Life Lines Journaling

Breathe

2011-11-29T01:41:00.001-05:00

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

I have been on a self-imposed sabbatical ~ although I often work with others on self-care, I managed to forget nourishing my own spirit. Thought I’d share a few images from my daily life (I do love living in a seasonal area); when the beauty around me is enough, I know I’ve arrived back to where I want to be. Miss all my bloggy friends and hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season in whatever way you celebrate it.

ABC’s of Me ~ A

2011-08-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another. Luciano de Crescenzo

I did several art journal pages to begin with letter “A” but angel is what called to me. A dear friend recently sent a goody bag full of treasure. Any gift or thought is always uplifting; however, in these particular moments where I have felt such a drought, this unexpected gift was a soul shower. And what a surprise that there were four books that I was clearly meant to read at this phase in my life ~ Marianne Williamson and Julia Cameron (always my favorites) and a new favorite, Anne Lamott. I journaled my way through each of these books, each one building on the other (certainly too many pages to share here!) which finally culminated in my ABC’s of Me angel page.

What books have touched you in a meaningful way? More importantly, what people have touched you in a meaningful way?

Technorati Tags: self discovery,writing prompt,Marianne Williamson,Julia Cameron,Anne Lamott

The ABC’s of Me Self Discovery Project

2011-08-07T10:48:00.001-04:00

I made this journal for a friend who found meaning through children’s books. At the same time, I was reading Marianne Williamson’s The Age of Miracles and somewhere in the process realized I wanted to get back to basics. The phrase “the ABC’s of me” resonated and using the alphabet for list-making and acrostic poems is a common technique both in journal writing and creative writing (although for most of us I think those lines blur…often journal writing is creative writing and vice versa). Perhaps with the back to school season upon us, as I shop for backpacks and notebooks and colored pencils etc., “the ABC’s of me” seems timely; especially as this will be the first year in a long time that I am not taking any classes (yay, all done).

My plan is to explore in my journal each letter and all that bubbles up in terms of re-discovering self at this new age I find myself in. I’ll post about the “letter of the week” and sprinkle in some creativity prompts along the way. I hope you’ll join me. There’s a linky on the sidebar that will remain during our process. No rules ~ feel free to join in, observe, link on the side, link on your blog…or not…I would love for you to, but I know how many fun blog events I bailed out of because I couldn’t keep up or make the time for all the parameters (ex ~link here, visit the first two blogs and comment, visit the blog that signed in five spaces before and after, comment three times, link in your post and jump twice in a circle while rubbing your head…). The link is live and I will post “A” sometime this week.

A few prompts now to express yourself your way (journal, blog, mixed media, poetry etc.)through the alphabet ~

pull out a dictionary and see what words call to you from the letter you are working on

open a book to a random page and do the same

write the entire alphabet down the side of the page and write an acrostic poem

start your “letter” journal entry with “(letter you are on) is for…”

think of at least five adjectives with that alphabet letter that describe you

tear out different magazine images that represent the letter you are working with and collage

think of one adjective that describes you and create a writing entry or art journal page around it

instead of adjectives, think of what begins with that letter that you value (i.e., A ~ Autonomy, B ~ Balance, C ~ Cupcakes)

use the words that you are finding or are bubbling up for you to string together in a short story or poem

Have fun…and if you are participating quietly, I would love to know how the process is going for you. If you’ve linked to the side I will come visit.

Technorati Tags: writing prompt,journaling prompt,creativity prompts,self discovery,linky

Art Journal Every Day

2011-08-06T11:32:00.001-04:00

I’ve been keeping up, although not always linking up, with Julie Balzer's Art Journal Every Day. I finally decided to try watercolor. Clearly I need to play more but as always my focus is on the process, not product and I enjoyed that watercolor and paintbrush forced me to slow down.

Julie Balzer had one series of posts where she divided the page into 30 and did 30 faces in 30 days. I have not ventured into faces and I didn’t divide into 30, but I did think it would be fun to have a spread of “mini-journal notes” on hand when I don’t have time to write long entries. So I will be adding to these pages over time. Perhaps you’ll create some mini journal notes with me…?

Technorati Tags: art journaling,Art Journal Every Day,Julie Balzer

When it rains…

2011-07-31T19:52:00.001-04:00

I finally had an excuse to pull out the 8oz green acrylic on sale for 49 cents plus 25% off ~ too bad it was the last bottle! Ended up with seven journals, ten bookmarks, seven ATC’s, five background pages, 25 coffee-stained pages and a partridge in a pear tree (sorry, couldn’t resist now that I’ve really gotten started on Christmas).

Have a wonderful week!

Technorati Tags: art journaling,ATC,mixed media,journals

What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween

2011-07-29T11:35:00.001-04:00

I just read What to Expect from Your Adopted Tween E-guide written by Judy Miller. I met Judy a couple of years ago at the Story Circle Network conference and was immediately struck by her passion for parenting and issues surrounding adoption. This passion comes through in her clear, easy to read e-guide. The information is on target and delivers not only what to expect, but what to do as well with insight, compassion and real examples. I would recommend this e-guide for anyone as the core issues and inherent loss in adoption span any age. And we are all touched by adoption. Consider these numbers taken from AdoptionFacts.org:

~Approximately 7 million Americans are adopted persons

~ Approximately 140,000 children are adopted by American families each year

~ As many as 100 million Americans have adoption in their immediate family (adopting, placing, adopted)

What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween is set for release 8/1/11.

Technorati Tags: adoption awareness,adoption book,WhattoExpectfromYourAdoptedTween,adoption facts

Believe the Impossible

2011-07-28T01:11:00.001-04:00

These pictures strike me a bit of Alice in Wonderland …I can just imagine another world beneath the canopy of blooms. I am reminded of the Queen of Hearts when she says Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

I am off from work this week and found that the much needed break seemed to trigger lost enthusiasm for dreaming, writing and envisioning new projects. I may or may not see all my ideas to fruition, but half the joy is in allowing myself to explore and play in different directions.

What do you do to get your creative energy flowing? Are you giving yourself permission to believe in the impossible?

Technorati Tags: journal writing prompt,writing prompt,creativity,dreams

Altered Journal

2011-07-17T12:26:00.001-04:00

~ Another cereal box moment:) ~

I have been getting loads of promotions in my in-box recently for Christmas in July which triggered my thoughts back to last holiday season where I began in November for my handmade crafts and almost didn’t make it. Although some of my crafts were dismal failures (think misshapen soaps and freakish looking body scrubs), I was able to complete journal totes, bookmarks and prayer cards in the last hour. This summer, I decided to go ahead and get started on some recycled journals. I’m not sure why these have been calling to me more than the altered spiral bound sketch pads I was using. I definitely run out of pages quicker but I like the easy fit of these into my purse. By the way, if anyone has any ideas of some type of “sleeve” to preserve the flowers on the front please let me know.

I found the idea for using cereal boxes on YouTube and modified it. You can find instructions for the the cut of the journal cover at Girls Express. Instead of wrapping paper like my daughter did for the other blog, I tore out some music from the last church bulletin and mod-podged (do you think the manufacturers knew their product would turn into a verb?!) randomly, gessoed front and back, inside and outside, then covered with a couple of acrylic paints using a credit card. I found a picture that called to me along with some more sheet music, brads, stamps and flowers and threw it all together. I blended in some oil pastels, added some distressed ink in a few places, used bubble wrap dipped in black ink and sprayed with sealant. The back and inside folds have the same gessoed and painted layers with a stamp or two and some distressed ink. For the inside pages, I soaked some card stock in coffee, cut to fit and used jewelry cord threaded through two holes punched in the spine. Those are also randomly stamped. (You could also use background pages for the inside like those that Shona Cole demonstrates at The Artistic Life.)

Anyone else starting early?

{Shameless plug ~ Starting “Celebrate Your Journey” on-line 8/1/11 through Story Circle Network…would love to see you there!}

Technorati Tags: art journaling,holiday gifts,altered journal,The Artistic Life,journal,Story Circle Network

Magic in the Moments

2011-07-10T11:08:00.001-04:00

The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention. ~ Julia Cameron

The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

To be mindfully engaged is the most natural, creative state we can be in.
~Ellen Langler

Are you rushing through your moments, worried about yesterday and tomorrow or are you celebrating the moments as they come? Take a nature walk to restore balance and the practice of focusing on each moment and journal about the process.

