Changing Perspective

I am always amazed at how your day can start one way and you think you know how it's gonna go but then something happens...maybe you ran into someone you hadn't seen in awhile...maybe your husband gave you a sweet compliment or maybe you watched something that changed your perspective.

I am grateful for times like that.

I had one of those moments today. It's rainy here. Gloomy and cold. I got up early, headed to Seminary then back here. The house was quiet. My kids in school and Dave at work. I kept thinking about something I had to do today but didn't want to do. I was grumbling to myself. That led to me thinking about my life and all the "to-do's" I had yet to do. I was a bit down. Not for any particular reason...just feeling blah. 

I made my breakfast and decided to watch one of my DVR'd episodes of Oprah. What a gift to me today!!! Marie Osmond was on talking about her son's suicide....



Dave and I were just in Vegas last month and went to their show. I have always adored the Osmonds. After watching Oprah this morning I not only love Marie even more but I respect her and am grateful for her willingness to share her tragedy and what she learned from it with us. She is an example on how to live your life with humility and grace.

No matter what life sends my way....good or bad....I know it is up to me how I respond to it. It is also extremely important that I am here for my children. That I listen to them, support them and do my best to guide them in the right direction.

Marie said something on the show that made an impact on me...she said don't keep telling your kids how proud of them you are. Instead ask them if they are proud of themselves. It's imperative that we know how our kids feel about themselves. I hadn't thought of that a whole lot before.

If you get a chance to watch this episode...please do. It is soooo good and full of valuable, life lessons.

I am looking forward to the weekend. Em has her second basketball game tonight at 5. Then tomorrow my Mom, Em and I are off to a Holiday Craft Show!! So fun:)

Have a wonderful weekend, friends:)

Overjoyed {Day 2}

All I can say is Wow. 

I have been told throughout my life that if you just put yourself out there...your ideas, your truth, your passion, your whole heart...if you do that over and over and over again, that someday all that goodness, all that energy will come back to you ten-fold.

Yesterday I realized there is truth in that statement.

 I am so overcome with joy and happiness. This 31 Day Challenge has become so much more than I ever could have imagined {and it's only Day2!}

From reading your blogs, to seeing your projects to a phone call received last night from a friend taking the Challenge here in town...just seeing and hearing and feeling your excitement is nothing short of amazing to me.

It shows me that when you are passionate about what you do... When you sincerely give your whole heart to something good things do happen. It may seem silly to some people. Maybe even to you. I mean it's not like we're solving World hunger here or finding a cure for cancer. But we are trying to better ourselves. We are a community of women who are filled with passion and love and support for one another. If only we could take all this energy and bring it out into the world. Then, maybe we could, at long last "love one another".

Thank you girls for putting your whole hearts into the first day of the Challenge. Just think of the positive force you will be in your own lives by the end of 31 Days!!!

Speaking of positive force I would like for you to meet Soraya. I was fortunate to find her during Kelly Rae's e-course. She has become a good friend and mentor to me.

.

Soraya, I was blessed to find your blog via Kelly Rae's Flying Lessons class. I fell in love with your art!! Just beautiful. Tell us what you do and can you share some of your work with us?

Thank you so much Leslie! I paint mixed media art (acrylics, oils, pen, collage). As you can see, my art is very female-centered and speaks of the many aspects of the female SOUL; empowerment, courage, wisdom, grace. Yet I also address the broken parts of ourselves-the fears and vulnerabilities-that make us human. I believe it is when we acknowledge and share all parts of ourselves and our journey ; therein lies the power .  I put my heart and soul into my art-every piece becomes a part of me. Nothing makes me happier than when I have touched another person’s heart with my paintings. I strongly believe in the power of storytelling; an ancient ritual found cross culturally. It is through our stories that we learn, share, grow, celebrate, love…live. Each one of my paintings tells a story of the deepest parts of ourselves. Of what it is to be fragile, vulnerable, joyful, hopeful…of what it is to be human.

