Telling Stories

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!

The Great American Tall Tales

Not long after we finished Godspell, the Artistic Director at CYT sat down with us and asked Adam and I if we'd be up for writing a show based on The American Tall Tales. We started kicking around ideas and suddenly a sort of "Night at the Museum" meets "American Folklore" idea was born.

We were excited because both Adam and I feel like theatre should be fun. And the stories lend themselves to lots of FUN...and really, what's the point if you don't enjoy it? (Isn't that true of anything?) I say yes.

 
(Here we are on the way to the show. Adam didn't even make a weirdo face!)

When we agreed to write the show, there were no plans of uprooting our family and moving to Colorado, so we thought we'd take all of last summer and work on it nights and days off. Piece 'a cake.

Yeah, right.

Moving changed all of that, setting us several months back on our deadline. Keep in mind that Adam was starting a new job and I was working on rewrites for my novel...and we had kids to acclimate to a new school and a new house full of packed up boxes... It was a lot to juggle, but I have to tell you the truth. I think it helped us to be so busy. It helped us settle in and feel like we were still a part of something. As much as we could be.

And it filled our home with music.

 
For months, Adam wrote music based on the script I'd written and he and Sophia recorded the songs so the kids would have rehearsal tracks. I can't lie...I loved it. The show was coming to life right there in our living room. We'd read through it scene by scene, acting out the parts and fixing things along the way.

And then we sent it off for someone else to direct...which, I admit, was sort of weird! I was nervous about not working through the kinks in rehearsals, but having done CYT, we were able to anticipate some of them. The directing team gave us some great feedback, some wonderful suggestions and we did a couple of simple rewrites and the kids got to work pulling it all together.

If I'm honest, I really didn't have time to go home this past weekend. None of us did...but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

We drove in to Huntley on Friday night (opening night)...

 
They have a beautiful performing arts center in their high school.

Then it came time to watch the show. We had no idea what to expect, but we sat back and enjoyed the kids' performances. Of course, we also critiqued our script and music the whole time. We found some great things to change, discovered which jokes worked (one of mine got a nice laugh and I teased Adam because he almost cut it out!) and which didn't. We were once again blown away by the talent and thankful that CYT doesn't underestimate them.

And even though we were worried about some of the song keys and transitions we'd written, we had parents come up to us and tell us what the show has meant to their family...

Because CYT is a family affair...

 

This little group that we're flanking here are three siblings who've all come up in CYT. I told them it was time for us to take a photo with "the beautiful people." Geesh!

But they blew me away. The girl on the left played "Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett." I thought she was seventeen.

She's fourteen.

I know that means nothing in a blog post, but this girl has the poise and maturity of a performer many, many years older...and I have to say, she's as good as anyone I've ever seen in a professional show. Her sister, next to me, is a dancer who didn't realize until recently that she can sing. (And boy, can she sing.)

They were both leading roles in the show and their brother (who Adam's worked wtih before) was the Asst. Director.

 
More beautiful people. Amy & Sarah are sisters and they were the choreographer and director. Amy's getting married at the end of the month. I guess busyness isn't reserved for the Walsh house!

We also got to meet some of the other cast members...

 
...and I was so shocked at the reception we got. These kids are humble and gracious on top of being insanely talented. If for no other reason, I think we made that trip to remind us how much we love theatre and also that your sphere of influence isn't always limited to those you can see. (Up there are (from l-r) the teacher, Johnny Appleseed, Annie Christmas and Annie Oakley.)

This boy played Paul Bunyan...

 
And rocked out on his song! He was also incredibly sweet.

We went home with such mixed emotions that night. Elated, excited, thinking about some of the things we wanted to tighten before Rockford does Tall Tales in the fall. Trying to work out ways that we could fly home and direct that production. Marveling over the kids and chatting up their talent.

And yes, missing CYT.

We went back the next day with our whole crazy clan (and picked up an extra member...)

 

Sophia was so happy to see her best Illinois friend.

I admit, I was a walking stress ball that day. I get stressed when I get nervous and I think I spent most of the weekend nervous. Nervous to fly. Nervous to see the show. Nervous what people would think of the show. Nervous Sam wouldn't do well during the show.

Nerves. Ugh. Adam kept saying "you need to learn how to relax."

I'm thinking massage. In a beach cabana. In Hawaii. With no responsbilities. For at least five consecutive days. Without my computer.

They invited us back stage before the show to talk to the kids.

 

They asked us questions like "Which song did you write fourth?" and "How'd you come up with the name 'Sloane' for the girl?"

We loved talking to them and they were so so excited...the energy back there was palpable.

 
...and I realized what Debbie, the Artistic Director said to me on Friday night was true... "CYT is CYT no matter where you go."

The good things about it translate from county to county and hopefully state to state. There's a great CYT in Denver and Adam and I have talked about starting one up here where we are, but it's a time issue at this point.

Still, I have to tell you...if you have a kid who, like me, isn't an athlete and who has any inkling of a desire to perform (sing, dance or act)...seek out a CYT.

