I am one of those people who thought to 2016 was complete crap! I have overcome a lot of adversity from 2016 and still trying to recover. I have preserved through heartbreak (more than once), loss in my family, violence, being dragged through the court system, and witnessing loved ones go the trials of drug addiction. Writing all that out just now and reading it back, is mind blowing. Tragedies started to seem normalized to me. My experiences of hardship almost were the norm, and I questioned how trauma appear to be repetitive, blow after blow. If you know me, then you know I am terribly optimistic, and 2016 brought me a little pessimism. Here goes my optimistic nature, already thinking that may be a good thing to have in life. But as I write about "the struggle" and as I sip my 3rd coffee, it is bringing me awareness at the strength I carry.

On top of it all, it hasn't been easy running a business and working full-time as a public health grant coordinator. I honestly wanted to quit. I mean I did! Mentally I did stop; psychically I didn't. I didn't have the luxury to let myself go completely. I was still going through the days, but it was hard to feel fully awake. I can say now finally I feel like my spark back like I have a drive, energy, and determination again. It has taken a lot of time. Healing takes awareness and accountability. I think it also takes a little selfish-ness, the right kind. The kind where you focus on your self and your wellbeing. Being selfish while being an adult with responsibility can be a little hard, especially when most social norms are against it. I even had to explain "selfish" in a positive manner because it sounds negative. The recuperation mentally and physically allowed me to come back stronger; it gave me a more meaningful relationship with my business and passion.  
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I have currently been in full sewing, seam ripping, beading every night, regalia making mode since late January for a very unique project. It has definitely been keeping me busy! As usual, the race to finish before the summer powwow trail is as real as ever. 

I learned my time management skills in two very specific places, or should I say "professional practice" skills. One is from the art school environment that molded my thought process.  Deadlines and long nights, the art school has trained me well. It prepared me for real-world critiques and taught me how to speak for my work. The other is from my fabulous former boss, Rae from Made by Rae. She was a scientist, a perfectionist when it came to her process and work ethic. I appreciated seeing that more than ever when working by her side, especially when I was in the midst of committing to an art career. Even I thought I was going to be only painting in my room/living room/studio/bedroom all day, every day with no money, but she put it into perspective how to make art a career and how to make it successful!

Now here I am, graduated thinking my hectic college life scramble/schedule was over.  However, my google calendar determined that was a lie! I am still managing to do it all. I recently just told my sorority sister who just graduated a few weeks ago, that it doesn't change once your out. You still manage to find the things that keep you busy, stressed, excited, and over all unconditionally happy. 

So here I am now beading, sewing, creating, teaching, enlightening, learning, traveling, coordinating, facilitating, connecting, making, and sharing.

"Someone told me long ago, there's a calm before the storm, I know; It's been comin' for some time. When it's over, so they say, It'll rain a sunny day, I know; Shinin' down like water." Here's a little CCR to get you as excited as me to release the hot new Tashina Lee Emery vision's.

I am happy to share my new work; it has been coming for a while! Fingers crossed* to even more work in the very near future. 

Here are the THREE new Tashina Lee Emery originals:
They are currently in limited supply (for now).

Similar to the feeling you get when you give a big presentation at work, or asked someone you liked out on a date. I have dealt with a lot of unusual experiences that I am assuming come with the business, the artist trying to make it in a competitive world. ​

Playing with my new Nikon and capturing the Sealed in Ice Collection and Exquisite Birch Collection in their pure, natural environment: the lake fronts of Lake Superior, the forests lining the bay, and all the in between. My home and my surroundings directly inspire my work. I am always striving for the pure beauty in my backyard, in my job, my photography, and style, favoring timelessness and simplicity.

It is already mid-February, someone pinch me!

I can't believe how the time is flying by. Keeping busy is definitely the cause of the time passing by quickly and I am excited to share what I have been up to in my little studio/deep couch sitting/desk and lamp. First things first, I apologize for not writing sooner or consistently. I plan to catch up and always let you know whats poppin' on my little rez, in my little town, and in my little apartment. Wow! That is a lot of little places and I am starting to feel it, but I have big ideas, new thoughts, and more work.
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