Telling Stories

Meanwhile...I am still alive...

This may be the longest I've ever gone without a blog post, and despite my absence, I actually do have a lot to share...and I miss blogging. So much. At the same time, it was nice to take a little break. Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself. 

Anyway, last week, we surprised the kids (big time):

...with our first "real" family vacation. We'd gone away for a few days/nights and did a great Staycation once, and of course we had lots of trips to/from Colorado when we lived there... but this was the first time I'd say we were on vacation. 

BUT...the day before we went, I had my first Mother/Daughter Art Class:

It was SO fun for so many reasons. First, I love moms and daughters creating together... my love for creating with my kids is the main reason I started doing classes, so it's FUN to see other people doing it (and loving it) too! 

Also, I got to see four of my college friends who I hadn't seen in years and years...

We were sorority sisters (Gamma Phi!) and I honestly felt like we were all back in the sorority house hanging out. It was like no time had passed...and certainly not fifteen years! 

Am I that old?! 

The class was a huge hit and mother/daughter classes are on the schedule for the summer for sure. 

But after everyone left, I had Disney on the brain. I spent Mother's Day doing last minute packing/shopping/hiding/lying to my children...and by Monday afternoon, we were in the Magic Kingdom. 

I have LOTS to say about Disney World, but that's a post for another day... for now, let me just say, it was FUN. And our family needed the break. 

Ethan and I just after riding Everest at Animal Kingdom:

Here's the kids in front of Cinderella's castle on our last day there:

Sadly, the night before we flew home, I slipped a disc unplugging the drain in our bathtub. I made it through the airport with the help of my family and a wheelchair (no joke) but cried as soon as I reached my seat on the plane. 

It was a hard, hard trip home... the next night, I made it through my Girl's Art Night Out (sitting down and moving very slowly...) and it ended up being a ton of fun:

Those are just a few snippets from the night...and it just reminded me of how very much fun I am having doing these classes. 

So, I've spent most of this {very busy} week laying down or going to the chiropractor and I'm sad to say my back is still not 100%, but it is improving, so at least there's that...but I couldn't sit long enough to edit photos, so it's been really hard to get anything done. 

I did manage to capture this beauty, though for the life of me I can't remember where she was going all dressed up:

And last night, I got this guy, right before he graduated from pre-school:

I cannot believe next year I will be home alone all day long. {I have mixed feelings about this.} Sam had such a great teacher this year:

This weekend, we are consumed with Spotlight's production of Les Mis. It's going to be an incredible show, so if you're local, I hope you'll get tickets! 

Also, if you're local, be SURE to stop by Urban Farmgirl this weekend. I'm thrilled some of my art is available at her store, but beyond that, the store changes every weekend she's open. Thereare so many amazing, one-of-a-kind vintage finds there...it's just such a wonderful addition to Rockford!!

So, that's the quick version of my update....more when I can sit upright for more than a half an hour at a time! 

I miss you guys! 

Art Workshop Recap {This Is So Fun!}

I want to thank you guys for sharing in my excitement over the new book deal. I'm ecstatic, though I admit, it's about this point in the process where I start to hear all those wonderful doubts creeping in... and I wonder if I still remember how to construct sentences. 

What's up with that? 

If you haven't entered to WIN my celebratory Sweethaven Series plus Melody Ross' A Little Bird Told Me, go ahead and scroll on down one post. 

This week, I'm hoping to share with you some of my favorite authors with new-ish books out because when I find a good author I want to pass their books around...{and there might be some giveaways involved...}

I've given myself a new goal to read at least two books a month--it's definitely something I want to do more of, but I find myself struggling to find the time. No excuse for that, is there? 

Yesterday I hosted my rescheduled Art Workshop. Rescheduled due to flooding. This was the first time I felt a little nervous about it, though I'm not sure why...we ended up having TONS of fun. 

Everyone put their own spin on the original project, which I absolutely LOVE. 

I absolutely LOVE having mothers & daughters come do this with me. Making art with my kids has been one of my all-time favorite things to do, and I love that they love it... so seeing other moms & daughters do it together is so fun. 

I'm anxious to get started planning my summer classes and anxious to get my new floor installed in the art room. 

If you're ever in Northern Illinois, swing on by and let's do art together!

May's classes are filling up fast (one is sold out, another is very close.)

This is our project:

Email me at: courtneyrwalsh {at} gmail {dot} com if you want more information! I would LOVE to have you! 

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Announcing ALL NEW Beautiful Girl Art Workshops for May {Rockford, IL}

I'm sitting in my office wishing I had a caffeine IV and wondering if spring will ever arrive. It's cold and rainy again today (the fourth day in a row) and honestly, I stayed up too late last night. 

I might've been watching Nashville and admiring Connie Britton's hair. Perhaps. 

As usual, I have a load of things to do today, including getting groceries in the rain. Because when you turn Minute Rice into a meal, you know you're at the bottom of the cabinet. In spite of that, I'm excited to announce a new art workshop for the month of May. We're going to make this sweet owl: 

...which was inspired by a 2-3 year old painting I recently sold: 

The new one is a bit different and I really wanted to have a chance to make the words about the girls who will take this workshop. What God says they are...hoping this voice will be louder than all the other voices that might tell them they are something else entirely. 

My hope is that they'll hang it in a place where they can see it daily...so they can remember they are beautiful and valuable and worthy and loved. 

Anyway, I have limited space so the workshops have been filling up quickly (which has been a huge blessing...) but here is the nitty gritty:

I decided to do a Mother/Daughter Art Day this month in honor of Mother's Day and because I've had so many mothers and daughters come out to do this together. I LOVE that. Doing art with my own kids was the inspiration for this in the first place!

If you're local, you might be asking "What is 'The Cravery'?" In fact, a friend of mine texted me this last night... and rather than tell you, I think I'll just show you what we're doing for treats this month at the Beautiful Girl Art Workshops:

Yeah, it's really just a whole lotta yum. Last week at my Girl's Art Night Out, the owner, Melissa stopped by with a bin full of ridiculousness. Her cupcakes are so good. (You can follow her on Facebook for more info.) Right now she's doing a special promo where she's taking nominations for offices that deserve free cupcakes and then she's going to deliver a dozen to one very lucky office. 

That one right there is called death by chocolate. 

So, you can't get much better than art + cupcakes, right? The cost of the workshop is all-inclusive. You won't need to bring anything else except maybe an apron or some painty clothes. (So far I've gotten paint on myself every single class.) 

The thing I'm loving about these classes is that nobody's painting looks the same. I'm not putting together a kit...you get to choose your own colors and paints. It ends up being really fun to see people matching colors to their room or making artistic choices of their own. LOVE the creativity flowing through here!

I didn't expect to love it quite so much, but there ya have it. If you're interested in taking a class, shoot me an email! I'm also doing birthday parties and private groups so if you have a group of friends and want to do Girl's Art Night Out of your very own, that's all up for grabs! (And how fun would that be?!)

Happy {rainy} Thursday to you!

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Just Begin.

A few posts back I told you about my Beautiful Girl Art Workshop and before that I told you how I first made the decision to start these art classes...but if you've known me over the past couple of years, you might be a little bit baffled as to how I, a self professed, borderline agorphobe have become a hostess and teacher in my own home. 

First, there's the obvious social aspect which only a year ago might have had me near-panic...but even more than that, there's the fact that I've had three art workshops and have two more sold out this month...and my art room isn't even finished yet. 

This is NOT like me. I sort of struggle with worrying too much what people think, and I'm not a particularly gifted home decorator, so I double-worry... but when we decided to tackle this, I made the decision to announce the classes when my room still looked like this:

It was a family room for the previous owners, and we assumed that's what we'd use it for too...but then we kind of fell in love with our living room (and we like having everyone together) so when Adam suggested an art room...I got on board. 

But there was NO way I was going to try and do anything inspiring in this sad, sad room. 

I had a plan to get everything magazine ready before I ever allowed anyone to step one foot in this room. (Are you laughing at me?) 

First, I removed the random piece of skinny wood in the middle of the wall (this is NOT a chair rail, people...) and then I embarked on yet another wallpaper removal adventure...but this wasn't just any wallpaper. It was spongepainted. 

And it was from the devil. 

Then I painted. 

It became clear the day before my first class that everything was not going to get done. So the first two classes, the room looked like this:

Brighter and not so sad...but it wasn't what I wanted. I wanted, you know, awesome. 

I did what I could where I could...but it was far from awesome. It was more like "meh."

And yet, not one person seemed to mind. 

So, before Saturday's Girl's Art Night Out, I knew I wanted to move on to Phase Two. The trim. And thankfully, Urban Farmgirl was open this weekend so I picked up two adorable banners (which I'd love to hang all over the room eventually...) and I hung them up. 

With thumbtacks. 

Not centered. 

And I thought "This wall is still so bare..." but it was better than it had been and I loved the white trim! 

I attempted to spray paint the gold doorknobs. It did NOT work. At all. So, Saturday night my doors had no knobs. 

No one seemed to notice. (Until I pointed it out.) 

Oddly, even though the room isn't exactly where I want it and none of the chairs match...there were still a ton of smiles. Lots of creative juices flowing...and it made me wonder why I ever worry about things like this in the first place. 

Who really cares if things are perfect (are they ever?) 

Who minds if they're sitting in a black chair and the person next to them is in a silver one? 

How many times have I let these kinds of worries keep me from doing something amazing? 

I've learned that sometimes you just have to begin. You won't have everything figured out right away. I sure didn't know how to write a novel when I started, but I had to start. I had to dive in...I figured it out as I went (and then shoved that novel into a very dark drawer where it will never see the light of day...)

If I waited until this room was ready, I would've had zero classes so far and I would've missed out on the blessing of all these wonderful smiles. All this inspiring creativity. 

Before everyone shows up for a class, I walk into this unfinished room and I pray. I ask God to be here, to bless the time in this space. I ask him to use this space and make it something fun and creative and inspiring and encouraging...

A place where maybe someone will reconnect with a forgotten dream or realize they are creative after all. (Because everyone is, you know.)

I'm so thankful that I'm finally learning to take some of the pressure off myself and to just begin. 

Because a room doesn't have to be awesome for awesome things to happen in it. 

Happy Creating!

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Happy Art

Beautiful Girl Art Workshop {Rockford, Illinois}

Yesterday was my first Art Workshop here at my house. I am still learning how to streamline a class of people working at different paces, but it was so much fun!

This is the project we worked on:

I never really got a very good photo of it, but oh well. 

Everyone created their own version with their own words, and their big dreams are written on the backs of their airplanes and sealed in tight.

I had a room full of girls, all ages, and while I was a little nervous at first, it ended up being so much fun!

I love when people realize how easy this stuff is...and my hope is that it's therapy for them like it is for me. Or at least a fun new hobby! 

I LOVE when people put their own spin on things, like my friend Patty whose airplane TOTALLY reflects her personality:

She and her daughter came to the class together and both left with adorable art.

But I also had some littles, who are so much fun. I LOVE this painting and LOVE that she came up with this all on her own. I hope she always feels like a princess.

By the time the class started I almost forgot that only two hours later I was sopping up toilet water when the main floor toilet overflowed all over the place. 

If you'd like to be on the mailing list for future classes, just shoot me an email at courtneyrwalsh {at} gmail {dot} com (don't forget the R in the first part!) and I'll be sure to let you know. I have two classes set for April but they're already pretty much sold out, so I'll be adding another one. I also think it'd be fun to do birthday parties, Girl Scout troupes or private parties. Let me know if you're interested!

My second class is tomorrow...I can't wait to get the creative juices flowing in here again!

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Building a Real Life Presence

I think I'm going through a new revelation as of late. 

I love how God reveals things to me...bits at a time. Especially things about myself, and lately, that's been happening a lot. I guess he's not finished working on me. (No surprise here.) 

I have a tendency to commit myself to things that I later wish I hadn't. I'll agree to do something and then the night before have near-panic attacks wondering WHY did I say I would do this? I struggle a bit with anxiety, I guess. 

Before rehearsals started for Hercules I had a pre-panic moment where I thought "What if this is one of those things? What if I regret doing this? What if I end up not being okay with giving up every weekened for the next eight weeks?" Two months of Friday nights and Saturdays is a lot, after all.

Don't you think it's funny how I panicked that I might panic? (I know. It's ridiculous.)

But a funny, awesome, amazing thing happened...I LOVED it. I mean, I didn't just like it a little bit. I LOVED it. There was never a rehearsal that I dreaded. Even the one Adam couldn't come to (and I'm aware that I sometimes use him as my crutch.) But it stretched me. And I LOVED it. 

For two years I blogged from Colorado about being agorophobic, about loving my yoga pants, about holing away in my house and preferring to be alone... and I did. And I think maybe I needed to. See, those years were about deprogramming, about re-learning who God really is, about reconnecting with my purpose. Those were quiet years in which I discovered that it really doesn't matter what people think. I'm here to serve ONE master. 

And He doesn't judge or criticize. He loves and loves and loves. 

Near the end of our time in Colorado, I realized I was ready to love that way. I was ready to encourage and uplift. I was healed enough to be able to look a child in the eyes and promise them God made them for a reason. 

And there's nothing quite like that. 

I've spent a couple of years working on an "online presence" only to realize that while I will continue to work on that for the sake of my writing career, nothing even comes close to a "real life presence." Nothing matches real faces and real hugs and real moments. 

I have a lot of thoughts tumbling around about those Colorado years...I'm SO thankful for them because they did so much good for us. There isn't a single doubt in my mind that for a number of reasons, we needed to be away. But my heart is so full with gratitude that God brought us back here, back to discover that we're meant to rejoin real life. 

Regardless of our old hurts or our trust issues. Regardless of the ways people have let us down. Regardless of the fact that yoga pants are actually the most comfortoable clothes on the planet. 

And I for one am thrilled to be among the land of the living again. 

****

In other news, today is the first day of another new adventure...my Beautiful Girl Art Workshop is this afternoon, and I can't wait to give you a recap later this week! (Email me if you want to be on my mailing list for future classes. I have limited space and the classes have sold out fairly quickly, but I've got lots more in the works!)

