SLOWLY COMING BACK...Where Is My Mind?

My mind has been everywhere else but on blogging.  It's been a whirlwind of a Holiday Season & New Year for us to say the least.  It started with my surprising and happy pregnancy in November.  Then kind of went on a downward trend with one of my cousins committing suicide just after Thanksgiving, my husband's Grandpa becoming ill, my miscarriage in January, my Grandma failing health, and my husband's grandpa's passing.

I finally feel like I'm getting bearings.  I've learned a lot about loss, and forgiveness in these past few months.

I found myself feeling so much anger toward my grandma and family for my childhood experiences.  I was verbally abused by my grandmother when she lived with us (when I was 5 until 17 years old). She would call me "fat, lazy, good for nothing" among other things...

I realize now that people do the best with what they know.  And my Grandmother herself has her own personal demons-- whatever they may be we will never know.

She will probably never have such a loving, and heartfelt funeral like my husband's grandfather.  She has never been that person to anyone.  But that's okay.

I can spend a lifetime feeling sorry for myself... but that will only bring me a life of sorrow.  Or I can realize that life is what I create it to be and open up a lifetime of open doors, and opportunities.

In light of the Japan Disaster with so much loss and devastation, I am instead recognizing how much I should cherish and appreciate all that I do have.

I love our home, family means everything... and Emily Jay is such a joy.  In January I passed the LCSW exam that I keep talking about, and I am working on becoming a better human being.

2011 will bring a new me. And hopefully new and fresh things to this blog.

RANDOM UPDATES

• two weekends ago we celebrated my yakudoshi birthday singing karaoke at toma. the play list included...what's up (4 non-blondes), ice ice baby (vanilla ice), right stuff (new kids on the block) -- complete with the dance moves, and regulate (warren g) -- sung by marc!! I don't think he'll be too thrilled when he reads this and sees his photo of the performance below:

• this past weekend we flew to maui to visit marc's family (mom, dad, brother, sister in law, niece, and nephews) and friends, and go to the maui county fair.  it was a really good fair!  I was very impressed.  em jay rode the ferris wheel (she calls it ferry wheel) and big slide for the very first time and loved it.

• we also ate at paia fish market for the first time.  I had a chicken quesadilla and marc had the fish and chips...

•  we hung out with friends...

•  and had a fabulous time...

•  see em's perfect little teeth in the above photo. take a good look because it's the last time you'll see them that way...

• today was quite possibly one of the worst in awhile.  it started off with some frustrations at work which I won't get into because I really don't want to say negative things or details about such a great organization. but basically I cried / had a meltdown. and what kept me from leaving-- was the fact that if I don't work, marc and I will not afford our mortgage. we'd lose our house. and we really would not like to ask my parents (or his) to help us...so there. a good reason to stick it out.  and of course on top of that, I teach accountability in the workplace. it's my responsibility to see what can be done before making any rash decisions like that.  and at a deeper level, I really do believe in our agency and what we do.  and frustrations happen at all workplaces no matter where you go...

• then this evening, em is running around and playing with family friends and falls flat on her face... on the tile.  she starts crying. I ran to pick her up and she said "my teeth!" I looked at her teeth and saw it.  a HUGE chip on her front tooth. and a small chip on the other.  I, who am usually a very calm person. freaked! partly because I have a thing about teeth.  I have nightmares about loose, or falling out teeth. partly because I had a particularly bad day, and partly because I couldn't stand to see her crying, and was sad that my perfect little girl, with a perfect little smile...has a HUGE chipped tooth!  after a little while she was completely fine.  except that she kept touching the tooth with her finger, or her tongue or lip because of the jagged edges.  after we saw she was okay, I stepped away to cry.  for em's accident, and for my rather trying day.  I just cried.  then pulled myself together because although work was stressful, and em's tooth is chipped-- in the scheme of things...it's not that bad-- it could have been worse and for that I am thankful.