Technorati Tags: mindfulness,moments,journal prompt

Note to Self

2011-06-30T00:31:00.001-04:00

‘It’s okay’ is a cosmic truth…Richard Bach

I haven’t had the time, or made the time truthfully, or motivation to really create lately ~ in writing, sewing or art journaling. I did post an article @ All Things Healing about the basics of visual journaling, From Journaling to Visual Journey and I also made some cards to send to a few people I had been thinking about. I definitely haven’t been blogging as much and catch myself “should-ing” on myself – I should be or do this or I should be or do that. And then I have to remind myself that where I am is where I need to be…and that’s more than okay.

Where are you at today?

Technorati Tags: All Things Healing,writing prompt,journaling

And Then I Blinked

2011-06-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

They outgrow us much faster than we outgrow them…loosely paraphrased from a Jodi Picoult character

At a recent weekend getaway, my youngest daughter (10 going on 25) insisted we buy the above wedding dress but finally settled for a picture. This is my dress she said.

I’m torn between differing emotions but will leave the thoughts about why my little one is already thinking about weddings for another day. What strikes me most is just how fast our children grow up. Cliché or not it is so true. I look at my daughters and can still feel their little baby bodies in my arms. I’ve “launched” one daughter and although she is doing well I still feel a deep-seated ache that my family is no longer intact. I get that a healthy identity is separate from others but also recognize that parenting doesn’t end at an arbitrary age. And that age isn’t ten like my youngest might like me to think. Regardless, it seems incredulous to me that we are here, in this space, one daughter an adult, another on the verge of puberty. Wasn’t I changing diapers yesterday?! As Steve Martin says in “Cheaper by the Dozen”…no more blinking!

At least she has good taste - the dress is gorgeous:)

Technorati Tags: growing up

Defining Family

2011-06-11T09:13:00.001-04:00

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

I had a moving, eye-opening experience yesterday. I was privileged to see a young man I had worked with for years graduate high school. My mind reeled back to when I first met him and the trials and tribulations that he had to experience to get to this place. With those thoughts floating in my brain, I attended his graduation party that his foster family held for him and realized that we, “the system”, had it wrong. By the federal and state government standards of “permanency”, we failed this youth. His record will join the statistics of “ageing out of care.” What those numbers don’t capture is a family and church community that loves this young man and supports him today and in his future. The gathering held an intimate circle as they sat him in the middle and each person spoke about their care and commitment to this young man and their hopes for a joyful life. What I witnessed is family in action and I was reminded again that family formation is diverse and not created by birth certificates or court papers.

Take some time to reflect on what family means to you, how it may have changed over the years and who is part of your “tribe.”

Technorati Tags: family,foster care,church,community,journal prompt,writing prompt

Random Thoughts

2011-06-06T07:57:00.001-04:00

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world.
-- Ada Louise Huxtable

A summer journal my daughter made. The “how to” can be found at Girls Express.

I have become involved with a great website All Things Healing. Check out the many informative articles on the Writing and Poetry Page.

I haven’t been active on my blog lately, just enjoying shedding my skin (and tension!) for summer as well as working on some new offerings, hopefully ready by fall. I hope to visit my blog friends soon! Have a wonderful week!

Technorati Tags: Girls Express,All Things Healing,summer journal,how to

Nourishing Spirit

2011-05-31T18:28:00.002-04:00

You have to nourish your spirit,
to keep it well and alive.
Be open, without losing integrity,
Kind without being overwhelming,
Give without giving up your self.
Embrace without being oppressing
Love, but don't forget to love your self. ~ Mads Avnboeg
I know it sounds cliché but how do you feed your soul?

May Queen Musings

2011-05-14T11:32:00.001-04:00

A delicate fabric of bird song
Floats in the air,
The smell of wet wild earth
Is everywhere.

Red small leaves of the maple
Are clenched like a hand,
Like girls at their first communion
The pear trees stand.

Oh I must pass nothing by
Without loving it much,
The raindrop try with my lips,
The grass with my touch;

For how can I be sure
I shall see again
The world on the first of May
Shining after the rain?
- Sara Teasdale, May Day

I shared this poem with a women’s circle I’m in and wanted to share here as well. I love the imagery and the message of capturing each moment. Take some to reflect on how the poem resonates for you.

(The above picture is of one of the journals I made for my women’s circle out of cereal boxes.)

Technorati Tags: may queen musings,writing prompt,journaling,sara teasdale,may day

Where I’m From

2011-05-08T00:35:00.001-04:00

My version from the link in yesterday’s post ~ a template for writing your own version of “Where I’m From.”

I am from black and white pictures, powdered Tide and sprinklers.

I am from buttercup kisses, bare feet, orange groves and grooved dirt paths.

I am from honeysuckle, tomatoes and the persimmon we couldn’t pronounce.

I am from arched eyebrows and Mary Kay.

I am from Easter Mass, picnics, tea towels and apple cheeks; from Mary and Elizabeth and her sisters in childhood slips.

I am from theater and writers, intellect and wit. From Irish fire and Saints.

I am from rosaries, candles and cathedrals, from lush green hills and the sea.

I am from the swamps of Florida and the whistle walks of D.C.

I am from the beauty of McColl and the strength of single mothers. I am from compassion and laughter, survival and tears.

I am my mom.

I am me.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Perspective

2011-05-07T10:56:00.002-04:00

First you need only look: Notice and honor the radiance of everything about you…play in this Universe

Tend all these shining things around you:

The smallest plant, the creatures and objects in your care. Be gentle and nurture. Listen…
Anne Hilman

Have you listened to self lately?
Looked at life from different angles?
Write a letter or poem of gratitude to someone that has nurtured you.
Write a letter to self from someone that may not have nurtured you in the way that you wished…allow room for forgiveness.
For me, Mother’s Day is a good time to reflect on roots. I love this template Where I'm From in creating your own poem.

Technorati Tags: nurturing,perspective,mothers day,writing prompt,journal writing,journal prompt,poetry

Journaling by the Moonlight

2011-04-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

Today I have the great pleasure of being the host on Day 12 of the Virtual Blog Tour of author Tina M Games whose book Journaling by the Moonlight: A Mother's Path to Self-Discovery (and its accompanying deck of 54 journaling prompt cards) is celebrating its 1st birthday on Amazon on Tuesday May 3, 2011.

Author Tina M Games is a certified creativity and life purpose coach. She calls herself the "Moonlight Muse" for women who want to tap into the "full moon within" and claim their authentic self, both personally and professionally. Through her signature coaching programs, based on the phases of the moon, Tina gently guides women from darkness to light as they create an authentic vision filled with purpose, passion and creative expression.

Yesterday, Tina visited Debra Simpson at Syndicating Your Content where she answered about why write this book, journaling process leading to the book, discoveries and what she hopes people will take away after reading.

Today, I'd like to share with you a recent interview I had with Tina when I got to ask her some questions on how this idea took shape, astrology’s role, tapping into intuition and thoughts on living an authentic life. I hope you enjoy it.

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Tina M Games: Thank you, Dawn, for your interest in my book, Journaling by the Moonlight: A Mother's Path to Self-Discovery and its accompanying deck of 54 journaling prompt cards.

I believe that mothers are a significant part of the "ripple effect" - that will transform the world into a more loving, more nurturing place. Imagine for a moment a "pebble thrown into a pond." It creates a ripple that goes on and on and on.

It's my belief that "a happy mother makes the best mother" - and our kids really do want to see their moms happy!

Dawn Espelage: Tina, when did the idea for Journaling by the Moonlight begin to take shape?

Tina M Games: Shortly after the birth of my first child, and after making some fairly significant life changes at the same time, I fell into depression - a place that felt so foreign to me, a place where I felt like I had fallen into a black hole with no way out. It was during this time, a period that spanned over two years that I had disconnected from everything that made me happy. Because my son suffered from chronic illnesses related to serious colds and severe ear infections, I made a very difficult choice to give up a successful career in order to care for my son full-time. I hadn't realized until this experience how much of my identity was tied into my career. I really enjoyed working. And without that opportunity in my life, I felt very lost and very unhappy.

It was during this time that I fell back on a great passion of mine - journal writing. And as a mom of a baby who did not have a normal sleep schedule, I found myself exhausted and emotional much of the time. So night after night, after I'd get my son settled and after my husband went to bed, I'd grab my journal and retreat to my favorite chair - beside a big bay window where I caught a glimpse of the moon. It was the moon that taught me the meaning of transition. I'd watch this beautiful lunar goddess, night after night, move in and out of her various phases. And before long, I began to connect her phases with my own emotional tides.

I noticed that the moon always began in darkness and gradually, she'd move into full light - and cycle back around again. And I noticed the contrast between dark and light - the darkness of the night sky against the beautiful full moon light. I started connecting to this - as if I was being divinely guided through my own transitions of dark and light. I began to notice the ebbs and flows of my emotions. There were good days and bad days.

And then one day, several years later, I had an ah-ha. After several conversations with my own mother and other mothers whom I had encountered along the way, I began to wonder, "Are there other moms out there who may be having a similar experience?"

I decided to create two focus groups of mothers where we could have honest discussions about motherhood, careers, and life purpose - and how they all fit together. These dialogues eventually led to a series of articles and then to the creation of my coaching practice - where I could work with moms on a deeper level.

This is when I decided to write my book. I wanted mothers to realize that every human transition begins in darkness and gradually moves into light, where we get a glimpse of what is possible. And then we retreat, to ponder the many ways we can manifest these possibilities into reality. This requires deep work, where we step into our own truth and into our own power - and where we can emerge in the most authentic way possible. This is what I call the Blue Moon phase - when we finally realize that we are here on this Earth to be WHO we are, to put our personal thumbprint on the world in the most truthful, most authentic, most unique way possible. Each one of us are individuals being divinely guided on our own purposeful path.

Dawn Espelage: How does astrology play a role in the work that you do?

Tina M Games: In astrology, the moon represents our emotional nature. It also shows the type of relationship a woman may have with her own mother as well as the type of mother she may be herself (her style, her demeanor, her strengths, her weaknesses).

Wherever the moon shows up in an astrology chart is an indicator of where we might have the strongest emotional ties. For example, if a moon shows up in the 1st house (the house of self), we will have strong emotions when it comes to how we perceive ourselves - our appearance, our body image, how others may feel about us. And the astrological sign of the moon (the zodiac sign) sheds light on how that emotion will play out.

Many of us aren't aware of our emotional patterns until someone points them out. Astrology offers insight based on the astrological sign and the astrological house - and helps a woman better understand her emotional nature and how best to manage it in a way that most benefits her.

Whenever I work with a client around her mothering patterns, I look at the moon in her astrology chart and guide her from there - looking at what's natural for her and what she might need to do if she wants to make some adjustments. And if necessary, I look at the moon signs of her children to see how they naturally receive her on an emotional level.

Dawn Espelage: Intuition also plays a strong role in your life. How do you tap fully into that?

Tina M Games: Intuition is our "divine channel of wisdom." It always knows best. And when we listen to it, we can't go wrong. It feeds a mother's soul with the right messages for her children - and it feeds her soul with the right messages for herself. And when we can be fully open to it, it always gives us the answers we need. When we doubt it, even in the smallest of ways, we can be thrown off track - sometimes in a very painful way.

This is where journal writing can help. We can ask ourselves the deep, thought-provoking questions and we can listen for the answers, allowing them to feed through us. We are all divinely guided - and when we are willing to ask the questions and when we are open to receiving the answers, we can travel a more purposeful, more authentic path.

In my case, I knew what was best for my son - and at the same time, I knew what was best for me. And I knew in a pivotal moment of my life story, that the two were not the same. But I didn't fully listen to my intuition. I only listened to part of it. I let guilt take over.

Looking back at that time in my life, my intuition was screaming, "You can give your child what he needs and you can give yourself what you need. There are ways it can be done." But guilt consumed me, and I gave in to what my son needed - and in a sense, I was telling myself, "You don't matter." While my son's needs were met, mine were not. And this resulted in depression.

What I learned from this experience was - a mother really does know best. She knows what's best for her child - and she knows what's best for herself - IF she really listens and follows her gut instincts.

Dawn Espelage: Any last thoughts about living an authentic life?

Tina M Games: Wouldn't the world be a much better place if we were all following our hearts? If we could truly live life with passion and purpose, everything would have a richer and deeper meaning. It would create a ripple of positive and loving energy that could literally heal the world.

When a mother is living life with complete authenticity, she's subconsciously giving permission for her kids to do the same. She's truly at her best - creating powerful change for her family, her community, and for the world at large. It's all part of "the ripple." And if our children could live life in a way that honors who they really are, it would make the ripple even bigger because they would touch lives in a positive way, too - just by living authentically.

Because moms are natural role models, our kids are observing all the time. There's a lot of truth in the saying, "Monkey see, monkey do." In other words, when a mom is modelling the value of following her heart, her kids "get it" - much more than they would if she was just saying it. Kids feel energy. They know when a person is happy and when they're not. So why not be happy - and let the ripple flow?

Self-empowerment is a beautiful thing!

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I hope you enjoyed this interview with Tina M Games and that you’ll check out her book and card deck Journaling by the Moonlight: A Mother's Path to Self-Discovery this month at Moonlight Moms Circle

Here's why:

FREE 3-DAY PASS

When you visit the page at the link above and request a "launch reminder", you will automatically receive a FREE pass to Tina's 3-day "I’m a Mom… But Who Am I Really? Telesummit" with 11 creative writing moms and grandmothers speaking on how to use intuition, journaling and creativity to explore life purpose. You can listen to the telesummit online in the comfort of your own home, and even ask questions during the broadcast.

This telesummit is a completely free "no purchase necessary"
gift from Tina, to celebrate the 1st birthday of her book.

FREE GIFTS

When you buy Tina's book or the card deck during its birthday celebration on Tuesday May 3, 2011, you can ALSO receive a complete library of beautiful personal development gifts from authors, speakers, coaches and other enlightened professionals from around the globe including one from me…

Treasure Chest - An e-Guidebook

along with another e-Guidebook ~ May Queen Musings

To claim your 3-Day Pass and read about the free gifts, go to: http://moonlightmomscircle.com/book-launch/pages/pre-launch.html

Thanks for reading! As usual, please feel free to share your comments and thoughts below. I love reading your feedback.

AND… be sure to follow Tina tomorrow when the next stop on the Virtual Blog Tour is Pat Montgomery who will be interviewing Tina on importance for kids to follow their heart, journaling importance for moms, moon in our lives and Tina’s on learning lesson. To visit that "stop" on the tour, go to http://www.parentsrulewithpat.blogspot.com/

Technorati Tags: journal writing,Tina Games,self discovery

Junk Journals

2011-04-20T12:00:00.001-04:00

Although I’ve been silent on-line, I’m still journaling daily and adding in visual components too. I’m still trying to figure out what exactly a junk journal is, as there are varying definitions. However, I saw one made out of cereal boxes that looked like fun. I did my own thing out of a cereal box, cardstock and twine. It actually started with an ATC:

Then I gesso-ed and painted the “cardboard” side of a cut cereal box (I used the outside of the cereal box as the inside of the journal and covered it with scrapbook paper but didn’t take a picture), added ribbon, stamping, paint pen embellishment, the ATC and a flower:

I only painted and stamped the backside:

I added a brad and some twine to close it and used coffee-stained cardstock for the inside pages with some random stampings(the pictures of those did not come out well). By the way, I found some great, low-priced stamps @ Scrapbuck.com (I’m not an affiliate).

I’m still in the learning curve of making my own journals. If you are interested in learning more, there are tons of you tube videos & of course, the many talented bloggers out there:)

Technorati Tags: journaling,junk journals

Double Digits

2011-04-11T07:27:00.001-04:00

Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.
Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Happy Birthday to my youngest baby girl who has insisted this is a big year as it’s “double digits”!

When I look back I am amazed at how fast these ten years went by and find myself wishing I could slow time and re-do so many moments. But I love who she is becoming, her drama and humor a constant source of fun and insight often beyond her years.

What are you celebrating today?

Girls’ Artist Trading Cards

2011-03-27T20:05:00.001-04:00

While we teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. Anon

I have always loved that quote. I am constantly amazed by my children and others in how they take what I see as complex and turn it into stunning simplicity. My youngest had one of her friends over this weekend and their every conversation, choice and play seemed so natural. There was no concern of political correctness and no self conscious behavior, just two kids who genuinely liked each other.

They pulled out art supplies and wanted to make artist trading cards.

My youngest found a tri-fold card I had, painted it gold, applied a key

And symbolized what she treasures within ~ love, music & animals

Her friend found the butterflies

They swapped friend ATC’s

And then they joined two ATC’s together to represent their friendship

Very cool to watch them enjoy creating while talking seriously about the definition of a true friend. Inspired me to go ahead and post my ATC creativity prompts’ PDF for girls with the themes of All About Me, Feelings, Friendship and Girl Power. They can be found @ Girls Express.

What’s inspiring you this weekend?

