52 Week Project

Well, it's up.

It's alive

It's kicking!

The 52 Week Project

This is something that is very near and dear to me and although I don't know exactly where this project is going to lead, I just feel good about it! 

I am so thankful to my friend B for helping me with the site and offering his expertise in both photography and web design.  He will be offering some great posts along the way too.  In fact, the site won't just be my crazed ramblings all the time (I know you are relieved), but I'm hoping there will be many different voices and guests along the way. 

In fact, if you have something you would like to offer, please PLEASE let me know! I am looking for a variety of posts from photography, to styling, all things vintage, how to live a happier life, time management, blogging or online business tips and anything visual or creatively stimulating!  Mainly, I want this project and site to be a comfortable, non intimidating place for anyone!

I know I have mentioned it before on here (probably more than once) but I just must say it again....this last year of self-portraits has helped me grow. Not only in my photography and getting to know my camera, but just as a person in general.  I feel so much more in tune with me and feel more confident in who I am and my place in the world.  



So I realize it may not affect others in that way.  I mean, I'm not crazy enough to think taking a picture of myself every Sunday could have that big of an impact, but it has been fun and I've enjoyed the process and I am looking forward to others joining in with me!

I also want to mention that although I did overcome sort of overcome my fear of photos of myself, that may not be your thing right now. That's okay too! If you want to use this project as a way to document your child, your home, your pet, or just random photos each week, that is great! We won't be selfie-snobs up in here! ;)

There is also a Facebook page, so be sure to "like" it.

AND, join the Flickr group so you can upload your pictures each week.

Week 52!!!

I did it, I did it!!!! 

I made it through the year!  

It feels so good to accomplish a goal....a resolution.

I didn't make them all. I had planned to read my Bible through in a year, which I didn't complete, but I am not discouraged. I will continue pressing on. The point is I have been reading my Bible and I have gained so much from doing it.  I will finish this one - I'm not going to let a calendar stop me.

Stay tuned....the site for next year's 52 week project is in the works and I hope it is ready to roll by the week's end!

I do hope you will play along with me. :)

Hospital time

Just a quick post - I'm in the hospital.
Well, I'm not acutally in the hospital, but I'm here with my mother-in-law who fell and broke her hip this week.
Sucks to be in the hospital.
Really REALLY sucks.

My MIL is 91, just turned it last week actually. Here she is during our Christmas celebration a couple of weeks ago acting silly!  When she smiles she closes her eyes so this is her propping her eyes open for a picture. Except...funny thing is, her eyes are still closed! :)

{and yes, she is sporting her Snuggie!}

She's a real trooper.
A hard worker, a selfless mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, MIL and friend.

She lives with my hubs and me.
Always has, since we've been married.

I can count on one hand how many times she has not slept under our roof.

One of those was last night.

There will be many more in the next few weeks as she heals, recovers and rehabilitates.

I know you have had some experience more than likely with a hosptial visit or stay.  Don't you agree that the time in a hospital is off kilter somehow?

Sometimes, time goes super fast....other times it stand stills.

It's just odd.

Anyway, we will more than likely be spending Christmas here.

Not exactly what we had planned:
I don't have all my gift buying or wrapping done.
I don't have my groceries bought for the dishes I am supposed to make.
But, guess what?
I'm just not stressing out about that right now.  I think I'm doing what I am suppose to be doing and that's okay.

Please be praying for my MIL, or as we all call her: "Memaw".  I would appreicate if you will also pray for me and my hubs as we have a lot facing us with this situation.

Thanks and to you and yours, I wish you many blessings for Christmas and the coming year.

Week 51

To go along with my little "cup overflowing" series that unfolded last week,

I decided I needed to commemorate how I feel through my 52 week project. 

Do you ever feel like this glass of water in your heart?    

Just so full of blessings?  

It's a great way to feel, especially during the Christmas season!

One more week!  

I seriously hope several of you will play along with the 2011 project!  

I've been working  behind the scenes to help get things ready.  

My friend B is helping me on the technical side of things.  

I'm extremely nervous yet excited about this and the possibilities it holds.

Week 50

wow! I cannot believe I'm at Week 50!!!