The enjoyment they'll get being a part of this group is unmeasurable. It will build their confidence and give them an incredible sense of self. It will teach them to push themselves and to deal with disappointment when they don't get the part they want. And it will show them that hard work can sometimes lead to surprising yourself (when they do get the part they want.)

I am so thankful for the gracious reception we got at this production, so happy we made the trip and so grateful they allowed us to be a part of it. (Thank you, thank you, CYT Chicago!)

...now when do we start the next one?

On my Love List

Loving a lot of new things today.

Here's the short list.

1. The giveaway my friends Jenn & Lyndsey put together on Lyndsey's blog. Being obsessed with fond of paper, this one made my little heart go pitter-patter.

 
I know they're intended as a gift wrap kit, but all I'm thinking is scrapbook pages, mixed media collages & wall art... The giveaway goes through this Friday so hop on over and leave them a comment today! And if you don't win, here's the link to The Gilded Bee...just leave a little for the rest of us, okay? Those trims are to die for!

2. This past weekend, the theatre company we write for held auditions for The Great American Tall Tales.

 
While on their site, we discovered that three of the school day shows are already SOLD OUT! Before the cast list even went up! This is the first time Adam & I have written a show and handed it off to someone else to direct, so we are beyond excited. (And also incredibly jealous. SOMEday we'll direct it ourselves!!) Please pray we find a great deal on airfare so we can zip to Illinois in May and see the show!

3. Super exciting news in my "professional life" that has me beyond excited...but can't quite share yet. I am over here giggling at the thought that I have a "professional life." I know I should probably start seeing myself as a grown up, but deep down, I still feel like a kid, bed piled high with dolls and stuffed animals...

 
(I have such vivid memories of everything in this picture, even the nightgown I am wearing...) 

4. The tickets are booked and my best friend is heading out to see me in April!

 
I haven't seen her in over three years! That's really unacceptable, no? We finally made it work and at the end of April, we will be hob-knobbing with a masseuse, a nail technician and the fine folks at the flea markets and antique stores of Fort Collins. I cannot wait.

5. I ordered one of these bags for Sophia's birthday:

 
My friend Sasha makes and sells them in her etsy shop. She posted one on her blog and I emailed her right away. Sophia is really into owls and I love the idea of getting her custom-made goods for her birthday! Isn't it adorable? Sophia's has a red gingham body...it's super cute! 

 6. Adele. I know, I'm the last person in the world to discover her, but holy darn.

Girl can SING.

You probably can't see the entire thing and I can't get it to post smaller so oh well. I tried to play it for Adam last night, but when he didn't look up from his brainless computer game to utter his "Uh, that's great." I knew he didn't have any appreciation for my new-found music love.

7. Finally, I'm hoping to hear a little news on this guy today:

 
It's funny because every time I see the outside I try to imagine ways to make it cute. It's not really, ya know? It's sorta blah. And being a two-story house lover, it does nothing for me. But then I imagine the possibilities on the inside...and the space (room to spread out!)and I have to stop and catch my breath.

And remind myself that while the counter offer implies that our offer was accepted (they only changed the closing date), we don't have the official word. Any prayers would be appreciated. Knowing that the kids school has a gifted program (for the ARTS) just about sent me into a giggle fit. Cross your fingers that we hear something today!!

So that's a bit of what I'm loving today.

Just a smidge.

There is so much more to share...

...but for now, I have a novel to whip into shape!

Have a great Monday!

 

Blog Question for Blog Readers

A bit of 'off the top of my head random' for today.

I have a question for people who read blogs. (That means YOU.) 

I am hoping you'll respond via the comments because I really need some answers here.

As a writer, I do a lot of reading about marketing yourself and the use of blogs and websites and this sort of thing. One bit of advice I keep hearing over and over is that your blog should be focused on one topic in order to draw an audience who will come back over and over again. (To which I respond... "What is this FOCUS of which you speak?")

I understand that point. There are writing blogs I read regularly and I like home decorating blogs and artsy blogs, but I can't get myself to believe that this is the ONLY way to do it.

Some of the most popular blogs I know of, often read, often commented on, are ones that explore a bevy (I'm highlighting that word because I like it.) of topics--motherhood, faith, art, reading, photography, recipes, home decor, fitness... a little bit of everything. These are my favorite blogs. I love to see what people are up to, what's working for them, how they're spending their weekends. Perhaps it's a little voyeuristic, (Translation: WEIRD.) and I really hope not, but I love to see how people live.

I'm curious what you think? Would you prefer a blog to be focused on one topic? What if that topic didn't particularly interest you...you'd leave right? Why read a blog about photography if you aren't a photographer? Is it the topic you're coming to see or the person?

Call this market research, but please, weigh in on this one. As I begin to dive into this whole writing a novel thing, I'm learning a LOT...but this is one area I just haven't wrapped my brain around yet, so your help is greatly appreciated. (I say that like I've wrapped my brain around a bunch of the other areas. Ha. I'll just go ahead and let you think so.)

Your answers may be recorded for training purposes.

Now, because I can't NOT post a couple of photos, I would like to share with you my sad attempt to snap a nice photo of my Hobbit.

Feel my pain, friends.