• we're taking her in tomorrow to have it checked out for damage to the root, and  see what they can do about it.  I made the mistake of looking on the internet (don't do that) and freaking myself out even more after reading that they do x-rays to rule out permanent damage to the root and future permanent teeth.  hopefully everything is just fine and he can file down some of the jaggedy part. 

• there's a million possible bad things that can happen to a child.  I always have to rationalize them out of my head. or I drive myself crazy, and I know I have to let her live (and myself) without irrational fears and just be a child. will it be that way for life now that I'm a mommy??  will I always WORRY???  I suppose so.  I've really learned just how much being a mom also entails letting go... the very thing we instinctively don't want to do as mothers.  we want to hold, and protect, and keep them to ourselves forever.  but really we need to teach, and trust, and let them grow wings...and be their own person. teach them how to be in the world without us someday. I'm learning. I'm learning. I'm learning. I'm also learning that there is a reason why we tell kids not to run around on the tile--I take responsibility for not stopping her.  now to go enforce it is another story...

TWO GIVEAWAYS!!!!! : HAPPY 100 KIND BLOGGERS...

** I'll be keeping this at the top for awhile so scroll down for newer posts!

**I AM ALSO EXTENDING THE FIRST GIVEAWAY UNTIL THE 20th  BECAUSE IF THERE IS NO INTEREST IN THE SECOND ONE, THE FIRST WINNER WILL ALSO RECEIVE THAT PRIZE! YAY!  THANKS FOR WAITING...


101 to be exact!  I am so happy to announce that The Kind-Hearted Blogger Campaign has reached an astounding 101 pledges!!!!

To celebrate I am offering two giveaways...

Giveaway #1:

Is open to Kind-Hearted Bloggers only.  I will be drawing one blog name from the list of 101 bloggers.  The winner will be contacted by Monday September 13th for your mailing info.  One winner will receive:

A "spoil" reusable tote made by dear colleen.  100% of the sales from this tote goes to Oxfam American (Gulf Oil Spill Fund).

And a copy of the wonderful book Craft Hope by Jade Sims.  Even if you are not a crafter, this is a wonderfully inspiring book to read through.

Both of these were featured in one of my previous posts showcasing a few things created for charity.  I thought it would be nice to do a giveaway that would also "give back".

Giveaway # 2

This giveaway is open to anyone!  To be eligible participate in your very own card/note drop (here's are some examples from kind over matter) or even small gift drop (here's an example).  Randomly place a little note or small gift with a reminder of kindness in a public area for a stranger to find. it could even just be a little post it note with a kind quote.

Then comment on this post with a brief description of what you did/what you left or what you will do/leave.  Let's make someone smile this week.  You never know how much this can make a difference in someone's day! And that's it--easy!

One winner will be drawn at random on Monday September 20th (so you have a little over a week).  And will receive a set of unazukin keychains.  and a few other small surprises. (sorry for the bad photo):

THANK YOU TO ALL YOU KIND PEOPLE OUT THERE!!! AND HAVE FUN!!

And make sure to stay tuned for even more Kind Hearted Blogger activities!!!

HAPPY, HAPPY

So as I have promised and pledged, I am here to follow up my complaining post with a more positive one.  I guess a day at work with terminally ill people is one way to put things into perspective for you. Here's to a better mood.

Every once in awhile Emily Jay gets fussy and cries over something small, I usually tell her, "Em, why are you crying? Don't cry."  Then she will say to me, "Happy, Happy?"

So this post is dedicated to my Em Jay, who is one of the reasons I want to become a better person.  She inspires me.

Not to mention she needs her mama to be setting a fine example, rather than jumping over some fence to argue with a guy who has probably seen very little kindness in this world.

So, here's my "Happy, Happy" list for today...

I am happy that...

• Tomorrow is Friday
• There is a Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Expo on Saturday. woohoo!
• I'm planning to eat some frozen yogurt at Menchie's 
• I get to live in the neighborhood I've grown up in
• We have built our dream house
• All of our other neighbors are wonderful
• And I won this giveaway! yay!

