Week 30: Let's Make 2014 Our VERY BEST Year!!

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

I love all the promise a fresh, new year holds don't you??! It's time to take stock of the year past, see where we have succeeded and failed. The New Year makes me sooo happy and excited for all the possibilities just waiting out there for me to experience!

Before we get ahead of ourselves let's talk about last week's prompt...choosing a Word for 2014. Have you got one? If you do...YAY! And if not...there is still time. Sometimes it takes awhile for the right Word to find you. And if the whole Word of the year thing doesn't do it for you...no worries:)

My Word for 2014 is MOVE. Oh how I LOVE that Word this year...it fits me perfectly!! 

I am MOVEing my body by working out at Curves 4 days a week, walking more and eating right. 

I intend on MOVEing my ART in the direction it needs to go...reallly listening to my heart and not my head. Getting rid of all the "shoulds" and "should nots".

My family and I are MOVEing towards a more spiritual home by having family prayer more often than not and getting more active in our church.

I am MOVEing towards a cleaner, well-organized Home by decluttering,,,trying hard not to let  my emotions make the decision about whether or not something stays in our home or goes. 

MOVE is my Word and I am embracing it!:)

Here is the wall-hanging I painted to celebrate my Word this year. It will hang in my studio to remind me of my Goals...

A close-up...

Yes I AM Capable!

It has been a long time since I created a piece of art I LOVE so much!! Felt so good to do this:) 

Speaking of creating...I will be sharing MORE projects and photos on Words of Me Project this year. Join me for my NEW series called "This week i made..." At least one post a week will be dedicated to something I have created in my art studio, a class or even in my kitchen. I hope to inspire you to create more, too!! We are artists after all...and artists CREATE!!!  Oh and by the way...I was prompted to do this after spending an afternoon on Mila's blog. Please stop by and read her story...pretty awesome!

Here is your lesson this week for Being Me...

*pick a Word

*List at least 3 ways the Word will inspire you to reach your goals this year

*Create a Goal List. I use the following headings to help me...

            Home, Blog, Body/Health, Family, Work

I list EVERYTHING I want to accomplish in the new year then look it over and choose up to 5 per heading. If you want you can hang your list in your studio, your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen...where ever you will see it. My family and I type our lists up then hang them in a frame so we are sure not to forget.

*CREATE an art journal page or canvas or something that CELEBRATES your Goals/Word

Remember if you are new here just jump right in!! You are NEVER behind!! 

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Just so you know...

Happy Sunday Girls!! I sure hope you all had a Merry Christmas spent with your loved ones!! Ours was wonderful and full of love.

Just wanted to let you know that as a Brand NEW YEAR approaches our Being Me class will resume on Monday, December 30th. I am soooo excited about 2014 and the promise it holds for my life!!

Also...if you haven't picked out your WORD for the new year...keep thinking about that so you can make your decision by January 1st:)

Thanks again for being here!

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Merry Christmas!

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.  ~Charles Dickens


I am so thankful for each of you! May you have a blessed  Christmas spending time with your loved ones!

Merry Christmas!!!

What's Inspiring Me Lately

"I decided to start anew, to strip away what I'd been taught."  -Georgia O'Keefe


I am READY for a change in my life. Big time change!! I have picked my Word for 2014...MOVE, I am losing weight and inches, I am working on Becoming a better Me with my course "Being Me" and I am sorting, organizing and simplifying our home little by little.

What I am NOT doing is creating. Ugh. I haven't created much in a few months {hence very little art photos lately}. Soooo THIS year along with continuing all of the above I VOW to spend time in my studio creating rather than organizing and just staring at my supplies. Seriously all I have done the past few months is LOOK at my supplies and wonder what I am gonna do with them. Soooo uninspired in the art part of my life lately. Very frustrating!!!

