Finding Balance Through Movement: My Journey as an Artist, Pilates Instructor, and Women's Wellness Fanatic
Let me start by saying: menopause is not for the faint of heart. Whoever coined the term “the change” clearly didn’t want to alarm us. “The emotional and physical rollercoaster with no seatbelt” would’ve been more accurate.
Hi, I’m an artist and Pilates instructor with a deep passion for women’s wellness—and a deeper appreciation for wine and cooling fans, thanks to the midlife adventure that is menopause. When it hit, it hit hard. One day I was teaching classes and painting with ease, and the next I was crying at commercials and seriously questioning whether I needed a divorce or just a snack.
My body was changing faster than my moods (and that’s saying something). I was exhausted, cranky, and felt like an alien had taken over my once-familiar self. Everything was off: my sleep, my hormones, my joints—and don’t even get me started on my weight!. My hips were filing complaints I don’t remember authorizing.
And then—enter, stage left—Pilates.
Now, I’d been athletic all my life, but I had found my self feeling stiff, unstable, sore and just OLD. Pilates didn’t alone fix all that - there’s much more to the story, but it became the thing that kept me from falling apart (sometimes literally). Through those slow, intentional movements and deep breaths, I began to feel like myself again—and I began to vision myself in a state of wellness, albeit wellness looks a lot different at 58 than it does at 35.
Pilates helped me stretch out the frustration, strengthen where I had lost strength, and reconnect with my body in a kinder, gentler way. I started showing up to the mat not just as participant, but as an artist wanting more, a woman in the thick of it, finding humor and healing in every roll-up and wobble.
And as I came out the other side with a little more grace and a lot more wisdom, I realized: this is what I want for other women too. I wanted a place to move, laugh, breathe, and remember that we’re still us—even if this new, wiser version of us, looks and feels different.
It wasn’t all Pilates, but the start of Pilates gave me the courage and motivation to start making big changes, move my body and change my outlook on life!
So now, through my work—whether it’s leading Pilates, guiding retreats, or splashing a bit of paint around—I create spaces for women to reconnect, release, and laugh their way through the wild ride of life. Because wellness isn’t just about fitness or food… it’s not what you look like or what color your hair has become, —it’s about finding what makes you feel alive, even when your body is throwing curveballs.
Celebrating life’s wins with my Pilates Girls!
If you’re out there wondering what happened to your energy, your waistline, or your patience… you’re not alone. Come move with me. Let’s roll, stretch, create, and giggle our way back to ourselves
If you’re craving more than just another workout or wellness trend—if you want real connection, real movement, and maybe a little wine and watercolor along the way—come join my creative community of women who are embracing it all: the chaos, the beauty, the hot flashes, and the breakthroughs.
Join my Creative Wellness Group for ongoing inspiration, movement classes, and creative prompts (plus the occasional hilarious overshare). We meet weekly on Facebook and Patreon - Sign up for the group on Patreon Check Out Patreon
Or better yet, escape with me on a retreat—where Pilates meets paintbrush, and self-care comes with a view (and probably a really good brunch). Learn More
25 Women, creating, moving, laughing and growing together! Create and Escape Retreat, Mckinney, Texas
Whether you’re navigating post menopausal living, midlife, or just Monday, you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s move, create, and evolve together—with humor, heart, and really strong glutes. Follow Me on Instagram! Insta
Growing Old Sucks, A Cautionary Tale
Okay, it’s not a tale, rather a true story with useful information.
This blog is dedicated to my mom. The woman who raised me and shaped me to be the person I am today.
Mom and I at the Art Studio Tour in Indianapolis
I am a learner, a teacher, an artist, a mother, a daughter, a wife, a sister, and a friend. Funny thing, my mom is all of those things too. Mom always had, and still does to the day, a new craft to learn. From cutting and painting on the jig-saw, to knitting, card making, pour painting… she has done it all, and shares it with great enthusiasm… sound familiar? During her younger years, she had a mean tennis serve, played racquetball, golf and even learned to ski. Mom, is a retired elementary school teacher as well. So if you know me, you are starting to see how very much alike we are! Learning and Teaching, whether it be art, or sport, is at the core of who we are.
So it should be of no surprise, that at the age of 55, I’ve decided to learn all about Pilates and to become a Pilates instructor. The education has been intense and eye opening. I am learning about our musculature, how to strengthen and preserve the core systems that keep us strong. Which is why I am writing today about Pilates, Hip Health, and Hip Replacement.