Technorati Tags: artist trading cards,ATC's,Girls Express,children

Bared

2011-03-18T00:08:00.002-04:00

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and a smooth road all the way to your door. Irish Blessing
I’ve been going through a “bare branches” phase lately

eyes riveted to the naked starkness
bold against the changing backdrop

exposing beauty through vulnerability
one last stand before spring bursts through

As I progress through a season of physical, emotional and spiritual spring cleaning
I feel a kinship for the stripped down version
knowing that sometimes pruning ornamental clutter is necessary before the bloom

What’s been calling to you lately?

Technorati Tags: lifewriting,writing prompt,journal prompt

Mom’s Treasure

2011-03-07T22:18:00.001-05:00

A daughter’s smile on a swing set and the beginning blooms of spring ~ in this moment all is right with the world…

I hope you’ll join me in capturing memories and creating memories with our daughters in Mom's Treasure: A Storybook Workshop
Empowering our daughters through relationship and creative expression. This four week on-line circle will feature a weekly guidebook with writing and art activities for you and your daughter in exploring identity and values, enhancing self-esteem and writing her story through love and compassion. A coaching call for self-care will be offered along with a bonus guidebook for mom. (No writing or art experience needed) See sidebar for paypal...Mother's Day Special - only $40.00

Eliminate Mental Clutter

2011-03-05T23:25:00.001-05:00

Whenever I’m dealing with too much swirling inside my head, I have to write. I don’t care if it’s coherent, I just have to get it on paper. Recently, after several pages of dribble, I asked myself some pointed questions and ended up with the following process:

(The very first one, ready to feel on top of ~~the~~ my world again ~ control issue popping back up but in a healthier way, literally as I went back to the gym this past week…of course, I was just easing myself back into it & didn’t make it past the hot tub!)

Then I reminded myself, again, of my word of the year…it really shouldn’t be so hard, it is just one word! Those are balloons at the top with what I want to “release” written on them. I found an old book on organizing your household and loved the phrase I found in it ~ Eliminate Mental Clutter

You can’t see the words in the petals and stems but this was an entry (basically all covered in paint now) about manifesting abundance by recognizing that I have all that I need already.

The following did not start with the writing first, which is what I usually do (probably backwards from “real” art journals) but instead it was the picture that called to me. The peacock feathers look like mini artist trading cards. My caption Strut Even When You Don’t Feel It… or as my mom always said fake it until you make it

And finally, When All Else Fails, Eat Cupcakes…so much for my healthier outlook:)

I used the following writing prompts…give them a try & see where they take you:

~ What do you need right now?

~ What’s in the way?

~ How will you get there?

For the record, in case you are new here…I am all about the process, not the product. No judging allowed:)

Oh, I almost forgot…I have two upcoming workshops. One through Story Circle Network, Life Books, beginning the first of April and Mom’s Treasure: A Storybook Workshop beginning in May (see tab at the top of the page). Hope you can join me!

Technorati Tags: journal writing,writing prompt,art journaling,journal writing workshop

In Between

2011-02-26T10:08:00.002-05:00

It’s not so much that we’re afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it’s that place in between that we fear…It’s like being between trapezes. It’s Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There’s nothing to hold onto to. Marilyn Ferguson

I am feeling like Linus with his blanket in the dryer. I am restless and exhausted at the same time. I’ve not been motivated to visit the blogging world, I’ve written very little and art journaled less. There are too many changes going on in life right now beyond the normal and even the weather is mirroring the uncertainty. I have exciting things coming up ~ I’m teaching Life Books through Story Circle Network, offering Mom’s Treasure: A Storybook Workshop late spring I hope, Re-Voice! in the fall and plan to launch a sister website/blog for pre-teen girls, Girls Express. But I’m not capturing the excitement of it all right now. I think it’s time to work through my own writing prompts from Treasure Chest again (see sidebar “Journey Now” for your own copy). Explore in your journal how you take care of yourself for those times “in between”…
In the meantime, a couple of places for inspiration in the art journaling world:
Balzer Designs
Art Journaling Blogspot
Some more how to's

Technorati Tags: in between,journal prompt,writing prompt,art journaling,workshops,Girls Express,Storybook workshop,Re-Voice

Blogiversary

2011-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow. ~Author Unknown

Such a fitting quote for a blog dedicated to celebrating the journey. It is so hard to believe that a year ago I hit “publish” on my first blog post ever, feeling silly as I was convinced there was no one to hear me in this virtual world. 12 months later and I’ve met kindred spirits, people that I’ve never met in person but care about as I look forward to reading about their children, their creations, their good days and bad. I have wrestled with the idea lately of moving my blog to wordpress so that it would be streamlined into my re-modeled website. I’ve decided I love my little space here and so I’ve given my blog a facelift instead. In honor of this blogiversary & makeover, I’ve also reduced the price of May Queen Musings Guidebooklet to $2.99 (see side bar). Looking forward to another year of celebration and discovery!

What are you celebrating today?

Technorati Tags: anniversary,celebrate Your Journey,writing prompt,journal writing

Re-Voice!

2011-02-04T22:55:00.001-05:00

Click on the image to visit my “re-modeled” website. I am so excited to finally have an enhanced, authentic vision ~ even the picture is taken from one of my art journal pages. This website allows me to integrate a WordPress blog, but not blogger. I’m considering exporting blogger into WordPress (which would then be on my website) but am on the fence. I don’t want to lose any of my blog friends and I’ve become attached to this space I’ve created here. Would love some feedback, whether you’ve moved your blog or encountered others who did.

Speaking of WordPress, take a look at my first article, found @ the Truth Chronicles tab on my website or the post in its entirety, Living Your Truth.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I miss visiting you and, although I’ve learned a great deal, will be glad to have grad school behind me!

Technorati Tags: speaking your truth,Re-Voice,finding your voice,empower,authentic self

Release

2011-01-26T18:40:00.001-05:00

You leave old habits behind by starting out with the thought “I release the need for this in my life.” Wayne Dyer

My word of the year “Release” truly captures the essence of all that I want to experience this year. Every intention that I set involved some form of letting go ~ useless guilt, the act of do-ing instead of be-ing, organization of record-keeping and the list goes on…all the things that clutter the house, mind and spirit.

One of the realizations that I came to, not a rocket science moment I admit but still a bit of a revelation to me, revolves around the idea that this simple word “release” requires that I pay attention daily. Letting (whatever ~ fill in the blank) go into the universe is a soothing exercise but it is not enough. So each day I have journaled around the concept from different perspectives ~ focusing on the mind shift instead of adding yet another to-do list to my world (especially since busyness is one of my “releases”). I find it welcoming that the above art journal page is much cleaner (less of everything) than usual, a clear example of the simple lines I am craving right now.

What have you released lately?

Technorati Tags: journaling,art journaling,release,letting go,Wayne Dyer quote

Shine

2011-01-17T01:28:00.001-05:00

When Alexander the Great visited Diogenes and asked whether he could do anything for the famed teacher, Diogenes replied: Only stand out of my light.

Perhaps some day we shall know how to heighten creativity. Until then, one of the best things we can do for creative men and women is to stand out of their light. John Gardner

I would say instead find your own light. Explore in your journal what prevents you from shining and write about those moments when you do.

Technorati Tags: writing prompt,journal writing,inspirational quote

Art Journaling & Prompts

2011-01-06T23:25:00.001-05:00

As I’ve played more with art journaling this week, I thought I’d share the prompts that I used. For this first picture, I asked ~ What does the New Year represent?

In the middle, I carved a “secret” door, a visual representation of the time I need to carve for self:

Inside the door, I wrote those spirit words that I hope to manifest in greater abundance this year:

I’m embracing the word “Release” this year and wanted a flavor of what that feels like. You can see that I didn’t sacrifice my journal writing for the mixed media as my entries are written here:

The prompt for the next picture is actually a cluster writing ~ center circle with a word in the middle & then span out with quick word associations (usually a spider web effect but this one turned into a flower in which the stem… aka my need to control…wasn’t grounding me but holding me down). Use any word that calls to you, or any idea that’s tickling your brain. (I also use this exercise for writing projects and planning workshops.)

I chose the center word “overwhelm” in an effort to find my balance. I only used oil pastels and a paint pen on this one:

In this next example, the left hand page was a response to my questioning an out of control feeling & I ended up with a puppet on stage. The right hand side was a release of the need for control through “blowing bubbles”:

Here are the writing prompts for your own journaling whether through writing, mixed media or a combination ~ express yourself your way:)

What does the New Year represent to you?

What do you want to manifest this year?

What can you release this year? What would that look like?

Try a cluster writing…pick a word that calls to you, center it on the page and spider-web quickly all the other thoughts that flow from your center.