How long have you blogged? What has the experience been like for you so far?

Leslie-I have an interesting blogging  story that I would like to share! I actually set up my blog about 2 and a half years ago but I only wrote my first post at the start of this year! Sure I had so much going on in my life-I had just got married and  my husband deployed to Iraq a few months later. Then we had our first baby and moved across the country. But the real reason I didn’t start blogging until recently is because of deep fears and insecurities. What would I have to say? Who would want to read it anyway? and on and on. Also, blogging seemed so…vulnerable and raw. I tend to be a private person and exposing myself in this way was pretty scary But at the start of the year, I decided to push past my fears and let go of those insecurities. So far, blogging has been such an amazing experience. It has encouraged me to be more creative in so many ways. It has also given me the opportunity to hone my writing and photography skills. However, by far, the most important gift that blogging has given me has been the gift of community. I have met so many wonderful, kindred souls that have been so kind, loving and supportive.  And I have been exposed to the most amazing ideas, photos, art, writing…it has been a gift and a blessing! I can spend some serious time reading blogs!

I know from reading your blog daily you have some exciting things planned. Can you share them with us? When can we expect to be able to purchase your work?

  Well, I have wanted to start a website, sell my art on Etsy etc for quite some time and after taking Kelly’s Flying Lessons I decided to just go for it instead of waiting for the “perfect time”. I am setting up my website (myself!!) on Squarespace and planning on selling my art (prints and originals) on Etsy. Hopefully I will have all of this set up for sometime in August. I will post it on my blog. You can take a sneak peek at my website here but please keep in mind that it is not complete yet!

Do you work outside the home? How do you manage your creative life with your day to day activities along with being a Mom?  

Great questions Leslie! How do I balance motherhood and painting? I will let you know when I figure that one outJ

No, I don’t work outside the home but I have 2 full time jobs! Taking care of Tara is priority #1 and then after she goes to sleep, I paint, blog, work on my business stuff! Sometimes I stay up until 2 a.m. and then get up again at 6!! It is very difficult, as we all know and I still have tons of  internal conflict over my decisions. Should I just put off my art business completely until she gets older? Should I stop blogging for now? Should I should I should I…But at the end of the day, I try to work it out. I strongly feel that it’s great for my daughter to see me following my dreams; hopefully one day she will follow hers as well. I go through overwhelm, mommy guilt, “how am I going to do all this?” and on and on…But I try to take small steps and plod on.  Some practical tips though-I don’t watch any T.V. at all , if I get 6 hours of sleep a night I consider myself lucky, I have a  really supportive husband and I really schedule my time ( can we say multi-task!!) . It really comes down to being committed to my art and putting in the time. Most days I am really aware of how lucky I am that I can be there for my daughter as well as paint. Both fill my heart with the most incredible joy.

You are so inspirational to me. So peaceful and a gentle soul. What are your 3 favorite inspirational books?

Thank you so much Leslie! My husband would certainly laugh at the “peaceful and gentle soul”-I have some fire in my belly let me tell you!! I have tons of favorite books but these top the list every time.

1. Women Who Run with the Wolves-by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes. I was blessed to read this book when I was about 21 and I continually look to it for wisdom, grace, empowerment. It is more than a book to me-it speaks to every part of my soul. It gives me strength, solace, wisdom, power, insight…every word is a prayer. Masterfully written from “one who knows”. It speaks to every aspect of a woman’s life and psyche.

2. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran –another book that is so powerful it cuts across all barriers and …is a soothing balm to the soul. Every word is truth, grace, wisdom. At times in my life when I have been broken wide open by joy or pain, this is the book I most often turn to.

3. Anything by Joseph Campbell…his work on myth and the hero’s journey speak to me deeply, deeply, deeply. I  fully believe that we are all heroes…on this journey of life. I think that life requires that we be courageous… that we have heart, kindness, compassion,  love and strength. His words speak of all these things and so much more.