For Christmas I have asked  my strong boys in the family to help me re-arrange my studio ONE LAST TIME. I know what my problem is and what's been keeping me from getting any fun art done...my workspace. I need a HUGE table so I can spread all my stuff out on...not the wimpy little desk I have now:)

While I love this desk...I just can't spread out like I want to. Sooooo my strong boys are moving this downstairs for me and replacing it with an old kitchen table. Yes....everyone in my family thinks I am nuts but I KNOW I will LOVE it!!!! I promise to share photos when it's all done:)

Even thought I haven't been creating much I have been sooo inspired by the blogs I read and all the cool classes being offered in the new year. Here is what I am loving lately:)

1. My friend Jodene never ceases to inspire. She is currently working on a calendar project for the ranches of South Dakota. Her passion is amazing and inspiring me soooo much!! Visit her here.

2. LOVE this artist!! One of my FAVES!!! She is offering a cool FREE class in the New Year. I will be there for sure!!!

3. My sweet Mama just signed me up for this BRAVE GIRL class today!! Merry Christmas to me!! Sure to be life changing!!! If you have never taken a class from Melody Ross you are seriously missing out!

4. I found this woman's jewelry via Brave Girls Club and intend on purchasing this necklace with my Word MOVE on it!!

5. There are sooo many WONDERFUL blogs out there and this one in particular is new to me and inspiring me to just get messy!!!

I am sooo excited....a dear friend is letting me borrow her book on artist Georgia O'Keefe. She is giving it to me to read this Sunday at church. Cannot wait to delve into her thoughts and art!!! Love her!!

What is inspiring YOU right now??

Weeks 27 & 28: Get Ready for YOUR Best Year Yet!

"One's Lifework, I have learned, grows with the working and the living. Do it as if your Life depended on it, and first thing you know, you'll have made a Life out of it. A good Life, too."  -Theresa Helburn


 First off...please forgive me for posting Week 27 so late. We have been having internet issues and my schedule has been mostly work and picking up after my family. At first I was so frustrated but then realized that you are all busy, too and would understand:)

Since I was late and this week will be over before we know it AND the fact that I have sooo much to say this week...I am combining Week 27 and 28 so you have plenty of time to ponder the material. I hope you enjoy!

For the past 10 plus years I have picked a Word to inspire me throughout the year thanks to the very talented Ali Edwards. Here are a few of my Words from years past. TRUE, STORY, REINVENT and POSSIBILITY. This past year I created several sweet canvas's that have hung in my studio all year, reminding me to be TRUE to my heart.

I found myself questioning what my TRUE passions in life are, my values, my faith, what makes my heart sing. I tried my best to do only those things that were TRUE-ly speaking to me and say NO to those things that I didn't want to do. TRUE has become one of my favorite Words and has inspired me in my art this year and my writing.

This year I began thinking about my word in November...it's usually when I get the urge to start reflecting on my life and making new goals...I know that the New Year is not far away....and I LOVE a NEW FRESH YEAR!!!

So this year, as I was searching for just the right Word a few kept popping up...CREATE, ARTFUL and FORWARD. I KNOW that in 2014 I want to CREATE MORE and SHARE on my blog all my work. I also know I TRULY want to CREATE art pieces that reflect MY style (which I found this year due to me listening and being TRUE to my heart!!).

Still...none of those Words TRULY spoke to me...

Then, one beautiful, sunny moring as I was power walking up a hill it hit me...I KNEW my Word of the Year!!! I had taken the steps to start getting my health back by joining Curves Complete and knew that getting in shape would be a priority for me in 2014. My teaching  is stepping up a notch in the New Year when I fly to South Carolina and teach at a Beach Retreat in October!! And THIS is the YEAR I work hard at getting published and really sharing my work on my blog. I KNEW my Word for 2014 should be

MOVE

to change from one place or position to another.

to set or keep in motion.

to prompt, actuate, or impel to some action: What moved you to do this?

to arouse or excite the feelings or passions of; affect with emotion

I LOVE my Word and am sooo excited to MOVE in 2014!!!!

Your goal for the next few weeks is to think of YOUR WORD for 2014. Make a list of your goals for the new year and see what really jumps off the page at you. Create a canvas to celebrate your Word and hang in your studio, your bedroom...anywhere you will see if often.

Coming up in the next few posts are links to some of my favorite mixed media artists and art, a few classes on my Wish List, a fantastic jewelry artist you will swoon over, my NEW art project for 2014 and more. I hope you will continue your journey to BEING ME in the New Year as well!! We will be covering these topics in the coming weeks...

1. Passion/Fear

2. Your Life Enhancers

3. Are you a Caterpillar or a Butterfly?

4. Who should YOU Forgive?

5. Our Gifts and Talents

I appreciate each one of you and look forward to a wondrful 2014 filled with art and inspiration!!!

Week 26: Time to REALLY Take Care of YOU!!

It's not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It's necessary. -Unknown


The past 4 weeks I have been on a journey to wellness and healing. If you are friends with me on Face Book then you may have read my posts about it and if not...here is my FB page:),

It wasn't that long ago I was running marathons, eating all the right foods, really taking care of ME.

With my Team in Training teammates in Anchorage. It was 4:30 in the morning here!!!

Me, my Mom and Jacks in Anchorage, Alaska for my first marathon.

Even though my kids were little, I made ME a priority by eating right and working out. It made me such a GOOD mom!!! Really, I KNOW that when we make sure we are taken care of...EVERYONE benefits!!

But somehow, through the years, the stress, the setbacks we've had financially....I have put ME last. Whenever someone needs anything...I am right there...to support and cheer on. To lift up and help. Yes, I have my art which has helped tremendously with my stress levels...but my body has been failing me. It's tired and weak and in pain. It has been no way to live.

So, 4 weeks ago I made the decision to join Curves Complete. Several of my good friends had seen phenominal results and I was watching!! I couldn't get over how HAPPY and at PEACE they were. I was craving both of those things so much but was very hesitant to sign up for the plan. It's 60 bucks a month and 60 bucks right now is a lot. 

I prayed on it and received an answer! I have been working 3 to 4 days a week at the schools subbing so my checks have been really good. I am so grateful for the work!! And even though we use that money primarily for groceries and other bills my husband told me to go ahead and sign up...do something for yourself!!

Girls...this is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT thing I have done in YEARS!! I am feeling sooooo good about myself. I am getting stronger both physically and mentally. I am lifting weights and building up my upper body. My headaches are disappearing!! With the Curves Complete plan I eat healthy veggies, lean protiens and fruit. I do eat starch...but I am choosiing to stay away from bread for now. Water is a huge part of the program and I am drinking it with lots of lemons. My diet soda habit has gone from a 32 ounce soda a day to 2 or 3 a week. Eventually I want to be DONE with the soda...and I WILL get there!!!

At my weigh in and measurements Monday I have lost a total of 3.5 pounds and 9 inches!! 1.5 on each thigh!! I have also lost 1 percent body fat and gone down nearly one whole BMI point...all in 4 weeks!! 

All of this has made me realize that it has been WAY TOO LONG since I TRULY cared for myself. No wonder I was hurting all the time! 

This week I want you to BEGIN working on YOU. 

What is it that needs EXTREME self care in you? Are you in need of more exercise, do you need to forgive someone so you can move on? Are you going 20 hours a day just doing and going and doing and going without ever taking a break?? Do you need more sleep, more down time, more friend time? Whatever it is that YOU need...BEGIN!!! Don't wait like I did for years!! Just do it! Take it in baby steps and keep moving forward!!

Let me know how you are doing with the Challenge. Leave a message here or in our FB group here.

If you are new to the 52 week Challenge or just want to review it go here.

Thanks so much for joining me. I love having you here!!!

Week 25:Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest all is gathered in

And chilly north winds blow. 

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain,

So open wide the doorway ---

Thanksgiving comes again! 

Old Rhyme

Oh how I LOVE the week of Thanksgiving! All my kids are home for the week, safe and snug with me. We bake and cook and play games and go to movies. We spend time with family, laughing and remembering Thanksgiving past. All just seems right with the world:)

.

This year we are taking Wednesday to bake all the pies. I know we'll listen to Christmas music, watch a few movies and be all cozy in our home. Nothing makes me happier. It truly is the little things I love best.

Thursday my Mom and her friend Roger will be over for dinner and games. That night we will go see a movie. Friday my kids are going shopping in Kansas City...I think I'll stay home and create!!:) 

Saturday we are up BRIGHT and EARLY as we are headed to the Rams Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri!! Our High School Football Team made it to STATE for the second year in a row!! We will be cheering our Spoofhounds on Saturday afternoon!!

Girls...take some time to just enjoy your life this week. Your family, your hobbies, a few movies. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Week 24: Your Personal Abundance

"The creative process gives back tenfold. It is by definition abundant and unending."  -Cathleen Rountree, Artist and Writer


There are some days I wake up with a chip on my shoulder. I whine and complain at just about anything. It seems the more I complain the worse I feel. Sometimes I get myself in such a tither I become paralyzed with fear and sadness. I can take one think {like our lack of money} and turn it into we are losing everything and my life stinks and what did I do to deserve this? When my attitude gets this bad it not only makes me sad but I feel physically sick and drained of all my energy. Who can create with that bad attitude?

In her book "12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women", Gail McMeekin says this...

"When we are in touch with our true Abundance, it permeates the fabric of our lives. It includes passion, both romantic and creative; positive relationships, life experiences you crave and enjoy; personal and professional challenges and growth; and individual moments to savor."  



Did you read that??

Personal and professional challenges and growth.

Hmmmmm....I am guessing that without my struggles and set backs there wouldn't be any growth. Soooo...all of this is good for me??

"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are."  -Bernice Johnson Reagon, Musician

Honestly I couldn't agree more with Gail and Bernice. I KNOW from experience that when we are at our darkness moment...if we just keep the faith and tell ourselves we CAN get through this we will. I can't tell you how many times a week I wake up whiney then say to myself..."Les, you have sooo much to be grateful for. You have SO MUCH." Then I repeat this phrase to myself..."I live a life of Abundance. I live a life of Abundance." I say it over and over again sometimes. How ever long it takes me to calm down and begin to see what I DO have.

McMeekin goes on to write...

"Creative freedom is the backbone of prosperity. Knowing yourself, believing in your inspirations, and making the touch choices to follow your inner knowing necessitates fortitude. Engaging with your creative self is a joy unto itself. Painting a vision on a canvas has it's own special reward. The question of whether or not it sells is a different issue. The glory of bringing that painting into existence in the first place is what truly matters. Creativity has its own payoff...."

For me that payoff she talks about is MY OWN PERSONAL Abundance. I am filling myself up, making my fears and concerns about my life a thing of the past. I am living in the moment with gratitude for my creative inspirations.

A heart leaf I found on the farm

This week let's think about our OWN Personal Abundance. I want you to write a paragraph about what Abundance looks like in your life. Who/What are your most precious possessions, relationships and experiences? Are you living a life according to what's most valuable to YOU? What needs to change in your life? How are you using your gift of time? What underlying values are reflected in your experiences of living? What sparks your creative power?  {taken from McMeekin's book}


I know there is a bunch to be learned this week!! Get out your journals and create your paragraph. Girls, I think from now on I will post our weekly challenges on Tuesdays. Mondays just creep up on me too fast!!! Also if you are behind...NO WORRIES! Do this at your own pace. Here is the link:) 

Week 23: Our Holiday Absolute YES List

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. 
-- Laura Ingalls Wilder


No, this isn't a Christmas post...it is a bit too early for that:) However, it's NOT to early to begin feeling overwhelmed and stressed by our Holiday To-Do Lists. There's Thanksgiving dinner and traveling, Black Friday shopping {if you go}, Christmas dinners and parties and more shopping and decorating and being of good cheer. Whew...how in the world are we supposed to do all that and still have good cheer?? 

