tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666070709316791502024-03-05T04:00:57.164-08:00A Mixed Media LifeSara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-89553516853784601032014-06-29T07:23:00.000-07:002014-06-29T07:23:02.576-07:00It Is Well With My Soul x 10<i>"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,</i><br />
<i>When sorrows like sea billows roll;</i><br />
<i>Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,</i><br />
<i>It is well, it is well, with my soul."</i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
I have always loved this hymn and I love this quiet, reflective version by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhKH6Y9yTHg&feature=kp" target="_blank">Daniel Martin Moore</a>. I was listening to it the other day and it made me think about specific moments when it really was well with my soul. Whether that means I was just happy and at peace or I had peace knowing things were going to be all right.<br />
<br />
1. As a child, sitting between my grandparents at church and hearing them sing 'It Is Well With My Soul'. My grandparents attended a Church of Christ denomination. There was no music played, but the congregation would sing harmony on all of the hymns. This song always reminds me of sitting in between my grandparents every Sunday and hearing my grandma sing soprano and my grandpa sing bass. Even as a small child, I felt it was well.<br />
<br />
2. A recent Friday night when my 7-year old son fell asleep in my lap, like he did when he was a baby. It was well in my soul.<br />
<br />
3. The moment when I finally catch my breath after hysterical laughter. It is a brief moment, but it is well.<br />
<br />
4. One morning in July 2013 around 7:00a.m. - I was sitting on the deck of a rental house in Hot Springs, NC. I was gazing at a beautiful mountain view, sipping coffee, listening to the Avett Brothers, and using needle and thread on a sketchbook while the rest of the house slept. It was very well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Hot%20Springs%20and%20Asheville%20July%202013/598366_10151695797234732_711266020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Hot%20Springs%20and%20Asheville%20July%202013/598366_10151695797234732_711266020_n.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
5. A creative project that excites me and is turning out better than I imagined. That progress, along with excitement, some good music, and maybe a beer. It is well. For sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_20140623_191330_zps3f6axyug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_20140623_191330_zps3f6axyug.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
6. Sitting on my best friend's kitchen counter as a teenager, after picking homegrown tomatoes from her mother's garden. We sat directly on the counter with the cleaned tomatoes, some salt, and ate them like apples. I remember that moment vividly - white counter tops, red tomato juice, bare feet, and a total mess. It was well with my soul because it was so simple and innocent during a time when many teenagers struggle with being those things. It is an image I conjure up sometimes when I want to feel that peace and simplicity again.<br />
<br />
7. A couple of days after I lost my second pregnancy and my parents came to visit. Jay was back at work and my other two children (at the time) were at daycare, so I was home alone. I was devastated. My mom sat on one couch, my dad sat next to me on the other couch, and I sat with my head on his shoulder. We sat there in silence and in sadness, but, even in that moment, I was well. I was sad, but I knew I was going to be well.<br />
<br />
8. Any night when Jay and I go to bed at the same time and I lie my head on his stomach while he puts his arm around me. We watch television or read before drifting to sleep. It is always well with my soul on those nights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Savannah%20Simpson%20Photo%20Shoot/426591_10151611327869732_821578864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Savannah%20Simpson%20Photo%20Shoot/426591_10151611327869732_821578864_n.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
9. The first moment when I held each of my babies after their births. Definitely well.<br />
<br />
10. Those rare moments when I recognize that I am wholly and unequivocally present in the moment - whether it's ordinary or extraordinary. Those moments when past and future don't matter; it is well with my soul.Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-86813306003906440492014-02-14T08:01:00.001-08:002014-02-14T08:01:39.998-08:00WIPs (Works in Progress) - February 2014The beginning of a five day weekend and I am feeling pretty good about that! Here are some photos of WIPs that I am working on during my little break (photos taken and edited with my iPad) .<br />
<br />
Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle idea with a positive message coming soon....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/09a93e2af135fafad12617fa07c4ec0c_zps3675024e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/09a93e2af135fafad12617fa07c4ec0c_zps3675024e.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fun project that my boys and I are going to be doing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/4410d255d89973823abc942a35b84136_zps34b7c716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/4410d255d89973823abc942a35b84136_zps34b7c716.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Starting a very neon weaving soon - will need my actual camera and better lighting to get a truly accurate portrayal of these colors, once finished. Nice try, iPad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/da6615ab064fd48d8cecab6c23ef7ab6_zpsd1fff37e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/da6615ab064fd48d8cecab6c23ef7ab6_zpsd1fff37e.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Various small embroidery and cross stitch projects that I hope to frame and group on the wall soon. I heart <a href="http://www.nbc.com/parks-and-recreation" target="_blank">Parks and Rec</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/c17c0542ca36444c1411c4f193b6f7c0_zpseb7a859f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/c17c0542ca36444c1411c4f193b6f7c0_zpseb7a859f.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Using up some of my yarn supply by making a large striped blanket. This has been a great stress reliever at night lately - especially when paired with watching (and re-watching) episodes of <a href="http://www.hbo.com/girls" target="_blank">Girls</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/ed80aacc-39d6-40f2-ba23-0347e4ef4090_zps808780b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/ed80aacc-39d6-40f2-ba23-0347e4ef4090_zps808780b5.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Enjoy your weekend and stay warm!<br />
<br />
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-59103826365318441382014-02-09T07:34:00.001-08:002014-02-10T13:30:20.594-08:00Smitten (an essay)<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is dedicated to the love of my life, in honor of his upcoming 36th birthday. One piece of a tale that had me madly in love with him at first sight. Almost 16 years later and I'm still madly in love. Maybe more so...</span><br />
<i><br /></i>
Sometimes the most seemingly ordinary acts of fate become the most extraordinary moments.<br />
<br />
From 1996 to 1997, I struggled to make that first real step from a high school student to finding my new place in the world. My family moved from Ohio to South Carolina. I moved with them. Then I moved back to Ohio, then back to South Carolina, and, needless to say, I was pretty lost. I was trying to do the things that I thought were expected of me - college, friends, etc. It just didn't feel authentic to me. It is funny how the future path I expected to follow, the plan that had been in place since I first entered a school, felt completely wrong in the present. <br />
<br />
For half of 1997, I lived with my grandparents and my aunt in Ohio to attend school. My grandfather passed away in 1997 and it devastated me. I was already emotionally adrift and then grief truly made my heart feel irrecoverable. The eating disorder, I had started in high school, reared its ugly head again and I was sinking fast. I hit my lowest point and started therapy. Soon after, I decided it was time to finally start fresh and break the tie I had to my hometown. <br />
<br />
In early 1998, I moved again to South Carolina to really start my life. It was not an easy decision and I questioned myself repeatedly. I felt the finality of this decision; the importance of it even then. I pulled into my parents' driveway sobbing, much to their dismay. Then I had to start the process of figuring out what I was going to do. After a couple of rough weeks, I found a job with a temp agency and I was taking some time off of school to figure out my new path. I lived with my parents and my high school-aged sister. Routine and my family's support were what I needed to take the first steps back to normalcy. Realizing I had the power to change my life plan, despite what I grew up believing, lifted me further out of my depression.<br />
<br />
During this time, my dad had mentioned that his friend and colleague had a son, who had just moved from Ohio to nearby North Carolina, and he was my age. My dad and his dad had worked together in Ohio for years. I didn't know them in Ohio because they had lived on the opposite side of town from us. When my dad started his job in the Carolinas, he hired his coworker from Ohio. Their son was in college in northern Ohio and had recently left to move to the Carolinas and figure out his life too. A couple of weeks prior, I had met his parents at a basketball game and saw a picture. It was their son's senior picture from high school. He had a baby face and wore a golf shirt. I remember thinking that he parted his short hair like my dad does. <br />
<br />
I kept putting off my dad's idea of reaching out to him. I wasn't ready for a new friend or even an acquaintance. However, one night, I was feeling a little better about life and asked my dad for his number. I remember my dad said he was proud of me for taking a next step. He said it would be good for me. Little did he know then.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/1be598f35080125016d86c23769096c1_zpsa5919090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/1be598f35080125016d86c23769096c1_zpsa5919090.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nervously, I dialed the phone number. I asked to speak to Jay. It was the first time I ever spoke his name. (present day, my heart skipped a beat just remembering that moment). Jay picked up the phone and, fortunately, knew who I was. Our fathers must have conspired quite a bit in the office. The conversation flowed so freely and easily. There were no awkward pauses despite being complete strangers. I don't remember what we talked about now; I know it felt like everything and nothing all at the same time. We made plans to get together for lunch two days later. I hung up the phone. I sat still and caught my breath. I wanted to hear his voice again. <br />
<br />
The next day I knew Jay was working and, at the time, he worked in retail. Despite my personal obsession with remaining in control of my feelings, I felt a strong need to go meet him. I rationalized, that if I met him briefly, it would make lunch the next day less awkward. Really, I just had to hear that voice again and see his face. I pulled up to the store where he worked and I saw him immediately. He was standing outside cleaning the front door of the store. <br />
<br />
He no longer looked like his senior picture, except for that baby face. That beautiful face. He had longer hair and it was curly, thick, and tipped with white streaks. He wore his Cleveland Indians hat backwards and his curls poked out of the back and sides. He had on dark, baggy jeans, a dark green Sublime t-shirt, and Doc Martens. Both of his ears were pierced and he was wearing large-gauged hoops. (Oh, late 90s fashion!) He took my breath away and, then, I panicked. What am I doing here?!?! I did not act impulsively like this and I was a stickler for never appearing too eager to the opposite sex. Yet, here I was and it scared me.<br />
