Green Bay Packers Artwork

Hi All,

Alright - I'm excited.  The Packers are one game away from the Super Bowl.  They play Seattle this weekend.  It's going to be a tough game and a lot of fun.

The Packers are my favorite team.  I'm from that area originally and have followed them since I can remember.  Throughout the years I've enjoyed drawing my favorite Packers.  With the playoffs coming toward the end - The Super Bowl, I'd like to share some of my newer and older Packers artwork.  I hope you like it.  Go Packers!!!

Hall of Fame Linebacker - Ray Nitsche.  I met him once when I was about 10
years old.  He was a nice person and one of the toughest players ever, on the field.  Picture
produced using Wacom tablet and Painter software.

Current Pro Bowl Linebacker - Clay Matthews.  Photoshop and Wacom tablet
starting with a pencil sketch.  Love this guy - he's a gamer!!

The late, great Reggie White.  One of the all-time greats and an even better person
off the field.  This painting was produced with opaque watercolors (gouache), on
illustration board.

Brett Favre - pen and ink with Photoshop.  Of course we all know about Favre; the guy could flat-out
play Football.  

I have always enjoyed cartoon drawings.  This is one of former Packer wide out,
Donald Driver.  Driver was one of Brett Favre's favorite receivers to throw to.  He
was a great.  I drew the illustration with pen and ink - colored it with Photoshop software.

Usually when I'm making this kind of artwork, I like to try new and different things....it's
play-time for me.  This one started with a tight pencil rendering, then scanned and worked
it with Photoshop.  Dorsey Levens - former Packers running back.  He was a tough runner
and a good receiver out of the backfield.

Eddie Lacy - current All Pro running back for the Pack.  This guy is a load - stout and runs with
incredible power.  The pic is comprised of photo reference, painted in Photoshop.

Aaron Rodgers - All World Quarterback for the Packers.  Pen and Ink cartoon, painted with Photoshop.
Love this guy - he's an amazing player.  We'll see how he plays this weekend.

Last one - Pen and Ink picture of Reggie White.  I've done many pen and inks of Packers over the years, so I had to include at lease one that's just an ink drawing.  RIP Reggie.

I hope you enjoy my collection of some of my Packers artwork.  I enjoyed drawing them.  I can't wait for the game this weekend.  We've got friends coming in from the midwest and family from San Diego...should be a lot of fun.
Enjoy the game and remember - if your team doesn't win - don't take it too hard.  I sure hope the Pack can make it and win the Super Bowl - but only two teams will be there.  It's been a great year so far...we'll see what happens.

Peace,

Tom

www.behance.net/tk-art  - on-line portfolio
www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design - follow me on FB

Serenity NOW! Want more Peace?

Hello,

I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year.  I hope the Holiday Season was good for you.  We had a nice, relatively quiet Christmas and New Year, and I'm grateful for that.  It's winter here in Phoenix - even feels a little like winter right now, with the cooler temperatures.

One thing that's always difficult for many people at the holidays and throughout the year is dealing with stress.  Stress - our old friend.  There can be many external things - like holiday traffic, crowded stores and parking lots that stress us out.  However, most of the time stress is exacerbated by our own internal reactions to the pressures of life or just life around us.

One tool in the toolbag of life that can help with cultivate serenity is the Serenity Prayer.  It goes like this:  God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.

This little prayer can really be quite helpful.  There was a time when I was struggling and prayed this prayer many times a day.  Unfortunately, I didn't always know that I could accept the things I couldn't change - or how to accept that.  The word acceptance almost had a negative connotation to me...I had no idea.

One example - changing other people.  I cannot change another  person, no matter how hard I try.  I can have personal boundaries, and I can take an action if someone crosses those, but I will not change someone else.  Here's one I like; holiday chaos and traffic.  I have now power over any of it.  However, if I'm going to participate and enjoy the wonderful season there are things I can do when I'm in the thick of it.  I can take a deep breath and accept that I'm not going to change it.  I can practice acceptance, say the serenity prayer, and practice a little patience.  I can be in and enjoying the moment  with gratitude.  Practicing those can make a huge difference in your day.

