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