****

And finally...the Winner of Jerusalem Greer's A Homemade Year is Patti at Pandora's Box! Patti, email your address to me at courtneycrops {at} msn {dot} com and we'll get your prize shipped out! :) 

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Snow Day {And A New Adventure}

So, yesterday we were completely snowed in. School was called off the night before and our kids still got up at 6:30. 

Someone needs to educate them in the appropriate way to enjoy a snow day.

It snowed all day, and we ended up getting a good foot. Since we're at the end of a cul-de-sac, we now have a mountain of snow in front of our house. 

The kids are in heaven.

I've lived in Illinois my entire life, and this is the first year I just HATE driving in this stuff. I think it's because my van doesn't handle so well and I get stuck a lot. (Which means I hold up traffic and if you know me in real life, you know I hate to hold other people up. I sweat and get all flushed in the face.) 

Never mind the insane amount of people who don't care if they hold me up...for whatever reason I am genetically engineered to worry. 

Even about being in people's way on the road. Or in the grocery store. Or in line at the bank. 

Notice I took all these photos from inside the house. 

My son was out playing in it, but came in soaked to the gills. 

(Is that a real saying? "Soaked to the gills"?) 

Anyway, everyone needed the day of good rest. I didn't wear make-up or shower till about 5 p.m. The kids lounged around in p.j.'s and drank warm drinks, then closed out the night with a rousing game of Disney's Scene It. 

I won. :) (And trust me, that never happens!) 

Highly recommend this game for families. It's really SO fun! 

Anyway, I do have a bit of  big(ish) news to share...I made a decision to do something I always talk myself out of doing... I started an etsy shop. 

There are a million reasons NOT to do this (and believe me, I've thought of them all...) but I guess I sort of realized that just because I'm a writer (and that IS my primary focus) doesn't mean I shut off the other things I love. I think sometimes we get so focused on the advice we receive we forget that none of us fits perfectly into a box. 

For instance, it would seem that I should focus solely on building my brand as a writer...and that seems to be the most logical thing to do...but I'm a novelist who likes to create...so who says I can only do one or the other? (This is me talking myself into it again...) 

My shop isn't open yet and I haven't thought of a name, but I've ordered supplies and things are moving. 

And yes, once again, I'm filled with doubt and insecurity. 

Someone tell me I'll outgrow this, please?

I'm going to be selling original mixed media canvases and prints and possibly some of my dad's handmade wooden goods (candle holders, jewelry boxes, cutting boards)...I'm still working to get him to sign the release forms to let me boss him around. 

So far, he's not having it. 

I don't know how any of it will go...I just know that it's something I want to do, so why not, right? 

Do you have something you've been wanting to try but haven't (because of time/money/inexperience or anything else?) What is it and what keeps you from moving forward? I'd love to hear...maybe we can hop into this journey together...?

Stay warm out there, friends!

 

 

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Goodbye, February {In Pictures}

Today, we're snowed in. It's the day I've been praying for...a day off for everyone. I've neither showered nor put on make-up. And my kids want pancakes for lunch. 

It seems like a gift, almost, after the past few weeks. February was a full one. The kind of month where you just stare at your husband, shake your head and go, "Seriously? What next?" 

Don't you love those months? 

I thought I'd share a few highlights (and lowlights)...because I've hit a blog wall...and I'm interested in disengaging my mind. So here it is. 

We shuffled Cupid-style with 87 of the coolest kids we know. 

We've spent every weekend with these kids...and we're almost ready for our opening night, which is only a week(ish) away. If you're anywhere near Rockford next week, you should come. I promise, these kids will blow you away. 

We did a table read and then revised the script and score for our third musical, Grimm, which auditions this weekend in McHenry County. 

I discovered my body handles stress by way of the canker sore. Let's just say this was an ongoing plague during the month of February. Apparently, stress is trying to be my friend. 

I'm not having it. 

Despite my fat lip(s), I still got this guy to go on a date with me. I whined a little and finally he relented. 

We saw Hairspray and loved it. 

I did a lot of painting, often with grumpy company. 

Sam wanted to duplicate one of Sophia's paintings. Both turned out really fun. He's been quite the busy little artist lately. Here's his version of Santa (one of my favorite pictures he's ever drawn. Ever.) 

But, he took a turn about a week ago...I should've known we'd be hit with the flu when this started happening:

But I was hoping it would move on past us. We didn't have time for all three kids to pass around fevers, missing school and rehearsals. 

But when you see this:

(That was Sam's)...what else do you do? 

To make matters worse, we also had several at-home injuries, all of which fell on this guy:

He ran into lightswitches, fell up (and down) stairs, had scratches, fat lips and a bevy of other ailments. 

Good times. 

Thankfully, by Valentine's Day, he'd recovered. 

I took the girl shopping for a friend's birthday gift and she started her own birthday list. I can't believe she turns twelve this month. 

I'm old.

Here she is showing off "Aunt Carrie" earrings:

Because apparently she thinks my sister only wears earrings as big as her head. 

She also added these to her list:

Grammy? 

At the suggestion of a friend, I read this book:

At the suggestion of everything good and pure in the world, I skipped reading this book:

(And seriously, just the cover of this book makes my throat itch and my eyes water...it's all...too...disturbing.) 

I directed this goofball:

(She's playing Persephone in the show...) 

And visited Urban Farmgirl again...

(FULL of cute stuff, Rockfordians...she's open again this week!) 

We played some Legos:

And I sold some artwork:

...which has me pondering an etsy shop...though that feels kind of big and scary to me right now. 

I drank lots of this:

And spent many, many hours with this guy: (one of my favorite things to do) 

And finally, I planned another art class here in town which has officially sold out! 

February was full...frustrating...overwhelming...amazing...challenging...exciting...and so much more. A mix of emotions. A heavy reminder that I can't move forward with anything on my own. 

Plenty of good mixed in with the bad. 

I have some really exciting news to share (very soon)...so who knows? Maybe March will be a different feeling altogether.

One can hope.

How was the second month of your year? 

Rockford, IL Girl's Art Night Out {A Mixed Media Art Class for Women}

I have this vision of bringing people together to create. There are lots of people who do this, and I want to be one of them right here in my own little spot in the world. 

Before we moved to Colorado, I had just started organizing "Art Night" with a good friend of mine, but now I want to take it a step further. I want to share the creative things I love because they really are like therapy to me...and because I believe everyone is creative. 

We're born that way. Made in God's image. And do you know anyone more creative than God? 

Anyway... ever since I announced my "Adventure Awaits" class for girls, I've been really anxious to get this out there because I'm SO excited about it. 

You'll learn mixed media techniques to create your own version of my 10x10 "Dream in Color" canvas. Everything you'll need will be provided. Plus, we're going to have a TON of fun! 

Here's a closer look at the artwork:

I've been making patchwork birdies for a long time now, and they are still one of my very favorite things to do. Even on scrapbook pages, the mix of patterns somehow makes me so happy, and that's what art should do, right?

We'll also play with charcoal pencils (I have a special place in my heart for these...), paint, ink and much, much more!! 

Can you think of a better way to spend a night out? 

So, if you're local and you're interested, just email me at courtneyrwalsh {at} gmail {dot} com (don't forget the "R" in the address) and I'll send out additional details and payment instructions. (We take check or Paypal at this time.)

Space is very limited and your spot is reserved once payment is received. 

I would LOVE to see you there! 

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Big Picture Classes GIVEAWAY! {Let's Go Grammar Free}

It's probably not a secret to you that I love words. I love clever turns of phrase. I love painting pictures with words. 

However, I don't love grammar, so when I found out Angie Lucas is offering a Grammar Free Journaling class over at Big Picture, I thought, "Well, that's brilliant." Because how many of us get tripped up on the journaling when we're working on a layout?

{The answer: Lots. Lots of us.} So...today, I get to give away a spot in this class, which is underway (but not so underway that you'll be lost...)

In this class, you'll learn a dozen creative and useful strategies for telling awesome stories in completely new ways—no paragraphs required! Be free. Be Grammar Free.

Today is the last day to sign up so run on over there for pure grammar liberation today!

And if you're still on the fence, here's a little more info courtesy of Angie herself.  

Class Description

Who's teaching this class? Hi, I'm Angie Lucas, word nerd extraordinaire, and I'll be your Grammar-Free Journaling instructor.

Is "grammar-free journaling" a thing, or did Angie Lucas make it up? Okay, okay, I made it up. The idea is to tell truly compelling stories in creative new formats using the fewest words possible—and to stress less about paragraph flow, sentence structure, transitions, and the rules of writing.

What does Angie Lucas have against grammar? Absolutely nothing! I'm willing to bet that I love grammar even more than you do. But just in case you don't like it, I'll show you 12 useful strategies for skipping the grammar altogether.

Who is this "Angie Lucas" anyway? I'm the new Editorial Director at Big Picture Classes, a professional writer and editor since 1998, the founder of Ella Publishing Co., the former managing editor at Simple Scrapbooksmagazine, and an average pianist (which is not at all relevant to this workshop).

So HOW do you win? 

1. Leave a comment and tell us what you hate most about grammar. (We might as well celebrate in our loathing, right?)  That's it. You're entered! 

BUT. There are additional chances to win! 

2. Blog, Tweet, Facebook or Pin this giveaway and then come back to this post and leave an additional comment for each one you do. That's FOUR additional chances to WIN! 

3. Winner will be announced tomorrow so hop to it! 

And don't forget, if you're local or semi-local to Rockford, Illinois, I do have a few openings left in my Beautiful Girl Art Workshop coming up on Thursday, March 28th. The first class is completely sold out, so snag your spot today! 

Additional details about this mixed media art class are HERE. 

Good luck everyone!

A Big Announcement {Rockford, IL Mixed Media Art Classes} SOLD OUT! {Second Class Added}

When I was wallowing in how much I missed being creative, my husband threw something out on the table that I had never considered. When we moved into this house, we were so excited because the basement is finished...studio for him, studio for me...and a big family room joining the two together. 

But the more we're here, the less we seem to need another family room. So when Adam said "Why don't you have art classes in our house?" I actually considered it. 

And the more I considered it, the more I liked it. And the more I liked it, the more I wanted to do it. I've taught online at Big Picture, but not as much in real life...but I'd love to do it, so why not?

Ever since I made the decision to plow forward with this, every fear you can imagine has found its way inside my head. You know the typical "What if I do this and fail miserably?" or "What if no one comes?" or "What if they come and then I fail miserably?" 

But I can't shake the idea...because the whole time we were in Colorado, the thing I missed the most was face-to-face interaction (especially with kids). I missed Art Night (which I started as a way to connect local creatives and it was picking up steam when we moved)...and I missed sharing that creativity with my friends. 

(he wanted to help me take pictures. This is his fake smile.)

So, I guess this is sort of "part one" of my big step towards living a more creative life...art classes right here in my humble abode...

But my goal isn't simply to teach mixed media. That's more like a catalyst for a bigger message, a message I began working on in 2005 when I created The Beautiful Girl Workshop. This self esteem workshop for girls was meant to help girls understand they are loved, that God has a plan for them, that they are his creation and not a mistake.

Now, years after I hosted that first retreat, I find myself still passionate about that same topic. And art is one of the best forms of self expression I can think of, so each class we do will focus on different elements of those truths. 

The Beautiful Girl Art Workshop. 

I've scheduled the first one for Tuesday, March 26th (this is my kids' spring break) and I have fairly limited space. Depending on interest, I may split the girls into age groups down the road but this first time, I'm going to have everyone together. (And adults are welcome too.) 

Cost includes:

* All supplies needed to create an 11x14 "Adventure Awaits" canvas {in your own personal style.}

* 2 hours of inspiration & instruction 

* Homemade, world famous milk chocolate chip cookie snack. (They're famous in my world, that counts, right??) 

Girls {and adults} of all ages are invited to attend, simply email me to reserve your spot! **ETA: The Tuesday class has now reached capacity. I've added a second class for Thursday, March 28th! {Thank you, everyone!!!}

You can register via email {courtneyrwalsh at gmail dot com} (don't forget the "R") and I'll send out the address and any additional information needed. 

*You must register by Sunday, March 24th.

I hope to see you there! :) 

I Am Here to Live Out Loud

To live a bold life. 

To stand up for truth. 

To make a difference, even to one.

I am here to believe the impossible. 

To wait on the miracle. 

To push for better.

Simpler.

More meaningful.

To make mistakes. 

Dare to fail gloriously.

To pick myself back up and keep moving forward. 

To be brave.

I am here to shine. 

To write words that matter. 

To spread kindness. 

To encourage.

To give.

I am here to live out loud. 

Won't you join me?

Related articles

Quiet for the Busy Mind...

Go Ahead. Jump. {On Being Brave}

Dare to Fail {Gloriously}

A Big Change. A New Adventure.

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you probably know I am the PR Manager for Webster's Pages. It's an incredible scrapbooking company with amazing people and a whole lot of goodness going on.

I love working there. 

And I love this chick:

(That's my boss/friend Brandin, the creative force behind WP)...

So when I started to feel pulled in too many directions, I crossed other things off my to-do list. Things like writing time or art with the kids... but not work. I couldn't cross work off. I love my job!

And yet...there was this nagging feeling in the back of my mind, something that told me I was getting ready for a change. I've come to recognize this feeling being the vagabond that I am, but when it first niggled its way in, I ignored it. 

There was no possible way I could not have a day job. We need for me to work. Who am I to think I could be a full-time writer/creative person? 

I'd imagined us broke, destitute and begging for food outside Wal-Mart.

And it would all be my fault.

But there were all these ideas...things I wanted to try. Things I'd put on the back burner for "someday." I had lists of big dreams that I was doing nothing to accomplish. I didn't have the time or energy. And I watched other people doing similar things and thought "I should do that...someday..." or "I had that idea once..."

What do you do with that? It's so easy to tell people to go after their dreams. It's so easy to say "just do it." Or "if you don't like something, change it..." or "When are you going to start believing in yourself?" 

Suddenly those words I'd spoken to other people seemed empty. I couldn't muster the courage. When it was me on the line, I had to choose if I was worth taking the risk for. 

And I decided I wasn't. I couldn't do that. It wasn't smart. I am not a risk-taker. 

