Sunday, October 23, 2011

Things learned

My Mom has been a regular reader of my blog and it used to bother me.  Then I realized that all she wanted was a connection, which was hard being hundreds of miles away from each other.  I have always been terrible about calling and checking in with my parents.  With my blog at least they know I am still alive, except when I go MIA like the last few months.

I have been blessed in my life in having two sets of parents.  My Mom and Dad divorced when I was three, then my Step Dad married my Mom and adopted me when I was 5.  I only call him my Step Dad so as to not confuse others when I am talking about family.  He is my Daddy and always will be.  I never had contact with my Dad until my early 30's.  When I met him it was like part of who had been lost was found.  I was given an inner confidence that day by God, something I had prayed for and that had come to pass.

Fast forward 15 years later, I sit here and look back over my life.  I can see what each set of parents has taught me, individually as well as a whole.

*Love without regret*Love when you don't want to*Love when all you want to do is give up and give in*Love when there is so much pain-you feel as if it is going to break you*Stand strong*Stand for what you believe in*Acceptance regardless of what is seen because you may not know the whole story*Peace, that in time you will somehow at least understand each other even if you don't agree*That being angry is okay-work out what you need. We are going to be here when you are ready*We will give you the space you need, always remember we love you.*

My Step Dad is an example of what love is all about.  Seeing past all the bad and loving because it is the right thing.  He showed a strength to me that I couldn't really understand until I had been married 15 years.....you give up part of yourself but you gain others.  My parents complete each other, constant companions(I'm sure driving each other crazy at times) and each others care giver.

Our lives changed this week as my Mom's body just couldn't take anymore of this life.  She went to a place of peace, with no pain and she is now surrounded by the ones that have gone before her. Despite everything, I will always miss and love her.  We will all be okay Mom, trust that God has a plan just like He always has.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Congradulations!!

I am sorry it has taken me a few more days to post the winner of the give aways.  I have gotten caught up in organizing a few things in my garage before the weather gets any colder.  Thank you my friends for taking part in celebrating my birthday last month. 

I gave everyone a number and put all those numbers into the random generator.  I'm happy to announce that Judy, from Just a Simple gal will receive the book Art Saves and Georgie Horn, from Puddin'n Pie will receive the Tag Birthday Book that I made.  Please email me your addresses so I can get these things out to you.  Enjoy!! 

What do you love about fall?  Do you have any special things you do with your family this time of year?  Come back tomorrow and I'll share some of my favorites!

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Happiness in the Fall

Fall is here and honestly I am really not ready for it.  I much prefer a bit of sunshine to the dark weather.  I always think I mentally prepare myself for it but it happens, then I find myself in a bit of a funk.  So in order to keep myself out of a bad place I am promising myself that when I feel this way I will be sure to look back on this year to see all the beautiful artwork I've created.  It is bright and happy which I am sure will help my moods.

This is the piece I felt deserved it's own post.  It was weeks in the making after I saw a small nick knack piece at a local grocery store.  It made me happy but the price tag didn't especially for something so small.  Plus I don't really have the space so it just made more sense to take the time to make a canvas.

I put to good use what I learned for Christy Tomlinson in the classes I took from her this year.  Layer upon layer, with hidden messages if you look closely.  People may never really see them but they mean something to me.  This was a healing piece, a testament of sorts to show how far I have come in my life.  Again it just makes me completely happy!






I've always been a detail orientated person.  That is what you will see when you look at it.  After months of it being completed I still can't help but look at it and see something new.  Did I really put that there or is it just something that happened?   The hardest part??  Waiting for each layer to completely dry!  I thought sometimes I would go crazy.  You can't help the urge to touch but then you remember you may just mess it up, so you walk away.  Trust me just walk away from the project, if you face that!  You will be happier!!

Is there something you will hold onto tightly as we go into the holidays, then into a New Year? 
 

Whatever it happens don't forget to STOP and Enjoy this day that you have been given.      

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Full steam ahead

Some days it really seems that I am going so fast that I can't keep up with myself, then I have to give out the gentle reminder that I am probably bringing it upon myself.  I have been feeling like I have been being pulled in so many directions.  This is our busy time of year and by the end of my children's days they barely have enough time to stop to eat with so much homework.  They are working hard in Marching Band and keeping on top of schoolwork.......chores got put to the back burner the first couple of weeks of school.  Now I am just trying to help them to find the balance to what needs to be done here.  I miss them when they are busy.

I decided to go back to school with Suzi Blu.....she is doing an awesome 8 month class on art journaling, you can read about it here.  I've also enrolled in three of her other classes here .  All of these classes are such a good deal!  You won't regret taking a look and possibly signing up.  Suzi really walks you through each step so you are doing it as she does it.  This is called a tower, it brought me a great deal of peace as I was working on it.  I am pretty sure it isn't complete yet, there are a few things missing but I will wait for it to speak to me.

It isn't to late to put your name into my birthday drawing, just scroll down and check it out.  It will remain open until Sunday October 9pst.  I will then pick a winner and post on Monday, October 10.  I would REALLY love to hear what you have done to make someones day!