Enjoy the journey:)

Technorati Tags: journaling prompt,writing prompt,art journaling

New Year’s & Art Journaling

2010-12-31T12:08:00.001-05:00

We will open the book. It’s pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

I’ve altered the front cover of a sketch pad as I plan to join Balzer Designs' art journal challenge this year …because I have so much time:); I’m already journaling & oftentimes throwing in some mixed media, so it seemed like a natural progression. For the back cover, I just sloppy painted teal & ivory & added a rub on stamp.

As for New Year’s, this year I ask you to consider an alternative to resolutions that focus on something you feel you need to improve. Many of us harp on ideas of self-improvement, as if where we are isn’t good enough. Instead, write your top ten, or top 50, or whatever is comfortable about what is good about you and your life today & how you can take joy in what you have. Have a very Happy New Year!

Wherever you are is always the right place. There is never a need to fix anything, to hitch up the bootstraps of the soul and start at some higher place. ~ Julia Cameron

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are. ~Marianne Williamson

(shameless plug ~ Winter Solace starts this coming up weekend, on 1/9/11; Hope to “see” you there!)

My Christmas Miracle ~ Happy Birthday Desi

2010-12-24T02:58:00.001-05:00

The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him. Pablo Casals

23 years ago, my oldest daughter was born. I won’t tell the detailed story here as I did in my book, Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey. I will say this story is my own Christmas miracle. A child born with a fatal congenital defect, every hour a precious gift; every moment that I was allowed to stroke her skin a blessing as she lay in a neonatal crib with IV’s, chest tubes, respirator & ventilator keeping her alive. As you can see from the pictures, she is healthy & thriving after an experimental surgery @ the University of Virginia saved her life. She arrived full circle, graduating this past May from UVA.

This time of year is a double celebration for our family and I’m ever thankful for this blessing.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Winter Solace

2010-12-18T12:54:00.001-05:00

I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind. Albert Einstein

For the first time in many days, I’m in solitude. I love my family, of course, and miss them when they are gone. However, moments of solitude are like ice cold water on a hot, humid day. I need this space to re-charge my batteries. I am exhausted and looking forward to leading Winter Solace in January. I often work the exercises& share my responses when I teach this course & this workshop is a gentle, inner retreat that I so need after the rush of the holidays; a time of inner reflection and hibernation. I hope you’ll consider joining me on this peaceful journey.

As far as what I’ve been up to besides the obvious…I decided this year to focus more on meaning and a homemade Christmas (not entirely, my youngest already experienced the “sack with a pocket” as we called it when I tried to make her pj’s last year!). However, we have enjoyed some of our crafts this year like this simple centerpiece (bonus – I got to play with a glue gun!):

I found an interesting article about the History of the Christmas Tree.

I also played with making scented, holiday soaps ~ “fail” as my oldest daughter would say. And the homemade chocolate body scrub was disgusting…not in smell, & it does work but I couldn’t imagine giving it to someone because of the way it looks. So, these fun jars (bought at the dollar store along with the jewels & snowflakes, ribbon half-price at the dollar store & coffee scoops two for $1) were filled with candies instead:

I made some ATC’s as prayer cards with verses &/or hymns on the back and put them in small drawstring pouches:

A closer look (images from Graphics Fairy)

I also made my own Christmas cards this year but forgot to take pictures. Instead of the usual framed picture of my girls for the grandparents, I played with mixed media (sorry, light reflected off the glass so the pictures aren’t great):

And I’ve been making journal totes, with several more to go:

Finally, what’s the holiday season without a party or two (ps – love picnik for photos, I’m “winterized”):

In case I don’t get back or visit for awhile, I wish you all a blessed season in whatever way you celebrate.

(note to self ~ start earlier next year!)

Believe

2010-12-06T22:33:00.001-05:00

Back of every creation, supporting it like an arch, is faith. Enthusiasm is nothing: it comes and goes. But if one believes, then miracles occur.

Henry Miller

I thought this quote fitting for the season but also in terms of creativity ~ belief itself can transform an idea or desire into reality. A year ago my only outlets were reading, writing and teaching. I dabbled sporadically in scrapbooking and had never sewn or painted (not counting pre-school fingerpaints or the 4th grade “jean short purse” that busted at the seams the first day I carried it!). This year I’m using mixed media for homemade cards and framed pictures, altering journals and sewing journal totes for gifts and using ATC’s as a basis for “prayer” card sets for some family members. So what happened in the 40+ years between painting pictures for my mom and the adult mindset that I am not an artist… a loss of wonder as negative messages sank in (you can’t do that). I have no idea exactly where those messages came from but I (& I’m sure others) internalized the thought that only those with “real” talent can write a story or create a piece of art. However, I reached a point where the stories had to be written and once I gained confidence in that arena, a snowball effect took place and I became more about the process instead of the end result. The process focus does not allow space for negative self-talk; instead it allows for room to grow.

Begin paying attention to that negative voice inside, make a list of those self-defeating messages you give yourself and then re-frame them in a way that empowers you.

{I’m participating in Gothic Arches challenge this week ~ I’ve been wanting to for awhile. This blog offers a free downloadable PDF with the history of Gothic Arches & several tutorials as well as resources for using arches in your mixed-media.)

Technorati Tags: creativity,writing prompt,lifewriting,journaling prompt,gothic arches

Dear Santa

2010-12-01T09:44:00.001-05:00

My favorite holiday season has arrived. Although it is certainly commercialized, the decorations, music, baking etc. still represent the magic of the season for me. This year, I am trying to get back to basics in offering more homemade gifts and wanted to share a few links I’ve come across:

Fave Crafts

Shabby Art Boutique

Just Sew Sassy

I plan on sharing some of the finished products along the way ~ no peeking mom:) I also plan to come visit my blog friends more as soon as time allows ~ sorry I haven’t been by!

As you begin your holiday preparations, allow some time for reflection. Write your own “Dear Santa” letter and explore what this season really means to you and how you hope to capture and celebrate that spirit.

Technorati Tags: holiday,writing prompt,journal writing,homemade gifts

Winter Solace ~ A Virtual Journal Writing Retreat

2010-11-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

Wrap up the holidays and start the new year with a peaceful inner journey.

Participants will explore their emotional temperature, find balance, capture heart-felt memories, tap into creativity and focus on self-care and healing through this four-week on-line writing journey.

As a special offer, I am offering this on-line workshop for only $35.00. If you would like a journal and one of my journal totes (assorted colors & patterns), the cost is only $50.00 (significant savings as the workshop is over $100.00 & the totes are $25.00).

If this is a gift, please send me an e-mail and I’ll include a gift certificate (please let me know before 12/13 if it’s a gift). Class begins 1/9/11 and runs through 2/6/11. I hope you’ll join me! (google checkout will be added later today on my blog & website)

Technorati Tags: journal writing,self care,journal writing workshop

It’s A Celebration

2010-11-24T11:12:00.001-05:00

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

I learned quite a few lessons in my blog party for the year anniversary of Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey.

I could have made it bigger, reached out to more hosts, tied into other linky’s, posted more often here and on Facebook, planned earlier, partnered with CSN for a gift certificate, etc. Instead I stayed true to my nature as far as marketing and paid attention to my limits ~ juggling full time work in child welfare, developing future workshops, working on three books, finishing graduate school and a mother…that’s enough, I think:) ~ and by doing so I was able to actually enjoy the process. I met new blog friends, got to know others better and am very grateful for my hosts. The interviews gave me an opportunity to take a step back and see where I am now and where I want to go. Again, thank you to the hosts (I know some people got busy & weren’t able to post, let me know if you did & I missed it!):

Pacifiers, Pumps, The World

Paisley Passions

Artsy Canvas Girl

Village Hearth

Congratulations to the winners of the drawing (done via Random Number Generator):

Treasure Chest of goodies goes to Dawna @ Hiccup in Time

The five winners of Celebrate Your Journey ~ A Monthly Planner and Journal Companion:

#5 Georgia's Simply Pretty Things

#3 Honey Bee Hive

#8 Shooting Stars Mag

#2 My Life as a Wife and Mommy

#4 Just Sew Sassy

I hope all my blogging friends in the States have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world.

~Terri Guillemets

Privacy

2010-11-20T22:44:00.001-05:00

Graphics Fairy Image

Privacy - like eating and breathing - is one of life's basic requirements. ~ Katherine Neville

The very first journal I ever received appealed to me on many different levels. The pages begged to be filled and the lock and key provided a measure of safety and security. When beginning a workshop and in the first chapter of my journal writing workbook, I start with exploring how to keep your journal personal and protected so that you write only for yourself. I ask others to explore times in their life when their trust has been violated and what they do now because of it.

