.com/rep/karenalbert. You will be rewarded a thousand fold in so many ways!

Thank you to my Family, Friends, and Followers who support The Arts

Please leave a comment as they make my day!

Sign up for email alerts to receive notice of my latest posts and please add me to your own blog roll!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Love Tokens www.indiahicks.com/rep/karenalbert

Handbags Galore www.indiahicks.com/rep/karenalbert

Bath and Beauty Collection www.indiahicks.com/rep/karenalbert

A Time for Gratitude

There are times in life ( for me anyway) when I realize how very fortunate I am in so many ways. My family, my friends, the followers of this blog. It seems that even when life throws me a curve ball, there have always been many of you right by my side to help in any way you could.

Even if I do not thank you enough, please know that I appreciate you more than you can ever imagine and only hope that I can be there for you when you need me or at least pay it forward in some special way!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

The Adventurous Journey

There is a chapter in my life that many of my dear readers do not know about. Without going into all of the details; I will say I have learned many priceless lessons along the way.

I suppose the first lesson was to surrender to the reality of the situation. Many times I have asked God for the gift of acceptance. Yes and he has answered my prayers.

In Deep Thought

 We all have choices in life; however when our choices are limited for one reason or another, one has a great deal of time to think. Questions arise; how did I get to this place? What can I change now? What do I want to do when I am able to proceed to the next chapter? How many ways can I pay it forward to all who have been here for me.

Peaceful Grace

 There are more prayers. God give me the grace to let my own challenges teach me; lessons of humility, gratitude, and compassion. Look around and see the daily reminders of those so much in need; in comparison to what I may endure.

Leap of Faith

Sometimes I need to remember that I must take a leap of faith that I will once again be strong, vital and live the life I am meant to live. There are too many things on my bucket list to give up!  

Every day in every way I am getting stronger and stronger!

The Leap of Joy

Even though I may experience some very low days, I try to recall that God wants us to be joyful and happy here on Earth; to bring that Joy to others. A positive attitude and smile will give me strength.  

Random Acts of Kindness

If I give someone a compliment however small that lights up their eyes then I have made a difference. Plus it makes me feel so much better!

Yes, I can!!

Though I still have some miles to travel on this journey; I know that I will come through it a new person. I see the light at the end of the tunnel; it beckons me. 

I can never give enough thanks to all who have been with me along the way. The dear friends, family, my blog family, many whom I have yet to meet and still, truly feel like my sisters and brothers; my world has changed because of all of you!

My hope is that you will understand that though I may not be able to post or visit and comment as often, I will be back stronger than ever. 

The Arts bring us together and add so much beauty to our Lives and Communities...

Love and Hugs

 Karena

Art by Karena  

A Special Thank you!!

A Special Thank you to my Friends and Family

I cannot ever thank you enough for all of your encouragement and support .

Many of you know what a trying year it has been for me.

What many of you do not know is that I am more determined than ever  to get strong, thrive and do all of the things once again that give me joy!

I celebrated a landmark Birthday yesterday and was astounded and so moved by all who sent good wishes my way!

I feel I owe it to myself and all of my dear friends and loved ones to start a new chapter in my life. The way to honor all of you is to be a fulfilled and giving person. After all we are all here on this great earth for a reason.

I will be in rehab awhile longer, however then you can expect more beauty and more joyous celebrations! More features to come on extraordinary artists and entrepreneurs! I will pay it forward in any way that I can. Also any thoughts or ideas of what you would like to see would be very welcomed!

Let all of our lives sparkle with kindness, love, and generosity of spirit.All that we give of ourselves will come back a hundredfold and affect the lives of countless souls.

This blog has opened a whole new world to me with so very many who care. 

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena