Jean Marshall The Artful Woman

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Showing posts from July, 2024

Not all disabilities are visible. A Hidden Fight

My journey as a stroke survivor has been marked by a silent struggle. While I may appear healthy on the outside, a constant battle rages within. Neuro fatigue, body aches, and forced rest days are realities I manage, learning to listen to my body's limits to avoid setbacks. Despite these challenges, the future looks bright. Turning 60 feels surreal, not strange – a reminder of how much I've overcome. Unlike many my age, I haven't given up. The stroke forced me to work harder, regaining coordination and learning to manage dizziness and vertigo. Each hurdle has made me stronger and more resilient. I'm excited for what the future holds. This journey has been a scary one, but a valuable one. Sharing my story allows me to connect with others who may be facing similar invisible struggles, inspiring them to face their challenges with courage and hope. The Invisible Scars The true depth of my suffering, both physical and emotional, may never be fully understood. The fear, angu...

Stroke Survivor: Four Years of Strength and Resilience

Happy stroke-aversary to me! Four years ago, my life took a dramatic turn. But instead of dwelling on "what ifs," I've chosen to focus on staying alive and WELL-ish (skin cancer aside!). Most importantly, I haven't had another stroke, a fear that will likely stay with me forever. To combat this fear and embrace life, I turned to faith and healthy living. Over the first three years, I shed 30 pounds, not through fad diets, but by making conscious choices about the fuel I put in my body. This journey also made me hyper-aware of my blood pressure, understanding the importance of keeping it under control. Year 1: The Healing Battle The first year post-stroke was a constant battle. While my brain healed, I experienced a barrage of symptoms: nausea, dizziness, anxiety, fear, chronic pain, and fatigue. Sensory overload was overwhelming, and my usual sensitivity as an empath became heightened to the point where other people's energy caused me physical pain, making it dif...

From Paralysis to Progress

One Step at a Time After going up and then down hundreds of steps of stairs, on my way back up again I looked up at the steep steps and asked myself while out of breath why I do this? The answer came quickly: Because I can! Walking is a gift, and as a #strokesurvivor, it's also a #miracle that I am able to. Having been completely paralyzed on half my body, every step for me is a victory. On my way back up, I knew the higher I climbed, the harder I had to push myself. With each step I take, the distance between me and a repeat stroke lessens. I push past what feels impossible and I #nevergiveup.

From Employee to Entrepreneur

You might wonder why I started a photography business. After losing my career in the mortgage industry and struggling to find work in sales and marketing during the 2007 recession, I turned to landscape photography as a hobby. People who saw my photos started asking for headshots and family portraits. Initially, I resisted, insisting I didn't photograph people. But with gentle encouragement from friends, I eventually gave in, and lo and behold, I was really good at photographing people. So much so that it felt more like divine intervention. It was as if God were saying, "Stop trying to open doors to your past of dead-end jobs and oversold career promises when I'm trying to open doors to your future." This was a spiritual awakening, and with that, everything sort of just fell into line. After that, what truly motivated me to start my own business was a deep-seated frustration. I was tired of building other people's empires with my own sweat and effort. Whether it ...

A Woman's Search for Meaning

Why Was I Spared? A Search for Purpose I often find myself lost in thought, questioning the intricate design of my life. What is my purpose in this grand scheme? Beyond the simple joy of capturing beautiful memories for others, what deeper purpose awaits me? It's a question that has echoed in the chambers of my mind, growing louder with each passing day. Life dealt me a cruel hand. My own brain turned traitor, attempting to steal my mobility and my life. Yet, here I stand, a walking testament to the unyielding spirit within and nothing short of a miracle by the grace of God. I am one of the lucky ones. I escaped the confines of a wheelchair, the clutches of an untimely demise. But luck alone cannot explain this miraculous escape. It is in these moments of grace that the search for purpose intensifies. Why was I spared? What is this grand design that has woven such a complex thread into the fabric of my life? Yet, against all odds, I emerged, a survivor in a world of countless pos...

A Photographic Journey

In 2007, a frustrating job search led me to a profound realization. While seeking sales and marketing roles, I questioned why I kept pursuing a path that no longer resonated with me. This epiphany, which I believe was guided by God, led me to pursue photography as a career, a hobby that became a lifeline during that challenging time. Photography wasn't just a passion; it became my lifeline in challenging times, restoring my peace and spiritual connection with God. Witnessing this transformation in myself, I feel compelled to share the power of photography with others. Especially in today's demanding world, creative outlets are more vital than ever. Photography offers a unique way to connect with oneself, express emotions, and experience the joy of creation. The course I'm creating, "The Art of Healing Through Photography," is designed to guide you on a photographic exploration of mind, body, and spirit. It equips you with the tools and strategies to unleash your...

Through My Lens: Finding Light After Darkness with Photography

Life throws curveballs. Sometimes, those curveballs can knock you down and leave you feeling broken and lost. That's exactly what happened to me. In 2010, the loss of my father left a gaping hole in the world. I felt a deep emptiness and a grave sense of loss. In a desperate plea, I prayed for a creative outlet, unsure of what form it might take. Despite a former multi-decade fulfilling career in fashion across multiple continents, I found myself searching for a new purpose and creative direction. I've always been one of those people who needs to express themselves creatively. The answer arrived unexpectedly. Picking up a camera, I embarked on a journey of photographing everything and anything. With each click, a piece of me began to heal. Through the lens, I experienced a series of epiphanies, gaining a newfound perspective on life. Little by little, the darkness receded, replaced by the light I found Through My Lens. In the midst of that darkness, I discovered a powerful t...

Beyond the Surface: My Journey of Faith and Reinvention

Life throws many things our way, some beautiful, some challenging. But through it all, we have the power to choose what defines us. For me, it's not the number on my driver's license or the size of my bank account. It's the unwavering faith that guides me, the lessons learned from both triumphs and stumbles, and the ever-evolving person I strive to become. This journey of self-discovery is far from over, but with faith as my compass, I'm excited to see where the road leads next.

Why Age Shouldn't Define You

Society tells us to keep our age a secret, but why? Age is just a number. True worth comes from experiences, not the year you were born. If someone judges me based on appearances, wealth, or possessions, that's their limitation. What defines me is my inner self: my beliefs, my spirit, and my resilience. Life has handed me victories and losses, but through it all, I've learned to be a fighter. I refuse to settle. I trust that God rewards my efforts with true wealth – wisdom, peace, and unwavering faith. For me, faith liberates me from worry, fear, and doubt. It allows me to chase my dreams without hesitation. Surrendering to God's will has brought peace. I've learned that everything I need will be provided for. My role is to take action, stay faithful, and live a life that glorifies Him. Living in the spirit often means waiting, but this strengthens my connection with God. It may not always be easy, but the rewards are immense. In my younger years, I travelled the w...

Nature's Influence: Indoors and Out

The sky and the earth are my constant inspiration. I love being outside so much, I bring those vibes right into my home. My color schemes come straight from the landscapes I see. Golden fields that have passed their peak? Those earthy tones become my base colors. Accents of blue from the sky and green from the trees? They pop in everywhere. Even my bedroom reflects the colors of sunrise and sunset. No matter where I am, a piece of the outdoors is always with me.

Why I Photograph

Finding Light Through the Lens Especially in these uncertain times with a tough economy, it's easy to lose sight of my "why." But photography? That's different. It's the light that pierced through the darkness for me during a difficult period. Photography is more than just a craft; it's healing, joy, and a source of unwavering purpose. It gets me out the door on tough days, when the thought of socializing feels overwhelming. Camera in hand, I can escape to a beautiful location, capture its essence, and connect with the peace of nature – a place where I feel one with God's creation. Finding beauty in the details becomes an adventure. The lens reveals a whole new perspective, showcasing what the naked eye might miss. It allows me to see the world in a unique way, capturing the hidden gems most people overlook. That's why I became a photographer: to reveal the beauty in the world, in people, and in the incredible creations that surround us. Photography ...

More Than Words

Hello! I'm Jean Life has taken me on quite a journey! From the glamorous world of international modeling and producing the Miss Beverly Hills pageant, I transitioned to the ever-evolving world of internet content creation and currently work as a professional photographer. Life throws unexpected curveballs. In 2010, I experienced the loss of my father, and then in 2020, I faced the challenge of overcoming a stroke. Both events led me to a deeper connection with my spirituality. I find inspiration in nature, whether it's during a hike in the mountains or a walk along the beach. These moments of quiet reflection, often spent in God's presence, spark the "musings" you'll find peppered throughout this blog. Through a combination of my photography and writing (affectionately called "Musings by Jean"), I hope to motivate and inspire you. My goal is to share the spiritual awakenings, life epiphanies, and everyday thoughts that come to mind during these int...