Yet, when Adam was in a similar situation toward the end of our time in Colorado, I was gung-ho that he go after the thing that was in his heart. I could see his creativity lying dormant, and I wanted him to revisit it...because I knew how happy he was writing music, teaching, being creative...and he was doing none of that. He was sitting behind a desk checking for commas, something a copyeditor should be looking for...

Not being creative was killing his spirit...

And when it was him we were banking on, I was all for it. "We'll be fine. I just want you to be happy." I said the words every day for awhile. Because I believed in him. Because his happiness and creativity were worth it. 

But mine? 

I wasn't unhappy. I just wasn't finding time to do the things on my list. The things in my gut. The ideas that kept getting shoved aside. Writing. Creating. Teaching. Directing. 

And those things are important to me. Even if they don't sustain us financially. Even if they never "take off"...those are the things in my heart...and somewhere along the way, deep down in a place I can't quite locate, I found this tiny sliver of courage. 

It came in the form of a HUGE revelation: 

God was asking me to move. To get out of the way. To trust something I couldn't see. To believe that I actually could hear his voice (in spite of my best efforts to convince myself otherwise.) 

So I made the decision and I handed in my resignation...and it made me sadder than I ever expected it to because I really do love my job.

And at the same time, I was excited because my ideas were simmering again. 

I am filled with passion for them. Anxious to work on them. Excited to start. 

And yet, there is more fear than I have ever felt before. Panic. Anxiety. The kind that paralyzes you and makes your breath catch in your throat. What if I made a bad decision and my family suffers for it? 

So I pull myself back to His side, lay my dreams down at His feet and ask Him to meet me in this broken place full of confusion and worry and doubt. 

And I'm learning that bravery doesn't mean you aren't scared. It just means you push through it. You do it anyway. You jump and trust that the net will be there. 

Because He's proven He will never let you fall...

Related articles

Go Ahead. Jump. {On Being Brave}

Moving Mountains

Five Things I've Learned on my way to 37

Creative Spaces vol. 2 & A Giveaway!

Happy Art

It's well established around here that I am cranky when I don't have time to be creative. Sometimes that means writing, sometimes it means re-doing a room, sometimes it means painting. 

So recently, when Adam asked me when I'm the happiest, I don't know why it surprised me to tell him "when I'm writing or directing or painting with the kids." 

I don't know why it also surprised me when he replied, "Then you should do more of those things." (Apparently he was interested in me being less cranky.)

I'm nothing if not an obedient wife (ahem.) So, this weekend, I spent some time painting with my kids. 

I used to spend a lot of time comparing myself to other people. It's so easy to do that. Especially when we're talking about creativity. It's so subjective...you just can't please everyone. But I had this strange epiphany that I really don't have to please everyone. 

And everyone else doesn't have to please me. Sometimes we forget that we have an opinion too... and if I like it, then it's good enough for me, right? 

I'd hate to think that any of us wouldn't try something new and creative simply because we were afraid we couldn't measure up to what someone else was doing. (I speak from experience on that one.)

You have to start somewhere...and who knows, maybe you'll discover exactly what makes you happiest?

For me, it's kid art. Art that inspires and encourages. Whimsy. Bright colors. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it makes me happy. Like, really happy. 

It kind of makes me want to fly...

Tell me...when are you the happiest? 

New Artwork. {Paint + Wood + Words}

I'm working on some fun new things around here, and February is looking like a ginormous pile of deadlines and rehearsals and creative dreaming. 

It's been a bit of a whirlwind but I'm trying to slow down a little. Be present. Stay focused. Pray. 

Always feel like it's easier to slow down when I'm painting. Because I don't really want to rush through it...and with the artwork I've been doing lately, I can't. This is the latest. Scrap wood from my dad's shop. Phrasing idea from Sophia (I was going to put "Go be awesome today" but she liked "Don't forget to be awesome today" so I went with it.) 

I distressed the letters this time. 

...and instantly became addicted to the distressed letters. This is actually three pieces of wood my dad glued together for me. I painted it the same color as our living room walls, then added the words. I worked on it at the kitchen table, in my office, around the kids, by myself. It wasn't a quick one. 

Then I took it back to my dad's shop for framing. 

I can't explain how much I love it. I realized I want my personality in our house and this is something I would say to my kids...so I'm putting it either in our upstairs hallway or in our kitchen.

Why not? I want everyone to remember to be awesome today. 

I'm working on a few custom pieces for people who've emailed...if you're interested let me know. I'd love to create something special just for you. 

Related articles

Handcrafted Art {or What I've Learned so far in my dad's woodshop}

Hand Lettered Wooden Signs

Is Your Intelligence Having Fun?

For Those Who Are Afraid

Work in Progress {it's what I am}

Last week, I was cranky. Not 100% of the time, but more often then not. I realized it was because I hadn't done anything particularly creative for weeks. Lots of weeks. There just hasn't been time. 

My latest obsession has been hand lettering, but it can be tedious so I put it on the shelf for awhile. Once I get it in my head I want to figure something out, I get a little obsessive about it. It's a blessing and a curse.

But sometimes I just want to be messy and have no plan. 

I love that there are no mistakes in art. Not really. Not in my world. 

Today, my Jesus Calling devotional told me not to worry myself with analyzing and planning. Kind of wish I'd had that last week...but I'll take it. I'm trying to listen. To be better. To rest in him. 

Trying to focus on being a light in my daily life. Encouraging people. Building my faith. Practicing kindess. Shining. 

Not judging myself too harshly. Being good to myself. Getting rest. Being okay with not having it all figured out. Stepping out in faith when I know I can't do something on my own. 

Trying to learn to loosen my death-grip on my own life...to relinquish control, to lay it all down and actually not pick it up again. 

It's such a process. I'm such a work in progress. 

But I'm willing to do the work. I really believe it's worth it...

 

Is Your Intelligence Having Fun?

I get cranky when I don't carve out time to be creative. 

I need to create stories or paint or dream up new ideas or I get, well, not fun to be around. 

I'm working on a new project I can't WAIT to tell you about...but in the meantime, I'd love to know: 

Is your intelligence having fun? 

Are you pursuing your creative dreams? What helps you? What hinders you? 

Let's chat!

{Free!} Valentine Printable

I'm not trying to rush January, but part of my goals for the upcoming year are to be more present... more balanced...more focused on what's going on around me, rather that letting it swish on by... and that means, celebrating when the season calls for it. 

Truth be told, I've never been much of a Valentine's Day celebrate-r, which is odd considering my affinity for romance...but this year, I want to take some time to celebrate LOVE. 

So, I've created this nifty little printable in hopes that you might do the same. 

When Adam & I were going through the craziness of moving, we started to realize that we really could get through whatever life through at us...as long as we stuck together. I believe in the power of two, so I knew that wherever life took us, whatever hurts we encountered, I could always rely on "me + you" or "you + me."  

In fact, the dedication in my third novel, A Sweethaven Christmas simply reads: 

For Adam

Me and You.

Photo by LyndseyLew Photography

So. That's worth celebrating. The idea that you can do anything if you have the right support system. If you've got someone cheering you on, you can take big risks or dare to be brave. 

And while I've never exactly been "in love" with being "in love" (I'm horribly unromantic by nature.) I still think love is something to celebrate. Don't you?

I'd LOVE to see or hear how you're celebrating Valentine's Day this year... Take a minute to let me know...I'm new at all this! 

And I hope you'll download this free printable for yourself! A simple frame and you've got cheap, LOVEly art...

Download Cwalsh_you+me_valentine_printable

Happy Early Valentine's Day!

Handcrafted Art {or What I've Learned so far in my dad's woodshop}

The past few months, I've begun to take an interest in something I never expected...my dad's wood shop. I got this wild hair of an idea that I wanted to learn how he takes old, beat up pieces of wood and crafts them into art. 

It's been challenging, because he's a purist. And the last time I had a piece of wood in my hands, I turned it into this:

My dad isn't a fan of painted wood. I never really got it before. I mean, this is probably my favorite piece of artwork I've ever made. And it's on a wood slab. 

But then, I started spending more time with him, watching the way the machines work and learning about the grain of the wood. I now have a better appreciation for the fact that every kind of wood is different. 

For instance, this is a hand-crafted cutting board my dad made out of a variety of exotic woods. Each one looks completely unique and beautiful in its own right...even I wouldn't dream of slopping paint on these.

The way he turns wood into art astounds and inspires me. And he says he's not creative. I love the whole idea of taking a splintery piece of a tree in the back yard and turning in to something you want to put on display. 

It amazes me that he dreams these things up in his head... and there's a part of me that wants to learn how to do it for myself. 

For now, I'll enjoy the fruit of his labors...and while we work on a few projects, I'll soak it all up and try to learn as much as I can. 

I'm constantly inspired by the idea that there is art everywhere...and each of us has it inside of us, expressing it in our own unique ways. 

We've been trying to talk my dad into selling some of these pieces, but he already owns one business, I don't know that he wants another. Still, I think there's a market for beautiful, handcrafted pieces in everyone's home. 

I'm kind of ashamed I didn't see it sooner, that I didn't have the instant ability to celebrate the beauty of the natural elements, in each form... and while I don't intend to stop painting wood any time soon, I think maybe I'll pause and make sure I'm doing it a service before I do. 

In the meantime, wish me luck with the planer, the sander and the router...I'm determined to learn my way around that wood shop. 

Hand Lettered Wooden Signs

One of my very favorite things about Christmas is the time I get to spend with my sister and her family.

We're very different, Carrie and I. She is often on the go and I'm content to be home. She's athletic and I'm...well, not. She's totally goofy and I tend to be kind of lame and un-fun. 

But where it matters, we're very much the same. We share the same value of family and we both have a profound love of scarves. 

(Carrie's Cmas present scarf)

Oh wait. That's Carrie's scarf too. One of her girls down in Georgia made it for her. I am willing to pay her to make me one too because it's awesome. 

Anyway, I have a hard time shopping for people. I put a ton of pressure on myself to get things right, but Carrie mentioned she really wanted some artwork for her bedroom. It seems like our own bedrooms are the last to be decorated, doesn't it? 

Mine is. You should see the nasty blue color walls we're sporting right now. 

Think...nautical. 

With this bedspread:

(I do miss having walls that I picked out myself...)

I've completely sidetracked myself. 

Anyway, I had been dabbling in hand lettering on wood signs ever since I raided my dad's scrap wood pile. It's amazing how he can turn the nastiest wood into something beautiful... so I had a big piece here, and I decided to attempt to create something for Carrie. 

I started by diluting white paint and brushing a thin coat onto the wood.

Then, I chose a phrase appropriate for a bedroom and printed the letters out at the size I needed.

I used graphite paper to trace them onto my background. 

I do not have a steady hand so this was slow-going the first time, and I learned a TON. I now use tape on the straight edges, though I'm getting better free-hand. 

I think. 

This is how it looked when I was done (excuse the iPhone photo).

I called my dad and asked him if we could build a frame for it. I brought it to their house on Christmas Eve day and he and I escaped to the wood shop where he taught me how to make a frame. 

I am not ready to do this alone but it was fun to watch... Once he'd affixed it to the artwork (I knew I wanted it flush to the front), I painted it the same blue as in the word "Bless". (The blue is actually a nice turquoise though you can't tell it from these pictures.) 

I was pretty happy with the way it turned out:

My only regret is that I didn't get a great photo of it before Carrie left for Georgia, but I think you kind of get the idea... 

I thought about painting some funky design on the right side but decided not to. I wanted it clean and simple. 

I've just finished making one for my own house where I learned how to distress the letters to get that chippy wood look we all love so much...but the frame won't be done till the weekend. 

What have you been creating lately?

Five Things I've Learned on my way to 37

I had a birthday this week. 

I turned an age that puts me closer to 40 and I have mixed feelings about that. Every year, I tell myself (and everyone else) that it's not a big deal, this birthday one week before Christmas.

It's not really something special or celebratory, but there's this tiny piece inside of me that secretly hopes a little bit of that childhood birthday magic settles on my shoulders for just a few hours on December 18th. 

But when you're a grown-up, let's face it, birthdays are just like every other day...you still have responsibilities, after all, and you ask for things like flooring--practical presents that are definitely cause for excitement, but about as far from the pile of gifts that used to grace the end of my birthday bed as you can get. 

And the closer I get to 40, the more comfortable I get in my own skin. I find myself worrying less about things like bags under my eyes or the number on the scale. I start thinking more about this life and the legacy I want to leave...what am I doing here...and what do I want to be doing here...? 

And I think it can all be summed up in two words:

I spent some time creating last weekend, and I wanted to do something simple...a reminder to myself to keep going on my Big Dream List. One of those big dreams came true about two weeks ago (I can't really talk about it yet) and it floored me. It was like God was saying, "yeah, I was there when you wrote that down." 

And I was thinking, "Huh. How 'bout that?" 

I've learned a few things on the way to 37.

Like...

1. A bad day can be instantly made better by a dance break. (I recommend this song. Try not to at least chair dance. I dare you.) 

 

2. Coffee is one of life's greatest pleasures. 

3. Nothing is more important than your family. Sometimes you have to take a look at what you're doing and how it affects them...if it's not good, change is in order. 

Photo by LyndseyLew Photography

4. You can't be good at everything. 

5. Most of all, if your dreams don't scare you, then they're not big enough. I had to readjust some of my big dreaming accordingly and I can tell you I'm now properly afraid. 

But I feel pretty confident that God's got my back...even when it doesn't look like I think it should. 

Funny how that works, huh? 

Related articles

Big Picture Home Blessings {Enter To Win!}

Big Dream Weekend {Are you in?}

When Your Baby Turns Five...{and you don't feel wistful about it}

Book Lover's Giveaway {+ an interview with Annalisa Daughety}

Art is a State of Mind {And WIN a spot in Brave Girl's Art School!}

It took me a long time to start referring to myself as a writer.  I think it was ten years of professionally writing that finally made me realize "Um, yeah, this is what I do..." 

This is what I do...

I write. And I LOVE it...

But calling yourself an artist is something else entirely. While I do believe writing (and all creative mediums) are art, that term seems so hoity-toity.

Surely I can't call myself that. 

