It Truly is a Wonderful Life

My favorite movie of all time is the Frank Capra classic "It's a Wonderful Life". 

This year...more than any other 

it seems to fit what's going on in our lives perfectly.

Lately I've seen my husband

look like this many times throughout the day...

We shut down our Domino's Pizza store down last week.

The store that has been our main source of income for over 20 years.

Why we shut it down is unimportant.

The fact is we did. 

And while a part of us is extremely happy we did...

the other part is a bit frightened.

To say our income has dropped substantially in the past 2 weeks is an understatement.

But yet, we are good.

We are.

We are so very blessed.

We have other sources of income that will sustain us.

Pay our bills, keep food on our table.

There will be no extras.

None.

We knew that going into it.

But still it's scary.

We have worries and concerns about our home, our family.

My husband shares a lot of the same characteristics with George Baily.

He's always helping others...

always.

Every time that scene comes on where George is taking his own money

for his honeymoon and passing it 

out to the citizens of Bedford Falls I just laugh...

it's so my husband.

I can't count how many times Dave has

taken from us to give to others.

That's just how he rolls.

Throughout this ordeal rumors have been swirling around

town that the Ackmans are losing everything.

That we were forced to shut down.

Those rumors hurt.

It's not so easy walking into Wal-Mart when you feel like

all eyes are on you.

But for the most part...

those people that know us and love us...

they have been wonderful.

I am so grateful for them.

My husband is, too.

It's not easy on him.

He's the one out in the trenches...

making sure are bills get paid.

Making sure we can do this without too  many problems.

That's why I started keeping a Gratitude Journal again.

Having a grateful heart keeps me cheerful.

Isn't that what Christmas is all about?

A grateful heart...

A cheerful life...

A smile for everyone we meet.

Tonight as we snuggle on the couch and watch our favorite classic

I will be counting my blessings.

And even though I'm not sure what 2012 will bring

I know that I lead a blessed life. I have so much.

My family.

My friends.

My faith.

A warm home.

Food on my table.

Love in my heart.

It truly is a Wonderful Life.

Merry Christmas Girls!!

Art Journaling Everyday

It's Day 4 of my Favorite Blog List. Now, remember these aren't my only favorite blogs...heavens NO! They are just a sampling of blogs that have really caught my eye this past month and look forward to reading in the New Year.

Today's featured blog is "Balzer Designs". You may have noticed their blog button on my sidebar...

I found Julie a year ago on one of my late night Web Surfs. Her style of art journaling is so me...a bit messy, lots of texture and words and colors. Love it! My favorite thing about her blog is her monthly challenge..."Art Journal Every Day". With Julie's support {along with dozens of other girls} you are encouraged to create something in your journals every single day. Sounds hard...but the few months I did it felt so good!

I have been visiting her blog a ton lately in anticipation of the new year and my goal to get back to art journaling. I totally abandoned it last fall when I began painting so much and getting ready for my shows. Not anymore!! 2012 is the year of STORY for me and art journaling will play a huge part in that!!
 
Okay...so do you remember this room?!?!?  And that turkey??

More...

And one more...

Girls...this room looks NOTHING like this now. Oh,no!! It is now my DREAM SPACE!! I am soooo excited to share all the photos with you!! Be sure and stop by tomorrow:)

Girls, I am sooo excited for 2012. I can just FEEL the goodness coming my way...how about you??

Funky Vintage Lovely

December 20th?? Really??! Oh goodness...there is still sooo much to do!

But wait...I have decided not to run around like a maniac this year baking 3 kinds of cookies and 5 different candies and mailing out dozens of Christmas cards.

No.

This year I have decided to focus on my family and my Savior.

Em and I are making our family favorite candy, wrapping in a pretty cellophane bag and tying with a Christmas ribbon. I mailed out a few Christmas cards to friends and family that don't have Facebook and that's it. It feels good not to try and do it all this year:)

Okay...so we're on Day 3 of my 7 day "Favorite Blogs of the Past Month Tour".

Meet April. She is amazing! She is oh, so talented and works side by side with her husband creating "Funky Vintage Lovely" things for your home.

If I could afford everything she creates I would buy it all. And she is just so darling!! Every Wednesday she shares what she wears. Someday I hope to dress just like her...so my style:)






Here is a sample of her posts and her photos...they are so inspiring. I think half of my Pins on Pinterest are from April!!

Queen Bee Market
What I Wore
Her Shop

Stop by and Say Hi to the lovely April today!! Be sure and tell her I said HI.:)

Click here to day HI!

