Her Little Wishes

Logic will get you from A to B.

Imagination will take you everywhere.

-Albert Einstein

Last night, Ella told PG she wished he was a little boy, so she "could teach him how to blow bubbles and show him her Pokemon cards." She is an amazing soul, this sweet little girl.

Where, dear friends, will your imagination take you today?

Words of Wisdom

To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.

- Chinese Proverb



I took this photo earlier this week while leaving the coolest coffee shop I've ever been (Alterra at the Lake) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Looking down at my blue toes upon the embedded glass pieces in the stone made me feel as if I was meant to be in this very place at this very time.

A moment of clarity. A-ha.

Everything does happen for a reason, my friend. Everything.

Pretty enough for Van Gogh

So, I'm feeling better, my friends. I escaped life for a few days and traveled up north with my girls to visit their Daddy. Milwaukee, Wisconsin was our home . . . away from T.V's, phones, neighbors, family, everything. It was . . . . lovely. Just us. We spent a whole day at an indoor water park (avoiding the rain and heat), and I fell asleep at poolside while lounging in a comfy chair - mouth wide open - for about an hour. I haven't been as relaxed as this in weeks. PG laughed when I finally woke - I can imagine the other guests had quite a chuckle as well. But, it was good. Really good. And I woke up feeling a bit like my old self again.

Again, a thanks to all of you, for the kind kind words on my post Monday. My blog has certainly become my land of release - and often feel like I dump my bah-humbugness on you, my faithful friends. I want you to know that your supportive comments pick me up when I am down, and bring such comfort to my spirit. Thank you . . . each of you.

Now, I have to tell you more about that sunflower I shared with you on Mondays post. Have I told you about our garden this year? Oh, our garden. You may remember from posts past that I am not much of a green thumb lady. But this year, I've taken a new approach on the garden and have embraced all it's beauty, and let me tell you . . . I'm loving it. The sunflower picture I included in my last post was of a flower in our garden . . . sigh . . . beautiful.

I love sunflowers - did you know that? Probably something I fell in love with when I first understood what art was and, while walking through the Art Institute of Chicago, saw a postcard with Van Gogh's sunflowers on it. Love at first sight.

So, when planning our garden for the summer, I wanted so very much to include sunflowers. And not only any sunflowers . . . I wanted BIG ones that would tower over the other plants and bring joy to us all season long.

Starting from seeds (back in April), PG and the girls grew our little garden of love right in the kitchen, and for weeks we watched the seeds blossom into beautiful babes. I love how they reach for the sun in this photo above. Life . . . right before our eyes.

Finally, the time came to plant. We had a hard time with bunnies in the yard this spring, so PG had to come up with a security system that folks at the Pentagon would admire. Here is a photo about a week after planting (and after an unfortunate bunny invasion.)

The bunnies did NOT prevail!

This next photo, taken just last week, shows how tall the sunflowers have grown. You can see the top of our fence in the background - our 6 FOOT fence. These particular flowers can grow as tall as 12 feet! Yippie!!! I love the reflection of the water coming from the sprinkler on the bottom of this picture.

Unfortunately, a strong rain storm over the weekend did some major damage on the flowers. Yesterday, with the help of my mom and a long broom handle, I was able to prop up the tallest flower stem and tie it to a lattice. It looks a little droopie in this next photo, but I hope it will perk up and all of the buds on it will soon blossom for us all.

Here are just a few shots of the sunflowers . . .

When we returned from Milwaukee, I couldn't believe how much they have grown. About 5 or 6 of the flowers blooming on the plants, with promises of more to follow.

And with that, the SUN has definitely come out - especially in my back yard. Sometimes, just a short change of scenary is all I need to see the Sun, and to realize it has been shining all along.

Thanks again, my friends.

This one is for you . . . and for the sunshine you bring to my life.  Tonight, I have a date with my computer and your blogs . . . and I can't wait!

Peace.

Tomorrow

The sun'll come out tomorrow, huh?

Sure.

That song has been playing in my head over and over the past few days. Whenever I find myself feeling a little overwhelmed or a little stressed, it's like this subconscious mind of my past lives starts singing "the sun'll come out tomorrow". . . and I gotta tell you . . . it's annoying as all hell.

Did you ever want to smack Annie? That little red headed "the sun'll come out tomorrow" Annie. The "when I'm stuck with a day that's gray and lonely" Annie. The one who will "just stick out my chin, and grin, and say . . . . ohhhh . . ." Annie.

Yeah, that one.

Lately I've been in a cranky mood. No reason . . . just cranky. (I think I need one of my very own "Get out of Crankville" cards. . . remember those?)

I don't think I like people . . . ok . . . not everyone . . . just some . . . and really just want to be alone. I've also come to realize that being the neighborhood crafty mom leaves much to be desired when dealing with some children. I've realized that I have a mess of a house that will probably take me until Thanksgiving to get organized. And, having a husband who travels often for his work when I am in the midst of a personal crisis really sucks.

Yep, I'm a little cranky.

And I think I want to take it out on Annie. I think I want to tell her to stop singing about tomorrow . . . because for all she knows, tomorrow is going to be just as rotten as today. I mean, her folks are no longer living, she's in some rotten orphanage with an alcoholic and a bunch of filthy kids, she's obviously going to have some issues in the hair department as she grows older because I'm not so sure that straightener will even do anything for that curl, and her voice . . . . well . . . it kind of gets on my nerves. So, really . . . put a clip on it. 

Yeah, I'm cranky. I have no desire to write (and that has me really bummed right now) . . . even reading is a chore (that has me equally bummed). I sit at the computer and pull up some of my beloved blog friends posts - and I feel like I can't even get through them. Not because of them, but because my mind won't open up long enough to take the greatness in. I am definitely in some sort of transition right now. And I pray, oh how I pray, that it ends soon.

But . . . even in my crankiness . . . somewhere deep inside . . . I believe . . .

I believe that the sun WILL come out tomorrow.

And I'm waiting for it.

Yes, I am.

How are you, my friend? I miss you so . . . and just want to tell that.

Celebrating Life Smash Book Idea

So, I'm trying to get my life together (she says, laughing.)

But, it's true. Does it sound easy?

It's not.

But, I'm trying.

Seems I've neglected a great deal of my life the past eight years . . . when becoming a Mom was my top priority (oh . . .that . . . and working a job, keeping a house functioning, meeting the demands of family members, and doing all the other things that I found myself doing the past eight years.)

But now . . . I've got a little time on my hands. So, I'm trying to get my life together.

I'm starting with my environment, first. My home. It's a lovely, warm, inviting place . . . full of little unorganized messes from room to room. This week, I am tackling my laundry/craft/catch all room - the one that seems to be the biggest obstacle in my creative life right now. I'll show you some before and after pictures when I'm finished with the whole project (because right now, it still looks a mess). But I am most excited because I am finally dedicating a creative space for myself in our home . . . and can't wait to share that with you, too.

In the meantime, I have been working on a few little crafty shmafty fun projects here and there. On Wednesday I revisited the whole "Smash Book" idea (click 'smash book' to be reminded of the last time I spoke about them) and put together this one . . .  a "Celebrate Life Smash".  This time, I am gathering stuff on the following topics:

• My Blog (anything ideas that might come to mind here or there that I want to write a post on)
• My PG and the Girls (from movie ticket stubs to photo booth pictures - here I will collect stuff from our daily lives)
• My Loves (recipes that I cut out of magazines, cards I receive from friends, anything that really warms my heart will go in this section)
• My Inspiration (what really makes me feel creative will go here)

Of course, every creation starts with a crazy table. Here was my table on Wednesday Morning . . .

Here is the cover of my "Celebrate Life" Smash Book. I used a standard composition book this time (school supply shopping time is right around the corner - you can really pick these up for next to nothing.) I love how the cover came out . . . .

I include a couple clear envelopes inside where I will keep additional papers to add as I fill up the book. The page on the right is the one leading into the "My Blog" section . . .

Then, my PG and the Girls section . . .

Next, my Loves . . .

And finally, my Inspiration . . .

I've already collected some awesome ATC cards from a friend of mine that I have placed in the Inspiration section, as well as a business card from Kelly Rae Roberts. I can't wait to start capturing even more goodies inside.

Katie loved this Smash Book project. Here is a picture of her making her very own smash book. This page is some of her favorite things cut out of an American Girl Doll magazine. She's so creative. I love that she loves this (and I love that she sticks her tongue out when she is really focused on something. I think I do the same thing!)



That's all for today, friends. Just a little post to let you see what I've been doing. I can't wait to share my laundry room/craft room transformation with you. . . the before photos are just awful and I can't wait to be able to show you how I worked it out. Most importantly, I can't wait to have a space to create (that doesn't require daily cleaning up before dinner.)

I'm sorry I'm absent from blog reading this week. I'm really taking a break from the computer and focusing on life. . . I'll be by soon - I promise. Have you tried a Smash Book yet? Leave me a comment . . . I'd love to know.

"Duck" Tape Therapy 101

So, my first day as an unemployed Mommy started with a neighborhood DuckTape Purse 101 class in our kitchen. Remember we had discovered this crafty fun in the beginning of the year (click here to be reminded). While we took a break from the whole duct tape thing in the Spring, it appears to have resurfaced in recent weeks. So, Katie, Ella, and two of Katie's friends spent a few hours creating some new duct tape creations that I just had to share them with you.

Introducing . . . our most recent duct tape creations . . .

 Are these the coolest purses, or what? With only a little help from me, the girls really made these all on their own. I LOVE them!

Here is a photo of Katie and her friends, Gabby and Megan, with their purses. Love these girls.

Ella wasn't into the whole project . . . she enjoyed wearing her duct tape headband and wristbands and preferred dancing around the kitchen entertaining us. She reminds me a little bit of Wonder Woman, don't you think? (Ooooo . . . I'm thinking Halloween Costume here, don't you think? I bet my dear friend Nicole from Destination Unknown is soooo  jealous of this one!)

I'm planning on a craft project each week for the rest of summer. I think the girls will LOVE it, and as long as Ella has music and her headband, I think she'll be just fine!

So, that's Day 1, my friends. So far, duct tape therapy worked wonders for me!
How are you?

The Ice Cream Stage

I think I'm going through the stages of grief.

It's kind of like that, you know? Losing a job . . . something has ended. A relationship has died. My regular blog friend readers know that I am a passionate person, and that passion carries into most parts of my life (both my personal as well as professional life). While work was "business", I had relationships with people who I cared for. It is this part of being laid off that has me struggling most. Little things pop into my head about work, and I think, "Oh, I forgot to send that email . . . " or "oh, I had better finish that . . . " and then I realize . . . it's over. I don't need to do that. I don't need to finish that, or send that. It's over.  Then this overwhelming feeling takes over, like there is something turning in my stomach or like I can't catch my breath.

Grief.

Yes, I'm feeling it.

And I think I'm in the Ice Cream Stage right about now.

The brilliant Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross has helped us all have a better understanding of grief. Through her words and writing, I can better understand what is happening in my mind.

The Five Stages of Grief
1. Denial and Isolation. At first, we tend to deny the loss has taken place, and may withdraw from our usual social contacts. This stage may last a few moments, or longer. (Yes, I definitely felt that. I had to leave - get away from it all - get in my car and drive.)

2. Anger. The grieving person may then be furious at the person who inflicted the hurt (even if she's dead), or at the world, for letting it happen. He may be angry with himself for letting the event take place, even if, realistically, nothing could have stopped it.  (Definitely felt this one. Lasted a short time, only a day or two, but I was MAD.)

3. Bargaining. Now the grieving person may make bargains with God, asking, "If I do this, will you take away the loss?" (I've thought about this too. Like, 'perhaps if I called and offered this, then they would allow that' kind of thinking.)

4. Depression. The person feels numb, although anger and sadness may remain underneath. (I think I am feeling this one today. Numb. I replied to a comment from a blog friend telling her that I just feel "less" . . . and not in the "I've lost 10 pounds" kind of way. I actually perfer to call this stage, The Ice Cream Stage, because ice cream kind of makes me feel a little better. Not a lot of ice cream. Just a little. I mean, the picture above might look like a BIG BOWL of ice cream, but it's actually a little bowl, with a small enough portion to not gain 10 pounds, but big enough for me to enjoy it. I like ice cream.)

5. Acceptance. This is when the anger, sadness and mourning have tapered off. The person simply accepts the reality of the loss. (Can't wait to get here. This will be a good day.)

Overall, I continue to remind myself that I am blessed, and that everything does happen for a reason. I just have to hang in there - find my way - and breath. Until then, I have a spoonful of ice cream.

Ever find yourself in the Ice Cream stage? How long did it take until you finally put the spoon down? Leave me a comment . . . I'd love to know.

What are you blessed with?

A couple of weeks ago, I did a post on things I was "blessed with". I love that post so much - (click here to be reminded) that I decided to revisit it today. As you are probably aware - it's been a buzz kill sort of week in our home. So, there is no better time than today to stop and count my blessings. Because even in the middle of some obstacles . . . this week, I am blessed with so very very much.

1) Dear dear friends . . . who send little surprises of support and reminders that I am strong - that I am beautiful - that I have the power to be all that I can be. I am so very blessed to be surrounded by such supportive friends, and I am blessed - so very blessed - to have them in my life.

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

2) My Sister . . . There is no way, at all, that I could have made it through this week without her. PG has been out of town since Monday (funny how much has changed in the time he has been gone.) In his absence, my sister has been my rock, my confident, my psychiatrist, my social worker, my everything. She "talks me down off of the bridge" ;) many many times, and I am blessed, beyond words, to have her in my life (read more from her over here).

For there is no friend like a sister, in calm or stormy weather, to cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands.

~ Christina G. Rosetti

3) Magical opportunities . . . this week, I am blessed with the reminder that dreams can come true - and that even when you aren't quite sure what direction life will take you - you are always in control of your own destiny. I am blessed, my friends, for today. 

 All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.

~ Walt Disney

What are you blessed with today? Leave me a comment . . . I'd love to know.

No Plans for Tomorrow

I've had many moments the past day or two when I found myself driving my car, wondering to myself what I will do next. I've done what I've always known to do in this life of mine - always worked and had a place to be - always had a job to do - always had a task to accomplish. For the first time in (can it be?) 25 years, I don't. No job to go to. No boss to answer to. No list of things to get done. I have no plans for tomorrow. Absolutely none.

I came home on Wednesday and told Ella and Katie that Mommy no longer had a job to go to. Katie, at first, thought I was moving the office to our home and said, "Oh, Mommy! That's GREAT! We'll be able to do art projects when you take your lunch break!" (Cute, isn't that?)

I explained to her that Mommy was going to be on a PERMANENT lunch break, and we could do art projects ALL DAY LONG. It took a second for her to realize what that meant. And after she hugged me and made sure I was o.k., the biggest grin appeared on her face. In that moment . . . I knew that having "no plans for tomorrow" was really the best thing for my children. And for the first time in days, I felt good.

Katie and Ella immediately retreated to the basement, and I knew they were making something for me. A short time later, they reappeared with two special art pieces.

Here is a little bit of the collage from Ella . . .  

I love that Ella put that beautiful butterfly on the page . . . a symbol of transformation. Perfect, isn't it?

Then, from Katie . . .

With our signature "swirlies" in place, I was so touched by her choice of the "YOUR TIME TO SHINE" and "YOU ARE SPECIAL" stickers. But her hand written "to me" right under the "YOU ARE SPECIAL" made my eyes fill up with tears. I am special . . . to her. God, I'm blessed.  

So, while I have no plans for tomorrow . . . I know that whatever I do will include time well deserved and cherished with these two little girls. Tomorrow is a blank canvas, my friends.

Grab a brush . . . let's see where it takes us.

C'est la vie - Part deux

First and foremost, a great big HUGE thank you for the kind and thoughtful messages from many of you dear blog friends. I can't tell you how much your supportive words meant.

Yesterday was a rough day. Actually, the past few months have been rough.

According to my dear blog friend, Bossy Betty, I have been given "permission to sulk and get a little freaked out for two days" at which time I am advised to "look ahead at all that wonderful possibilities that await!"

Thank you, Betty. (Gees, I love that Bossy Betty, don't you? She is really the best.)

So, I'm doing just that . . . . giving myself two days. And then, I'm moving on.

Because I know that this is all for the best. And I know that I am blessed beyond words with this life of mine. I know that this is the beginning of something amazing. And I know that you are there with me . . . so, I'll be back in a day with some more positive thoughts.

Here's one to tide you over until my return . . .  

Peace, dear friend. Peace.

C'est la vie

So, I was laid off  yesterday.

Office closed. Position eliminated. Production down. Costs up. Can't keep it going. Adios.

Finished. Kaput. Done.

This is Life.

Maybe tomorrow I will write the epilogue on this portion of my life. Maybe this is the start of a something new. Maybe it is time to finally listen to those inner whispers.

Maybe.

For today, I'd appreciate it so much if you'd throw some positive energy out there in the universe for me. I'm packing up the office today - throwing away 8 years of what I've known. So bittersweet. It's going to be a challenging day for me.

In the meantime, a thought . . .
I like that.

Wishing you Peace, my friends.

My Dream Home Smash Book

Have you ever heard of a Smash Book? If you are a scrapbooker or art journal person, you may have. If you are not one of those types, you may not have.

I am a scrapbooker . . . but had no idea what a Smash Book was. That is, until my dear friend Peggy brought hers to our Scrapbook Cellar gathering last month. She introduced us all to her cool little composition journal, and the conversation went something like this:

PK:  Here is my Smash book.
Me: Your what?
PK: My Smash Book.
Me: Like, smash, what?
PK: Smash . . . things. You know. Like, stuff.
Me: What?
PK: See . . . I will put stuff in here. Junk. Things I don't want to lose, but don't know what to do with.
Me: Huh?
PK: Smash.
Me: I don't get it.
PK: Google it.
CE (our friend, Cindi, who just entered the conversation and saw was PK was holding): Oh, a Smash Book! Cool!
Me: Huh?
CE: Google it.
LT (my sister, Laura, who is right there with me): I don't get it.

So, I googled it.

And I found this YouTube video about it . . . and let me tell you . . . it is the coolest thing EVER!

I mean . . .that is COOL!!

So, I decided that I would start one (or two, or three, or four). The first one that I was inspired to start, was a smash book of our Dream House.  PG and I have been dreaming big lately, and talking about the possibility of some day building and moving into a new home - and little by little, I have been collecting catalogs and magazines about things that I would LOVE to have in our dream home. A Dream Home Smash Book was the PERFECT way to categorize and store these little ideas.

So, I started with a really cute little Vera Bradley journal that I bought on sale (50%) at a Barnes & Noble book store. I pulled a pack of stickers and papers that I had in my scrapbook stash, and will use that for this complete project. I placed some stickers on the cover the journal, and then added my own make-shift tabs for each room in the house, to easily locate ideas I have for that 'dream' room:

Here is a closer picture of the tabs labeled for each room . . . and also the first page of the Smash book, which I cleverly titled "Our Dream House" (duh):

The next page is a quick explanation of what the book is to me "A 'Smash' Book of thoughts, dreams and ideas of Our Dream House", with the listing of the rooms that we'd love to have in it:

And this is an example of what I will do in each section. Saved under the 'kitchen' tab, I just love the mismatched tables and chairs look of this picture I found in a home decorating magazine:

Anytime I see something that makes me feel good, a space that I find interesting or that I like, I plan on putting it in this little Smash Book. I love this chair and these books - and the framed work on the wall just next to it. What a lovely little space, don't you think?

It may be a long time before PG and I are able to build our dream home . . . but when we do, I know that I'll have this awesome little journal with such a collection of inspiring things that our home will be all that I can possibly dream of. And that is so cool to me.

I plan on doing a smash book of little things the girls give me here and there (like little love notes or pictures they draw for me), and I thought it would be fun to do one with grocery receipts and movie ticket stubs, maybe restaurant receipts and business cards of great restaurants I've been to. I'd also love to keep one holding the little cards I may receive in the mail from friends and family, anything that makes me happy.

PG better look out . . . I plan on smashing EVERYTHING!!!!

What about you? Do you think you'd ever start a 'smash book'? What do you think you'd put in yours? Leave me a comment . . . I'd love to know.

Say CHEESE!

I know I've told you that I'm going to The Creative Connection event in September. I'm SO excited about this conference - and can't wait to be surrounded with amazingly creative women from all over this country.  In addition to hearing some amazing keynote presentations from the likes of Cristina Ferrare, Becky Higgins, Karen Walrond, and my personal idol Kelly Rae Roberts, I have signed up for a number of cool creative TCC Handmade Classes that I am so looking forward to. I mean, I am taking a class with THE Stacy Julian and another class with art journal guru Melody Ross. Seriously!!! Pinch me . . . . I must be dreaming! A whole three days of rubbing elbows with women who are making a living with their art, their words, their blogs, and their lives.

That's pretty powerful, inspiring stuff.

Another class I signed up for during this TCC Event is "Photography to Boost Your Creative Voice."  If you are a long-time reader of my blog, you might remember that I have made it a personal goal of mine to learn more about photography and learn to take better pictures, all the way back in 2009. When I saw this class option at TCC - I felt as if it was a silent whisper sent out in the universe for me to sign up for this one.

I love a good photograph, don't you? One where the lighting is just right - the colors work - the subject moves you. I find that I most enjoy taking photos very CLOSE UP . . . that might be my personal photography style. Here are a few of my favorite photos I have ever taken (hmmmm. . . most are photos of food. Well, photograph what you love, right?)

Yes, I sure do like to take those close up shots, don't I?

I have so much to learn about photography - these shots, I like to say, were pure LUCK. No skill, here. Just had a vision for the picture I wanted, worked at it, and then pressed the little button to make it happen.

I can't wait to share what I learn in September with you. If you are interested in more info about The Creative Connection Event, click here - or click the button on the left of this post.

Until then . . . grab your camera and share some tips - What do you do to capture that perfect picture?

Brace Yourself

So . . . guess what I did last weekend . . .

go ahead . . .

guess.

Ok, let me give you a hint.

It had something to do with this . . .

involved staring at this . . .

and had a little bit to do with these folks . . .

Yes, my friends. I slept (brace yourself) OUTSIDE . . . IN A TENT.

Eee-gads!!!! It's TRUE!!!

Ok, Ok. So . . . it was in our backyard.

 But, seriously . . . ME . . . IN A TENT . . . ANYWHERE . . . is pretty much a miracle.

How did I find myself in this position? Well, remember these people?

Yeah, these people wanted to. Truth is . . . these people want me to go REAL CAMPING in a REAL CAMPING SORT OF PLACE where you DON'T have REAL BATHROOM FACILITIES.

(I have a problem with that.)

So, THIS LADY (that would be me) suggested perhaps we try the backyard first.

It was . . . . . it was . . . . it was pretty much the most uncomfortable evening of my life. But, that could have something to do with the fact that we slept outside on 4th of July weekend (you know - the weekend when our lovely neighborhood friends try to blow up the world until the wee-hours of the morning?) Yes, at 1:30 AM (when I had done all but begged one of my girls to join forces with me and retreat to the house - where it was cool and comfortable and quiet), I realized that this was not the night to be camping in the backyard.

However, I made it.

Until 5:00 AM. When I decided that THIS LADY really needed to go inside and use the bathroom. The REAL bathroom.

Will I ever try to camp in a REAL camping sort of place? Ummm . . . I don't know. Maybe, some day. But for now, this is the only place where my camping adventure will take me . . .

And to be honest with you - I think it looks pretty great right here. (Ok, well . . . maybe it looks a little crowded there. But it's a fun place to be!)

What about you - are YOU a REAL CAMPER? Leave me a comment - I'd love to know.