I found out this week my g-mail account has been “hacked” as a mass e-mail went out to others that I didn’t send. I honestly don’t use that account for my everyday e-mails but keep it for my blog. I’ve changed the password and hope that corrects any issues but I’m honestly not computer savvy.

However, the feeling of someone having my password (which how does that happen anyway?!), having the ability to send spam or a virus or respond as me has left me sick to my stomach. The idea that someone could look at my personal e-mails or cause damage to others in my name reminded me of those times in my life when I have felt vulnerable.

I know it may sound like an oxymoron ~ the idea that a blogger needs privacy, after all we put ourselves out there, right? But we choose what is posted and I cherish my quiet moments, my solitude and those thoughts that I keep to myself. During those rare moments that I reveal my “dirty laundry”, it is only when I think that by doing so I can help someone else. When I realized that someone had my password, the first thing I did was check my blog to make sure there wasn’t a new post not authored by me. I know this wasn’t someone known to me, and am wondering if there is some computer program that someone downloaded that just finds various e-mail addresses with various combinations until it gets it right (I’m probably sounding quite ignorant at this point) and I can’t imagine what the purpose is or why anyone would create a program like that.

Consider what privacy means to you and how you protect it. Explore how you consider privacy in your cyber-world too.

Technorati Tags: privacy,journal writing,writing prompt

Spreading Light

2010-11-14T10:36:00.001-05:00

There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~Edith Wharton

Write about times in your life you’ve been the candle or you’ve been the mirror. What will you do this week to spread light?

Technorati Tags: lifewriting,journal writing

ATC’s & Randomness

2010-11-05T19:27:00.001-04:00

Some random thoughts today.

Finally played with some more ATC’s & posting a few:

I posted a “how-to” geared towards children ~ the link is in the “Mom’s Treasure” tab across the top.

Many thanks to Raven at Pacifiers, Pumps, The World for her insightful interview questions and posting about my anniversary celebration of “Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey.” Don’t forget to link up under the “It’s A Celebration” tab across the top for the giveaway.

Lately it’s become clearer to me all the small and large events and life experiences have formed an intentional path I never saw coming. It’s interesting that I continually ignored the signs, thought I was done with self-actualization, only to have the universe laugh at the arrogance and let me know that 45 is not too old to keep growing.

I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along. David Levithan

Write about your random pieces and how they form a beautiful whole.

Technorati Tags: lifewriting,writing prompt,journal writing,celebration,AtC's,mom's treasure

National Adoption Month

2010-10-31T23:59:00.000-04:00

November is National Adoption Month. The numbers are fluid, but on average there are 500,000 children in foster care in the United States and of those 120,000 are waiting on an adoptive family. Research has shown that if one of every 500 families adopted out of foster care, there would be no waiting children. I speak these numbers often in my job, but in reality each “number” represents a child, a life. What does adopting require? The ability to meet your own needs, unconditional love, meeting the child and their needs at their level (not within a set of rigid expectations) and a support system. Parenting is a challenge, regardless of how you come to be a parent.

For more information, call your local or state Social Services or check out the Dave Thomas Foundation or AdoptUSkids.

November’s alphahop will be about raising awareness for these children. Write an alphapoem with words like adoption, children or family or just write a post about this topic and link up. The linky is on the sidebar under the AlphaHop button.

C onsider

H aving No One

I nnocence Betrayed

L imbo Living

D evelopmentally Delayed

R eaching Out, No One

E ver There, Our

N ation’s Children “Ageing Out” of Care

Technorati Tags: national adoption month,adoption awareness,foster care,alphapoem

Treasure Chest

2010-10-29T23:33:00.001-04:00

A fairy left a present under my maple tree…a treasure chest complete with my journal writing workbooks, Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey and Celebrate Your Journey ~ A Monthly Planner and Journal Companion, a journal, a notebook and pen, paper scraps and stickers for art journaling, a lavender sachet, bath salts, body lotion and hand gel (ok, so I put it there but a fairy with buried treasure sounds more fun). This must mean it’s time for November’s celebration in honor of my first book release anniversary.

Beginning November 1st, the linky under my page tab “It’s A Celebration” will be active. The giveaway for the Treasure Chest of goodies is simple, just link up. If you post, FB, comment or tweet, let me know for additional entries. Contest ends on 11/24/10 and I’ll use random number generator to determine the winner.

I’ll also be offering my workbooks at a special price during the month of November, just in time for the holidays. Normally $12 each plus shipping, they will be offered together for $20, shipping included (see side-bar).

What are you celebrating this month?

Technorati Tags: journal writing,Life Lines,Celebrate Your Journey,celebration,treasure chest

Letting Go

2010-10-27T23:06:00.001-04:00

You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.

~Jan Glidewell

It occurred to me recently that this past year has personally been full of change and good-bye’s. As I experienced yet another bittersweet moment I thought about how even positive change brings some measure of stress and sense of loss; loss of the familiar, loss of comfort and sometimes loss of someone close. And in this past year I’ve really not taken time to honor those feelings, experience them and allow myself to move forward.

Write about changes you’ve experienced, how they’ve impacted you and give yourself permission and space for grieving, nurturing and letting go.

Technorati Tags: writing prompt,journal writing,lifewriting,letting go

Words of Wisdom

2010-10-19T23:37:00.001-04:00

My blog has been nominated as a Blog of Note at Words of Wisdom. A big thank you to the individual that nominated me as well as to Pam & Sandy @ Words of Wisdom. I also owe an apology as I was supposed to write a brief bio a day ahead of time but I thought it was later this week ~ truly sorry! If you haven’t checked out their blog, please do. They feature diverse blogs with meaningful content.

For those visiting from WOW, welcome. My focus is on celebrating the journey through creative expression. I try to end my posts with a journal writing prompt for others’ self-discovery. Most of all though, I enjoy blogging for the creative outlet and connection it brings in the blogging world. If you check out the page tabs across the top, “It’s a Celebration” is about my blog tour & party for the year anniversary of my journal writing workbooks. “Mom’s Treasure” is about my new “Storybook Workshop” and includes links (building slowly) to resources in reference to raising tween girls.

Here are a few of my favorite posts:

Thanks so much for stopping by & thanks again to Words of Wisdom!

Berries Sing

2010-10-16T10:07:00.001-04:00

Only when the clamor of the outside world is silenced will you be able to hear the deeper vibration. Listen carefully. Sarah Ban Breathnach

How do you create those silent moments? What do you hear?

Technorati Tags: sarah ban breathnach,lifewriting,writing prompt,journal writing

Journaling by the Moonlight

2010-10-14T21:54:00.001-04:00

I would like to introduce you to my friend, Tina Games-Evans, a Creativity & Life Purpose Coach, Journaling Workshop Facilitator, freelance writer….& now, author. See the review of Journaling by the Moonlight: A Mother’s Path to Self-Discovery by clicking on the picture.

Having read numerous journal writing workbooks and written a few, I consider myself a bit of an expert (insert chuckle) and want to share that I love Tina’s book. I have been working with the exercises, learning a lot about myself through moon signs and envisioning a more authentic future through the phases of the moon. And Tina created this incredible Journaling by the Moonlight card deck.

I’m also including an interview that Tina had with me in her Journaling Mom’s Cafe ~ she’s the one that sounds polished:)

http://recording.freeconferencecalling.com/mp3/276729/276729/IA9688_05212010100512430_1052706.mp3

Enjoy and consider the wisdom and energy of the moon in your journaling!

~ this post is not part of any affiliate, just me sharing a resource:)

Technorati Tags: journal writing,journaling by the moonlight,Tina Games-Evans,self-care

Pumpkin Patch & Consumerism?

2010-10-11T10:27:00.001-04:00

When I think pumpkin patch, I think simplicity. When I say simplicity, I mean uncluttered, in harmony with nature, focusing on values that have meaning as opposed to superficial qualities and consumerism. To be clear, I have bought into the consumer model. I like nice clothes, hotels and “things”. I have found though as I’ve gotten older that I am weary of taking care of those “things”. And although I am glad for the owners’ success, yesterday @ a pumpkin patch I felt like I was at Disney. The crowds were intense (as was the heat in October!), lines for food, face painting and horseback rides were at least an hour and this year there was even a charge for parking. I didn’t take crowd shots so I can’t show you here. Suffice it to say that a drive into the country was not the relaxing laidback day I was hoping for. Regardless, we still had fun and I was able to capture a few good pictures.

