#BeReal – TJ LUBRANO

/ September 2, 2015

My #BeReal guest today is TJ Lubrano.

Besides being super talented (and Oh My Gosh is she talented) she has the ability to make the sun shine at midnight.

If I had to pick one person to be a role model for my daughter it would be TJ. I often think if she had an inspirational television series aimed at teenagers the world would instantly improve.  This girl has the ability to make huge changes in this world just with her attitude alone.

See for yourself.

I love you TJ.

Artist TJ Lubrano

Greetings lovely readers!

You know, this could be one of the most honest pieces I’ve written about myself. I got tagged by my wonderful Sparkle aka Lizzi on Facebook. Usually when she tags me it’s about an interesting project or movement (#1000speak anyone?). I’m so happy that she did though as I’ve been living under a rock lately. Not because I’ve been busy with work and re-branding my site. These are only a part of the reason.

You have to live in the moment, right? You have to embrace whatever mood or situation you’re in, so you can process things and move forward. For me, this can be a tad difficult when the mood is feeling grumpy or sad as I’m a happy and cheery girl by nature. Trying to make the best of a not so great situation is huge part of who I am though, but at the moment I still feel like I want to hide in a cave for days in a row. I know that I can’t and since I want to be as real as possible towards others and myself, I’ll share with you the reason as well. Plus, it also feels like the right thing to do now.

I lost my grandad at the end of June and the entire month of July, I tried to keep working while processing what happened and overseeing all that had to be done. I have no idea why I find it so difficult to share it this time. When I lost my other grandad a few years ago, I did blog about it. This time I only managed told a select group of friends and this was already difficult, because by doing so I confirmed even more what had happened and a part of me really didn’t want to do this. Whenever something sad or bad happens, I always work through it while I try my best to hold onto my positive nature. Needless to say, the last couple of weeks I’ve been feeling a bit all over the place while I ponder about a lot of things. You can’t really predict how you will react in these type of situations, huh?

One of my working days, I came across a quote that simply made me forget what I was doing and what I was looking for online.

“I want to be remembered as the girl who always smiles even when her heart is broken, and the one that could always brighten up your day even if she couldn’t brighten her own.”

It really hit home as it’s a big part of who I am. I’ve had my fair share of difficult moments in life, but I never showed this to the outside world. I always kept a smile on my face and processed things in my own way. I was known as the girl who was always happy and there for you, which I loved, but it did make it more difficult to share the less happy things, because others couldn’t picture me sad or less happy.

The truth is, even when I’m sad or less happy, I will always have a smile for the ones I care about. A magical ramble. A surprise gift. Homemade food and baked goodies. I always want to make sure that you’re feeling okay and that taken care of. Knowing that I can brighten someone’s day by just being there does wonders for my own.

Another part of me is, that I live in dreamworlds. Not in a naive way, mind you. I fuse storytelling elements whenever I can and this translates itself in my art as well. I’m all about whimsical and magical worlds and characters and my sole purpose is to make you happy (smiles are very important to me) and make you feel that you can escape into another world. I told Lizzi in one of our chats that I truly live with my heart in my imagination. I can’t describe it in another way. My imagination is as real to me as you and me. It’s one of my safe places, it changed my life, it gives me strength and inspiration. It helps to soften the hardship and grief that can cover this world like a dark cloud. What makes it even more beautiful is that my imagination can shine even brighter because of the people I meet. Because of this I can keep the magic alive in the real world as well.

Do you realize that you’re magical?

Sometimes I feel that humans don’t realize how much magic they carry around inside of them. It’s easily forgotten due to daily life and responsibilities, but we really are magical and we are storytellers, whether you think are one or not. You tell stories with your movement, your actions and there are words hiding behind your eyes. I see it. I see the beauty. Hidden in layers of energy that surround the people I observe. When I see someone, I see so much more than their outer beauty. It’s probably one of the reasons why I can connect with people like I do. You may think that this is because I’m an artist, but anyone can make an effort to see it.

What does It mean to you to be real?
To be real is to be the most authentic version of yourself. This doesn’t mean that you have to skip make-up or pretty clothes. You have to be the person you feel is hiding inside of you. If you connect to your soul and you strive to be the best version of yourself, it’s amplified in your actions. It’s felt in your words. It’s an energy that people can’t deny or ignore. It’s the same energy that can make a difference and that is an inspiration for yourself and others. I’ve come to learn that there’s a lot of power hiding in this.

