Kathryn Costa - Collage Diva

My Vision Board 2013

Here is a look at the vision board that hangs in my creative room. Click to enlarge this photo for a closer look.

Each year to ring in the New Year, I get together with my dear friend Maureen and we create a vision board for the year. It is an opportunity to reflect on what we want to invite into our lives in the next 12 months.

When I started this board I filled the center with lots of flowers to represent coming into "full bloom" this year. At the very center is this quote from Anais Nin that inspires me to dream and to be open for something new.

When I create a vision board, it helps me to gain clarity about the things that I desire. In January, I was feeling ready to start something new, to take a leap, to write books, make money, all in the effort to make a difference and inspire others. When I started this vision board I didn't feel the pressure to fill the entire board. I've had fun adding to it. Just recently, I received my copies of Luna Jaffe's book, "Wild Money" and it was wrapped in tissue and closed with the wild money sticker and purple feather that you see above.

My word-for-the-year is ABUNDANCE. I found the back of a bank deposit slip carried the perfect message to add to my board. "Go forth and prosper." Tacked with it is a draft copy of the promotional insert that I tuck into all orders from my Etsy shop. I adore that photo of my husband. He has the best smile!

My vision board also includes reminders of how I want to live my life.

This is a smaller vision board that I created a few years back. It tells the story of my dream to open a retreat house. The man and women represent me and my husband making plans to build this dream. When I met my husband, it was amazing that he was speaking of this dream that I've held close to my heart for so long. We both came to this relationship with it already in our hearts. Now we are at the stage of dreaming and exploring. It seemed like a perfect time to bring out this older vision board and clip it to my current board.

This is a copy of a collage that represents my victorious self. I love how her scarf resembles the butterflies. What a transformation!

Here is a card that a friend made for me recently. She really captured where I feel I am in my life.

Vision boards offer a place to :

• work out our ideas
• remind us of our values
• inspire us to make our dreams come true.

Now 6 months later, it is interesting to check in. I've started some new things, taken leaps, and I'm bringing in new streams of revenue. This is the first time in my life when I feel really balanced with work, dreaming, creating, family, and taking care of myself. I'm feeling so inspired and connected.

It is always a good time to create a vision board. The best part is that it only takes a few ordinary things: magazines, glue sticks, scissors, and your imagination.

Go forth and prosper!

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Remembering My Mom

Today marks one year since my mother passed away. It seems unreal to me that she is gone and it has been a year. Today I pulled out a book that I made for me and my siblings. We all gathered in her memory last fall and I made a book like this one for each of us.

She was a precious child.

Look at those braids! She hand-tinted these photos.

I loved her wedding dress. She was so lovely. Look at my cute Dad. My Uncle and Aunt (my mother's sibs) are to her right. They are so darling.

Let's fast forward in time. I'm sure you can guess by the fashions which circa this is. The picture on the left is my older sister on prom day. You can't see it in this photo but her eye glass frames are octagonal ---  now how cool is that? Look at my mother's long quilted skirt in contrast to the mini's in the photo on the right. Are you chuckling right along with me?

We are making a few jumps in time. This is a classic shot of my Mom, the ham. She loved any occasion to dress up and be silly. Here we are in Salem, Mass at Halloween. While touring the city we thought we would go in costume. People would stop and ask us where we were performing that night. I'm on the left with the outrageous nose. I was probably about 12 years old here. My younger brother Karl is on the right. What fun memories!

Here is another leap in time. This is my younger brother Karl's wedding. He is the dashing dude in the center. My Dad looks so sharp here. I'm sure you can pick me out here.

This photo captures my Mom's whimsical spirit.

Here she is with my son. Time sure does fly.

This is one of my favorite shots of her. She was a beautiful woman with a free spirit. She was creative and loved to laugh. When I was visiting with my sister this weekend I felt her presence. I know she was smiling over us as we enjoyed a traditional tea. She was laughing right along with us. I could see my mother's spirit reflected in both me and my sister. It was a good weekend and my sister and I agreed, we honored her well.

