tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84308222981382828742024-03-13T11:17:16.481-07:00BlueSkiesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.comBlogger620125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-44516188633427837592017-11-13T08:28:00.002-08:002017-11-13T08:28:32.856-08:00New Website<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello, and thanks for stopping by!</div>
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You can now find me at</div>
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<a href="http://www.myheartcoaching.com/">www.myheartcoaching.com</a></div>
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Come follow along as we make art and life discoveries that can bring so much freedom.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-59851306176313203542016-06-09T22:01:00.001-07:002016-06-09T22:01:17.220-07:00Are You A List Maker?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There are many changes coming in our home, and the first is for our girl, Brenna.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfSzCTAi8W8/V1o8pZpWWDI/AAAAAAAATfM/k75l2Yq_IM8W-DFgAXP6T6jhulLieW6FgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfSzCTAi8W8/V1o8pZpWWDI/AAAAAAAATfM/k75l2Yq_IM8W-DFgAXP6T6jhulLieW6FgCLcB/s640/IMG_2196.jpg" width="473" /></a></div>
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It's the last walk to this bus and all that she knows in a daily routine.</div>
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I wonder what the next season of walking out the door will bring...</div>
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Right now, this just lands me smack in the middle of unknowns, which I don't do very well.</div>
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Unknowns do not bring out the best in me.</div>
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Unless I'm on vacation with a big, wide open day that I can fill with whatever. That kind of unknown is o.k.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6Y2pMl_OoA/V1o8rufacWI/AAAAAAAATfQ/N6iqnroHhPAS6IUtvpxJxrS0J9SisU1SACLcB/s1600/IMG_2197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6Y2pMl_OoA/V1o8rufacWI/AAAAAAAATfQ/N6iqnroHhPAS6IUtvpxJxrS0J9SisU1SACLcB/s640/IMG_2197.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thoughts of home in my art journal</i></span></div>
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I can do lists pretty well, though. </div>
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I like checking things off and lists make me feel secure. Because I'm fairly insecure in certain spots. Because..oh, never mind.</div>
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For instance, there is my</div>
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<b>NO MORE List</b>:</div>
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No more last month absolute crazy days of school.</div>
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NO MORE LUNCH FOOD SMELLS AT 6:00 A.M.</div>
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No more alarms.</div>
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No more forgotten permission slips.</div>
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No more "sore throats" because <i>some</i>one doesn't want to go to the YMCA with her class.</div>
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No more IEP's and psychological evaluations to tell us things that are <b>so</b> not helpful about Brenna's progress, or lack thereof as determined by a test she can't complete.</div>
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Then there is the <b>Never Ending To-Do List</b>:</div>
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Figure out ways to fill 40 (FORTY) hours a week that she would usually be in school/traveling to school.</div>
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Look at day programs.</div>
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Look at volunteer programs.</div>
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Figure out how to build stamina for a job.</div>
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Make a schedule every day because Brenna does so much better with a schedule.</div>
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Go back to bed.</div>
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Walk out the door and pretend we are on vacation every day.</div>
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Watch Brenna and take notes on bravery and courage.</div>
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Watch Brenna take life on and hope to imitate her.</div>
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Explore job options she would like: french fry cutter person at In N Out, pre-school aide, policeman in Texas. </div>
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O.K. maybe not that one so much.... </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaHVEpHQNGc/V1o8s4JBolI/AAAAAAAATfc/9iobxkenBgMMwU2ZRB1pKTjj-_Ioyn_8QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaHVEpHQNGc/V1o8s4JBolI/AAAAAAAATfc/9iobxkenBgMMwU2ZRB1pKTjj-_Ioyn_8QCLcB/s640/IMG_2201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my best list: </div>
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<b>THINGS TO REMEMBER:</b></div>
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I'm not alone.</div>
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God's desire is for Brenna to live a full life is way bigger than even my desire.</div>
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Don't panic.</div>
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Doors will open.</div>
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The quote from my art journal by Mother Teresa:<br />"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones-the ones at home"</div>
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It's summer vacation. For crying out loud-live like it's summer vacation.</div>
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(I <i>could</i> potentially live like it's summer vacation <b>forever</b>.)</div>
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Isaiah 27:3-The verse I read over and over when Brenna was first born:</div>
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"I, the LORD watch over it;</div>
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I water it continually.</div>
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I guard it day and night</div>
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so that no one may harm it."</div>
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Hope, faith, fear and list making.</div>
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What a life!</div>
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I'm going to begin a<b> Fun Summer Things To Do List.</b></div>
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How about you? </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlDwcOTwCLw/V1o8vQUO8MI/AAAAAAAATfo/lMhRXCEeXf4aGM_wKcvvD_g_SqrcJ8DTQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlDwcOTwCLw/V1o8vQUO8MI/AAAAAAAATfo/lMhRXCEeXf4aGM_wKcvvD_g_SqrcJ8DTQCLcB/s640/IMG_7658.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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linking to </div>
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<a href="http://www.paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qZuTErM7XI/V1o8zOjjBVI/AAAAAAAATf0/yZEgyi5duoEI-l2IAItiN55tGBitUwGtgCKgB/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qZuTErM7XI/V1o8zOjjBVI/AAAAAAAATf0/yZEgyi5duoEI-l2IAItiN55tGBitUwGtgCKgB/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-84815946167741716172016-06-03T09:28:00.001-07:002016-06-03T09:28:10.962-07:00Art Journaling My Way Through Waco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My name is Lynn, and I am a Fixer Upper Addict.</div>
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It's true.</div>
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I have watched every episode at least once, if not three times.</div>
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I secretly desire to walk up to people and say, "How <i>y'all </i>do'in?" </div>
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Or find a proper place to insert the phrase "All y'all". </div>
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Last week I was able to completely indulge in all things Fixer Upper and took a trip with my eldest sister to see <a href="https://magnoliamarket.com/silos/">Magnolia Marketplace</a> in Waco.</div>
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(Or, as I liked to say, WWWWWAAAAACCCCCOOOOOOO)</div>
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And, as any self respecting artist would do, I threw a bunch of stuff into a bag to journal along the way.</div>
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Here are my basics:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udtsM58u7b4/V090dAEtI3I/AAAAAAAATdw/qlHlqtlkCUMBTXfchA4VEzaz2OjFPEDAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udtsM58u7b4/V090dAEtI3I/AAAAAAAATdw/qlHlqtlkCUMBTXfchA4VEzaz2OjFPEDAgCLcB/s640/IMG_2119.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Yup.</div>
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That was it.</div>
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Pretty good for packing the night before we left. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G85Nw2WojD0/V090WZ_m4wI/AAAAAAAATdQ/YsZ-QmnuDN0--fYlGpKImj6QfmbBp4IDQCKgB/s1600/IMG_2109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G85Nw2WojD0/V090WZ_m4wI/AAAAAAAATdQ/YsZ-QmnuDN0--fYlGpKImj6QfmbBp4IDQCKgB/s640/IMG_2109.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My handy-dandy pouch that my friend, Wendy taught me to sew.</div>
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My trusty white eraser and mechanical pencil for my other addiction-</div>
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lettering.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKAuHZ_v7Xs/V090YUTDGkI/AAAAAAAATdc/mXrIGwIb6k8jkBM31DX_RBlucywaDY9LACKgB/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKAuHZ_v7Xs/V090YUTDGkI/AAAAAAAATdc/mXrIGwIb6k8jkBM31DX_RBlucywaDY9LACKgB/s640/IMG_2114.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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My all time favorite <a href="http://tombowusa.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=fudenokuse">Fudenosuke Brush Pen</a>, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pens/">Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen</a> in XS, and a Sharpie.</div>
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I wanted to bring my Aqua Markers, but have found that with change in altitude, they tend to gush when you take the lids off. It's bad enough to have that happen in a car, I can't imagine on a packed flight.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaeVFhWQMYY/V090aUumiOI/AAAAAAAATdg/EVWFiyk1lVka6Awc402mrwpgHLflCqrzQCKgB/s1600/IMG_2115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaeVFhWQMYY/V090aUumiOI/AAAAAAAATdg/EVWFiyk1lVka6Awc402mrwpgHLflCqrzQCKgB/s640/IMG_2115.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My handy-dandy set of <a href="http://www.staedtler.us/en/">Staedtler Micron Pens</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVTU6DZCxsI/V090azBi3XI/AAAAAAAATdk/4Va41Djp-sAlqIq32FWX9OABs_wjHQqDgCKgB/s1600/IMG_2116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVTU6DZCxsI/V090azBi3XI/AAAAAAAATdk/4Va41Djp-sAlqIq32FWX9OABs_wjHQqDgCKgB/s640/IMG_2116.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A couple of stamps and an ink pad.</div>
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Here's the fun part-</div>
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My sister has a new toy.</div>
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It's a <a href="http://www.polaroid.com/zip-instant">Polaroid Zip</a>.</div>
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You guys.</div>
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(Y'all)</div>
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So. Much. Fun.</div>
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Each night, we printed out photos from our day that we had taken with our IPhones.</div>
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The Polaroid Zip has an App you download onto your phone, you load the paper into the Zip and print from your phone. No ink required!!</div>
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The best part?</div>
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The photos are sticky-backed. </div>
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Is that a term? </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbIsuivJYe0/V090d9pUjGI/AAAAAAAATeE/sqMdSTZKo_kJOcVmeO6wKwSyUOvZlOuAQCKgB/s1600/IMG_2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbIsuivJYe0/V090d9pUjGI/AAAAAAAATeE/sqMdSTZKo_kJOcVmeO6wKwSyUOvZlOuAQCKgB/s640/IMG_2120.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now, here's the deal.</div>
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I brought all the cool stuff to journal with, along with a Moleskin notebook.</div>
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Did I use it?</div>
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Nope.</div>
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Not once.</div>
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I was pretty wiped out at the end of each day-it was a whirlwind trip over three days!</div>
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When I got home, I gathered all my cute stuff I saved and the photos, unpacked my little art journal bag and have been having fun ever since.</div>
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I made a quick journal with a couple of signatures from water color paper instead of the Moleskin.</div>
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I decided it would work better with the photo paper and I can add more pages over the summer and make it more of a summer journal. Plus, the heavier paper hides the marker better than Moleskin paper.</div>
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I took some torn up canvas from an old painting and added some lettering and stenciling to the front.</div>
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I'm piecing together our trip and adding notes and things I remember.</div>
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It's pretty fun to relive the trip like this.</div>
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Yes. The Market/Silos/Grounds are beautiful, there were tons of people, it is mass marketed items for the most part, but the displays are stunning (lots of items that Joanna uses in their homes) and the staff is unbelievably friendly and the grounds are a treat to hang out in. In fact, I would say that was my favorite part. I wanted to go back just to sit on a picnic bench, eat more from a food truck and talk to friendly strangers. </div>
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Have you been to Waco? </div>
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Do you watch Fixer Upper?</div>
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I bet some of you do....</div>
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I read that Magnolia Market gets upwards of 25,000 visitors PER WEEK.</div>
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It was pretty cool to be a part of this phenomenon and to see all the amazing things that the Chip and Joanna Gaines are doing for their city.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6YybNLZIIQ/V1CymYdGoaI/AAAAAAAATec/hQhPst1ZrIwMwmpUAMB7Ro5cTRGaU4giwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6YybNLZIIQ/V1CymYdGoaI/AAAAAAAATec/hQhPst1ZrIwMwmpUAMB7Ro5cTRGaU4giwCLcB/s640/IMG_2135.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We packed it in- Austin, all the antique stores in Waco, Common Grounds, <a href="http://www.harpdesignco.com/">Harp Design</a>, Magnolia Market, driving the neighborhoods, thunderstorms and humidity. </div>
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Worth every minute.</div>
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Happy Friday, Y'all.</div>