You know I have to get my Christmas on in the old 52 week project!   

The little tree is one I put up in Alex's old room for Brooke during her visit a few weeks ago. 

That room is also servign as my gift and wrapping landing zone! 

The chalkboard was on my Wishpot and Brooke got it for me (she drew my name, Yay!). 

It is one of Rachel Denbow's that is for sale in Red Velvet.  

I was so thrilled to get this gem and feel sure it will show up again in other photo shoots. ;0)

So I'm mentioned and hinted several times about a possible new project 

AND I've asked if anyone would be interested in doing this project with me for 2011....

so can you put 2 and 2 together????   

I'm so excited and looking forward to many possibilities for this project.  

I promise to post just as soon as everything is in place and ready,

but I do hope you will charge up your camera batteries

and get ready for a 52 Week Project.

(it's more than a self-portrait!)

What is IN my cup

It seems my blog posts have a theme this week.

So now I want to talk about what is IN my cup.

Can you imagine just wanting a clean drink of water for Christmas?

Better yet, can you imagine your CHILD wanting a clean drink of water for Christmas?

Well, imagine if all you wanted was clean water to drink 365 days a year?

I cannot - nor do I even want to quite honestly!

My bloggy/twitter/crafty friend Prudy has been led to begin

a little campaign through myCharity water to raise

$500 toward a Christmas water project.

She asked her bloggy/twitter/crafty friends to 

join in her efforts to raise awareness 

and ask for a small gift toward the campaign.

I was totally in as I also feel passionate about the mission

of assisting the over a billion in developing

countries who don't have access to clean water.

In fact, our church supports Living Water International

each month and so I am essentially already supporting

this effort through tithe and offering, but feel led to do a little more.

$500 seems like a lot of money to me,

but in reality, it's really not if we can raise awareness

to have many people who are willing to help Prudy's effort.

Amazingly, $500 will help 25 people get water!

How cool is that!?

I think it would be really nifty to know I had a hand 

in giving such a gift as clean water to 5 families.

Because I feel so strongly about this cause, 

I am going to do a little giveaway in conjunction with this - 

I'm asking you to donate, but you may not have the funds to do that right now.

Trust me, I completely understand!

However, you have a voice, a blog, a Facebook account,

Twitter, so you can help spread the word and it won't cost you a thing!

Who knows, Ellen, Demi or Ashton might see your tweet and retweet it. 

I wonder how quickly we would reach the $500 goal if that happened? 

(Hey, I can dream!) 

If you are willing to help in some way, 

 I am willing to do a little giveaway!

Come back and link me up to your post, tweet,

link...whatever you feel led to do.

(enter more than once if you do more than one 'shout-out' for Prudy's project) 

I will give someone a Crochet Candy pin on January 1st.

Sound fair?

I know it's not much,

but it's just a simple token of my appreciation 

for using your voice or outlet for a good cause.

And I know there are tons of good causes out there,

but there is just something about knowing there are humans

(and animals for that matter)

who don't have clean water...something so basic

geez, I take so much for granted!

If you made it this far, thanks so much for reading through my mumblings -

and if nothing else, just say a simple prayer that more and more 

clean water can be provided each day!  :)  

AND when you get down during the holidays as we can all do, 

just have a nice glass of clean water, 

imagine how you can let your glass overflow, 

and remember how blessed you are. 

Check out these other great ladies who are helping the efforts:

Jenny Rain:  http://jennyrain.com/
Elora (Love Wins):  http://eloranicole.wordpress.com/
Amy Sullivan:  http://amylsullivan.blogspot.com/
Mary Hess:  http://maryhess.com/
Laura Leigh Parker: http://www.lauraleighparker.com
And of course Prudy: http://www.prudychick.com/

my cup has grown!

Consider this part two to yesterday's post about how blessed I am. 

Not only is my cup overflowing...my cup has grown!

This is about an event that I was honored to take part in a couple of weeks ago.
A couple of dear friends who attend different churches and I decided to get 
our churches to partner to host an event we called Care 2 Share.  

We had done a similar event a couple of years ago 

through our workplace, but felt led to do this 

as a ministry to get those in our community into 

our churches and show them a little bit of the love that only God can offer...

that unconditional, no questions asked kind of love.  

The idea, to give something to those who might not have the 
same resources we have or maybe they were just having 
a crappy year and needed a little help for the holidays.

Basically the way it worked was anyone who wanted to participate 
brought their cast off items - but good cast-off items - 
the kind that could be regifted or reused.

The idea was those who had a need could come and

trade non-perishable food items for things they need.

OR, they could just come get what they needed.

We even had a gift wrapping station set up so

their gifts could go home and be ready for Christmas!

{ETA: the above photo was taken toward the end of the event -at the very end there 

were only 5 boxes of things left,which were taken to a local mission.} 
Well, let me tell you, it was a huge success!

It's hard for me to express how I felt after 

taking part is this ministry and truly seeing what

a need there is right in my own community.

There are several touching stories from the time leading 
up to the day of the event, and stories that happened during the event, 
and I'm sure there are stories still happening.

There were even children involved in helping organize and prepare.

Is there anything better than teaching your children to give and help others?!

 

The point is we made a difference!

Now, I don't know if souls were saved or lives were changed 

(well besides mine and probably others who took part), 

but hopefully seeds were planted and maybe, 
just maybe when some of the many wonderful people and children 
who were able to share in a new toy, or a warmer coat, 
or even a some new Christmas decorations will have a 
positive feeling about our churches and the love that God has to share. 

I want to encourage anyone reading this to get involved in some way.
Regardless of your circumstances, you have something to offer.
Whether it's helping in a shelter,
donating items to a place that resells and uses money for a cause,
cooking a meal for someone you know is in need, 
sponsoring a child for Christmas...whatever you feel led to do...just do it!

I can promise you,

there is a blessing in there for you

and it feels really good when your cup grows 

and continues to overflow!

my cup overflows

Being a Christian and having Faith is a very important part of my life.

It's who I am.

It makes me, ME.

Sometimes, I'll admit, it's hard.

Sometimes, life sucks.

Sometimes, Faith can waver and I get discouraged.

I mean, let's face it, life is nowhere near perfect....
I don't think that was ever a Promise of God.

Lately, though, I feel overly blessed.

I feel like little things are going right and even though I struggle with many aspects of my life, I feel stronger, I feel happy about who I am and what I stand for, and I feel like I'm coming up the mountain to the peak- out of that proverbial shadow of the valley of death!  

(if you've read my blog, you might recall this depressing post) GAH.

I think during this time of year - you know...the holidays?  

Yes, I think during this time of year I tend to reflect on positives in my life.

No, I don't have the money to buy everyone I want to a gift.  

BUT, I do have tons of people who I feel are worthy of a gift.

No, I don't have a picture perfect home that is decorated all Martha Stewart-y
or adequate for fancy dinner parties like I'd like to host. 

BUT, I do have a roof over my head and a sweet
little fencepost tree that makes me smile.

No, I don't have an extravagant plans for a holiday trip to New York
or a full calendar of fabulous New Years Eve gatherings, 

BUT, I do have family and friends who invite me to their homes
to celebrate occasions in down home, laid back style.

Yes, my cup truly overflows.

Next up.... how my cup has grown!

prettiful silliful sisters

Words cannot even describe how special last week was having family together for our early Christmas.  Even though we didn't get to ALL be together for extended periods of time while Brooke was home, these two sisters were able to spend lots of time together and I think they enjoyed it and probably needed it!

They are just fun to be with and in my opinion they are simply prettiful! :)

They are equally as SILLIFUL as they are PRETTIFUL!!!

And it's amazing how the older, married one is more so silly than the younger!

I can feel the love but apparently one sister feels it more than the other!

I miss seeing their pretty faces and silly antics around these parts!

Week 49

A little Christmas Love from the Santa pic scene for a work related event.

BONUS:  Sporting the silver glitter Toms! LURVE THEM!

It has been totally CAH-razy in my world the last week....

as this week is also looking to be shaping up to be.

I have much to share though, so stay tuned - my goal is to post a little 

something every day (or night)  this week!

Two weeks of work and I get some time off - can't wait to work on a sorta secret project. :)

Week 48

This week is about cool color

This week is about getting older 

This week is about fun, handmade jewelry.

