New Day

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
― L.M. Montgomery



I absolutely LOVE this quote!! I mean it is sooo true don't you think?? Each day brings a fresh start and let me tell you girls...I am ready for MINE!!:)

We had a Very Merry Christmas yesterday and I am soooo grateful!! My husband managed to surprise me with a few surprises that made me smile including a gift card to the Sperry Store on The Plaza (i adore Sperrys and never owned a pair!!) and my new fave fragrance from American Eagle "Bohmemian". Hooray!

Today we are having my in-laws over for a relaxing day of healthy food and games. I tell you...I need to nothing but protien and veggies today. Goodness...I think I've consumed 10 pounds of sugar. Not a good feeling.

Anyway...Dave and I woke up early this morning and have been cleaning fools. It smells like a field of lemon trees in here...ha:) They should be here sometime after lunch.

I am beyond excited for a fresh start to the New Year. I have my Word all picked out and can't wait to share how my Word found me this year:)

I will leave you with this piece of my Brave Art today....

Angels Among Us & Winner

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer



2012 is going in the Ackman record books as the worst year in history. It seems there has been very little happiness in our lives the past 12 months much less anything positive to look forward to. The burdens that have been placed upon us have been almost too much to bear...yet, we have endured them and are still here, hearts full and so grateful for all that we do have.

I wanted to take my last post before Christmas and tell you about three special people who have become Angels in my life. Without their love and support this year I never would have made it through. Their genuine concern for my family and I has been none other than miraculous in my eyes. And to top it off...each of these sweet souls has made my Christmas a bit more Merry.


This is one of my best friends and family members in the world....Missy.

Missy is married to my first cousin Dale. We call each other sisters...I love her!!!! 
Anyway...so Missy and I LOVE to scrapbook together and have been on many retreats. Last October we were together for our family Girls Weekend in Illinois and she invited me to a retreat this March. At first I said YeS...but then I remembered...we don't live in the same world we used to and luxeries like that aren't possible. After swallowing my pride I told her that it probably wouldn't work out this year...but thanks for asking.

Now I haven't been able to get this out of my mind. I mean spending nearly 3 days, surrounded with artsy women and my sweet Missy and yummy food and just time to BE...well that sounds like exactly what I need!!! But deep down I KNEW this wasn't possible....but then, one day I received a facebook message...from Missy....saying something like this...

"Les, Dale and I want to give the retreat weekend to you as a gift. We will pay for everything but your gas to get here. We love you!!"

I was stunned. I blinked back tears and immediately responded..."No, I can't let you do that. Thank you but I will find another way to go."

Missy got right back with me and said..."Please let us do this for you after all you have done for us."

Gulp.

I just sat there, starting at my phone...my dear, sweet family had just offered me such a gift. I couldn't believe it!! I talked it over with Dave then messaged her..."Thank you so much. I love you guys!!!"

So THANK YOU MISSY!! I can't wait to see you in March and stay up all night long laughing and creating. you are the BEST!!!!!:)


So this year our Christmas will be very small. Not a lot under the tree this year or in our stockings. Dave and I aren't giving each other anything this year...and while I am okay with that...I am a little disappointed, too. I am human, you know!!  LOL.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I recieved a package in the mail the other day!!! My heart was skipping a beat and I was doing the happy dance. Oh how I ADORE packages!!! And when I saw who it was from I was even more excited!! My dear blog friend LEANNE!!!

Do you know Leanne?? She writes one of my FAVORITE blogs on the Web..."From Chaos Comes Happiness". We have been reading each others blogs for years now and hope to meet face to face soon!!!!

She has sent me several messages this year and left the kindness comments that have helped fill my heart this year!! She is darling and I love her! Leanne is also an AMAZING artist and if you want to see for yourself go here!!!

Anyway, this wonderful friend sent me a necklace I had been admiring but couldn't afford along with other artsy goodies!!! Her kindness came EXACTLY when I needed it!!! Thank you Leanne!!!!!


My third Angel this Christmas is a family that we love just like they are our family. I know they will want to remain anonomyous but I MUST tell you that without their gift this year I don't know what we would have done or where we would be. My family and I are so, so grateful for you all and love you with all our hearts!!!!

There have been so many more Angels that have touched my heart this year and so many of them have been YOU. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough...but it's all I have right now:)

Speaking of Thanks...WOW, what fun we had with my 600th Blog post!! Many of you entered and I know have TWO winners!! Your prizes will be sent in January...think of it as a late Christmas gift:)

Winner of my Brave Art is...Andria from Drawing Near!!

Winner of the Collage box of goodies is...Ashton Elaine!!!

Girls, send me your addresses...either message me on facebook or email me at les262@embarqmail.com

One more thing, girls...


MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I will see you after the Holidays!!!!!!

Studio Tour

 Whenever you are sincerely pleased, you are nourished.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Over a month ago I decided to move my studio. It had been in a perfectly fine spot in our finished basement...but I never really felt at home there. I wanted someplace cozy with lots of sunlight pouring in.