I've been thinking about the whole neighbor incident... thinking that yes, I am human...it still makes me a bit miffed...okay, maybe a lot miffed.  But what can I do to make this more pleasant--to help myself feel better about it too?  I think I just might make a tiny, little "kindness" painting and leave it on our fence.  A little reminder for our unkind neighbors couldn't do any harm, right?  What if the only way to teach someone kindness is to show them...

I'll keep you updated on "operation happy, happy neighbors". Ha!

Also my mom called the owner's (of the home next door) assistant and explained the situation.  We had talked to him about this several times before.  But this time, he said he will work on possibly an eviction notice and see where that goes.  I really hate the thought of people being evicted, especially the other renters (there are about 5-8 of them at a time--all come and go) who cause no harm, but I'm really concerned about the almost daily noise factor, and the safety for our neighborhood.  what with the stabbing incidents, and the fact that one of the other renters said he has to sleep with a baseball bat next to his bed to protect himself from the others...it really is a concern for me.

we'll see what comes of it.

to be continued.

and thanks for the opportunity to vent.

GRRRR.

 one of those not so happy posts...

So the other day I posted about my noisy neighbors making a fire at midnight.  Well, last night they were at it again.  Not a fire, but being LOUD.  I tried closing the windows, but it was too stuffy, and I kept thinking why should I have to suffocate while I'm trying to sleep when they are partying at 12:30am.

My dad went to talk to them, but no luck.  After tossing and turning, I went out in my pajamas to give a little lecture.  The thing to know about me (you might already) is that when I feel someone is doing something not right or unjust--that affects others, I will most likely say something about it (accountability, right)-- in a heart to heart way.  I don't yell, or put anyone down, act rudely, or have a hissy fit.  I will nicely explain and "teach", until I turn blue, until I think they understand (you, know spread the idea of kindness and being human and such)--which sometimes comes out as lecturing.  I know no one likes to be "lectured"-- but I just can't help myself.  There are some things I'd like people to understand.

So I marched over to the fence...said "excuse me!"...and went at it with explaining about how I'm not trying to ruin their fun.  really. I've never bother them on weekends when they party until dawn--it's a weekend-it's fun...I just want them to understand that this is a family neighborhood.  it's a week night, and some people have to work and get up early in the morning. some people have children who are trying to sleep. " I'm just speaking human to human...can you understand that from your heart?" and "can I speak to the guy who lives here please"...etc, etc...until the guests of the "neighbor" said "Okay...I understand.  we're leaving now."

they would not give info, or let us speak to "the guy who lives there..."

the guests were nice.  one of them apologized profusely in hawaiian--"kala mai" and in english...however the guy who "rents" there -- I think he does...he's always hanging around. oh my goodness.  he made my blood boil.  I said "we have to work and make a living it's hard when you can't sleep."  he says, "yeah don't we all...why don't you go back in the house and go to sleep!"

oh no he didn't. really? you're seriously saying that to me?  I almost lost it.  I could feel myself getting very angry.  I went from a perfectly nice, calm "heart to heart" lecture to..."who just said that!!? I want to know who said that!!!.." oh boy. my little 5 foot self almost jumped over that fence when he said to me "you want to call the cops...do it...YOU'RE the ones causing problems and making noise right now."   the other guy-- the hawaiian one kept telling him..."nah, no make li'dat...no make, sorry auntie" he kept apologizing for him.

anyway my mom came outside..."Joanne, get inside...just come inside..."  I get in the house and there's marc..."umm can you tell me next time you decide to do that??"  he heard me outside our window. and that was that.  I calmed down -- reminded myself to be mindful. and we spent some time discussing what we should do about it and whether we were in any danger from this guy.  and that yes, it wasn't the smartest thing to confront the guy by myself.  and how can I find a way to create something positive out of this.

