I can finally Breathe

A little Celebration…

I posted my very first blog exactly one year ago today. One year ago, I made the commitment to approach life differently, to do what I enjoyed, to take a moment to just BREATHE and focus on me.

It might not seem like a risky move but it was something I was afraid to do. Mostly I was afraid to fail, afraid I wouldn’t be able to follow through, afraid I wouldn’t have time…on and on. After some serious encouragement from a good friend, I decided to share myself with the world. When I look back at everything that has happened since I made that decision, I feel like a little celebration is in order. I’ve accomplished things I never thought I’d do….EVER. And I’m still going. Focusing on me, taking time to breathe, rethinking my life, setting new goals, taking risks…one of my best years yet!

It all started here…

Welcome to my site and my blog! My journey has been long but I CAN FINALLY BREATHE so it is time to begin…

A little background…

I have loved art since I was young but discovered a passion for it in high school. I come from a family of artists, crafters, and creators. My dad and my grandma are both artists and probably my biggest influences. They are extremely gifted in drawing portraits and I grew up watching them perfect their skills, create beautiful commission portraits, and share their knowledge with others. Being a self-taught artist, most of the direction and advice I’ve received has been from my dad and I continue to draw on the guidance he has provided me today. My brother is also a gifted artist, specializing in beautiful airbrush work. On my mother’s side creativity and artistic talent run deep as well.

My journey…

My journey began when I was in high school. I had my sights set on going to art school and becoming a graphic designer but my dreams were cut short. After graduating, I was encouraged to look at life more practically and search for a safer career but because I couldn’t wrap my brain around paying for my college, I choose a different path. I moved out of my house shortly after high school without any real direction or plan. Within a year, I had a daughter which became an entirely new focus but by the time she was one, I had to refocus. I was diagnosed with stage IV cancer when I was 20 years-old and was given only a few months to survive. I would spend the next year and a half battling for my life and many years after that recovering both physically and financially. Art was always tucked in the back of my mind but was the last on my list of things I could devote time to. It wasn’t until I met the man who is now my husband, that I was able to dream again…even if only briefly. There have been several speed bumps, some by choice and some not, some huge and ugly and some small, that have slowed me down but will save those for another blog and leave with this thought today…

“You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it courageously.” ― Steve Maraboli

Time to breathe…

So because it is time and I can finally breathe, I will live my life with purpose and share me, my art, and my life with you!

A little credit…

I’d like to give a little credit and shout out to my husband, Keith, and my best friend, Sarah, for pushing me out of my comfort zone and for encouraging me take a different direction in life. A huge shout out to anyone and everyone that has either read my blogs, looked at my art, shared my content, passed out my business cards, attended a show, followed me on social media, purchased my goods, or given me extra words of encouragement. THANK YOU!

Posted on 26 Comments

26 thoughts on “I can finally Breathe

  1. I’m crying right now. You have had a very long road. I am so proud of you and so happy that you are finally able to focus on what you love. You are truly amazing!

    1. O geez, don’t cry because now I am. I love you and credit a huge part of my survival to you. You took on so much with Kira and you and my mom always made sure I went to the doctor, even when I didn’t want to 🙂 Thank you!

  2. I love everything about this! You are so talented 🙂

    1. Thanks Deedle!

  3. Great post! Couldn’t agree more. I will be brave, be strong and be kind. Because that is the way it is supposed to be.

    So grateful you are surviving.

    1. Love it…brave, strong and kind! Thanks for the support.

  4. Thank you for sharing this. 🙂

    1. You are welcome 🙂

  5. Love it! You never cease to amaze me. Can’t wait to read more!

    1. Thanks lady!

  6. Tawnya, I remember your cancer scare so well. Your family pulled together and showed you so much love and support. You were so positive you would beat it! I tell your story to people when they tell me about their cancer!!! Don’t believe everything the doc tells you.
    You are such a talented artist and I’m very glad you get to spend some time creating!!!!
    Love ups!

    1. Yes, my family was amazing. I knew that me and Kira (my daughter) were going to be taken care of no matter what. So glad you can share some of the story 🙂

  7. Love you!!

    1. Thank you and love you too!

  8. I’m extremely proud of your strength so far throughout your life so. I always had a dream of making art become my life and have always pushed it aside for safer ways to succeed. I’m glad that I could and hope to continue being as good of an influence to you as possible.
    Love you

    1. Thanks Dad! I love you too. I am constantly remembering tips and advice you’ve given me about art. In fact, I still have a few drawings that you helped me with from when I was in high school. I might post one 🙂
      I wish you could have pursued your dream because you are beyond gifted and thankfully some of that rubbed off on me

  9. Tawnya, great story! Looking forward to your next post…

    1. Thanks Dave!

  10. Tawnya, you are a remarkable woman with a remarkable story! You are crazy talented and I am so happy that you are finally at a point where other people can enjoy your beautiful work. I wish you tons of luck on this new and exciting journey. I can’t wait to display an original “T-Dubb”!!!! xoxo

  11. So glad you made it to this point. I can’t wait to see the rest of your journey! We could have chatted about a lot while I was out in Colorado if I knew these bits of your past (Jersey girl from about 3 years ago).

  12. True angel surving her many purposes!?

  13. Hi Tawnya
    My name is David Tyson. I saw your recent post on Linkedin and I am very impressed with your artwork. I am a veteran music producer/writer (Black Velvet by Alannah Myles 1990 among many others) Wondering if you could email me. I would love to run something by you. Cheers, Dave

  14. Through out Tawnya’s challenge with cancer, she repeatedly said “This is just a temporary set back”. Her tenacity, courage, strength, and positive attitude through out her life continues and has been such an inspiration to me. Every day in one way or another, she adds to the good of her life through education, good ole hard knocks, and now enjoying and sharing her beautiful talent of art with us all. Tawnya is such an amazing, loving, and beautiful person all the way around! She has enhanced the life of MANY and certainly the life of her Great Aunt Marsha. I’m so very proud of and happy for you Tawnya! LOVE YOU!

    1. Thank you Aunt Marsh!! I love you too!!!!

  15. I love when you share a new post! Usually on FaceBook I will save a post that is going to take me a few minutes to read, but I read your new posts the minute I see them.

    1. Thank you Carrie…I just love you<3

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