What do you think most people think about you when they only see your picture?
A pretty girl. I base this on all the wonderful and flattering comments that I get as saying this out loud isn’t easy for me. I’ve never considered myself “pretty” or “all that”. Yes. I know I can look good, but a picture is just a moment frozen in time, you know? I’ve plenty of off days, plenty of days were imperfections speak louder than anything else. I’ll never be able to see myself how someone else sees me as I always see my own reflection. I rather have people notice what I can do than my looks alone. You can move mountains with your actions and words.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
Gosh. There are so many things that I’ve learned over the years. I think the most important thing is that you can make a difference for yourself if you’re willing to work hard for it. Life is all about making choices and that a choice at that specific moment in time is the right one for you to make. It’s taken in a split-second and it could feel like the wrong one as soon as that second is over, but at that brief moment in time, it was right. I learned to trust this a lot more over the years, because it has happened that whenever I tweaked my decision, the outcome wasn’t what I wanted it to be.

Another important thing is that you have to be kind towards yourself in order to be kind towards anyone around you. Being a very caring person often means that I put myself last. I still do this, but I’ve learned that I have my limits.

My Lovely Hasty, thanks so much for giving a space for so many beautiful #BeReal voices. I’m beyond honored to be a part of it. It’s like a being included in a world where you can be yourself, without any judgement and where magical outfits are readily available. Because, we are superheroes *strikes a pose* Thank you for that.

Artist TJ LubranoTJ Lubrano is an artist living in The Netherlands. She creates for the ones that still believe in Magical Characters and Worlds and Wondrous Adventures and who wants to embrace this in their every day lives. She also has a slight (huge…) obession for storytelling, traveling, dancing around, baking and cooking. She loves to write, but most of the time colors and lines do the talking.

You can find her on Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/tjlubrano) for your daily magical dose of art and cooking. It’s the place to be if you want to tag along the creation of her first book about a tiny curious Nature Bot and a mysterious little Fox Girl.

Her blog rambles and more art are on her official site, The Whimsy Art of TJ Lubrano. (http://www.tjlubrano.com)

Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/tjlubrano
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tjlubrano
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tjlubranosillustrations

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41 thoughts on “#BeReal – TJ LUBRANO”

  1. You know what I have loved about reading these #BeReal Blogs? They have honestly been giving the inspiration I’ve been needing to aka “BeReal…I’ve been hiding who I feel I really am, afraid of others disapproval…Now I’ve been getting these nagging feelings that I (annoyingly ~.^) can not ignore anymore! Thank you! ❤

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  5. Apfel, this is utterly stunning and I’m so, so glad that you wrote for Hasty. I love your outlook and your determination that the sad moods and rude, grumpy moods can be fended off with a home-baked cookie, or wafted away with the swish of a dragon’s wing.

    Thank you for your determination to smile and to ensure that your friends and loved ones are as happy as they can be. You love selflessly, and it’s beautiful to see, and to be included in. Thank you for your friendship and for the magic you’ve brought to my world.

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    • My wonderful Sparkle! Thank you SO much, as always. I’m just so glad you pointed it out to me, because you know, living under a rock. Hehe.

      Ah dragon wings. They can be so soft and fluffy. Don’t think people expect the wings to be soft and fluffy, huh? Haha. It can be so tricky to keep a positive outlook at times, but I feel so much worse if I don’t try to be positive or to be the example that I’d love to see in the world. It helps to have great friends, like you. So Thank YOU as well. For everything. 🙂 ❤

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      • That – the wanting to be the person you wish to see more of in the world – that’s a glorious thought and I think something which inspires me, too, though I don’t think I’ve probably thought it so succinctly.

        People think dragon wings are dry and leathery, and in truth those old black dragons do have unlovely wings, but Evan’s are beautiful and I love how they glow with soft light as he swoops them around. He is purring (did you know dragons purr?) quite happily to hear himself spoken so highly of. And I think soon we must see about more adventures with him. For now, I think he has taken us to a mountaintop where we can look out across vast horizons and feel quenched by the clear air and bright sunshine, and know the rocks under our feet, and the light on our skin, and just breathe.