But I'm starting to believe that being an artist is really a state of mind. Last week, it dawned on me that part of the reason for my funk is that I haven't been creative. At all. After you release a book, your extra time is spent getting the word out...because if no one buys it, you probably won't write another one. 

It's a lot of pressure. 

But I've been feeling off and I think it's largely because of that lack of creativity. 

So, I sat down and started doodling one night while I was watching TV: 

I decided to doodle for Sophia, who seemed to need a bit of extra encouragement. I thought of her and all the things I wanted to say to her...and I doodled. I've always been a doodler, and I've always collected quotes on pages like this...

Though I didn't color it till days later and only then because I had downtime while Ethan was writing a proof for his story problem. {I am not the parent who should be helping him with this. It's a sure-fire way to make sure he isn't successful.}

Then I started surfing the web and I stumbled upon a few doodly painted pieces and I thought "I've never doodled in paint..."

And then I thought "But I sure want to try."

I mostly do mixed media, so having just the canvas as a background was sort of weird. No texture showing through...would it turn out?  

The jury is still out...but the point is, I actually had fun. I unplugged my brain, pulled out the paints and just doodled. In living color.  

It was a little sloppy and drippy and I wanted it that way. Full of imperfections and perfect for the bare walls on my scrapbook space...

I started with two different shades of pink and yellow paint and then misted with similar colors... and then I just kept adding to it with pencils, markers, lots of paint, water...

I honestly can say I just played. 

It was such great therapy...so good for my soul. I felt happy as I worked on it, happy as I kept adding to it. I tried something totally different and while I'm not 100% sold on it, I'm 100% sold on doing it again!  

As I tell Sophia, you have to work to get better...at anything...and that includes art. That's why I am THRILLED to start Brave Girl Art School.

It started this week, but I'm having computer issues...so I asked Melody if it was too late and she said NO, which means it's not too late for you either! 

And let me tell you, Melody gets it. When I told her about my painting experience, she said, "It's therapy, isn't it?" And it is. It just really is...there's something about looking down at paint-covered hands...or finding a stray turquoise dot on your elbow later in the day... 

So how would you like to WIN a spot in Brave Girl Art School? 

Brave Girl Art school is one of the prizes in my Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge... but I'm also giving away another spot today, winner to be announced tomorrow {lots of winners announced tomorrow!} 

All you have to do is leave me a comment and tell me...

What is it you most want to learn right now? What is the work you're longing to do? 

I'll enter you to win a spot in this amazing class taught by one of my dearest friends, the fabulous Melody Ross. 

If you want an extra chance to win, just SHARE the link to this post somewhere on this here world wide web and come back and tell me you did. See, it's all about sharing around here. I'll choose one lucky winner to join me as a student in this class...and I promise, we'll both be happier for it. 

 

Moving. The House Hunt is On. {It's Complicated}

Today I'm in Illinois hunting houses. Adam went out a couple weeks ago and found a few "maybes" that I'm visiting and then we have a bunch more on the list. 

Yes, we do still own a house in Illinois, but we've got amazing renters who don't want to leave and that house, unfortunately, would be difficult location-wise given Adam's new job and commute. 

We're praying for the perfect house to magically appear so when we move on June 27th we actually have somewhere to move to. I've decided I'm going to become more social now with this move. I know borderline agoraphobes aren't typically social people, but I watched "It's Complicated" last night and something came over me. 

An entertainer's spirit, I think. 

Or an extreme love of Meryl Streep.

Or maybe this garden?

I want to BE her. Hat. Shirt. Bakery you can break into in the middle of the night because you own it and know how to use it. Love. 

Maybe this move will transform me? Ha.

Who knows? I thought Colorado would turn me granola and outdoorsy and so far that hasn't happened. I'm learning it's really not about where you live so much as who you are. And I'm more of an indoor sleeping, bug killing, don't like to get hot and sweaty kind of person. 

It is what it is. 

Anyway, I wanted to share something kinda fun. I'm the June Guest Designer over at the Unity Stamp Company Blog today. I'm kind of jazzed I get to share a little bit about my project. 

It's a mixed media canvas with a quote I kind of love. 

Used a lot of background stamps to add texture. I love the way stamps give you such cool dimension without much hassle. 

Plus, they let you get inky and painty and that's just fun. I'm not sure what time it'll go live at the blog, but I hope you'll check it out!

So, there ya have it. I'll keep you posted on the house hunt. We'll all have fun finding out where in the world we're going to end up!

And don't forget, there's still time to enter my Scrapbooking Your Faith giveaway. Trust me, I'm moving so lots of things are going to go into the winner's box! Enter! Share! Tell your friends. 

And pray I find us a house!?

Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week One}

I'm so excited to share the very first "Faith Friday" Scrapbooking Your Faith Prompt!

 

Things I've learned from making videos of myself: 

1. One of my nostrils is bigger than the other.

2. You should never film yourself with the camera looking up at you. Even the slightest angle can show all your chins. 

3. There is nowhere in our house that seems to have good natural light. 

Today's Prompt: 

Scrapbook/Journal/Document Your Truth. 

What I mean by this is, document your latest revelation, your latest word from God. The most recent thing you don't want to forget. Your ah-ha moment...

Here's my page:

I'd like to apologize now for crummy lighting. It's been overcast and I took these photos THREE times. sigh. 

Regardless, you can see I'm all about keeping it VERY simple. It's important for me not to overwhelm myself with the crazy pressure of creating art right now. I'm on deadline and very busy preparing to move...so simple and easy is the name of the game. 

The point is, I don't want to forget the story. That's the most important thing. I don't want to forget what it's like to be in the middle of this revelation...

I've hidden the journaling behind the strips of patterned paper. This makes it easier if you happen to be journaling something you don't really want everyone to read. 

Clearly, I'm not:

In this case, I took the words straight from my blog post (which is where I digest most of this stuff anyway...) 

My embellishments were few and I printed the title right on the photo to make this whole thing even easier. 

Now, what about you? What revelation will you document? 

How would you like to win a copy of "Lost and Found" by Ginny Yttrup?

Leave me a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing to win an autographed copy of Ginny's book. I can't explain the importance of reading something so powerful, and the fact that the revelation comes through a fictitious story...you'll be amazed. 

Now...for the five winners of "Scrapbooking Your Faith"...

1. Stacy Caddy

2. Renee J.

3. Kimberli

4. Karen Larson

5. Susan C.

You five, email me your addresses at: courtneycrops{at}msn{dot}com and I'll get those out to you! 

And, like I said in the video, I hope you'll link up here when you finish your projects...even if they're simple (like mine), they can still inspire.

Have a wonderful weekend! 

 

Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Won't You Join Me?}

I'm interrupting my story to gather the rest of my thoughts. I'll tell you all about how this move has already been challenging in that my son is acting out in school because he can't seem to process his emotions. I'll explain what it's like when well-meaning people plant a seed of doubt in your mind and how difficult it is to cling to what you know you know...

The story just keeps changing. Today our Realtor is coming by to talk about selling the house. When we moved here, I was terrified about our house in Rockford. It never did sell, but we have fabulous renters. 

Sometimes God works things out in a way you never expected. I love that. 

Because of it, I feel like I can walk into this next season with more peace. I don't know how God will work it out, but I know he will. I rest in that. 

Anyway. Today, I want to direct you to the Creating Keepsakes Magazine Blog where I'm guest posting (yay) and sharing a layout inspired by my book, A Sweethaven Summer. (Should go live later tomorrow!) Since I haven't talked about the 'ol book in awhile, I'll put in a shameless plug here...I think it'd make someone an awfully nice Mother's Day Gift, don't you? 

You can head right over HERE and enter to WIN a copy along with some fabulous scrapbooky prizes! 

I'm also working on some fun events to help spread the word about the book because we all know word of mouth is what really sells a book. 

If you've shared it with a reader in your life...thank you. Immensely. 

If you haven't, feel free. I'll pledge my undying devotion to you if you help spread the word. 

Too needy? 

Here's a little peek at the project I'm sharing over at CK...

(It's a map project. I love a good map.)

A few weeks ago, CK Editor Extraordinaire Jennafer Martin was in town and my good friend Liz and I got to meet up with her for breakfast:

I can't resist. I have to mention how sleepy I look. Wowza.

If there's one thing I LOVE about scrapbooking it's the friends I've made...which is why I'd LOVE for you to come join me for this new thing I'm doing right here on my blog. Six weeks of journaling prompts to help you Scrapbook Your Faith. 

Now, I'm not much of a video girl (which you will soon see givent he crummy webcam I'm using, but today I'm doing something I've never done before...a video announcement to tell you more about this fun idea.

I want to stress that this is NOT just for scrapbookers...this is for anyone...and I hope you'll join me...

At the risk of looking like a complete dork, here we go...(And the freeze frame/lighting are sooo flattering.)

 

So, let's recap (and talk about how you can WIN some GREAT, awesome, wonderful stuff.) 

1. Go over to the CK blog and enter to WIN A Sweethaven Summer and a scrapbooking prize package! (Post should be up tomorrow!) 

2. Leave me a comment on this post and you'll be entered to win a copy of Scrapbooking Your Faith (and one of the five winners will get a scrapbooking mystery box as well!) (And also, tell me if you're going to join in and journal YOUR faith!)

3. Come back next week for the first "Scrapbooking Your Faith" journaling prompt! It's going to be tons of fun! 

4. Tell Your Friends! 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Words That Speak

I confess. I'm a word nerd. I love words. I love to string them together to evoke emotions. What can I say? I'm a writer. 

But I also love how words can encourage and uplift...and I'm not above encouraging and uplifting myself. We all need a little pick-me-up every now and then. Today I want to share with you a tiny little book I created full of words and reminders that I often need. A little positive self-talk never hurt anyone. 

This book started with a few digital layouts. I used this Kitschy Digitals kit from jessicasprague.com (Click on the image to check it out.)

I thought of them like little cards, so they're small, like 2.5"x3.5" and I used the same basic design for each one. It made everything simpler.

So this is what the cards looked like:

I chose words that spoke to me. Words that really get me out of any funk I might be in. You could easily do this with Bible verses, words of wisdom, notes to yourself...anything that speaks to you. 

The trouble with digital is that they do you no good unless you print them out. And I knew I wanted these cards to be carry-aroundable. 

What? It's a word. 

So, I went for a hybrid mini album. I made the booklet by hand using accordian-folded cardstock which I covered with print-outs from my digital kit. 

Very simple little booklet, but powerful for me...because the words are powerful. 

What words speak to you? Have you put them in a place of importance to help you remember them? And isn't it funny how we often forget them, choosing instead to focus on other words...like can't or who do you think you are? or you'll never...? 

There has to be better words than these, don't you think? 

And also, tomorrow is the last day to enter the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge! Are you entered?? Click HERE for details on how your art can win you big prizes!!

 

Dream Day & Some Fancy Pants

Today I'm over on The Crafty Power Blog sharing a little Fancy Pants love. This is my niece, Lilah. I got to hang out with her in November and then again over Christmas and I'd like to brag and say that I won her over because it was quite a proud moment in my life. 

I have to tell you how very much I love Fancy Pants. This collection is SO fun and I accidentally printed a few extra photos so I'm making more pages of Lilah. I love it! 

Fridays used to be a big writing day for me, but since I turned in the manuscript for A Sweethaven Christmas, today I've decided to catch up on something every bit as important as the writing... dreaming. And studying. And drinking a lot of coffee. 

Today is Dream Day. Sometimes I think you go along with life just accepting whatever comes your way, failing to stop and actually make the changes you need to make...and it's not until you get alone with your thoughts that you can really say "this needs to change." Or "This isn't right." Or "I can't do that anymore." 

For me, that day is today. I've been challenged by a very dear friend to dream bigger...and I thought my dreams were pretty big...but lately, what I've been learning is that if God is in the details then I should pay attention to the details too. And I haven't been...not really. 

Our life, right now, is in the middle of yet another upheaval...and I have to admit, while that sometimes frightens me, the truth is, I'm kind of excited...and in the midst of more changes for our family, there is SO much peace...

I will always follow the peace. 

Happy Dream Day!

Why Your Art Isn't Frivolous

Before we moved to Colorado, Adam and I directed a CYT production of the musical “Godspell”. It was, without a doubt, the most memorable show I’ve ever directed. I was going through a fairly good amount of inner turmoil at that time, and I was very close to backing out of the show before we started. I am so thankful I didn’t. 

We were SO influenced by the 1996 revival (which we accidentally saw off-Broadway), we could hardly wait to get started. Little by little, we watched these kids bring the parables Jesus told to life, and I started to get a new understanding of why Jesus told these stories in the first place…

See, I’ve always been taught that every word in the Bible was true. Every word. Words like “prosperity” are just as true as “punishment”, whether we like it or not. Because of that, (I can’t believe I’m admitting this), I always thought the parables were stories of things Jesus actually saw or did or witnessed…I thought they were TRUE stories...

Why, yes, I do have blond hair, why do you ask?

It took working out the Book of Matthew on the stage before I realized they’re just stories.

I have to say, that while you’re probably laughing at me right now, the truth is, I wonder if God kept me from finding out the truth because of the impact it had on me as the realization set in. See, I’d just started writing seriously at that time. I’d gotten the contract, but I still didn’t really know WHY I felt called to write.

God had made it SO clear to me that this was what I was supposed to do…but why? To what end?

Often, in our society, those of us who are drawn to the arts…to the telling of a story either on stage or on page, we’re made to feel—for one reason or another—that this is a frivolous pursuit. Several times I’ve seen parents discourage kids from pursuing art, music, theatre, writing…because those aren’t “acceptable” careers. It is, after all, a tough way to make money and often filled with rejection. What parent wants that for their child?

So, in spite of the support I’ve always felt from my parents, I think there was this thing inside me that says “this is a ridiculous thing you do…”

Why would you want to tell stories/write books/make art/pursue music for a living? You're destined for poverty and what if no one likes your so-called "art"? What then??? 

Mostly, I can slap some duct tape over the mouth of that liar, but every now and then, it creeps in again…and I wonder Am I making a difference to anyone? Can telling stories make a difference?