Oh Joy!

We all know what comes after Thanksgiving....ah yes, the shopping, the sales, crowd fighting.
I must admit I did the midnight sale at Wal-Mart - it is more entertainment for me!  Plus, I got some great new sheets and a hand vac. whoopie.

In the spirit of the Black Friday through Cyber Monday hoopla, I've added a 15% off coupon code to Clever Notions.

Enter: 15JOY2010 to get the discount.

By the way, I've added some cute new headbands to the shop this week, great stocking stuffers.

I introduce you to Tough and Sweet: 

This is limited, only a couple left - your choice flower colors.

Next up is Bubblegum Ice Cream:

Love the sequins on this one, but it can be done more subtle with tulle or button.

Perfect for the girlie girls is Technicolor Flower:

And Purple is THE color this year, so everyone needs this one:

Purple is the New Black

More headbands are on the work table - how about a black and white or vintage brown with white polka dot? 

I have some new Crochet Candy original pins coming soon! If you are interested in those, let me know! 

They are $7 each. 

Remember, to shop local and shop handmade when at all possible!  If you are going to help out the economy, might as well be your local economy and those who are using their talent to make a living.

ETSY

I can almost guarantee you will see something you love 

everytime you go to the front page of Etsy!

CLEVER NOTIONS

Workspace Wednesday

For kicks I decided I'd start photographing 

my little workspace table each Wednesday and posting my
Workspace Wednesday. 

A couple of weeks ago it looked like this.

Today it's a packaging center for some new Crochet Candy I finished last weekend.

And you can see one of my obsessions:  5 gum in React.  

Love.that.stuff!

What are you working on?

Hoping you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with God's blessings.

Week 47

So my friend, Blayne over at bmedia is also a wonderful photographer and does wonders (obviously) with editing.  This is my Week 47 - taken by me, and edited by Blayne with his specialty ------> Black and White. 

Thanks Blayne!  The results are awesome.
Along with photography, Blayne offers web services and consultation. 
Check out his site for more info...



Oh and thanks for all the suggestions on the necklace - Bekka's "oh snap" seemed to be the most popular and I'm seriously leaning that way!   Thanks Bekka! :)

Help a sister out!

Okay, so I need a little help from my friends....

see I won an awesome giveaway for Vintage Pearl.  

I have been eyeing this necklace for quite some time and this GC will get it for me. 

{YAY}

Problem is I realized I can add whatever text (up to 15 or possibly 22 letters) I want.  

Don't really want "Shutterbug" which is shown.

{photo credit: Vintage Pearl}

Can you help a sister out and help me decide what to put on this cutie? 

Want one of your own or another adorable piece of jewelry, check out the Vintage Pearl.
These would make great gifts anytime of year.

 

We have a Winner

I am having a lazy Saturday morning  - drinking my coffee this morning trying to wake up - I randomly asked my hubs to pick a number between 1-10 and he quickly said 8.  I asked why, just because I was curious as he was so adamant about the number 8, but he had no real reason. 

He's a dude, what can I say...

Anyway, congrats to Michelle of Everyday Me!!!  You are the big winner! :D  BTW, if you do not know Michelle or her blog, I just hopped over there to find her contact info, and what a delightful blog she has!  You must check out her awesome frames - what a fantastic way to display those favorite scrapbook pages you have stashed away!!!  PLUS, she's a team member of my friend, Julie's These are a Few of my Favorite Things so she has to be awesome.

:):):):):):):):):):):):):) <-----for you Julie. ;)

Now Michelle, I don't envy you for having to decide which of Mandie's awesome items from Moxie Mandie you are going to select, but Happy Shopping!

AND a big Thanks to Mandie for this fun exchange and giveaway.  I thoroughly enjoyed and hope we were able to meet some new friends and showcase our fun shops together.

Can't wait to see who won the store credit to my shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/clevernotions

Something to Prove

I love fortune cookies!

This one from lunch with a great friend or "prend" a couple of weeks ago 

really struck a chord with me, so I held on to it.  

{It annoys me that they put a web address on fortune cookie fortunes...kind of takes the mystery and fun out of it.}

Nonetheless, this is my new mantra!

Oh and another thing that came from that lunch was that my friend and I decided we shouldn't have to work, but should be "Ladies who 'do' lunch" instead!!!  :)

What do YOU have to prove? 

Moxie Mandie Giveaway in Da house!

Who doesn't love a little giveaway?

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*insert crickets chirping*

Exactly.....not a soul!  EVERYBODY loves a giveaway, 

and this time of year is the perfect giveaway time, in my opinion.  

So in the spirit of giving, my sweet friend Mandie and I decided to do a little giveaway swap. Up for grabs is a $10 shop credit to her super cute new Etsy shop:
Moxie Mandie

And let me just tell you $10 is good! 

You can get this:

or you can get this:

And you can get several of these adorable gift tags!!!!

She also does a mean ruffle!

So how cute would one of these bags be as a sweet stocking stuffer? 

Or a great way to give a gift card?  

Oh, wait, I have a better idea!  

Keep one for yourself and get a couple more for gifts for your BFFs!  

So to win this fun giveaway, leave me a comment with your favorite product from her shop and just for fun the name of YOUR shop or favorite Etsy shop.

AND if you are new to Etsy, *GASP* Just hop on over there Etsy.com and search for something you like and see what you find then come back and leave us the name of the shop. I'm always on the hunt for new pretties. :)

Oh, and if you want to enter more than once, just post this giveaway {with link} on Facebook, Tweet about it or even blog about it.  Just stop back in and comment for each thing you do.  Easy Peasy! 

Giveaway will close on Friday night, midnight, my time.  

I'll announce the winner on Saturday. YAY!  

AND while you are at it, go over to Mandie's blog and check out her giveaway...  

it's a $10 credit to a familiar Etsy shop in my life. ;-)

Week 46

Random things I like about this picture:

• I like the way wood looks stacked up - pretty texture, no?
• I like that you can see my wedding ring with my Granny's pearl ring nestled in between my set.  Finally took that sucker out of the drawer to wear...use the good China, I say! 
• I like that I'm wearing my Toms, sans socks, in November!
• I like my favorite old Levi's that are getting to the point of thread-bare.  {I will mourn the day they finally give way.}
• I like that necklace.
• I like that my sleeves are long. {most sleeves are not like that on my monkey arms}
• I like that I was able to photoshop a zit off my chin. 

I will not mention the things I don't like, but I will say that they are less than what they would have been before I started this 52 week project.  I cannot believe it's already Week 46!

Oh, and did I mention that I'm in serious mode on the 52 Week Project for 2011? 

Well, I am.

I have lots of ideas to make this a fun interactive project for anyone who wants to participate.  It's not about taking the most beautiful pictures...it's about learning more about and playing with your camera, learning to like yourself and being comfortable in front of the camera, getting creative, and mostly it's about having a little fun!  

Details will follow over the next few weeks. 

This is my space

this weekend has been a photographing weekend and I have not completed any crafty projects, so this is what my sewing/craft table looks like right now:

It is definitely a colorful mess, no? 

There are headbands in the Etsy shop, so check it out! 

Oh, and another thing....I'll let you in on something... There will be a giveaway up in here this week, so stay tuned. 

Radio, Presidents and Faith

I have been listening to K-Love for several months now and truly receive a blessing each and every day.  Not just from the music, but many of the messages from other listeners, DJs and guests. 

It is amazing how music can touch so many people across the world - especially when that music is created by Christians with a positive message.  I sure recommend it over some of the mess that's on the radio...especially if you are toting around the kiddos! 

You can listen online so if you are unfamiliar, check it out here.  

Now, I consider myself a Democrat, but I'm a conservative Democrat.  I have great respect for many politicians...including Both George Bushes.  I know, you are asking yourself what in the world I'm talking about and what does a radio station have to do with my feelings about former Presidents!

Well, the link at the end of this post will take you to a podcast that K-Love ran the other morning and it is George W. talking about Billy Graham...one of THE great evangelists of our time.  It truly touched me and felt I needed to share it. 

What a great perspective on God, Christianity, Salvation, and Faith.

http://files.emfcdn.com/downloads/audio/podcasts/klovemsint_podcast5810_20101109.mp3