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linking to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8430822298138282874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/Client%20Blog%20Design/Signatures/BlueSkiesSig.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-35578518143664462242016-05-12T22:00:00.000-07:002016-05-12T22:00:46.797-07:00I've Got Your Back<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tis the season....</div>
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Baby Showers</div>
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Bridal Showers</div>
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Graduations</div>
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What to do, what to do???</div>
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You could get a gift card.</div>
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zzzzzzzzzzzzzz</div>
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-OR-</div>
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You could order this print off </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my <a href="https://blueskyvintageart.etsy.com/">ETSY</a> shop </span></div>
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and give a graduate a unique gift to grace their new dorm room.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCbEYryL-8g/VyE_vFjQjrI/AAAAAAAATaY/XRqVYKoM9gIwe8Uj8Nqz0jWJSeQ_PmzPACLcB/s1600/IMG_1684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCbEYryL-8g/VyE_vFjQjrI/AAAAAAAATaY/XRqVYKoM9gIwe8Uj8Nqz0jWJSeQ_PmzPACLcB/s640/IMG_1684.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Hmmmm....</div>
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What about a special Bride to be?</div>
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Do you know a hymn that will be in her wedding?</div>
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This would be a special way to remember the day.</div>
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Well, not this specific hymn, but if you go over to my <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blueskyvintageart.etsy.com/">ETSY</a> shop</span>, you can customize your order and I'll search high and low for the hymn you need.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFKvy10-ckw/VyE_vP8WFII/AAAAAAAATac/Meo-nE-wNHshZOgtcTI5atNJ5aIGMycLQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFKvy10-ckw/VyE_vP8WFII/AAAAAAAATac/Meo-nE-wNHshZOgtcTI5atNJ5aIGMycLQCLcB/s640/IMG_1535.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you, but it's baby shower season around our little corner of the world.</div>
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Why, yes!!!</div>
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I have the perfect gift to give- as is, or as a little something extra.</div>
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It's matted in 8x10, all set for a frame.</div>
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Where?</div>
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In my <a href="https://blueskyvintageart.etsy.com/">ETSY</a>....</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(</span><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">listings are being added daily)</span></div>
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Stop by and browse-</div>
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you will be glad you did!!!!</div>
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Linking to </div>
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<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpbm7hQlLEQ/VyIyihNqVLI/AAAAAAAATa4/J0wgjF4M8NALeXFn8ZFc6mkj6IFfhr_lQCLcB/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpbm7hQlLEQ/VyIyihNqVLI/AAAAAAAATa4/J0wgjF4M8NALeXFn8ZFc6mkj6IFfhr_lQCLcB/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-19575190518219632762016-04-21T20:40:00.002-07:002016-04-21T20:40:09.663-07:00A Time Lapse Peak Into Getting Ready For An Art Show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This week let's take a peek into getting ready for an art show.</div>
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Not that anyone should do it this way, but but this is how it goes for my crazy life right now.</div>
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Day 1: Demolish a home with 18 amazing friends and family members.</div>
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Day 2: Toss your calendar schedule, and dive into the mess. Embrace it really good, cause you will be here for a while. While embracing, free up one arm to throw everything else into a pile to be done at the bookends of the day. Mat the prints at night, run to the printer's during karate, tell yourself you will get to Michael's for the two mats you don't have before Saturday. <strike>If not, oh well</strike>. Have fun checking off your list when you conquer Michael's.</div>
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Key word: embrace.</div>
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Here's the time lapse I tried today. No. I do not have professional equipment and my tripod was balancing my phone between a jar of gel medium and a jar of mod podge.</div>
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Remember-I'm Embracing The Mess.</div>
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(EMT)</div>
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This is the rough finish:</div>
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Day 3: Pick up your order for frames and realize they are all the wrong size.</div>
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Day 4: Put plan EMT (embrace the mess) into action and create anyway. Open the order of prints and wonder if they will fit the frames you finally found. (As of writing this post, they don't. Of course.) Think about it later and start calling yourself Scarlett. </div>
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Now order new prints and pick them up tomorrow and save the other prints for the second show.</div>
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Add purchase new frames to your list for the next show. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vT-LDkCJbxE/Vxf0FKCCiuI/AAAAAAAATY4/5oNhi3TOulEpDL4wSthbwJEbaN990vangCLcB/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vT-LDkCJbxE/Vxf0FKCCiuI/AAAAAAAATY4/5oNhi3TOulEpDL4wSthbwJEbaN990vangCLcB/s640/IMG_1649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Day 5: I won't try and figure out why the same weekend of the show my husband is on call, I have a baby shower and a wedding to attend and I get a text from Brenna's teacher saying Brenna wants to participate in the 5k run on Sunday for which the permission slip has to be turned in NOW. Oh, by the way, she has to be there by 6:30 am. By now, my arms are permanently wrapped around me from embracing so much that I might as well have on a straight jacket. </div>
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I tell the teacher to have Brenna call me cause I will take the fall for the big N-O that is coming her way.</div>
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Day 6: (or thereabouts) As well as embracing messes, I begin to embrace giving thanks, having fun, breathing and going to bed to fall asleep HARD. I'll check back after the weekend.</div>
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Give yourself a hug.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8430822298138282874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/Client%20Blog%20Design/Signatures/BlueSkiesSig.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div>
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Linking to <a href="http://www.paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-34250999663744966482016-04-15T08:23:00.004-07:002016-04-15T08:23:45.800-07:00Short and Sweet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been (miraculously) keeping up with the <a href="http://30daysofbiblelettering.com/">30 Days Of Bible Lettering</a> challenge, </div>
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getting ready for the <a href="https://aboutredlands.com/redlands-events/4375-dtr-art-walk">Redlands Downtown Artwalk</a> on April 24, where the lovely <a href="http://www.jdmyers.com/">J.D. Meyers</a> is sponsoring me. I will be in this store from 12:00-3:00!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">my grand dog was not happy with me not paying attention to her.....</span></div>
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Last but not least this week, getting ready for </div>
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#demoday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm sure our neighbors love this view.</span></div>
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It's been 16- <b>sixteen months</b> getting to this day.</div>
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It's gonna be epic.</div>
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It starts tomorrow, so I have to run. </div>
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Gotta go take out some cabinets and put the sledge hammer I got for Christmas to good use.</div>
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playing along with </div>
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<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8430822298138282874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/Client%20Blog%20Design/Signatures/BlueSkiesSig.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-82685314503415943692016-04-07T21:43:00.000-07:002016-04-07T21:43:08.311-07:00Meet The 3 Pens That Changed My Life.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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O.K., so maybe I'm a little dramatic.</div>
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All though, in all fairness, these pens have made a HUGE impact on my life.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-of81DbC02VQ/VwcZN1NTlkI/AAAAAAAATVs/yg0qd4kKxdkwjOYlLnhsNDD4_j5Xnp_iw/s1600/IMG_1490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-of81DbC02VQ/VwcZN1NTlkI/AAAAAAAATVs/yg0qd4kKxdkwjOYlLnhsNDD4_j5Xnp_iw/s640/IMG_1490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Say hello to (from top to bottom) the</div>
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<a href="http://tombowusa.com/">Fudenosuke Brush Pen</a>, hard tip, from <a href="http://tombowusa.com/">Tombowusa</a>.</div>
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My arch nemesis, the <a href="http://tombowusa.com/">Dual Brush Pen</a> in black and the fabulous find from Amazon, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Uni-posca-Paint-Marker-Pen-PC-5M15C/dp/B001ANVDMU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460083508&sr=8-1&keywords=posca+paint+pen">Posca Paint Pen</a>- which I found quite by accident.</div>
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All I do thanks to these three is think about lettering and I have joined a 30 day challenge over at <a href="http://30daysofbiblelettering.com/">30daysofbiblelettering.com</a> </div>
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I won't lie-it's knocking me out of my tidy boundaries.</div>
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I'm looking up all kinds of fonts, and I have yet another great reason to peruse Pinterest. </div>
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I look at the other's and try my hardest to not think, "Oh. Well, then. Mine looks like a kindergartener did it." Instead, I tell my brain, "Maybe so, but that just means you have so many fun things to learn!"</div>
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I'm also seeing that I need waaaay more light in my art room and using bifocals compared to progressive lenses helps as well. Nothing that any self-respecting kindergartener would have to deal with, that's for sure. </div>
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It all began with my new friend, Posca. The paint flows well, it dries quickly, you can color on top of another color and this means they all live on top of my desk. The only thing I have to watch is if I use them on any sort of a rough surface, the nib rubs off a bit. But they have stood the test. I used them on stained wood for a wedding project last week and they came through like a champ.</div>
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Next came the <a href="http://tombowusa.com/dual-brush-pen-680.html">Dual Brush Pen.</a> This one threw me for a loop. </div>
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I wobble all over with this pen. I can't get the upswing to be thinner than the downstroke. It's a mystery to me. I have actually found it easier with a brush I found in Chinatown in San Fransisco!</div>
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I found I had more control with this, and I can't wait to find a better brush and more intense paints. Maybe I'll water down acrylics and see how they do. </div>
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Then I found the golden girls of the brush pens.</div>
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Next to the Dual Brush Pen, the <a href="http://tombowusa.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Fudenosuke+Brush+Pens">Fudoneske</a> sisters pack a wallop when it comes to control.</div>
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See those little bitty tips?</div>
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Lotta control and you have to push on the downstroke. </div>
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It's difficult to tell, but the one on the far left is the hard tip, the in the middle is the soft tip.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4MM1qv2lY4/Vwcj2r89NUI/AAAAAAAATWs/VpHbI6fjIa0waQvIyItqBziAQOTv1qFpg/s1600/IMG_1491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4MM1qv2lY4/Vwcj2r89NUI/AAAAAAAATWs/VpHbI6fjIa0waQvIyItqBziAQOTv1qFpg/s640/IMG_1491.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's another example:</div>
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Hard tip, Soft tip and Brush tip.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5t8iJD22A8/VwcjtOdUsqI/AAAAAAAATWM/KhXUjEQUjf43K_1mHFQre6ShdAUA8rpKw/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5t8iJD22A8/VwcjtOdUsqI/AAAAAAAATWM/KhXUjEQUjf43K_1mHFQre6ShdAUA8rpKw/s640/IMG_1501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hard tip:</div>
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It flows fast and writes hard. You really have to make an effort on the downstroke.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIP5eYqE3jU/Vwcj0qv466I/AAAAAAAATWg/k_A7m2a3CUMJ7Dc3BT5buv_spTzxFRfPA/s1600/IMG_1454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIP5eYqE3jU/Vwcj0qv466I/AAAAAAAATWg/k_A7m2a3CUMJ7Dc3BT5buv_spTzxFRfPA/s640/IMG_1454.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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Soft tip:</div>
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This has a juicy flow and the downstroke just needs a hint of pressure. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UFA5gNgR2Y/Vwcj0UD2rFI/AAAAAAAATWc/kjAn6Er0sDMTe083uAgtbayRb1zE2WQcQ/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UFA5gNgR2Y/Vwcj0UD2rFI/AAAAAAAATWc/kjAn6Er0sDMTe083uAgtbayRb1zE2WQcQ/s640/IMG_1468.JPG" width="570" /></a></div>
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There you have it.</div>
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It's far from perfect, but I hope I've encouraged you to give one or more of these a try. It's a great meditative process and just fun.</div>
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Thanks for joining me on this little road of discovery!</div>
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joining in on the fun at </div>
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<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-50885699092690739452016-03-31T23:21:00.000-07:002016-03-31T23:21:53.263-07:00Top 10 Reasons Why I Quit Blogging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I swear, every week I would look at the calendar and think to myself, "Wait. How is it all ready FRIDAY????" Then I would sigh, and think that next week I would get out a blog post.</div>
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And so begins the slippery slide.</div>
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Here's a glimpse at the top 10 while I vacated the blogging world:</div>
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Reason number 10: Work on the Summit House.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zgd-XOUC0k/Vv06F1VRppI/AAAAAAAATUk/Nt6oIMnecMMvlZb1PIn4zgCvs6f6LDhbQ/s1600/IMG_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zgd-XOUC0k/Vv06F1VRppI/AAAAAAAATUk/Nt6oIMnecMMvlZb1PIn4zgCvs6f6LDhbQ/s640/IMG_1304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Reason number 9: Slow hours spent in my art journal, discovering the Fudoneske pen from <a href="http://tombowusa.com/">tombowusa.com</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLx_eG4leoI/Vv06D4jZP0I/AAAAAAAATUc/Sgtv7pCjNTMAs7uremmxVEPyeG2v52p3w/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLx_eG4leoI/Vv06D4jZP0I/AAAAAAAATUc/Sgtv7pCjNTMAs7uremmxVEPyeG2v52p3w/s640/IMG_1272.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdmZ6Fa_x9A/Vv06HwOCSNI/AAAAAAAATUk/qdHDgQV7XpQFNSsHcBXeJ4aEZKfi0Aelg/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdmZ6Fa_x9A/Vv06HwOCSNI/AAAAAAAATUk/qdHDgQV7XpQFNSsHcBXeJ4aEZKfi0Aelg/s640/IMG_1416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eight: Prepping for and doing a live painting during a Missions Conference.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex34_5TO6Po/Vv06EAQlQRI/AAAAAAAATUk/Nsrujhc28lcJWP4q_GicF04LIe8M2vp_Q/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex34_5TO6Po/Vv06EAQlQRI/AAAAAAAATUk/Nsrujhc28lcJWP4q_GicF04LIe8M2vp_Q/s640/IMG_1287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Reason number 7:</div>
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Doing a Word of the Year class for this sweet Bachelorette. (So. Fun.)</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZrbmZfbk4E/Vv06JjFXiQI/AAAAAAAATUk/VyyZK2wZY6cHK02q8VPJHCcJO3moh3HDg/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZrbmZfbk4E/Vv06JjFXiQI/AAAAAAAATUk/VyyZK2wZY6cHK02q8VPJHCcJO3moh3HDg/s640/IMG_2911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nuuuuuuumber 6:</div>
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Work on the Summit House, round 2.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng_gISSxnls/Vv06HgS3EqI/AAAAAAAATUk/xj149Ptz_4kA3UWHqhwhlGg3mytcAGAOg/s1600/IMG_1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng_gISSxnls/Vv06HgS3EqI/AAAAAAAATUk/xj149Ptz_4kA3UWHqhwhlGg3mytcAGAOg/s400/IMG_1378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZCCoj5PuSI/Vv06GDZr6AI/AAAAAAAATUk/A6-fmfzuWSEY9fw2AbXBh3PWPJL-l7kYQ/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZCCoj5PuSI/Vv06GDZr6AI/AAAAAAAATUk/A6-fmfzuWSEY9fw2AbXBh3PWPJL-l7kYQ/s400/IMG_1377.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Number 5:</div>
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Spring Break with this beauty. </div>
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Good thing I checked the school calendar. I thought break was one week.</div>
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It was two.</div>
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Which was good, cause the first week was spent on the Summit House and getting the flu.</div>
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We redeemed the time the second week.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0f7Dxjyr9c8/Vv06H-uDL0I/AAAAAAAATUk/fA5jMMcb7uMRIXQdCuLI71jTD55gvaudg/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0f7Dxjyr9c8/Vv06H-uDL0I/AAAAAAAATUk/fA5jMMcb7uMRIXQdCuLI71jTD55gvaudg/s640/IMG_1388.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Four:</div>
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More journaling.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLaki5tFnqk/Vv06IWdfxhI/AAAAAAAATUk/_drM_rkWU98hdNoOHWfjbbpvxs5AZjvUQ/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLaki5tFnqk/Vv06IWdfxhI/AAAAAAAATUk/_drM_rkWU98hdNoOHWfjbbpvxs5AZjvUQ/s640/IMG_1419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Number 3:</div>
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Making, marketing and selling these soldered necklaces.</div>
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Why, yes! You can order your customized necklace <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueSkyVintageArt?ref=search_shop_redirect">HERE</a>!!</div>
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Send me your word for the year and I'll hand letter it and hand paint the arrow on the backside, solder it and send it out to you to remind you of your word.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vH7EGriW_I/Vv06GZGdtGI/AAAAAAAATUk/NMJAiL-C8dMR-hhqm7p6nJQLyMlpd1eEQ/s1600/IMG_1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vH7EGriW_I/Vv06GZGdtGI/AAAAAAAATUk/NMJAiL-C8dMR-hhqm7p6nJQLyMlpd1eEQ/s640/IMG_1330.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cv8wkbkGa8/Vv06D5TuAiI/AAAAAAAATUc/BN30DoqzKq45PFQop8uuPpwxrNnFGOX7g/s1600/IMG_1267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cv8wkbkGa8/Vv06D5TuAiI/AAAAAAAATUc/BN30DoqzKq45PFQop8uuPpwxrNnFGOX7g/s640/IMG_1267.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3NcGkzjxlM/Vv05_H6q51I/AAAAAAAATUc/wfBOQ9w04MIXwPojSDQTFY5kcssSVNlzQ/s1600/IMG_1247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3NcGkzjxlM/Vv05_H6q51I/AAAAAAAATUc/wfBOQ9w04MIXwPojSDQTFY5kcssSVNlzQ/s640/IMG_1247.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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They make great presents as well.</div>
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Just sayin'. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z1mRJPAWJs/Vv05_R15KTI/AAAAAAAATUc/SnIRuyQiLPgn2ZA--UlJTQlUdELKxpoDA/s1600/IMG_1243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z1mRJPAWJs/Vv05_R15KTI/AAAAAAAATUc/SnIRuyQiLPgn2ZA--UlJTQlUdELKxpoDA/s640/IMG_1243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So cute, right????</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dupjx_Sx8nc/Vv06Btfxx5I/AAAAAAAATUc/Lo0gi74la60HO7tHZsHpe86OF0nkbskuA/s1600/IMG_1254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dupjx_Sx8nc/Vv06Btfxx5I/AAAAAAAATUc/Lo0gi74la60HO7tHZsHpe86OF0nkbskuA/s640/IMG_1254.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm actually doing these in random order, but this was definitely in the top three:</div>
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Creating the stage backdrop at church, which stretched me beyond -well, it just stretched me a very long way.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcRvp-QDLBk/Vv0-9klNpyI/AAAAAAAATUs/P-efT_PEzOYK6XgvAV-2sx9FoZby6C0nw/s1600/IMG_1347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcRvp-QDLBk/Vv0-9klNpyI/AAAAAAAATUs/P-efT_PEzOYK6XgvAV-2sx9FoZby6C0nw/s400/IMG_1347.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Which brings us up to date for the Number 1 reason for so much silence over here:</div>
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More artwork to prep for two spring shows!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkSvMPGb7co/Vv06CXIsDmI/AAAAAAAATUc/3HPGs1VZukw-p2100u8_-JFdAHWu6mwpg/s1600/IMG_1259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkSvMPGb7co/Vv06CXIsDmI/AAAAAAAATUc/3HPGs1VZukw-p2100u8_-JFdAHWu6mwpg/s640/IMG_1259.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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So, you get the idea. It's been crazy beautiful and crazy busy around here!!!</div>
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I'll be back in more routine order from now on.</div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by.</div>
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linking to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3QZYYv75Oo/Vv1Br0bzfZI/AAAAAAAATU4/Si3g4wOAIFAIzrlzelDUfN5St-_ca_bWA/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3QZYYv75Oo/Vv1Br0bzfZI/AAAAAAAATU4/Si3g4wOAIFAIzrlzelDUfN5St-_ca_bWA/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-89456389591763614782016-01-28T20:50:00.001-08:002016-01-28T22:13:58.350-08:00Happy Messes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The last two weeks, I have gone from mess to mess to mess....</div>
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to mess.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YpoL4dnReu8/VqrdIUyVr4I/AAAAAAAATQk/u91vaYhOGD0/s1600/IMG_1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YpoL4dnReu8/VqrdIUyVr4I/AAAAAAAATQk/u91vaYhOGD0/s640/IMG_1049.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdq7KAjRicQ/VqrdQwqr8dI/AAAAAAAATRY/PTCiBBwgkQc/s1600/IMG_7804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdq7KAjRicQ/VqrdQwqr8dI/AAAAAAAATRY/PTCiBBwgkQc/s640/IMG_7804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In each mess, I'm learning.</div>
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So much so, that I'm having a hard time putting it into words.</div>
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Maybe because I'm still in the middle of messes.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRU2T-9qbHI/VqrdHoT6IwI/AAAAAAAATQ0/Nhpa0dk3WWg/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRU2T-9qbHI/VqrdHoT6IwI/AAAAAAAATQ0/Nhpa0dk3WWg/s640/IMG_1048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYc94oHnwW0/VqrdQRYknkI/AAAAAAAATRc/EdAZgbrEg1o/s1600/IMG_7797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYc94oHnwW0/VqrdQRYknkI/AAAAAAAATRc/EdAZgbrEg1o/s640/IMG_7797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One thing that's certain.</div>
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Every time I hear the women we work with share their word and what it means to them, I am completely honored to be a part of the process.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSCZALMhguU/VqrdG-g1heI/AAAAAAAATQc/09Y2_H7EeWM/s1600/IMG_1018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSCZALMhguU/VqrdG-g1heI/AAAAAAAATQc/09Y2_H7EeWM/s640/IMG_1018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJQKSxcxKU4/VqrdCnx9w2I/AAAAAAAATPw/p15rfnXRJik/s1600/IMG_0996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJQKSxcxKU4/VqrdCnx9w2I/AAAAAAAATPw/p15rfnXRJik/s640/IMG_0996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the midst of all the mess, we realize we aren't alone.</div>
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We all have messes, we all have words.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8sc7rjuoEc/VqrdGqWDhWI/AAAAAAAATQs/mJ6LB4OsHY0/s1600/IMG_1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8sc7rjuoEc/VqrdGqWDhWI/AAAAAAAATQs/mJ6LB4OsHY0/s640/IMG_1016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When the messes and words and meanings are shared?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RM1TfwJYxy8/VqsC5d7XV8I/AAAAAAAATSE/TJdCqUcwvSI/s1600/happy%2Bmesses.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RM1TfwJYxy8/VqsC5d7XV8I/AAAAAAAATSE/TJdCqUcwvSI/s640/happy%2Bmesses.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's when the magic happens.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7IlrzcmaoI/VqrdFbIkutI/AAAAAAAATQM/gBAk_qWMmbQ/s1600/IMG_1014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7IlrzcmaoI/VqrdFbIkutI/AAAAAAAATQM/gBAk_qWMmbQ/s640/IMG_1014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZQ4Vltnhzg/VqrdME7-ALI/AAAAAAAATRE/n_z_E3uvKvw/s1600/IMG_7793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZQ4Vltnhzg/VqrdME7-ALI/AAAAAAAATRE/n_z_E3uvKvw/s640/IMG_7793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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New friendships are formed, laughter is shared, and we learn from each other.</div>
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Even in the smallest thoughts shared. Maybe with some timidness, but the when words are said out loud everyone benefits. </div>
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Everyone.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3pkixqAI3U/VqrdEs6-7qI/AAAAAAAATQE/BGe93emkTpo/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3pkixqAI3U/VqrdEs6-7qI/AAAAAAAATQE/BGe93emkTpo/s640/IMG_1011.JPG" width="584" /></a></div>
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For the next couple of weeks, I'll keep prepping, balancing, missing some marks, cleaning, making more messes and learning.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO_rtKhnaHw/VqrdHN1xydI/AAAAAAAATQo/t6AiUpfQYwg/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO_rtKhnaHw/VqrdHN1xydI/AAAAAAAATQo/t6AiUpfQYwg/s640/IMG_1024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the end of the night, when I get to look at these faces?</div>
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Worth every mess.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9m6m9A18MVw/VqrdDkFIjPI/AAAAAAAATQI/pcanYR8zeQo/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9m6m9A18MVw/VqrdDkFIjPI/AAAAAAAATQI/pcanYR8zeQo/s640/IMG_0988.JPG" width="634" /></a></div>
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Linking to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98YYUSKiVZ4/VqrnAtm0cdI/AAAAAAAATRw/qCMX7fX_rTA/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98YYUSKiVZ4/VqrnAtm0cdI/AAAAAAAATRw/qCMX7fX_rTA/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8430822298138282874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/Client%20Blog%20Design/Signatures/BlueSkiesSig.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-37158109493687616282016-01-15T10:34:00.000-08:002016-01-15T10:34:16.388-08:00Love Life. Repeat.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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the last two weeks, cue crazy music:</div>
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word of the year workshop rep.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nQ8JUvA9n4/VpfwOU0aQ4I/AAAAAAAATMs/UDgU7uOM4jM/s1600/IMG_0829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nQ8JUvA9n4/VpfwOU0aQ4I/AAAAAAAATMs/UDgU7uOM4jM/s640/IMG_0829.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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more prep.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AD4-KDrAv6g/VpfwQxRHUiI/AAAAAAAATNQ/NzDJjLKhdfA/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AD4-KDrAv6g/VpfwQxRHUiI/AAAAAAAATNQ/NzDJjLKhdfA/s640/IMG_0897.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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take a small vacation.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feml6-FN_ug/VpfwPZoih-I/AAAAAAAATM4/5GVW0grXbag/s1600/IMG_0872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feml6-FN_ug/VpfwPZoih-I/AAAAAAAATM4/5GVW0grXbag/s640/IMG_0872.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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play in snow.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2Wf173VxnM/VpfwOincY7I/AAAAAAAATMw/_NN3dijkL5E/s1600/IMG_0861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2Wf173VxnM/VpfwOincY7I/AAAAAAAATMw/_NN3dijkL5E/s640/IMG_0861.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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get stuck in snow because we manage to go to the local mountains the week they have a storm.</div>
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remind myself why i like the beach.</div>
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break a chain.</div>
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get stuck in snow again.</div>
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sit in backseat of car with 50 pound dog for five hours while trying to get home.</div>
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don't remind myself the drive home only takes an hour.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2-N1xpbcD4/VpfwQp-xRXI/AAAAAAAATNI/atlBK-LloU4/s1600/IMG_0882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2-N1xpbcD4/VpfwQp-xRXI/AAAAAAAATNI/atlBK-LloU4/s640/IMG_0882.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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more prep for workshop.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHn7q7_rChI/VpfwWEl-HoI/AAAAAAAATOY/ulZzMlxmHLY/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHn7q7_rChI/VpfwWEl-HoI/AAAAAAAATOY/ulZzMlxmHLY/s640/IMG_0926.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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quick sketch in art journal.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L7wRKG6Lpxw/VpfwVi45KTI/AAAAAAAATOM/ttPOu6w_mDQ/s1600/IMG_0924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L7wRKG6Lpxw/VpfwVi45KTI/AAAAAAAATOM/ttPOu6w_mDQ/s640/IMG_0924.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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have workshop.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-217vk8cdLjo/VpfwVImeiJI/AAAAAAAATOU/Th6lAU7V4QE/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-217vk8cdLjo/VpfwVImeiJI/AAAAAAAATOU/Th6lAU7V4QE/s640/IMG_0922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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paint a lot.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ii5auvlTnro/VpfwUK7f0wI/AAAAAAAATNw/lPEQtqIN1TU/s1600/IMG_0912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ii5auvlTnro/VpfwUK7f0wI/AAAAAAAATNw/lPEQtqIN1TU/s640/IMG_0912.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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have a blast.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaprPILjplM/VpfwUq_XjhI/AAAAAAAATOA/ThnZDbkT-20/s1600/IMG_0917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaprPILjplM/VpfwUq_XjhI/AAAAAAAATOA/ThnZDbkT-20/s640/IMG_0917.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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sell out two workshops.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PA2TZzZIDoo/VpfwTGyKq6I/AAAAAAAATNc/ro_1VTlkDBA/s1600/IMG_0911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PA2TZzZIDoo/VpfwTGyKq6I/AAAAAAAATNc/ro_1VTlkDBA/s640/IMG_0911.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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more prep.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-ulP9Fbj6Y/VpfwRBFi5nI/AAAAAAAATNM/-fpqM9hQWIs/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-ulP9Fbj6Y/VpfwRBFi5nI/AAAAAAAATNM/-fpqM9hQWIs/s640/IMG_0905.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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quick sketch to keep my sanity.</div>
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laugh at myself cause it looks like he's getting squished, not embraced.</div>
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love live.</div>
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repeat.</div>
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linking to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">paint party friday</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jA5d9Mx_jh4/Vpfyjqszf3I/AAAAAAAATOo/UcXWkBukaqs/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jA5d9Mx_jh4/Vpfyjqszf3I/AAAAAAAATOo/UcXWkBukaqs/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-50420779118225916782016-01-01T09:32:00.000-08:002016-01-01T09:32:45.260-08:00What The Heck Is Word Of The Year?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Resolutions.</div>
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Phooey.</div>
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I've never liked them.</div>
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Personally, they go out the window in about four days.</div>
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Plus, they are too restrictive.</div>
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Such as: </div>
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January 1st, my New Year's Resolution will be to only eat sugar on the weekend. </div>
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January 4th: oops. Do chocolate covered almonds really count as sugar on a Monday?</div>
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Stupid resolution anyway. What if my birthday is on a Tuesday this year?</div>
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(insert buzzer sound)</div>
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FAIL.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zAYpFIGJHs/VoSxmaoUK-I/AAAAAAAATLo/Ce0qV7RafHA/s1600/IMG_5450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zAYpFIGJHs/VoSxmaoUK-I/AAAAAAAATLo/Ce0qV7RafHA/s640/IMG_5450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now.</div>
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Let's take a look at the Word Of The Year.</div>
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My word for 2015 was Gather.</div>
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My intention was to GATHER people together.</div>
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The whole year, I thought about the word, did art around the word, looked up it's meaning and practiced it when I was able to. I grew as a person when gathering people-large or small groups. It was amazing, and one of my all time favorite words.</div>
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There is no shame in failing with a Word Of The Year. (WOTY)</div>
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It's more of a process than hard core change.</div>
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It's gentle. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICa91b4HtRs/VoSxm0jKySI/AAAAAAAATL8/PF727moBm-c/s1600/IMG_5451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICa91b4HtRs/VoSxm0jKySI/AAAAAAAATL8/PF727moBm-c/s400/IMG_5451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When Sue and I do a WOTY workshop, there isn't any "shoulds" "what-ifs" or hard core anything.</div>
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In fact, here is what one student says about the work shops:</div>
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"Sue and Lynn create an inviting atmosphere where you are able to be real with yourself and reflect on your own identity in relation to the past, present, future. They help guide you in seeking out what you want in the next year of your life by choosing one all-encompassing word that you can hold on to in place of a list of tedious new year’s resolutions that you drop or forget by February. Choosing a word helps you to be specific about what you need while being broad to where it may lead you."</div>
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We explore <i>together</i> in these workshops.</div>
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You walk away with an original piece of art.</div>
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There is community, fun, laughter and great conversation.</div>
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Intimidated by paint?</div>
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Don't be.</div>
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NO ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE NEEDED.</div>
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I'm serious.</div>
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Sue and I will walk you through the steps of finding your word for the year as well as each step for the art piece.</div>
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It's such a great experience.</div>
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Plus....</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>PLUS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Guess where we are able to hold all the classes?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQM_Q5mOznk/VoSxkcMVXoI/AAAAAAAATLc/iOqgBQzx7Co/s1600/IMG_3008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQM_Q5mOznk/VoSxkcMVXoI/AAAAAAAATLc/iOqgBQzx7Co/s400/IMG_3008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>The Burrage Mansion</b>.</span></div>
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No kidding.</div>
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I'm doing such a happy dance right now.</div>
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We are so incredibly proud and blessed to be partnering with <span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://mansionmemories.org/">Mansion Memories</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"> </span><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Mansion Memories</span></b> create <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Magical Days Events</b> </span>at the the <a href="http://www.burragemansion.org/">Burrage Mansion </a>for families in crisis.</div>
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You guys. </div>
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It's just a win-win all around.</div>
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Grab your girlfriends, give yourself a night off at a beautiful location, and JOIN US-we have several dates available.</div>
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<a href="http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com/p/hear.html">CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP</a> !</div>
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Questions? Feel free to email me by clicking that little envelope icon on the right side bar.</div>
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Also, if you would like more information on <b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Mansion Memories</span></b>, visit <a href="http://mansionmemories.org/">http://mansionmemories.org/</a></div>
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Can't wait to see you in the new year....</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-48387715079792639252015-12-24T11:59:00.001-08:002015-12-24T11:59:11.826-08:00Merry Christmas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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To all of you who read this little blog, support my artwork, love on Brenna and encourage us....</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIAtkInQKxs/VnxN9_p4NhI/AAAAAAAATK0/u_7Yu1_bXGY/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIAtkInQKxs/VnxN9_p4NhI/AAAAAAAATK0/u_7Yu1_bXGY/s640/IMG_0786.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wish you nothing but the best for this holiday season and pray that the upcoming year will be filled with all joy and peace. </div>
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Much love,</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-32681009637769807352015-12-11T07:39:00.001-08:002015-12-11T07:40:16.280-08:00Advent Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Advent Season.</div>
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This is something I have discovered in the last few years. </div>
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I find myself during this busy season longing for something to ground me, to help me focus on what is important to me, to not be swallowed up by the craziness that, unfortunately, is part of the Christmas season.</div>
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I'm following along with the <a href="http://ccca.biola.edu/advent/">Advent Project through Biola University</a> and have found great peace reading through each day's offering.</div>
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I'm doing a small journal entry with most days and thought I'd share them with you, even in all their smudges and imperfections.</div>
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Here's to finding peace and joy this season.</div>
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linking to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-66607996382337961672015-11-19T20:29:00.001-08:002015-11-19T20:29:07.566-08:00Little Christmas Offerings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Little soldered ornaments proclaiming HOPE.</div>
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Little bitty canvases to hang declaring PEACE.</div>
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(dog nose not included)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYvGVbW-hSM/Vk5v9FZyOoI/AAAAAAAATGk/5z8RxQGJWnY/s1600/IMG_0537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYvGVbW-hSM/Vk5v9FZyOoI/AAAAAAAATGk/5z8RxQGJWnY/s400/IMG_0537.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are what I've been creating after turning off the news and turning it back on. Off, on, off, on. Staring in horror at newspaper headlines.</div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Peace, Hope.</div>
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Always.</div>
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(Hand lettered, hand painted, lots of prayers. Limited amount available November 28)</div>
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I'd love to see you at our Shop Small event.</div>
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linking to </div>
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<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-18366817065260008052015-11-09T20:31:00.002-08:002015-11-10T09:29:57.628-08:00Finding The Perfect Gift<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's that time of year.</div>
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You know-gift giving, entertaining, spending time with friends and family.</div>
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Possibly fall or winter weddings.</div>
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(I had a Christmas wedding all planned out in my head at one time.</div>
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Too bad I ended up with a July heat wave.)</div>
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Do you wonder what to bring to these festivities?</div>
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If you are like me, I love to bring a little gift for the couple hosting the event. </div>
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When the good folks over at <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/gifts/housewarming">Uncommon Goods</a> asked me to take a look at gift ideas,</div>
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I didn't need my arm to be twisted AT all to look at product from a company that connects artists to an online market place AND has a program called Better To Give, where customers can choose a non-profit for <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/gifts/by-recipient/gifts-for-couples">Uncommon Goods </a>to donate $1 of every order.</div>
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I would love come into a couple's home that is all ready for entertaining and bring one of these sweet <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/literary-candles">Literary Candles</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJh4qoS9Al0/VkFmzBKxXnI/AAAAAAAATFA/pcOph-iqm1Y/s1600/candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJh4qoS9Al0/VkFmzBKxXnI/AAAAAAAATFA/pcOph-iqm1Y/s320/candle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Maybe even pair it with the host's favorite book.</div>
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What about these fabulous<a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/hot-and-cold-soapstone-bowls-set-of-2"> bowls</a>?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAT9d3dxWzs/VkFoSwpryZI/AAAAAAAATFQ/GkT1QCcVMnc/s1600/bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAT9d3dxWzs/VkFoSwpryZI/AAAAAAAATFQ/GkT1QCcVMnc/s320/bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Can you imagine how cool it would be to open these? </div>
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Wait.</div>
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I mean how cool it would be to GIVE these. Right. Give them. To someone else.</div>
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Oooooh-</div>
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What about this <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/state-slate-cheese-boards">cheese board</a>???</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7tj_IZ27vg/VkFrCtrC6RI/AAAAAAAATFc/wqS6mLB9yIc/s1600/cheeseboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7tj_IZ27vg/VkFrCtrC6RI/AAAAAAAATFc/wqS6mLB9yIc/s320/cheeseboard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So cool. It would look great in my kitchen.</div>
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Gaah.</div>
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My <i>friend's</i> kitchen. </div>
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I need to focus.</div>
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I gotta say, when I saw the <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/custom-map-coaster-set">coasters</a>, I was thinking of the last wedding I went to and wouldn't it have been so cool to put where the couple's first home is located on the map??</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CTGu-EUqtOc/VkFvQrxhCfI/AAAAAAAATFo/FtkincZo23Y/s1600/coaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CTGu-EUqtOc/VkFvQrxhCfI/AAAAAAAATFo/FtkincZo23Y/s320/coaster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh, my gosh-I thought <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/table-topics">these</a> were fun as well:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUY1PxtIcAM/VkFwJkH57JI/AAAAAAAATFw/TUuvwC2dXmA/s1600/couple%2Bgift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUY1PxtIcAM/VkFwJkH57JI/AAAAAAAATFw/TUuvwC2dXmA/s320/couple%2Bgift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Conversation starters. I love stuff like this. </div>
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I fell in love with these gorgeous <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/wooden-wine-glasses-set-of-2">wine glasses</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FP4ZDQ3uuyY/VkFxFFVpUAI/AAAAAAAATF4/ZSxYjwNWCds/s1600/couple%2Bgift%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FP4ZDQ3uuyY/VkFxFFVpUAI/AAAAAAAATF4/ZSxYjwNWCds/s320/couple%2Bgift%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't even drink. But I'm sure I could find something to put in here.</div>
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Oh, wait. They are supposed to be a gift for a special couple.</div>
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Sigh.</div>
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Either way- a gift for someone special or for yourself, </div>
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you are sure to find something at Uncommon Goods!</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8430822298138282874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/Client%20Blog%20Design/Signatures/BlueSkiesSig.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-85046828507116514532015-11-06T13:35:00.000-08:002015-11-06T13:35:56.602-08:00Time For A Show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIHvLQCj7jY/VjuJL9LvzvI/AAAAAAAATDg/W7uqTfTQn5Y/s1600/07%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIHvLQCj7jY/VjuJL9LvzvI/AAAAAAAATDg/W7uqTfTQn5Y/s640/07%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, in all the craziness, let's do an art show. </div>
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YAY!</div>
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If you are in the area, stop by the</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.reddirtartfestival.com/">Red Dirt Art Festival</a> </span></div>
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at Smiley Park on Saturday, November 7 from 10:00-4:00.</div>
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We have had winds, rain and crazy cold, so the forecast for Saturday is...</div>
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perfection.</div>
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No, really. We will be back to almost summer on Saturday, so you might as well come out and enjoy the fun.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9nZ7NNqFdc/VjuKlOrXivI/AAAAAAAATD0/TCsWDruDLEU/s1600/IMG_0453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9nZ7NNqFdc/VjuKlOrXivI/AAAAAAAATD0/TCsWDruDLEU/s640/IMG_0453.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'll be there with my birds...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHG7t8mVfZs/VjuKjxx_IPI/AAAAAAAATDs/8e4-Rb38Fgs/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHG7t8mVfZs/VjuKjxx_IPI/AAAAAAAATDs/8e4-Rb38Fgs/s640/IMG_0461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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repurposed wood and vintage map creations..</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RE0_Og1b-2M/VjuKl_YlkwI/AAAAAAAATD8/YeyWUmJa3-A/s1600/IMG_0465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RE0_Og1b-2M/VjuKl_YlkwI/AAAAAAAATD8/YeyWUmJa3-A/s640/IMG_0465.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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did I mention birds?</div>
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Small Truths are in full force this year-</div>
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perfect for yourself or a little something for someone else.</div>
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An encouraging word or two can make anyone's day...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfsDHe9PINY/VjuKpMHZGbI/AAAAAAAATEU/JHoaSlmEwWE/s1600/IMG_0470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfsDHe9PINY/VjuKpMHZGbI/AAAAAAAATEU/JHoaSlmEwWE/s640/IMG_0470.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hope I see you there!</div>
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<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-44086358826978802782015-10-23T06:39:00.001-07:002015-10-23T06:39:07.861-07:00Being A Light(house)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love these kids for so many different reasons.</div>
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They bring so much life and energy to the equation - and lately?</div>
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Well.</div>
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Gaaaahhhh!!!</div>
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Literally, I am SO. EXCITED. to share this with you all.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp7_mKqcKtY/Vilh_kDohgI/AAAAAAAATBc/E0QU3yuxE48/s1600/IMG_3084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp7_mKqcKtY/Vilh_kDohgI/AAAAAAAATBc/E0QU3yuxE48/s640/IMG_3084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My eldest daughter and her husband have been working in South Orange County for a group called The Lighthouse Group. It's a non-profit that brings the young adults special needs population together once a week at a faith-based social group. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(<a href="http://www.thelighthousegroup.org/">thelighthousegroup.org</a>)</span></div>
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After living in Redlands for the last six months, Lauren and Stephen thought, "Why couldn't we bring this group to the Inland Empire as well?"</div>
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Why not, indeed.</div>
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Lauren and Stephen went to the board of The Lighthouse Group and they generously gave blessing to their idea and now the two of them are in the midst of gathering and planning and expanding.</div>
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A group for young adults.</div>
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With special needs.</div>
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Their very own club.</div>
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Here.</div>
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YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dtd1meAfk8/ViliA6dbfYI/AAAAAAAATBs/ULqS4egkQYc/s1600/IMG_6651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dtd1meAfk8/ViliA6dbfYI/AAAAAAAATBs/ULqS4egkQYc/s640/IMG_6651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have so many kids and parents who are so excited!!!!</div>
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Are you asking how you can be involved yet??</div>
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Do you want to know more??</div>
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You're awesome, and I'll tell you-</div>
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First of all, you can come celebrate with us at our first fundraiser at </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.burragemansion.org/">The Burrage Mansion</a></span></b></div>
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<b>Saturday, October 31</b></div>
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<b>1:00-4:00</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4b5MtKhGgjk/VilleLrDNqI/AAAAAAAATB0/lpky68_yhcg/s1600/Fall%2BFestival_LH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4b5MtKhGgjk/VilleLrDNqI/AAAAAAAATB0/lpky68_yhcg/s640/Fall%2BFestival_LH.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Truly, we are blown away at the generosity of the people at this facility! </div>
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To be honest, we are a little more than excited to spend the afternoon doing games, costume contest, raffle, silent auction, face painting and a ton more on these beautiful grounds.</div>
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We see God's hand ALL OVER THIS endeavor!!!!</div>
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I just see the gates opening wide for us to be able to make this happen for our kids.</div>
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If you can't make it to the Fall Festival, head over to </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/thelighthousegroup-ie">www.crowdrise.com/thelighthousegroup-ie</a></span></b></div>
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Watch the video, (it's just the best) learn more about this incredible endeavor, make a donation, think about volunteering, make a difference.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEPPctSJrcs/VilrM5qjNaI/AAAAAAAATCU/LA2evahlqdc/s1600/IMG_2329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEPPctSJrcs/VilrM5qjNaI/AAAAAAAATCU/LA2evahlqdc/s640/IMG_2329.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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From the bottom of our hearts,</div>
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Thank you. </div>
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Thanks for taking time to read this and go to the website, for all your support and love.</div>
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Now, please excuse me while I go squeal some more and think up a crazy costume for the festival!</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8430822298138282874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/Client%20Blog%20Design/Signatures/BlueSkiesSig.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-77586476877636343672015-10-09T09:21:00.001-07:002015-10-09T09:21:04.719-07:00Catching Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, hello, blog.</div>
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It's been a while.</div>
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It's been the longest I've ever not posted.</div>
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Friday rolls around every week and I'm surprised each time.</div>
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What! </div>
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Friday again and I haven't blogged?</div>
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Good grief, I tell myself. What on earth could I possibly be doing instead of blogging?</div>
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First off, this <a href="http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com/2014/12/sometimes-dreams-change.html">house project</a> has taken on a life of it's own.</div>
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We have been running marathon days getting bids nailed down and along with each bid comes a learning curve.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nm3MPY06FxY/Vhfj6BUBAFI/AAAAAAAAS-Q/EFYfjXIe528/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nm3MPY06FxY/Vhfj6BUBAFI/AAAAAAAAS-Q/EFYfjXIe528/s400/IMG_0190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But we always look for fun along the way.</div>
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Do you know how many choices there are for casing?</div>
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And what the heck is casing?</div>
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It's the molding around your doors.</div>
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Oh.</div>
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Pick one.</div>
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Oh.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNmWSRoIrP8/Vhfj-GeGGsI/AAAAAAAAS_A/_k5Da2H5EKY/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNmWSRoIrP8/Vhfj-GeGGsI/AAAAAAAAS_A/_k5Da2H5EKY/s400/IMG_0239.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then pick door knobs.</div>
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Oh.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrdU1Xl5odE/Vhfj_NgfGNI/AAAAAAAAS_E/eYzi0inuB2I/s1600/IMG_0243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrdU1Xl5odE/Vhfj_NgfGNI/AAAAAAAAS_E/eYzi0inuB2I/s400/IMG_0243.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And figure out pricing on tile.</div>
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Tile?</div>
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Which tile?</div>
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Pick one.</div>
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Oh.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvcM131_62w/Vhfj9bA2i6I/AAAAAAAAS-0/cBsnNaE4mHM/s1600/IMG_0210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvcM131_62w/Vhfj9bA2i6I/AAAAAAAAS-0/cBsnNaE4mHM/s400/IMG_0210.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The vision is slowly coming into my head, but being such a visual learner, if I can't touch it and see it, I feel like many times I am playing pin the tail on the donkey!</div>
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Some how it turned into fall and became October and with that comes</div>
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National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.</div>
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If you follow me on Instagram, I'm posting there on this subject.</div>
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We are working and getting help and focusing on getting this love more and more independent.</div>
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Thank goodness for our team. At 21, she reminds me of myself at that age.</div>
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As in, I didn't think my parents knew ANYthing when I was at that stage.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2ZxIjOtAEE/Vhfj_wWIP-I/AAAAAAAAS_c/oDEQ5QUp3dQ/s1600/IMG_0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2ZxIjOtAEE/Vhfj_wWIP-I/AAAAAAAAS_c/oDEQ5QUp3dQ/s640/IMG_0249.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then there's art and Jesus.</div>
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Passionately pursing both in different ways.</div>
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Usually with coffee.</div>
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKaytq5mLeg/Vhfj7GUvdrI/AAAAAAAAS-o/dV_3gGFsCJk/s1600/IMG_0187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKaytq5mLeg/Vhfj7GUvdrI/AAAAAAAAS-o/dV_3gGFsCJk/s640/IMG_0187.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0huu0Mz_jNA/Vhfj7_OvHbI/AAAAAAAAS-w/Z9P9zB-e3Ik/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0huu0Mz_jNA/Vhfj7_OvHbI/AAAAAAAAS-w/Z9P9zB-e3Ik/s640/IMG_0199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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More journal time.</div>
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More reminders and smaller work.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RCpGqCWCDY/Vhfj_j7ClvI/AAAAAAAAS_Y/i2zyoo85ofI/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RCpGqCWCDY/Vhfj_j7ClvI/AAAAAAAAS_Y/i2zyoo85ofI/s640/IMG_0263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes blank canvases,</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnGMwo7XVsw/Vhfj6tb5HuI/AAAAAAAAS-k/ozQo6nEq-Hk/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnGMwo7XVsw/Vhfj6tb5HuI/AAAAAAAAS-k/ozQo6nEq-Hk/s400/IMG_0195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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and one glorious hour filling a whole canvas while at a workshop.</div>
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Throw in some dog sitting, working on eating clean and that's my month in a nutshell.</div>
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While my newest love is garlic mashed sweet potatoes, I was out so long yesterday figuring out tile, I embraced imperfection at a drive through with tacos and french fries.</div>
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Yes. It was good.</div>
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Thanks for catching up and Happy Friday!</div>
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<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">linking to Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-956946658663559222015-08-28T15:33:00.000-07:002015-08-28T15:33:51.744-07:00Grace For Today.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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School started for real around here.</div>
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Can I just get an Amen?</div>
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It's a GOOD program for Miss B this year. It's full and exciting and has so much to offer for her last year of formal education.</div>
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All that worrying and anxiety and waking up and fretting?</div>
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It had to have been worth something.</div>
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Possibly just for me being able to see a LOT of grace in the aftermath of nail biting and prayer.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-XYti1mStI/Vd5EsU3RFSI/AAAAAAAAS7I/SxTGVoS6VQE/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-XYti1mStI/Vd5EsU3RFSI/AAAAAAAAS7I/SxTGVoS6VQE/s640/IMG_0036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since the beginning of school </div>
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I have also had </div>
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TWO</div>
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FULL</div>
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DAYS</div>
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in the art studio.</div>
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Beautiful grace here.</div>
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New things are happening and it's fun.</div>
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Painting, pens, acrylics, ink....</div>
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I love finding paint in my hair later on in the day.</div>
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And then, as life goes, Brenna got sick and was home for a day.</div>
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Wrenches in the day, plans out the window, tired from a night up and down with her. </div>
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I always try to make sense of these times and it just doesn't work, does it?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">art journal entry done with acrylic paint pens and sharpie</span></div>
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Oooh.</div>
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Maybe that's the grace part. </div>
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Stuff happens, it just IS, and here is today, so roll with it and give thanks as I go.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">art journal page done with acrylic paint markers and sharpie</span></div>
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And maybe a nap.</div>
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That's grace, too.</div>
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linking to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<a href="http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/">Art Journal Every Day</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-20794706657352291552015-08-07T09:03:00.001-07:002015-08-07T09:03:50.376-07:00Twenty-One. A Birthday Message To My Daughter.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Twenty one years ago, on August 11th, our family's life, MY life was changed.</div>
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Twenty one years ago on a stifling hot August morning, we struggled to welcome a new life.</div>
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How could 7 pounds possibly bring so much emotion? So many unanswered questions? So much change?</div>
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People didn't come into that hospital twenty one years ago tip-toeing or whispering. </div>
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No, they came right in over that threshold and they hugged.</div>
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They came through the doors and wrapped their arms around us and said things like, "Congratulations!" "She's beautiful." "We love you and are here for you." </div>
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They sat with us as we wept and processed, begged for answers and stared into space.</div>
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They stayed with us until we fell asleep and then-only then did they whisper good night and tip-toe out of the room.</div>
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Those people continued to come and they brought flowers and gave my eldest a t-shirt that celebrated her being a big sister. Those blessed people brought meals, welcomed our girl into our church, into their arms and gave more hugs and more love and the most amazing thing began to happen.</div>
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We began to celebrate her as well.</div>
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It didn't happen over night.</div>
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No, those nights were long and fraught with many medical decisions and exhaustion and fear and searching for answers.</div>
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Still, the joy came.</div>
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And when it did- oh! For the love of all things holy, it came crashing in.</div>
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It came in the form of the smell of new baby and soft, downy snuggles.</div>
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Joy came in the beaming pride of an older sibling, one who just knew that this was the sister she was waiting for. </div>
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Joy snuck up on us in the form of blue eyes as deep and as wide as the sky. Eyes that were supposedly "almond shaped" but to us, they were absolutely perfect for her-absolutely lovely.</div>
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After four years of waiting, joy crashed in when I heard the first response of "I love you" and always, always in sloppy wet kisses.</div>
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Joy was found in determination and spunk, curiosity, and a smile as wide as the heavens.</div>
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I would be a liar if I said my life was just hunky-dory. That my life is one continual joyous journey.</div>
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Instead, what I think I/we are to give light to is that we still have exhausting nights that are fraught with medical decisions, hard life decisions, fear, bone-deep tiredness, feelings of being alone and a continual search for answers.</div>
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There are still tears and waves of grief, still times where we sit down and say to ourselves, "What now?, Which way? How can we possibly gear up for this?"</div>
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AND YET.</div>
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And yet, in the midst of it all-</div>
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There is still joy.</div>
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A deep, unexplainable joy that runs through us when we celebrate <i>with </i>this girl, <i>for </i>this life, her accomplishments, who SHE is.</div>
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A joy that seriously has no words when this girl defies the odds. </div>
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When she throws back into oblivion words that were spoken that never supported her. </div>
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Words spoken by those we were looking to for direction and answers.</div>
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"She will never....."</div>
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"She won't be able to....."</div>
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"If I were you, I wouldn't...."</div>
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"There won't be many times we can...."</div>
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"Why would you....."</div>
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This unexplainable, palpable joy comes in the whispers of morning snuggles and hugs.</div>
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It comes in the form of a small hand that always finds mine, her head laid down in my lap for prayers at night, a nose rubbing mine.</div>
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It even comes in the form of eyes that roll and spark with defiance.</div>
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Because even then, she shows us that she can and she will.</div>
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I think I will forever try and find the answer to holding both joy and fear, grief and laughter, exhaustion and fun.</div>
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But for now?</div>
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We celebrate.</div>
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We celebrate and give thanks and cheer and throw confetti.</div>
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We will light candles and eat cake.</div>
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We will have our eyes open wide at the miracle of life and this time when I weep, it will be for a grace and goodness and joy so deep that it swallows us whole and keeps us close and safe.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-11987335082573453932015-07-31T07:26:00.003-07:002015-07-31T07:26:53.758-07:00Quick Envelope Pillow Tutorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have told you that I don't sew and that the only test I ever cheated on in school was in Home Ec, where I had to label all the components of a sewing machine.</div>
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No more, my friends, no more.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AS1eWt7xCYU/VbkMbGvPnuI/AAAAAAAAS4s/HbxBgvtSeVE/s1600/pillow%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AS1eWt7xCYU/VbkMbGvPnuI/AAAAAAAAS4s/HbxBgvtSeVE/s400/pillow%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am here to tell you that if I can do this, you can do this.</div>
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Just as long as you don't need perfection, you will be golden.</div>
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Ready?</div>
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First, go <a href="http://moose-mouse-creations.blogspot.com/2012/03/simple-pillow-cover-tutorial.html">moose mouse creations</a>. She has aaaaalllll the cool measurements and directions for the envelope pillow cover.</div>
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Her seams are pretty, her pillows are pretty. </div>
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Do not look too much at all the cutie-patootie creations you can make. If you are a somewhat reformed sewing cheater like me, just stick to the basic pillow.</div>
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Here's my version just to prove that I did not pay someone to do this.</div>
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I went to Wal Mart and found 14x14 pillow forms on sale for $5 each and the material was by Waverly for $2.97 a yard.</div>
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I got three yards and made seven pillows.</div>
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Uh-huh. You heard right. SEVEN. </div>
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This shows the three pieces needed to make the envelope:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVwP6xhdk1s/VbkAcxmAFdI/AAAAAAAAS3E/Gwu7c0f1YX8/s1600/IMG_6582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVwP6xhdk1s/VbkAcxmAFdI/AAAAAAAAS3E/Gwu7c0f1YX8/s400/IMG_6582.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In this next photo, I "finish the flap edge of each rectangle piece".</div>
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I had no idea what this scientific sewing term was, so I googled "flap edge for sewing".</div>
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Just so you know, it's the edge of the piece of material. As in for the front of the pillow. </div>
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It's not a scientific term in sewing.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DENXuZeLJlI/VbkAdnH_ZuI/AAAAAAAAS3M/kWDroy58ckM/s1600/IMG_6585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DENXuZeLJlI/VbkAdnH_ZuI/AAAAAAAAS3M/kWDroy58ckM/s400/IMG_6585.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Now begins your mantra:</div>
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"RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER."</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw7mGpLXALM/VbkAdod3GLI/AAAAAAAAS3I/K9NCfQFngdo/s1600/IMG_6586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw7mGpLXALM/VbkAdod3GLI/AAAAAAAAS3I/K9NCfQFngdo/s400/IMG_6586.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sew around the whole center.</div>
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Oh. And pin it together. That helps.</div>
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All of you sewing geniuses out there please tell me this-</div>
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HOW do you cut a straight edge? Do you see the right side? All of my pillows were wonky like this and I took great liberty of the "stitching the 1/2" seam". </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt0eEffUxrY/VbkAejywIRI/AAAAAAAAS3Y/ovj19RCsNjE/s1600/IMG_6587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt0eEffUxrY/VbkAejywIRI/AAAAAAAAS3Y/ovj19RCsNjE/s400/IMG_6587.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here I get all professional and cut the corners.</div>
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Cause that's what the directions said. And I always follow directions.</div>
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hahahahahahahaha</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy5n59RZGgM/VbkAgPHlaBI/AAAAAAAAS3k/cfxZxTms1Kg/s1600/IMG_6588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy5n59RZGgM/VbkAgPHlaBI/AAAAAAAAS3k/cfxZxTms1Kg/s400/IMG_6588.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Turn it right side out.</div>
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Now you will find out if you have said your mantra enough.</div>
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Otherwise, get really familiar with your seam ripper.</div>
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Oh-this is also where you will find out if you were in such a rush to photograph everything that you forgot to sew one side of the pillow. Turn it back inside out and go finish the job.</div>
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Be brave.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yv-0dWc5iF8/VbkAg0QhxtI/AAAAAAAAS3o/OrwtCltKz9s/s1600/IMG_6589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yv-0dWc5iF8/VbkAg0QhxtI/AAAAAAAAS3o/OrwtCltKz9s/s400/IMG_6589.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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Because....</div>
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You are all finished!!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6R4_-PsYRs/VbkAhLrx7AI/AAAAAAAAS3w/mBGSo3j6_G0/s1600/IMG_6590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6R4_-PsYRs/VbkAhLrx7AI/AAAAAAAAS3w/mBGSo3j6_G0/s640/IMG_6590.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stuff your pillow form in there, make it all fat and sassy and enjoy.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncz8eiXYPU0/VbkAiCy0JBI/AAAAAAAAS38/tqzglr23bZo/s1600/IMG_6591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncz8eiXYPU0/VbkAiCy0JBI/AAAAAAAAS38/tqzglr23bZo/s640/IMG_6591.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ran out of material for the two larger pillow forms that I used, so I got all brave and crazy and did one rectangle flap out of some muslin that I had sprayed with some Dylusion spray ages ago.</div>
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All in all, the 3 yards of fabric made five 14x14 pillows and two 16x16 (with the exception of two of the rectangles).</div>
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Why did I decide to do all this????</div>
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Cushions for the stump seats around the fire pit!!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAFnylXK4eY/VbkMPtTjyVI/AAAAAAAAS4g/e27Ry4BsLYo/s1600/IMG_6564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAFnylXK4eY/VbkMPtTjyVI/AAAAAAAAS4g/e27Ry4BsLYo/s400/IMG_6564.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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If you try it, let me know how it turns out!</div>
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If anyone wants to know, I still would fail a sewing machine components test.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8430822298138282874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/Client%20Blog%20Design/Signatures/BlueSkiesSig.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-64766224866022773482015-07-25T08:20:00.000-07:002015-07-25T08:20:37.647-07:00If Fifty Is The New Forty.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My friend and I were discussing the subject of how no matter what age we are, we aren't.</div>
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All the magazines tell us, "Fifty is the NEW Forty!!!!" </div>
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"Seventy is the NEW Sixty!!!!"</div>
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As if.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci9iL1PAp8k/Va_xSDQPVEI/AAAAAAAASxA/3Ioa8RWGFy8/s1600/IMG_6506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci9iL1PAp8k/Va_xSDQPVEI/AAAAAAAASxA/3Ioa8RWGFy8/s640/IMG_6506.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>art journal page done using mixed acrylics, stamps, uni-ball signo in white and chalk paint.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>cause that's what was in front of me....</i></span></div>
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Let's just unravel this a bit, shall we?</div>
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If Fifty really was the "new" Forty, does that mean I would have more smarts because I have all ready lived that decade?</div>
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If I had more smarts, then, when left alone with a table full of broken cake pops I would swipe them directly into the trash, right?</div>
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Instead, I'm well into my Fifties, but I'm TOLD I'm still like 40, and when I was 40, I wasn't gluten-free. </div>
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So I EAT the broken bits of cake pop like a meth addict while no one is watching because I've completely forgotten that I'm gluten-free now and I have apparently embraced my new 40 year old self with crumbled up box mix cake, canned frosting and hardened chocolate coating.</div>
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So much for smarts.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLRLCz8RlgY/Va_xOQGbCaI/AAAAAAAASwY/4-yb7npj3lM/s1600/IMG_6502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLRLCz8RlgY/Va_xOQGbCaI/AAAAAAAASwY/4-yb7npj3lM/s640/IMG_6502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>oh! and a Sharpie, oil based paint pen in white for all the little dots.</i></span></div>
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IF Fifty is the new Forty, shouldn't practicing Yoga With Adrienne on Youtube come easier?</div>
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Shouldn't doing a one armed side plank not be a big deal?</div>
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Oh, wait. </div>
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I BROKE MY FREAKING SHOULDER AT AGE 52 AND ONE ARMED SIDE PLANKS DO NOT BODE WELL AT AGE 53.</div>
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But aren't I really 40? I had killer shoulders at age 40. And darn it, they're pretty good now.</div>
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IF Fifty is the new Forty, why did I have a used spoon in my purse for over a month?</div>
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A new forty year old me would have taken it out of her purse immediately and put it in the dishwasher. That new Forty year old would have been appalled at dirty silverware in her purse and would not have just shrugged at it and thought, "Gee. I wonder how that got there?" and then immediately forget it was in her purse.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djHUC5SNcJk/Va_xOxogIjI/AAAAAAAASwk/rwlP91zXB1k/s1600/IMG_6503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djHUC5SNcJk/Va_xOxogIjI/AAAAAAAASwk/rwlP91zXB1k/s640/IMG_6503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And in that fifty-is-the-new-forty-year-old's-purse WHY in heaven's name do I find my child's sports bra in there? </div>
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Because Twenty is the new Ten and they leave stuff absolutely everywhere?</div>
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Someone throw me a life jacket made out of common sense.</div>
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For the record, IF Fifty is the new Forty,</div>
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Why. Why. Why are my eyes needing corrective lenses whenever they are open?</div>
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Why?</div>
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So I can wear cool frames that make me look like I'm 40?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqTv2_Bmsss/Va_xQndxejI/AAAAAAAASww/w8TqpBBFw5E/s1600/IMG_6504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqTv2_Bmsss/Va_xQndxejI/AAAAAAAASww/w8TqpBBFw5E/s640/IMG_6504.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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You can have your new Forty.</div>
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I'll take Fifty three just as it is.</div>
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Even when it's sleep deprived, lacking in hormones, forgetful and wrinkled.</div>
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I might gripe about these things once in a while, but I griped about stuff when I was 40, so what's new?</div>
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But here's the good part:</div>
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At Fifty three, I've been married to my husband for 30 years and I wouldn't trade a day of any of those years.</div>
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At fifty three, I get a lot of chances to look back and say, "Oh! Of course. THAT'S what that situation was all about!"</div>
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I realize what I really, really like, I pursue it, and I'm blessed to be able to share it.</div>
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I learn that I like learning from twenty-somethings, and that I'm never to old to learn.</div>
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At fifty three, I don't have to do a one armed plank. I improvise because I know my limitations and I'm not embarrassed by them. I would be more embarrassed to be back in a shoulder sling because I didn't heed those limitations. </div>
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Trying to be a "new" 40 when I'm definitely 53 implies that I'm not where I should be. That where I am in life isn't acceptable and I have to continually ignore the path I have traveled and look back to be something else.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci9iL1PAp8k/Va_xSDQPVEI/AAAAAAAASxA/3Ioa8RWGFy8/s1600/IMG_6506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci9iL1PAp8k/Va_xSDQPVEI/AAAAAAAASxA/3Ioa8RWGFy8/s640/IMG_6506.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
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Here's the deal. </div>
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I don't want to re-travel any decade, thank you very much.</div>
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I want to live in the present moment, soak up all that I can and continue on-forge ahead for those who are coming up in the ranks. I want to be able to tell Forty year olds that life doesn't end at Fifty and you don't have to act like any other age, person or anything other than your beautiful self.</div>
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Happy Friday, my friends.</div>
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I hope your enjoying yourself wherever you are in life.</div>
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linking to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-85481789293631695582015-07-17T07:36:00.000-07:002015-07-17T07:36:49.079-07:00Coming Back To Center With Paint<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I might not be painting canvases so much right now, but I haven't stopped painting, which is the important part.</div>
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I'm finding that in the process of painting furniture, I come back to center.</div>
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It's in the repetitive motions, the back and forth, back and forth that my mind quiets.</div>
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No thoughts, just motion. Nothing has to have composition, nothing has to be added just yet. </div>
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Only paint.</div>
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Back and forth, back and forth.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wfy1aHQX0Y/VafPzbnY-RI/AAAAAAAAStA/yqr26nzDXwA/s1600/IMG_6242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wfy1aHQX0Y/VafPzbnY-RI/AAAAAAAAStA/yqr26nzDXwA/s400/IMG_6242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took this circa 1985 console table from our church foyer to bring it up to date with chalk paint.</div>
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I began with Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Everlasting. (FYI: I don't get paid for mentioning any products.)</div>
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It took two coats to cover it, and I put three coats on the very top.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuYASwwgFEc/VafPy4AkcJI/AAAAAAAASs8/hbwz4aJiLQA/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuYASwwgFEc/VafPy4AkcJI/AAAAAAAASs8/hbwz4aJiLQA/s400/IMG_6245.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>if I'm working at the Summit House, I always have help.</i></div>
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I wanted to use the dry brush effect and began experimenting on the underside of the table with Americana Decor paint in Relic.</div>
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Thank goodness I experimented on the underside.</div>
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By the time I googled dry brush, watched Youtube videos on the process at midnight and then looked up a hundred different directions on Pinterest I had slightly lost my center again.</div>
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Small disasters tend to do this to me.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMFK_FhKMLs/VafP4eh06FI/AAAAAAAAStg/AEbCD3CulP4/s1600/IMG_7597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMFK_FhKMLs/VafP4eh06FI/AAAAAAAAStg/AEbCD3CulP4/s640/IMG_7597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Definitely NOT the look I was going for.</div>
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Dry Brush.</div>
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Teeny tiny amount of paint.</div>
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Gak.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6brXttQ2324/VafP7SqhbQI/AAAAAAAASt0/FRW8C3WRr4g/s1600/IMG_7601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6brXttQ2324/VafP7SqhbQI/AAAAAAAASt0/FRW8C3WRr4g/s400/IMG_7601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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What's a girl to do to get back to center?</div>
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Improvise.</div>
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Take the teeny, tiny amount of paint on the brush, dunk it in water and dab onto the drop cloth.</div>
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Sweep it over the table in long motions.</div>
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Ahhhhhhh....</div>
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That's better!!!!</div>
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This is the first go:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNTyus80Vhg/VafP8etBBCI/AAAAAAAASt8/HNOr8S2OEzo/s1600/IMG_7604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNTyus80Vhg/VafP8etBBCI/AAAAAAAASt8/HNOr8S2OEzo/s640/IMG_7604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Crazy, huh?</div>
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I continued putting SMALL, SMALL, SMALL amounts of paint on the tip of the brush and then dunking it quickly into a jar of water, then dabbing onto the drop cloth. </div>
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The great part about this is that if you get too much gray paint on your surface, you can dip the brush back into the water, dab, and work the paint out into a nice, even, light layer.</div>
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Small bubbles might come onto the surface, but you can get rid of those by continuing to brush.</div>
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Back and forth, back and forth.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enLDU43WZpE/VafP9Jya1KI/AAAAAAAASuA/ryX0RMYt2Rw/s1600/IMG_7605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enLDU43WZpE/VafP9Jya1KI/AAAAAAAASuA/ryX0RMYt2Rw/s640/IMG_7605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because the paint is so wet, it settles nicely into the crevices.</div>
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I did this twice over the whole table and then after the second layer dried, I sanded some of the edges.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d36L-qFc6ec/VafP-7HCu3I/AAAAAAAASuM/ZOZqsJAVZd4/s1600/IMG_7610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d36L-qFc6ec/VafP-7HCu3I/AAAAAAAASuM/ZOZqsJAVZd4/s640/IMG_7610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next comes the wax.</div>
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So, I don't know if this is a kosher chalk-paint move to have your paint super diluted and then after it dries, put the wax on it. Nor do I know if it's a kosher chalk-paint move to add gray paint to the wax for one more layer of loveliness.</div>
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But oh, well. I did it anyway and it seemed fine.</div>
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I put the wax on the inside of the lid and added a small amount of gray paint and mixed it all up.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOIms8MkKYc/VafQAkRCaHI/AAAAAAAASuQ/60ju8UbcIHg/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOIms8MkKYc/VafQAkRCaHI/AAAAAAAASuQ/60ju8UbcIHg/s640/IMG_7614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Again, working with SMALL amounts of paint and wax, I brushed it over the surface in small sections and then went over it with a soft, white rag.</div>
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Lots of rubbing on this step. </div>
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If you have too much gray or it has spattered or there is just a chunk of gray, just use a bit of clear wax and rub it out until it's even.</div>
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(NOTE: when you grab a rag to use for the wax and it's an old maroon colored pillow case? DON'T. It will bleed and turn your project into the strangest color of pink. However, this will come out when you add plain wax and rub it out. I just learned this yesterday on a different project I'm working on.)</div>
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Pre- rubbing:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9I7hRmDoavQ/VafQBLroESI/AAAAAAAASuY/7v33NtPAWtk/s1600/IMG_7615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9I7hRmDoavQ/VafQBLroESI/AAAAAAAASuY/7v33NtPAWtk/s640/IMG_7615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finished product:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_lNsWSdr9c/VafQBm64LcI/AAAAAAAASug/_ppZkzY8XUU/s1600/IMG_7616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_lNsWSdr9c/VafQBm64LcI/AAAAAAAASug/_ppZkzY8XUU/s640/IMG_7616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Personally, I love it.</div>
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I'm not fond of gray, but this is warm and pretty.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8Cax1wmal0/VafZxOHoQII/AAAAAAAASvU/RR3wwtbNHJQ/s1600/IMG_7629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8Cax1wmal0/VafZxOHoQII/AAAAAAAASvU/RR3wwtbNHJQ/s640/IMG_7629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All though....</div>
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Everyone has their opinion. Which I discovered as I was delivering the table back to church and someone asked why it was just painted with primer.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgACBeK_gtE/VafQCSuK3gI/AAAAAAAASus/xSt5x918CRY/s1600/IMG_7621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgACBeK_gtE/VafQCSuK3gI/AAAAAAAASus/xSt5x918CRY/s640/IMG_7621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's o.k.</div>
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I got in my car, worked it out-rather loudly by myself, and when I see the tables (there are two) each Sunday, I smile to myself.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytYJn5og2Sk/VafQDauMGcI/AAAAAAAASuw/qKAINP0xoF8/s1600/IMG_7624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytYJn5og2Sk/VafQDauMGcI/AAAAAAAASuw/qKAINP0xoF8/s640/IMG_7624.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Maybe this week you will find yourself in the midst of a project.</div>
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Remember to breathe through it and hopefully find yourself back at center.</div>
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Just don't do it at midnight. Center is hard to find at midnight and the project always takes a wrong turn. And don't forget- no maroon rags.</div>
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Have a lovely weekend!</div>
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linking to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-14032994431458550982015-07-10T16:25:00.000-07:002015-07-10T16:25:55.238-07:00Finding The Sweetness of Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This summer, I'm having to look just a bit harder to find the sweetness of the season.</div>
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Admittedly, i<span style="text-align: left;">t's thrown me for a little bit of a loop.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">There's been a lot of soul searching and decision making, which sounds quite dramatic, but for a mamma's heart it has been.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">There's been a a bit of a steep self-learning curve going on.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ4wSX9tWrM/VaBLJ5xGPmI/AAAAAAAASrQ/fhDE2Y7Ww8E/s1600/IMG_6393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ4wSX9tWrM/VaBLJ5xGPmI/AAAAAAAASrQ/fhDE2Y7Ww8E/s640/IMG_6393.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's all sounding cryptic, which I hate. </div>
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But honestly. I can't seem to put it all into words.</div>
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But I seem to keep coming back to words like</div>
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trust</div>
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surrender</div>
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open hands</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMiF2QBhaX4/VaBIUMml0cI/AAAAAAAASqc/g0y74RTVufc/s1600/IMG_6949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMiF2QBhaX4/VaBIUMml0cI/AAAAAAAASqc/g0y74RTVufc/s640/IMG_6949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then there's always </div>
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what<i>ever</i></div>
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huh?</div>
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no way, huh-uh, nope </div>
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and yes, even some scowling</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4N_j249uyRQ/VaBLIFJzo6I/AAAAAAAASrI/9ZBSXHouVsk/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4N_j249uyRQ/VaBLIFJzo6I/AAAAAAAASrI/9ZBSXHouVsk/s640/IMG_6363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2VZjiPtU78/VaBIUsMAJ4I/AAAAAAAASqk/QGuX_mqhYn8/s1600/IMG_7592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2VZjiPtU78/VaBIUsMAJ4I/AAAAAAAASqk/QGuX_mqhYn8/s640/IMG_7592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then I get to focus on a project for a wedding, such as centerpieces and lettering-which brings great satisfaction and even a little tiny sense of balance.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBhaG0hNnmE/VaBLKgtHe2I/AAAAAAAASrg/eI3OhNYSQNI/s1600/IMG_6424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBhaG0hNnmE/VaBLKgtHe2I/AAAAAAAASrg/eI3OhNYSQNI/s640/IMG_6424.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've been able to sit a bit under the twinkle lights, read voraciously, (i.e. escape through reading)</div>
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One morning, I blasted out a small piece for my living room wall.</div>
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Just "Love Lives Here" with high fluid black acrylic on some glass. </div>
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It felt like normal and it felt good.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtspKmvYzkk/VaBLHo5G1JI/AAAAAAAASq4/j0pGrVmLgHM/s1600/IMG_6355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtspKmvYzkk/VaBLHo5G1JI/AAAAAAAASq4/j0pGrVmLgHM/s640/IMG_6355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this DOG.</div>
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Oh, she makes me laugh almost every day.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxjFvMe2OdNwquxDeUJmkZePp3j12miCDjRhbewFpSTouc-8zEPgG-KaoWZAJyzw-1HJcLEmvpcsEXA2omcAw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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And these three make my heart squeeze a little tighter all the time.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plzxtwYuH0s/VaBRmmlr8CI/AAAAAAAASrs/f3-hEAVfU_E/s1600/IMG_6403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plzxtwYuH0s/VaBRmmlr8CI/AAAAAAAASrs/f3-hEAVfU_E/s400/IMG_6403.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtvqiaw3Xr4/VaBSt2dzZCI/AAAAAAAASr4/9Z7nZnkqyX4/s1600/IMG_6414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtvqiaw3Xr4/VaBSt2dzZCI/AAAAAAAASr4/9Z7nZnkqyX4/s640/IMG_6414.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So while figuring out which set of train tracks I'm on at any given time, (scowling or open hands) I'm thankful to find the sweetness of summer in many ways.</div>
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linking to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qjR8rEcukM/VaBUGo1JaUI/AAAAAAAASsI/V99uPUTKYfM/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qjR8rEcukM/VaBUGo1JaUI/AAAAAAAASsI/V99uPUTKYfM/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8430822298138282874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/Client%20Blog%20Design/Signatures/BlueSkiesSig.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430822298138282874.post-7358676376483738042015-06-18T21:27:00.000-07:002015-06-18T21:27:19.140-07:00More Messy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wow.</div>
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This life.</div>
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It's just messy, huh?</div>
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But amazing.</div>
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How the heck does a person straddle the two and stay sane?</div>
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I have had many conversations played out in my head to blog about this, only to be interrupted, confused, busy, sick or just wiped out.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmApx0DF8o4/VYNBvPkPHiI/AAAAAAAASoo/IxM6TdP8kA0/s1600/IMG_6279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="626" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmApx0DF8o4/VYNBvPkPHiI/AAAAAAAASoo/IxM6TdP8kA0/s640/IMG_6279.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>available in my etsy shop </i></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/BlueSkyVintageArt/tools/listings/237476531">HERE</a></div>
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For instance, the messy bits: </div>
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Between Brenna and myself, the month has held 12 doctor appointments (Yes. I counted.)</div>
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Shingles last a long time and nine Extra-Strength Tylenol every day for several weeks is too much.</div>
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Graduations are SO full of emotion.</div>
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The amazing bits:</div>
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Having coffee with someone who LISTENS to all the messy.</div>
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Summer sunsets.</div>
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My husband telling me, "I like you" before he falls asleep.</div>
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Messy Reality:</div>
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Realizing this is Brenna's last "summer vacation" from school and next June she will age out of public education and the great unknown looms ahead.</div>
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Aaaaaaagain.</div>
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A second oral surgery and bone graft for Brenna because the dental implant didn't work.</div>
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Tri-annual IEP's suck. Especially when they are the day after the oral surgery.</div>
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It's never easy to be told what age level your child does or does not measure up to by a school psychologist, no matter how kind they are in their presentation.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maMX96kn1rs/VYNBvB5tP-I/AAAAAAAASok/VQ9loNL8LXQ/s1600/IMG_6276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maMX96kn1rs/VYNBvB5tP-I/AAAAAAAASok/VQ9loNL8LXQ/s640/IMG_6276.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Amazing:</div>
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Laughing with my eldest until I cry.</div>
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Rubbing noses with my youngest.</div>
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Having the singular best son-in-law in the history of son-in-laws.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkIXW8EhZbM/VYNLzncDvWI/AAAAAAAASpA/UcqSPf7NcUw/s1600/IMG_6278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkIXW8EhZbM/VYNLzncDvWI/AAAAAAAASpA/UcqSPf7NcUw/s640/IMG_6278.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">repurposed wood framed arrow available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/BlueSkyVintageArt/tools/listings/237476531">HERE</a></span></div>
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Messy:</div>
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Somewhere in the bronchitis episode, driving down the freeway with Brenna and Doug, Brenna got sick to her stomach.</div>
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In the car. </div>
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Driving down the freeway. </div>
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Not near an exit.</div>
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We had two empty cups in the car and, God Bless her, Brenna rotated hurling into each one, handing them back to me, where I then chucked the contents out the window of our moving car, looking desperately into the side mirror to make sure no one was close enough behind us to end up with barf on their windshield and then handing back the empty cup to Brenna to repeat the whole awful process.</div>
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I think it was three times, and yes. I was again counting. It's o.k. to do when you are horrified.</div>
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Amazing:</div>
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I didn't hurl after chucking six cups of vomit out the window of a moving vehicle.</div>
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Messy:</div>
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My brain trying to fathom how I find art in the midst of the last month, which turns into numerous questions of how I'm even supposed to DO art, what I'm to do with the art IF I can create, which I haven't been doing, and what the HECK happened to the path I thought I was on and how does everyone else do this and why can't I get anything done and and and...enter pity party, confusion, doubt, green eyes, snarky thoughts in my head and various other forms of mess.</div>
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Amazing:</div>
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Turning off my phone and computer.</div>
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Naps.</div>
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My husband saying, "I totally get why you feel the way you do."</div>
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Art in different forms.</div>
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Doodling.</div>
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Simplicity.</div>
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Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young</div>
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Waking up and deciding to spend the day in the present moment.</div>
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Jumping into the swimming pool without reservation.</div>
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Movies on the grass.</div>
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Seeing a shooting star.</div>
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Texts with my sisters.</div>
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Cooking with my children and sharing meals.</div>
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Friends.</div>
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Breathing.</div>
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Leaving my hands open.</div>
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Choosing to walk away from doubt and fear, knowing full well it will be there whenever I decide to pick it back up, cause I will. </div>
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But maybe each time I do, I'll walk away sooner.</div>
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linking to:</div>
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<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZrMP8AL_0Y/VYNMcrX134I/AAAAAAAASpE/PEdo8AP9UBY/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZrMP8AL_0Y/VYNMcrX134I/AAAAAAAASpE/PEdo8AP9UBY/s1600/paintpartyfriday.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639585542870213565noreply@blogger.com10