My mom, is a survivor of two hip replacements. I could say she is kind of Bad Ass, because she broke one hip while jumping on a shovel, and the other while double stepping up stairs in her 70’s, but the truth is, age, along with lack of muscle and range of motion, made her vulnerable. Understanding that we are all aging in the same direction, and these vulnerable days are right around the corner for me… and all of you, I am compelled to learn and to teach about how Pilates can help us to prevent injury, and how it helps to rehabilitate our bodies after injury.
About Our Hips… My hips, your hips, their hips… everyone’s hips.
Our hips are made up of bones and muscles. The health of these bones and muscles are dependent on many factors, but regular exercise that promotes muscle and bone health greatly reduces the chance of injury or falls. Strong muscles are key to stabilizing and protecting hip health, as well as recovering from hip replacement surgery. Hip stabilization muscles that play a key role in stabilization include the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, piriformis and deep core muscles6).
More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways. Women experience three-quarters of all hip fractures. Women fall more often than men. Women more often have osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break. So you can understand the need for us ladies to take this stuff seriously. As women reach menopausal age, our bones and muscles deteriorate naturally. We slow and counteract the process through diet, and exercise.
To stretch and strengthen your hips, you’ll want to target:
the gluteus maximus, the main extensor muscle of the hip
the gluteus medius, the main muscle on the side of the hip
the piriformis and deep core muscles (deep 6)
Essentially, you’ll be strengthening and stretching the back and sides of the hips.
You’ll need to avoid overworking the tensor fasciae latae (TFL or IT band), which is right in front of the hip joint. If you overuse this muscle, you can cause unwanted knee, hip, or back pain. (Healthline.com)
The following exercises are useful for most people to strengthen and protect yourself from hip replacement, or to recover from hip replacement. The only difference is that when recovering and building the muscle back, after replacement, you will begin with a very small range of motion and you might want a cushioned mat to place under your bad hip while lying on that side.
Breathing and Posture Awareness
Photo credit: Pilates Anytime
Coming on to your mat in a standing position with your shoulders over your hips and feet in alignment. You may need to tuck your tailbone in just and bit, and engage your core to ensure a strong straight posture or neutral position. Make note of the weight on your feet. Is it evenly distributed to all for corners of each foot, or are you leaning forward on the balls or back on your heals? Adjust so you can feel the weight distributed evenly. While you are here, we will begin our Lateral Breathing by taking large inhales into your ribcage, and exhaling through the mouth as your abdominals engage. Now take notice of your right foot and leg and without leaning, place more weight on that leg. How does it feel? Place as much weight on that leg that is comfortable. Going back to balanced for one breath and now let’s try the other leg. Take notice if there are any differences or weaknesses on either side.
Photo Credit: Pilates Anytime
Pelvic Tilts
Carefully making our way down to the mat, we are going to start our pelvic tilts. Pelvic tilts are useful in helping to alleviate back pain which is often prevalent with hip problems. . They reduce stiffness in the lower back and help to gently stretch the back muscles. They also strengthen your abdominal and buttock muscles, key to hip health.
Let’s slowly move on your back with your knees bent and the souls of your feel on the floor. Let’s awaken those hip joints and muscles and your core. Starting with your spine in neutral position, there should be a slight curve in your lumbar spine creating a space where your lower back is slightly lifted of the floor. We will start our lateral breathing and on your next exhale, begin to curve your tailbone, and closing that gap. Start with small movements, and increase the movement as you feel comfort. On your inhale, curve, starting with your tailbone lifting one little section at a time to flexion, your tail bone towards the mat. Continue through three breaths. Moving on we are going to tilt side to to side. Continue with a neutral spine, as you engage your right buttock muscle and pull that leg just a tiny bit closer to your shoulder and release. Continue this movement from side to side with each release, if comfortable lengthen your leg through the hip socket.
Photo Credit: Pilates Anytime
Bridge Work
The bridge both stretches and strengthens the muscles of your posterior chain including the hip abductors, gluteus maximus, and hamstrings. We will continue lying on the floor in neutral position with souls of the feel hip distance apart and palms on the mat beside your hips. If you are able to articulate your spine by curving your tail bone towards the ceiling as you exhale, curl that tail bone and then vertebrae by vertebrae as you push into your heals and slightly lift your hips on the exhale and lower on the inhale. As you exhale, engage your core pulling your belly button towards the mat. If articulating (rolling) the spine is not comfortable you may hinge as your raise your hips. As you move through the movement, start with small movements and deepen your range of motion as you feel comfortable.