I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. Henry David Thoreau

Mom’s Treasure & ATC’s

2010-10-09T11:49:00.001-04:00

So I finally tried ATC’s

And as you can see I need more practice and textures but I still had fun

To see gorgeous examples along with a how- to visit Shona Cole's blog.

My 9 year old daughter was really excited about this project and wants to do this with me. I have seen on some blogs where these ATC’s are traded and would love to see if anyone has children interested in creating & trading with my little one for the holidays…

Although I love technology, I also am saddened @ the lack of anticipation over the mailbox. Junk mail & bills aren’t fun & my daughter doesn’t even understand the concept of a pen pal. Let me know if you would be open to our children/grandchildren swapping holiday ATC’s ~ comment here or send me an e-mail @ dawn@lifelinesjournaling.com.

Finally, you may have noticed that some of my posts have focused more on children recently. I will continue posts about our own self-discovery & finding our voices, but I believe it’s important that we raise our daughters to do the same. I will continue to weave that theme in some of my posts and have added a new page (tab across the top) called “Mom’s Treasures”. As I find resources, articles etc I will add links there.

Have a great weekend!

Technorati Tags: ATC's,mom's treasure,Shona Cole

Domestic Violence Awareness Month AlphaHop

2010-10-03T00:15:00.002-04:00

My friend Jenny @ Nankoosa's Place reminded me that October is Domestic Violence awareness month. Quite timely given the recent news of bullying resulting in suicide. Jenny wrote on my Life Lines facebook page: Hey fellow Bloggers, I was thinking that in honor of DV awareness month (October) any kind of stories that address overcoming obstacles and challenges might be inspirational! Even if not involving Domestic Violence, the emphasis on survival and resilience is a good theme for the month!
She later made the point that survivors are just as inspirational as those famous quotes I so often use. She’s right. To honor that, I invite you to share an alpha poem using any word or phrase that resonates in the spirit of survival and/or anti-violence. I share my story in my journal writing workbook “Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey.” I’ll share an alphapoem I included in the book:
C ome
E veryone
L ook into my eyes
E ven if they cry
B eneath this mask
R ises
A Woman
T alented and Strong
E njoy the Phoenix, A
L egend to Behold
I magine
F ully, Your
E volution
(I’m including this link for another resource ~ Domestic Violence Awareness Month)

Technorati Tags: alphapoem,lifewriting,domestic violence

Innocence

2010-09-27T09:08:00.001-04:00

If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much.
Marian Wright Edelman

My Prayer for Children

That their childhoods are protected

Their innocence intact

That they never stop searching for magic or rainbows

And see fairy dust and angel wings in the sky

That they believe in happily ever after

That they are nurtured, loved and cherished for the treasures they are

That they grow up to be who they are meant to be

Without interference of critical words, non-present parents, hunger, pedophiles, dangerous neighborhoods or a dangerous world

That their essence isn’t eroded by media’s images or secrets best un-kept

That this world becomes a kinder place

Where their parents live in a supportive society

Where poverty, patriarchy and “ism’s” don’t exist

A world in which violating others has a zero tolerance policy

Country-Fried Mama is hosting a linking of blog posts about our hopes for children on Tuesday, 9-28-10 to help raise awareness for the work of the Joyful Heart Foundation. I’m copying the following from Deckside Thoughts:

"Mariska Hargitay, [Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: SVU"] founded Joyful Heart in 2004 with the intention of helping survivors heal and reclaim their lives. Today, Joyful Heart's mission is to heal, educate, and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues."

Treasure Chest Guidebooklet

2010-09-26T16:35:00.003-04:00

A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.
J.R.R. Tolkien

I’m excited to share with you “Treasure Chest”, a guide-booklet for Life’s Journey. This e-guide has prompts for exploring the treasure in moments and within. Just click on the “Journey Now” button on my sidebar to subscribe to my e-mail list and it’s yours ~ enjoy!

Creative Healing

2010-09-24T19:24:00.001-04:00

When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open, and love steps forth to heal everything in sight. Michael Bridge

A whisper of an idea sent me to a Goodwill store recently. This sewing table sat at the front as though it were waiting for me. I loved the thought of a past generation working at this table, creating dresses and linens for their family as they thought of family events and thoughtful gifts that they would create. You can see all the scratches and it was filthy. It also had a fold out leaf

and a secret nook to stash threads and notions

as well as a secret message of love to Nathan,

which I sanded and painted several times until finally I settled on this:

I overdid it a bit but since this was my first time painting furniture, I’m happy with it. And now I have a home for my sewing machine. (As you can see I still need a piece of wood to cover the area where the old machine used to fold in and out. Total cost ~ $6.oo for the table and $5.oo for the paint. I already had sandpaper, sealant and stencils.)

What work do your hands do that unleashes love and healing?

Technorati Tags: writing prompt,sewing table,journal writing

Technorati Tags: creative healing

Artistic Vision Banner

2010-09-18T17:12:00.001-04:00

My latest project from The Artistic Mother

The top half ~ daily goals of

Play, Write & Love

Bottom half ~

Weaves personal & professional

Kiss the Sky

Authentic Life

Creative Healing

Celebrate the Journey

Laugh at Self

Capture the Beauty

Listen to Intuition

Follow Spiritual Path

Glimpses of Sanity

What is your vision?

Inspiring Women

2010-09-17T06:32:00.002-04:00

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul.
Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.
~ Pamela Vaull Starr
Yesterday’s challenge from the SITS girls is to write a post about a woman who inspires you.
And of course we could all name a number of people who are inspiring & for me those would be within my family, but since we are in blogworld I thought this would be a good time to introduce an award that I’ll be handing out sporadically ~ this comes with no strings, no rules. For thoughtful, inspiring blogging, visit http://www.mydailyspirit.net/.

Write a letter to yourself about how you are inspiring. Don’t look for the accolades in life but look to the details, the moments you held a friend’s hand or wiped a tear from a child’s face; the moments that your laughter was infectious or you grew wings on the way; the moments where you allowed silence to comfort you or shared time and space.

Sewing Your Path

2010-09-14T18:40:00.001-04:00

Today’s challenge through the SITS girls is to re-upload a post you wish more people had read and explain why it was important to you. The title above is the same titled post in March & the post is below. Hopefully the importance to me is self-explanatory ~ the metaphor, the creation of something for my daughter, a sunny day, a sense of accomplishment etc. (Also, don’t judge the sewing too harshly ~ this was sewn in March 2010 & I’m self-taught beginning Nov 2009).

No pattern

I don’t like rules

Just a thought, an image

Envision possibility

Approach with wonder and enthusiasm

Enjoy the process, outcomes are inevitable

Peel through fabric pieces, letting colors and textures call out

Consider all roads

Cut cloth to shape

Sculpt life to suit

Use folds for the bottom due to my skill level

Choose carefully which mountain to climb, which battle to pick

Stitch the sides, inside out

Nurture the parts

Leave a large flap of material for the top & front

Allow self room to grow

Select three fabrics, forms and notions

Simple, clean life

Add a button for decoration, not functionality

Allow for opportunity instead of closure

Examine from all angles before binding the strap

Is the foundation sturdy enough?

A bit flimsy but suited to the purposes of an art bag for my daughter

A lesson in building a solid base of support

Enhance with a hand-sewn fabric flower

Sprinkle with whimsy

Back 2 Blogging ~ My First Post

2010-09-13T17:08:00.001-04:00

I’m participating in a challenge this week through the SITS Girls Community. I was inspired by Leslie @ Words of Me Project ~ it sounded like fun & I thought it would be a good way to ensure that I’m being true to the intent of my blog (creative expression, connection & perhaps some inspiration). I also missed out on the last SITS challenge so wanted to take advantage of this one.

Day One Writing Prompt ~ Re-upload the first post you ever wrote on your blog. If interested, re-write that post, showing us a before and after look at the piece.

Original Post: Tribes

Carve out a few minutes to write and reflect on what "tribe" means to you and who your tribe is. Consider if your tribe needs expanding and if so, what would that look like?

If I were to do this post today, I would add visuals (I didn’t take pictures at the conference so this adorable one from The Graphics Fairy will do) and provide some info as to what my blog is about ~ added in italics.

I just returned from an inspiring weekend participating at the Story Circle Network conference. I had been looking forward to a weekend of like-minded sisters but had not envisioned what that looked like. The sense of community, the spirit of validation and nurturing and the vibrant courageous women telling their stories was a memorable, awakening experience. The thread of finding your "tribe" was woven throughout. I hope through this shared blogging journey to create a safe, supportive environment where we inspire one another, find treasure in moments, utilize creativity as a form of healing, explore our authentic voice and occasionally throw out a lifeline as we build our tribe.

