arts

A Need to Create

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Sometimes in life I find that I have just operated on making things work and doing what I need to do. But this week I was reminded of how desperately I need to create in order for my soul to not feel drudgery in the day to day. I want to pull out paints, pick up a pencil, stay up late just to create something.

We are all created to do something. We have different gifts, passions, abilities that if we do not exercise it seems like something is missing. What brings you joy and makes you feel like you have new energy and new life to give? …Taking care of a garden, making numbers work perfectly; setting a detailed plan in motion; making a meal; building;writing a song; singing a song; painting; lending an ear to a friend; cleaning a closet and making labeled, clearly organized bins – what brings you the most joy?

Whatever your gifts, your passions and your abilities are… use them. The people around you need you to do what you were created to do.

CreateHeaderImage

What’s the best way to organize?

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Especially when the are looks more like a condemned dump site (or close enough to it!)…

Get excited about it! What do you want to do with the space, the time saved not hunting for things, the money saved not re-buying things you already own! What other reason make you excited to organize?

I want to create a room for our second child, an office where everything is organized and TOGETHER in one space, and a kids play area that has room to run.

That chore is going to require some organization and rearranging of furniture. I know that many experts say to try to find new pieces or organization systems to help you get excited and create a new system, but my goal is the opposite. I do not want to buy any new pieces. I want to reutilize what I have, organize, sort, throw!

I have decided a few things. The new office/play area is going to be in the unfinished basement, but…

  • I want to WANT to go down there.
  • I want my son to LOVE playing down there.
  • I do not want to feel like I am in a dungeon. : )

And the random pieces of wood in my basement and garage, they are going to be re-purposed for good!

The goal is to be finished with the basement by the end of April and the second bedroom by the end of May. So, hold on because weekly updates are going to be coming. I’m sure some weeks will be more productive than others. Watch as ideas unfold and the progress becomes a finished project. Oh boy here we go!

I’ll post pictures when there is progress… but right now I’m not willing to show my complete chaos (in the end I’ll post before pics)! : )

Work in Progress

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The week is full with end of the month items to complete, paintings to finish, photos to touch up, and cards to design. Plus a few random projects of my own that got started on a weekend… and are still wanting a little attention. In other words my whole house/workspace is in progress!

My computer at work, my painting studio space (yes, it is in a play pen!) and my bedroom that needs me to spend a few evenings with it! 🙂

Hopefully, next Monday… I’ll have a few finished items to post!

What a blessing it is to start the week over and work! Here is a look at my “workspace” in progress. : )

Work-in-Progress

Bring hope.

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Sometimes in the hurry of life the beauty of the moment is forgotten. Even when the moment is a disastrous kitchen, overly-curious-into-everything toddler, homework-laden-hard-working in need of help husband, and a very tired soul – me!

In the midst of the craziness that is our life – starting a new business, a toddler who still does not sleep through the night, full-time school, shoestring budgets, volunteering at church, and then making time for ourselves and friendships…. I sometimes grow weary. This weary place is where I found myself last Tuesday. Just having completed six weeks of the aforementioned schedule with the addition of contract work and family members in and out of our home (all for whom I am very thankful!!!) – I was exhausted and looking at two more crazy weeks. Therefore my mental state was in need of adjustment.

My heart just longed to have time and space. Time to sit and read. Time to go away for a weekend by myself. Time to go to the bathroom by myself. So sulking through my week I made a resolution to go out on Friday night with a friend. So with dinner made I left the house and my son in the very capable hands of his dad and went out for an evening with friends. It is amazing what 4-1/2 hours of conversation with a friend, who encourages and challenges you, will do for perspective. Life looks different when you step away for a glimpse at the big picture. You are reminded that today matters, God has given what is need for the moment, He holds the future, and He gave us each other to walk together. Just one piece of a mosaic is not typically very interesting, pretty or desirable, but all together it is beautiful.

Mosaic

Missionaries are a group of people who have chosen to sojourn and love on people, putting themselves last so that the people around them may have a place to find hope. So, I’m certain that they have days that are weary and moments in need of encouragement. Bringing hope to others is a blessing to the one bringing and to the one receiving. As I was designing a thank-you for a short-term missions trip where they were able to bring supplies and serve along side missionaries for a week, I was reminded that I need to bring hope and beauty to those in my world. Whether it is people in passing, the neighbors around me, or good friends who are beauty in my world.

In the crazy moments of life, take a step back. This is just one piece. The whole of the mosaic is beautiful.

Kenya

Stories with Pictures

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Children’s stories and pictures books are fun for everyone. I love sitting and reading Curious George and Dr. Seuss with my son. There is something relaxing about a simple story and fun colorful pictures. Small adventures can be analyzed and lessons can be taught, or, in the case of Dr. Seuss’s ABC, one can simply enjoy the creativity and listen to the sounds and order of the alphabet. Either way it is fun to see my son’s delight and watch him laugh at different parts or characters of the same books over and over! 

What do children’s stories have to do with LeA’Tev? Well this week I am focusing on children’s design. From custom children’s illustrated books to V.I.P. photo books of family and friends. Design and illustration can play a big role in teaching children and connecting them with family and friends that live far away. It is also a fun way to keep memories long after they have grown and changed. We all know that the moment of childhood is a fleeting second and then we grow up!

In case your interested in expanding your children’s collection of stories the following are some of my top favorites: LeATev on Pinterest