Photo Credit: Pilates Anytime
Clamshell
Okay now let’s strengthen the gluteus medius, which lays on the outer edge of the buttocks and is responsible for stabilizing your pelvis. When you have compromised hips, we really want to focus on stabilization. We will make our way to side lying position with your shoulder in alignment with your hips and your knees bent with legs stack on top of each other. You may need to place a cushion under your hip. Inhale and keep your big toes together as you slowly rotate your leg in the hip socket so that the top knee opens. Open the knee only as far as you can go comfortably and without disturbing the alignment of your hips. Start with very small movements and deepen your range of motion as you feel comfortable. On your exhale slowly bring your knee back to the start position. Let’s repeat this movement 5 times on each side.
Photo Credit: Pilates Anytime
Prone Leg Lifts
Prone leg lifts are great for rehabilitation and for preventative work because besides working the lower abs and inner thighs, leg lifts also help with hip strength and flexibility due to the motion of your legs and hips during the move. So lets get started.
Laying prone, on your belly rest your head on your hands, and lengthen your entire body. Engage your core to keep your spine neutral. Bringing your legs hip distant apart, with the top of your feet laying towards the ground. Activate your Glutes and keep them active on both sides during the exercise. Using your glues, slowly raise one leg, from the hip socket, just a few inches off the floor. Make sure while raising your leg that your hips stay stable and squared. Start with a small range of motion and work your way to a larger range only when your body allows.
Because we want to activate the hamstrings and glutes, focus on moving the leg from the thighbone, rather than the foot. Keep the leg reaching long, rather than going for too much height – this will help you to keep your low back happy by helping your pelvis stay neutral. Ensure that you are lifting the abdominals in and up as you reach the leg away from the floor. Repeat the movement 5 times on each side.
Happy Hips For All!
I hope you have enjoyed this small sampling of some simple Pilates exercises to to help strengthen your hips. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you all to give a pilates practice a try. It has been a game changer for me, and I only wish that I started sooner. Stay tuned for more!
Hip, Hip, Hooray!
*I used the following sources to gather insight and information for this post:
fitwell.com
Pilatescan.com
health.harvard.edu.
Pilates Any Time App
10 Bright and Bold Furniture Makeovers
Life is too short to live it without color! I love surrounding myself with bright bold color. In fact, Black, White, with pops of bold color is my jam! If you are with me, check out some of my favorite furniture makeovers here! I will share the colors and products I used to create each piece!
Who doesn’t love fuscia? A mean really, this color agains the black and white stenciled wall just makes me giddy… so much so that I just could not sell it! The colors I used here are DIY Paints, Kissing Booth, Summer Crush, Cowgirl Coral, Dark wax, and then I embellished her with The Winter’s Wreath transfer from IOD. You can find all of these products here!
I named her Bad Girl Bombay! I just love the layers of bright along with a little grundge! The colors I used here are from bottom to top…. DIY Paint in Bohemian Blue, Mermaid Tail, Marquee, and Queen Bee. I added lots of distressing and black wax! This piece was done live on my Cara’s Color Me Vintage facebook page. All products can be found here!
This version of a farmhouse table is my favorite! This set lives in my home as well! the chair are painted in Summer Crush, Mermaid Tail, Bohemian Blue, and Kissing Booth and the base is Painted in Bohemian Blue. The top has a weathered wood finish created with lots of layers of waxes. All products are found here!
This piece was one of my most popular makeovers. I had a buyer right away for it… it just happened to be my mother who had tricked me into thinking it was going to a “friend” of heres…LOL. It’s painted in DIY’s Blue Iris, Fancy Farm Girl, Bead Board, Queen Bee, and Kissing Booth. Find them here!
Why not make a canvas out of some beat up old furniture! That’s what I did here! Lotus Rising was so fun to create. I did this live on my Cara’s Color Me Vintage facebook page. I used too many colors to list but really…. isn’t it unique? All of the colors can be found here.
What happens when you pair unlikely color combinations? I think Magic! Mustang Sally stole my heart. I used Sandy Blond, Faded Burlap, Kissing Booth, a mix of Kissing Booth and Hey Sailor, Summer Crush and Old School. Of course I topped her off with some Black Wax. Find these colors here!
Oh man! I sure did love painting this one. I started with and entire coat of Pennies From Heaven, Then added Bohemian Blue, Kissing Booth and Cherry Picked. I finished it off by distressing back so the Copper Patina shines through. One of my favorites! Find them here!
