Thoughts

Thoughts and feelings on the challenges and gifts of life.

  • Art Journaling,  Faith,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Sketching,  Thoughts,  Tutorials and How to's,  Uncategorized

    Soul Words ~ A Quick Healthy Soul Exercise

    Working full-time I realize I need to get some Soul Nourishment in before my day starts because once I get to work it’s 0 – 60 in no time flat. My day gets going at a busy pace so making sure I take a break some days is a necessity. That brings me to a soul nourishing exercise that is quick, easy and refreshing. The Exercise: In the image below I’ve listed some soul words. Simply take a planner (your current one or an old one), journal, or even a sheet of paper and say the word out loud. Write the word on your paper and then ponder what that…

  • Creative Planners,  Life,  Thoughts

    Planning for the New Year

    With a new year comes a new planner. Well, this planner isn’t new to me as I’ve been saving it. Last year I really enjoyed my Heidi Swapp Memory planner and I have a wonderful keepsake capturing special moments through the year. I have, however, been waiting to use my DCWV Rose Gold Planner. Oh how I love this planner. I love the cute interchangeable charms that snap on the front of the plannerr, the darling polka dot design and the magnetic closure snap. One thing I’m enjoying as well after wearing a uniform for 20 years of my life, now that I wer ‘civies’, I like using  the wardrobe…

  • Creative Planners,  Life,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Planning for a Full Life

    Sometimes with life you feel as if you go from 0-60 in no time flat and the road takes a big turn.  Well, that’s a bit what my life looks like currently. In the last 5 months, I’ve had some major events take place. I’ve sadly lost some dear loved ones that were a daily part of my life We moved our girl to Montana for school which was exciting and hard at the same time.  We are now empty nesters I celebrated my five year cancer free mark A wonderful family wedding took place in Santa Barbara We made a move and now mom, hubby and I live together…

  • Life,  Sharing the Love - Giveaways,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    A Somerset Life and Giveaway * Winner Chosen

    So I picked a name out of a hat and the winner is . . . . . Marianne B in AZ.  Congratulations.  I’ll notify Stampington to send your copy of Somerset Life your way.  Thank you Stampington! Some of you are familiar with Stampington and Company’s beautiful publications. For others, maybe you have never had the pleasure to experience these amazing periodicals.  They are so beautifully done.  From the artwork collected, the well written informative and inspiring articles, the thick lovely pages, layout and more, each issue is packed full of creative goodness.  Stampington’s family of publications span so many creative venues; Bella Grace (photos and stories), Art Journaling, Bella…

  • Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Getting Creative with the Crock Pot ~ A Quick Delish Meal

    My crockpots are so well loved.  I have a family of crockpots; a large one, medium sized and one for keeping things warm like dips or appetizers.  I also have a tri crockpot station that keeps three things warm at a time; great for entertaining. Well, these last couple months have been the busiest in a long time with graduation and award ceremonies, friends who are graduating, overtime and being short staffed at work, getting ready to move our girl to Montana for college, and so much more. I work full time (ten hour days), head to the Dojo (Karate/Kickboxing) and then home to fix the family something filling.  I’m…

  • Life,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Ode to the Power of Community

    I’ve been a little MIA here on the blog but thought I’d share why. A dear friend and co-worker was diagnosed with lung cancer about a year and a half ago.  She has been such a fighter.  She has never smoked and lived a pretty healthy life.  The cancer metastasized and has spread everywhere.  She’s currently on hospice and I’ve been spending time attempting to be a support to her and her family.  In fact, her work family has been amazing rallying around Joel.  She is a single mom of two wonderful boys; ages 9 and 14.  Oh the heart! It’s been amazing to see the outpouring of love and…

  • Creative Planners,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    DCWV Planner Review – Love

    Hello all!  I’m thrilled to share with you DCWV planners.  You may know DCWV (Die Cuts with a View) as a leader in paper crafting, home decor, and beautiful jewelry supplies.  They have been a long standing strong company in business for over 20 years.  They do an amazing job and offering inspiration, creativity at a great value. At first impression while opening the box containing this beautiful DCWV planner was the feel of the cover.  The cover is made of a faux lovely leather, my specific planner, red in color.  I love the soft feel of it.  I also loved the color and quality.  The planner seems sturdy and durable…

  • Creative Planners,  Life,  Not So Traditional Scrapbooking,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Capturing Memories in Your Planner

    There are so many planners that I absolutely love ~ some that I own and some that I’d like to own.  I use certain planners for certain things as many planner girls do.  Oh the beautiful designs out right now. I’m excited to review a new planner here in a week or so . . . stay tuned.  It’s in the mail and I’m thrilled to share more. Today, I thought I’d share why I chose Heidi Swapps’s Memory planner this year. Life can get so busy, right? Isn’t that why we need planners? In the midst of the ‘getting it done’ and ‘staying organized’, I still want to cherish and preserve the…

  • Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Martial Arts – Yes Arts

    A few months back, a friend and I had a conversation about breast cancer and then kickboxing.  This friend owns multiple martial arts studios.  I shared with him that I’ve always wanted to give kick boxing a try.  Lo and behold, about a week later I had a pair of pink boxing gloves on my desk with a gift certificate to try out kick boxing.  Well, I fell in love with kickboxing and martial arts.  I attend United Studios of Self Defense (USSD) Mission Viejo North.  I had never been exposed to martial arts (except in the police academy when we were given one weaponless defense course). The Sensei’s (instructors)…

  • Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Wishing You Joy in the New Year

    Some years are more difficult than others.  We all know that life holds ups and downs . . . it’s like a roller coaster.  But oh we do have the choice to scream or hold on during the adventure and enjoy the peaks. I am hoping and praying a beautiful 2017 for you!  Know that you have enriched my life journey and for that I’m grateful! Warmest wishes!