<br />
I got out of the car and went into another store. A store that sold light bulbs and did lighting installations. A store that was owned by a South African family. A store that eventually Jay would work for and would grow close to the family. This day though, I knew nothing of that future. I wandered around the store to get my nerve up again. Then I walked out and over to Jay's store.<br />
<br />
Jay was still at the door and I smiled at him. He smiled and held the door open for me. He had never seen a photo of me and I did not reveal my identity yet. I had no real plan in that moment. I wandered through the store, pretending to browse. Jay abandoned his outside task and entered the store too. He acted busy in areas where I was standing. He walked by me and I said, "Nice hat." (Seriously - that was my opening line?) He smiled. I smiled back and said I was from Ohio. As we stood there smiling, I saw a realization come over his face. He asked, "Are you Sara?" <br />
<br />
Yep. I was already smitten. <br />
<br />
We chatted for a while and, again, it was so easy to talk to him. I told him that I wanted to get the awkward greeting out of the way to make lunch easier the next day. He said he was glad I did. We smiled a lot. That brief moment felt frozen in time - not just in my memory now, but in the genuine moment too. Eventually, my practicality kicked back in and I decided to leave. I believe I may have floated out of the store.<br />
<br />
I smiled the entire forty-five minute drive home. I knew my plan had changed. For the first time in two years, I felt hopeful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/72c50901a06fa38f554a004367264609_zpsa6d9f76d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/72c50901a06fa38f554a004367264609_zpsa6d9f76d.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>"He had been told by his parents and grandparents that he must fall in love and really know a person before becoming committed. But maybe people who felt that way had never learned the universal language. Because, when you know that language, it's easy to understand that someone in the world awaits you, whether it's in the middle of the desert or in some great city. And when two such people encounter each other, and their eyes meet, the past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love, and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one's dreams would have no meaning." </i><i>- Paulo Coelho, <u>The Alchemist</u></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
P.S. We met in March of 1998 and we married in November of 1998. I like to tell people it was an arranged marriage. Thanks, Dad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/2037a3dbced6d22719be310f1a9c84da_zps614c841a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/2037a3dbced6d22719be310f1a9c84da_zps614c841a.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><br /></i>Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-8652629567312026162014-02-01T05:49:00.000-08:002014-02-01T05:49:00.785-08:0010 Ways To Keep DreamingOne of my biggest dreams right now is to move to Asheville, NC. I previously talked about that dream <a href="http://amixedmedialife.blogspot.com/2012/08/vision-board.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Lately my husband and I have been discussing a new strategy for making this happen in 2014. It has been a long road and, mostly, the housing market is to blame for our set backs. We haven't given up on this dream, even though there have been numerous discouraging moments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Thanksgiving%20in%20the%20Mountains%202013/1486561_10152031471274732_1970793103_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Thanksgiving%20in%20the%20Mountains%202013/1486561_10152031471274732_1970793103_n.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I want to share a list of 10 things that keep me going. 10 ways that keep me dreaming.<br />
<br />
1. Talk about your dream often. Plan, dream, revise - don't complain about it (well, not much anyway), take action instead.<br />
<br />
2. Write about what you envision regularly. Dream big and write it all down - stream of consciousness-style. Your dream may evolve and you may be able to brainstorm solutions a little better this way.<br />
<br />
3. When an obstacle surfaces, rethink your steps. A set back doesn't mean to give up - just rethink your strategy. Our biggest obstacle is trying to sell a house when we owe a little more than it's worth right now. We have rethought our strategy numerous times over the past couple of years. We have a new strategy right now and are hoping this might be a good one in 2014!<br />
<br />
4. Set mini-goals to make you feel like progress is being made - even if the path seems long. I try to visit Asheville as often as possible during the year. It resets my desire and, just being there, inspires me.<br />
<br />
5. Create a Vision Board to keep you motivated - either a physical board or an online board. It may seem silly, but it really does help to keep you encouraged and lifts your spirits on the days you feel discouraged. I created my Vision Board on Pinterest (see <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smedjill/vision-board/" target="_blank">my Vision Board HERE</a>).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Thanksgiving%20in%20the%20Mountains%202013/1459829_10152031472374732_709837955_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Thanksgiving%20in%20the%20Mountains%202013/1459829_10152031472374732_709837955_n.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
6. Set a tentative time frame, but don't become too attached to dates. If a date has to be extended, just realize that it will be worth it when you get there.<br />
<br />
7. Commit. Wholly and completely. You won't get there if you don't commit. Give yourself to the dream.<br />
<br />
8. Simplify other areas in your life. For me, that has meant paying off debt, living a little more minimally, decluttering, etc. I realize we will need to downsize a bit to move to Asheville so my family is preparing what we can now.<br />
<br />
9. Be prepared to take a calculated risk. When the time is right, trust your gut. With a family, I have to be smart and more calculated with risks, but I am prepared to take the right risk at the right time.<br />
<br />
10. Never give up! NEVER!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Thanksgiving%20in%20the%20Mountains%202013/999794_10152031472539732_1226456940_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/Facebook/Thanksgiving%20in%20the%20Mountains%202013/999794_10152031472539732_1226456940_n.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Even my dogs are in on the dream!<br />
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-87834512750255781992014-01-05T08:55:00.000-08:002014-01-05T08:55:25.143-08:002014 Goals in PhotosI figured most people really don't want to read the details of the things I'd like to strive for this year. So instead, I will say it with photos (and minimal words).<br />
<br />
Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
Keep loving this guy and our not-so-little-anymore guys...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/d70f1fa87bdf9acf1fde750864a013bb_zps2d9cb164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/d70f1fa87bdf9acf1fde750864a013bb_zps2d9cb164.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep laughing...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/1bea9a50c5e305119829b04fc003d2e7_zps53c40723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/1bea9a50c5e305119829b04fc003d2e7_zps53c40723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep rescuing and loving...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/9361af21ba8e4b57045dea1ef54fbdae_zps7a6c5b1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/9361af21ba8e4b57045dea1ef54fbdae_zps7a6c5b1d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Do more of this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/ef89208e-507b-4774-a944-6c52a8c7c466_zps84df00eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/ef89208e-507b-4774-a944-6c52a8c7c466_zps84df00eb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Be here...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/aa01aa5d76462490acc42acc611a0694_zpsf9b1e5d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/aa01aa5d76462490acc42acc611a0694_zpsf9b1e5d5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Slow down and savor...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/e88f59ed5828ab1be6a24d4c1cd04cee_zpsa3026d86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/e88f59ed5828ab1be6a24d4c1cd04cee_zpsa3026d86.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Create lots more...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/f5ab65a9ac877b432d2cc8a5b219797f_zps46826e76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/f5ab65a9ac877b432d2cc8a5b219797f_zps46826e76.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/7cd4c9801d4d3e3f1dcfef0fc3e4fcfc_zps1b2c8542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/7cd4c9801d4d3e3f1dcfef0fc3e4fcfc_zps1b2c8542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/98e1aaf72b9949951611d9be7836e3b8_zpsdd2e1eca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/98e1aaf72b9949951611d9be7836e3b8_zpsdd2e1eca.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And, of course...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/d794ee3fb480ee593dc126fb25b38c91_zps15dce0d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/d794ee3fb480ee593dc126fb25b38c91_zps15dce0d2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-17355810335024840082013-12-07T06:42:00.000-08:002013-12-07T06:42:28.806-08:0020 Things I Have Learned as a VegetarianThis is going to be a photo-less post -- mostly because I don't have any photos that really fit right now and I'm too lazy this morning to remedy that. <br />
<br />
I have been a vegetarian for over two years now and am currently transitioning into veganism. During the last two years, I have really learned a lot. As I work towards becoming 100% vegan, it has led me to think about some of the things I have learned. Please keep in mind that these are things that I have learned and I am not trying to convert others. This is a very personal decision to me. Having said that, here we go...<br />
<br />
1. My body will tell me what I need if I make a habit of listening to it. I am much more conscious of what goes into my body and, over time, that has led me to understand my cravings and know what I need to eat. Pre-vegetarianism, I just shoveled whatever sounded pretty good into my mouth. It has taken me over two years to get to this point.<br />
<br />
2. It is really easy to replace meat with cheese. TOO easy.<br />
<br />
3. I am pretty quiet about my dietary choices and only discuss if asked (says the girl who is typing a whole blog post about it right now). However, I have noticed that some people become offended by my choice to not eat meat. Usually these are people who aren't my close friends or family. I don't know if they automatically assume that I am judging them or if they think I am going to push my choices on them, but I have seen people become borderline defensive when I share that I'm vegetarian. I am always surprised by this reaction.<br />
<br />
4. My husband and sons are super supportive and great sports. My meat-loving husband has really come around the last two years and is willing to do meatless meals on occasion. I love my fellas so much!<br />
<br />
5. I love vegetables A LOT. My mom always had fresh fruit and vegetables in the house growing up and I am so thankful for that. I have always liked vegetables, but preferred fruit. Before I became vegetarian, I was not eating a lot of vegetables on a daily basis. In the last two years, my palate has drastically changed. Now I crave so many types of vegetables and will choose them over fruit.<br />
<br />
6. Vegetarianism does not automatically equal weight loss. Refer back to Number 2.<br />
<br />