You can find the making of this piece on my youtube channel, Cara’s Color Me Vintage . She was painted in DIY’s Blue Iris and white wax, with a lovely transfer called Japonica.
I just love this piece! You can recreate it using DIY Paints Mermaid Tail, Old 57, Salty Kiss, Vintage linen and some clear and black wax!
I Made So Many Mistakes! But Let Me Tell You What I Learned
A little more that 3 years ago I decided that I had a passion that I MUST follow. I, along with my uber-supportive husband, I decided to walk away from a six figure income in hopes to find a more fulfilling life as a creative. What I didn’t’ know then is that following your passion means taking responsibility for your path in life. When I didn’t get it right on the first, second, or third try, I became frustrated with every turn. I became fearful, controlling, and that didn’t go so well for me. I am writing this piece because I want to share with you some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way in hope that it will save your passionate, creative soul a bit of misery along your own journey.
Perfection
I had a plan, I did! I thought about what I wanted and made a plan. It was a perfect plan, with perfect little steps along the way. It was grandiose! Everything about what I was doing was rooted in perfection. Whether it was pitching a client, painting a piece of furniture, or finding the perfect place to sell my goods… I had a perfect vision. The problem? When your goal is perfection, the end result will most certainly be disappointment. I was becoming disappointed with myself and with my work. Instead of looking at my little side-gig at the wine bar as a means to help me get to the next step, I viewed it as failure. Every-time someone passed on purchasing a piece from me I looked at it as, “I am not good enough”, rather than, “It’s just not their style.” How did I overcome this trap? I began to look at my prior career as a preschool teacher, and what one of my main mantra’s was… “It’s the process that matters, not the product”. I began to apply that to everything I was doing, and realized that if I just enjoy the process, being fully engaged in it, whether the product is perfect or not, I learned. I learned what to do differently, what was working, and what was not. I threw perfection out the window and that allowed me to just DO THE THINGS! Perfection kills creativity. Perfection kills progress.
Thinking About the Big Instead of all the Littles
Looking back, I think worrying about failure was the most paralyzing part of my journey. Looking at the big end and thinking that there is no way I will make it, literally stopped me in my tracks many times. It felt overwhelming and unattainable. What was I missing? I was missing the focus on the small everyday tasks that would take me in a direction of progress. I was not recognizing that progress, no matter how little, was moving in a direction that I needed to go. I wasn’t giving myself credit for the small victories, just looking for the big ones. I was not enjoying the process. That’s one way to set yourself up for failure!!!! What changed? I read lot’s of books.
I learned that when you follow your heart and go after your dreams, you will have to let go of your fears so you can soar even higher. I stopped letting fear scare me, instead took it as a sign that I was on the right path. I learned that If you want to follow your passion you have to feel your fear fully. When following your passion, you have to start looking inside for answers and stop looking for permission. You have to stop making excuses for why you can’t take action and just take the next step, and the one after that, until you end up where you want to be.
After years of struggling, I can finally say that I am right where I need to be, doing what I love to do and growing through the process. I am the facilitator of two online coaching groups, Cara’s Color Me Vintage - Artists in the Making and Color Me Creative Business Business Builders I pour my creative heart and soul into these groups and love every minute of it. My growing business, Cara’s Color Me Vintage, keeps me busy, and although I really don’t enjoy the businessy part (paperwork, taxes, sales, etc.), I now understand that balancing the tasks at hand with the passionate pull to create, encourage, and inspire is what will keep me rock’n!
Rock on ladies and join the journey!
Cara
Create and Escape - Makers Retreat October 22nd -25th
Is it time? Time for a little YOU time? I have thoughtfully planned this makers retreat for you and your creative soul. Take this opportunity to connect with like minded artists, relax, and stir up your creative juices. Yes, it’s for you!
Enjoy 3 nights and 3 days nestled in nature, while enjoying luxurious accommodations, gourmet meals, the company of creative souls, and creative workshops.
Included with your registration:
3 nights and 3 days in a state of the art Luxury Cabin… yes we are GLAMPING (Glamorous Camping)
3 Gourmet Dinners, 3 Gourmet Breakfasts, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (BYOBooze)
Nightly Creative Round Table Discussion
3 Scheduled Workshops
Candle Making - written tutorial and two candles included with registration… additional candles may be made for small fee and candle making kits available as well (perfect Christmas gifts)
Jewelry Making - Choose from a variety of styles and let us guide you through the making of your own Sisterhood Bracelet - One bracelet included with registration - additional kits and supplies available.