So, in that (albeit humiliating) moment in 2009 when my husband gently told me that the parables were, indeed, stories, this wave of understanding mixed with gratitude washed over me…because finally, it made sense. Finally, I understood this pull to write, to create, to tell stories…

While I’m fully aware that my stories will never have the impact Jesus’ stories do, the bottom line is that I’ve got something in common with the Son of God. I’m a storyteller…and because of that, I believe, that there's a reason to keep going.

I'm living proof that sometimes people aren’t moved by preaching but they are moved by story. They’re moved because a story takes them out of themselves to walk in someone else’s shoes, to imagine a different way…and because of that, they have an experience. And it's much more difficult to shake an experience than it is a sermon. 

No one’s told them how to live, what to change, why they should do something…they’ve done it for themselves. They’ve lived, they’ve changed, they’ve DONE…because they left their own body, ceased being who they always are and became someone else...

Isn't that what a great book does? Allows you to become the character? Isn't this why we love movies or plays? Because we get to experience first-hand the choices and challenges, the highs and lows, that the character is experiencing?

I guess it was eye-opening to realize that storytelling had its place even when Jesus walked the earth…that his stories still change lives, so it gives me a sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, I could do the same. It may be a lofty ambition, but we all have to strive for something, right?

The parables were stories that inspires and motivated and taught...and they were hugely successful at exploring real life issues in the context of a hypothetical...so doesn't it stand to reason that God would value the art that tells a story even in 2012? 

Doesn't it make sense then, that he's kept this medium around for a purpose? I think so. 

It's not frivolous to express yourself through your art, whatever medium you choose. It is, in fact, the quickest way to reach someone's heart...

The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Big Prizes! Big FUN!}

Today is the BIG DAY! 

THE SWEETHAVEN SCRAPBOOKING CHALLENGE!

Before I tell you how this is going to work, let me share one last beautiful layout to inspire you courtesy of designer Leslie Ashe:

I'm a total scallop fiend, so this layout (and the one she has on her blog today) have me swooning over here!! And the topic of "Tradition" is right in lines with the story of Sweethaven...the tradition of going back to the cottages year after year, the tradition of sharing the scrapbook and documenting their memories...

Do you document your traditions? 

Don't answer that...at least not yet!

Let me tell you how the challenge is going to work. (And the whole thing makes me a little nervous because this is sort of like throwing a party and then crossing your fingers that people will attend...I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nerve-wracked!)

But here it is...the DETAILS:

Step ONE: Look over all of these gorgeous Sweethaven-inspired layouts...and then pick one as your inspiration piece.

Take a peek: (larger images if you scroll back for the last two weeks through my blog...there's SO much inspiration!!)

Any inspiration that comes to you, through the colors, the design, the topic or your own Sweethaven inspired layout if you've read the book, is eligible! 

Step TWO: Create a piece of art (any art...scrapbook page, paper crafting project, mixed media...there's really no limitation here to what you can do...) inspired by the piece you choose. 

Step THREE: Post your project somewhere on the internet (Two Peas, Scrapbook.com, your own blog, Facebook...anything goes here too!) But it MUST contain the words "inspired by 'A Sweethaven Summer'" somewhere in the title/post. 

Step FOUR: Link back here in the comment section of THIS POST and tell me a little about your layout and what project inspired you! 

Step FIVE: Tell all your friends so they can join in and be part of the fun! 

Step SIX: Watch my blog for the announcement of the WINNERS! 

Some of the amazing prizes include:

A $30 gift card to:

(Have you seen their gorgeous stuff?? If not, click on their logo and check it out!! Amazing!) 

This amazing new book by Vicki Boutin:

(Click the image for more info!)

Several stamps from Unity Stamp Company, including (but not limited to:)

 

 

 

 

 

A prize pack from Scrapbook Adhesives:

A copy of Card Maps Vol. 2 (which comes out this month!) 

An 8x8 gallery wrapped canvas (2 inch sides), like this one:

A Chipboard Mini Album from Maya Road, similar to this one:

7 Gypsies Accordian Mini Album: 

As well as product from Prima, Bo Bunny, Doodlebug, Basic Grey and MUCH, much more (I'm still shopping!) :) 

So, who's with me? Tell me I'm not going to be tooting my noisemaker by myself!

Anyone up for a BIG FAT PRIZE OR TWO OR THREE?

I plan to award THREE winners, and I cannot WAIT to see what you come up with!!! 

The deadline to submit projects is March 23rd, so you've got THREE weeks to create!! (And multiple submissions are okay too!) :) Get crackin', creatives!!

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {It's Almost Time!}

Lately, my son has been saying "I can't wait for Thursday" or "I wish it was Tuesday..." and I wasn't really sure why until I discovered that his dad bought him new goggles for his swim lessons...which are on Tuesday and Thursday. 

And that's a little bit of how I feel about tomorrow...I can't wait for Friday...because I get to recap all of these beautiful layouts and projects, (and share a new one) and then issue

...The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge...

And perhaps I'll even let you in on what the prizes are going to be. 

That's something to look forward to, right? (I hope you'll consider joining in!) 

Tomorrow is also the deadline for the first draft of my third book in this series, A Sweethaven Christmas. And while I should be panicking a bit more than I am, I'm actually just really excited to start the next phase of writing a novel...the editing! {And thankfully, I have an amazing editor!} 

But I've learned not to squander a single day, so I'm beyond excited to share two gorgeous Sweethaven-inspired layouts from two gorgeous girls...and I promise I didn't give them a color scheme to work with, it just worked out that way! 

First up, Vicki Boutin, who scrapped a page about being a memory keeper...something all of the girls in Sweethaven would relate to:

Vicki has long been one of my favorite scrapbookers. I got to meet her at CHA one year, and I remember being awe-struck by how much she had accomplished that year. And I know from experience that every now and then you're going to create a layout that's just kind of a dud. You know, they can't all be winners...(at least that's how I'd console myself...) 

But I've never, in all these years, seen a dud from Vicki. 

What's more, she's giving away a copy of my book on her BLOG today!!

 And I may or may not have something super special to add to my prize package for tomorrow...

Here's a hint:

 

(Click image to read more about Vicki's new book!) 

Whether they intended to or not, Campbell, Jane, Lila, Meghan, Suzanne and Adele all became memory keepers...and I'm so glad they did, otherwise, I may never have gone to Sweethaven myself. 

Next, I get to share with you another gorgeous layout, this one by my new, beautiful friend, Jaime Warren. Jaime is an amazing photographer and scrapbooker and I'm so thankful I have the chance to work with her over at Webster's Pages...and especially thankful that she's created this Sweethaven-inspired layout:

Sweethaven is a town where the cottages are passed down through the generations...a place where people go to escape, to unwind, to decompress. Gosh, I'd love to go there right now!

Jaime ran with that idea, creating a page about the times her family spends at this cabin, a wonderful escape from the daily grind. 

So, have you been to Sweethaven? It's a way to escape the daily grind without even leaving your house...

And I'm happy to announce the winner of these....

Bethany Becker said...

I am learning to let things go and not to take things so personally. I am also trying to believe in myself and be more appreciative of the things I have. This post really means a lot to me and encourages me to continue on with improving myself and my life and to not give up! Thanks for the opportunity to win.

ReplyFebruary 29, 2012 at 07:50 PM

Thank you to everyone who entered! Bethany, shoot me an email with your address and I'll get these in the mail to you! :) 

See you tomorrow...for the BIG CHALLENGE!

5 Lessons I'm Learning Thanks to my Debut Novel. {And a giveaway!}

                             

Today I'm talking a little about my writing journey over at the Brave Girls Club Website. 

I'm sure you've heard of Brave Girls Club. Yes? I'm going. One of these days, I'm going to get out there and get my hands all painty and explore my life and how I can make it better. That image at the top is one of Melody's and it appeared at precisely the time I needed it most.

Funny how that happens. 

It's amazing to me to see how God has used this writing journey to teach me so very much about myself... about the things I need to keep working on...day after day, I learn something new. Like how to lean on other people. How to accept the help of others. How to admit to myself and everyone else that there's no way I can do it all. 

Oh, I pretend for awhile...but when I do that, it all comes crashing down on me. 

Today, on this reflective Saturday (I wrote this on Saturday), as I prepare to head out to the Barnes and Noble here in Loveland for a book signing, and my nerves are amped up and I'm scared, I think about the things I know for sure...

(Also Melody's art)

So here's my list: 5 Things I'm Learning...thanks to my debut novel:

1. God is always going to come through for you. No matter what. Even if it feels like the midnight hour. Even if it feels like he's forgotten you. I promise. He hasn't. Lately, I keep hearing the same phrase echoing in my mind... He has me in the palm of his hand...

2. Sometimes compliments are more jarring than criticism. They're scary because they bring out a different kind of insecurity...the kind where you want to sit down and explain to everyone that they're mistaken. Don't they know how frazzled you really are? Don't they see that you're the mom who forgot the permission slip? Again. 

3. Just at the time when you're sure you cannot go on for one more single solitary second, someone jumps in and throws you a rope. If there's no rope, then you can do it...even if you feel like you can't. 

4. When you put out a "fleece" and convince yourself it's biblical, you might be mistaken. Some experts say this is actually a sign of an immature faith. (When you discover this the day after putting out a fleece, it's especially fun.) 

5. You can't make people run to amazon and buy your book. And as much as you want to, you can't give them away...all you can do is be thankful...so thankful...that you have this opportunity...and then you can pray that God gets a hold of it and does what he wants with it.

You can't worry about what you can't control...

I'm learning, my friends...so much and so fast...and other things...REALLY slowly. Ha. But in honor of these many lessons, and in honor of my "Someone Threw Me a Rope" post at Brave Girls Club, I want to give away a copy of my book, A Sweethaven Summer...

The book is available HERE and HERE and on KINDLE, and NOOK...so if you don't win, maybe you'll join me for a little escape to Sweethaven!?

How do you enter? Simply leave me a comment and tell me...what lesson are you learning lately? 

To sweeten the deal, I'm also going to give away a spot in my new Big Picture Class, Scrapbooking Your Faith...

(Click on image for more information!) 

AND a copy of my first book, Scrapbooking Your Faith:

For additional entries:

1. Facebook a link to this post OR to "A Sweethaven Summer" on amazon!

2. Tweet a link to this post or to "A Sweethaven Summer on amazon!

3. Blog about either of these things. 

4. Sign up for my newsletter by clicking HERE. (I promise not to spam you. Cross my heart. I'm thinking 2-3 newsletters a year. I won't tell you if we get a new puppy or anything like that.) 

Also, I want to tell you that my sweet friend, Vicki Boutin has done a very brave thing herself...she's written this book:

Click on the image and find out you can WIN her new book...and come back here tomorrow for a very fun Sweethaven-inspired project from Vicki! (I can't wait!) 

:) Thank you. I'm feeling extreme gratitude today and I want to say thank you. I'd love to send you my books and see you in my class, so be sure to leave a comment today! :) 

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Point of View}

When you write, one of the first things you learn about is Point of View. I love the whole idea of jumping into a character's mind and seeing everything just as he or she would see it. I think this is where the time I spent in theatre really comes in handy...because acting is all about bringing a character to life. In every way, you inhabit the character. You become them. It's why some actors don't stop talking with an accent when the cameras turn off...because embodying another person is a mental task, and for the writer, not one to be taken lightly. 

It's also my favorite part of writing a book. 

One thing that struck me as especially fun was when I asked two scrapbookers to create pages about friendship...and they came back with two very different points of view...but they both used the same photo. 

It was like a visual representation of what a novel is all about. The nuts and bolts of it...seeing things through the character's eyes. It was completely unplanned but it made me smile. 

First, designer Leslie Ashe scrapped this adorable layout about a friendship that was meant to be...

We all have those friendships, don't we? The ones that are meant to be. The ones where you look back and can't remember a time you didn't know the person? Even if you've only known them for a short time. 

Female friendships are so complex. I think that's why I wanted to write about them... because they're volatile and full of drama...but on the other side of that is something so special. When you cross the bridge and find out you've still got someone beside you? Well, there's nothing like that. 

The funny thing was, that Wendy Hammer, the other lovely in this photo, also created a page about friendship...and look who she decided to document:

I couldn't love the journaling on this layout any more. I swear. I love the whole idea of documenting a relationship that means so much to you...and I love the way both these girls did it.

Two different styles, two different points of view...

One friendship that clearly means the world to each of them. 

I think I'm hormonal because I kind of want to cry just thinking about it... 

All that said, I have to tell you that A Sweethaven Summer is on sale today on Amazon...so if you haven't joined me in that utopian cottage town, maybe it's time? 

It's also available on Kindle and Nook, if you're a fancy technology lover...

And if you're really desperate, someone is trying to sell a used copy at bn.com for $146. 

Hey, to each his own. 

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {The Blessings of Friendship}

Friendship and Forgiveness. It's what I keep telling people my book is about. A Sweethaven Summer is a story about friends, brought together by a little town and a scrapbook. That's it in a nutshell...but friendships are rarely so cut and dry, are they? 

I am so blessed to have friends all over the globe, people I love even when I don't get to talk to them every single day (or even every single month.) People who "get me." 

It's a resounding theme so naturally, it deserves a lot of attention when it comes to this fabulouso Art Challenge I'm about to issue...(I'm thinking tomorrow I'll get all the details announced...and the prizes...well, I'll tell you some of them!) :) 

Anyway, it's easy to document your children's friends, but what about your own? What about those people you cherish? Maybe you've known them your whole life...grown up with them...or maybe you met at a particularly important point in your own lives and have been friends ever since. 

For my friend Anabelle O'Malley, part of friendship is the tradition of going to Disney with her girlfriends...a tradition definitely worth documenting...

Anabelle took photos from three different years--three different trips--and used them all on the same layout. Can you imagine if Anabelle's son found this years from now and tracked down these girls to hear more about what his mom was like when she wasn't on "mom duty"?

It intrigues me...the whole idea of it. I guess in some ways, I think when we play a "role" all day long, like "MOM"...it's hard to think of ourselves as anything else. But that role of "FRIEND" is so important... it shapes us and forms us into who we are...don't you think? 

What if you step outside the role you're most used to playing and focused instead on another role, maybe one you don't get to play often enough, but that you're so thankful for. 

