Promise Yourself

(front cover of my inspiration book)

Promise Yourself

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk of health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends aware of the special qualities within them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and let your optimism work to make your dreams come true.

To think, work for, and expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others, as you are about your own.

To forget past mistakes and press on towards a greater future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times, as a smile radiates warmth and love.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time left to criticize others.

To be too wise for worry, too tolerant for anger and too courageous for fear.

To be happy.

-Christian B. Larson

growth

Grow Your Handmade Business,

 How to Envision, Develop, and Sustain a Successful Creative Business

by Kari Chapin

Brandon got this super great book for me this Christmas with a reminder that he knows I can make something big happen with my creative heart. Isn't it great to hear those words from someone you love? 

It was a great kick-in-the-butt (that I needed) to get re-energized and re-inspired as this new year begins. I'm only about a third of the way through so far, but for all you creatives out there I would highly recommend it. I haven't had any lightning-bolt moments yet, but she includes a group of creative souls as resources throughout the text and I have found several that I would like to start following in our on-line universe. (My favorite being the uber-fabulous Alexandra Franzen.) 

As I work towards setting some new goals and intentions I keep going back to a simple statement, "You first have to know yourself." Sure it's easy to quickly pass over such a little thing, and want to devour a little further, seeking out the bulleted points of success. But maybe, just maybe it's the bigger question that we all need to think about a little bit more.

Who am I?

What do I want?

What motivates me?

The beautiful thing is that these questions are fluid and impermanent. We can change and grow and rework ourselves 'till we're truly who we want to be.

For me, now....

I believe in the importance of being inspired.

I believe that we must honor the person we were, are, and want to become.

My mission is to create art that speaks to our inner light.

What about you?

our broken hearts are healing and a big thank you to all of you

Our New Year didn't exactly start out as we planned....

 "I'll see you guys in a little bit!" I called out as I bounded out the door on January 3rd for a routine 16 week check-up. About 45 minutes later I was calling Brandon with terrible news, we couldn't find a heartbeat. We were in shock, feeling as if the rug had been pulled out from under us. We were getting so excited, at the following appointment we were going to find out the sex! And now this. This place of no answers, no what-if's, no immediate solace for our brokenness.  It just was what it was.

We felt stuck in between disbelief and shock for days. It was very surreal to have been planning and dreaming of this new addition to our family, all the wonderful and crazy new dimensions it would create for us, and to have that suddenly change. It didn't help that I still looked pregnant, but wasn't. That first glass of red wine should have tasted good, but it didn't. It was raw and painful and hard for us both. 

But in the midst of our tears we were overwhelmed by the support of our friends and family. We had no idea that this experience had touched the lives of so many people we know. I can't say enough how much it meant to me, to have friends, even ones I haven't seen in 10 years, reach out and share their stories. Share their brokenness too. It felt so good to be understood, even if I didn't even fully know everything I was feeling. I feel empowered by my girls and their families, for they have shared their strength and helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. It makes me wish that I could have been there more for my friends in their time of need. I only hope that I can be the same support for someone in the future. I understand the quietness that this experience lays on you though, the need to deal with it privately and in your own time. 

Sometimes all a girl needs is a hug from her mom. And that is exactly what I got, when she flew out from Alaska to be with us. Thanks mom! You'll never know how much that meant to  me. And all of us. Moms just know when they're needed.

This experience has left me with a new-found appreciation for Warren and our life now. I am left with deep gratitude for the gifts we already have. It is a wonderful reminder to be present and enjoy his silly smile and wild shenanigans. His expressions seem more meaningful and his hugs feel extra sweet these days. I don't want to lose that.

And you know us, we're eternal optimists....we'll try again.