I'll close this post with my favorite photo. It was taken when I was a wee one. I can see it was after a dinner party (Evidence: coffee cups are out, wine glasses emptied, and she is relaxing at the dining room table). I love her smile and how she enjoyed a good party. She was an amazing cook and was so creative with the cakes she decorated. I'm enjoying a glass of prosecco right now and toasting to her life. 

Thank you Mom!

Love,

Kathryn

5 Things to Look for in an Online Class

The Journey Begins Tomorrow

Are you ready?

 

Dear Friends,

 

When I was designing the Journey of the Heart Journal online course I met up with a friend for lunch who has taken many online classes. I shared with her what I was planning and we had a great conversation about what we liked and didn't like about some of our online class experiences. It was a really important conversation for me. It helped me to stay true to what I VALUE as I designed this course.

 

Here are five things I considered when developing the Journey of the Heart Journal online class:

 

1. Is the instructor present?

 

One of the biggest reasons we all sign up for a course is to connect with the instructor. I can understand the need for a virtual assistant to help manage all of the activity, but we both agreed that it is important that the instructor has a presence.

 

I've made a committment to be available during the next 6 weeks of the course to answer questions and provide feedback. In fact, I've held off on finalizing some of my videos to work in some new ideas inspired by those who are participating.

 

2. Is the information text only?

 

There are different learning styles and offering the material in a variety of formats helps to make it interesting and engaging.

 

In the Journey of the Heart Journal online course I incorporate written reflections, videos, and audio interviews. In courses where it was text only (and the instructor was virtually absent), I've wondered why I didn't just buy a book? Usually the cost of the course is way more expensive than purchasing a book.

 

 

3. How accessible is the information?

 

Once I paid big bucks for an online course only to be told 2 weeks toward the end I would have to shell out more big bucks to download the PDF. I know first hand how much effort goes into designing the downloads, but really? I felt gouged and disappointed. Don't you love those limited time offers that expire and you have to open the wallet wide to get the information?

 

You can download the beautiful PDF, videos, and audio recordings to your computer at no additional cost. They are all part of the course. I think it is only fair. While I've put in hours and hours of time and talent into these offerings, I believe it is important to deliver value.

 

If you don't want to use up your printer ink, there is the option of purchasing a printed version of the course book. I like options, don't you?

 

4. Is it a good value?

 

I believe in fair pricing. I also believe that my work is worth charging for and it is important not to give everything away. Charging a fair price makes the work accessible to many and supports my creative efforts. A good value is one where it is a win-win for everyone.

 

The 2-for-1 offer is intended to build a community of friends who will enrich and deepen the experience. When we are doing heart work, the journey is best when shared with friends. Sign up and you get to invite a friend for f*ree.

 

 

5. What will I learn or how will I benefit?

 

This is perhaps the #1 thing to consider when purchasing any online class. 

 

There may be new perspectives and practices in this course for you, but more importantly this is an opportunity to take a 6-week period of time to focus on you. One of the most valuable courses I ever took was one where the material wasn't really anything new for me. What made it the best course ever was the opportunity for me to focus on my heart and activate my dreams. It was a time when I learned how transformation is about the attention we give our hearts. Within a couple of weeks taking that course, I experienced so many incredible changes and I was taking big steps towards making my dreams come true. The Journey of the Heart Journal course is just that kind of opportunity where you can open up for major life changes.

 

{Pictured above is a peek at one of the "retreat moment" videos. These are 3-minute videos that help with centering and relaxing.}

 

Grab your spot now in the Journey of the Heart Journal online class. You get to bring a friend for fr*ee! It only comes to $27.50 per person. The course books are only $20 and includes shipping.

The classroom doors open up tomorrow, but registration closes. Don't miss this opportunity to take a Journey of the Heart. CLICK HERE to learn more and to register online.

{soul hugs}

Kathryn Costa
Collage Diva

Creative Joy: Sharing tea and Mr. Darcy with my sister.