7. As a person living with chronic illness, I have learned that a healthy vegetarian diet does not solve my health issues. However, it does give me more energy to get through the bad days. When I feel ill and still eat well, I definitely get through the bad days better than if I eat poorly.<br />
<br />
8. Locally owned restaurants are often more vegetarian friendly than the big chain restaurants.<br />
<br />
9. A vegetarian diet does not have to be more expensive than an omnivore diet. You do save money when you aren't buying expensive meats, but sometimes produce and soy products can be expensive. If you buy seasonal produce and shop deals, a vegetarian diet is very affordable. Also, beans and rice = cheap.<br />
<br />
10. Vegetarians and Vegans are not necessarily judgmental and preachy. In fact, most of the people I have met are very compassionate, knowledgeable, and fun. I think this assumption is what leads some people to react negatively (see Number 3). Being vegetarian does not mean that I judge someone who eats meat or that I want to try and change them. Just ask my husband.<br />
<br />
11. Factory farming in our country and the laws that are passed to help those businesses increase profits are disturbing and gross. <br />
<br />
12. People can be so very sweet when trying to accommodate my diet while dining at their house. I never expect it because I know it is my choice and not their problem. I really appreciate it though.<br />
<br />
13. I still can't grow any plant life. I would love to be somewhat self sustaining, but I'm terrible at it.<br />
<br />
14. If considering vegetarianism or veganism, other vegetarians/vegans can be amazing and generous resources. As I transition into veganism, I reached out to a few people for help and they stepped up in a big way. One friend emailed me her online cookbook, one sent me links to some great vegan websites, one gave me some suggestions for books, and my sister is bringing some of her tried and true vegan cookbooks to me at Christmas. Thank you all!<br />
<br />
15. My taste buds have drastically changed and I try (and love) a lot of different foods now. I feel like I have a much broader diet now as a vegetarian than I ever did previously. I know meat eaters can have a very broad and healthy diet too; for me, I think eliminating some foods is what helped me to open up to a bigger world of food. My personality needs that push.<br />
<br />
16. Vegetarian/Vegan does not always equal healthier. There are many vegetarian/vegan junk food junkies out there and a lot of processed foods made for vegetarians and vegans that are not always healthy.<br />
<br />
17. Being drawn to bright colors has made me so appreciative of a vegetarian meal. I love to add many different vegetables because I love having a bright and colorful meal. Even my husband (who won't eat much of what I eat), will comment on how pretty my meals look. Eating a "pretty" meal really keeps me motivated.<br />
<br />
18. It is possible to stick with a change in diet (no matter what it is). It takes some planning and discipline, but it is not that difficult. Even when the four other people in your household don't eat the same way. It is all about mutual respect. I have respect for other people's food choices and they have respect for mine.<br />
<br />
19. People really get concerned about protein intake when I tell them I am vegetarian. I got this covered - it's cool.<br />
<br />
20. It is possible to give up meat even if you liked the taste of it. Not every vegetarian or vegan gave it up because they didn't like the taste. Not every vegetarian or vegan gave it up for political reasons. We are all individuals. Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-72976064974735607772013-10-23T14:43:00.003-07:002013-10-23T14:43:52.044-07:00Guest Post with Cara B: Fantastic 16th Birthday Party IdeaThis past weekend I saw a fantastic idea for a boy's 16th birthday party. The idea came from a friend I have known for a long time --- Cara, I think we've known each other since first grade? Wow. I won't say how many years that has been.<br />
<br />
Cara is great photographer and captures the human spirit so well. I love when she posts pictures on Facebook or Instagram. When I saw the photos from her son's birthday party, I immediately knew I wanted to ask her to be a guest on my blog.<br />
<br />
<b>Everything below was written by Cara and the photos are hers as well. Enjoy...</b><br />
<br />
I am so glad you enjoyed the photos. We had a lot of fun making them. When we started planning Jake's 16th birthday party, he wanted to have a bonfire, like we always do. But you only turn 16 once. I wanted to come up with something fun that we could do to engage everyone - something they will remember for years to come. With teenagers, its hard to come up with ideas to make the party memorable! Something fun and cool, that they would enjoy... I always take regular pictures at his party, so he has something to look back upon and remember, but it is hard to get them to engage in just regular pictures. Some kids do not like to have just regular pictures taken of themselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/d3ef37ef3df06fb11566d346a394cc4a_zps38658299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/d3ef37ef3df06fb11566d346a394cc4a_zps38658299.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I started searching online and found these very inexpensive plastic backgrounds. We found a cheap mesh "red carpet" for them to walk down. We found some props at our local dollar store and around our house. I had the backgrounds hung on the walls and the red carpet ready the night before the party and all the props collected in a basket. I wanted them to see it when they first walked in to get them intrigued about the idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/58a0d281658cd105d164a539a89605af_zps21f1f895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/58a0d281658cd105d164a539a89605af_zps21f1f895.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After everyone arrived and was around the bonfire for about two hours, I powered up my lighting. I took my camera out back and started with taking their picture around the fire. I asked if anyone was ready to take some fun pictures with all the props inside. Before I knew it, they were all in the house in a line, giggling and laughing about different ideas on how they wanted to pose and with who. They all had such fun ideas!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/92027f7a79600ad10b80dd602d4b4576_zps383fc665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/92027f7a79600ad10b80dd602d4b4576_zps383fc665.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It filled my heart with joy to hear their laughter, knowing how much fun they were having with it. I found that teenagers love to show their creativity! So we took that characteristic and ran with it! We are having the photos printed and put into key chains shaped like the directors clap board. Since most of them are driving now, its something they will always carry with them.<br />
<br />
I am so glad you enjoyed the photos, Sara! Its a memory that we will cherish forever - and probably a new tradition for us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/fca6c059aca53f09a3c2592c94f8ad65_zps3a240d18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/fca6c059aca53f09a3c2592c94f8ad65_zps3a240d18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cara -- thank you so much for sharing on my blog. Your idea was wonderful and now I want to play with it too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/3c4f13b9e57f30f4d49c892c6e517883_zps7cd40139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/3c4f13b9e57f30f4d49c892c6e517883_zps7cd40139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-6268129928222800362013-10-18T15:05:00.000-07:002013-10-18T15:05:03.883-07:00Nature FacesHappy Friday! Today I decided to find natural faces in nature and add my own cartoon additions. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/a718c9dd09c62ac674aa7f1ad247bf0b_zpsb3f03aac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/a718c9dd09c62ac674aa7f1ad247bf0b_zpsb3f03aac.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/2f24ff229fcf6501e5f8687fc2ffbcf4_zps9b86ffc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/2f24ff229fcf6501e5f8687fc2ffbcf4_zps9b86ffc1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/9b8e3e75536497091406c0e388c4a58e_zpsb9d7ded7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/9b8e3e75536497091406c0e388c4a58e_zpsb9d7ded7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/af7dfe6764fce927fbcfe3d9158f21f3_zpsfe0577fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/af7dfe6764fce927fbcfe3d9158f21f3_zpsfe0577fa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-10714010359311064472013-10-12T07:31:00.004-07:002013-10-12T07:31:54.274-07:00A Letter and List to My BoysDear, B, W, and J,<br />
<br />
I hear you playing video games up in your "Man Cave". It is a brief moment where you are genuinely getting along and dorking out together. In five minutes, that could easily change and I will probably hear the word "idiot" or maybe "moron" called. Then I'll have to do the mom thing of telling you to be nice and stop using those words. Right now though, I will sip my coffee and enjoy the moment of camaraderie. <br />
<br />
Sometimes you think you can't stand having brothers and you wish you were only children. That's normal. I tell you a lot that you need to try to appreciate each other (even in small moments) because the three of you are together for life. God willing, you will all grow up and carve out beautiful patches of life. You will support each other, annoy each other, laugh together, make fun of mom and dad, and see each other grow. I also hope you will continue to help those who can't help themselves and I hope that, when you see your brother(s) go down a bad path, that you will shine the light to help him back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/c84deac6eba52049b1d09825da66d14f_zps081aa28c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/c84deac6eba52049b1d09825da66d14f_zps081aa28c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Your grandmother told me that parenting is the one relationship where the end goal is separation. Every other relationship is built to keep the parties together. With parenting though, we are working towards that goal of seeing you move on one day and need us less in your day to day. That's a tough pill to swallow. I think there is a balance we strive for though. We want you to spread your wings and fly, but we also want to build strong bonds so that you will fly back home sometimes and spend time with family.<br />
<br />
Before you fly this nest though, there are some things that I want to make sure all three of you know how to do. These are not necessarily things that will get you into a good college or help you find the right job. This list is much more important. If you can master this list, I will feel like my job as a parent is complete (Dad too). Some of these you've mastered already, some you are starting to learn, and some you will learn. We will probably add on to this list as we go so be ready for that.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The List</u></b></span><br />
(in no particular order)<br />
<br />