        And you’re always welcome for the times I drag you out from under your rock into the Big Wide World. I feel as though your rock is a very safe, snuggly, kitchen/studio, and I quite understand how lovely it is to stay curled up there and just potter around…but I’m glad you peeked out for a few minutes for my lovely Hasty 💓💓💓

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        • Ohhh hooray! That makes me so happy to hear, Sparkle ^_^ *adds succinctly to vocabulary*

          Ah yes, the old black dragons do have unlovely wings, but between the veins there is still some warmth. At least, I like to think there is. Even is gorgeous! He’s like a fluffy ball of happiness! I did not know that he purred or that dragons purr for that matter. How fascinating! I totally took a deep breath when I read about the mountain top. If only we had our cups of tea with us. That would be the frosting on top of this cherished moment. Ohhh wait! *grabs some frosting from the clouds*

          There. Alllll fixed! ^_^

          It can be safe in my magical creative cave of wonderful baked goodies and sparkly colours, but there is a lot of fabulousness in the world. I don’t want to miss out on that. I just need to balance my time and schedule (and mind) again.

          ❤ x infinity!

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  6. Pingback: #BeReal Movement and Update Time! - The Whimsy Art of TJ LubranoThe Whimsy Art of TJ Lubrano

  7. My lovely, lovely Hasty. Your intro ❤ Thank you so very much for your incredible words. I mean, being a role model for Hastykid? So very humbling. I love you, I love what you do for others and I love your outlook on life and the words you set free into this world.

    Ahhh a TV series?! Oh my gosh. I already have to laugh with how I'd react and behave as I'm not used to have a camera in my face like all the time (photos don't count hehe). I think it'd be super fun though!

    Thank you sooooo much for giving us a platform to ramble!

    xoxo

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  8. Never a truer word spoken *throws glitter and twirls* TJ I never tire of reading your words and looking at your magic, those fantasies brought to life with ink and paint. I have my own special TJ Magic right here as you know and I look at it all the time. I adore it!

    I am sorry for your loss and I feel it too. My grandad was closer to me than my own father and he taught me so much. I think about him often, it felt like a piece of me was missing and it was hard to see past the pain. He was so wonderful and I have so many lovely memories, I filled it with them. I smile now when I remember him and I feel his love often. I wish the same for you my wonderfully beautiful and talented friend. I am so proud of you, always x

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    • My lovely, lovely SJ! It is BEYOND wonderful to see you here and to read your words. Ah your own TJ Magic, that sounds so amazing, haha.

      Ah your grandad. So sorry to hear this, my lovely, but so happy to know you have those memories and all that time with him. No one can take that away from you. Smile away and cover yourself in all that love. I captured your beautiful wish and I’ll always carry it with me. Thank you so, so much.

      You’ve been there for so many years already and your love and support means the world to me. I can’t even put it in words! Thank you for everything. I adore you. xxxx

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  9. I have never doubted that the beauty on the inside matches that of the outside when it comes to you, lovely TJ. You light shines so very bright and I loved learning more about you here.

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    • Aww you’re so sweet, lovely Sandy. Thank you so much. Sometimes I do have those thoughts where I wonder if people realize that I am very real with how I am, especially online since you do have that screen as a wall and you can’t judge if someone is genuine or not. I do try to quickly kick those thoughts away as you will always have people that will think negatively as it’s easier for them to live in a dark bubble. I can aim for a bright light as I surround myself with so many other shiny stars, like you. THAT makes it so much easier and beautiful. ^_^ Thank you so much for reading. xo

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  10. Loved this young lady for some time now. Was floored by the talent I saw on her site or was it sites? Hmm. I agree she would be perfect for a TV show in any capacity and I will be reblogging this on Thursday as my post. If that’s okay with everyone. She really is exceptional.

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    • Heeey! So cool to see you here, Ronovan. Thank you so very much for that great comment and for the reblog. That’s so awesome to hear ^_^ Hmm I only have one official site, but I do share a lot of art on Instagram which I re-share to FB/Twitter and G+ (if I don’t forget it hehe).

      Ah all these comments are so humbling. Thank you again! *bows*

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  11. Reblogged this on ronovanwrites and commented:
    I met this young lady a while back and for you Haiku Challenge members she is the reason you get a few extra views at times. She puts some of your Haiku links in her The Lubrano Daily that goes out on Twitter. Visit to find out more and then onward to her on site. It’s worth it. Follower her on Twitter as well. @TJLubrano

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  12. I love TJ – she knows it. She is one of the best, most lovely and real persons I know. I am honored to be her friend and lucky! What a great post – Hello to Hasty and thank you for asking the Whimsy TJ to share her words of wisdom. Big hug!!!

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    • I know it!!! And I am so very lucky as well to have you, you know. *hugs, hugs* Thank you so much for twirling by (you didn’t trip!) and for leaving such sweet words. “My words of wisdom”…that makes me giggle as I picture myself sitting on a cloud or something. Hahaha! Lots of love to you ❤

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