From Stuck to Unstuck After Stroke

After my stroke, my brain struggled to make connections. Simple tasks became frustrating marathons. It was tempting to give up, to stay stuck in that place of indecision and confusion. But I discovered a powerful truth: clarity comes from action. By pushing past the discomfort and frustration, by taking action even when the path seemed unclear, I found solutions emerging. Overwhelming problems started to make sense. The "monumental" tasks became manageable steps. Just like the saying goes, "done is better than perfect." Even without complete clarity, taking action in the direction I wanted to go brought answers and a sense of purpose. Stuckness is a choice. It's the comfort zone of inaction. But even with an injured brain, progress is possible. By pushing past the mental resistance, the "stop and give up" voices, and taking that next step, clarity emerges. Action is the key to progress, not perfection. Seven Months After My Stroke

The Determined Walk: From Europe's Catwalks to Dream Destinations

The Determined Walk: From Europe's Catwalks to Dream Destinations Have you ever dreamt of something so fiercely, you were willing to chase it across continents? That's exactly what I did as a young modeling hopeful, venturing to Europe with a heart full of ambition and a pocketful of uncertainty. Success wasn't guaranteed, but I knew one thing for sure: inaction was the enemy of progress. Every day, I embraced the power of taking action. Even when my agency wasn't landing me the jobs I craved, I refused to be discouraged. This wasn't a dead end, just a detour. Intuition, a powerful force even back then, whispered that consistent effort would create a ripple effect. I believed that by putting out positive energy, the universe would reciprocate. So, I took matters into my own hands. Ditching the traditional route, I bypassed the "front door" and mailed my comp card directly to the factories behind the fashion lines I admired. This bold move unlocked opport...

From Darkness to Light: A Photographer's Journey

Nature has always been my sanctuary. As a child, I spent countless hours hiking through the Santa Ana Mountains, captivated by the beauty that surrounded me. My love for the great outdoors grew further when I started leading hikes with the Outdoors Club in 2003, and photography joined hiking as a cherished hobby. Capturing that magnificence through my lens became a soul-satisfying pursuit, a way to magnify the glory of creation and connect with the world on a deeper level. Then, life threw me into darkness. The 2007 recession ravaged the job market, and my career in sales and marketing began to crumble. It felt like the universe was pushing me away from what I knew. But then, one day, a voice whispered within me: "Why are you trying to unlock the doors of your past when I've opened a window to your future?" This epiphany made me realize that photography wasn't just a hobby; it was a calling. Taking a leap of faith, I decided to invest 90 days solely in building my pho...

The Artful Woman Behind the Lens: A Story of Resilience and Passion

Hi there! I'm Jean, the creative force behind The Artful Woman. My journey here has been rich and diverse: gracing runways as a model, championing women as the Miss Beverly Hills director, and bringing stories to life as a producer . A stroke redefined my world, sparking a deeper appreciation for life's beauty. I'm a passionate hiker, finding solace in nature. My hands, once accustomed to the spotlight, now nurture life through gardening. As the sun dips below the horizon, I'm mesmerized, a reminder to cherish each day. But my spirit isn't just about quiet contemplation. I'm a fitness enthusiast, and this dedication to well-being extends beyond myself. The Artful Woman reflects these experiences. Here, I capture life's moments and empower you to tell your own story, developing a new mindset, creating habits, and achieving balance. Courses coming January 2025. Welcome to my world, and let's create something beautiful together!

From Worst-Case to What-If Wonderful?

Let's be honest, times are tough. The economy's shaky, and it's easy to get caught up in a cycle of worry. Our thoughts are very powerful, and dwelling on negativity can drain our energy and limit our potential. I found myself spiraling down a rabbit hole of "what ifs" – what if I lose everything, where would I live, how would I survive? Shifting Gears: Suddenly, a powerful realization struck me: Why focus on the worst-case scenario? Instead of fueling our anxieties with negativity, what if we channeled that energy into positive thoughts and possibilities? What if things actually work out? What if I focused on the abundance that could be mine? Why not visualize success, plan for it, and get excited about the future? Instead of "what if I can't afford this," it's "how can I spend the money I will have?" This is a Mindset Shift We All Need: This change in perspective, from planning to fail to planning to succeed, is a game-changer. It...

A Tiny Speck, a Spiritual Awakening by Jean

How I know there's a power greater than me? It hit me one day walking the beach. The vast ocean stretched before me, meeting the endless expanse of the sky above. Gazing down the long coastline, I felt like a tiny speck dwarfed by the universe's grandeur. In that moment, a profound thought emerged: I could be anywhere. Yet, here I was, on this specific beach, at this specific time. A sense of purpose washed over me. Perhaps it wasn't random chance. Maybe, as I stood there humbled by the immensity of it all, I realized God had placed me here for a reason. My role, then, became clear: to be present, open, and willing to fulfill whatever plan He had in store. Musings and Photo by Jean

Letting Go, Finding the Way

Sometimes, I feel stuck, weighed down by things that hold me back. But when I break free, when I release that grip, that's when I catch glimpses of what could be. It's like seeing a new path emerge from the fog. Holding on – clinging to my own way instead of trusting the bigger picture – only keeps me from reaching those possibilities. It's in letting go that I discover the amazing things that are waiting for me. Musings and photos by Jean