Have you cut down on some of the Holiday craziness?? What and how are you doing??

The Amazing Danielle!!

Today's Featured Blogger  is Danielle Daniel. Her Blog "Her Painted Word" has brought me smiles, joy and such peace these past few weeks.

Danielle has a way with words. She speaks from her heart-100% and you know it. She tells stories about her family and her art. Each of her beautiful girls has such a story to tell.

Danielle has been published in two of the latest Somerset Publications {i have them both!}

I have never read this magazine before...simply because I have never sewn...but Danielle is changing all that! I picked this issue up last Friday and made a goal to begin stitching in 2012!!

You can also find her work and a wonderful article in this magazine. If you've never read Somerset Studio...you are in for a REAL treat!! Not only does Danielle have a truly remarkable tale to share but Sweet Soraya is in this issue as well. In fact both Danielle and Soraya are on the COVER!!:)








I love it when a Blog not only inspires me with their artwork but also with their heart...their words...their stories. Danielle does that and so much more!!

Photo from Danielle's Blog

Be sure and stop by "Her Painted Word" when you have a chance. You will love it!!

Retro Seventies

In the Spirit of Gratitude...for the next 7 days I will be sharing 7 blogs I am grateful for. 7 blogs that continue to touch my heart, inspire and encourage me to be a better me. They are in no particular order and please note...just because your blog may not be on the list does not mean that you aren't inspiring, ok?? There are soooo many...I am just highlighting a few that have helped me so much in the past month.

Today I am featuring Danielly Thompson's blog and her "55 Days of Vintage Christmas".

I found Danielle via Twitter and fell in love instantly at all her kitschy Christmas crafts from the 1970's. Everytime I visit it's like a trip back to my childhood. Memories of Grandma Jackson's needlepoint snowmen and angels, date balls and watching the  Lawrence Welk Christmas Special:)

Remember these melted plastic ornaments? I have all of these!! My Grandma Jackson was the Queen of 70's Christmas decorations.

This is my very favorite time of year...I love everything... from the special holiday movies, music and extra love we have for one another. Danielle's fun blog has given me a little bit of my Grams and my good memories from that time in my life.

Oh, hey...before I go...here is my absolute favorite Christmas treat...Gram's Date Balls. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

2 eggs, beaten 1 cup white sugar 1 cup chopped dates 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon butter 3 cups crispy rice cereal or Special K 1 cup flaked coconut

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the eggs sugar and dates. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix in crispy rice cereal. Butter hands and roll the mixture into walnut sized balls. Roll the balls in coconut. Serve.

 These are sooo good!!!

*What is your favorite Christmas treat? Please share!

Gratitude in my Heart

I believe that when we're in need of something the "universe" makes sure we get it. My universe is my Father in Heaven. He knows me. He knows exactly what I need to help me through my day, my struggles, my life.

Lately things in our life have been less than ideal. We are under stress that I imagine will last into Spring and maybe beyond...

Yet, despite all of this I am choosing to find the good in my life.

I am choosing to Believe that everything my family and I may go through in the next 6 months has a purpose.

I choose to grow and become a better woman.

I  choose to be grateful.

Last Sunday night as I was sitting on the couch making menu plans for the week, it dawned on me I should start a gratitude journal. Years ago I had kept one and loved it! Thanks to author Sarah Ban Breathnach and Oprah Winfrey I have a  book filled with the sweetest little memories of my children and my life that brought me joy and peace no matter what kind of day I was having.
So, I started a gratitude journal that very night.

The next day while I was reading through my favorite blogs I read a post by Lee Clements. The title of the post? GRATITUDE. I smiled and nodded my head as I read her lovely words. She shared about her gratitude journal and how Sarah Ban Breathnach had been such an inspiration to her. Wow! I couldn't believe it!! Less than 12 hours before I had been thinking about the very same thing.

About an hour later I picked up our church magazine the Ensign. The first page I flipped to read something like this..."100 reasons you should keep a gratitude journal".
Then I turned the page and their was one of my favorite church leaders Henry B. Eyering and his talk on gratitude. 


Now I know gratitude is a hot topic during this season. But I don't believe in  coincidences. I believe that because my Father in Heaven knows what's ahead for me...He is trying to gently remind me what's truly important.




We are not our things. We are not our house, our cars, our clothes, our stuff.


What's important in living a good life is family. It's love at home. It's prayer. It's knowing that we can weather any storm because we have one another.