 
 
(No wonder he has a lisp.)

 

 

 

I've taught him to use the bathroom on his own, but we just haven't mastered this "smiling for the camera" thing. At. All.)

 
That's what he thinks of my camera, I think.

 
I started to wonder..."Where is he learning this? Who is modeling this behavior?"

 
Got my answer.

All this and I only got ONE decent shot... (meaning, one frame-able shot... I think the ones above are decent in that they make me laugh, capture his personality and would be awesome on a scrapbook page... but in terms of decorating the wall...eh, not so much.)

I think I sort of caught him by surprise on this one which is why it's good, I imagine.

 
Now, to help you kick off your weekend. I leave you wtih this.

Which got me through the elliptical this morning, started our family dance party last night and will undoubtedly continue to entertain us for at least a few weeks.

 

 

Five Years Ago

I was reading Cathy's blog and she posted a photo of a slice of life from a few years back and i guess it got me thinking. Hm. I wonder what the oldest digital photos I have on my computer are. And that set off this whole trainwreck down memory lane. Because...a lot can happen in five years!

Five years ago...

My kids were little bits. I have to admit, I don't even really remember Ethan at this stage. I think it was a combination of me being absent-minded and trying to do too much. I've since learned it's more important to take care of your family than to make other people happy. I have a new revelation that my family is my #1 priority (right after God and my husband, that is.) :)

Five years ago...

Adam, still the music pastor at our church, helped coordinate a Rockford Mass Choir. He called a few of the other churches in town and four music pastors worked together. Their endgame? A concert at Summerwood with Geron Davis and Kindred Souls. Geron Davis is the guy who wrote "Holy Ground." If you've spent any time in church, you probably know it or would recognize it. It's an amazing song.

This is us with the group. They are all amazing. The concert was a huge success and people still remember Adam from that event. (Just last month I met a woman who told me how much fun it was working with him. I believed her.)

Five years ago...

Adam and I looked younger. I thought we looked the same until I found this picture. Oh, and I loved that outfit I was wearing. It's from the Limited. Sigh. Be still my ever lovin' heart. The Limited.

My sister had just had twins...

...and I think that might've been the year they moved back to Rockford... it was so good having her close. We hung out often, but in hindsight, not enough. I should've let other stuff go to hang out with her more...

 
Five years ago...

Ethan turned two. We did a dinosaur party. I made dino-cakes. 

 
See that massive boo-boo in the middle of his chest?  Both of my kids had something called molluscum contagiosum. I know. It sounds icky. And it was. These weird, wart-like, pimple-like bumps that would pop up. Ethan's here is infected. We tried everything to get them to disappear. The doctor said leave them alone and they'd go away--never leave a scar.

Well, we started having the kids pray for them. Within a week (I am not kidding) they were gone, and the weird thing is, they both have scars...almost like they were pulled up by the root and thrown away. It was pretty stinking cool.

Yeah, I said stinking.

I did a layout about it in my first book:

Five years ago...

I snapped the shadow picture. As I looked at it, I started to realize our family wasn't complete. Did a layout about this too...

 
Five years ago... 

My best friend, Mindy lived around the corner. Here is her daughter meeting Sophia for a birthday party...

This is one of my all-time favorite pictures because I can hear them giggling and I remember how excited they were. I think Ethan was trailing behind and I think Sophia was shouting out what the present was inside the bag, but still...it was such a great childhood moment.

Five years ago...

I snapped this picture of Elsie. Which later became this layout:

which later became this magazine cover...

...which wasn't my first cover (I'd had a layout on a Memory Makers book, I think) but it was my first magazine cover...it was pretty exciting, actually. :)

Five years ago...

My grandma was still alive. She was always so happy to be with our kids. This is another one of those moments when I wish I'd spent more time...

...is there ever enough time?

Five years ago...

...we discovered Hannah Andersson.

...and I fell in love...

I mean how could you not?

I did this layout for Creating Keepsakes, I was so inspired by this dress...

Five years ago...

Adam was asked to chime in for a special production of What Not to Wear. He had already moved to the children's department, but one of his former choir members was up for the title of "Worst Dressed Teacher in Chicago."

Stacy London is just as beautiful in real life...

...and all business...

...and Clinton Kelly, well, I just love him.

Robin won the coveted title and got to go to NYC for her makeover. She's still rockin' her new look.

Five years ago...

My niece had surgery to remove a mass on her back. They said she may never walk.

They were wrong.

Five years ago...

We took my favorite family photo. It still hangs in my entryway. And I think it might be the last family photo we ever took!

Five years ago...

...ok, some things are the same. I still love to tickle Ethan. And I still have those pajamas...though they have a few paint splotches on them now...

Five years ago...

...Christmas outfits were Hannah Andersson. My kids loved each other. Ethan had crazy hair.

Five years ago...

I loved being a mommy. Thankfully, that hasn't changed.

A lot has happened in five years. A lot is different now.

And it makes me wonder...When I look back on this year...what will surprise me? What will make me smile? What will I see as a life-changing event? What will I most remember? What will I most treasure?

...what will the next five years bring?