This week we are talking about our Holiday Absolute Yes List. Remember Week Three's Absolute Yes List?? Here is a reminder from that week from Life Coach Cheryl Richardson...

"The truth is that WE control where our Time goes. Time is finite. We only get a certain amount 168 hours a week, 52 weeks a year; and that's if we don't die first. Time is a gift that most of us take for granted. We get so caught up in the busyness of our daily lives that we rarely stop and take  serious look at how we're spending this gift."

I think during the holidays this couldn't be more true and so a Holiday version of our Yes List is a MUST!

So this week...take time and list all of those parties and plans you have for the next 6 weeks or so. Then take that list and break it down and think to yourself what TRULY matters to you. What is TRULY speaking to your heart?

Here is my Holiday Absolute YES List for 2013.

1. I WILL stay on my Curves Complete Plan and  say YES to living a healthy life.

2. I WILL take time to honor the traditions in our family...cookie making with Grams and the kids, watching Christmas movies on the couch, Thanksgiving at our home and Dave and I's shopping trip to Kansas City.

3. I WILL mail out Christmas cards this year along with a family photo.

4. I WILL have a Christmas party for my Institute class before finals week.

5. I WILL try my best to keep our home clean and comfortable so we can enjoy being home.

That's it. That's my List. I know that those five things will happen this season. There are a few other things on my mind...but honestly...if they don't happen..it's ok. I have learned through the years that simple is best. I love Christmas!! I love Thanksgiving! I refuse to get all stressed out!

So girls...take time this week and decide what is on YOUR List. Create a page, journal your feelings...is it hard for you to say NO to things during the holidays?

 I would LOVE to hear what important things go on YOUR list!! Please share below or on our FB page...Mind.Body.Soul.

Week 22: Rejection

The effects of rejection can either kill your muse or change your life. (Jane Champagne)



Week 22 and I am evolving and growing and LEARNING!! I hope as you take this journey with me you will be kind to yourself and KNOW that there is no timeline...no right or wrong. We are all trying to be and do better!! Be NICE to YOU!!!

This week we are talking about the awful, scary word...REJECTION. Ugh. Just hearing this word makes me cringe a little. For me...fear of rejection is probably the one thing that keeps me from doing more with my dreams of publication, teaching and selling my work. I take rejection sooooo personally. As in...if someone doesn't like my work it equals them not liking me. I know..I know...silly...but true. And I wonder how many of us feel the exact same way??

We keep going back, stronger, not weaker, because we will not allow rejection to beat us down. It will only strengthen our resolve. To be successful there is no other way. (Earl G. Graves)

Whenever I am at an art festival with my work...every time someone stops and looks at my work...it takes my breath away. I almost don't want to be there. My heart races and I say to myself...What in the heck am I doing here??

This week I want you to make a list of all the rejections you have felt in your life. Notice I said felt not had. How many times have we just felt that way when in reality that is not what was intended at all??

Anyway...back to your list...Who rejected you? Were you attacked with harsh words? Was the rejection mean or was it constructive...where you could learn from it? Have you healed from these rejections or are they still open wounds? Do these past rejections affect your life today and all that you hope to achieve?

When it comes to your creative work...what are you MOST insecure about? As a person what are you most insecure about? Do they overlap? What might you do to overcome these insecurities??