Thanksgiving weekend my amazing husband, son and I moved everything out of the new space and brought all  my furniture and supplies up the two flights of stairs to my new spot...it was quite the mess...:)

I thought this process would never end!! I couldn't believe how much stuff was crammed in this space!!!

This was our computer room/Em's sewing room/catch-all room.

I had so much JUNK crammed in this closet!! It was such a shame we had used one of my favorite rooms in the house as a dumping room!!!

This part of the process took longer than I would have liked. But after a few week of sorting and tossing it was time to bring in all my art supplies!!! Creative Chaos!!!

I literally would just bring my supplies upstairs and dump them in the room...I wanted everything up before I started sorting and putting away.

Finally...just yesterday...I put the finishing touches on my space and I am ready to show you....

My NEW Studio!!!!!

Welcome!!!

Can you see how the beaufitul sunshine just pours in??!!!

Here are the gorgeous windows and window seat!! I love the view from my new space, too...a few houses and a corn field.

All paints. Aren't they pretty??

My inspiration board...

My bookshelf...filled with creative ideas and my Scriptures as well as a special gift from my cousin:)

All my Somerset Magazines!!

My desk where I can write letters, write blog posts and read my Scriptures.

My Brave Art.

That's my favorite photo of myself!! I was 4 years old:)

The art is from a dear friend.

My inspiration wall!!!

A place for paper and other goodies.

A photo of me at my bravest...running my first marathon in Alaska!!

My favorite place for stamps and ink.

I LOVE my art counter my darling husband bought me years ago. One of the best parts about it is the place I can put photos of my family!!

These are all people that mean so much to me.

My workspace...

Yes, I usually stand when I work.

My view while I work inspires me so much!!

The corner cabinet I've had since I was 3 years old.

My closet is now a place for more supplies...

One more look....

I LOVE my new studio!!! I plan on creating more Brave Art here than ever before. I hope you have enjoyed my studio tour!!

Here's to Life!

"It is only those who never do anything who never make mistakes."  A. Favre

 

 

The past few weeks I have been moving my studio from downstairs to upstairs. Girls, this is a move I have wanted for years but didn't feel right taking the space in such a prominent part of the house. I guess maybe I didn't feel like my little "hobby" was worthy to be smack in the middle of our everyday living space. However, from the first day Jackson and Dave carried my art table up the stairs and placed it in my new space I couldn't quit smiling!!

Seriously...I am still smiling:)
It is beautiful and perfect and it is all mine.

I am Home here.

Be sure and stop by Monday for a Tour!!!

Are you ready for Christmas?? I am not at all. Oh my...it's coming fast!! I am feeling so very festive this year and am grateful. Even though our stress is still very high...Dave and I are looking at the bright side. All in all we are blessed and life is good.

Speaking of life...here is a piece I was inspired to create a few weeks ago.

I rarely use red in my work...but I just LOVE this!!! And the circles and the buttons...oh and see how I worked my magic on the sides of the canvas, too??

I have to say this is one of my favorite pieces to date:)

I am looking forward to all the CREATING and INSPIRATION that will come out of me new space. It's a dream come true!!

Girls...please enter my 600 hundred post give way here. I will keep it open until Wednesday, December 19th. Tell your friends!!!

Have a festive weekend!! We are baking and decorating sugar cookies at Grams house Saturday...can't wait:)

600th Post Party Give Away!!!

"To see what few have seen, you must go where few have gone."  -Buddha

 

Just a little over three years I took a chance and created my sweet, little blog "Words of Me Project". Here is my first post from September 18th, 2009. Even though I had high aspirations the day I posted this, I truly couldn't have imagined how that day and this blog would change my world. But it did and I am grateful.

 

I have always been a writer. Whether in my journal, short stories, newspapers or my own column...writing is what fills me up like nothing else does. Here is a peek into some of my 600 posts over the course of three years. Enjoy!!

Make My Monday

 R U Ready for a Revolution?

 Turn Your Light On

Organized and On a Roll

Creativity Challenge-Closets!

 Picture Palooza

 A New Season

 The Fear/Doubt Monster

 Creating Like Crazy

 Embracing Life

 My First Vlog

I am Reaching

 Make Your Soul House

Spreading My Wings


Not only has my blog allowed me to grow as a writer but I found out that I CAN create!!

 That I AM an artist!!

 I have grown in ways I never imagined and it's all because I took a chance and just did it!!!

To celebrate this special occasion I am having a GIVE AWAY!!

Prize #1 is a collection of mixed media goodies....buttons, butterflies, vintage book papers, ribbon and more!!

Prize #2 is this piece of Brave Art created by me:)

To enter my Give Away do the following...

1. Leave me a comment here.
2. For another entry put on FB.
3. For another entry Blog about it.
4. For another entry join my Mind.Body.Soul. Face Book page.
5. For another entry become a Follower on this blog.

Good luck and thank you so much for sharing this amazing, life-changing ride with me!!!