Laundry - you need to know how to do your laundry and keep up with it. The keeping up with it is the tricky part.<br /><br />Basic cooking - you are already learning this one but need to expand a bit. Your adult life should not consist solely of Ramen and fast food.<br /><br />Changing the oil in the car - Dad added this one.<br /><br />Understand all that is involved in taking care of a pet (i.e. family member) and being able to make that decision completely before taking one into your home on a permanent basis. You all have learned this just in the short time we have been fostering. It warms my heart to see you love these animals who desperately need love.<br /><br />Creative outlet - understanding why you need it and what yours is going to be. FYI - if you take after me at all, the outlet changes from day to day.<br /><br />Know how to throw and catch a ball - this one may solicit an eyebrow raise from some people. I don't expect my boys to be sports stars. I think everyone should know how to throw and catch a ball, even if they never do anything with it. Boys and girls alike. It is just one small way to foster dexterity and it will come in handy from time to time. It might make gym class more tolerable during early years.<br /><br />Know how to ride a bike - similar to the goal above. A good skill to have.<br /><br />Treat others the way you want to be treated - pretty self explanatory.<br /><br />Don't let the world harden your hearts. All three of you have warm hearts and show them in different ways. Keep those warm hearts and do something with the kindness and compassion you have. On occasion B, maybe show that kindness and compassion to W. Don't look at me like that, you know why I'm saying that.<br /><br />Treat the women in your life as kindly and respectfully as Dad treats me. Seriously. I know you see how he treats me - nothing but love and adoration and kindness and respect. He treats his mother, mother-in-law, sister, sisters-in-law, aunts, etc. the same way. The three of you already treat the important women in your life this way. As you grow up and date, I expect the same. Be that wonderful man.<br /><br />Expect the women in your life to treat you equally kindly and respectfully. They should treat you the way I treat your Dad - I adore him and show him that regularly. This doesn't mean you act like a jerk -- the whole "treat 'em bad so they want you more" is BS (I know you will giggle because I used that term - you aren't allowed to use it, but it fit this scenario). This just means that you are worthy of kindness, love, and respect. If a girl you really like treats you callously or demands ridiculous things from you, she is not a girl you should have in your life. You don't have to put up with ugliness just because she is pretty. When you end things with this type of girl, you still owe her respect and kindness during and after the split.<br /><br />Learn and use proper grammar and spelling. Seriously. You might not remember every little thing there is to know about proper grammar, but make a concerted effort on a regular basis.<br /><br />Enjoy and respect nature. When you feel beat down or bored by life, find the one thing in nature that calms you and brings you joy. Enjoy it. For me, it is the mountains that reinvigorate me. Find your thing.<br /><br />Never miss an opportunity to let someone know you appreciate them. Time is fleeting. Let the important people know they are important to you. You three are of the utmost importance to me.<br /><br />Surprise people sometimes. Maybe it is a gift or a surprise visit. Maybe it is a moment in time where you step outside of your comfort zone and shine.<br /><br />Declutter and keep things somewhat clean. Clearly I am not one obsessed with cleaning, but you should take some pride in your home and maintain a basic level of cleanliness. I don't think I will look back on my life and wish I cleaned more, but I also don't need the neighbors to complain about "the smell". Find a good balance.<br /><br />Practice good hygiene. I've said it before and I'll say it again, don't be the smelly kid. Brush your teeth without being told (J, I am looking at you and your seven year old self).<br /><br />Be you. Don't follow the pack. Be who you want to be. As long as you are coming from a place of honesty and truth, we will love you and support you unconditionally forever. Anyone who doesn't accept you, isn't worthy of being in your extraordinary life.<br /><br />Be there for your brothers. Always.<br /><br />Call your mother at least once a week.<br /><br />Be a good friend.<br /><br />Find the path in life that feels good to you, makes you happy, and has a positive impact on this world. College will help give you more opportunities, but I honestly will not be disappointed in you if that is not the path you choose. No matter what you choose to do, do your best. If there is a period of time where you have to do something you don't love to get to the thing you really want, still do your best. Find ways outside of that to keep doing something you love. If you have that balance, things are usually okay. Don't give up on your dreams and don't be afraid to change your dreams, if that is what your heart wants.<br /><br />If your priorities have work above family and friends, you need to rethink your priorities.<br /><br />Find regular exercise that you like to do so that you will continue to do it. Don't use me as an example on this one. Do as I say, not as I do...(I know, I know).<br /><br />Give back. As a family, we have chosen to give back to animals in need. Find what ignites your soul. Always find a way to give back to someone in need.<br /><br />Learn to live simply. Don't be consumed by material possessions. It is absolutely fine to like "things", but don't make that your priority.<br /><br />B and W, stop biting your nails. J, cut yours more often.<br /><br />Read. Enjoy reading. If you have kids one day, read to my grandchildren.<br /><br />Stand up for people and animals who are being treated poorly or unfairly. It might not be the popular thing to do, but it is the right thing to do.<br /><br />Seek out God in the way that feels right to you. Fulfill your soul. I firmly believe there are many paths to God. It is a personal relationship and only you and Him know what's the best way for you to feel close.<br /><br />Finally, don't take life (or yourself) too seriously. Laugh a lot. Have fun. Do silly things. Don't be afraid to look silly. Love even more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/80f8dd3e18dc89c086a8e9f57fd7cf1a_zpsdaa47346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/80f8dd3e18dc89c086a8e9f57fd7cf1a_zpsdaa47346.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a rather long list, right? It may get longer as we wander through this life together. I think you are all up to the task and well on your way to learning everything on this list. It will never be complete because you will always be learning. It will keep you motivated.<br />
<br />
I love you boys. Through the laughter, the love, the pain, the sadness, the challenges, and the joyous parts of life, I will love you. Dad too. He's awesome. You are all awesome.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mom<br />
(I still prefer to go by Mommy)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/8dc2faf49598c16db17548fd7e2bc9e6_zps2f144c15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/8dc2faf49598c16db17548fd7e2bc9e6_zps2f144c15.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-20704440964173841272013-10-06T08:15:00.000-07:002013-10-06T08:15:27.527-07:00Being Still and Resisting the Glorification of Busy, Part 1Has our society always been obsessed with "busy" or is that a new thing these days? It is an exhausting but easy trap to fall into at times. I know people who thrive on it. I also know people who think they are thriving but they are really just trapped in this cycle of busy and avoid down time like it's a plague. I think people are afraid of having down time and being still. I personally love down time. I need down time. I would marry down time if I didn't already have a fabulous husband. Sara, without down time, is cranky, antsy, and not very creative at all. She is a bit of a downer.<br />
<br />
Being still doesn't always come naturally. Our culture of glorifying busy takes its toll on how we view stillness. We often feel guilty when we don't have something to do or somewhere to go. We often feel like we should be checking something off of a list or completing one of those projects that we've been meaning to do. We feel like failures if we are still. We foolishly obtain our value from how much we have to do and how much we accomplish. We are in constant production mode.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/0d5aa15a25be944234d9a5d31112c434_zpsba38f803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/0d5aa15a25be944234d9a5d31112c434_zpsba38f803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The other night, my oldest son had soccer practice. The fields are far enough from my house that it doesn't make sense to drive back home after dropping him off, so I stick around the area until practice is finished. Sometimes I will run errands and sometimes I will take advantage of my time alone. This usually means browsing the bookstore, checking the clearance racks at Target, or plopping myself down at Panera with something delicious to drink. This particular night, I chose Panera. I left my iPad at home to avoid Internet distractions. I took my phone (so I knew when I had to leave), my journal, and a crochet project. I sat down in a comfy chair near the fireplace and I pulled out my journal and favorite pen. I started to write and then became very self conscious. There were people all around me and I was waiting on a waitress to bring my drink. I started to find myself picking up my phone and checking work emails periodically. I wasn't even reading them; I just felt obligated to appear busy. In that moment, writing in a journal seemed too frivolous of a way to spend my time --- especially when people could be watching! <br />
<br />
I decided that I was being completely ridiculous and that our glorification of being busy is equally ridiculous. I put down my phone and started writing. I wrote about being still. I wrote in incomplete sentences and just let my brain release its thoughts through my pen. I wrote and wrote and wrote. I ignored grammar and spelling. I wrote about how I feel when I don't have anything I have to do. I will often occupy that time with reading blogs and playing on Facebook or Pinterest. It distracts me from being still and listening to how I really feel. I spend time on the Internet under the guise of "looking for inspiration". Really I am just avoiding stillness and avoiding being in the present. I wrote about marathon TV watching while I am doing laundry and working on a crochet project. I wrote about that uncomfortable feeling I get when I tell myself I am going to put down my iPad on a weekend afternoon with no plans. <br />
<br />
I wrote about how we have put "busy" up on a pedestal. We tie some of our value to how busy we are. The busier we are, the more justified we feel. The people who are busiest and appear to have it all together are valued above the people who have free time and don't feel bad about it. Having free time and not filling it with some sort of task equates to laziness in our society. We are constantly pressured to do more, do it well, and look good doing it. Busy = Well Liked. Busy = Needed. Busy = Better. Busy = Important. Don't get me wrong, we are all busy some times and that is definitely okay. The problem I have is the incessant need to be busy at all times. It's not necessary and it's exhausting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/fc0c5d2d6d1b0d4562c9a21caa25eb15_zps84500a99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/fc0c5d2d6d1b0d4562c9a21caa25eb15_zps84500a99.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It starts young too. In high school I was involved in a wide variety of activities and I usually was in a leadership position. I played sports, was involved in student senate, multiple committees, chaired a student council conference, sang in show choir, participated in academic clubs, performed community service, took piano lessons, attended school functions, took AP classes, and consistently remained on the honor roll. From the ages of 14-18, I lived by my day planner. One time, my dad said that he realized I was taking on too much when my high school boyfriend asked me to go out with him one Friday night. My response? I told him I had to write it in my day planner in pencil because I wasn't sure what amount of time I had free. I literally penciled him in for a date. Poor fella.<br />
<br />
As I have gotten older and also lived with a chronic illness, I have learned to value being still and finding down time. I am trying to instill the value of being still in my children (not an easy task with three boys). There is value in structure and having a schedule too, but my boys need to know that their value isn't dependent on that. The unstructured time is when we can relax and spend time with family and friends. In my world, that is a priority. If we become too busy to spend time with the important people in our lives, then we have lost sight of something truly valuable.<br />
<br />
Hope you find some time in your Sunday for stillness and peace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/f388dfe271034707eb86127e308c8b64_zps10a9e683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/f388dfe271034707eb86127e308c8b64_zps10a9e683.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-51154223868606294602013-09-18T15:26:00.000-07:002013-09-18T15:26:38.069-07:00Crochet Mandala No. 1Ever heard of a Mandala? It's a spiritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism that represents the Universe (there is more to it -- let <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> tell you about it). Over the years though, it has become popular in the art world. Search for Mandala and you will find drawings, paintings, tapestries, mosaics, and, of course, crocheted mandalas.<br />
<br />
I have been working on more fiber art to hang in my home -- dreamcatchers, wall hangings, weavings, and now Mandalas. This is the first one I completed a few weeks ago. I love the colors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/dd7da3a32799477e58959982df1f824a_zpsc1491503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/dd7da3a32799477e58959982df1f824a_zpsc1491503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/663181d127b81f1bd3b1e74a918a36a3_zps060609f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/663181d127b81f1bd3b1e74a918a36a3_zps060609f7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm trying to decide the best way to hang it on my wall and figure out which wall. I am planning on converting my (now) office/messy craft space to a full on office/art studio -- at least as much of a studio as I can create. I think I will hang my first mandala in there for inspiration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/816f5d710ed796b57dc56b6eb3ff3771_zpsef99a518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/816f5d710ed796b57dc56b6eb3ff3771_zpsef99a518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Until today, it had been a month since my last blog post. I am working on some ideas and planning to post more often. Converting my office to a dual space is part of the plan so I can make a concerted effort each day to create, write, and, hopefully, grow my blog readership. I have been hanging on to these mandala photos for a bit and thought it would be a good way to jump back in again. Life moves so quickly and the future is constantly becoming our present. If we don't make efforts towards our dreams now, we might not have the chance later.<br />
<br />
Hope you are enjoying your week!Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-39182984808316026452013-08-17T06:43:00.001-07:002013-08-17T06:43:47.324-07:00All in One WeekI have not done much creatively this week and I need to remedy that soon before I grow antsy. This has been a very full week. A week that has been full of love, feelings of being overwhelmed and out of my element, and foreshadowing of the busy months to come.<br />
<br />
My family and I made the decision to work with a local animal rescue group. We all have a love for animals and want to give back. My husband, Jay, and I made the decision to foster dogs for a while. Last Sunday, we took in two small pups - a 7 month old Mini Schnauzer and a 4 year old Pug. Did I mention that we also have two of our own forever dogs and a 15 year old cat with an attitude? It's a menagerie in this house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The day the dogs arrived, everyone was very excited. Jay and the boys gravitated towards the puppy which meant I gravitated towards the pug, the underdog. As the week has gone on, the pug has won all of our hearts. She was rescued from a puppy mill where, it seems she was bred a lot. She has since been spayed, had an eye issue treated, and had a couple of teeth pulled that weren't well. She is the most gentle, sweet, and loving dog I think I've ever met. If ever there was a lap dog, this is what one looks like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/61ddab6936e0c0e8e4de98c8c625fa66_zps6004ce90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/61ddab6936e0c0e8e4de98c8c625fa66_zps6004ce90.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The mini schnauzer was treated poorly by her previous owner and was rescued. By the second day in our house, she thought she owned the place. She only weighs 5 lbs but she thinks she runs with the big dogs. I had forgotten how much work a puppy can be. She is loving and playful --- and ornery and into EVERYTHING. She is very curious and has chewed up a few things in the house. We have a fenced in yard but she is so small that she can fit through the wooden slats (and has). So she only goes out on a leash now. For every moment of exasperation, there are multiple moments of "you are the cutest little thing!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/79a5bc89f78e43dd0dfec5b153bc9a24_zps6c0e4b7e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/79a5bc89f78e43dd0dfec5b153bc9a24_zps6c0e4b7e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Neither dog has really lived in a house so neither is house trained. It has been a lot of work and I'm pretty sure my house now smells like an episode of animal hoarders despite our best efforts. I was pricing deals on good carpet cleaners online this morning so we can take back the carpets (I am open to suggestions on decent carpet cleaners). On the plus side though, I have seen these sweet pups be loved and give love back to us and one another. The pug sleeps on my lap and is very soothing. The mini schnauzer loves to be held and babied. There are moments where I wonder how we can keep doing this now that school is starting and my boys' sports and activities are starting. However, then I think about what these dogs' lives would be like if they hadn't been rescued. I can see it in their faces that they are so grateful. They just want to be loved and give love. How can we not help them? I am learning that giving back, really doing something, takes persistence and determination. It would be easy to give up with excuses about how much work it can be or how busy we are. <br />
<br />
My forever dogs have been so wonderful through this experience. They are gentle and loving and sweet. I make sure they feel loved too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/e0ec52b2b9f834c7ec5b79b46b924a79_zps42658082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/e0ec52b2b9f834c7ec5b79b46b924a79_zps42658082.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/7a9bb7b8a2fa0509f03697d0b5a7fac1_zps92d124cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/7a9bb7b8a2fa0509f03697d0b5a7fac1_zps92d124cf.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
In addition to fostering this week, we had a birthday. My middle son turned 10! He is my wild child, my creative soul, my worrier, and such a light in my life. He is witty and fun and sweet. His worrying keeps him up at night and almost every morning I find him sleeping on the floor in my bedroom with his quilt and pillow. He shares my fear of the dark and the adult wisdom to know that bad things happen in this world and they could happen to us. My 10 year old self was the same way. Summertime and lack of routine adds to his worrying. Now that school and football are starting, he will slip back into being a 10 year old again. My life is so colorful because I get to be his mom. Also, I love his morning hair and sleepy face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/8c111ef8827f05785d0c318aed5f239b_zps19c904a0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/8c111ef8827f05785d0c318aed5f239b_zps19c904a0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This weekend we have a soccer tournament and the pug is meeting a possible forever family. I will be so sad to see her go but I would rather shed a tear because I'll miss her, then shed a tear because she had no chance at life. I am tired and still a bit overwhelmed with everything going on right now but routines will be re-established and my family of five will stick together and make a difference in this world. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/2b64eabc-f185-403f-a73e-7331cc25918c_zpseeea0d0b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/2b64eabc-f185-403f-a73e-7331cc25918c_zpseeea0d0b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Happy weekending!<br />
Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-19003151885878715462013-07-27T10:55:00.003-07:002013-07-27T10:55:53.304-07:00My First WeavingA couple of weekends ago I decided to create my own makeshift loom out of a piece of cardboard and some twine. I used dowel rods to separate the twine. Then I just started using yarn that I already had lying around and tried my hand at weaving.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/67a5ca6793df70071ded55b36801a067_zpsfd0b8817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="456" id="blogsy-1374940086411.7512" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/67a5ca6793df70071ded55b36801a067_zpsfd0b8817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had no real design in mind. I figured I would make it up as I went and I did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/ec2a7a853f1f1f0c78b215177236d414_zps106d338b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="456" id="blogsy-1374940086426.7805" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/ec2a7a853f1f1f0c78b215177236d414_zps106d338b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Eventually it started turning into something. At that point I decided I wanted it to end up looking like some kind of patchwork sweater. A "Cosby" sweater, if you will.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/6f02c43679cc6ff90336611d5ff488a7_zps9a12955c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="456" id="blogsy-1374940086354.57" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/6f02c43679cc6ff90336611d5ff488a7_zps9a12955c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/0e34f2e7397f436bf44f4becc03e414e_zps02a2eb2f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="456" id="blogsy-1374940086347.5862" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/0e34f2e7397f436bf44f4becc03e414e_zps02a2eb2f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/c8a53a1f11dd249b983115ffc4487d7f_zpsd7bdda5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="456" id="blogsy-1374940086427.8284" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/c8a53a1f11dd249b983115ffc4487d7f_zpsd7bdda5e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. I tied off the bottom with some more of the twine for a messy kind of finish. Then I wound some green yarn through the loops at the top and secured them to a stick. I actually have a box of sticks in my craft supply collection. I found a bunch outside one day for another project and then just kept the rest. You never know when you need a stick, I guess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, I love the folksy, colorful, and natural elements in this piece. I'm trying to figure out where to hang it in my house. I think I'm going to tackle some smaller weavings next. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope you enjoy a lazy, creative, and fun Saturday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/db6a7b0326618a5aab660de36e5dbae5_zpsfb92bdd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="456" id="blogsy-1374940086428.197" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/db6a7b0326618a5aab660de36e5dbae5_zpsfb92bdd2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-24887245963432751482013-07-21T11:43:00.000-07:002013-07-21T11:43:06.853-07:00Sunday Dream CatchingSpending part of my Sunday dream catching and listening to folk music. What's on your Sunday agenda?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/9b21f08b-6683-43d9-ac0e-177b14365423_zps09174f48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/9b21f08b-6683-43d9-ac0e-177b14365423_zps09174f48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/b9f8002f2c14d68e2279287c3e92fdc8_zps0a59c9df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/b9f8002f2c14d68e2279287c3e92fdc8_zps0a59c9df.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/69e89e2390ab9b0a86709e54b902e7b8_zps58bd2c8e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/69e89e2390ab9b0a86709e54b902e7b8_zps58bd2c8e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-73623306112713063652013-07-04T07:02:00.002-07:002013-07-04T07:02:40.505-07:00Sharing Real Life #1: Essential Tremors and CreatingThis is my first post to share the less than beautiful pieces of my life. I think the mix of beautiful and more challenging pieces is what makes up a pretty great and well rounded life anyway.<br />