"You've got to take the initiave and play your game...Confidence makes the difference."  -Chris Everett, Tennis Star

A month or so ago my face book friend Sheri put a call out for artists to teach at her Beach Retreat in South Carolina. I LOVE to teach...it's my passion and really, really wanted to go. However...I was scared to death and decided not to contact her. A week or so went by and it kept nagging at me...let her know you are interested. Finally I sent her a message and class ideas and she accepted!! Sooooo....guess what girls?? I am TEACHING at my first art retreat in South Carolina this October 2014!! I am BEYOND excited and can't believe this is happening!! I took a risk of being rejected and am so grateful that I just did it!! Despite the risk...YAY me!

Rejection is part of the job description for anyone in the arts... one must have a sense of purpose... of where you want to go with your art, and no one decides that but you. Seek relevance instead of approval. (Jackie Knott)


Let me know how YOU handle rejection!! Leave me a comment and let me know. Be sure and stop by our FB page Mind.Body.Soul too. Oh and if you haven't started on your Being Me journey yet or just need all 22 weeks in one place you can find that here. And the Art Retreat I am teaching at Art Beach Retreat is here.

Have a great week!!!

Week 21: One Small Thing...Part 2

Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.

                                                                                        -Van Gogh

I know that I need more time working on One Small Thing!! In case you missed that post here it is. The idea is to take ONE THING in your life and practice it daily....an excerpt from last week's post.

"This week I want you to think about ONE simple practice you can do that will help you connect daily with your TRUEST self. Examples include....walking, reading scriptures, enjoying a cup of coffee with your spouse every morning, creating, painting, writing in your journal, stretching, meditating, etc."

My goal is to get my creating on!! I can proudly say I did pretty good. While I wasn't in my studio most of the week I had my Soul Comfort journal bag with me and journaled nightly on the couch. Love how that simple act kept me connected to my heart.

So girls...keep it up!! Whatever your practice is...keep on working on it for at least 15 minutes a day. Remember we get better at something when we engage ourselves in it!!!

I want to WELCOME all the new girls from our Face Book group Mind.Body.Soul. We are soo happy you are here to share and play along. If you are not sure where to start....go here.

How are YOU doing with YOUR 52 week Challenge?? I find myself growing bit by bit. Some days I go back to my journal and say to myself...I really need to work on this!!

I am not perfect...but I am striving to be the best I can be!! Keep working girls:)

 One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.  -Henri Matisse

Week 20: One Small Thing

"Wherever you go, go with all your Heart."

Happy Week 20 Girls!! And for those of you just joining us...WELCOME! In the past week we have had over 20 NEW people join our facebook group!! Here is the link to ALL 52 weeks up to this point. Jump right in and get started. I am soooo very happy you are here:)

I gotta tell you...I am a bit behind on my journal pages even thought I am following along with each week's activity. My goal this week is to get all caught up and share next week. I have been creating though which always makes me happy. How about you?? Any creative inspiration you would like to share?? Be sure and post your blogs/ideas in our group. If you haven't found us yet you can go here.

I LOVE , LOVE, LOVE this week's prompt!! I think I have said a few times...but I really am crazy about our activity this week and just know you will be, too.

I know with all my heart that when we practice something we become better at it. And when we become better at things we gain confidence. When we gain confidence we can take what we know and share it with the world. That's how it is with my writing, my art, my teaching, everything I do. The more I practice and share the more I grow and am able to share my truest passions with the world {or at least my little corner of it}.

This week I want you to think about ONE simple practice you can do that will help you connect daily with your TRUEST self. Examples include....walking, reading scriptures, enjoying a cup of coffee with your spouse every morning, creating, painting, writing in your journal, stretching, meditating, etc.

This act doesn't have to be long...you don't have to accomplish anything but doing the act. I know so many times I feel like hanging out in my studio but the thought of hours getting everything out and finishing a project is just too much for my day. What I am talking about is getting our hearts and our minds to come together. I mean my heart is always thinking of the studio and all the stuff I want/should be doing. Many times though I am too tired and the couch sounds more appealing. This week I will LISTEN to my heart....go to my studio and just do something for 15 minutes...it might just be collaging paper in my journal or free painting...but I will do something.