The other day, I had a radio interview and they mentioned the idea of the gratitude journal...in my mind, scrapbooking and art journaling are largely about expanding this concept...talking about our blessings, focusing on them...keeping them in the spotlight. My real life friend, Liz Hicks, demonstrates this with her "Blessed Beyond Measure" art journal page:

I love that Liz's art journal pages are always so full of vibrancy and life...and to be able to document the blessing of a good friend is something that she (and future generations) will cherish. I love to hear stories about my mom's friends growing up...it won't be any different with our kids...

I think more than anything, they want to know us as people not just as the "warden in the prison of their life" (as I expect my daughter might say given that the mother seems to be the villain in the story she's currently writing...) 

But the truth is, friendship IS a blessing...a huge one that we should never take for granted. Our friends see us through so many storms, whether we realize it at the time or not. 

Check out Liz's blog for tons of great art journaling tips, techniques and prompts. You can find it HERE. 

Question for YOU: Have you created a layout or art journal page highlighting your friendships? Does any of your artwork focus on you? 

I'd love to hear about it...and if not, I'd love to hear why...

And I'd especially love for you to join in my Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge and create a page inspired by one of the beautiful pieces of art my friends have shared...but we'll get to that later! 

For now, I'll leave you with a documentation of some of my favorite friends...

People I don't live near anymore...but who I carry in my heart...

Happy Monday!

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {On Scrapbooking & Music}

This morning I had a radio interview set up by my amazing publicist, Jeane. She's more than a publicist, she's a friend...and this girl keeps my brains in check. (Did you know I had more than one brain?) 

One thing that I love about doing these interviews is the fact that I get to talk about scrapbooking...something that I've realized has been with me for as long as I could remember. 

Before there was patterned paper and embellishments and scrapbooking stores, I used whatever I found around the house...(not acid-free, mind you...) and the results were always just fine. Because I was telling my stories. 

Pulling that in to this novel has been one of the most eye-opening things for me...because even as I wrote it, I don't think I fully realized the impact scrapbooking has had on my life. And I'm not "caught up" and all my pages aren't organized in albums...but the stories have been told...and there they are, waiting to be told again. 

Scrapbooking is at the heart of A Sweethaven Summer...so when Scrapbooking Rock Star Jen Jockisch agreed to create a Sweethaven-inspired layout, I was so happy she chose to reflect on the "why" of scrapbooking. Jen has long been one of my favorite scrapbookers, with her fresh and funky style...

But when you read her journaling...gosh. I just get it. I get that need for the creative outlet...that need to lock yourself away and get lost in it for a few hours. I love every word of this journaling...not to mention the adorable design...

(PS...visit Jen's blog later today for a chance to win a copy of my book!) 

What is your creative outlet? I really want to know what you're into!!

Being able to pull parts of yourself into a keepsake...it's so worth it. Worth the time it takes... For instance, Becky Fleck of Page Maps fame, has created a layout focusing on a particular song...a song that ran through her mind all day long the day she had to say goodbye to a trusted friend:

Music is a huge part of Sweethaven...from the country lullaby Adele always sang to her daughter to Campbell and her mom's shared love of Norah Jones, to the faded memories that accompany "When You Say Nothing At All..." the soundtrack of our lives brings back memories quicker than anything...

So, yes, I'm a sucker for this hobby that's become a job and then a hobby again...it's something that brings people together, and for that, I will be forever grateful. 

Next week, I'll announce The official rules of The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge and tell you how you can win some awesome prizes! {Which of these layouts will inspire YOU most?!}

Now. About this book...If you've read it, thank you. If you've told me your thoughts about it, thank you. It's consuming my life a little right now, although the rest of my life sure hasn't stopped or paused or even hiccupped...

If you haven't read it, it's now available for Kindle or in paperback right over HERE at Amazon...and in advance, I'll say a humbled thank you...because it means the world to me.

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {A Special Place}

When I was home at Christmas, I spent more time in my hometown than I had in many, many years. Living about an hour from there, I always drove to my parents' house and then drove home, but now that we live in Colorado, driving home every night wasn't an option. 

While I was there, it really sunk in for me how much your heart can be tied to a place. Whether it's the place where you grew up or the place you spent every summer or your grandmother's house...places are so much more than places...

When I was working for Memory Makers, I wrote an article about "Scrapbooking Your Stomping Ground." I guess even then, I knew there was special significance to the park I went to to practice for that audition and the train tressels where the entire senior class signed their names. 

I suppose that's why creating a small midwestern town where the streets are named after flowers and the Main Street is still a brick road came naturally to me...Sweethaven is every good feeling about small town USA I could muster...and believe me, I could muster a lot. 

I asked two amazingly talented friends to scrapbook a place with special significance, and these girls have created layouts that are sure to inspire. They're gorgeous! 

First, look at Linda Barber's (do you think she's related to Luke? A long lost cousin, maybe?) ode to LA. She moved there not long ago, and the city is finding a way into her heart...

I can't begin to tell you all the things I love about this layout. The colors, the sewing, the design... but I especially love the story...

I know first-hand how moving can challenge everything you thought you knew about yourself. There are still days I wonder if Colorado will ever feel like home...but Linda's layout, documenting this moment in her journey, reminds me that I need to do the same...

I don't even know what to say about this:

I told Linda this is why she's so "dream-teamy" (because she's on the Creating Keepsakes Dream Team.) I mean, really? A stitched title? It makes me want to send her all my photos and have her scrap them for me. 

And this sub-title treatment with the photo in the stitched frame is killing me...

I have sewing machine envy. It makes me want to learn how to use mine already! 

Have you scrapped your hometown? Your stomping ground? 

What about a vacation spot that holds a special place in your heart? Lisa VanderVeen, another California girl, created a two-page spread about Mackinac Island, a place where no cars are allowed...

It sounds heavenly to me...and it has a lot of the same elements that Sweethaven has...a town that takes you back in time somehow, to a day when things were just a little simpler. And even if things got complicated, they still felt simpler. 

It's funny how small-town living can do that. Lisa's layout is full of adorable little details (the wooden bike is such a cute addition to her title, I can hardly stand it.) 

And it spoke to my intense love of scallops...

So, what about you...is there a place you love, one that's captured your heart? One that you were smitten with from the very moment you stepped foot in it? 

Have you ever created a piece of art about it? 

Who knows...

Maybe that place is waiting for you right on the pages of a book...if you're looking to be transported, I've got just the one. 

Escape to Sweethaven (in paperback or on Kindle) right HERE. 

Maybe I'll see you walking down Main Street or having a donut in Sweets on Sweethaven... or perhaps we'll ride the old wooden carousel together or dip our feet in the lake down by the Boardwalk...

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {First Love}

I didn't set out to write a romance novel. That's not what A Sweethaven Summer is...but I couldn't NOT write in a little romance...and it seems there's nothing as sweet as those first few months of first real love...

I got to talk about it a little on this interview over HERE on Lisa's Blog. (I also got to tell you who I think should play Campbell and Luke if there was ever a movie version of Sweethaven... (If you've read it, what do you think?) 

Anyway, first love. 

It's sweet and moving and the stuff dreams are made of...so it was important to me that I include a love story in each book...and each love story is shockingly different. At different points in their relationships, the characters are all going through different things. Just like real life. 

My friend Stephanie Ackerman, whose blog Homegrown Hospitality is FULL of artisitc inspiration, read the book and sent me an email. It was such a kind email, I couldn't respond right away. I didn't know what to say. And later, she said this on Facebook...

"I just read a 316 page book in less than 24 hours and I have only ever done that one time (and I was on a lounge chair in Maui...) THAT is how beautiful the book is..."

Still, I had no words. 

But when this showed up in my inbox, the artwork she created right after finishing the book, I was dumbfounded...

The book, she said, made her want to scrapbook again...and it was so unexpected to hear that. The art journal, which she talks about on her blog, made ME want to go create... I mean, the layers of art on this thing are jaw-dropping:

...and creating a book to document your love story, as it grows and changes and shifts and becomes something you don't recognize, then stabilizes and becomes something, once again you can't live without...these are the stories that stop your heart...

And having a dedicated place for them? Priceless...

Don't you want to read Stephanie's story? Don't you want to see how it started? How it grew? This book, once she's done with it, will become a treasured keepsake, the story of two people who fell in love in a way that no one else has...because no two love stories are exactly the same...

It's strange getting emails that tell me things about this book I poured my heart and soul into. It's jarring, almost, and often, I don't know how to answer, what to say to express my genuine thanks. I still feel like I should send people presents to thank them for buying my book. 

And when my work inspires the work of an artist...well, that's just icing on the cake. 

I hope the work of these artists inspires you to participate in the Sweethaven Scrapbook Challenge... it's coming SOON, but I have a few more amazing things to share this week (and early next week) before I tell you what you can win! 

Play along, will you? 

And tell me...have you documented your love story? 

Finally, the Winner of the Sweethaven Online Launch Party Week Four is:

Linda Carson said...

My favorite drink is diet Pepsi.

ReplyFebruary 14, 2012 at 02:20 PM

Linda, send me your address and we'll get your prize on its way!

 

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Forgiveness}

Sometimes I think we, as writers, end up writing about things that are personal to us whether we want to or not. Forgiveness wasn't something I set out to include in this book, but I can't think of a more universal struggle. We all know we should forgive, but it's the how that escapes us... 

And sometimes, even when we think we're over something, it comes back to bite us later... and we realize that thing we thought we'd dealt with still holds up shop in our hearts. 

This is a strong theme through all three of the Sweethaven novels, and I think that's because it's a strong theme in my own life. I don't come buy forgiveness easily. It's not sitting on my doorstep waiting to be invited inside. It hides out in the dark spaces of the back yard... and if I want it, I have to go searching for it. 

And sometimes I do because I know it's what I need...but other times? I close the door, turn of the light and walk away, taking my bitter feelings with me, letting them fester... In Sweethaven, Jane does this a little bit. And she's justified...anyone would harbor anger in her shoes...but that anger, it eats us up... 

So she journals her through it. With photos. Like a paper crafter. 

I asked two incredibly talented paper artists to create pieces based on this idea of forgiveness... this elusive, yet freeing idea. They blew me away. 

Look at this art journal page by the insanely talented Tammy Tutterow:

It's SO gorgeous and I love the rectangular size of it. (I fully intend to create something this size!) 

But it's what Tammy said about the project that I find most inspiring...

Tammy: "At this time last year I was in a really tough place in life.  I had been hurt and deceived by someone very close to me and my world felt completely torn apart.  I tried to keep a very happy public face, but inside and in the confines of my home I was feeling complete devastation.  I didn't know where to turn or what to do.  I felt like I was swimming up river with a boulder strapped to my ankle.  

Although I have struggled with issues of faith my whole life, I knew that I had to surrender the pain to something larger than myself, that I alone could not fix the person, the situation, or my response to it.  Through everything, I knew that a large part of healing and moving forward would be in forgiving the person who had hurt me so deeply.  I couldn't even wrap my mind around how to forgive or even what truly forgiving someone meant.  I thought forgiving meant to just forget and to tell the person what they had done was ok.  It wasn't ok and I really wasn't sure I could ever let it go.  I am not one to share personal things or to reach out to others but I did and was led to some really wonderful resources.  One was THIS ARTICLE on the Focus on the Family website.  

At last I really started to understand what it meant to forgive.

As I sat down to create this project with the focus on forgiveness, I kept thinking of butterflies. When faced with difficult times and difficult situations at the hands of others, we can continue to crawl in the grief of the circumstances, or we can forgive, let go, and be free to fly.  It didn't happen overnight, but eventually I chose to forgive the person who had hurt me.  

At this time last year, I thought about the situation and concept of forgiveness every single day.  As I worked on this page, I realized I hadn't thought about it in weeks, maybe even months.  I think that was a sign that I had let it go and was finally flying free.  I chose to create the stamped images of the page so that they looked very fluid, as a reminder of the tears that were shed.  The symbolism of it though is that despite tears, there is beauty and vivid color and freedom to fly.  

The memory will never go away, but the pain does through forgiveness.  As I worked on my page, I searched for a quote to include about forgiveness and very quickly found one by H. Jackson Brown Jr, the author of Life's Little Instruction Book:

"Never forget the three powerful resources you always
have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness."  

Those were the three things I clung to in those dark days and those are the things that helped carry me through.

Tammy's story is so inspiring...I especially like that she mentioned that it doesn't happen overnight. It doesn't for any of us, does it? Not even the characters in my book have eveyrthing all wrapped up with a pretty red bow...

Tammy is still writing her story...you can find more of it on her blog HERE .

Stacey Michaud also tackled this subject of Forgiveness by scrapbooking about a relationship that helped teach her how to forgive: 

In this case, Stacey is also scrapbooking an important lesson, and it celebrates the fact that despite the hurts of the past, she could, with the help of a good friend, move past it and forgive. 

Take a look at Stacey's journaling:

What a gift, don't you think? The peace of mind that comes with forgiveness. 

I know, it's so easy to say that but even as I do I find myself mentally repenting and trying to come to terms with the hurts of the past...

How about you? Do you struggle to forgive? Do you journal through it? What helps you with those feelings of anger and hurt? I'd love to hear...

A Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Vacation Memories}

I am so happy to announce that A Sweethaven Summer is now available on Kindle! I've gotten some of the coolest emails from people who've read the book, but the most unexpected note is "this book has made me want to scrapbook again..." I've heard it several times now, and I'm almost surprised--but so happy--that maybe, somehow, reading it will inspire people to tell their own stories (in whatever way they choose.) 

Some people aren't as smitten with the book, however, which is evidenced by the first line of Sophia's new story: 

"Paige Jones was so excited that she got to see her friends again. She hadn’t seen them all summer since she had to spend it in a boring old cottage in Michigan." 

She asked me to "edit" it, and I didn't get much farther than that because it made me laugh. Sophia read the whole book in a weekend, and we've had many conversations since about what she thinks should happen to the characters. I have a feeling one of these days she's going to be my favorite brainstorming partner. 

Sweethaven instantly evokes the feeling of being on vacation, something I could desperately use right now...(but couldn't we all?) And in all of my scrapbooking, I'm not sure I've ever done a vacation layout...I don't remember one, so now I'm on a mission to get one made. 

My friend, Greta Hammond, created this inspired by Sweethaven layout, focusing on the subject of "Scrapbook a vacation memory..." 

There are so many things I love about Greta's layout, starting with the colors. She always has the best colors on her pages. But I especially love the way the journaling block breaks up the strip of photos on this page. It's just a clever way to get the story documented, don't you think? 

If you look carefully, you'll see all kinds of neat little layers on this page...just way too fun. 

So, are you ready to join in the fun? I'm putting together an awesome prize package (or two) to conclude this little Scrapbooking Challenge, and I'll announce all the rules very soon, but the plan is to have you create a layout based on one of these inspiring pages...(or, if you've read A Sweethaven Summer, you can create one inspired by the book from your own point of view!) 

Super fun, right? 

People are winning...and here's the proof!

The Winner of the Sweethaven Online Launch Party Day THREE goodies is: 

Anne Demos said...

I am a coffee snob! Hard to admit I absolutely LOVE Starbucks it is the ONLY Coffee I drink. Sumatra Bold is my favorite everyday. Carmal Machiatto Venti and Peppermint Mocha Venti are my special treats. Which I was trying to decide today what I was going to order when I come and see you Saturday at Barnes and Noble!!

ReplyFebruary 09, 2012 at 12:36 PM

(Anne Marie, send me your address!)

And the winners of Melody Ross's Soul Restoration Class (and a copy of "A Sweethaven Summer") are:

• Jessica Engel
• Julie P
• Rebecca Lovell
• Martha S.
• Tracie
• Laura L.
• Shannon Taylor

Girls, send me your address to claim your prizes! courtneycrops {at} msn {dot} com.

Congratulations to all the winners! I can't wait to get everything boxed up and shipped off...it's so exciting to send happy mail, isn't it? There's really nothing like opening the mailbox and finding a package waiting for you! 

I hope you all have a beautiful Monday! 

And come back all week for more inspiring art projects inspired by A Sweethaven Summer...I'd love it if you played along!

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {A Painful Memory}

The girls of Sweethaven are fighters. Their lives aren't all happy and jolly. What kind of cardboard characters would any of us be if we didn't have challenges, struggles, things to fight for...?

These women, like all of us, have been through their share of tragedy. And in this first book in the series, one of the characters, Jane, finds out that scrapbooking through it becomes quite therapeutic. 

In my own life, I've found that journaling and scrapbooking and creating art all give me the tools to tell a  story... painful or otherwise, and in doing so, somehow, I always feel better on the other side of it. 

And the most painful, most personal of memories are the ones you may be the most afraid to document...and also the ones that most deserve your attention...

Document a Painful Memory.

My friend, Jennifer Gallacher is a brilliant scrapbooker. Her layouts are so stunning and vivid and eye-catching, sometimes they literally make me gasp. On this layout, Jen shared so openly about a painful memory, the loss of her thirteen-year-old son, Joey. 

Isn't he handsome?

Yes, it's painful, but this is a huge part of Jen's story. 

A story I'll let her tell you herself...

"I lost my oldest son at 13 years old to the devastation of colon cancer. Joey had poor health almost his entire life, but he was always so happy. That's not to say that he didn't get down, but he never complained about the pain he was in. His battle with cancer and his passing was a terrible blow to our family. Suddenly we were left with a huge, gaping hole in our family and in our hearts.

As we have worked to repair those feelings of sadness and loss over the past five years, we try very hard to dwell on the happy times that we had together as a family. We also rely heavily on our faith. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't "talk" to my son and let him know that I'm proud of him, and that I miss him. I feel so grateful that I took so many photos of him even when he didn't necessarily love having his photo taken. I am even more grateful that through journaling and scrapbooking that I have recorded hundreds of memories of our time together. Now his sweet personality and beautiful smile is forever preserved for my children and my children's children--a priceless book of memories we'll always cherish."

Jen's story continues right HERE on her blog...

I can't think of many things more priceless than memories and photos of the ones you love.

The ones you've lost.

Scrapbook for the comfort of others. 

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to create a layout for Angie Smith. You might recognize her husband from the Christian group Selah. Angie's blog, and now her books, are inspiring, encouraging, amazing...but their story is not without pain.

Sometimes, documenting the hope found in the sorrow is also hugely important--for you or for those whose stories have touched your heart the way Angie and Todd's did mine. 

But where do I begin?

But maybe you're thinking, "I don't know where to start. It hurts too much..." 

Maybe you're scared to crack open the things that are holding you back, to speak them out loud so they lose their hold on you. 

So, today, I want to offer something amazing that can help you document the painful things, the things that are hard, the things you fear, the things that keep you from moving forward...

Watch:

 

My soul friend, Melody, is offering not one, but SEVEN spots in her online Soul Restoration class. 

Seven. 

And because I believe in the power of storytelling...in the power of all of us telling our own stories, through whatever medium we choose, I'm going to give away SEVEN copies of A Sweethaven Summer too. 

I've recently learned that writing a book is wonderful, but it makes you vulnerable in a way you didn't expect...and in some ways, that's scary...but in other ways, it's exhilarating.

I'd love to share it with you. (If you don't win, you can order your copy HERE or HERE!) 

How do I enter?

This time, just leave me a comment and tell me: Is it hard for you to document the painful parts? Would you rather turn away and forget all about them? Or do you find it helps to work through it...even though the tears may dot your paper as you write or paint or create? 

We're all in this together, girls...

Now, last order of business:

The winner of the Sweethaven Online Launch Party DAY TWO is: 

Margie Visnick said...

I think my word would be "light" to remind me to find the light and be the light...so important in all aspects of my life!

ReplyFebruary 08, 2012 at 06:39 AM

Margie, email me and claim your beautiful prizes! :) 

I can't wait to read your comments, your thoughts, your hearts...I hope you

A Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge

When I first started writing A Sweethaven Summer, I sat down and thought about all the things I love about scrapbooking. I wanted to find a way to incorporate those things into my story. And while the book is largely about friendship and forgiveness, it's all held together by this faded scrapbook, full of secrets and memories...

You can almost hear the laughter of the girls as they made each page. 

I'd love to write "An Ode to Scrapbooking" but it's getting late and I have a two-hour episode of Downton Abbey to watch when Adam's not looking. It can be done, yes?

The fact is, scrapbooking is storytelling. It's a way to tell your stories. An artistic, creative way to get your words on paper. And I believe we're all storytellers at heart...

I created this layout, inspired by A Sweethaven Summer: 

It's a simple, layered project celebrating the "Unexpected Friendship" I found in Deb Raney when I first started on this writing journey. 

In Sweethaven, Cambell finds a group of women who become her unexpected friends... and in so many ways, these are some of life's most precious gifts. Finding a friend when you aren't looking for one. Realizing they're a life friend, a kindred spirit...it's something to celebrate.

Techniques: I rolled up a few pages from the Anthropolgie Catalog ("If you can't afford it, make art with it" is what I always say!) and tied strips of Divine Twine around them to give them a scroll-like effect then adhered them to the page. I used the same twine to spice up the buttons and incorporated lots of foam squares to get that layered, dimensional look that I find positively swoony.

SO...Are you up for a challenge?

Over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to be telling stories about the book and sharing layouts created by some of my very favorite scrapbookers...

And then, I'm going to issue a challenge to YOU. You create any kind of artwork (Scrapbooking, mixed media, home decor--anything) inspired by the book or inspired by one of the pieces I'm going to share and you could WIN a big, fat basket of goodies.

Like, really big. And fun. And artsy. 

Because I love to give stuff away. 

Now that I got that out of my system...I want to share what I believe is the best photo of me ever captured in the history of the world:

Which is all the proof I need to understand WHY my son is plagued the fine art of the weird facial expression:

Over the weekend, several times my mom told me "there's a time and a place for self deprecation. You need to learn where the line is." Apparently telling someone who is buying your book that you feel you might be in need of deodorant is crossing a line. 

I can't help it. I like to self deprecate. (and in my defense, I knew the woman and she's funny so she didn't mind. I wouldn't say that to a perfect stranger.)

On that note, I won't say a word about this:

I will not even MENTION the ridiculousness of my hair in this photo. 

And I'll surely not mention that this was at 6:20 a.m.

And I won't say a single word about my first television interview (because I haven't watched it yet)... but you can, right HERE: Author of "A Sweethaven Summer".

That's that. 

I have to go ruin something in the kitchen now. 

Will you take the Sweethaven Inspiration Challenge?? Who's with me?

A Sweethaven Summer Online Launch Party DAY TWO! {HUGE Giveaway!}

It's surreal when people you know start reading your book. Something like running across a stage completely naked under the glare of a follow spot. You search for something to hide behind...but there's nothing. 

Not that I've ever done THAT before. 

But you're out there. Exposed. Showing all your cards...and somehow, the excitement meshes with the nervous energy which crashes into the fear and you've got this strange concoction that would make Dr. Jekyll raise a brow. 

My friend Jenn got an early copy of my book. She texts me lines she loves or tells me what parts she's on. It's kind of awesome. And, yep, surreal. 

There's a part near the beginning when you're first introduced to Lila, the beauty queen and southern belle. She's remembering a day when her old friend Suzanne first won her over, despite all efforts to dislike the girl. 

    While Lila envied Suzanne's low-pressure, I-can-do-anything-I-want-to attitude, she couldn't deny that Suzanne had drawn her in from the moment she gave her a hand mirror she'd found at a flea market. 

    "Just imagine how many other beautiful faces have looked in that mirror," Suzanne had said. "It made me think of you." 

    "Looks old." Lila took the mirror and turned it over. The glass had brown stains around the edges. 

    "But it's neat, right?" Suzanne's eyes widened. 

    Lila fought the urge to toss it off the way she brushed off every other kind gesture. "Thanks," she said. "It is really neat." 

    "I'm glad you like it," Suzanne said. "Even though it's old." 

    Lila held the mirror in front of her, catching her reflection. Suzanne pushed her face next to Lila's and grinned. "Yep. We're stunning," she said. 

    When Lila laughed, the pain of the morning skittered away. A morning of trying to please Mama. No one else had ever done that for her before.

Yesterday, I got one of the most special, most personal gifts I've ever gotten: 

With the most beautiful note that told me that when I looked in the mirror I should see myself the way other people saw me. 

And the thoughtfulness of that sort of settled on my shoulders and I thanked God that even in spite of many, many things going wrong (Adam's slipped disk may keep him from going to my launch party...) there are SO many reasons to be thankful. So many beautiful friends in my life.

The kind of friends you write books about...

So, today, my virtual launch party continues, with another {awesome} giveaway...

Today, a giveaway for the girly girl. Lila Adler Olsen is the girly girl of the Sweethaven crew...and I think she'd approve of this giveaway.

1. Your very own OLD, personalized Mirror. 

Photo Source

This isn't the one you'll get...yours will be personalized just for you like the one Jenn made for me. And I promise you'll love it. 

2. A Custom One {Powerful} Word Necklace by the Amazing Liz Lamoreux.

What word will you choose? Mine would most likely be "surrender..." because Lord knows I need to. 

3. Where Women Create's Book of Inspiration.

Photo Source

I have this book. It's GORGEOUS. I have an extra. I want to send it to you. 

4. Jeanne Oliver Designs Purse:

I seriously don't think this fabric could be any more beautiful. And the design is adorable. My sweet friend Jeanne has donated this purse and one of you lucky ducks gets to win it! If you don't win, you should head to her shop for yourself...there's some swoonerific stuff in there!!

5. "Poppies" Art Print by Melanie Douthit

It's no secret that I'm addicted to color, so Melanie's artwork is right up my alley! This gorgeous Poppies print is so perfect if it doesn't show up in your box, do NOT look at me. 

I swear I wouldn't dream of keeping it for myself. 

Melanie's Website and BLOG are worth the gander...go see for yourself!

6. And, of course, I'm giving away a signed copy of this guy right here:

Because I very much want you to have this book. :) 

You can get your own copy HERE or HERE or HERE...and I'm told it's coming for Kindle VERY soon so if you're waiting for that, I'll be sure to update when it's ready! 

So, how do I enter? 

I'm changing it up on you a little today...you get not FOUR, but FIVE chances to enter. Let me explain.

I actually thought to myself "let me 'splain" and in that little daydream I became this guy:

Wonder what it'd feel like to have a mustache. 

Hm. 

1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me what word you'll have put on the necklace. 

2. Go to my snazzy new website and sign up for my newsletter! (Then come back and leave a comment saying you did so.) (Sidenote: I believe newsletters should only go out quarterly (if that.) I promise I won't spam your inbox.)

3. Tweet this link.

4. Facebook this link

5. Blog about "A Sweethaven Summer" or this post. 

(Come back each time and leave another comment letting me know you've done these things. Five chances total! (I'll know if you're fibbing about the newsletter. I've got mad technical skillz.) 

(Are you afraid now that I just spelled that with a "z"?)

That's it. Easy as cake. (I've baked pies. They aren't easy.) 

And you can still enter yesterday's giveaway by clicking on THIS POST.

Thanks, you guys, for helping spread the word! I just can't thank you enough! It means THE WORLD to me!

Sharing a Little Page Maps Love

I know. It's Saturday. Who blogs on Saturday? 

Apparently I do. Because I'm blabbery.

And I like to invent words. 

Before I start, a sidenote: Don't forget you can still enter to win a copy of A Sweethaven Summer on THIS POST! I'm going to draw a winner on Monday...{and on Tuesday I've got some awesome stuff to share!!}

A few years ago, my main focus was scrapbooking. I wrote about it, hunted down new products and then I spent most of my free time creating. It was (and is) a huge part of my story. 

But then I started writing more seriously, and scrapbooking had to take a back seat. When I first started working at Webster's Pages back in September, I was worried because I hadn't really done a lot of scrapbooking. I think I made five pages in all of 2010. Maybe. 

What if I didn't remember how to do it? 

(Seriously, it's NOT like riding a bike.) 

Slowly, but surely I'm starting to find my footing a little bit...and this month, I got to participate in Becky Fleck's brilliance, Page Maps. 

