Arthur Boorman's inspirational message

I love this man! He embodies the message: "Never, ever give up." Here is Arthur Boorman's story.

Living Joyfully Designs on Etsy

I create and sell jewelry and recently decided to launch a shop on Etsy called Living Joyfully Designs by Carly Massey. Check it out!

I've been made free

Check out the uplifting song "Free" by Dara Maclean.

Write a novel this month!

Have you always wanted to write a book? I know I have! Well, exactly one month from now you will have achieved that goal if you jump on board with National Novel Writing Month which starts today (but so what even if you start it a little late, too!) Thousands of people are going to be writing a novel this month, and so can you!

I am wishing you luck, but I know you don't need it. You only need to stay connected to the desire in your heart and the knowing that you deserve to do this for yourself, if it's something you would like to do. A big dose of gratitude goes out to my two friends who encouraged me to join them in this project. Happy writing!

The aftermath of Sandy

My city, New York, and where I'm from, the Jersey Shore, have been ravaged by the storm. The material damage is great, but I know we will rebuild. I'm grateful there weren't more lives lost and am sorry for those who did pass. Throughout this time, it's been so beautiful to see people reaching out and extending love to one another. The support given will help the healing process. I am sending out my love and well wishes to everyone impacted. May you all stay safe.

Here is a healing chant that I find very peaceful and powerful to listen or meditate to. I recommend finding a comfortable seat, closing your eyes, taking a few deep breaths, and then taking in what you hear. I hope you will find it as beneficial as I do.

Thought for the day

"You are loved. All is well." (Abraham-Hicks)

My new art classroom

In my blog post "An Art Room of Their Own," I wrote about how important it was for me to create a suitable space for my students to develop their artistic ability. Below are some before and after photographs of the transformation. I love working in this space!

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AFTER:

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I love my job

This is the type of stuff I get to buy for my job... How could I not be happy when I'm surrounded by glitter all day?

My latest artwork

A Million Moons (July 2012)

Smoothie of the day

Summertime is an opportune season for cool, refreshing smoothies. I've really taken to them. This morning, I pulled out my blender to make my usual mix of banana and whatever else I had on hand that I might be in the mood for. However, I had forgotten to pick up some bananas at the store yesterday and was fresh out. Contemplation ensued: Do I skip my smoothie today, or find some way to make it happen? 

I took a peek around and decided to go for it. The outcome was an absurdly refreshing, frozen, green, healthy concoction that I would definitely recommend. Below is the recipe.

1.  Cold almond milk
2.  Vanilla protein powder
3.  Spirulina powder
4.  Frozen green and black grapes (Using frozen grapes is the key to making this smoothie taste like a virgin daiquiri of some sort.)
5.  Blend. If not mixing properly, add a little more almond milk.
6.  Enjoy!

Health benefits: Almond milk is high in calcium, non-dairy, and vitamin-rich. The protein powder offers the obvious dose of beneficial protein, while also providing other vitamins and nutrients. Spirulina, which is probably the most wonderful part of this smoothie health-wise, is full of protein, iron, vitamin A, and other nutrients. It improves digestion and fights free radicals. It just does so many things that I don't even know where to begin! Trust me, it's good stuff. (I use Earthrise Spirulina Natural powder.) Finally, grapes are full of antioxidants and vitamin C. I would recommend buying organic grapes, but I'd be lying if I said that I did that! However, if you are able to, organic is obviously always better (no pesticides = healthier people.)