That same night I was baking a few treats for our Seminary Christmas party. I had 2 packs of saltine crackers on a cookie sheet and was spreading them around in oil. I stopped for just a moment and couldn't believe what I saw. On one of the crackers was the most perfect heart baked right in. It was perfect. And no, I didn't get a photo. I was too busy showing everyone and laughing. We all thought it was just so cool. I thought it was more than cool. I knew it was another sign. I knew it was the Spirit witnessing to me that I was on the right path. That as long as I keep my heart filled to the brim with faith and love and gratitude...then everything would be okay.

"Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives

do I give to you. 

Let not your hearts be troubled,

neither let them be afraid."
~ John 14:27 ~

My Story Matters

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!"  -Rocky Balboa


If you've read by blog for very long...you may think my life is all smiley faces and exclamation points.


When I began writing "Words of Me Project" I wasn't quite sure where it would go. The past year it's been filled with stories and photos of my art. As I've come out of my artistic shell and began sharing with all the world I've enjoyed the comments and cheers each of you have given me. This blog has been my safe place. A place I can come and spill my heart out...honestly and thoughtfully. This is my place on the Web to share. To spread sunshine. To uplift and inspire you.

Lately, my heart has been whispering one word over and over again.

Story.

I hear it as I'm typing this post.
I hear it during my journal writing, when I'm creating.
I hear at the oddest times...like when I'm studying scripture or driving.

Story.

Tell stories. Write stories. Share stories.

During the five years I wrote my newspaper column "View From the Front Porch" my readers knew me...the real me. The ugly me. The sad me. The happy me! Each week I shared a Story of my life with them. I looked at everything like a Story. I learned from the Stories I wrote about.
Each Story I told touched one of my readers in some way or the other. I know this because I couldn't go anywhere in my small town without someone coming up to me and share how my Story had been their Story, too.  

I am ready to share My Story with you.
Sometimes good.
Sometimes sad.
Sometimes angry and upset.
Sometimes exhilarating.
Sometimes scary.
Sometimes smiley faces and exclamation points!

Always real.
Always worthwhile.
Always something you can learn from.
Always Me.

"Words of Me Project" is the Story of my life. I hope to continue inspiring, encouraging and uplifting you in your journey and with your own Story.

Thank you so much for being here. Writing is my first love. It is a passion that burns deep in my soul. Without writing I don't think life would be so meaningful. When I write I can see. Writing is my song. It brings me joy. It makes me smile. And when something I write touches your heart in some way...well, that's a feeling I never get tired of.

My life is a bit hard right now. So many unknowns up ahead. The Rocky Balboa quote at the top of this post sums up the way I'm feeling at this moment in my life. The words that speak to me are these...


But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. 

I am choosing to move forward. I am choosing to put all my trust in the Lord. He knows my heart. He knows that trials bring us closer to Him. They refine us. They make us stronger.

I am looking forward to 2012.
I have been thinking about my Word for the new year. One that keeps surfacing is Clear. But I'm still not quite sure.


I encourage you to take a look at your life. What are the qualities you want to bring into your life this new year? Where do you want to go? What are your passions and are you honoring them?

You Might As Well....

If you want to be happy, be. 

~Leo Tolstoy

New Projects!!

Life is going 100 mph!! I have been working non-stop on projects!! This Saturday is a big show in Bethany...I am soooo excited:) Along with creating there have been basketball games to attend, dinners to make, laundry to do, Christmas decorations to put up, Blog posts to write {or not-LOL}, activities to attend and Seminary to teach. It is nothing short of crazy here!!!

Here are a few of my latest projects....

Love the vintage photo in this one...isn't she darling in her hat? I imagine she was quite the Brave Soul.

I am working on sooo many Brave Girls!! Here are two of my latest....Candi and Tiffany.

Both girls are on an 8x10 canvas and ready to hang. I sell them for $15 each.

One of my latest creations...Brave notebooks!! These are perfect to jot down all your dreams in :)

They sell for $4 each.

And finally I can't WAIT to show you what I do with these;)

In creating, the only hard thing is to begin: 

a grass blade's no easier
to make than an oak.

— James Russell Lowell

What creative projects are you working on? I would love to know!!!

Christmas Project Re-Do

 **This is an artsy Challenge I first posted in December 2010. Feel free to print off and enjoy!!

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.