I've had a fabulous weekend! It all started with preparing for my sister's visit. We've grown so much closer since our mom passed away a year ago. We discovered that we both love Pride & Prejudice and really all things Jane Austen. It gives me so much creative joy planning a visit like this. I decided we would watch P&P on our fat high def screen and drink tea, eat cute finger sandwiches while wistfully oohing, ahhhhing, and giggling. 

I pulled out some old family things like the darling little chair pictured above that our Nana made out of a beer can. Who would of thought quilling beer cans could look so regal? It's a good example of where I learned my creative joy. My Nana taught me how to make things from ordinary stuff. 

My sister and I laughed our way through the movie. We would have watched the 5-hour BBC version if we had enough time. We opted for the shorter one with Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. Best remark was made at the end when Mr. Darcy is walking through the field wearing a long coat and shirt partially unbuttoned, I said, "I have to get Fernando that outfit and have him walk through a field toward me." Well, I thought we were going to pee ourselves we laughed so hard. 

It has been so wonderful reconnecting with my sister. I'm feeling so lucky.

What brings you creative joy?

~ Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

 

PS: This "Creative Joy' post was inspired by the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey Clark. 

Sisterhood of the Heart

Dear Friends,

 

I love how so many people are taking advantage of my special offer: It's a 2 for 1 deal. When you sign up, you get to invite a friend for fr*ee. So many beautiful spirits are choosing to invite their sisters. Now how sweet is that? I was sharing this lovely fact with my husband and he started calling the "Journey of the Heart" the "Sisterhood of the Heart." At my house, this is what we are now calling the course. I love the image that in conjurs up: women sharing, learning, teaching, guiding, caring, daring, cheering, transforming. This is how women come together, in a circle of loving support.

My own sister is coming to visit me this weekend and we have a fun night planned viewing Pride & Prejudice in high definition complete with English tea, finger sandwiches and treats. My sister and I have grown so much closer after our mother passed last year. Ooooh, it just struck me as I am writing this that the course begins on the one year anniversary of my mother's passing. {Deep breath here.} I did not plan this at all for when I changed the start date I was lost in a blur.

 

{Insert another deep breath here.}

 

You know, I think it is perfect timing, divine timing, and we are all right where we need to be. Can you feel it? I just know my mother would love that we are starting a Journey of the Heart on this special date. In fact, this might be the first annual Journey of the Heart and each year I'll offer some heartfelt journey experience in honor of mothers and sisters, and soul sisters too!

 

Speaking of soul sisters, I chatted with SARK, an amazing creative spirit who I've admired now for over 20 years. I love her books. They have given me so much encouragement to live DARINGLY and PLAYFULLY. Her words and energy over the years have awakened my creative and beautiful self. It was soooooo very cool to have this conversation with her. I'm still over-the-moon about it. I felt such an amazing connection with SARK when we spoke and I know she did too. It was like talking to a long lost friend or soul sister. I recorded our conversation so you can get energized by our chat and learn from SARK about how to tune into your INNER WISE SELF as well as learn how to honor your journey through CELEBRATION. SARK is so generous that she is giving everyone in the Journey of the Heart class not one, but two succulent gifts that will not only delight your senses but deepen your journey.

 

There is still time to sign up. Three days and counting! And, you can still bring your sister, best friend, or soul sister along for this special journey. CLICK HERE to learn more and to register online.

 

Grab your spot now in the Journey of the Heart Journal online class. You get to bring a friend for fr*ee! It only comes to $27.50 per person. The course books are only $20 and includes shipping.

My heart is opening even wider as we get closer to opening the classroom doors on Monday.

{soul hugs}

Kathryn Costa
Collage Diva

My Creative Joy: Spontaneous Invitations

This morning I set out on my walk on my own. I figured my friend who I usually meet up with had a late night and needed to sleep in. 30 minutes out she drove up in her car. She was beaming and so was I! I jumped in her car and we headed straight for Panera where we hugged, chatted, and caught up over a latte. Yesterday was one of those 5 star stellar days for both of us where experienced grace, connection, and miracles. We cried as we shared all of the serendipity that wove through our day. Here is a friend I've known for over 20 years. As she talked and poured her heart out, I was so moved to have this precious moment with her. I snapped a couple of photos of our drinks with my cell phone and had a blast altering this one pictured above using some of my painted papers. I love spontaneous invitations to connect and create and connect some more.

