Humble Gratitude

Finally.  

*sigh*

Several things to be thankful for...

I sold my home today.  It was quite the process, but it's done at last!  I had a lot of help, and I am so thankful to everyone who pitched in because I could never have done it without them.

I felt Michael's presence at the closing.  Actually, he was right in front of me, but in a tree (I'll explain in a minute.).  I'm sure he wanted to make sure the buyer didn't pull anymore tricks, but mostly because he probably didn't want to leave me alone throughout the process.  Let me explain:  In the room, right across from me, there was this large decorative tree formation that made it look like we were in the woods.  In the tree was a red bird, perhaps a cardinal, and a nest.  To my left were two bird houses.  And this was a conference room of a title agency I was assigned to!

Another cool thing happened as I was driving home from dinner.  I noticed the cutest little shopping area I had never seen before, so I drove in to see what it was all about.  Inside the plaza there was the coolest paper goods store (Paper Source) and I'm so glad I stopped in because seeing all of the neat craft ideas gave me inspiration to start crafting again.  With all the packing behind me, I realized that I can focus on some of my hobbies again.

I am so grateful to the friendly lady who helped teach me how to use embossing ink and powder to make even better greeting cards!  The blackbird in the picture, as well as the word "thanks" are made using this (raised) stamping technique.

I was also inspired by the store's wide variety of rubber stamps.  Naturally, I gravitated toward the bird stamps, and came up with this cool design for my next "Thank You" card.  

How humbling it is to be so grateful.

Falling Into Place

Fall is here and much has happened since my last post.  In my thoughts is a quote from the Book of Ecclesiastes: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."   Pete Seeger turned this phrase into a song he wrote in the late 1950s, which was set to music and recorded several times, by The Limeliters and also himself.  The song was abbreviated "Turn, Turn, Turn" and made famous by The Byrds in 1965 when it became an international sensation (Wikipedia, Oct. 16, 2013).

Birds have taken on a great meaning in my life, which inspired me to create a card with a blackbird on a pumpkin.  I feel the blackbird sitting on the pumpkin represents the welcoming of a new season, despite what has happened in the past.  While life does not always supply us with the purpose, the best we can do is continue living in search of it.  Often it is when we step aside that we find clarity in a situation.

Even as I was writing this post (which was unplanned), I learned something new about the quote from Ecclesiastes 3:1.  

Notice it was made most famous by The Byrds?  

This card is dedicated to all things new.

Happy Easter!

I am finding that backgrounds with alternating squares makes for very cute card designs!  This card is dedicated to:

• The Ruksenas/Mainelis Family of Willoughby Hills, OH
•  The Ruksenas/Romano Family of Naples, FL
• The Norris Family of Grand Rapids, MI (soon to be East Grand Rapids)!     
• A special dedication goes out to my Godsons Mikey and Tadas! May the Easter Bunny bring them all sorts of goodies (but nothing TOO sweet, since they already are!)   

Reusable Cards

During my latest card making session I decided to  "go green" by figuring out a way to make my greeting cards reusable.  This idea was inspired by my sister-in-law, who cuts the front cover off of her cards and uses it as a note card, writing her message on the back.  She also prefers that people do not write names on the front of envelopes, since they, too, can be used again if left blank.  

Thus, an idea was born.  And how appropriate that the idea came while I was creating a card for a couple expecting their first baby!
   
Basically, I made the card as usual, but instead of writing my note on the inside of the card in pen, I attached a small, separate note card with my message on it and attached it using double-sided tape which can peel off easily.  I then added supplies (extra blank note card, sheet protector, and piece of double-sided tape) for the original receivers to use to create their own personalized card using the very same card design (all they would have to do is peel my note off)!  This eliminates the need to cut the card, which my sister-in-law had been doing.  I also enclosed the card in an envelope, separate from the one used for sending, so now another couple can delight from receiving a handmade greeting when expecting, while the original couple never has to throw theirs in the trash.

New in Publishing...

Meridia Publishers' newest addition will soon be "How I Became a Comrade," a Memoir by John E. Armonas.  His true life story about living and adapting to life in Siberian exile after being deported from his family's homeland is both historic and remarkable.  Look for it in April 2013.

My very own font!

This weekend, I created my very own, original font, courtesy of YourFonts.com!

By printing this form, then scanning and uploading it to the YourFonts.com website, in minutes I had a font ready to use on my own computer!  The cost was $9.95, but it was worth it!  While there are free ways to have your handwriting chosen to be made into a font, using this site guarantees a font in just minutes.  (P.S.  It helps to use a fine point marker, such as a Sharpie® or a gel pen.)

I updated my logo to include my new font (called "Teachy").


Shortly after, I discovered yet another software, free of charge, that also creates fonts: www.fontstruct.com

While you do not need to pay for fonts here, you do have to spend a good deal of time creating and crafting the letters on the site using blocks and various shapes.  So, it took a lot longer, but this is what I came up with next:

 

The font is called "Laura Doll." Because you use blocks and a graph, the letters come out neater and more straight.  So now I'm using this as my logo!

On Being Merry This Christmas...

The holidays are upon us!  While we are so often wished a "Merry" Christmas, what do we actually need to do in order to be (and stay) merry this season?

While you may have a different idea, here's my list for sharing!

1. Pet a dog (or puppy).  But only if you're not allergic.  And only if it's a nice dog or puppy!

2. Notice something different (but positive) about someone and tell them you noticed it.  (By the way, this works great for kids who could use a little TLC! ~ A fabulous Love & Logic® Technique).

3.  Light a scented candle (but be sure you like the scent)!

4. Get a good night's rest.  Sleep in if you need to.

5. Make a cup of hot chocolate and drink it. Don't hold back on whipped cream!

6. Giggle.

7.  Say a pun, with intent!  Make it a good one!

8.  Learn to do a trick you didn't know before.  Any quick-and-easy way to complete a task, whether it be using a software program on your computer, or cooking method, or a way to tie moccasins!  Seriously, you won't be sorry you did!  And you'll want to tell EVERYONE else; you'll be so proud!

  By the way...
  Need to re-tie your moccasins? No problem! 

9. Snuggle up and read a good book, or even a few pages!  Use your Kindle, Nook, or other e-reading device, or stick to your good, ol' paper- or hard-back copy.  Doesn't matter!

10.  Give a gift you know someone wants.  No, really.  Research by Gino & Flynn (2010) indicates that gift recipients are more appreciative of gifts that they actually request, or "wish" for.  You'll love being on the gift-giving end when you know the person will appreciate you doing so!  It's like playing "Santa!"

That being said, eat, drink and, be merry this Christmas!  Enjoy one another!  Like I said, or elf!