Becky asked me to create an 8.5"x11" page, which I have to tell you, might be my new favorite size! I love it, and I love the ease of creating with a sketch. 

The truth is, sometimes you just have no idea what to do, but once you get started, the ideas come. I like simpler pages these days. I don't have time for intricacy, and I think that's okay. Some of the most beautiful artwork is simple...

Slowly, I'm finding my way back into this scrapbooking thing...and of course, remembering why I loved it all along. This week I did three pages in the evenings while Adam kept me company working on the computer. 

Somehow, it's become (again) a great stress reliever. What is it about knotting embroidery floss through the holes of a button that calms me down? (Does anyone else feel this way about art?)

All that to say, if you're looking for a kickstart, Page Maps is a GREAT place to go. You can see all of the February sketches HERE (and check out the archives for tons of great ideas!) 

And, what's even awesomer (I know. Not a word.) is that Becky's got a new book coming out in March... Card Maps vol. 2. You can see it HERE. 

So, this weekend, I want to know...are you creating artwork? Scrapbooking? Painting? Sewing? What do you do to shake off the stress of the week?

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 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!

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!

 

 

 

What I want for Christmas...to love myself like Lizzie Miller

If you frequent my blog, you know I'm fairly candid about my relationship with food. Eating disorders are neatly tucked away in the baggage of my past, but I still struggle with accepting my body. I think it speaks to me as a person--head hits the pillow at the end of the day and I recount all the things I didn't do. Exercise is usually on that list. 

This weekend I will be 36 years old. 

And last weekend I stumbled upon something that might've finally convinced me that being "small" isn't the only acceptable option. 

Her name is Lizzie Miller. 

I know what you're thinking. How on earth is this beautiful woman going to make you feel better about yourself? Don't beautiful women usually have the opposite effect on us? 

Not this one. And I can't believe I'm just now discovering her. 

A couple of years ago, Glamour Magazine ran this photo:

If you google her, the photo will show up bigger, but I don't feel right putting it on my blog since you know, she's nude-like. 

But here's the thing. They didn't airbrush her tummy. Or her thighs. And guess what? She is still gorgeous. 

In a world that's teaching our young girls that this is what they should strive for...

I was thrilled to see Lizzie, a so-called "plus-size" model (size 12-14), visibly comfortable in her own skin. 

It's something I think we all strive for...and in many ways this kind of self-acceptance is like "the ungettable get." But it wasn't the photo that converted me. It was this: 

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Listening to her talk about herself with complete acceptance, knowing that she, like so many of us had struggled, but settled upon the realization that some people are small and that's great for them...but that's not everyone's reality. It's certainly not mine. 

Does that mean I should beat myself up every time I yank on a pair of jeans or pass by a mirror? 

Heading into the second half of my thirties, I'm just done worrying about it. It doesn't mean I don't want to be healthy. It doesn't mean I throw in the towel. It means that I dig my heels in and find my confidence in something other than the number on a scale. It means I get a revelation of what God thinks about me and stop caring so much what other people think. Most of them are too caught up in their own lives to concern themselves with my clothing size anyway. 

When do we truly accept our differences, embrace them as the gift they are? 

Moving forward, this is my goal: Be healthy. Be honest. Be kind. 

And above all, love the person God's made me to be. 

What about you? What stands in the way of you fully accepting yourself--physically or otherwise?  

Handmade Holiday Giveaway...to spread Christmas Cheer

Oh, how I love Christmas. It finally hit me yesterday how wonderful last Christmas was and I got really excited to do it all over again. Nevermind that I haven't really started shopping. Or wrapping. 

I'm having too much fun putting together amazing gifts to giveaway on my blog! 

So, for the last of the handmade holiday giveaways...for the cozy Christmas lover in your life.

This, to start:

• A copy of Kristen Chenoweth's new Christmas CD (which I admit may be open when you get it because I know someone who might put that on her itunes before sending it off. How tacky am I?) 
• A copy of Susan May Warren's new book, "Baby, it's Cold Outside." (With a glowing endorsement from my mother who read it in one day. I cannot WAIT to read it for myself!) 
• A copy of "Love Finds You on Christmas Morning by Debby Mayne and Trish Perry
• A copy of "Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii" by Robin Jones Gunn (This is me trying to help you put up with the snow by escaping to Hawaii...)
• A beautiful, glittery snowflake ornament
• A canister of Archer Farms Milk Chocolate Peppermint Crunch

I will confess to you that I had another jar of Hershey Candy Cane candies to send along, but for some reason, they've been rendered useless. 

Namely because I ate half of them. 

Sorry 'bout that. 

But there's more! My friend, Sasha is giving away this fun Christmas print:

...which is no longer available in her shop, BUT she has TONS of other awesome gifts in there, so check it out HERE. 

The package will also include:

All of the Northridge Publications are SO well done. I mean, they're just gorgeous, and I happen to have an extra of this one. You will LOVE it. You can take all the ideas as they are or change them up for other events throughout the year. 

Then, I have this guy:

Scrapbook & Cards Today. This magazine is total inspiration, believe me. 

I've also got an adorable Flip Note Pad from the amazing Kelly Rae Roberts:

If you don't know Kelly Rae's artwork, you're seriously missing out. Her book taught me how to paint and while I'm still learning, it was kind and gentle in leading me into the world of mixed media. 

Also, I have a copy of this book:

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner. 

Susan is one of my favorite authors. Of all time. I LOVE her books, so naturally, I cannot wait to read this one. It's her newest release and it could be yours all yours! Check out Susan's Website for more information...because if there's a reader on your list, this is a GREAT one to give!

I'm also throwing in one of these guys:

Not because it has anything to do with Christmas...but because it's mine and I like to give it away. :) 

So. To recap:

I know. Get on with it. Tell me how to enter...

Ok. Hold your horses. I'm getting there. I want you to fill in the last part of this sentence: "It's not Christmas until..." 

And leave your answer in the comments. 

The other holiday giveaways are STILL OPEN (just until THIS THURSDAY!) so feel free to add comments to those too. For extra entries, Facebook, Blog or Tweet about this giveaway, then come back and leave another comment! 

I can't wait to give these away!!

Good Luck and Happy Tuesday!

Handmade Holiday Giveaway...for the creative in your life

***Scroll down for more awesome, artsy giveaways!
You still have a few days to enter!***

Well, here we are. Another Friday. Another week closer to Christmas. Yesterday Sophia opened the Advent calendar and said "Only seventeen more days till Christmas." 

It was at that point I had a heart attack and died. 17 DAYS? I haven't done a darn thing. It's like I got our tree up, rewarded myself a medal of completion and promptly forgot everything else I needed to do. 

I LOVE giving stuff away. It's one of my favorite things...and today is a doozy...For the creative in your life. Yes, that person (could be you!?) who loves to make things with their hands, listen to artistic music, pine over the written word... Just look...

(Now is when I start to get giddy.) 

Some of you may know I work for an AWESOME company. Webster's Pages. And by awesome, I mean, really, really awesome. I know God set me up giving me this gig and I think he wanted me to find a friend in the co-owner, Brandin. Brandin is the genius behind all the designs...and the Santy Claus behind this part of the giveaway. 

Look:

That'd be a now expired Black Friday Box. Come Home for the Holidays. It's chock full of beautiful scrapbooking product--perfect for the papercrafter in your life. (Or you!?) 

Incidentally, this week was HUGE for us over at Webster's Pages and we've just announced some really amazing things, like...a Design Team search! Go check it out pronto because this is one company you will LOVE working for. (Plus, we've got awesome freebies on our blog today!!)

Now, we could call it a day right there, but come on! It's Christmas! 

So next up...for the word-lover in your life:

I have an autographed copy of Carla Stewart's second novel, Broken Wings. Oh, my. If you don't know Carla, I can tell you this...reading her books is a pure treat. Like, better than chocolate, girls. Carla is the kind of writer whose words stay with you, whose descriptions transport you and whose stories move you. This book is amazing. I LOVED every word of it.

Since one of the book's main characters is a jazz-singer, Carla had the wonderful idea to sweeten this giveaway even more...She sent along an extra something special...Harry Connick Jr. 

Not THE Harry because I certainly wouldn't be passing him along (he'd be playing piano duets with my husband)...but a 3-disk set of his jazzy music. 

Perfectly swoony.

Speaking of which...many of you probably already know my friend Becky at Farmgirl Paints. I'm not sure how I discovered her blog, but I've been a faithful reader for awhile now. Becky, like me, recently picked up and moved her family across the country...and she, like me, has a daughter whose love for the theatre led her to the stage. But more than that, she's a sweetheart and a friend I'm very lucky to have. She makes these super cool leather cuffs and she made one specifically for the winner of this giveaway:

...because really, weren't we all made at home? 

I love it. There's sort of a double meaning there and the cuff is adorable. Check out Becky's Etsy shop for more goodness.

Have you had enough yet? Because I sure haven't...get this next prize:

Copies of Where Women Create, Where Women Cook and the newest addition to their family of publications, Where Women Cook: Celebrate! I love looking through these for ideas, inspiration and eye candy...if you haven't seen them before, they're simply inspiring. 

They even make ME want to learn to cook...and that's kind of a miracle. 

Finally, one last thing...because this gift package is for the creative in your life, I'm giving away a copy of my first book Scrapbooking Your Faith. 

I'll even sign it for you because all those years of doodling my name have to pay off someday, right? 

So, let's recap: 

• Webster's Pages Black Friday Monster Kit (Come Home for the Holidays) 
• Autographed copy of Carla Stewart's novel Broken Wings
• 3 Disk set of Harry Connick Jr. CDs
• Handmade cuff from Farmgirl Paints
• Where Women Create/Where Women Cook (3 publications in all) 
• Autographed copy of Scrapbooking Your Faith

Friends. If you don't enter this giveaway I WILL. I might just enter under a false name like Bitsy. 

So. If you want to enter, you must answer this question: 

Sophia has been asked to sing a Christmas song at our family's Christmas Eve gathering. Naturally, I offered to provide back-up but I was met with a stink-eye. What Christmas song (carol or otherwise) is your favorite and would you most like to hear on Christmas Eve?

Tweet, Facebook or Blog this giveaway for another entry (and then come back here and leave another comment!) So up to three additional entries!

And don't forget, there's still time to enter any of my giveaways this week (starting Tuesday!) And any of these things on the list would be fabulous gifts if you're going shopping this weekend! 

Happy Friday!

Handmade Holiday Giveaway...for the tired mommy

There's a very good chance this post will be a smidge incoherent. I may not be my usual snippy self. Snippy? I'm on a bit of medication for my back and while I'm not a drinker, I imagine this is what people feel like after they've consumed a LOT of wine. Like two full bottles.

The funny thing is, the prescription is for 2-3 of these pills per DAY. WHAT? I would be rendered DEAD if I took that many. I'm picturing Adam walking in from work to find me sloshed out with half of my body draped over the couch and the other half spilled in a puddle on the floor. 

Geesh. 

Anyway. I just had to put that disclaimer in there. Today I have another big giveaway...this one is for the tired Mommy on your list. (Which very well might be YOU and that's fine. I'm not opposed to you claiming this prize for your pretty little self.) And dudes, you can enter and your Christmas shopping for your wife will be all done! And she'll love you. :) 

Dudes? (Do any dudes read this blog? My sources say NO.)

But I digress...remember to check out these shops for your Christmas shopping because they are STUNNING. 

Ok. To kick things off, let me introduce you to my friend Mindy Lacefiled. 

Isn't she adorable? I'd like her to give me style lessons. 

Mindy is one of the contributors for my new papercrafting book because the stuff she does with paper is FABULOUS. Check it out:

I just LOVE her style. It's sooo unique. And I feel SO lucky to have this print right here:

...to give away to a tired mommy who needs a smile. That's Mr. Rogers there. Remember him? I loved him and his cardigan. And his Keds. And those creepy puppets. 

Mindy's work has been purchased by Ginnifer Goodwin (girl has good taste) and I think this print will make you smile every time you see it...even if it's been a really.hard.day.

Next in this package is an adorable key chain from my friend Jennifer Stewart. Jen is a talented papercrafter with a beautiful, vintage style and her etsy shop is proof. 

She's got all kinds of goodies in there. For this giveaway, a key chain all moms can use... and believe me, the car seems to be the place where I am in most need of this reminder:

Cute, right? I love it. I have a blue one and it's one of my favorites! 

Next up, (Gosh this is such a jam-packed giveaway!) 

I have an assortment of bows from Madi Mo's Bows: 

The owner of Madi Mo's, Maureen, is a friend of mine from college, and her bows are SO cute. And not just for babies either:

Cute, right? What great stocking stuffers! Or buy several and you end up with a nice gift for a new mom or a girly-girl. Today I'm adding a few bows to this giveaway and yes, they are adorable!

Now, every mom loves taking care of her babies, but she also needs a little something for herself. And that's where the next part of this giveaway comes in:

A $25 gift certificate to one of my favorite Jewelry shops, The Rusted Chain.

These hand-stamped necklaces are my favorite, but Beki has all kinds of GREAT stuff in her shop. I can tell you from experience she is wonderful to work with, and her jewelry is gorgeous. Can you think of a better way to let someone know you care? If you're looking for unique gifts this year, visit The Rusted Chain. You'll fall in love. :) 

Finally, one last addition to make your drive (or your wait in the carpool line) a little  more entertaining. I'm giving away three CDs recorded by none other than my stunner of a husband:

All three of these memory verse CDs are available on iTunes (Just search under Faith Kids Music) to hear samples and they make GREAT stocking stuffers or gifts for any elementary age kids (and younger). I know most of you don't know my husband, but he's got a way with catchy kids' music that's not annoying for parents. It's a gift. 

So, let's recap:

Here's what you can win:

Just for leaving a comment! 

Same as yesterday...you can get extra entries if you TWEET, Facebook or blog about this giveaway! All winners will be chosen when the giveaway week concludes so you can still enter yesterday's giveaway in case you missed it! 

Yep. It's Christmastime in the city. And I LOVE giving handmade!

I hope you'll help support artists by spreading the word about these incredible shops this season! 

Happy Wednesday!