Water Color Painting - Let’s use a little water color, along with some mixed media to make our very own frame-able art. Learn some loose painting techniques as well as precise strokes. Materials included… take home kits available for purchase
Daily Free Time - Use to create or explore Broken Bow. Take advantage of lakeside activities, hike, hot-tub, or just unplug… whatever it takes to make it yours.
Furniture Painting Demo
Registration opens July 8th @ 9pm CST For some pictures of your accommodations see below:
Large Luxurious Cabin with Outdoor firepit, and hot tub.
Luxurious Dining and living areas perfect for creative round table discussions.
Outdoor living space with a cozy fireplace.
6 Beautifully appointed bedrooms and 5 and 1/2 baths to accommodate 12 guests.
Soak in the hot tub while enjoying nature.
Copy of So You Have Decided to Focus on Your Creativity... Now What?
Happy New Year! I love this time of the year that gives us a little time to reflect, regroup, and re-imagine where we want our lives to grow. Several years ago, I started this creative journey, painting and creating just about anything I could get my hands on. I began to really struggle with the balance between my career, and the deep pull I was feeling towards a more creative life. I mean… it was pulling HARD! Have you ever felt that?
The last two years have been completely transformative. I left my career of 30 years, left my home town of 32 years, and began a new, creative journey. My husband, fully supportive, never wavered. Even when we could hardly make our house payment, or when we received notices of insufficient funds from our bank. He just kept on saying, “This is your calling Cara, just keep going.” So that’s what I did. That’s what I am doing.
Two years of growing and learning, staying up all hours of the night (thank you menopause), learning new skills, techniques, and creative passions. From furniture artistry, floral canvases, intuitive painting, mixed media abstract, and even water colors, I’ve been working with it all!
If you are reading this… thank you. You may be here because you already follow me on facebook or instagram. You might know how much I love to teach and I love to learn. I started out in my 20’s as a preschool teacher, and then moved on to teaching adults. I have always taught and coached adults and I must say, for me, teaching and learning is where I find the most joy.
So here’s my big New Years News! I have decided to start my own, Monthly Creative Club on facebook. I am doing this because, I know what it feels like to have that creative pull that is so strong that its almost paralyzing. I know, how hard it is to navigate my own creativity, while trying to grow a business. And also, I know that I might be just a few short steps from where you want to be. I am not a public figure with tens of thousands of followers, or 20 affiliate links. I am not here to sell other products… Nope! I am just here to grow a creative community of people who want to use and grow their creative skills.
Still reading, still interested? Awesome! This is what my Private Monthly Group, Cara’s Color Me Creative - Artists in the Making, will look like.
CREATIVE TEACHING
*It will be a creative group for all creatives who wish to grow and learn, develop new skills and talents, and explore. Whether you are a furniture artist, canvas artist, jewelry maker or pastry baker… this group is for you!
*I will provide tutorials each month of all my painting techniques… start to finish. See this picture? I’ve never shared the technique… but for you I will, along with many others!
*Each month I will bring on a guest furniture artist to share a specific technique and color recipe.
*Each month I will bring in one guest artist (other than furniture) to share a full tutorial of his/her artistry… think canvas art, mural painting, creative journaling, jewelry making, faux walls, crochet, paper crafting, Shibori, and more!
*We will explore together, intuitive painting, art for healing, mixed media art on canvas and furniture, several styles of floral canvas painting, and abstract work. The list will continue to grow as we all learn together.
COACHING
*If you are in the creative businessI will provide social media coaching, both from my own experiences and knowledge, and also from some of the pro’s out there!
*Facebook, Instagram, and Website critique - I will regularly look at members pages, and give helpful critique and recommendations.
*Lastly, and most importantly, I will provide a bi-monthly class Called, “Navigating Your Cross Roads In Life. How to Use the Energy Inside of You to Create the Life You’ve Imagined.” Which will include, candid conversations, and exercises to help you move in the direction you wish, and keep your creative energy alive even when times are rough… I’ve been there, and I want to share my experiences with you all! We rise together!
One of my favorite Artists! We will explore her style and passion for greatness!
So if you are a creative… this club is for you!
If you are a creative, and wanting to move towards creating for a living… this club is for you!
If you are a creative, working to make a living and need support and guidance… this club is for you!
If you are a creative, wanting to be part of a supportive, safe, learning group…this club is for you!
If you are creative who is looking for a little inspiration… this club is for you!
Best of all it’s only $25/ month!!!!
Let's Get Creative!