Who could you connect with this week?

{soul hugs}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

PS: Click image to see all of the textures and details in this photo.

 

PSS: This "Creative Joy' post was inspired by the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey Clark. 

Journey of the Heart course outline

I've been busily working on sprucing up the online classroom and getting all of the files in place for the upcoming Journey of the Heart class. The course starts in 10 days on June 10th. Here is a look at the course outline.

Introductions

Video: Creating Sacred Space

Opening the Door - Sample the course. Download this now!

Interview: Jamie Ridler

Preparing for the Journey

The Treasures Already in Our Pocket

Video: Cultivating Thoughts that Increase Love & Trust

Interview: Helga Strauss

3-Minute Retreat: Sabbaday Falls

Passion: The Flame Within

The Gift of Letting Go

3-Minute Retreat: The Ocean

Interview: Karen Bryant

Gentleness & Kindness

Turning Inward for Wisdom

Interview: Liv Lane

Saying "Yes!" and "No!" 

Taking the Next Step

3-Minute Retreat: Bedrock Gardens

Interview: SARK

Celebrations

Serving Love

Interview: Suzie Itzstein

3-Minute Retreat: Our Blossoming Dreams

Transformations

Grab your spot now in the Journey of the Heart Journal Online class. You get to bring a friend for free! It comes to only $27.50 per person.

This is one journey not to miss!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

A Fanciful Twist: Mad Tea Party 2013 {An Invitation}

This is one blog event not to miss! I'll be posting here a sweet little Collage Diva story and serving up some virtual tea and treats.

Get the details, HERE.

I hope to see you at this party!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

My Creative Joy: The Journey of the Heart course books are in!

Finally! The book I designed to go with my online course has arrived. I'm doing a happy dance. Last night my husband and I assembled the pages and I headed straight to the post office this morning to get them shipped off. If you ordered a copy you'll receive it by Monday, June 3rd. That's one week before the class begins. Click on the image to get a closer look.

I'm so loving these gorgeous pages. The colors are vibrant! The journal pages have a lovely feel to them. The layout of the text is easy to read and so professional!

Today, I'm feeling grateful that I've cultivated so many skills to pull this off. Now I can't wait for the class to begin!

There is still time to sign up and I have some additional copies of this course book on hand waiting for you!

CLICK HERE to get the details on the Journey of the Heart Journal online class. Starts Monday, June 10th.

CLICK HERE to download the first chapter to sample the material.

{soul hugs}

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

What gives you creative joy? Hitting the resume button!

Life throws at us so many challenges. I've had my share in this last year  - losing both parents, getting married and adjusting to sharing my space and time, new adventures, friend's dying, friend's children dying, friend's grandparents dying, friends struck with serious illness, news of natural disasters...it is piling up and taxing on the creative engine.

What gives me creative joy? Knowing that I can press the "resume button" on any day and in any moment when my creativity has stalled.

Yesterday was a particularly tough day for me. Lou, a dear woman who was one of my Dad's caretakers lost her 22 year old son two weeks ago. He was a bright star with a bright future. His death is one of many examples where the why is simply unanswerable. Last night was the wake. Although I couldn't hold back the tears, it felt so good to hug this brave and darling woman. Earlier in the day I was feeling overwhelmed by some deadlines and project details. By the end of the day, my perspective changed from anxiety to appreciation.

This morning I hit my imaginary "resume button" and I'm feeling creative and confident.

How about you? How is your creativity. Do you need to press the button?

Namaste,

Kathryn Costa, Collage Diva

PS: This "Creative Joy' post was inspired by the Creative Joy Retreat with Jennifer Louden, Marianne Elliot, & Tracey Clark.