- Harlan Miller

 12 Days of Christmas Project

Cover of my book

The point of this happy, little book is preserving some of your fondest Christmas memories along with using photos and supplies you already have. {you may wish to purchase a few items, but keep to a minimum}

I seem to have the most fun scrapping when I gather a basket of supplies, my photos and a few idea books and just start scrapping. For this project I am using a few different Christmas, word and alphabet stamps, glitter Christmas trees, rub-ons and stickers along with holiday patterned paper. The photos are from Christmas's past....some from my childhood mixed in with some of my children.  

Day 1

Day 1: What does Christmas mean to you? When do you get into the Holiday Spirit? Is it when you hear your favorite song, watch a beloved holiday classic or taste your first sip of eggnog?

The photo on this page is from 1979. It's me, at Grandma Jackson's house Christmas Eve. The journaling reads: "I love Christmas! It's a time for family, my fave music, kids out of school, seeing loved ones we haven't in years, Jesus Christ, our fave Christmas foods and movies! As I've gotten older Christmas is a time I reflect on my childhood. So many precious memories of 3211 Ave. J with me, Mom and Dad. I realize how special family traditions are...family times. I get into the Holiday Spirit best by listening to music. Everyday I blast carols throughout our home!:)"

Day 2

Day 2: Think about ways you can give that don't cost much. Is their a charity you help yearly or would like to start helping? Maybe you spend a few hours in a nursing home each year singing Christmas carols. Be sure and make a list of all you do or would like to do.

The photo on my Charity page is our family tree from my High School days. My journaling reads: "During this special time of giving, it's important to have Charity in our hearts for others. We will...*sing carols with the missionaries at the Sr. Center *visit at the nursing home. Feels Good!!!"

Day 3

Day 3: It just wouldn't be the Holidays without food, right? What are some of your fave food related memories from Christmas past? Do you have a traditional item you bake? Write a fave recipe down, maybe include a photo from your childhood or when your kids were small of you enjoying it.

My Mom has a real gift for table decorations so I had to do a page on that. I mean she goes all out! Journaling: "Grandma always creates a beautiful table for Christmas! I am grateful for her gift of decorating. It's festive and full of so much love."

Day 4: Share a typical childhood Christmas. From the smells, to the shows you watched, the way the house was decorated, etc. 

Day 4

My photos are from 1982. Many of our Christmas's were spent in our newly built upstairs. I can still smell the kerosene heater my parents used to heat it! Journaling: "Grinch on TV, sugar cookies with sprinkles only, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Mom and Dad's anniversary Christmas Eve, decorating the tree, Dad putting $50 bills in a box full of bricks, waiting for Gram and Gramps, me waiting on the couch, looking out the window...her gingersnaps in a box with wax paper...."


Day 5: Make a list of your family favorite Holiday movies and TV specials. If you play games over break make a list of those, too.

Day 5

Journaling: Some of our Faves....Jim Carrey's "Grinch", Rudolph, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, Jingle All the Way, Elf, Christmas Vacation, It's a Wonderful Life, Scrooged and Frosty. We ADORE movies!!! Every Holiday we play lots of games! Tripoly, Monopoly, Life, Uno and Skip Bo. The Best!"

Day 6: What is the absolute BEST gift you've ever given? Was it hand made by you? Or did you save the whole year long just for this one perfect gift? Who received it? What did they think? What about you? What is the most AMAZING gift you ever received? Who gave it to you? What made it soooo special?

Day 7: Christmas Carols. Some people love them, some hate them...I personally ADORE the music of the season and have my personal favorites. Make a list of your favorites...or share a few you can't stand. Be sure and share any special stories that go with the songs.

Day 8: If you could choose one treat to eat this time of year what would it be? Why? When did you first eat it? Who made/makes it? Is is now a tradition in your family?

Day 9: Describe your home THIS Christmas Season. What decorations are up? What decorates your tree? Do you like the handmade look or are you into lots of sparkle and the perfectly matched look? Is their a certain fragrance you like to have in your home during the Holidays?

Day 10: Where is your favorite place to celebrate the Season? Do you usually stay home or travel far away? 

Day 11: Share what your magical day would be like in a perfect world.

Day 12: What is on your Christmas Wish List this year? What about when you were a child? List everything!!

There you go...all 12 prompts to create a special little book!! I love doing projects like this...not only will I have something for generations to come but this is soooo easy and soooo do-able even during this hectic time. One photo per page, a few embellishments, journaling and your done! Please take time to get this done!

This week I encourage you to DO your best. Give your all in everything. Your family, your blog, your friendships, your Christmas Spirit!!

Be a DO-ER!!! 

What will you DO this week? 

Heart JOY

Oh happy day!! It's Friday:)

I am linking up with "Joy Jam" today...what a great way to end my week...remembering all things that brought me JOY.

Remember I told you I had one more story to share  with you from my first show I did a few weeks ago? Well, I do and it touched my heart so much...I don't think I'll ever forget it.

So, I'm at the show. Ladies are stopping by, checking my work out. Some are buying and some just smile and tell me how much they love my work. As I finish wrapping up a sale I look up and notice a middle aged woman, somewhat disheveled looking, gazing intently at each one of my pieces. She never looks up...her eyes go from one piece to another. I can see that she's really getting my work. My words and images are speaking to her heart.

After several minutes she looks up at me and hands me a dollar bill. Puzzled, I tried to figure out what the dollar was for...she didn't have anything in her hand but my business card.

"That's my business card, Ma'am...you don't need to pay me for that."

"Oh, yes I do. You see I love your work but I can't afford to buy a piece so I'll just take this so I can keep it with me and remember these words."

Holding the card close to her heart, with tears welling in her eyes she gave me the dollar and turned to leave.

"Please don't stop what you're doing. It's so beautiful. People need to see your work."

If this had been my only sale of the day it would have been enough.

Thank you dear, sweet, kind lady for making my day and bringing JOY to my heart.

This man right here loves me. He gets me. He is my very best friend!! Dave you bring me JOY:)


We never thought we'd be able to have children. We tried for 4 years to have our son, Jackson. After tests, tests and more tests we found the problem and got pregnant!! What a JOY my life has been because of Jacks!!

Two and a half years later my sweet girl came along...Miss Em!

This is Em on the left with her friend Conner after the High School play a few weeks ago.

I think the greatest thing that has given me JOY this week is phrase...

I don't know about you...but it seems like I need to forgive myself daily. Each day something needs a fresh start. What a great JOY it is to know that yes, I can start today.


So what brings you JOY? What gifts have you noticed in your life this week??

Thank Goodness for Little Girls

Last year when I began this whole Brave Girl journey of mine {I took Soul Restoration} I began to uncover my Truth.

I began listening to my Heart and trying to hear what it was telling me.

Deep down I wanted to create. I knew I couldn't draw or paint or work with clay. What I did know was that I adored WORDS. I am passionate about WORDS. I love putting words on paper, in my blog and I discovered my heart song when I began putting WORDS with pictures and paint and flowers.

I began believing in my work. Creating my Brave Girls and collages added so much to my life. I began taking on-line art courses...learning and growing and realizing that I could create.

As my confidence grew...my art became more of my own. My thoughts and feelings on canvas were not only inspiring me but others as well.

I decided to take a leap of faith and enter an area craft show. When the first one didn't work out...I tried again.

My first show was a couple of weekends ago. It was amazing! The support and love given to me that day will stay with me for a very long time.

My first sale of the day was so sweet and happened within 5 minutes of the show's opening. A young girl {about 10 to 11} came over to my table. She was so darling. As she looked at each piece her eyes grew big and smile wide...

"Grandma, get over here!! I know what I want for Christmas!!"

Just hearing those words from her mouth blew me away. She wanted something I had created for Christmas??!

"Grandma, I want this one."

Note: It wasn't this exact piece but one similar...there was a vintage girl and a butterfly in the piece she chose.

Her Grandma warned her that if she bought it this would be her only present from her. The sweet girl said..."That's okay, Grams...this just speaks to me. Can we get one for my sister, too?"

Ok, so an 11 year old loves my work. It speaks to her!! Holy cow!!

Oh, and I simply wanted to hug Grandma because that wonderful woman bought that piece and one of my Brave Girls "Sassy" and gave me 2 bucks extra 'cause she loved my work so much! WHOA!

As they walked away I winked at the girl and gave her smile.

"I knew you were a Brave Girl," I said.
"How?" she asked.

I nodded at her shirt and she grinned. Her hoodie had a butterfly with the words Dream, Hope, Imagine. It was awesome!!

I have another story to share but I think I'll save that for another post.

One more thing...I have another show coming up December 10th in Bethany, Missouri AND I have been invited to sell my work at a shop in town called "Cow Girl Flair"!! I am beyond excited and working so hard on Cow Girls!!! They are turning out soooo cute. I will share later:)

Have a wonderful day girls. I leave you with one of my latest Brave Girls and a link to my favorite Brave site...Brave Girls Club. Melody and Kathy have inspired me to live my dreams!!!

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."  -Helen Keller