Seasons Greeting - Christmas Card

Hi All,

Yes...I'm back.  I've been wrapped up in a very intense semester of school - and, I'm finished.  Things are going pretty well here in Phoenix.  It's winter - and really nice.  Very nice to have cooled off a little after a long hot summer.  So I'm grateful for that and so many things as we approach this holiday season and the beginning of another calendar year.

One thing I'm grateful for is the opportunity to pick up a pen and paper and do a little drawing this evening.  I started with a quick pencil sketch and then picked up a ball point pen and inked the Santa picture - (I had a supervisor that used to do some portraits with ball point pen for fun...and they turned out really good).  However - tonight, speed and a little quality were the objective, because I'm running out of time before Christmas.

So I put together a quick little pic of Santa.  It certainly could have been better, but it turned out the way I wanted it to.  Then I took a picture of it with my phone and opened it up in Photoshop on my Mac, so I could do a little painting and layout a card.

Here's the Photoshop painted product.  I accented a few things and added a little bit of a muted overlaid color.  I wanted it to have a loose and sketchy feel, but of course, be recognizable as Santa.  It still helps to have the Wacom tablet with the stylus to do the drawing and painting on computer.

After reformatting into a wider format that could accommodate the text, I added some quick hand drawn lettering and a loose hand-script font typed message at the bottom.  Then added some finishing touches and the card was complete.  It's not the Mona Lisa, but it's done in about 2-3 hours and on-line.  More than that, it's fun to get pencil/pen and paper in hand again and have a little fun.

Hopefully I'll be doing more artwork in the future as well as holistic therapy, massage, and an EMT job of some sort (in process of getting certified).

I hope wherever you are this Christmas, that you have a wonderful blessed Holiday.  I celebrate Christmas - whatever holidays you celebrate, I hope you have a nice break and an amazing time.  It's a great time to come together with family and friends and neighbors.  Enjoy them and spread a little love and kindness to everyone you meet...we're all God's kids.  And...have some fun too.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Tom Kreienbrink

New Adventure

Hi All,

Happy Fall!  I hope things are going well for all of you.  Things have been busy and hectic here...and I think we're finally past 100 degree days for a while. Ha!  We'll see....

It's been a while since I've shared on the blog and I wanted to let you know why.  I'm still in the holistic health biz and still an artist and designer, but I've also gone back to school.  I'm in school to learn to be an emergency medical technician.

I'd been thinking about it for quite a while and finally took action to get into the program in this fall semester.  It's a quick one semester program and when I'm finished I'll be qualified to be part of an ambulance/rescue squad team, work in a hospital emergency room, or some other job where they have EMTs.

I've felt drawn to work in the healing arts my whole life - either in self study of holistic and natural healing, or working as a medical illustrator in Air Force teaching hospitals for 10 years of my time on active duty, and of course obtaining the holistic healthcare degree and massage license.

So here's my plan as of right now.  I still am renting an office in NE Phoenix to do massage and energy work.  Once certified as an EMT, I'll start looking for job opportunities where I can practice my new skills and still provide holistic therapies at my office.  At some point I may continue on to paramedic school....we'll see.

So that's whats going on and why I haven't been blogging lately.  One of these days (soon), I look forward to completing EMT school and getting back to "normal." (whatever that is...LOL).  At that point I'll get back to blogging, doing more artwork, etc....

It's a crazy time here in the USA...our elections our especially heated this year.   However - just come back to the present moment.  Enjoy it, whatever you're doing...and breathe.  Elections will come and go, and it will be alright...whatever the outcome.  Have a great week...remember - in spite of all the craziness in the world, we can still make it a little better place for each other and those coming behind us....one day at a time.

Peace and Love,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink is a Massage and Holistic Therapist, owner and operator at
Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC in Phoenix, AZ
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Healing - Be Gentle With Yourself

Hi All,

How are you doing?  I hope you're all having a good summer.  We're nice and toasty warm here in the Arizona desert...and that's alright.  That's what we do.  Wherever you are - I hope you are enjoying every day.

My topic today is, "Be Gentle With Yourself."  This is something I tell my clients on a regular basis.  A lot of my clients have some type of physical or emotional issue that they're wanting to heal.  I provide massage, cranial unwinding or reiki to help them.  They're good therapies and can be profoundly helpful, however we all play a role in our health and healing.  Our attitudes, how we treat ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally are important to our healing too.  That's where, being gentle with yourself comes in.

We don't always treat our bodies in a way that promotes healing.  When we should be eating right, slowing down for a while and resting the injury, we may not.  Being gentle with myself, so I can heal means getting plenty of rest.  It can mean treating your body to a little extra pampering like Epsom Salt baths, (of course) massage, and if needed - backing off of the exercise regimen for a while.

Nutrition is also important in being gentle with ourselves.  Plenty of water to keep the body well hydrated is always important, especially when nursing injury or illness.  Of course you want to be selective about the food you eat, eating healthy, nutrient dense foods will promote healing.  

We also want to be gentle with ourselves mentally and emotionally as well, whether you're dealing with a physical or emotional condition.  How do you talk to yourself?  Are you kind to yourself, or do you beat yourself up for even little mistakes?  I know we all can be hard on ourselves now and then, but it's really counter productive.  How would you talk to a friend that's down?  That's how you need to treat yourself...be loving and gentle with yourself - all the time.  Of course we can still have high standards for ourselves, but we can learn from our mistakes and press on, instead of berating ourselves.

Another way we can help ourselves and be gentle with ourselves is to practice daily meditation.  Meditation can be as simple as relaxing the body and slowing down the mind.  The part that many people find difficult is slowing down the mind.  Jon Kabat-Zinn, a mindfulness expert says we should "be present, without judgement."  This will help slow the mind chatter, but it will take practice.  Meditation is so good for you and after a while you'll notice so many benefits.

Here's the bottom line - it's all about balance.  If we don't treat ourselves right, we don't reap the benefit of being in that comfy, healthy, centered place of balance.  Being gentle with ourselves can be a part of coming back to that.  Of course you may need body work (like massage or cranial sacral therapy), you may need to seek out medical attention, or other professional help.  Always get the help you need to get on track, but don't neglect your part....be kind and gentle to yourself.  You deserve it.

I hope you are always gentle with and take good care of yourself.  Enjoy life.  It can be so much fun.
If you're in the Phoenix area, come by and get a great massage or energy work session.  If you need help learning meditation, I can assist with that as well.  Let me know.

Peace and Love,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink, LMT, RM, CST
Phoenix, AZ
Website and follow on Facebook
Web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

A little Design Job - Biz Card

Hi All,

Recently I took on a job to re-design a business card for a friend.  She has a busy tailor and bridal shop and needed to re-order cards and make some changes.  So I happily took on the job.  The downside is that she didn't have all the original files, but we did manage to pull together some of the elements.  So it was almost starting from scratch (sometimes that's better anyhow).

I was able to get a photo of her original and trusty sewing machine (I want to say it's name is Rex?), and we pulled together logos and a map.  Some Photoshop touch-up work was required to ensure all of the images were good enough quality for print.

I started with the info I had and created a new layout - the way I would do it.  We had a few rounds of minor tweaking and we also had to add the new line of bridal fashions that she now carries.  My friend Janine does have some strong preferences on a couple items, of how she wants them to be presented on a business card.  So we finalized the design and here's how it turned out.

The New Business Card design for Janine's Alterations/Kizmett Clothing in Phoenix, AZ.

 

It was a fun little job and the new design carries some elements of the old card for consistency in branding, but also has the necessary changes and info.

If you're in Phoenix and you need high quality alteration work, bridal fashions, or custom clothing - Janine's is the place to go.  Check it out.

Take care everyone.  Stay cool this summer - if you're in Phoenix, that's especially important.  Drink plenty of water look out for one another.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
Graphic Design and Illustration

Portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art
HTS Website: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Fascia...What is it and why should I care?

Hi All,

We're heating up here in Phoenix....summer time.  Ahhh!  I hope you're enjoying summer, wherever you're reading this.

Today I'd like to talk a little about fascia.  Fascia is the web-like structure of tissues that hold everything in the body together.  It gives us our shape and form.  It's very sheer and very strong.  On the photo below you'll see its the gooey clear substance covering the exposed tissues.

Fascia covering tissue.

Fascia is around everything from the cellular level, to muscle fibers, to muscles, organs, under the skin, in and around everything....it's everywhere.  Our nervous system runs thru fascia as well as blood and our energy meridians. 

So why should we care about fascia?  What does this mean to us all?  When our fascia is hydrated and loose and in balance, all is well and the body feels good and functions great.  However, sometimes it gets out of whack.  Parts of your fascia can get dehydrated, or get torqued or get holding patterns from trauma....this will make your body hurt in those areas.

Damaged fascia can block hydration, and inhibit nervous system signals and blood flow.  That can have profound effects on the body.  It's not like you can just drink water and loosen up and hydrate these tissues.  You need to take some action.

Fascia sheath...super strong, sheer and web-like.

There are things you can do.  Getting some body work would be a good start.  There are massage techniques for releasing fascia.  Energy body work can also help unwind those holding patterns and stuck areas of fascia as well.  I practice CranioSacral Therapy, (also known as Cranial Unwinding).  It's a great modality for this kind of body work.

CranioSacral helps unwind holding patterns in fascia and help to bring you and your fascia back to a place of balance...where you feel good.  Ultimately, we want to feel good and be in a place of balance.  Remember - when your fascia is in a healthy balanced state, your body systems flow and work the way they are supposed to.

What else can we do to keep our fascia healthy?  We can drink plenty of water and eat good wholesome food.  You are what you eat right?  Eat junk...then that's probably not going to serve you in the long run.  We can exercise our body...move that thing and do some stretching every day.  Keep the body limber.

Here's the disclaimer.  Body work doesn't take the place of seeking medical help when needed.  However, mainstream medicine doesn't always have all the tools and answers.  That's why an integrative approach to wellness is so important.  I share an office with a Naturopathic Physician.  She has so many great answers that are not always available from your general practitioner.  Everyone has their place.

I hope this is a helpful introduction to fascia and fascial health.  I'm certain you'll be seeing more and more about this as it becomes a bigger focus in the holistic and medical communities.

Have a great summer.  Be good to yourself and others....Life's short.  Enjoy every moment.


Peace and Love,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
I'm a massage and holistic therapist located in Phoenix, AZ.
For more information go to:  www.holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com
have a blessed day.

Take Care of Yourself

Hi All,

I hope you're doing well and taking good care of yourself.  I'm working on it.  It's heating up here in Phoenix....summer's coming fast.  But really, it's always a good time to take care of ourselves, isn't it?

I know it can be a well worn topic, but it's always good to revisit it.  Are we taking good care of ourselves?  How do we do that?  So on a basic level, we're taught to have good hygiene, get some exercise, eat some good food and get a check-up every so often from your physician.  Right?  OK - we're done...have a good weekend.  Well...not so fast.  Perhaps there's more to add to all of that.  How do we ensure we have balance and wellness in our lives?

So where do we put ourselves in order of getting cared for by ourselves?  Do we always put others first?  Is it alright to put ourselves first?  Is that a selfish thing?   I would suggest that some of us may tend to take care of others first, and take the scraps that are left (usually not much if any), for ourselves.  Is that good?  Or - is it just being a martyr, when we really don't need to be one?

I like the analogy of being on an aircraft when the oxygen masks come down in an emergency.  The first thing we're told is that we have to put our mask on first, before we assist others around us.  In other words; its good to love and care for others that may depend on us for help, but if we're not taking care of ourselves properly, we may be setting ourselves up for a crash.

I would suggest - make time in your day for the things you need.  As I suggested before, at a basic survival level, good food, proper rest and exercise are essential for our health and well being.  More and more studies are coming out and more emphasis is being placed on getting 8 or more hours of sleep each night.  We need that re-charge....physically, mentally, emotionally.  I know some people only need 4 or 5 hours a night...but they are the rare exception.  Most of us function optimally on 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Meditation or a power nap every day is also good for us.  It's good to take a period of time each day and slow down the mind, close your eyes, and enjoy a little break.  It can be a formal approach with music and a learned meditation technique, or just closing your eyes and "shutting er down" for 15 to 30 minutes before the afternoon or evening begins.  I try to get in an hour of meditation every day.  It feels so good to let go of the stress and pressures of daily life for a bit and enjoy some deep relaxation.  Its also good to help bring down stress levels in our lives and reduce blood pressure.  It can offer the body and mind a space to do some healing.

What are we feeding our spirits?  Do you have Spiritual beliefs?  Or do you consider it nonsense?  Do you go to church weekly, but maybe let it sit by the wayside during the week?  Having a spiritual practice can be nourishing to the Soul.  Most of us have had some kind of spiritual training....it may be time to dust it off, or look around for a church, class, or Spiritual practice that fulfills you.

Of course, there's so many things we can do with self care.  Love yourself enough to offer yourself the gift of your time and $$.  Be good to yourself.  Do something good for yourself daily, like taking a walk, going for that ride on your motorcycle, getting a massage, or hitting that yoga class.  Do some deep breathing and get your head out of the job or routine for a bit.

One other thing - be kind to yourself.  How to you talk to yourself?  Do you beat yourself up about little things (or big things too)?  We're all doing the best we can with what we have.  We have our daily struggles...be kind to yourself.  Treat yourself like you would treat a dear friend who's feeling down.  We all fall short once in a while - don't sweat it.  Don't dwell in the past...learn from it and enjoy the present moment.

This summer - put your oxygen mask on first...then of course, enjoy and love those around you too.  Be kind to yourself...it's not selfish.  Take care of yourself and enjoy the summer.

Peace and Love,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
I'm a massage and holistic therapist located in Phoenix, AZ.
For more information go to:  www.holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com
have a blessed day.

New Office - Holistic Therapy Solutions

Hi All,

Well, it's the first of May and today is moving day.  I'm excited to announce publicly that Holistic Therapy Solutions is moving to a new location.  The new location is in the Pointe Business Plaza at 7227 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.  It's south of Northern Ave on 16th Street.

Moving day...the front door.

 I was just fine with the location that I was at (19th Ave and Camelback), when a friend of mine, (Dr. Katie Nuckolls), asked if I'd like to share office space at the Point Business Plaza.  It's a great location and a very nice professional business plaza.  So I'm a little sad as I leave the old location, but looking forward to the new opportunity.

Our comfy waiting area...ignore the stuff stacked up - still organizing the office space.

We share a suite with three other people.  They're all counselors/psychologists.  We all share a nice waiting area as well.  It's a very nice quiet comfortable and professional environment...great place to relax and get a massage or cranialsacral therapy.

The office.  Getting set up and ready for this week.

I'll be booking appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  I'll be starting there tomorrow.  Let me know if you need an appointment.

Have a great week. 

Peace,

Tom

www.Holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com

Reiki I and II Class

Hi All,

Hope all is well with you.  I'm moving right along...taking life as it comes.  I've also got some exciting things happening.  I'm moving my practice to a new location at the beginning of May (more to come on that).  I'm also stepping back into some teaching.

I'm excited to share that on the 20th and 21st of May, I'll be teaching Reiki I and II at, At the Center of You, in Wickenburg, AZ.   The class is from 6 to 9pm on Friday night and on Saturday the 21st, class runs from 9am to 5pm.  It'll be a class packed with information and hands on learning.  It'll also be a fun and enjoyable class. 

Reiki - by Tom Kreienbrink.  The kanji spell "Reiki."

So what is Reiki?  Reiki is an energetic healing modality.  Reiki is a Japanese technique for relaxation and stress reduction that promotes healing.  Reiki uses energy that is everywhere...universal life force energy.  This energy is in and all around us.  Thru the technique and intention, we can apply this energy to ourselves and others, to promote healing, help relieve stress, tension and pain.  It can be very effective.

Reiki is not a part of any religious sect or belief system.  The type of Reiki that I teach is Transformational Reiki.  The differences from traditional teachings are mainly style, not substance.  At the end of Saturday's class you'll have completed Reiki I and II training and will be ready to share this energy work....maybe you'll even want to start a practice of your own.

Sea Turtle by Tom Kreienbrink

I'm also happy to be teaching at At the Center of You, in Wickenburg, AZ.  It's a great little shop and wellness center in the heart of historic Wickenburg.  It's also a short drive from the west side of Phoenix.  It'll be a peaceful quiet weekend of learning in this relaxing location.

Flier for Reiki I and II Class, 20 and 21 May.

I'm excited to let you know that we're offering a very special price for this class....and we're extending the special offer one week(original offer thru 1May).  Original price is $90.  Thru the 8th of May we're offering the class for only $80.  You must pay in advance, though.  We're also bringing in lunch from one of the local restaurants, (lunch included in the price).  Even if you miss out on the special price, it's still a bargain.  So contact Laurel, at At The Center Of You and sign up today.

So get out of the city for a little bit and join us in Wickenburg for Reiki I and II Class.  Taught by me.  I can't wait.

At the Center of You - https://www.facebook.com/AtTheCenterOfYou/
Phone: 480-447-4968
You must reserve a spot in the class thru At The Center of You.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink, LMT
Web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions/

Air Force Artwork

Hi All,

Good afternoon everyone.  I hope you're all doing well.  It's a nice day here in Phoenix, Arizona...getting warmer as we're on the road toward Summer.

Recently I've had a few reminders of the career I had in the Air Force.  Some of the recent reminders - Getting my GI Bill going for school in the Fall, nice people thanking me for my service (when they catch a glimpse of my Mil ID), and I found out one of my former troops had to be airlifted out of a deployment and have surgery (don't know the details, but glad he's doing well).  So I thought I'd share a little of my career and artwork from my Air Force days.

After attending graphic design school here in Phoenix, I enlisted in the Air Force about a year later.  I was very fortunate that with my training and experience, I was able to get into the Visual Information (graphic arts), career field.  And...I landed a choice assignment to Altus AFB, OK (LOL).  It was fun and a little bit of a culture shock - being in the Air Force and small town Oklahoma...but we had some good times out there.  I also got a lot of great experience and learned a lot from some great people.

Pen and Ink illustration.  A C-5 aircraft from Altus AFB, OK.  I drew this for practice and 

to be used on local products.

Along the way my family and I spent time stationed in Fort Worth, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Washington, DC (and I spent a little time in some other places here and there).

T-Shirt design for the Offutt Runway Run. 

It was a good career and I was happy and honored to serve, and I thank my fellow American citizens for the opportunity.  One of the highlights of my career was my last assignment.  I spent the last 3 years as First Sergeant for the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron, Bolling AFB in Washington, DC.  It was one of the most challenging and also rewarding positions I've had the pleasure to serve in.

Pen and ink artwork for 11th CES going away artwork.  A print could have a farewell message in the center and be framed as a nice farewell.  Even though I wasn't in multimedia, I still liked to do a little artwork when I had time.

T-Shirt artwork for 11th CES.  Proud to be an honorary Prime Beef troop.  They're a good bunch - hard working folks ready to do whatever is needed.

It's been 9 years now since I've retired from the Air Force and I spent some time with FEMA in DC, and now have a second career as massage and holistic therapist here in Phoenix.  Every now and then it's nice to remember the old days.  I really enjoyed being an Airman in the US Air Force and am grateful for all of the great folks I've crossed paths with along the way.  

Self Portrait...me, a little younger (little being a relative term, Ha!)

Now I'm on a new path and chapter in my life.  It's a good one too.  It's good to enjoy the journey and enjoy the moment.  I hope you're enjoying the moment as well.  Remember - we make a difference in peoples lives in every day.  Whether we're doing community service work, serving in the military, or just being kind to someone while in line at the store - the ripples go out.  Like I used to tell the troops...Keep doing great things!

Peace and Love,

Tom

Portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art
HTS Website: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Artistry of Disney

Hi All,

I had a pretty amazing opportunity this past weekend.  I was able to go to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA with my family - including my 6 year old granddaughter.  I have to say, it was a pretty incredible place.  The vision and artistry of Walt Disney is still on full display, and being there to witness my granddaughter taking it in was a sight to behold and savor.  The grown-ups had fun too.

Sunday night we got a curb-side seat for the nightly parade, and it did not disappoint.  Here's some photos that will give you a taste.

I wanted to highlight the parade because it was just magical.  The floats were high tech and artistic marvels.  The dancers were adorned with lights, very talented, and gave attention to the little ones along the route.  It was a high energy feast for the senses that featured old and new classic characters from Disney movies.  Of course, Mickey Mouse was on the last float.

It was a fun and a little hectic weekend.  Lots of people were there for the fun too.  There were some fun rides but mostly it's a kid friendly park with plenty to keep the adults attention.  One of the things that caught my eye, was an animation workstation, from long ago (photo above).  It was a little piece of animation history on display, surrounded by sketches and drawings. 

I just wanted to share some of the artistry of Disneyland, and a few things that caught my eye.  Again - it was a fun visit.  Definitely a wonderland for kids.

Have a great day....enjoy yourself - whatever you're doing.

Peace,

Tom

On-line Portfolio -- www.Behance.net/tk-art

Some ways we help the Homeless

Hi All,

I hope all of you are doing well today.  Here in Phoenix, it's Spring and the weather is warm and it should be warming up most everywhere else as well.  I hope you're enjoying it.

There are a lot of folks around here who maybe aren't enjoying it as much.  Homelessness has been an issue in many places for years.  There's always plenty of debate on what we can or should do individually and collectively to help.  There are many perspectives on the subject and most people have strong feelings on the subject.

Me personally, I feel like most people don't want to be homeless, and I'd like to help out a little, if I can.  There's many volunteer opportunities - I have some friends that started a non-profit org that feeds hungry people.  You can feed them yourself, or even give cash, right?  You could volunteer with a mission....but when face to face with a person asking for money at a stop light, what's the appropriate thing to do?

I found a great little article put out by the Phoenix Rescue Mission (PRM), that has their  recommendations for what you can do to help:

   1 - Be Prepared.  Have granola bars, water, directions and contact info for a mission (where they can get food and shelter), socks, or even a "panhandler pack."
   2 - Talk with Them.  Say Hi, start a conversation.  Acknowledge them...they're human beings and a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
   3 - Do Not give $$.  PRM recommends giving alternatives like granola bars, clean socks, even a gift certificate for a restaurant, bottle water, sun screen, etc.
   4 - Point them to a Mission.  Is there a homeless shelter nearby, or a church shelter or food bank?  PRM has referral cards to help people get there and get a shower, shelter and a meal.
   5 - Pray.  Pray that they get what they need, that the shelter workers have the strength and wisdom to assist those in need.  Prayer works.

These are just a few guidelines on how you can quickly and easily help the person panhandling on the street corner.  Places like the Rescue Mission still need funds to operate and volunteers and staff.  There's many ways we can help.

Of course, not every person on the street wants your food or help....they may want cash instead.  I don't know that I'm always wanting to hand over cash to panhandlers.  I just printed some referral cards for the rescue mission, and I think I'll start being a little more prepared with some of the other recommended supplies to be able to give.

Find out where you can help in your town or city (if you feel compelled to help).  There's so many ways you can help...if we all do a little bit, we can make a huge impact.

For Phoenix, here's the website for Phoenix Rescue Mission: http://phoenixrescuemission.org/
Here's a great list for Panhandler's Packs to give out.

Thanks All.  A little kindness and compassion can really help a person who is living in such a vulnerable way...living on the street.  You may never know how your small gesture may impact someone.

Have a wonderful week everyone...enjoy every moment.

Peace,

Tom

Holistic Therapy Solutions
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Have a Heart

Hi All,

Hope your leap day went well yesterday.  Things are moving right along here....always plenty to do.

My son and business partner, Andy, are continuing to lay the groundwork and prepare for the opening of our new business venture - KBrink Design.  There's a lot to do.  We're putting several artwork and design products together, experimenting some, and figuring out exactly what we're doing...ha!  It's coming along nicely.

Andy has the guiding vision for this venture.  He's putting designs together that I think are exciting, unique, and very cool.  (I may be a little partial...however - I wouldn't put out garbage either).  I'm doing some illustration and design as well.  I'm also helping him get up to speed on using Photoshop and Illustrator - major tools of the trade now days.

On some of our projects we're collaborating.  It's fun - we both bring different things to the table.  One in particular recently, he needed me to produce a heart illustration, for a design he's putting together.  An actual human heart picture.  So - I did what I do....I drew a human heart.

Heart illustration - drawn in Photoshop.

It's a fun little organ.  Ha!  It's no DaVinci or anything, but it will serve it's purpose nicely.  I can't show the finished design yet...sorry.  We'll be printing and selling t-shirts, stickers, prints on paper, buttons and maybe other items.  Coming soon.....

I hope you're all having a great day.  Enjoy this moment, be a positive part of your community, and help a neighbor or someone in need.  Join me...it will spread.

More to come soon, from KBrink Design.

Peace,

Tom

On-line portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art

Han Solo Illustration

Hi Everyone,

I hope you're all doing well.  Things are good here in Phoenix.  As you may know - I am a professional massage and holistic therapist and also an illustrator and designer.  Recently my son Andy and I formed a partnership - Kbrink Design.  Feeling inspired, I started a Han Solo picture.  I also was inspired by the new Star Wars movie.  So today I thought I'd highlight the mature Han Solo artwork that I recently completed.

I started with pencil and paper.  Started drawing...

Original Pencil sketch

I like combining the traditional artwork tools like pencil and pen techniques, with computer painting in Photoshop and/or Painter.  So I brought the pencil sketch into my Apple computer and using Photoshop I started tinting and painting the illustration.  I use a Wacom tablet with cordless pen to do the painting on the computer.  The original sketch had some proportion issues so I made those adjustments as well.

In progress....

Finally, I continued to work the colors a little more.  Adding some warmth in the highlights and cooler colors in the shadow areas....giving him some life.  By the time I'm getting toward the finished product, I'm using the airbrush tool with about 23% opacity...just adding very soft layering, nothing harsh.  I also made the border a little more solid and with a little richer color. 

And there he is...a little older but still cool and looking good -- Han Solo. 

Have a great week everyone...hope things are going well.

Peace,

Tom

You can check out my on-line portfolio at www.behance.net/tk-art

also -- "like" my Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design

Reiki Share

Hi All,

Happy Valentines Day - I hope you're having a good February.  Things are going well here...getting a little warm early.  I can't complain though, I know the East and North are getting a lot of severe cold right now.  Stay warm up there folks.

Today I'd like to highlight a favorite of mine...my monthly Reiki Shares.  My biz, Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC has teamed up with Kathy Miller of OMBodyworks to host monthly Reiki Shares.  We trade months - this month it's in my office, next month it'll be at hers.  I'm in West Central Phoenix and she's more on the West side of Phoenix.

Our next event

You may not be familiar with this kind of thing and wonder, what is it?  First, Reiki, is an energy work, healing modality.  Reiki is a full therapeutic healing system, but at a very basic level, you allow Universal Energy (thats everywhere), to flow thru you and into the client, for the client's benefit.  This energy promotes healing, relaxation and well being. It's gentle and soothing and can be a profound experience for the client.  It's very relaxing and can be very healing.

A Reiki Share is an event where practitioners come together to share Reiki with each other.  We take turns giving and receiving Reiki Therapy treatments with each other.  One person (the client), lies on the table and 2 to 4 practitioners give them a Reiki treatment.  When finished, we rotate.   We may have a few tables of folks working at a time. 

Reiki Precepts - by Dr. Mikao Usui - founder of Reiki

Reiki Shares are a lot of fun.  It's an opportunity to practice in a non-judgmental place.  Not everyone is a professional therapist and may not have a place to practice regularly.  It's also a great place to meet some folks who practice this healing art as well.  I've made many friends this way and am grateful for it.  It's also a great opportunity to receive a Reiki treatment from 3 or 4 people at the same time.  It can assist with healing, pain and stress relief, and is very soothing. 

There's also a place for folks who don't have experience, but are curious.  We welcome them as well.  Kathy and I meet with newcomers at 6pm to give a short intro to energy and energy work.  We'll also answer questions and encourage them to participate in the Share as well.  Also - we welcome practitioners of other energy modalities.  We have some folks who regularly come and practice CranialSacral or other modalities.

Our next Share is at my shop - Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC in Phoenix, AZ.  It's a "by donation" event (no set price and donations help to cover expenses).  We will have some refreshments and we hold the Share from 6:30 - 8:30PM.  The date is the 21st of February.  Come join us if you'd like.

For more info:
My website: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Kathy's Site: www.OMBodyworks.com

I hope you all have a great week and maybe we'll see you at the Share.

Peace and Love,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink is a Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Teacher, and CranialSacral Therapist in Phoenix, Arizona.  For more info, see the website for Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC.

Present Moment Awareness

Hi Everyone,

I hope you're having a great start to 2016.  It's a great day to be alive...I hope you all feel the same way.  Enjoy it....I'm going to talk about how you can lower stress in your life.  You don't have to change anything on the outside - just make a little change on the inside.

Stress in your life can be a killer.  It's hard on the body and the mind....mentally, emotionally, physically - it's damaging in every aspect of our lives.  We live in a busy time.  Many of us have demanding jobs and hecktic lives.  It's hard not to be stressed out, right?  Surely there are ways of dealing with and reducing stress, right?

There are several things I do to reduce stress in my life.  I try to eat good food, get enough rest, regular massage, exercise, prayer, have an attitude of gratitude and feed my spirit.  One other thing that I find very helpful is being present; being in the present moment...or just being. 

Being present is simply being in the moment.  That's pretty simple...OK, my work here is done, right?  Ha...well maybe not so fast.  I don't know about you, but for me, my mind can drift off into past situations, memories, etc...  Or, conversely, I can get going about the future.  How am I going to, "make that happen," or plan out something in my mind, working out all the details, how it'll go, what I'll say, etc. 

Why do I want to be present and in the moment?  Too often thoughts of the past run over regrets and scenarios of what we should have said or done differently.  And we can go thru them over and over again.  Whether you're going over very deep seeded stuff or maybe something pretty innocuous,  it's all the same and has the same result: we cannot change it.  Period.  It's the same with anticipating the future.  As much as we plot and plan, does it ever really work out to our exact specifications or expectations?  Running these tapes over in our minds is distracting and adds stress in our mind and also in the tissues in our bodies.

Now - try this.  Take a nice slow deep breath and exhale...while doing this, bring your mind and awareness to the present moment.  Be right here and right now, in this moment, without judgement or expectation.  As you breathe, pay attention to the air going in and then going out.  How good does it feel to be right here (releasing the past and staying out anticipating the future).  How does that feel?  Perhaps your shoulders soften a bit, and you may find your forehead relaxing.  Now see how long you can stay right here, right now.  It's not long before your mind starts to drift off into thoughts of something else, right?  That's ok...just gently come back to the breath and present.  Now do this for the next few minutes as your body and mind relax in the present moment...no worries, no fear....

This is referred to as Mindfulness practice.  It's a meditation of sorts.  You can do it with your eyes closed, sitting or lying down.  You can do this while doing chores around the house or walking the dog.  It takes practice, (which is why it's called a mindfulness practice).  It's not always easy.  A lot of people have so much going on in their heads that they have a very difficult time being in the present.  Many get frustrated and give up, especailly if they try it on their own.  I would invite you to try this for 5 minutes at a time at first.  Also - be kind to yourself.  Don't get frustrated or down, and don't beat yourself up if it's difficult for you.   

As you spend more and more time in the present, you'll find you probably feel a lot less weighed down by so many concerns - most of which we have absolutely no control over.  On a physical level it can help you to relax and reduce your blood pressure, release muscle tension, and even help reduce pain that you may have in your body.  I even saw a  scientific study recently that noted some amazing physiological changes in the brain from mindfulness and meditation, (which doesn't surprise me at all).

So this winter, take care of yourself in all the ways you should (diet, exercise, massage, etc...), and stay in the present.  Don't long for Summer or even the weekend...enjoy this one moment and whatever you're doing.  Whether you're working, driving in traffic, chilling on the beach or whatever - stay right here, right now and enjoy.  You'll feel much better - in many ways.

I do have to make a note here, just so no one misunderstands.  I'm not saying, never make plans, or never enjoy remeniscing with an old friend.  Of course we'll do that.  Also - will we perfect this ability to be present?  I haven't.  But, today I can enjoy the moment and whatever activity I'm participating in, a little more than I did in the past.  I also enjoy less stress in my life today.    

If you feel like you need some help or support with meditation, let me know.  I have a mindfulness class - I can work with you in a group or one on one.  There's also a lot of materials on-line and books on meditation and mindfulness.  If you ever feel stressed out...give it a try.  I hope this helps...have a great day.

Peace,

Tom

Web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions