Telling Stories

Thoughts Like a Game of Pinball

Today, I feel scattered. Like, my mind is struggling to grasp concepts and sentences and my to-do list. I'm flailing a bit for all I've got to do. I spend ten minutes on one thing, walk away and then spend twenty minutes trying to remember what I was doing before. 

Does this happen to anyone else? 

I've got little to offer today...only a random list of what's shooting around in my brain at this precise moment...

Here it goes.

On The Post Office.

1. I've been spending a lot of time at the post office. The lady there knows my kids now and asked me yesterday if I was "finishing up my project." Books don't work that way...I think maybe you're never really finished...?

In case you're wondering, going to the post office right after school is never a good idea unless you have a very good bribe in place. 

Mine is almost always Sonic Happy Hour. Yesterday Ethan should NOT have gotten his slushie, but I gave in and took the Wii away instead. I'm a softie. And a meanie. 

It's an art I've mastered.

On Prayer.

2. When you ask God to answer your prayers and he does, you can't pretend you didn't hear him. (I know, darn it, right?)  He'll find you out. If the answer is scary, you still have to move forward, it's like having a trade secret and not doing anything with the information. Action is necessary. And sometimes, even when you know it, it's still the most difficult thing in the world. 

On The Booty.

3. Yesterday I got the bookmarks and postcards my publisher sent for marketing purposes. I'm not gonna lie...they're pretty. I affectionately call this "the booty" because it feels like treasure. 

Was that corny?

On the Dress Hunt.

4. After school yesterday, Sophia started bugging me to take her shopping. For my launch party dress and hers. I'd like to state for the record that if Justice doesn't stop with all the ugly tie-dye, I'm going to boycott. Once and for all. What happened to you, Justice? You used to have such cute clothes!

I've found I'm incredibly indecisive and...Sophia and I have totally opposite taste. 

So far, I have two contenders...this one:

...which will require hose and heels. 

Problematic. (Need I remind you how clumsy I am?) 

And this one...

...which has pockets. And polka dots. And a cute red belt.

I tried this one on because my friend Jenn texted me the picture and she knows her fashion. I think trying to shop without her is a mistake. 

{This photo is a good reminder of what happens when you fail to keep up with your hair coloring.}

On the Party.

5. I am picking the food for the launch party and wondering if it's too late to have a few pizzas delivered. Probably not the ambience we're going for, eh, Lauren? Maybe I should've had a pajama launch party...that seems more "me." (That's a total joke, by the way.) 

I'm also addressing real-life invitations after Vistaprint messed up my order and then promptly sent me a whole new batch. At first I was going to say "eh. No more Vistaprint" but their stellar customer service has made me change my tune. I'm a fan. 

On Television. 

6. Let's be real. It's a waste of time. I don't care. I love it. At night, after everyone is in bed, Adam and I always watch at least one show. It's one of my favorite parts of the day. Lately we've been trying out a few new shows:

Adam's new fave:

And mine: (which I've yet to convince him to watch...)

That's all I've got for you today. My life is riveting, don't you think? 

 

10 Ways YOU Can Help an Author Out

This weekend, the kids and I headed out to Barnes and Noble for the book signing of author Amanda Cabot. Her new book, Summer of Promise, has just been released, and I got myself an autographed copy. 

Isn't it pretty? You can get one HERE. This is the first in a new series, so I'm really looking forward to turning in the manuscript for Book #3 in the Sweethaven series so I can dig in! 

It was fun to say hi to Amanda, and I think Sophia especially thought it was cool to meet another author...but the whole trip got me thinking... about ... what else? Sweethaven. 

Pre-order yours HERE!

THIS is the week. The official launch week for A Sweethaven Summer. I had to pause for a second and shake my head...I still can't believe it. You know when you work on something for so long and then suddenly, your big day arrives? Well, that's Wednesday for me...and I'm super excited. 

And freaked out. 

And giddy. 

And nervous. 

And...

Yeah, cocktail of emotions all over again. 

Adam finished my book this weekend...

...which was oddly nerve-wracking for me, even though he's my biggest cheerleader. 

Lots of people have emailed to find out what they can do to help with my launch, and I never know what to say...so I spent a little time thinking on it...and if you're serious and you really want to help, I've got a comprehensive, bullet pointed list of things YOU can do to help an author out. Any author, not just me, though if you help me, I'll pay you in small bills.

Just kidding. I don't have any small bills. Or large ones either for that matter.

Alright, here it is. 

10 Ways You Can Help An Author Out:

When you see a book on the shelf of your favorite book store, it's easy to assume that an author has already made it. I mean, the book is out, right? It's published. People can buy it! But what you might not realize is that in a sea of books--some great, some well, not--it takes much more than landing on the shelf for a book to become a success. 

So. If you love an author (and I love many)... there really ARE ways you can help them out. And most of them are super easy and cost you nothing! 

How's that for a win-win? 

1. Buy the book. 

Source

Don't look at me like that. I know it sounds obvious, but truly, this isn't always the first thing on our minds. Buying the book is the first best way to help an author out. My publicist, Jeane, coined a phrase I'll love forever..."Buy a book, save an author." 

Word.

2. Shout it from the rooftops!

Blog, Tweet or Facebook about the author and/or book you love. Sharing it with your friends and/or followers is one of the simplest (and maybe most effective) way to help out an author. 

3. Request an interview.

Most authors love to answer questions (I'm such a sucker for those little surveys. I think I could do them just for fun!) about their books, their writing process, their inspirations... If you write a blog, why not do a Q&A with the author of the last book you read? 

4. Write a review on Amazon.

I'm going to add this one to my weekly to-do list. It's very important. I will often finish a book and just be so sad to close the back cover, but it rarely dawns on me to go to amazon and tell readers they NEED to read this one! It's so easy to write reviews, so next time you find a book you love, drop by the page and give it a five-star rating! The author will thank you! :) 

5. Add it to your Good Reads page.

Ok, I confess. I'm totally new to Good Reads, but this is a great way to share the books you love, get ideas on books your friends' love...another great way to get the word out! 

6. Pin it!

Find your favorite books and create a pin board for them. Pinterest is so easy and so fun--and getting that visual out there is SUCH a great way to spread the news! 

7. Ask your library/bookstore to carry it! 

Many bookstores are happy to order books for you, so if you notice your local store isn't carrying your favorite author, ask them to. Same goes for the library. The more people you can introduce to an author, the better the chances of a book catching on. 

8. Give it as a gift for a fellow reader.

My mom and I often swap books. I can't tell you how many authors I've introduced her to and vice versa. Because of this, we've created fans of new authors that will go out and look for whatever's coming next. Same is true for your reader friends. If you pass the book along and they like it, you've created a new fan for that author.

And it's always nice to give gifts. 

9. Bring it to your book club.

I wish I had a book club. I think about it all the time, how fun it would be. And perhaps I've romanticized it a little because of my affection for The Jane Austen Book Club, but the next time your club votes, bring up a title they may not know yet. All those people reading the book can really help an author out!

10. Make up songs about how great it is. 

Okay. Just kidding. But "9 Ways YOU Can Help an Author Out" just feels like an incomplete list. 10 is a rounder number and my love for round numbers is deep. 

So, what have I missed? What are some other ways YOU (and I) can help our favorite authors out? And have you done any of the things on my list? Do tell. 

Suddenly my big girl is little again...

Sophia has always been a really smart kid. In third grade, she was reading at the 12th grade level. She rarely pronounced words wrong, memorized books, spoke in complete sentences. In many ways, the "little girl" wore off of her a long time ago. 

But lately, as she gets older and stretches her wings a little, something funny has happened. Her "big vocabulary" is getting all mixed up. And it's a mother's dream. That reminder that she's still a little kid... what could be better? 

At first I thought it was a fluke. We were getting dinner ready in the kitchen one night and something came up that required extreme teasing. Sometimes a girl just needs to be teased...and who are we to deny her that need? 

Finally, after a few minutes of this, Sophia  slams her hands on the counter and says, "Will you just GET OFF MY SHOULDERS ABOUT IT?" 

The trouble was, she was being funny BUT deadly serious in her choice of words. 

One time thing, right? It wouldn't happen again, so we adopted the phrase "get off my shoulders" as a household and moved on with our lives. 

Then, a couple weeks ago, she came to Adam with a question about two words. "So, what would be the forfeit of that word?" she asked, straight-faced. 

Adam stared at her for a minute and then finally realized she meant "What would be the replacement for that word?" Where she got forfeit, we still don't know. 

Finally, last night, we were playing Scrabble in preparation for Adam's tournament today. (Yes, I am serious.) I should also add that I hate this game. I'm horrible at it and feel like my game play is an insult to writers everywhere. Anyway, we were playing and Sophia tried to play the word "HIPE." She puts it down and immediately starts celebrating...

"YEAH! I'm awesome! Take that! In YO FACE!" 

Adam and I look at each other...

"Uh, that's not how you spell hype," Adam says. 

She deflates. "What?"

"It's H-Y-P-E." 

"It can't be spelled with an 'I'?"

Adam and I shake our heads. 

Sophia takes the tiles off the board. "Oh, yeah, fine, just go ahead and blow my thunder." 

Blow my thunder? 

I've yet to uncover where her mad cliche skills are coming from, but in the meantime, I'm writing them down and working them into straight-faced conversation with her. I can't tell you how much joy it brings me to hear her messing these things up. 

I wouldn't forfeit this little girl days for anything...so get off my shoulders about it. 

Choosing the Wardrobe for Your Book Launch Party! (Help!?)

I've told you a little bit about my launch party, or at least shown you the space in this post. Yesterday, an article ran in my hometown newspaper about the book and the launch and it was pretty exciting... why then, was the only thing I kept thinking..."What am I going to wear?" 

I have no problem admitting I'm far more comfortable in a pair of yoga pants and a cozy sweatshirt than in a dress and heels...but I don't think that's appropriate attire for this celebration. But it's not just because I prefer an elastic waistband (at least when I'm at home) but because I truly do not have a good eye when it comes to fashion. 

For these pictures...

Source

...my friend Jenn picked out half our clothes. 

And I'm a scrapbooker! I understand color! But when I wear jewelry, I feel silly, like I'm playing dress up. And we all know what happens when I play dress up...

I know you're jealous of the corset. 

So. I'm looking for a little advice. 

I started a Pin Board for some of the dresses I found and then promptly started thinking it would be so much better to wear pants. Now I'm just a jumbled up mess with two weeks to figure it out (and highlight my hair, which, I have to tell you, is looking dangerously goth-like. I have no idea when my hair got so dark...but it's freaking me out.)

So. Here's a few that I've found so far. I think this one is my favorite, but I'm concerned about it being sleeveless. I mean, we're talking February in Illinois. It's not going to be balmy.

Plus, my concern here becomes accessories. Heels could be problematic and I don't exactly have a tan right now. Who am I kidding? I never have a tan.

I'm bordering on transluscent. 

I know what you're thinking "you'd have to leave the house to get a tan." 

Those, my friends, are just details. 

Dress #2. My friend Heather is getting married in August and she's asked me to stand up in her wedding. While perusing bridesmaids' dresses, I discovered this "special occasion dress":

Which is basically the same dress as the first one, huh? I like the neckline but again, same issues... accessories, shoes, and legs that look nothing like hers. 

To combat the sleeveless issue, I started thinking about something more like this: 

Which, frankly, I'm pretty sure I can't pull off. Also, I feel like maybe if I wore that I'd need a big tulle bow on my head. 

And that's just not a good look. 

And, for the record...neither is this:

(Sorry, Kenley Collins, this is not my fave.) 

So, fashionistas out there...what do I wear to a book launch party? One that's a bit dressy...can I get away with pants? If so, what kind of pants? Maybe I'm going about this all wrong...maybe I should just wear something casual? 

What do YOU think? Help a fashion-challenged sister out!

It's a Whipped Cream Kind of Day...

In the wake of seeing this dream come true, I have to be honest, I've been riding the roller coaster of emotions from one side of the amusement park to the other. My brain tells me I should shout it from the rooftops. 

I WROTE A BOOK! 

But in my heart, I find I'm quiet. 

I've been watching this over and over...

 

And while, in theory, this makes me so happy, to see these three Swedish girls creating a rhythm section on empty cottage cheese containers, and wondering how many hours they spent practicing before perfecting it... I mean, that's smile-worthy, right?

But maybe it's the combination of their voices, the way the harmony haunts...the emotion it evokes is not, as I originally thought, happy. It's more pensive. Or moved. Or something.

Yesterday I spent the day wondering if I'm hormonal, but decided there's a part of me that just wants to exist for a moment...to watch this part of my story unfold instead of always being the one turning the pages. 

At any given moment, I feel like I could burst into tears. Whether that's just gratitude or stress or happiness or elation or flat tiredness...I'm not sure...but what I'm feeling can't be characterized by a word or two.

It's a cocktail of emotions. 

My friend Jenn is reading my book right now and she texted me something I'd written in it that I'd almost forgotten. I guess, in many ways, it sums up what I'm feeling perfectly.

Early on, Campbell (my protaganist) , having just lost her mother, travels to Sweethaven where she meets Luke. If you're not in love with Luke at the mention of his name, you will be. He has that effect on women...

Luke owns the local cafe and coffee shop in Sweethaven, where Campbell's gone, scrapbook in hand, to piece together her mother's past...and find her father. She orders a medium latte with no whipped cream. Luke hands her a large latte with whipped cream and tells her she looks like she needs it...

And then, this...

    Campbell walked to the end of the counter and waited for his attention. 

    "How's your drink?" 

    She set the cup on the counter. Curiosity got the better of her. "What'd you mean by that?" 

    "By what?" 

    "I look like I need a large. I look like I need whipped cream. Do I look that bad?" She scolded herself for asking. Her insecurity bled through like a wound through gauze. 

    He shrugged. "My mom always says 'sometimes it's a whipped cream kind of day." 

    Her face warmed into a smile. "And you think I'm having that kind of day?" 

    "If I had to guess." He opened the cash register and shuffled some bills around. "Do I have to guess? Or do you just want to tell me?" 

Sometimes I find myself in these characters...and I suppose in many ways that's the kind of day(s) I'm having. A Whipped Cream Kind of Day. 

I suppose pure gratitude and amazement feel this way? When someone tells me they bought my book, they're reading my book, they've finished my book...it does something to me...it humbles me and amazes me and makes me feel so thankful. 

This morning I woke to an email from a friend who'd just finished A Sweethaven Summer. It was incredible to read her words--kind words that I want to write on the pages of my heart so I never doubt or fear again. As writers, we put ourselves out there...we open ourselves up and lay bare in front of all the world...

It's a volatile place to be. 

I wasn't anticipating this mixture of emotions. While I want to celebrate and amp myself up and fully embrace this moment...I find myself feeling quiet.

Content to exist for a moment on this whipped cream kind of day. 

What about you? What do you do when you're having a whipped cream kind of day? I can't be the only one...right?

 

If you have A Sweethaven Summer in your hand, I'd love for you to email me a picture of yourself with it for something fun I've got planned... 

You can send it to courtneycrops{at}msn{dot}com!

If you find yourself in need of a copy, it's available for pre-orders HERE and HERE and officially releases February 1st! 

 

Spice Up Your Family Night...No Money Fun!

When you're married to a former children's pastor, there are certain "perks".  For instance, if you find yourself feeling like you need a fun family activity but don't feel like going anywhere or spending any money, odds are good a creative former children's pastor can come to the rescue. 

(Prepare for orange-tinted indoors-at-night photos...)

We do like the occasional board game, but every now and then we mix things up. Adam's work with kids has taught him how to entertain. While I assume we need some big production, the truth is, all you need is: 

• a tall laundry basket
• stuffed animals
• paper (two sheets) 
• marker or pen

Send your kids on a hunt to get all the stuffed animals they can find. 

Be prepared for some (or all) of them to become hoarders once they've determined which ones are the best:

(Make no mention of the garbage waiting to go out. Pretend it's not even there and no one will notice.) 

Have your kids create markers (like bases in baseball) at 20, 50, 100 and 500 points. 

Ethan made ours, cutting two sheets of paper in half long-ways. Then, you set the papers out ala "The Grand Prize Game" each point value getting farther away from the laundry basket. 

In the first round, each person gets 3 chances to get their animals in the basket. They choose what point value they want to go for. 

Certain members of the family may attempt (and make) the 500 point shot just to show off. 

Celebrate his victory by trying to distract him on the next throw. That's the sportsman-like thing to do. 

This can become quite an intense game. Especially if one child in particular finds herself with a goose egg for the majority of the game. 

(I'm not naming any names.) 

Encourage your children to go for the gusto. Mine have this fine art mastered. 

And, of course, be prepared to step in and show them all how it's done. 

In Round Two, we changed things up a little. You could call "Double Points" on any of the markers, BUT if you missed, you were negative whatever the point value that marker said. For instance, if I was on the 100 and called double and missed...I had to deduct 50. 

This is how I lost my lead. 

Darn Double Points. 

Prepare for this game to cover a wide range of emotions. From sheer joy...

To extreme silliness...

To deflation at the prospect of negative points...

It's anybody's game...and one you should play with your kids the next time they're bored or you need a break. We had a blast and it was completely FREE! 

What do you do for some no money fun? We're always looking for great ideas! 

What IS a Scrapbooking Novel?

It's funny, now that my book is officially in print (though not officially released until February 1st,) I've had a few interviews and one thing that people, of course, want to know, is how does scrapbooking tie in to this story? 

It's funny, when I pitched this book, I was feeling very burned out on scrapbooking. I didn't think I'd ever go back to it because I'd written everything I could think of to write about it through the two books and lots of articles for Memory Makers. But it's funny how you sort of come full circle sometimes. 

Sometimes all you really need is a little breather from something--anything--and when you step back into it, it fits again. And you remember all the reasons you loved it in the first place. 

My friend Shannan (aka Flower Patch Farmgirl) and I at ACFW in September. Can't WAIT for this year!

I get that way with my kids, in fact. Some days I just need a break from them...and when I take one--even an hour, I come back completely refocused and remembering all the reasons I love them. Never begrudge a woman her alone time is what I always say. 

Well, not always, but I'm going to start saying it have it tattooed on my forehead. 

I started this novel by thinking about what it is I love about scrapbooking.

1. It gives me a visual way to tell my stories.
2. It allows me a chance to share my photos.
3. My kids love to look through their books and see what they used to look like...(and how hammy they were.
4. It's a wonderful creative outlet. 
5. The products are just stinking adorable. Really. 
6. I like the idea that one day, long after I'm gone, my family will still have something of a record of who I was...

(How's that for morbid?)

So, taking all of that into account...I started to envision a story where the scrapbook was the thing that brought these women together (or back together). 

As kids, they'd all get together at the end of the summer and take all their photos, all their memories and add them to scrapbooks. A marathon weekend of telling their stories. And then they got older and life got in the way and there are secrets and hurt and pain...and the scrapbook is the only thing that tells what it was like when their friendships were happy. 

And that's a powerful thing, don't you think? To go back and read through the journals of a time when you were truly happy, truly thankful or joyful? It can remind you of what's really important...and for the characters in A Sweethaven Summer, that's exactly what happens. 

The scrapbook is the thing that brings them back to Sweethaven, back to abandoned friendships--where they can face their fears and mend their fences. 

Could a scrapbook really be so powerful? 

I think so. I think anything you share with your friends, whether it's art or quilting or knitting or card-making or Scrabble, anything that binds you to others will always have the power to do so, and the unique thing about scrapbooks is that they tell your stories.

They hold up a window to the past and let you look inside...even just for a moment. 

So, what is a scrapbooking novel? In this case, it's a novel about friendship and forgiveness, about second chances...and about love. But at the heart of it all is a big book of pages that tell stories of years gone by...of the girls they used to be...of simpler times.

I don't think it matters how you tell your stories, only that you do.

Because everyone has a story...what's yours and how are you telling it? This stuff really interests me, so join the conversation & leave a comment...LOVE to hear your thoughts...

A Sweethaven Summer officially releases February 1st! It's available for pre-order HERE and HERE and HERE. If you buy a copy, I'll personally pledge my love to you forever and ever. That's worth something, right?

If You Give Your Husband Your Debut Novel...

He’ll read it and start to cry. 

When your husband cries,

He’ll get in touch with his sensitive side.

When he gets in touch with his sensitive side,

He’ll do you favors. 

When he does you favors,

You have more time for fun.

When you have more time for fun,

You end up on the beach in Puerto Vallarta.

source

If you want to end up on the beach in Puerto Vallarta…

Give your husband this novel.

When A Dream Comes True

I'm not going to lie, every time I look at one of my books I sort of feel like I'm going to either explode or pass out--which is kind of an interesting feeling. 

Reading the words in the book are SO different than reading them on the screen. I just can't explain it. But it's aboslutely boggling my mind! The books are out of stock now at Amazon, so I'm hoping they order loads more! And I'm SO thankful to everyone who has ordered a copy. I'm overwhelmed to say the least. 

The book is still available at HERE and HERE! :) 

It's just so pretty. 

I can't tell you how many people have commented or sent me emails that they, too, dream of one day writing a book. There's a great need for encouragement in our world, so let me offer this...

Just do it. 

(I know. Real original.) But truly...even if you've never had anyone tell you you can, I'm telling you right now...you can.  Whether its art or scrapbooking or writing or music...whatever it is you want to do, just do it. It starts there. And then, you have to work. 

And work some more. 

And your work may never see the light of day, but if you can find the join in the doing...it's worth it. Don't you think? To spend your days creating or doing what you love? 

It's worth it. Your dreams are worth it. 

I felt so uplifted yesterday with all the support for my dream...I don't even know what else to say. 

I'm blessed. 

I'm thankful. 

I'm dumbfounded. 

I'm speechless. 

And I wish for every one of you to discover those feelings. So, what dreams are you going after? What dreams are you afraid of? What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? 

How it Feels To Hold Your Debut Novel in Your Hands...

There is so much work involved in writing a book. When I first started A Sweethaven Summer, I admit I was clueless to what it was really going to take. I had no idea how much I would learn and grow as a writer. No idea how many times I would change things, chop chapters, edit out entire storylines. 

I think I walked into this wide-eyed and green. 

Sometimes I think that was God's way of protecting me...because if I'd seen the task before me, I'm not sure I would've had what it took to go through with it. It's NOT easy to write a book. 

Just like it's not easy to have children...

But look at the reward:

Photo by LyndseyLew Photography

I didn't know how I'd feel when my book finally got here. After two straight years of thinking about it, what would it be like to hold this baby in my hands? 

Yesterday started with a bit of bad news. I found out my books had been delivered to our rental address, the house where we lived when we first moved to Colorado. You might remember I had a few complaints about the landlord. When I found out the warehouse didn't have my updated information, I panicked and imagined my precious delivery tossed away without an ounce of care. 

Then I called my sister and had a meltdown. 

By lunch, my husband was tired of my "what iffing" and "this-is-oh-so-terrible-ing" that he sent me a message "I'm just going to drive to the rental and get them." 

Turns out, they'd been there for several days and as I suspected, no one let us know. That's a rant for another day (but really?) And why don't forwarding orders apply to packages? 

Anyway, my knight in a striped sweater came home at lunch, two big boxes in hand...and we went in for the big delivery. I wish I was actually dressed in something cute with my roots done and a bit of makeup on, but it is what it is...

This is the moment I held my book in my hands for the very first time...

 

And yes, I'm still 100% beaming! Everything about it is surreal so I'm trying to stop and inhale and take a moment in the middle. Last night, Adam read the first 100 pages (some of them out loud, which was just embarrassing...) And Sophia started telling her friends they could have copies "because we've got a whole box of them here." 

My day went from the gutter to the clouds in a millisecond. I'm on something of a roller coaster...and I'm loving every second! :) 

The book is shipping early and you can get it at Amazon right HERE. 

ETA! I just found out Amazon is out of stock, so you can go to Barnes & Noble or CBD.com if you want to find the book!! 

Scrapbooking Your Faith at Big Picture Classes

A few years back, I had the sheer joy (and good luck) to write this book: 

I remember when I got the cover art, I was so stunned and amazed. The red doors are from a church in my hometown, Dixon, Illinois. Aren't they cool? 

Anyway, the book has been such a blessing to me...and I'm still passionate about the topic. Scrapbooking, to me, is like therapy...and when I'm working through something, I often turn to the written word. 

Go figure. 

After I wrote it, I started talking with the amazing Stacy Julian, creator of Big Picture Classes, about doing a workshop based on this book. I distinctly remember sitting my house in Illinois discussing this and thinking "YES. I have to do this." 

But life really got in the way. I got the contract to write three novels. I moved to Colorado. I moved again. It's been an absolutely crazy couple of years...but you know what? I think the timing for this class could not be better...

Yesterday, registration opened for my Scrapbooking Your Faith workshop at Big Picture. 

I couldn't be more excited about this. The class starts in March, so you have plenty of time to wrap your brain around it. 

I don't know if you have an album just for documenting your faith or if you work these kinds of images into your regular albums...or if you've never considered scrapbooking your faith...

...but there are so many different ways you can do it, and we'll be talking about that as well as doing eight different faith-based projects. 

There will be layouts, home decor, a mini album and mixed media artwork so you can put your faith on display...and the best part is that it really doesn't matter what your faith is. This isn't a religious class, it's a class about documenting YOUR beliefs...whatever they are! 

I hope you'll join me...I'm so excited about this and passionate about it. I think it's important and I still find ways to scrapbook my faith, both for me and for other people. 

Because it's important. 

You can register now for the workshop, and PLEASE let me know if you do! I am really hoping to get to know everyone that's taking the class! Just go HERE. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

The Measure of a Woman

Don't you think it's funny how, when we hit a certain age, we're cateogrized and put in boxes with labels like smart, pretty, big, athletic, creative...etc. And then, for the rest of our lives, we have to either accept those labels and become who everyone expects us to be...or shrug them off and become who God intended us to be. 

Which, let's face it, is no easy task.

It's no secret that I struggle with this. I've lived my life largely based on what's been expected of me. I'm not rebellious, but I don't conform. I'm confident, yet insecure. (I sound like an Alanis Morisette song...)

And when I was younger, I took on labels as if they were stamped on my forehead. For instance, I'm not athletic. I never have been. Many times it's been clear this is not a gift of mine...but I let this "truth" stop me from trying. I've got myself convinced that I'll fail. 

It's a tricky place to be, in the land of self-doubt. Who we want to be warring with who we've always been. Who we feel like on the inside battling with who everyone says we should be. 

We spend so much of our lives trying to prove ourselves, most often TO ourselves.

My mind spins back to high school when my confidence was like a seesaw, unbalanced and always bouncing. On one side, I'm sure I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. On the other side, I'm a mess of insecurities, certain my body issues will hold me back from what I really want out of life. 

Where's the balance? 

It occurs to me that with everyone else insistent on putting us in boxes with labels stamped on our foreheads, it makes no sense for us to do that to ourselves. Why must we measure ourselves based on things that are out of our control? Why can't we go deeper and measure ourselves based on how far we've come? On who we are becoming. 

Because I think the beauty is in the becoming...don't you?

People expect certain things from us. Sometimes that's a great motivator. Other times, a huge discouragement. I'm choosing to tap into a bigger plan, a greater purpose to try and locate my sense of self worth... because in the end, there's only ONE opinion that really matters...

How do you measure yourself?

If You're Feeling Jealous...

I'll be going home next month, back to the place I began, to celebrate the release of my first novel. Maybe that's the reason I've spent the last few sleepless nights analyzing myself at the various seasons of my life. Knowing I'd see people I haven't seen in a long time has made me question the kind of person I was compared to the kind of person I am now. 

I don't think I was ever a bad person, but my mom can attest the fact that I was quite selfish. My husband can attest to the fact that I still struggle with this. But the thing that I realized as my mind wound its way down the lane of memories was that there have always been people in my life who, for one reason or another, I could envy. 

Jealousy is such an ugly thing, isn't it? When I was a kid, it was easy to justify the feeling of wanting what someone else had. Perhaps because I'm a middle child, there were times I felt passed over and invisible, and I projected that onto the subjects of my envy. 

The older I've gotten, the more I've realized envy is human nature--but its not one of our best traits--so about a year or so ago, I purposed to pay closer attention, to dissect these envious feelings for myself and act accordingly. 

This is what I discovered. 

1. You can't compare yourself to other people.  I know this is really easy to say and really difficult to do, but one thing that's helped is to have a very clear understanding of my purpose. In this season, my purpose is to write. That's what I do. So, when I see people doing other things I love to do (photography, submitting to scrapbook magazines, etc.) I always remind myself: "This isn't my calling." Someday, maybe it will be, but for now, my time is spent doing what I know God wants me to do. Define your purpose stay focused on that. Celebrating with people doing other cool things becomes so much easier! 

2. Pray for people who stir up envy in you. Let's be real. This is hard. Especially if the person stirring up ugly feelings in you is doing it in an ugly way, but one thing that's really helped me is to force myself (and sometimes I fight myself) to really pray for these people. Looking back, I wish I'd realized this when I was younger, it would've saved me so much humiliation. When I can legitimately ask God to bless someone that's hard for me to deal with, those jealous (or annoyed or whatever) feelings disappear. Often when you say something out loud--it loses its hold on you. 

3. Do the exact opposite of what you want to do. You want to stew about it. You want to talk to other people about how this person isn't all that and a bag of Cheez-its. You want to...but don't. This is one time when I've found the best thing is to do the opposite of what you feel. Hold it in, take it to God and go one step farther--do whatever you can to help that person succeed.

Ouch, right? I can't tell you how many times I've gone around this mountain...but praising other people is like a fly swatter to jealousy. 

It's Your Choice. 

I'm far from having this thing figured out...but one thing I know for sure: you're going to feel jealous some time in your life...and when you do, you have a choice. Sit and stew about it, wallow and sing that old 80's song "What about me? It isn't fair...I've had enough now I want my share..." 

OR you can thank God for showing you that it can be done and do whatever you can to make someone else's dream come true. 

Remind me of this the next time I feel jealous, okay?

The Work is the Blessing.

sunset in our neighborhood this week...it's been amazing every day!

Over the years, I've known all kinds of people. Having been in ministry for a long time, I've also known all kinds of Christians. My favorite ones are the transparent kind. The ones who don't try to hide behind a wall of perfection. I mean, does anyone benefit when we pretend to be something we aren't? 

I'm the first to tell you I'm far from perfect. In fact, making fun of my shortcomings has become something of a hobby for me. But I am constantly learning, and in the months leading up to and immediately following our move to Colorado, I learned a lot. 

The lessons weren't fun or easy. They didn't come to me by way of situations I'd be eager to revisit. They came to me as silly putty situations--ones in which I was stretched and ripped and put back together, then balled up an rung out again. 

Isn't that how we're often molded? 

But since that time, I've had my eyes opened to something that I've come to realize is really cool about God. When I pray...he answers. 

I know, shocking, right? 

Our circumstances had changed and to be honest, on paper, it was scary. I'd always worked to supplement our income, but it was more of a fun thing I did on the side and never something we needed. So often, as Christians, we want to sit back and watch God take care of us, but sometimes I think the way he does that is by bringing us--not piles of money--but piles of work. 

I grew up with a father who works harder than anyone I know. And in these silly putty situations, I found myself praying, "God, I am not afraid of working hard, bring me the work and I'll do it." 

And he chose to bless me with the work. The work is the blessing. 

iPhone picture in Fort Collins last week. Seriously, this was the coolest sky I'd ever seen.

See, if God just dropped a pile of money on your front door step (and he could, I'm quite convinced,) you'd have a pile of money and that'd be great...but when he drops work in your lap...and you have to flex your creative muscles or think outside the box or deal with a difficult personality or do something you feel 100% unqualified for (thereby coming back to him with open arms and a plea for help...) you learn something. 

So not only does he bless you financially, but you learn. 

When I got my job at Webster's Pages, I knew it would be a blessing. It was too coincidental the way it happened. And everything about it doesn't come easily for me...I learn new things every day, but they're invaluable--in all areas of my life, and what do you know? I've made a life-friend in my boss, Brandin. That's not something I expected. 

And while it's a financial blessing, the lessons I'm learning...well, those are priceless. 

With the Hercules script we wrote for CYT, I continue to learn about writing dialogue, about progressing a story, about writing active scenes...all things that translate directly to writing fiction. But let me tell you, writing that script was work. 

Too often, I think I've got it figured out--how God's going to bless us. We do that, don't we? We're content to sit and wait until we see that bag of money...But what if the work is the blessing? What if the character building that comes with the silly putty situation needs to be solidified by the constant practice that comes with the work? 

Is it possible that God wants to bless us, but we aren't willing to do the work? 

There's a time for waiting on God. I was in a holding pattern for a very long time...but the flight took off and I had to get on board. The time for waiting was over...and now it was time to work. 

I guess what I'm saying is that I don't have anything figured out, but I know that if we're expecting a windfall of money, we're going to be disappointed. However, if we're expecting opportunities to learn and grow and become who we were always meant to be...well, then it's time to roll up your sleeves, because there's work to be done. 

So what about you? Has there ever been a time in your life when God blessed you in a way you didn't expect? I'd love to know...

Five Things Every Writer Needs

Writers are a unique breed. We can spend hours staring at a computer screen and come away feeling like we've just gone on a long journey. What we may not realize, however, is that while we've been on that journey, things in our house have been "business as usual." 

And in this house, "Business" is also spelled "MESS." 

Last year, I wrote this post which will serve as all the proof you need. (Looking at those pictures, I have to stop in a moment of silence, SO thankful we're out of that rental house. There's never been so much cause for celebration.) 

Anyway, I'm working on planning my book launch party with the help of my AMAZING Event Planner, Lauren and I'm also working on edits for the second book in the Sweethaven series (it's almost done!) and finishing the first draft for Book Three, A Sweethaven Christmas. It's an exciting--but busy--time, and I am loving it. 

But it's made me realize there are things that make our lives easier. There are many things, like a weekend away from all distraction...but let's be reasonable. 

So, without further hooplah, here's my wish list...

The Top Five Things Every Writer Needs. 

1. A GREAT desk chair.

This is the one I got...though mine was seriously on sale. 

While it may seem unromantic, Adam bought me a desk chair for our anniversary this year and it has SAVED my back. I have no pain anymore. Never again will I buy a desk chair at Target. (duh.) Go to the store and try some out and get one with lower back support. It's worth the investment. 

2. A standing appointment with a masseuse

This is me being a total hypocrite since the only massage I've ever had was when I was 9+ months pregnant with Ethan (who came out weighing over ten pounds.) But I'm convinced that even though I've now got a great desk chair, my muscles would greatly benefit from the occasional massage. And while I try to work up the courage to go and get one (it's the naked factor that has me all weirded out) I think you should go and then report back. 

Specifically, I'd like to know..."is it weird?" and "do you have to get all the way naked?"

Hey, I need to know what I'm walking into.

3. A maid/nanny/personal chef. 

I make absolutely no bones about the fact that when it comes to all things domestic I am almost always a failure. Like 97.5% of the time. When I'm busy or on deadline, the house is the first thing to suffer...

(I'll give you five guesses as to how long the contents of our Christmas road trip sat in the middle of the living room. And I'll even tell you that I've yet to unpack my suitcase.) 

Every night, dinner time rolls around and I groan. Adam's started saying "Maybe you should go back to making a menu" but you know, that'd be too organized. Plus, when your culinary skills are as, well, undeveloped as mine, you're kind of limited in your choices. 

(Also, why, all of the sudden, does my eight-year-old hate everything except noodles with butter and parmesan?) 

4. Real life friends. Seriously. When you find yourself talking to your husband about your characters like they're real people "who did the funniest thing today" it's time to gather the girls and go for coffee. 

Or, a good long talk with someone you love is always good at helping you maintain your grip on reality. 

5.  A brainstorming/critique partner. This is great advice to help you keep your marriage safe. Because no matter HOW wonderful your husband is, he doesn't want to hear about your plotlines/ story ideas or writing woes 24/7. Plus, if he's anything like my husband, he's really "not your target audience." 

Crit. partners and mentors (and writing friends in general) are the people that will totally 'get you' and I don't know, there's just something about 'being gotten.' Find ones that build you up, encourage you, pray for you, tell you when your story doesn't make sense. 

They're priceless. 

So, I want to hear from you? What's the one thing you need most right now to help you make your dream come true? 

 

 

Some Days All You Have is a Photo...

...a photo that reminds you you come from a family of really good people. People who support you and love you even when you live hours and hours away. 

...a photo that tells the story of two people whose commitment to each other translates to a legacy of strong, healthy marriages.

...a photo that you'll cherish forever because it's rare and unique and beautiful. 

And some days, that photo is more than enough. 

Scrapbooking Your Faith: Pocket Promises

When I first graduated college, I came back home (don't we all) and worked at my hometown newspaper for a little over a year. While I was there, I learned a TON--about writing on deadline, about writing with distractions all around you (seriously, have you ever BEEN in a newsroom?) and, surprisingly, about faith. 

My favorite stories (other than columns, which, let's face it, we now call 'blog posts') were the lifestyle stories. The ones about people. All kinds of stories came across my desk. From a little girl who saved her sister's life to a murder trial one town over. A lot of those stories have stuck with me, including one about a woman who created her own "Promises from the Psalms." 

She'd been battling cancer and to help bring comfort through it, she gathered all the Promises she could find in the book of Psalms. Now that she was healthy again, she bound the promises together and distributed them to others going through difficult times. And the whole idea of taking the time to find God's promises and write them on the pages of your heart just sunk in. 

Years later, I've developed many incarnations of this. I scrapbook my faith, paint about it, put it up on the wall. And when someone I know is going through something difficult, I've found that sharing the promises I've found can be a great way to extend kindness. 

Recently, I created a tiny book that I call "Pocket Promises" by hand stitching together about eight sheets of folded paper...

I love to make little books by hand. I'm not fancy about it and I sure don't know anything about real book-binding, but I've found that a simple stitch down the center holds everything in nicely: 

On each page, I wrote a verse or two, promises that could bring comfort for a friend. Prayers that she could whisper and cling to, even on the hard days...

These words are life to me. I've been through some really crummy stuff over the past few years, and I found it was during that time I RAN straight to God...and he found me there, in the midst of my mess. 

Obviously everyone reading this won't share my same beliefs, but you could create a book like this, one to keep in your pocket or purse, and fill it with encouraging quotes or words of wisdom. 

Maybe it's because I'm a writer, but I believe words have POWER. So much power. Life and death kind of power...and while it's not always easy to speak life, to speak GOOD, it is always beneficial. And necessary. And rewarding. 

I clipped all kinds of little things in here, more words, more promises, my own prayers. And I folded a heavier cardstock over the inside pages and adhered the outsides of the front and back to the covers. 

This way, I got exactly the size I wanted, and it was 100% customizable. 

I wrote the promises in the book, and took the time to read over them again and again, and I found this had a wonderful impact on me... but to give it away was even better. 

I'm going to be sharing lots of other faith projects like this one in my Big Picture Class, Scrapbooking Your Faith. Registration is coming SOON, and I'm excited to share some easy, inspiring ways to incorporate faith in your layouts and projects. Maybe you'll join me?

What about you? Do you scrapbook (or paint or craft) your faith? What kind of impact does it have on you?

Winners of Body Restoration

Okay, my friends... Body Restoration starts tomorrow. That means we need to announce the winners tonight so they can get ready for this life-changing experience. 

And  if you didn't win, I hope you'll consider signing up. This is a topic that we can all relate to. 

But as for the winners...shoot me an email at: courtneycrops[at]hotmail[dot]com and I'll get your info passed along!

So without further ado...here are the three winners! You very lucky girls are going to LOVE this class!!

And thanks to Melody for giving away these spots!! 

And thanks to everyone for swinging by my blog. 

And thanks to the Academy... 

:) 

 

Rose said...

This is the encouragement I need to get moving. I so would like hiking and such this summer. Can't wait to begin.

ReplyJanuary 09, 2012 at 04:12 PM 

Kim Rose said...

i want to take this class but it is crazy to say i am scared to?
scared to face reality of what changes i know i need to make to feel better about myself. 
i know this class is meant for me and is exactly what i need. 
you are so kind for offering the give a way!
love brave girls and all they stand for. 

ReplyJanuary 09, 2012 at 10:30 AM 

Kristen C said...

I love the BGC! I have learned so much about myself, and I can't wait for body restoration! I would love to win!

ReplyJanuary 09, 2012 at 08:33 AM

Congratulations!!!!

 

The Journey Always Brings Me Back To You...(Body Restoration)

I try not to talk much about weight loss on my blog anymore. Perhaps it's because I feel like I've made a certain peace with my body. Or maybe it's because I got tired of hearing myself rehash it and try to come up with new ways to lose old weight. Who knows? 

Whatever it is, I've lost interest in it. Mostly. 

I feel relatively comfortable in my skin these days...and I think part of what's calmed me down is a revelation I've been wrestling with for awhile now. 

Growing up in a charismatic church, you really do get a wealth of different personalities. As people, we all approach God differently, and for awhile, it seemed to be a running theme to blame the devil for everything. If you were going through something, it was the devil's fault. And to be honest, I always struggled with that. I believe wholeheartedly that there's an enemy who wants to ruin our lives, but I think it's a bit naive to give him credit for everything. All the time. 

It'd be tempting to give ol' Satan the credit for the eating disorders and subsequent battle with food that I've always had, but a few weeks back I started to realize something... There I was saying "God, what is it with this? It's the ONE THING I can never get rid of? It's always there in the back of my mind..." and God's answer was like a smack across the face...

It's also the ONE THING that brings you back to ME. 

I don't think it's good that I'm constantly disappointing myself or having to learn and re-learn that I need to be kind to my body, but the results are always a closer walk with Him. Could it be that sometimes we're walking through a storm that's been divinely orchestrated by God? Could that storm be chipping away at who we are, building our character, molding us into the person we need to be before we can move forward into our purpose?

Why do we always assume that when something bad happens, we get to blame the devil? 

What if the bad is intended for good? What if HE really is in the driver's seat? 

It's hard to think that way because God is good and merciful and kind...but like Max Lucado says "he loves us too much to leave us where we are"...and not leaving us where we might mean putting us through the ringer. It might mean that those difficult things we're dealing with are all a part of His plan. It's those circumstances, those trials and tests and horrible, wretched, ugly-crying times that push us to the foot of the cross, that make us go searching for his will. 

Without the storm, would we ever look for shelter? 

My issues with my body are not unlike most women's. It seems that even my thinnest and most athletic friends feel the same pressure when they look in the mirror. It's something that we all have in common. I know that I'll never fully conquer the deep emotions connected to this journey, but I also know that I'm not alone in it...and in so many ways, it's made me a better person. A more compassionate, more humble person. 

Because of this journey, I am constantly reminded how very much I need Him. 

I know I've been doing a lot of giveaways on my blog lately...and that wasn't my intention, but I LOVE to share the cool things I've found...and today I've found a really amazing and very cool thing. 

This is my sweet friend, Melody. You probably know her. And her incredible sister, Kathy...

They are the founders of Brave Girls Club. I've never been. Someday, I keep telling her, someday...and she is always gracious and always kind and always tells me I will be welcome whenever I can make it. 

More than ever over the past few months, I've been reminded of her sweet and gentle spirit, and her desire to encourage women--just like us. She's been a constant inspiration to me. A cheerleader, a soul sister, a friend. And she's doing something that speaks right to the very heart of me. 

An online class called "Body Restoration." 

Make peace with your body through art and journaling. 

Really? Is she talking right to me?

I'm on deadline right now. CRAZY, insane deadline, finishing my third book and planning for my launch party for the first book...and I can tell you I am going to try my very hardest to participate in this class...and I hope you'll join me. Because if there's one thing I've learned it's that every bit of knowledge we soak up is one step closer to becoming who we are. 

Every storm teaches us something...could this be the next tool to help me on this journey? 

Could it be the tool to help you on yours? 

Melody is offering THREE spots in this class to one of my readers, and I sure hope one of them is YOU. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I will draw three random winners Monday night (late). Class starts Tuesday, but you won't be behind, I promise!

And if you don't win, think about this class. I have a feeling it's going to change a lot of lives. 

You can find out more about Body Restoration by clicking HERE.

A Mature Talk About Boy-Parts & Girl-Parts

I want to post something meaningful today. I'm writing my third book in the Sweethaven series and I'm at a fairly poignant part. I love writing these parts, when the characters have those moments that make your heart lurch. 

But this post will not make your heart lurch. Because I live in a house with three boys (and only two girls.) And sometimes the blog fodder they provide is about as far away from poignant as you can get. 

My story starts with a boy:

A boy whose photo-smile is as fake as it is endearing. A boy who is, thankfully, still as innocent (pretty much) as the day he was born. 

...and a girl:

(who dressed up as a punk rocker for Halloween)...and who is a little bit more of a troublemaker than she lets on. 

Let me just set the scene for you. 

Adam and I were working on the Hercules script (for the musical we're writing for CYT Chicago) in the kitchen at my mom and dad's house when we heard Ethan, in his little boy voice shout at Sophia, "Hey! You just hit me in the NUTS!" 

I should also tell you that the phrase "nuts" is a new addition to his vocabulary. Sam calls it a "peek" (no idea) so whenever anyone talks about boy parts, that's pretty much what they're called. "Nuts" is a second grade word, one that he picked up at school.

And I giggle every time he says it. (What am I, twelve?) 

Adam and I stifled our laughs and called Sophia in the kitchen. Adam handled it brilliantly (and sensitively as being hit "there" had him cringing a little and feeling sorry for Ethan.) 

Adam: Sophia?! Don't do that--you can really hurt him if you chuck something at his nuts. 

I'm snickering again. 

Sopiha: But...

Adam: No, "but" nothing. How would you like it if he hit you in the vagina?

This is where I lose it. Since when do we use anatomical terms with our children? Doesn't he know it's called a po-po? (Again, no idea.) 

(I added a photo in case you'd started to doze...) 

So, Sophia goes back into the living room to continue their obnoxious playing in which people inadvertently get hit in their private parts...

Sophia: Did you hear what dad just said? (She's giggling. She really should be more mature when talking about girl-parts.) 

Ethan: Yeah. 

Sophia: What'd he say? (Clearly she wants to embarrass her brother) 

Ethan: He said if you hit me there again I get to hit YOU in you GIANT COWBOY. 

Well, howdy, pard'ner!

I don't even know what else to say. I can't even think about it without laughing for five minutes straight. What? Giant Cowboy? WHERE did that come from?

Last night, Sophia came to me with a serious question and she said, "Mom, can I talk to you about my...giant cowboy?" 

And I just lost it. Again. 

And then, I was half asleep when it popped in my head and I started laughing out loud and woke Adam who actually, in spite of sleep-delerium laughed right along with me. 

What is wrong with us? 

Regardless, I'm curious, do you use correct terminology when speaking to your children or do you cute-ify the words for their girl and boy parts? Inquiring minds want to know. 

*PS. I'm emailing the winners of the Jeanne Oliver E-Course today! Watch your inboxes!

A Christmas Surprise (Or why it's sometimes okay to lie to your kids)

About a week before Christmas, Sophia had a choir concert out at the outdoor mall here. It was, in a word: FREEZING. Much like my parents' house, but that's a story for another day. 

After she sang, I took the kids for Early Dinner at a restaurant at the mall. Adam was going to meet us after work. To make small talk, I said "So, what do you guys wanna do when we get to Grammy and Poppy's?" Last year, Christmas was non-stop FUN for the kids, so I assumed they'd be excited. 

Until I glanced at Ethan and realized he was trying (unsuccessfully) not to cry. 

Public restaurant, mind you. 

Ethan and my sister's son, Cooper are about four weeks apart in age, and  they only see each other maybe twice a year. They live in Georgia, so it was hard even when we were in Illinois. But I had no idea how torn up my son was over the prospect of not seeing them this year. 

(Someone must teach my son how to smile for photos.)

 Because my sister's family wasn't making the trip. And we were. 

What Ethan didn't know, and what I couldn't tell him,was that a few days earlier I'd gotten a call from my dad. It went like this: 

Dad: Hey. 

Me: Uh...hey. 

Dad: So, you know Carrie's coming for Christmas, right?" 

Me: long pause. 

Dad: You already knew that, right? 

Me: Um. (confusion in voice) No. Did you just totally ruin the surprise? 

Dad: (mumbles incoherent sentences as he tries to back-pedal. A beat. Then the distinct impression that he's given up) Well she never told me not to tell YOU!

I still laugh when I think about the fact that Carrie told our DAD of all people. We later found out he told at least eight other people. That he could remember. 

Anyway, sitting in the restaurant, I was *thisclose* to spilling the surprise all over the table just to stop the tears. Because when this boy cries, it just breaks my heart. But I held it in and talked him off the ledge, knowing my lies would be worth it in the end. 

So, Christmas Eve, during the day, I got a text from Carrie that they'd just pulled in...

And I couldn't WAIT to see Ethan's face. (My mom's too because she had NO idea...)

I went outside to snag the baby and Cooper snuck in the kitchen, alone. So, my mom turned around and there he was...and mass crazy chaos ensued. But these two guys...

...who are very "cool" and "nonchalant" the entire rest of the visit...

...couldn't hide their happiness that they got to spend another Christmas together. 

I could cry just looking at it because I knew how happy Ethan was going to be. And he was. I LOVE when a surprise works out...in spite of my dad's best efforts to spoil it. 

The rest of us were pretty thrilled too...because we had the makings of a week-long slumber party, and it ended up being exactly what we all needed. 

I hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright. 

Don't forget you can still enter to win a spot in Jeanne Oliver's Creatively Made E-Course! Scroll down!

A Canvas Contest, An E-Course and A GIVEAWAY!

I know you're anxiously awaiting my run-down of the week of hibernation that was our Illinois Christmas experience, but I'm still playing catch-up around here and haven't even uploaded any of my photos yet. It's just been something of a whirlwind. 

What with the Canvas Contest and all...

What's that you say? You want to vote for our photo so we win a gallery wrapped canvas of our first ever Family Photo? 

I know. Shameless plug. But seriousy, look at Ethan in that picture. Don't you love his hammy face?

This was one of my very favorite photos...I think because of the colors and also because of the big frame. And also because Lyndsey captured the boys' personalities so well. If you go HERE, and leave a comment that you vote for #14, we could win the canvas and decorate our new house (and its bare walls) with it. 

But wait! That's not all, I've also got a fun giveaway today. And by fun, I mean hugely wonderful and inspirational. My friend Jeanne is launching a brand new E-Course called "Creatively Made" and I get to give away a couple of spots in it right here on my little blog. 

I love the flexibility of e-courses, being able to learn so much without actually leaving the house. Or showering. (Is it just me?) I LOVE learning and there's something so freeing about doing it in the comfort of my own home. Especially when it comes to art! Trying something new can be scary, but the great thing is...no one is judging you! 

If you've ever thought about stretching your creative wings, this is a GREAT way to do it...

For more information on the course, hurry on over to Jeanne's blog. And just leave me a comment on this post and you're automatically entered to win! How super easy is that? 

Pretty darn easy, I'd say. I'll draw a winner this Friday so hurry up and leave a comment! 

Happy...what day is it again?...oh, Wednesday...Happy Wednesday!

When Inspiration Hits (Or "Where'd you get the idea for your novel?")

When I first signed with my agent, she shopped around the first novel I'd written. It was a Contemporary Romance called Saving Dr. Willoughby and while it may never see the light of day again, it's still near and dear to my heart. I consider those early attempts hugely important in teaching me about story structure and what it really takes to write 75,000 words.

The trouble was, it wasn't unique enough. We needed a hook. So, Sandra asked me if I had anything related to scrapbooking. Scrapbooking and I have been on this journey together for a long time. I'm always shocked at the ways it keeps popping up--this hobby I fell in love with--then hated--then loved again...God's used it to change the course of my life time and time again. 

Who woulda thought?

Anyway, the truth was, I did have a scrapbooking-related novel brewing in my brain. The idea came to me after I spent some time here:

Some incredibly generous friends gifted us a whole week in their cottage in this little community called Bethany Beach. It's right on Lake Michigan, and it's filled with history. Founded in the early 1900's, it's the kind of place where cottages are passed down through the generations. People spent their whole summers there, on the beach, soaking in the sun and falling in love with the charm of a place that seemed to transcend time. 

It was here that I started to imagine a group of old friends getting together to reminisce in a place like this, which became "The Commons" in the world of Sweethaven:

I imagined these girls growing up and bringing their children here to spend their days on the beach:

Where they'd all let go of the worries of real life, if only for three short months each year. Their kids would become lifelong friends and carry on the tradition of documenting their days, their secrets, their dreams...in the pages of a scrapbook. 

They'd explore nature and marvel at God's creativity:

(Have you ever seen something so amazing...?) 

But of course, there would be trouble...Secrets to come between them and split them apart, leaving the scrapbook in four pieces, buried and forgotten...until one day...

The grown daughter of one of those girls shows up, knocks on a cottage door and re-opens the world of the past, the memories she's only read about in the pages of her mother's scrapbook.

It's amazing how sometimes inspiration strikes when you're not really looking for it. I keep wondering "What if they'd never introduced us to Bethany Beach in the first place?" Would the idea for this story have ever entered my mind? 

Would my kids and the way they enjoyed the beach (and eating the sunscreen container) ever have become something to write about?

I suppose inspiration really is everywhere...when you're looking for it. You never know when it's going to hit. 

Will you be ready when it does? 

So, a question: Have you ever found inspriation in an unexpected place?

 

Ringing in the New Year with Webster's Pages

Alright, I can hardly stand it for one more second. This whole Sunday Picnic collection at Webster's Pages has me absolutely giddy. And by giddy I mean, really, truly, giddy. 

I know some of you aren't scrapbookers or papercrafters, but indulge me for a moment because I've always had a love affair with pretty supplies. And boy, are these pretty. 

I'm specifically having a major love-fest with these:

Because there are orange bloomers. Do you know all the cool things you can do with this stuff? I'm thinking of decking out my office with some of it myself. It's beyond beautiful and would easily translate to home decor, mixed media artwork or crafting projects...not just scrapbooking. 

I think I'm personally excited because I consider myself a somewhat simple scrapbooker these days. (I didn't used to, but I've come to appreciate the fine art of white space)...so the whole Clean and Simple addition has got me all kinds of flustered. 

Plus, we've got the coolest commercial:

Yeah. I love working for this company. I love the opportunity to help other people tell their stories. I love the creativity and the beauty...

I'm going to get me some...how about you? It's on sale NOW, just head over to the Webster's Pages Website to get yours. And...I'd love to hear what you think about this new line! :) 

Happy New Year Everyone!