  

What else would you like to add?

  I would like to thank you so much for giving me this opportunity Leslie. I really love your interview style-you ask questions that reveal the person as well as their craft. Thank you so much-you have been so gracious and supportive. This interview has been a lot of fun!

**Please stop by Soraya's Blog today!!! Here is the link:) 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Yesterday I spent 30 minutes or so in my art space. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do until I got there and suddenly the inspiration to scrap just hit. First I gathered all my supplies...

A photo album with Em' baby pictures, a cute 6x6 album, brads, papers and letter stickers. Before I start any project I like to take time going through my supplies to get a feel for where I want the project to go.

Here are the pages I created...

Keep in mind whenever I work on mini albums I create very simple pages. The idea for me with these smaller albums is to just get the memory down not so much about design.

I also love using up all the bits and pieces I have laying around!!

I also continued working on this piece I'm creating as part of the "Artistic Mother's" Group.

I painted the background then attached the punched out butterflies to make an "L". I will show you the end result later in the week.

**A reminder**

Be sure and check the Words of Me Facebook Page for today's Creativity Challenge {or look below} and other inspiration.

Challenge #2:Pick out 3 words you love. Throughout the next few days let these words really sink their teeth in you. Take time to think about what they truly mean to you. then I want you to create "Word Art". Choose a canvas, a piece of cardstock, maybe a sheet of notebook paper, even fabric and CREATE a masterpiece us...ing your thoughts and feelings involving your word. Be sure and post in your own blog if you want!!

What are your plans for Day 2? What did you do on Day 1?

Today I am cooking, from scratch spaghetti sauce!! I better get to it!! I will have photos:)

Turn Your Light On!! {Day 1)

Howdy girls! I am way excited about the next 31 Days. We are gonna grow. We are gonna write and create and learn what it means to just be.

Thank you for joining me on this journey:)

And if you would like to join us be sure and click here to read about the 31 Days Challenge then grab a button on the right and get to work!

My goal for the next 31 Days is not to just "show up" in my art space or at the computer or with my journal 15 minutes a day.

Nope.

My goal is to learn to live creatively. To look at everything with a fresh set of eyes. Even the laundry-LOL!

Creating: “You do not have to be good to start, but you have to start to become good!” Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D.

How many times have you told yourself that "Today is the day."? 

Today is the day I....

lose weight, work on my scrapbooks, start walking, create a blog, write in my journal, enjoy life.


I have promised myself over and over "today is the day".  Through the years I have read magazine articles and "famous" scrapbookers blogs and thought to myself, "why can't I be like them? Oh, I know why because I don't have time to create. I don't have time to even think about creating. I have too much to do. I have a house to run, kids to raise, scriptures to read, errands to run. My goodness, I am busy.


But in all my busy-ness I wasn't finding that peaceful, happy feeling I was hoping for. I was just busy. I was tired. I was grumpy.


Then, something happened. I began blogging. I began giving myself permission to take an hour out of my day to write and read and connect with others. I became inspired by all the women I found who were just as busy as me yet they were creating. 


I started to realize that all those "famous scrappers and artists"...they had families just like me. They had laundry and dust and dinner to make. 


The difference between them and me was they were making their creativity a priority in their life...they were living creatively.


"One must work and dare if one really wants to live."-Vincent Van Gogh


I am ready to work. I am ready to dream. I am ready to live my life filled to the brim with inspiration.

Here is my journal I created for my 31 Day Challenge and beyond.

It's one of those composition notebooks you can buy in the school aisle at Wal-Mart or Target. This one costs me just 25 cents! The paper is from Webster's Pages {a few years back} Love that on the paper it already said..."On this day".  And of course check out the butterfly!! I added a few more butterflies and a bird in the lower left corner. Letter stickers and other stickers are from K & Co.


Inside cover...

The paper is from Fancy Pants...my favorite company for paper.

And here is the back inside cover.

That pattern paper on the right is from Webster's Pages.


I am gonna use this book for all my prompts, my thoughts, project ideas and art journaling.


So here's to living the creative life, ladies. Remember, don't stress. This shouldn't feel like work. If you can't make something today, write a paragraph in your journal, find a creative quote on-line or spend 15 minutes searching out new, inspirational blogs. And remember if you find any good ones share them here!!!:)


Also...please don't feel like you have to share all this on your blog. If you want to share your journey that is AWESOME!! But don't feel like you must. This Challenge is about finding yourself. It's about enjoying the journey. 


My art goals for this week include trying at least 2 new painting techniques and finding the latest ART JOURNALING magazine from Somerset Studios. You can see that amazing magazine here. I will also post a challenge a day on the Words of Me "Like" page. Be sure and visit daily!!! Click on my Facebook badge on the right to sign up or visit my page!!


Join me tomorrow for a very inspiring interview with another creative woman blogger!!


Have a creative day girls:)

The Night Before ~31 Days

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.  ~Judy Garland

Are you ready to be YOU? Are you ready to be the CREATIVE you you've always wanted to be? Join us beginning tomorrow for the WOMP 31 Days Creativity Challenge!!!

Grab a button on the right side of my blog and "like" me on Facebook. {the button is on the right side of my blog, too} Everyday beginning tomorrow through August 25th be inspired by quotes on creativity, journaling prompts, creative exercises and more!!!

Spend at least 5 minutes a day doing something creative!!!


Several photos to post tomorrow and our first creative exercise.


Sleep well and see ya' tomorrow!

I am home!

So very happy to be home {for awhile}. I slept in today and now doing loads of laundry and just catching up!!! 


Here is my TO DO list today:

*finish laundry and unpack

*catch up on my friends blogs

*grocery shop for healthy foods

*pick up the house {not much to do}

*write lots of blog posts for while I"m gone again

*send out interview questions for the Make My Monday interviews

I am anxious to get going!! I have TONS of photos and memories to share from my weekend!!!


Have a FABULOUS Monday!!!

Back in Time-1985

I have spent the last hour reading your blogs. All I can say is...what an incredible group of talented women I know!! Your blogs are all so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

Lots on my mind today...mostly the weekend. Nothing but fun stuff:) This weekend is my family reunion and my 25 year High School Class Reunion.

Yep, I am the Class of 1985. We said words like "Rad, Awesome, Dude, Like Gag Me with a Spoon and Totally".

At my friend Rhonda's house we would listen to songs from the "Footloose" soundtrack for hours and talk about the crush we had on the boys from "Dukes of Hazard"

and Michel P. Keaton from "Family Ties".

Songs that made it big in 1985 included Cherish by Kool and the Gang, Glory Days from Bruce Springsteen and can you ever forget We are the World by USA for Africa?

One of my favorite groups from that year was...

Wake me up before you Go-Go and Careless Whisper were my favorites! {Careless Whisper was the number one song from 1985}

Other Top 100 tunes were...Like a Virgin/Madonna, Take on Me/A-Ha, Saving all my love/Whitney Houston, Strut/Sheena Easton and Sentimental Street/NightRanger {one of the BEST bands ever imo}

Hanging out at movies with my friends was one of my favorite things to do in 1985. Do you remember these?

Came out in 1985. I had forgotten that!!
I loved this true tale about Rocky Dennis. "Mask" was one of my favorite movies of the time.

Probably one of the most well known and loved movie of that time was one that every teenager of the day could relate to...The Breakfast Club.

As much as I wanted to be Molly Ringwald's character I was more like Ally Sheedy. {after make-up LOL}

The Number One movie from  1985 was....

can u guess?!


It starred one of my favorite television characters ever....

Yep, Back to the Future was the top film of 1985. It made over 212 million dollars. I think Toy Story 3 has already brought that amount in and just in a couple of weeks!!

Several iconic TV series were hot in 1985 including one of my favorites...

The Cosby Show. Love. That. Show. Love. It!!

Family Ties, Murder She Wrote, Highway to Heaven and Dallas were all going strong this year. So were these...

I still enjoy old reruns of the Newhart Show!!

That's the maid from the Jefferson's!

And this show was my very favorite!! My Mom and I never missed an episode!! Knots Landing...remember it was a spin-off of Dallas!

Here are some fun facts about 1985...

*Dukes of Hazzard goes off the air

*the Care Bears movie is released

*New Coke is introduced in the spring

*Coca Cola Classic is born in the summer

*Nintendo releases Super Mario Brothers game

*Farm Aid begins

*I graduate from Fort Madison High School and am ready to take on the world as a television journalist!!

So there ya' go. A fun trip down Memory Lane.

We leave in the morning for 3 days of fun with former classmates as well as family I haven't seen in a few years. Tomorrow night we will be hanging out at Captain Kirk's on the Mississippi River catching up with old classmates.

Saturday I'll be in Carthage at my Family Reunion for a fun picnic. That night we're back in Fort Madison for a get together at a local HS pizza favorite "Sorento's". Then the fabulous fireworks show on the River!!!

Sunday we are going to church at my old church and where Dave and I were married...the First Baptist Church in Fort Madison. That afternoon we are taking a picnic lunch to Old Settlers Park then back home to Maryville for a few fireworks in the neighborhood.

I will be sure and take lots of photos to share here on Monday!!

Have a safe and Happy 4th girls!!

Let's Do Lunch

As I was checking out all my blogging friends late into the night and then again this morning I found so much inspiration.


Seriously...you all make me want to create, inspire and be a better me. Who needs magazines when the world has women bloggers?!?!?

My darling friend, Leanne wrote the cutest post about how she and her PG went to the Smithsonian where she got to see Julia Child's kitchen. What made me love it so is that my sweet friend ADORES Julie Child and the wonderful movie Julie and Julia...{me, too!!}

{image from this blog}

She went on to share that if she could cook with anyone it would be Julia and if she could eat with someone it would be Queen Elizabeth. Read the entire post here.

That got me to thinking...who would I enjoy cooking with? The Food Network has become my favorite channel. There are so many cooks I LOVE...

The "Barefoot Contessa"

{photo from here}

Guy Ferrari, Paula Deen and of course Julia Childs. Oooo, I love Ellie Krieger, too. She is so healthy!!

 {image from here}

 But I'd have to say the cook I would most want to cook with is...

{image from here}

Rachel cooks like I would cook if I had my own show. She is just so down to earth...especially her older "30 Minute Meals" shows. They are my favorite and what got me back into cooking! I even have her "Yum-O" shirt!!

Let's see...now to answer the question "who would I have dinner with?" Hmmmmmm.....so many options here, too. I mean I could pick someone famous and gorgeous like

 or one of my favorite talk show hosts...

Oprah

I could pick a famous historical figure...

George Washington

or

Helen Keller

{she was amazing}

But after much thought I think I would have to choose...

The pioneers

{image from here}

The pioneers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints spent months walking from Illinois to Salt Lake City...all in the name of faith. They suffered one heartbreak after another. You can read a bit about their story here.

I want to know how and why they did what they did. I mean I have strong faith. But when I think about the pioneer sacrifice I can't help but wonder if I would do the same thing. Would I risk losing my loved ones for the Lord? Having dinner with these strong individuals would probably last for hours!!

What about you? Who would you have dinner with? Who would you cook with? Leave a comment below or why not do your own post? If you do...join in the fun and link Leanne's post along with my post on your blog. Sound like fun...all right then...get to it:)

P.S. My creative space is really taking shape!! Yesterday I was overwhelmed and ready to give up. But it is turning out nice and soon I will be ready to share.

Holiday Fun

Just had to share a fun holiday memory from The Carpenters. Enjoy!

Top POP Christmas Songs