so what do we do. anyone have any ideas??  or know about the laws on these kinds of things?? we've tried working with our town association for YEARS.  we've never called the cops on them, but other neighbors have and all the cops can do is tell them to keep it down"  then guys move out...and another set of LOUD people move in and it's the same cycle over and over...new people all the time. all noisy! There have even been fights between "renters" and a couple of stabbings even-- you can see them clearly from our bedroom window upstairs.  it's a bit scary.  we've lost a lot of sleep because of them. and it wouldn't be as bad if they were in the house in enclosed walls...but they live outside--just over our fence.  (in hawaii we have small properties, and homes are close together.)

we've lived with it for years, and I'm really starting to think it's about time to try and do something about it, like REALLY do something...in the right way. not be mean and to bum their trip and be one of those grouchy neighbors... but because it's just not right. it's not too cool of them.  but I'm at a loss...

any suggestions would be GREAT!

THE KIND-HEARTED BLOGGER CAMPAIGN

  BACKGROUND:

after experiencing some not-so-nice behavior in the blogging community, I decided to take a stand.  I have always been the kind of person to take a negative situation, and try to turn it into a learning opportunity.  It is either the product of being a social worker, or the reason I became one--whichever came first, I don't know.

I also provide training workshops on personal and organizational accountability.  sounds boring I know, but it's actually very helpful in life.  it's about recognizing and taking responsibility in what you can and cannot change.  If you see or are experiencing something you do not agree with, and you do not do what is in your power to change it--then you are also part of the problem.

I was recently involved (I don't like the word "victim") in a situation that was hurtful.  I got angry about it, I lost interest in blogging, I blamed.  but then I thought, "what can I do to change this?"  I can speak from my heart, and I can make an effort to be mindful of not doing the same to others.  and, even better I can hope that others will join in and do the same.

and so the "kind-hearted blogger" campaign was born.

 AS A KIND-HEARTED BLOGGER I PLEDGE TO:

• create, inspire, and admire rather than compete with fellow bloggers
• be understanding of each other-- in the blogging community, as well as in the world
• stay away from internet/blogging bullying
• speak my opinion freely, while still being mindful of other's feelings-- be tactful.
• make an effort--no matter how big or small the gesture, to spread kindness or joy to others
• acknowledge that I will make mistakes, (I am only human) but remember to learn from them
• know that at times I will post about the negative stuff in life, and maybe even some complaining (I am only human) but I will always follow up with something happy/positive too.
• believe that this world is a good place, filled with good people.

FEEL FREE TO JOIN IN (let me know if you do so I can link you)

<a href="http://emjayandme.blogspot.com/2010/07/kind-hearted-blogger-campaign.html" target="_blank"><img src=" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/jo_annie/DOILYPLEDGEsditcopy.jpg" /></a>

<a href="http://emjayandme.blogspot.com/2010/07/kind-hearted-blogger-campaign.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/jo_annie/DOILYPLEDGEcopy.jpg" /></a>

also, make sure to take a look at my blog pal lindsay's wonderful post on kindness. it's beautiful, and perfect, and I feel so honored to have contributed a small part to it.

MEET THESE KIND BLOGGERS: 