Sometimes there are changes that need to be made and Wisdom and Courage are necessary.  When I pray to God for these (with the Serenity Prayer), I get a sense of calm and clarity.  Prayer works.  Knowing what's mine to change and what I need to leave alone can be an enormous relief.

I find this extremely helpful in my relationships.  Whether at work, at home, with relatives, or even social media contacts - we can find it frustrating to deal with certain people.  There are always things we disagree on and we may strongly feel we're right...but, sometimes we can come back to this prayer.  God...grant me Serenity.  Perhaps, acceptance is key - not changing the other?  We need wisdom and courage also....and with the help of God, we can sort all of this out.

I found that my loss of serenity in the past (and of course now sometimes), is really an "inside job."  But, using the tools like the Serenity Prayer, practicing acceptance, watching my expectations of others,  reminding myself to be grateful and in present moment, and others; all help me to stay in a calm and serene place on the inside.

Other times - action is called for.  But - with the help of my Higher Power - and the tools I've listed - I can calmly and courageously take action - and not jump into a huge over-reaction.  Taking action in this manner is not always easy, but say the serenity prayer, or whatever prayer you like - and move forward with some calm and grace and deal with the situation in a much better way.

Now - I won't tell you I'm always perfect with all of this, but things are better than they used to be.  The more I use some of these tools (with grace and humility) - the more peace, serenity, and happiness I have in my life.

I wish for all of you a very wonderful 2015.  Enjoy it with gratitude and love for yourself and all of those around you.  Enjoy each and every moment.

Peace,

Tom

Check out my website and Facebook page:

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

www.Facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Merry Christmas Everyone

Hi All,

I just wanted to share my annual Christmas Greeting with you all.  I've been working on it for the last few weeks.   As is my custom, I create an annual Christmas card and send it out via social media.  As a lot of my artwork these days, this started with pencil and paper and was finished with Wacom drawing pad, Apple computer and Photoshop.  I hope you enjoy it.

I just want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  I hope you are able to enjoy the Holiday season, wherever you are.

From our hearts to yours - may you and yours have a wonderful holiday season and make next year the best ever.

Peace and Love,

Tom and Sue Kreienbrink and family

www.behance.net/tk-art

Expectations - It's a Trap

Hi All,

It's been a while...Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  I hope the holiday season is going well for you.  Things are starting to get a little hectic here, but that's how it gets.  Humbly, I'm grateful for having lived another blessed year.

So I was thinking about a topic for today and what could be helpful.  The topic of expectations came to me.  It can be such a trap for us so many times.  What do we expect of others?  our careers?  stores at Christmas time?  traffic? etc... Sometimes we're disappointed by people, by life; we can have high or even lower expectations that aren't met.  When that happens, how often do we go into a funk with a mindset like, "Wow...that's so unfair, life isn't fair," or, "is it too much to expect that my friend would...(fill in the blank)."  It can mess with our inner peace and serenity.  It can start those thoughts rolling around and around in our head...nonstop.  Maybe it keeps us awake at night.  And, of course, we may even be right, but that doesn't really change anything...does it?

First of all, having expectations of people, events, outcomes, etc...can be a trap.  Holding on to expectations can cause you to have a huge resentment.  Look at any resentments you have; was there an expectation in there somewhere?

What I'm talking about is; how attached are we to our expectations, and how do we act or react when our expectations are not met?

Now - think.  How do you react when your expectations aren't met?  Do you freak out?  Do you get on a soapbox and preach?  After all...you've been wronged.....right?  If you react like that, you're probably going to be upset a lot.  Even when our expectations are low, people, events, and outcomes will still fail us, on a regular basis.  It just happens.

First - It's not personal - it's life.  Don't take it personally.  Things happen.  Even if someone tries to make it personal for you, you can choose to take it personally or not.  It's always your choice.  Are you flexible?  When life throws you a detour (and it will...usually daily), can you go with the flow?  When I was in the Air Force, they used to say, "Flexibility is the Key to Air Power."  The more flexible you are, the more you'll be able to deal with life on life's terms.  Learn to flow with life.

If someone let us down, maybe there's more going on than we know.  We can be kind and maybe give them a break, maybe even ask how they're doing; instead of reacting.  If its an event or outcome that lets us down, we can remain calm and be flexible knowing that everything happens for a reason...usually for reasons that I don't know.  Again - I can get mad and frustrated or I can be present, take a breath, and remember to have gratitude...and move on.

From a spiritual standpoint, I can give it over to God.  Let go and Let God, as they say in the 12 Step community.  I trust that there is a plan for my day and my life and that if I do what's in front of me, things will work out.   When I'm frustrated and mad that my expectations weren't met, perhaps I'm trying to be controlling and I'm being inflexible.  Do I want a result that, (no matter how right I am), is just not going to happen?  Having a little humility and remembering that I'm not in control or responsible for everyone and everything, usually helps a lot.

Of course I'm not recommending that we be a doormat and let people walk all over us.  Sometimes we need to take action...that means to act - not react poorly.  This also has nothing to do with optimism.  I'm very optimistic.
It's all about detaching from expectations.  There's an old saying - "you can be right, or you can be happy."

This Holiday Season, and every day thru the year.  Watch your expectations.  Detach in a loving way, be flexible without being a doormat.  Let go and Let God.  You may find a lot more peace in your mind and thoughts....what a great Christmas present that would be.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
www.Facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Take Care of Yourself this Holiday Season

Hi All,

Well, the holidays are closing in on us fast.  Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas will follow a month after.  Of course, there are other holidays as well.  Here in America, it usually gets pretty hectic, as people are shopping for the perfects gifts to give, preparing for holiday meals and get togethers, and of course, going to one or maybe several parties.  Of course, this all happens while you still go to work and live your life.  It's no wonder many people get overwhelmed and even run down and sick, during and after the holiday season.

So that raises the question; how can we take care of ourselves this holiday season?  If you want to enjoy yourself and come out the other side of the holidays in good shape - you need balance.  Go with the flow and try not to overload yourself too often, or at all if you can help it.  Of course for most of us it's easier said than done.  Sometimes you can slip out of a party early or take short planned out shopping trips when you can.  Pull together with others and share the preparation duties when you can.  Try to simplify where you can and not overdo it too much.  As Thoreau said, "Simplify, Simplify, Simplify."

the holidays can be a real balancing act.

Remember the basics; proper rest, good nutrition, take a good multi-vitamin.  But that's not the whole story.  How else do we take care of ourselves?  How about doing something good for yourself?  Get a massage or a reflexology session.  Pamper yourself.  Enjoy a relaxing meal with a friend and then go to a spa for a little pampering.  Remember guys - massage is just as good for men as women.  Plan a little time to just relax and recharge your batteries.

Take time for yourself every day.  Take 20-30 minutes every day to just relax.  Sit down in a comfy chair, close your eyes and just relax; be aware of your breath, in and out.  That's meditating.  When you do that, bring yourself into the present moment.  Let go of the past events of the day and your life, and don't think about the things your need to do or plan for.  Just enjoy the moment.  It's so good for you and it's a good practice all year round.

Sometime or several times during the day, stop and just be grateful for whatever you're doing.  Practice gratitude while you're at work, shopping, relaxing at home, or whatever and wherever you are.  Being in present moment and practicing gratitude will bring you an overall sense of feeling good.  If you're feeling down at all - it may be time to start practicing gratitude every day - I promise - it's helps.

Feed your mind and spirit.  Are you taking time to read?  Take a little time and do some reading.  If you haven't been studying your spiritual texts lately, it's certainly a good time of year to take it up again.  Go to church.  Take a little time for worship.  Of course,  you don't have to go to a formal place of worship to do this, but it's certainly nice to worship with like minded people - or if it's been a while, to try something new.

Get into the holiday spirit.  There's so much commercialization of Christmas, they're ready for it in stores at the end of September; it's hard not to be a little jaded sometimes.  However, don't let it get you down.  Enjoy the season, go to a concert or parade, break bread or have a drink with friends.   Just make the decision in your mind that, "I'm going to enjoy the season, this year!"

These are a few simple ideas to help, "make the season bright."  Have some fun and enjoy....and remember - take care of yourself.  And - remember those less fortunate.  There's much we all can do to help others during the holiday season.

May there be more, "Peace on Earth, good will toward men." this year.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Massage

Hi All,

Wow - is it a beautiful day in Phoenix, AZ today.  This is why we deal with the long hot summer - because of days like today.  I hope things are going well for all of you and that you're enjoying yourself wherever you are.

I came across this little graphic on facebook recently that lists many benefits of massage.  It got me thinking about my clients that come in and return for regular massage.  The clients I see that come for massage regularly report experiencing many of these benefits in their lives.

Some of the benefits I see and hear about from my clients include - an overall feeling of relaxation; mentally and physically.  They report better sleep and muscles feeling less tense and less painful.  I see and feel the improvement in muscle tension when I work on them.

One of my favorites is better sleep.  Getting a massage or body work, helps you relax and get a good nights sleep.  It's so gratifying when I hear someone tell me they're sleeping better and feeling less tense and sore during the day.

I really enjoy what I do and like that I can help folks heal and feel better.  Check out the graphic - the list of benefits of regular massage and decide for yourself if regular massage would be of value to you.  If so - find the therapist thats right for you, that you like.  Try some different ones out - find the one that makes you feel good, and you will start seeing the benefits of massage.

If I can be of service - call, text, or email for an appointment.  If not - find a licensed massage therapist who give you the massage you like.

I hope this upcoming holiday season is the best ever for you.  Enjoy every day....don't worry about tomorrow or regrets of the past.  Enjoy this day - at work, at play...wherever you're at. 

in gratitude,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

My Biz - Holistic Therapy Solutions - an update

Hi All,

I hope things are going well for you out there.  Here in AZ - things are pretty good.  I'm keeping busy.  There's always plenty to do.  Some of what's keeping me busy these days is working on building my business by coordinating and participating in some special events.

My business is Holistic Therapy Solutions and I'm a massage and holistic therapist.  I practice massage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, reiki, and hypnotherapy.  I love working with clients one on one, but it's also good to participate in and coordinate some special events.  The events are great opportunities to meet new friends and network with the public, other practitioners and participants.  I enjoy meeting people and working events.  So today I'd like to highlight some of these.

Social media advertising meme for the upcoming fair.

This coming Saturday we're hosting an Holistic and Intuitive Insights Fair at Beyond Today Co.  I'm hosting and coordinating this event along with Barbara Buck.  We'll have a variety of artisans, body work therapists, intuitives, and other vendors.  Admission is free.  There's something for everyone and it'll be a lot of fun.

An image used for social networking advertising of Reiki/Energy shares.

I've started hosting two Energy/Reiki Shares a month.  One at my new office, Healing Heart Creations on 13 Nov, 6:30-8:30pm.  The other share is at Beyond Today Co. on Sat, 6 Dec from 5-8pm.

What's a Reiki/Energy Share and why do this?  An energy share is where people get together to do energy work on each other.  There are a lot of people who are trained in Reiki and other energy modalities, who want the opportunity to practice with others; not all do this as a primary occupation.  The share gives us all an opportunity to share our gifts and talents with others in a safe, relaxed, fun and non-judgemental environment.  It's also an opportunity to receive energy work from others and it's a good time.  Non-practitioners are welcome to come as well.  Cost for attendance - donation.

Social media advertising meme for Public Healing Day.

We recently held a public healing day at Beyond Today Co.   This is a Saturday, where we open up to the public, to come and try our services.  Most practitioners will offer shorter sessions of their healing modalities for donation only.  It's a great day for people to try some complementary therapies and holistic therapies that they might not otherwise try.  It's also a public service day for us where we can give back to the community.

Me - Tom Kreienbrink, LMT and owner of
Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC.

If you're in Phoenix this weekend - stop by Beyond Today Co. and check out our holistic fair.  I hope you have a great week.  Let me know if you'd like more info about these events or my services.  I'm here to serve.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
https://www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions