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Friday, October 29, 2010

Goodies:)


{Oh and if you look out on the deck you can see our grill laying on it's side.  Did I mention it's been a tad windy??}



My mailbox has been singing this past week.  I've gotten all kinds of goodies.  Who doesn't love getting packages in the mail!  So fun:)  Anyway I saw this cute "give thanks" banner on my friend Alicia's Etsy store and decided it was a must have for our home.  I hung it within about 2 seconds of having it out of the package.  She's so talented.  You really need to check her out and I don't think she has any more of these, but I bet she could whip one up for you if you ask really nice. **Update-- Alicia just assured me she's making more, so go get one:)




Oh and this is how it came.  All wrapped up so pretty.  Don't you just love it when you get something almost too pretty to unwrap?  Love that extra care.  Really makes it special.






Then I got my bracelet in the mail...yay!  I saw this on Jeanne's site and thought it would be a great reminder for me to not compare.  I struggle with that as an artist sometimes.  I have to remind myself that God made me unique.  I am one of a kind and I am enough with His help.  Isn't it pretty!!  Her packaging is gorgeous too.  Perfect for gift giving.  If you haven't heard of A Bushel and a Peck you need to run over there right now.  Jeanne's store is a-maz-ing. 

 





And then finally I got a big box delivered to my front porch.  I was beyond giddy when I opened up and saw this bedding.  My friend Tara sold her guest bedding to make way for baby #2 and I snatched it right up.  Her style is ME to a tee and I have big plans for this.  You'll just have to stay tuned:)  Just had to share some of my goodies.  I hope you all have a great weekend.  Lots of fun family stuff planned...keep warm and safe:)








Have a blessed day.

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

just grateful



I'm sitting here with a swirling steamy coffee by my side.  The geese are honking loudly overhead...flying North for some strange reason.  The furnace is whirring white noise in the background.  My computer overlooks the backyard and as I sit and conjure up my thoughts on the day, my view is rain soaked windows and naked trees whipping in the wind...evidence that winter is nippin' at our heels. 


I loved reading through all of your comments about fun wintry things to do.  You guys are brilliant and have given me some really great things to look forward to.  I incorporated a few of them last night.  It was extremely windy and that brings a drafty chill in our house, so I thought it was time to pull out the electric blanket:)  It's dual controlled, so I can be all toasty warm and Honey can have his side all icy for his extra warm body.  Why are men so hot?






I made yummy comforting goulash, lit a candle and pulled out my special socks;)  My momma blessed me with these super warm, super expensive socks when she was here and they are THE best.  So it's all good.






This was my view this morning.  Spittin' rain and snow...perfect day for a FIELD TRIP to the Arboretum.  Oh goodness!  I should be excited...this is fun right?? 






All I know is that being there means the world to my little chick and THAT means the world to me.  So we sat and learned all about pumpkins and then we had lunch at school and literally ate as fast as we possibly could.  Poor thing.  It's like speed eating.


But somewhere during the day as I was bumping along on the school bus, eyes closed trying to tune out the loud boy in front of me, or maybe it was when I was shoveling food in as fast as possible I realized it's not about me.  This day is for my sweet one.  I'm here for her. 






This is my life and the external conditions really don't matter at all...rain, sleet, snow, freezing cold, gloomy colorless days etc... they're not important.  My focus IS and I'm just so grateful...so so grateful to be right here, right now... I love my life.







Have a blessed day.

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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Suck it up!




I've been fighting feelings of dread lately.  The wind has been whipping around the house making the siding creak and growl.  It's been grey and rainy...cold.  As much as I want to embrace all that fall is I struggle.  Fall leads to Winter and therein lies the rub.  I need color.  I HAVE to have color and there isn't any for months.  I have to literally fight feelings of wanting to run away.  It's that bad.





So I was complaining to my mom the other day, looking for sympathy or compassion or something and she said and I quote...suck it up!  What???  That's not what I expected from my momma.  She said it's a season, it's part of life and you just need to deal with it.  Well geesh I know that, but I want to wallow and feel sorry for myself.  Where's the love??  But you know what...she was dishing love.  Giving it to me straight, and she's 100% right.  If I look at these next few months in a positive way and not dread it, my attitude will adjust too.







I'm making a list right now of the things I like about Fall and Winter and I'm going to try really hard to embrace the season that's coming and not DREAD it.  So who's with me...anyone?;)  I think this can also apply to other areas.  Are you struggling with a job that you hate or going through a storm that seems never ending?   Let's "suck it up" together and trust that the Lord will help us make it through;)  Okay so here's my list:


1.  I can pull out my hats and scarves:)
2.  I can light my fireplace.
3.  I don't have to shave my legs;)
4.  Thanksgiving is coming and I get to go home.
5.  When it snows it's sparkly and I love that.
6.  Comfort Food



That's all I got for now.  I'm sure it will grow.  Feel free to help me out if you think of some good stuff. 







Have a blessed day.




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Monday, October 25, 2010

Time




The other night I was laying in bed just tossing and turning.  I had a really bad case of momma's guilt.  I've been so busy with other "stuff" lately that I've been a little absent in my most important role.  Scenes from the day flashed before my eyes.  Questions asked and ignored.  Little faces by my side wanting attention...my head down...too busy.  UGH!  It's hard juggling life sometimes.  Mostly I'm at their beck and call.  My job is taking care of our home and being a mom period.  I know my busyness is temporary.  This season will pass. I've just never been very good at balancing things.  I self imposed deadlines and stress myself out.  I have no idea how people work jobs and get everything else done.  Kudos to you amazing woman!


So yesterday I rallied and tried really hard to dote on them a little more.  We snuggled in bed first thing in the morning.  We played a game of Monopoly and had Sunday school....I was the teacher.  And today I felt better.  They are back in school and there is more time.  Time to attack the mountain of laundry that's been piling up.  Time to clean the bathrooms...time to get things in order.  Thank heavens. 


I saw this scripture today and it really blessed my heart....felt like God was telling me that He would provide the strength I needed to get everything done.  I'm going to just trust in that today:)



She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.  Proverbs 31:17





Have a blessed day.







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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Perspective



Last night when I finally went to bed I was in a foul mood.  You know the kind that comes when you've been working on something and nothing is going right.  But thankfully something happened during the night.  Don't know if it was all the crazy dreams I had or what, but I woke up today with a fresh new perspective.  Everything started taking shape and I absolutely love what I've made. 


I think taking a step back is vital for the creative process...a nice drive, a crisp afternoon walk, a hot bath etc... can do wonders for your perspective and that's what I've been needing.





So today I put on my cute little hat and scarf...applied some much needed make-up and we went for a drive.  Have I ever told you I have a thing for hats and scarves??  One day I'll have to show you my collection;)


If you look close you can see the girls tormenting each other in the back seat.  Welcome to my world:)  Interject me yelling...KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF and you know exactly what it's like to be in our car at any given moment.






We drove to Panera Bread for a late lunch.  I am IN LOVE with these pumpkin cut out sugar cookies.  They sing sweet melodies to me.  Seriously my eyes roll to the back of my head and I have sugar stuck to my lips and I don't care because I luv them soooo much!!!!  But you know sugar makes you fat.  It's 100% the truth.  'Nough said!








I thought I'd throw these in of Honey because it's close to Halloween and all.  He's very intense...even when he's trying to get a bug off the windshield.  Can't decide if I should laugh hysterically or run screaming.  Enjoy!





Have a blessed day.

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Secretariat


The chicks are off school for a few days, so a friend and I took our girls to see the new Disney movie The Secretariat.  It's not too often that a movie speaks to me like this one did.  I needed a pad and paper to write down my thoughts, and felt like jumping up and down in my seat cheering. 


It was inspirational to the point that I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest.   Yes it was that good!  Unfortunately in doing research for this post I saw a few reviews that didn't agree with me.  Sometimes you just can't listen to the movie men, they don't know what a good movie is...HA!  And I do;)






The main character, Penny Tweedy...played by Diane Lane, was a suburban housewife in the 70's when her family's horse farm needed her attention.  She played the owner of the greatest racehorse of all time, and for me it was also Diane Lane's role of a lifetime.  She was strong, intelligent and fearless.  She took risks and ran her race. 




Isn't that what life is about?  Giving it your best...going for it...not being plagued by regret.  Well in this true story she did just that and the horse she was in charge of didn't disappoint.  I hope you go see this movie.  It's 100% family friendly.  I promise you won't leave without a great big smile on your face and a possible tear or two on your cheeks.  Gotta love that:)






Have a blessed day.






Photo courtesy csmonitor.com
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

One giant mess



Good morning friends.  I have been down and dirty this week...literally:)  I've been in my pajamas all day long, all week long.  My fingers are stuck together with glue and I have paint under my nails.





Why is the creative process so chaotic??  I seriously can't even think straight for the complete and utter mess in my work area.





I've been working a lot with words.  I love words.  I want my art to mean something...to say something.  So this week I'm the word girl.  And I really believe that the Lord has told me to create some specific things....for someone out there;)






So that's where I'm at...in the middle of one giant mess...trying to stay focused and be true to who I am. 


Love this quote by Birgit O'Connor:
"Making art is about finding the true self - not who everyone has told you that you are, but the person you are truly."




Oh and speaking of mess, my Honey was driving home last night from work and a giant piece of asphalt fell from a building and hit his new car.  Is that weird or what?  It put a really bad dent in the trunk and scratched it all up.  So glad he was okay, but his mood about it was NOT pretty.  Let's just say God sometimes has an interesting way of getting our attention. 







Have a blessed day.

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Monday, October 18, 2010

Hello 7




Today is my Little Chick's 7th birthday.   Thinking back seven years ago, I was sooo excited to add to our brood.  We wanted a sister for Big Chick in a bad way.  I never had a sister and I thought that would be the coolest thing.






For them to have each other and be able to share their childhood with a friend, one that will never leave is priceless.  I'm so grateful that they love one another and choose to be playmates.   Don't get me wrong they do have their moments;)  But their bond is so precious to see.




I'm amazed at how she's changed.  We used to quietly refer to her as a storm cloud because she always had a scowl on her face.  She used to be hypersensitive and fussy, but as she's grown she has become an absolute ray of sunshine. 




Her love for life lights up our world. 




Happy birthday sweet girl.  Hello 7...it's going to be a good year:)





Have a blessed day.

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Saturday, October 16, 2010

Hunkering in



Honey was gone for most of the week.  He doesn't travel much thank heavens.  I'm kind of out of sorts when he does.  I lose all sense of time and stay up way too late.  I can't even begin to put a meal together.  It's just off.  Does that make sense? 


Fergie has a routine at bedtime.  She goes limp and acts dead...hoping with all that's in her that we won't make her go sleep in her crate.  Isn't that mean?  She's crated!  We've just always done it that way.  Well this week while Honey was gone I decided to try and have her sleep with me.  I mean look at that face...how can you say no:)  I should have though.  It didn't go well.  She woke me up in the middle of the night and I had to put her up anyway.  But we gave it a shot.






Friday night we all hunkered in.  I had the girls help me whip up some waffles and scrambled eggs for dinner and then we cuddled on the couch and watched a movie.




We popped in Pee Wee's Big Adventure.  Remember that movie??  Oh my goodness.  It's so dumb.  But I found myself laughing out loud.  This grown man, weird grown man...acting like an immature kid.  It's just too funny.  Remember..."I know you are, but what am I?" and his creepy laugh.  I had to kind of explain it to the girls.  They were like mom...he's so weird






I'm like ummm...I know, but it's really funny



(painting I got done this week for Alicia)



I'm going to continue the hunkering in theme for this week.  I have a lot of stuff I'm working on.  Trying to restock my Etsy store for Christmas...praying for some wonderful creativity to flow all over me.   It should be fun, but challenging.  I have a way of getting distracted.  I think I have adult ADHD;)






Have a blessed day.


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Thursday, October 14, 2010

clean slate



It's a new day.  So thankful that God gives us brand new days.  A chance to wipe our hands clean and dust off the debris...the dirt that life throws at us, and to look up and be grateful for a squeaky clean slate.  One that hasn't been written on yet.



I've been pondering what to say regarding my last post.  I will tell you that I went to that uncomfortable place...the place where reconciliation has to come.  I'd almost rather go through childbirth than do that.  I hate conflict that much.  It's one of the hardest things I think we have to face in life...being really honest with each other.  It's facing ugly truths about ourselves and sharing our inner most thoughts...not knowing how the other person will receive it.  It's scary and painful, and just plain exhausting.






We've talked and both of us have asked for forgiveness.  Real true love requires forgiveness, because we are all human...we each will inevitability hurt one another.  That's just life.  But it's the forgetting and moving on that is the really hard part and I think only time and space allows that.  So that's where I'm at.






Now can I say a big thank you to each one of you who prayed for me and left me the nicest comments.  Your words and support were like a cozy warm blanket.  I actually felt your love and understanding, and when you are in pain like that, that is what you need the most.   I wish I could give each one of you a big hug.  I truly have the best readers in the world!!






Have a blessed day.


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