Pixies and Bears 

The Rik Rak Studio 

Way Out

Let's Run Away 
Seeker of Happiness 
One Day at a Time
Little Gorjuss Things
Inspired Mess
The Rockstar Mommy Chronicles
Eliza and Beth
Heart Handmade
Love Quirky!
Fizz Pop Bang Blog
Coffin Confections
Daring to Imagine Daring to Believe
A Soldier Girls Thoughts
Our.City.Lights
Pamplemousse
A Quirky Girl's Thoughts 
Consider My Dear
The Daisy Parade
Evershining Star
Kaleidoscope Eyes
Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense
Sour Tang
Amylouwho
The New Me
Operation Nice
Michabella Living a Life of Love
Bread Without Butter
Lea the Lion
Today's Gift
Simplest Form of an Elle
My Lovely Little Suitcase
My Empty Nest is Full of Cat Hair
Gekakel
Diary of a Crazy Rabbit Lady Too
500 Strangers
Paper and Pen
Sparkle and Twirl
The An9e1a Project
Twisted Tree
Living 4 Quilting
So Sew Crafty
Stories at My Fingertips
Quiltmom's Journey 
This Mum's World
Pieces on My Mind
The Clip Cafe
Campfire Chic
Yesterday on Tuesday 
The Life of Ashley Fastle 
Life is a Canvas
Kat's Creations 
The Cat's Meow
Indie and Chic
Easily Distracted
Glass Plant
Searching for Serendipity
With Love, Jamie
Anzouya
Jasifer Lions Club
Brina's Blog 
Sandra Ortuno
Pull You Socks Up
The Hovey Hut
The Happy Scrappy Place
Buttons, Bows, and Brogues
Skook's Playground
Oh Snap!
High Hopes in High Heels
Paper Squid
Life's Indications
Art is Just Frozen Music
Zinga's Zoo
Down the Veggie Road
She Breathes Deeply
Kiorki Printing Press
Nynga + The Bear
Dreamy Fairytale
Everything of Me
Two Peas in a Pod
Fishnets and Hip Checks
Lulu in Los Angeles
RevasRags2Roses
The Copy Cat Blog
Cupcakes in the Kitchen
Sweetfaced Style
Medi EVI
©x3AlyyyKay™ 
Little Bee 
Simply Loverly
Swell Papel
Lillabilly
Toasty-Surprises
The Not So Pharaoh Farrows
Victoria's Secrets
Life on Planet Baby
Little Jenny, Big World
Monica Rambles
The Nearsighted Owl
Live. Love. Bake.
AJ the Purple
Sunshine and Carousels
My Little Blog Stop
The Ten Talents
Style a la Ec lec ti ca
It's Always Something
Assorted Musings
All the Pretty Thingss
Vivacious Mission
Melodies and Desires
I Dream Loudly
Dreams and Drifters
Lissame73
Misinterpretations
Life Lines
Mafiosa Grrl
Beneath the Acacia Tree
Of all the Nonsense
Carrie's Cache
The Feed Lot
Jillofallcrafttradez
Expecting the Unknown
Zomboid
The Freebird Photoblog
Ran Tan Waltz
Matchless Vision
From Gem with Love
Moonbeamwishes
A Little Bit of This & A Little Bit of That
Fashionable Academics
Oh-La-La 
Melissabee
Soft Weather
Hold On, Love
Smelling the Sneezeweed
Cats & Cardigans
Service Travel Growth
Born 2 Be Mom
Enlightened Cooking
Dear Kee$ha
The Land of Liquid Sunshine
Style Milk
Little Moments
Blessed Bee
Kiss The Olive Goodnight
Lucky Girl
She Wears Flowers
Bushbelles
Fuyume.net 
Little One, I Know You Grow
Whimsical Poppysmic
Mouse In My Pocket
Chronicles of Sarita
Mama's Little Helper
Sweet Pea and Poppy
Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style
Live Laugh Love With the Pondering Princess
E.ssues
Pretty Petals
Cosmetically Curious
Makeup Fancy
My World Resting on Your Love
Bubbling With Elegance and Grace
Seven Cherubs
Mother. Musician. and Multi-Tasker
Dolce At Heart
Running With Chopstix
Pammy Blogs Beauty
Productrater
Dillightful Musings
Daily Dose of Dahl
Make Something Good
One Step At A Time
Free To Be Me
Boho Baby Bump
A Moment With God
A Mom's Joy
The Two Buttons
Narragansett Number 7
Diary Of A Super Mommy
Katie Anna B
Say Your Right Words
Chloe's Mom
Fourty Four Sunsets
Autism As A Whole
Elly Belly Babyee
abbzzw
A Splendid Little Life
The Vintage Tea Party
Crafty Bird Creations
Michael and Darby
One Kind Mankind
Country Blossoms
She Stamps by Cheryl
Our Youth
Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style

THANK YOU!

thank you so much for the kind, and encouraging comments, emails, texts, and messages regarding this post.  I was pleasantly surprised by how much response I have received.  I am so very appreciative!

It has helped to restore my hope in blogging, and the blogging community.  I replied to a friend's email saying that the reason I became a social worker is because I believe that the world is a good place, full of good people.  I feel validated that this is true.  It gives me so much hope for this world that my em jay will grow up in.

I make a lot of mistakes in life, and sometimes say or do things that I regret later...or realize was wrong.  I am so NOT perfect.  the complete opposite in fact.  I do however try to find ways to learn from my experiences and my mistakes, and I do hope that certain people are able to do the same.  this is how we grow. this is being human.

be kind, be compassionate, and believe in the world we live in!

thank you so, so much everybody!!!

JUST A BIT OF "SELF-TALK" ON A SATURDAY...

So, today while browsing my sitemeter... I kept wondering why there were so many clicks coming in from twitter.  I followed the link and was pretty shocked to discover that someone had posted about my blog.

Apparently the person was quite offended that I had used the name "em jay" since her very good friend has the same nickname.  Then I found a whole thread of tweets about me being "unoriginal" (I had actually never seen the other emjay blog till now).  I'm not saying that it is wrong to be offended or to post that opinion about me, because that is the great thing about this day and age.  With blogging, and twitter, and facebook, etc-- everyone is entitled to their opinions.  I'm also not posting this to point out the person, or to be mad, or upset.

I guess the reason I'm writing this is because I was pretty hurt, and a little bit disheartened by it.  Especially since I feel I put my heart and soul into this blog sometimes.  And  I also try to be very aware of not copying or offending anyone (though sometimes I take inspiration from others...and credit them)... I have always felt so supported, and have been overjoyed to find such an open community of crafters and bloggers on the web... it really disenchanted me somewhat.  I actually felt like it took the joy of blogging away a little for me and considered quitting.

But after some self-talk (yes, that's the therapist in me-- can't help it, it's my profession.  and therapists need therapy too!) I decided that it's true everyone is entitled to their opinion and to share it-- it's a free country as they say.  and really, you can't please everybody.  This blog is exactly what it's title is--about me and my daughter emily jay (em jay).  And my opinion is that there's nothing wrong with that.  It's also wrong of me to overlook all of the other wonderful, good-hearted people out there doing their thing...and allowing me to do mine.

So, I guess in the end this turned out to be an appreciation post of some sort.  as well as a "snap out of it Joanne, be a bit more understanding and accepting and...let it go" post. 

I guess it goes to show... or prove that I am only human.  We are all only human.  I am letting it go...

Thanks, everybody!

Be back later with a bunch of ATC swaps I've been working on...

p.s. em jay has a fever, again. what is going on????

INSPIRATION THURSDAY PART 2

 (a photo I took for one of my classes)

Inspiring the soul...

I had a blog before called "neverending growth", in which I often talked about my growth and journey in life.  and being a hospice social worker, a lot had to do with my professional development too.

I wanted this new blog to be more about crafting and inspiration-- less heavy than my other one.  but sometimes I just can't help merging the two at times-- especially when my creative self emerges from my work self.

People ask me, "how can you work in hospice...it's such a hard job"... my general response is usually, "I wouldn't be able to do what you do..."  but the longer version is that helping someone find peace at the end of their life is such a great gift.  I don't feel like I am surrounded as much with death as I am with life.  sure a majority of my clientele end up passing away inevitably, but the rest of the time I've known them they were LIVING.  I help others but in turn, I'm helping myself too. I learn so much about life and about how I want to live my life.  I wonder, I ponder, I learn, I change, I try to become a better human.  I am always awestruck and humbled by humanity.  it's all about human connection.  that is the reason I'm able to work in the hospice field.

I had this article forwarded to me at work and thought it was a great way to take a peek into the "hospice world".  I have had every single "experience" described to me by many, many different patients in the past 6 years--except #4 about crowded rooms (wonder why).  It just amazes me.

5 common deathbed experiences

REPURPOSE THOSE CLOTHING TAGS

I've been collecting clothing tags for awhile-- some of them are just too cute to throw away.  I really wanted to document all of my favorite television shows right now because there are so many!!  So...I made a little "shows I love" mini book using a bunch of clothing tags.  the great thing about them, is that they come with a ready made hole to attach your book ring to.

this was so much fun to make, especially since I tried to make it a point to use only left over scraps--it was a challenge!  and okay, so twilight is NOT a television show...but it goes with the "vampire" theme, and I LOVE IT!

and here are a few "juno" ATCs I made for a recent ATC swap:

in other news...em jay had her very first "time out" this afternoon (it worked!).  she was just not listening and getting into EVERYTHING.  most of the time she's a very good girl--and so funny and cute.  but man, sometimes I feel like a failed mother.  I think to myself "what am I doing wrong, here..."  am I giving her too much attention, not enough, is she getting spoiled, is she becoming much too strong-minded...and yikes, is she learning all that from me?!?!?  all those things go through my mind.  Is it just a toddler thing?  Or maybe I'm having too high expectations and being unrealistic, and I'm expecting her to be "good" ALL the time.  I don't know, parenting is HARD!

here's my little toddler tonight with her signature goofy smile...

SUMMER OF LOVE ONLINE CLASS

I had fun using the vintage book cover, though being a book lover--it HURT to rip it apart.  It's hard to find beautiful old books at thrift stores here in Hawaii, but I was able to find an old ledger book in this pretty green color.

look familiar?  I used the same idea for a collage I did for my sister--I just enlarged the photo.  I still want to add a few stamped words somewhere to make it look messier...it looks too "plain", I think..

*EDITED: here's the finished cover with added distressing...

and this is what "summer love" looks like...

have a great day!!!

JOURNAL PAGES...

Sad to see the "Tell Your Story Class" ending.  It's been so much fun, I really hope to see a sequel to this course.  I still have a few more pages to go--I'm so behind.

I also signed up for a few more classes to keep me going, and creating...One of them is an e-workshop called "A Journal of Interest" from the ever-inspiring Paper Bella Studio.  It's very different from "Tell Your Story"-- a little more challenging because it's a new "style" for me.

Here's my first page:

I'm also registered for the "Summer of Love" class by Kara Haupt.  It starts on Monday and also sounds like a challenge for me.  Can't wait to start.

And as if I don't have enough to do already...I'm also participating in the 30 day journal challenge!

P.S. if you haven't already, you still have until 12am (Hawaii Time) to enter the GIVEAWAY!!!! just scroll down for the post!

MONDAY LOVE

I love being inspired:

Head over to Color Me Katie to see the "Tourist Lane"... Such a funny, and brilliant idea!

And, The Yellow Envelope Project recognizes our everyday heroes...find out how to bring sunshine to a special someone's day.

Do you believe that kindness can change the world? So does Melissa of Operation Nice.  Full of inspiration.

And I love these inspiring photos...

(source: of infinite worth)

(source: we heart it)

(source: petalthrow)

Have an inspired week!

FINALLY SOME JOURNAL PAGES...AND A CARD.

tell your story class: 

DREAM PARTY: I journaled about my ultimate party.  I used watercolors, free people catalog image, paint chip, and japanese washi tape.  I've been inspired by dream catchers lately-- I'm thinking of doing a "dream catcher" project soon.

FRIDAYS ARE MY FAVORITE:  2 colors of tissue paper, decoupaged onto the page.  japanese washi tape and a little bit of doodling.  and of course, lyrics by the cure!

here's a birthday card I made for my going to be 10 year old cousin (cousin's daughter), raini.  she likes skulls.  I dusted off my old "love, elsie" stamp and papers I had stashed away. hope she likes it!