<br />
This past weekend, I decided to work some of my seed bead stash to make some colorful, layering necklaces. I used to make a lot of jewelry. I still love to do it but I don't work on it often because it can be frustrating to me. I have <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/essential-tremor/DS00367" target="_blank">Essential Tremor Disorder</a>, which is a very common movement disorder. That means my hands tremble involuntarily and it can be hard to work with small beads. Most days aren't that bad but I do have some bad days. Last weekend I had a crazy bad day (for me) and I was getting frustrated trying to bead. I decided to put together a quick video to share my frustration. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="305" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wK36BOLuc-0" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="500"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Luckily not every day is this shakey. My concern is that my tremors will get worse as I grow older and I will be limited in how much I can create. I want to create as much as I can now and then figure out how to continue to create as I grow older. I don't feel sorry for myself and I don't want others to feel sorry for me either. That's not why I shared this video. We all have our trials and burdens -- it's how we live with them that really defines who we are.<br />
<br />
Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-45493823190137738392013-07-03T03:00:00.000-07:002013-07-03T03:00:06.471-07:00Mint WIPI know, I'm totally a cool blogger imposter. I do know what WIPs are though so that counts, right? WIP = Work In Progress. Technically I could call myself a WIP, however, I am referring to actual works of mine that are in progress.<br />
<br />
A couple of months ago, I became completely obsessed with the color 'Mint'. It's not a color that I typically think about or use. I'm usually more a bright primary color type of person. It started one day at work. I was working in a Microsoft Excel document - jealous, right? I needed to highlight some cells for my own personal use and I was bored with my regular colors. I checked the additional colors and thought, "Hmm...I'll try mint for today." The rest of the day I got excited to see that color. I started to think about mint yarn, mint paper, mint paint...I truly became obsessed. After work on that same day, I drove myself, and my 40% off coupon, to Hobby Lobby and bought some mint yarn. I also bought an ivory colored yarn. I didn't know what I was going to do with it but I felt better just having it in my possession.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XG4poXfk3Sd4hsA2c6rVVPlDu2j3xScK52ykWXSOmNYWlGTsFvZOhNVDas9XtexVY9bhzg_qW_-clGTMTkZGVunANNnKMZVwpDqPq91LDBIwQHfY-ak084tuT_ykZkXf3vVMFaM6jEI/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A11%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="374" id="blogsy-1372812467063.0183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XG4poXfk3Sd4hsA2c6rVVPlDu2j3xScK52ykWXSOmNYWlGTsFvZOhNVDas9XtexVY9bhzg_qW_-clGTMTkZGVunANNnKMZVwpDqPq91LDBIwQHfY-ak084tuT_ykZkXf3vVMFaM6jEI/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A11%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ahh...better already...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o9kjRDCYgYpIwkS-MJ0PokPqGz1RiGJ1p3oUFxp6JSkxuCTb6QynNPPaZe1R1VVFIfbIyBnILKz-AwD7QMaAV6IJa0HkMu9LqzS1SRbhyoi5NxDk03yAXJL2MmJMbMC_aMM8xY5pINg/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="374" id="blogsy-1372812467043.0442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o9kjRDCYgYpIwkS-MJ0PokPqGz1RiGJ1p3oUFxp6JSkxuCTb6QynNPPaZe1R1VVFIfbIyBnILKz-AwD7QMaAV6IJa0HkMu9LqzS1SRbhyoi5NxDk03yAXJL2MmJMbMC_aMM8xY5pINg/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realize the level of nerdiness I have now entered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I started crocheting some granny squares. After a day or so, I decided that I wanted to make another <a href="http://amixedmedialife.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-neverending-blanket-is-complete.html" target="_blank">blanket</a>. I still loving cuddling under my other blanket so why not start a new one? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzy8F8dsfqWhk2U4AphdISl3SQGVK4DFm8Bf-OzaMKWT-MXPqA4f6z0pKI0_zgSEQafdA6PJaXEeKI2VQ1btuqphstAHxnzqwtAMtN53ylCAwHlhZwkHR_EICuWgaYJStJR9EJ606WDA/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="384" id="blogsy-1372812467015.8425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzy8F8dsfqWhk2U4AphdISl3SQGVK4DFm8Bf-OzaMKWT-MXPqA4f6z0pKI0_zgSEQafdA6PJaXEeKI2VQ1btuqphstAHxnzqwtAMtN53ylCAwHlhZwkHR_EICuWgaYJStJR9EJ606WDA/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzGHKimB85gUD69r_65nxGNEeYovg6Qfhq8jC0pedTV73TDlxc8bnH3xndK6Q-D2py70N3J1Nidhb300e_pZgHTZen5sZjLNvchqDW9g8Z6smwd0tJXy1fboFIH-OazKT3QjIR75VDSs/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="373" id="blogsy-1372812467021.8774" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzGHKimB85gUD69r_65nxGNEeYovg6Qfhq8jC0pedTV73TDlxc8bnH3xndK6Q-D2py70N3J1Nidhb300e_pZgHTZen5sZjLNvchqDW9g8Z6smwd0tJXy1fboFIH-OazKT3QjIR75VDSs/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It won't match anything in my house. It may end up being a gift for someone I love. Who knows when I'll finish it, given my history with crocheting blankets. BUT - I love it already and it's satisfying my mint craving. <br />
<br />
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-7255527956982882642013-07-01T17:32:00.000-07:002013-07-01T17:33:57.960-07:00Crochet-Embroidered Wall HangingsJust a quick post to share something I created recently. I have been wanting to add more color and texture to my walls so thought I would create some crocheted pieces to hang on the wall. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVQWY3DZLwAHREupULTMYI62jEBGNZ3odGBAG_KHytzZG9IE9Js_wtxhrtuYbQqR5o8s7E467ZKqXw3UaZsSX24Uuzm8FGXkj6SaeoGGzl9O2YIzIahc3gr50PLrXNTUPsWxvyRmg7LY/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="381" id="blogsy-1372724821054.7322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVQWY3DZLwAHREupULTMYI62jEBGNZ3odGBAG_KHytzZG9IE9Js_wtxhrtuYbQqR5o8s7E467ZKqXw3UaZsSX24Uuzm8FGXkj6SaeoGGzl9O2YIzIahc3gr50PLrXNTUPsWxvyRmg7LY/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
I had some of my favorite yellow yarns left from other projects so I used them to crochet some different sized circles. Then I used some felt and thread that I had to work on some embroidery and add text and more color. I really like how these turned out and now just have to figure out where I want to hang them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIkn6mgjybUnEWAU9aea-xx9x6MevIzI6EeIo6gu3ozk_VhT6LaqMtCc1kqcxEtb9n5g0hPeXmvKKyGW9ZSJa_1zEGuxi4f3vAGsgsAfYUxiJnrlqVnEBs2iwRyfiwKWXtiTVhOlqRSI/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="374" id="blogsy-1372724821112.6765" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIkn6mgjybUnEWAU9aea-xx9x6MevIzI6EeIo6gu3ozk_VhT6LaqMtCc1kqcxEtb9n5g0hPeXmvKKyGW9ZSJa_1zEGuxi4f3vAGsgsAfYUxiJnrlqVnEBs2iwRyfiwKWXtiTVhOlqRSI/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-I2IMVyjyb7ixCzK16G_1a7w25r_NqW14JNpp38o2dUcFq1yIuewhu2xu2JmAGdHfPTfi73eo0zsKxJ5mz1VBrc_jG51FAHfongLqAa1NcUrdYqcWC7JM8YXcUXjIAlCbv2cvmpPXRA/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="374" id="blogsy-1372724821112.0278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-I2IMVyjyb7ixCzK16G_1a7w25r_NqW14JNpp38o2dUcFq1yIuewhu2xu2JmAGdHfPTfi73eo0zsKxJ5mz1VBrc_jG51FAHfongLqAa1NcUrdYqcWC7JM8YXcUXjIAlCbv2cvmpPXRA/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNKEypKWPivC8U9w4rEUfFy0M7jEXaT2Ieu0Y-7npo2sEtfoGL8nH0J3GaKk0QIjWlnJNudyK1PdyrvQvqpnu2Q83o4AkTgx3ZdXZco6QJIuxWJhcn7h42L1-N8zspQV9AMeSCqkhkys/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A11%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="373" id="blogsy-1372724821127.777" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNKEypKWPivC8U9w4rEUfFy0M7jEXaT2Ieu0Y-7npo2sEtfoGL8nH0J3GaKk0QIjWlnJNudyK1PdyrvQvqpnu2Q83o4AkTgx3ZdXZco6QJIuxWJhcn7h42L1-N8zspQV9AMeSCqkhkys/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A11%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you enjoy a safe and fun holiday week!</div>
Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-30914700206317181292013-06-30T09:21:00.001-07:002013-06-30T09:22:47.383-07:00Sunday-ing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
Today I am listening to Bob Dylan, working on layers of seed bead necklaces, and tackling LOADS of laundry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96byM6C-3VPorJtnsYP6Krf7AyG1fx-Sd_XxPYhSsyIpx3wfxBodXfb20rtlWvwoCmxZ37YbwzKZOiDDABR5nmz3AKg-6G1fjyKhmqk79BM8cpKpCCRIpXuN1GduukYi8t1oRzIGmvMk/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A08%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="389" id="blogsy-1372608979158.1602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96byM6C-3VPorJtnsYP6Krf7AyG1fx-Sd_XxPYhSsyIpx3wfxBodXfb20rtlWvwoCmxZ37YbwzKZOiDDABR5nmz3AKg-6G1fjyKhmqk79BM8cpKpCCRIpXuN1GduukYi8t1oRzIGmvMk/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A08%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Our summer has started off pretty busy with 3 different trips that allowed us to have a great time with family. In between trips, my day job has been a bit nutty. Our laundry has suffered, as a result. I thought about posting a picture of the ridiculous amount of laundry I have to do but decided to just stick with colorful pictures of beads instead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL4HAOuzYUOOBs3XrAR_TlYTIlm0-WO1jlR422HnWP1tPqAHy3S-_UFGb1U0JK-RmUQxnxxUEpIqTN-O2APWkAy0zJmGjKQMEp4KjM7pQMy1RfVCsIz8VcewuOpeGLn47CeyVnb_HxgA/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A09%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="404" id="blogsy-1372608979201.9412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL4HAOuzYUOOBs3XrAR_TlYTIlm0-WO1jlR422HnWP1tPqAHy3S-_UFGb1U0JK-RmUQxnxxUEpIqTN-O2APWkAy0zJmGjKQMEp4KjM7pQMy1RfVCsIz8VcewuOpeGLn47CeyVnb_HxgA/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A09%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
That got me thinking about how we post just the good things in our lives on the Internet - perfect lighting, color, only posting the 2 photos of our kids smiling because the other 50 they were making faces or hitting one another. Between social media and blogs, it can leave a person feeling inadequate. I'm toying with the idea of doing a blog post devoted to the mundane and less than beautiful things in my life. It makes me a little nervous to put that kind of thing out there but, without those things, we wouldn't appreciate the good as much, right?<br />
<br />
Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!<br />
Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-43141965954933456092013-06-29T06:49:00.001-07:002013-06-29T06:51:50.842-07:00Dear SaraRecently I started using one of my various journals to write notes to myself. Usually it's to a specific moment in my past but, sometimes, it is directed at Future Sara. Sometimes it's silly and, sometimes, it's more serious. It's been a good way to record memories I have and my thoughts on those memories. It has also been a way of reconciling things in my past. Do you ever wish you could go back to a moment in your childhood and give yourself a hug and say "it will get better"? This is my way of doing that.<br />
<br />
I thought I might occasionally share a Dear Sara entry here on my blog. I will probably keep the more personal and private posts to myself, but I don't mind sharing others. I don't have a lot of entries at this point but I have already learned that I wouldn't change much from my past. There are definitely tough times that I would hate to relive but I realize now that they shaped me as I am now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5V4PmAFcN2Ajt2zgo-blNdxUvlvHxqCXI388DSiqfSBetrT16X6iKy32p9Rn9B3bv_doz73y3pQJfq8cnjRW495nLIAAlSpKPcOodactbVlQPyFdp7liI8MsDogASipeAfK04yBJ8JM/s1600/Photo%252520Jun%25252028%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="394" id="blogsy-1372513718813.9153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5V4PmAFcN2Ajt2zgo-blNdxUvlvHxqCXI388DSiqfSBetrT16X6iKy32p9Rn9B3bv_doz73y3pQJfq8cnjRW495nLIAAlSpKPcOodactbVlQPyFdp7liI8MsDogASipeAfK04yBJ8JM/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252028%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
For this first 'Dear Sara' post, I will share this one:<br />
Dear Sara 11/14/1998,<br />
Best decision you <u>ever</u> made or will make.<br />
Love,<br />
Completely fulfilled Sara<br />
P.S. 11/14/1998 was the day I married the one and true love of my life<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauHv3R1XIY_KgoirwIIZtBo-UF4rpP0v6MmB5OUueK2XtZN_nrGlOwL_iZwDBnTnkmGucAHGZMmf0NsRIu02YvRLba5RLOebZkA4pfeUSmpkUcfbw5qawML2pC_tMCaNXi1WYr1LdbYI/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252028%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="370" id="blogsy-1372513718864.1304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauHv3R1XIY_KgoirwIIZtBo-UF4rpP0v6MmB5OUueK2XtZN_nrGlOwL_iZwDBnTnkmGucAHGZMmf0NsRIu02YvRLba5RLOebZkA4pfeUSmpkUcfbw5qawML2pC_tMCaNXi1WYr1LdbYI/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252028%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Are there certain moments in your life that you would love to be able to share words of wisdom or love with your past self? What would they be?<br />
Happy Saturday-ing!<br />
<br />
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-41554881835153176802013-06-26T16:02:00.001-07:002013-06-26T16:02:04.876-07:00My Techie Attempts<p>A few months ago, my laptop died and I decided to go the way of the iPad. For most of my purposes, I have been happy with the change. I've never had a Mac before so there have been some learning curves - especially since my day job is done entirely on a PC.</p>
<p>The things I have learned to love about having an iPad: the easy portability, the speed (as compared to my previous laptop), and I am loving the camera and photo editing apps that I've found. I have been using my iPad a lot for easy photos and editing. I still use my DSLR camera but it's nice to be able to play with photography easily when I've been really busy. I'm also starting to play around with videos and editing.</p>
<p>The biggest problem I have had is trying to blog from my iPad. Every time I want to post, I have to jump on my husband's laptop to do it. I recently did some research and found some apps that were recommended for blogging with an iPad. After reading several articles and reviews, I decided to try Blogsy. That is what I am using to write this post right now. It cost me $5.99 so the cheapskate in me is expecting A LOT from it. Don't fail me, Blogsy.</p>
<p>Mostly this is a test post and my attempt to impersonate a modern blogger. We'll see how this goes. I'm doing a lot of hunting and pecking to figure out this app. Maybe, just maybe, I'll become one of those cool bloggers who actually understand what all of these apps and bloggy talk mean. Maybe. </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGMWXi3hgV1KfZ8jrtVn15pEFup_tmwTE_UNnFRU8NKGk0ReM9GJ-9ay4azD4I4FPNbhFGpQdW_PhlDxRmQ1nPf3UWwtx0vIGP1Gd-WaNk61IIsu9mbus9XGlWs8g9avZ5OMVbCDeXzM/s1935/Photo%252520Jun%25252023%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A13%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGMWXi3hgV1KfZ8jrtVn15pEFup_tmwTE_UNnFRU8NKGk0ReM9GJ-9ay4azD4I4FPNbhFGpQdW_PhlDxRmQ1nPf3UWwtx0vIGP1Gd-WaNk61IIsu9mbus9XGlWs8g9avZ5OMVbCDeXzM/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252023%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A13%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1372287673818.2078" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="499"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-84631651588922511782013-05-29T21:00:00.000-07:002013-05-29T21:00:00.732-07:00The Pintester Movement <br />
So, we all have those pins on Pinterest that have been there forever and we have never tried them. I have had <a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/07/06/a-super-simple-way-to-make-colorful-3d-art/" target="_blank">this pin on Pinterest</a> for quite a while. It looks pretty easy but I just never did anything with it. Then, I read about <a href="http://pintester.com/2013/05/the-pintester-movement-craft-all-the-things" target="_blank">The Pintester Movement</a>.<br />
<br />
The Pintester is a blog I love to follow. The blogger, Sonja Foust, is funny and she is very open about trying different pins (mostly with hilarious results). I look forward to her posts each week. So when she decided to round up other bloggers to try out those pins that had been sitting in their boards and post the results...I was in!<br />
<br />
Enter...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pintester.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/pintester-movement-500-plain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://pintester.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/pintester-movement-500-plain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had a trip planned this past, long weekend but I really wanted to participate. I chose a pin that interested me and could be completed within a reasonable amount of time. I also wanted to be able to try out a few different versions.<br />
<br />
I started with the typical hand tracing. I used marker for the black lines and the pink hand outline. Then I went with crayons to color in the background lines. I chose crayons mostly because my son received a large amount of crayons for Christmas and I can't resist a box of new crayons! The hand turned out just ok. My lines weren't that straight but the hand has the slight 3D effect I was wanting to achieve.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/image_zps0d1bd2c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/image_zps0d1bd2c0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I wanted a different shape. The original link I used for the instructions had a banana as one of the examples. I looked around my house for some additional items and came up with a video game controller. There are plenty of them in this house full of boys. I'm not overly excited about this example but I did play around a little with the background lines to see if a pattern would still make the main object stand out. I do like the patterned lines on this one. Again, I used markers and crayons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/image_zpsccb622a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/image_zpsccb622a1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My final drawing was of my 7 year old son's right foot. He giggled quite a bit as I traced the outline of his foot with a pencil. My 9 year old son was concerned that my paper was going to stink. It didn't. The foot came out kind of weird and I went a little further with patterns. It's a little busy but you get the picture (pun!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/image_zpsdff9b500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/image_zpsdff9b500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, that is one pin I can cross off of my list! My kids were sucked into it and really want to try some different objects. I also taught my nieces how to do it over the weekend. It's a fun activity for kids. I also remembered how nice it is just to color with crayons some times. I watched old episodes of The Office as I colored. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/image_zps979d2503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/image_zps979d2503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't wait to check out <a href="http://pintester.com/2013/05/the-pintester-movement-craft-all-the-things" target="_blank">The Pintester Movement post on May 30</a>. She will be posting links to many other bloggers who tried different pins with various results. I am very excited to be a part of the party!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-48647084116277807622013-05-18T07:31:00.000-07:002013-05-19T07:06:41.143-07:00The ShipIn 2007, I opened my first Etsy shop with my friend. I primarily sold jewelry at that time. I also opened a Facebook account to promote my shop. At the time, my friends and family were still on MySpace so the only "friends" I had on Facebook were other Etsy shop owners. The interaction was minimal. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gradually my friends and family migrated from MySpace to Facebook (sorry, Tom!). My attention to my Etsy shop ebbed and flowed over the years and most of those initial "friends" were deleted as I used Facebook for more of a personal use. However, there were a few of those initial Etsy shop friends who I found interesting and kept around to see what they created.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over the years, I started interacting more often with two ladies from that Etsy bunch. We would comment on photos, comment on each other's statuses, etc. I bought some photos from one of them. An online friendship began to develop. From there, they introduced me to other friends they had online with similar interests. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We started to have long message threads of conversations until one day, one of my brilliant friends created a private Facebook group for us to interact regularly and privately. It is a very personal and sacred place for me so I will only refer to it as The Ship. Initially we had a larger group of women but life happened, cattiness happened, and some of them jumped ship. Then there were six of us aboard The Ship. One of them is my sister who I brought aboard to grow closer to her as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over the last couple of years, I have checked in with those five ladies every day. We know intimate details of each other's lives. We've helped each other through difficult life changes and problems. We've shared a lot of laughs and had a lot of ridiculous conversations. We are located all over the United States but geography does not dictate our level of closeness.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've texted, talked on the phone, sent notes and packages to each other, and some have actually met in person. I'm writing this today because one of my shipmates is in town visiting her father, who just happens to live in a neighboring town to me. She and I are going to meet face to face for the first time this afternoon and I can't wait! We all talk about one day finding a way to all get together in person. It's tough with geographic distance and busy schedules but it will happen. One day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I write all of this because these ladies and this ship have helped me to grow in ways I would not have imagined. They are all so very different from me yet somehow we have commonalities. I have learned how to be more open about my feelings which has helped me with other relationships in life. I have learned to look at life differently and to be more open to experiences and people. When I am feeling out of sorts and can't figure it out, I just type a rambling, jumbled mess and my girls help me pinpoint what is bothering me. They inspire me to be more creative. They make me laugh. A lot. They've helped me to become a better friend to my oldest and dearest friends. Their encouragement also helped give me the confidence to make a new friend in my town last year. When I was completely dorky and excited about this new friendship, my shipmates joined in and encouraged me. As a result, that new friend is one of my closest friends.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Ship has been afloat for over two years now and I think it will exist in some shape for a long time. While I believe that we may go through times where we don't chat as much, I know if I called out with a need, those five ladies would be there in a heartbeat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Those who know me in person would probably be surprised that I have developed these online friendships. My husband was skeptical at first but he has grown to know these ladies through my stories and has even become Facebook friends with some of them too. He has seen my growth as a result of these friendships. I think he's somewhat excited (or at least curious) to meet one of my friends today too. It's weird to refer to it as "meeting" her when I know so much about her already.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For all their faults, technology and the Internet have definitely provided me with an opportunity I would not have had without it. An opportunity to develop strong friendships and to grow as a person. The Ship is a big part of my life and I wouldn't change it for anything. Thanks, ladies (you know who you are). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/222_zpsb298f9e0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/222_zpsb298f9e0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-15280551068245484622013-05-13T15:16:00.001-07:002013-05-13T15:16:10.161-07:002013 Goals - May UpdateI wanted to post an update regarding my <a href="http://amixedmedialife.blogspot.com/2013/01/vitality.html" target="_blank">goals for 2013</a> - particularly my goal for growing vegetables this year. I do not have a green thumb but I tried really hard. However, the results were less than stellar.<br />
<br />
I started lettuce, kale, tomato, and cucumber from seed. I babied these plants like crazy and they shot up pretty quickly. I was feeling pretty good about myself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7258_zps05bae62e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7258_zps05bae62e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They grew and grew. I was very pleased with what seemed like a green thumb emerging!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7259_zps58f74ecc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7259_zps58f74ecc.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
They got to be pretty decent sized seedlings (I don't have a photo of them at their biggest and brightest). My husband and I were just about ready to build the raised bed and put them in the ground. That's when things went downhill. First some of the lettuce started to struggle and die. Then the rest of the plants went pretty quickly. I won't bore you with the details but my expert opinion on what may have happened to the plants:<br />
<br />
They had too much water<br />
They had too little water<br />
They didn't have enough light<br />
They had too much light<br />
They hate me<br />
<br />
That's basically the prognosis I came up with after some Internet searching. Plants are complicated beings and seem pretty smug when I can't figure them out.<br />
<br />
I was pretty bummed and a little embarrassed at first. However, then it dawned on me...that was the biggest success I've ever had with plants on my own. I usually don't even get them to seedlings. So while I won't be eating my own homegrown veggies this summer, I will be happy with the experience and the small amount of success I had in the beginning. It's a start. Maybe next year I'll get even further? Luckily I had not invested much money so there was no issue there.<br />
<br />
I am still going to consider it a goal that was completed. I gave it a good try, learned some things, stressed a little too much, and there is a great Farmer's Market in town where I will continue to buy kale, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Goal completed (pretty much).<br />
<br />
I did enjoy having the plants in my home office and I enjoyed the smell of earth each morning when I went to work. So, I decided to add some other plants to my work area. Plants that even I can't destroy too quickly (fingers crossed)... Succulents!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/1323b1c1-0cf3-4848-b47b-9fee9c53554e_zpsa4742ffa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/1323b1c1-0cf3-4848-b47b-9fee9c53554e_zpsa4742ffa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My iPOD does not take the same quality photos that my DSLR camera does - my apologies!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/6879a519-bdb9-4c0f-9521-5ea49ad0172e_zps0ed0bd67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/6879a519-bdb9-4c0f-9521-5ea49ad0172e_zps0ed0bd67.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
So, that's that. I will try again but I need a year to work up the motivation again. <br />
<br />
One last thing before I finish this post, yesterday was Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. I was too busy enjoying Mother's Day with my family so wasn't able to post. Please help to spread awareness for this awful chronic illness. I live with it and many other people do too. I manage mine with a mix of traditional medicine and holistic approaches. I have found ways to manage through the pain, fatigue, flu-like illness, and many, MANY other symptoms but I still have flare ups that just knock me out here and there. I have learned a lot about myself living with this illness and I would love to see the day that we can wipe it out all together. Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<img height="640" src="http://cdn.mdjunction.com/components/com_joomlaboard/uploaded/images/fibromyalgia_awareness_hope_love_cure_card_p137724322355071342envwz_325.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-51234409848904832002013-04-27T17:09:00.000-07:002013-04-27T17:09:27.894-07:00The Neverending Blanket is Complete!The <a href="http://amixedmedialife.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-neverending-blanket.html" target="_blank">Neverending Blanket</a> is complete! I should probably change the name of it but I like it the way it is. It's the first large blanket I've ever made. I started it in early 2011. It didn't really take me 2 whole years. It was one of those projects that I would work on furiously for a couple of weeks and then not touch it for a few months. This cycle continued and, the larger it grew, the more I thought I would never finish it. This project felt a bit overwhelming at times.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7288_zpse3909860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7288_zpse3909860.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I took a week off of work and just stayed home with my family. It was laid back and wonderful. That week I took a good look at the progress I had actually made. Initially I was going to make this blanket big enough to fit on a twin bed for one of my boys. However, they have quilts my mother made and my husband and I made fleece tie blankets for them at Christmas too. So I laid out the blanket as it was and really looked at it. I hadn't done that in a while because I usually had it folded up so that I could continue working rows. After looking at it, I realized I could be finished with it if I wanted to be.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7287_zpse84b0d3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7287_zpse84b0d3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I just needed to make that decision. "It is good, just as it is." <br />
<br />
Once I did, I finished the stripe I was working on and then added a darker gray border around the edge. In one afternoon I had gone from "this will never end" to "this is finished". My husband immediately took a nap on the couch with it. My sons argued over who got to use it. That night, I curled up under it's comfortable weight and warmth it provided. It's not large enough to fit a bed but it's larger than a regular lap blanket. It's perfect just as it is.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7289_zps3d492248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7289_zps3d492248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Are you sensing where I am going with this? If I can decide that this mammoth project that became an uphill battle to finish is perfect just as it is, can't I decide the same about myself? I always struggle with changes and goals that I make for myself. Some of them are easy and attainable, but some of them seem never ending as well. I don't view this blanket as giving up, rather I think I looked at it with new eyes and realized I was the only one keeping it from being complete and perfect, just as it is. I'm the only one who keeps myself from seeing that I'm good, just as I am. I can definitely strive to challenge myself and create a variety of goals but I need to accept me for me. You should try it. Accept you for you.<br />
<br />
I realize this is just a blanket but it really did make me see that I put up my own road blocks. I make things harder than they need to be for myself. I am much too hard on myself. Sometimes, we just need to look at ourselves with new eyes and say "I am good, just as I am."<br />
<br />
Project Neverending Blanket complete!Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-666607070931679150.post-8393001528972618402013-04-23T16:53:00.000-07:002013-04-23T16:53:54.763-07:00Crochet to Help OthersI hesitated in writing this post at first. It felt wrong to "brag" about doing a good deed or helping a charity. However, then I realized that I was inspired to search out these volunteer opportunities because other people blogged about these types of things. If my post inspires someone else to help another person, then I think that is a good thing.<br />
<br />
I recently crocheted a couple of shawls using acrylic yarn. I love the idea of a prayer shawl. The basic idea is creating a shawl, and, while you are working on it, you send out love, prayers, and good thoughts to bring the person who wears it some comfort. At first, I didn't know who I was going to give them to but I enjoyed making them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7291_zps2435d185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7291_zps2435d185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Last week I started researching some different charities that use handmade items to help other people. There are a bunch of groups out there. I wanted to find something local so I could help my community and I wanted to be able to make things that inspire me so I will keep doing it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7293_zpsa6502a4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7293_zpsa6502a4b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For these shawls, I decided to donate them to the local hospice in my town. I have had several friends in recent years who have lost loved ones and they always have wonderful things to say about hospice and the services they provide. I wanted to do something to bring a little extra love and comfort to someone and their family in their time of need.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7297_zpse858e047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7297_zpse858e047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7295_zpsddb29e40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s361/smedjill/IMG_7295_zpsddb29e40.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Last Saturday I took the shawls over and dropped them off with some wonderfully kind people. It felt pretty good and I want to make some more soon. I am looking into some other options to donate to and will share more on that soon. I feel strongly led to do more for others currently and I intend to act on it. Big or small, helping others is the right thing to do and, let's face it, we feel better about ourselves when we do it too. We also set the example for our children, families, friends, etc. when we give back. <br />
<br />
What charities are important to you and how do you contribute?<br />
<br />Sara at A Mixed Media Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552533178653241332noreply@blogger.com0