The way I see it...the more I  just show up the more my heart and mind will be in sync.

Am I making sense??

So this week girls...SHOW UP. Take that walk around your block after work, spend some time with your hubby, paint something random...do it everyday this week for at least 15 minutes. Listen to your heart. Trust. Then do.

I caught the happiness virus last night When I was out singing beneath the stars.  Hafiz of Persia

Proud to Be a MARYVILLE SPOOFHOUND!

                         

 I have lived in Maryville, Mo nearly 30 years. Moving here from Fort Madison, Iowa in 1985 to become a Bearcat at Northwest Missouri State University I had no intention of staying here. But as fate would have it I fell in love with Maryville and am PROUD to call it HOME!

My husband and I met at the local radio station KNIM, built our business here and knew we would raise our family here. The people I have met are some of the nicest, most generous souls I've known. We love Maryville and support our local businesses, schools and activities.

A view of our courthouse on the square.

Speaking of schools... I am so grateful and proud to work and spend time with some REALLY AWESOME children and teenagers!! 

I love this little town of mine. I love the people. I love the schools. I am blessed to call Maryville Home.

Week 19:Home

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” 
― Edith Sitwell

Oh how I love Home.

The feeling I get just being here...

with my family.

Makes me so happy.

So peaceful.

Right now

in my

Life

things

aren't 

quite 

so 

blissful.

No.

Worries and struggles

are trying to

drag me down.

Again.

I am well prepared

this time around.

And though it won't be easy...

I know it will work out.

The 

Lord 

is 

always

here.

With me.

Always.

He is what gets me through.

Your assignment for Week 19 is to find a little peace of Heaven in your Home. Whether it's cleaning out your studio, making a studio, finding a quiet spot to read or write...whatever is calling to you. Find a spot, make it comfortable and claim it as your Heavenly Home.

“Home is the nicest word there is.” 
― Laura Ingalls Wilder

Thank My Lucky Stars & CUTE Project idea:)

She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink. Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child.
-- Barbara Alpert


I am an only child. But at least once a year I get to be surrounded by all my Soul Sisters...

 These beautiful girls are my Cousins, my Aunt, my Daughter and my Mom. We all live several hundred miles apart which makes our Girl's Weekend even more sacred.

This beautiful lady is my first cousin Lora. She has always been a kind, caring and very important person to me. She opened up her gorgeous home in Springfield, Missouri a few weeks ago and made us all feel so special!!

Lora is a Nurse Practioner, amazing Mom and a professional chef and decorator!! I swear...everything she does she does with all her heart:)

My Mom and Aunt Ruth and I all have October Birthdays and Lora made sure we had a very special and DELICIOUS cake!!! YUM!


This was my piece with pumpkin spice ice cream!!

Happy Birthday to Us!:)

I knew I wanted to create something really special for these Soul Sisters of mine...something they could enjoy all year long. Something that would lift them up and remind them just how precious they are.

Here is what I came up with....

I call them Lucky Stars.

These were SO FUN to put together!!

I bought the plain paper mache type stars at Micheal's. First I collaged scraps of paper to each star then painted over most of that...leaving just a few patterns to show through.

After the paint dried I took my favorite stencils and sprayed ink on the stars...love the look of ink and stencils!! 

I picked a favorite script and dot stamped and used those on each star. Each star got a butterfly, two word strips and some other type of embellishment...like a button or epoxy sticker.

To the sides of each star as well as the tips I applied paint glitter...to make each start shine!

My finishing touch was seven different fibers and ribbon tyed to the top along with a cute charm. I used keys, hearts and flowers.

I LOVED making these and giving them to the girls was even better!!! My favorite part was picking just the right phrases for each of the girls. I wanted them to be very unique...just like my Soul Sisters are:)

We may look old and wise to the outside world. But to each other, we are still in junior school.
-- Charlotte Gray


I love these women and am so grateful for each of them!