Carve out a few minutes to write and reflect on what "tribe" means to you and who your tribe is. Consider if your tribe needs expanding and if so, what would that look like?

Change of Seasons

2010-09-12T12:42:00.001-04:00

How do geese know when to fly to the sun? Who tells them the seasons? How do we, humans know when it is time to move on? As with migrant birds, so surely with us, there is a voice within if only we would listen to it, that tells us certainly when to go forth into the unknown. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Although I love autumn, there is something about the transition between summer and fall that leaves a restless feeling tickling my veins; a battle between acceptance and one last jump into the water.

A yearning for one more moment of things as they are.

But the leaves begin to wilt as a new season begins and the awkwardness of “in the middle” is upon me.

Time for me to listen to that still voice inside as I prepare for the next season of my life.

What is your inner voice telling you?

Time Out

2010-09-09T16:59:00.001-04:00

Stress is basically a disconnection from the earth, a forgetting of the breath. Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important. Just lie down. Natalie Goldberg

This Natalie Goldberg quote is one of my favorites and one I’ve forgotten recently. I knew the signs and ignored them ~ tightness in my muscles, inability to focus, racing thoughts, shallow breath. Instead, I plunged ahead @ work & ran an errand at lunch. And I became convinced during this errand that I lost an expensive ring my mom had given me. I re-traced my steps, becoming more panicked as the ring remained elusive. I called work to say I would be late for a meeting so I could search my car & the words choked out of me ~ full sobbing breakdown ensued. Finally, I accepted that my ring had disappeared, lost to me forever. Normally, yes I would be sad & perhaps even a bit sick to lose something valuable to me. Ultimately though it’s a material thing & I can move on. The intensity of my reaction was a flashing neon sign to SLOW DOWN. This has been coming for awhile as I have struggled to balance family, creative outlets, writing projects, business-building, grad school, work etc. No longer does “I am woman hear me roar” call to me. I am human and cannot do it all.

What are your warning signs and how do you nurture yourself through the process?

(note to self: remember to put on ALL jewelry in the morning to avoid meltdowns over not-lost jewelry)

Artistic Mother Project

2010-09-05T15:35:00.001-04:00

When I first began blogging I came across Shona Cole's blog & had to order her book, The Artistic Mother. I posted about it and started dabbling in her tutorials. Recently I joined Trudy's blog. She started a group that followed this 12 week class from the book. I’m getting a late start but wanted to post what I’ve done so far.

Background Pages – still not getting the inked edges the way I want them but definitely like the credit card technique the best

Project one – Weekly Creative “to-do” list

I had completed projects two & three earlier & posted about an altered journal & journal tote on this post. I have already filled that journal so did another one this weekend. This began as cardboard color with navy stripes. The image is from Graphics Fairy.

I also want to share some personal insights. My youngest daughter deserves her privacy so I’ll suffice it to say that somewhere along the way…I forgot my way. I focused on doing, not being. Life was about the necessities – work, childcare, dinner, laundry etc. Not that I didn’t spend time with my little one but I handled parenting with my youngest from a more traditional viewpoint and didn’t honor her spirit. As I began my internal shift and started teaching journal writing, I also began using some of those techniques with my little one. Watching her process as she tapped into the right brain was amazing & I learned that writing and making her own little books went beyond arts & crafts and culminated in coping skills, self-esteem and enhanced bonding for us. As I started working with mixed media (tremendous for me as my self-talk has always been that I “couldn’t” do it), I folded my youngest into this process as well. So I thank Shona for her inspiration and I thank my daughters for their inspiration as well.

If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the mystery of the world we live in.

~ Rachel Carson

Kiss the Sun

2010-09-01T07:46:00.001-04:00

So, I’m stealing this picture. This is my oldest daughter…go meet her @ Dez Sayz as she begins her own blogging adventure. I think she’s pretty cool:)

For more amazing pictures, visit her friend, I call her Red. She takes submissions of these phenomenal pictures for her blog.

Write about what you want to greet with a kiss this month and have a blessed September!

Technorati Tags: lifewriting,journal writing,Dez Sayz

Rejuvenate

2010-08-28T22:48:00.001-04:00

I recently read a post @ Enchanted Inkdom about writers remembering to LIVE. Yet this is an area that we sometimes neglect between the routine of life and burying our heads in books, blogs, ink & paper (or computer). I was reminded of this today as I strolled through our downtown market and soaked in the vibrance with vendors of veggies, soaps, baked goods, art etc. (I don’t know how I overlooked taking pictures of the succulent peaches, apples, cucumbers, watermelons….)

The below window art created by a local artist, Katherine Devine. I love the saying she paints here “What is remembered, lives.”

I’m not sure who did these two but they called to me as well.

Sadly, the building these are in will be closed next week for remodeling of an indeterminate amount of time and the shop and food vendors have lost their space and their leases. So far, the outdoor vendors will remain & I stumbled upon Healing Woman Art.

Loved her altered journals & fell in love with this particular lady

She had a painting of her as well

In talking with Cheryl, the artist, (fascinating and an absolute delight!) I found out that she also has several published books. Oh, and I can’t forget to show you what else she has practiced her art on ~

Lately, I’ve really been missing the beach & yearning for another vacation. I overlooked the many opportunities for a mini-getaway in my hometown.

What’s rejuvenated you recently?

(note to the artists ~ if you would like the picture of your art just let me know & I’ll send it to you without the watermark)

Technorati Tags: Enchanted Inkdom,Healing Woman Art

Technorati Tags: rejuvenate,art,downtown,Roanoke

The Optimist’s Creed

2010-08-25T21:18:00.001-04:00

I found this little treasure on a gas station countertop & had to share (or read it with music). It was written by Christian D. Larsen in 1912 (if google is correct) & still holds true:

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

If you wrote your own creed, what would it say?

Bloggy Love ~ Second Blog Award (& Some Truths About Me)

2010-08-21T01:14:00.001-04:00

I am honored. A sincere note of appreciation to Kim @ A Spicy Boy, A Cat and My Fat Ass. Yes, she is funny ~ check her out.

Here are the rules for receiving this award.

1) Thank the person who gave you the award
2) Share 7 things about yourself
3) Pass the award along to at least 10 bloggers you think are fantastic
4) Contact the bloggers you picked and let them know about the award

I didn’t make the rules up, don’t know who did & am ok if you choose not to follow them ~ hope I’m not breaking a blogging rule by saying that:)

You all know how little I really talk about myself so here goes…(breathe in…)

1 ~ I write a lot about capturing the moment, writing your way through pain and embracing the inner journey to authenticity; but sometimes a White Russian works as well.

2 ~ I just recently found out that wearing glasses on top of my head is apparently one of my trademarks (see profile pic)

3 ~ I think I went five years once without crying. Now I tear up even at commercials (the allergy excuse doesn’t work anymore!).

4 ~ After ten years my husband still gives me chills.

5 ~ My girls rock!

6 ~ I love naps.

7 ~ I’ve lost count @ how many times I’ve seen Dave Matthews Band.

Bonus ~ Mid-40’s isn’t so bad:)

Even harder, I have to choose ten blogs out of so many fantastic voices….this is in no way an exhaustive list of the blogs I follow nor in any particular order. (As previously alluded to in an earlier post, I will be giving out my own “Life Lines” award from time to time. Mainly because I think we should all receive some validation for speaking our truth and hoping that truth throws out a needed lifeline to others.)

All Things Wonderful ~ peaceful blog with interesting info

Paisley Passions ~ wonderful projects

Arsty Canvas Girl ~ living her authentic life

Diamond Potential ~ a blog with heart

live artfully ~ beautiful

Pacifiers Pumps The World ~ love her willingness to try new things on her blog

W.I.P. It A Writer's Journey ~ Excellent writers’ blog (& aren’t we all writers?!)

Society of Socialpreneurs ~ love this site for networking and support

Wagging Tales ~ another great writers’ blog

I Made It Through The Rain ~ Awesome approach

Secret Garden

2010-08-17T09:37:00.001-04:00

So it really wasn’t a secret garden but I was captivated by the detail and couldn’t help but look for fairies! What images have you stumbled upon recently that took you by surprise?

It’s A Celebration!

2010-08-15T13:35:00.001-04:00

Just a sneak peek @ what’s coming.

Announcing a virtual party & blog tour for the one year anniversary of “Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey”, A journal writing workbook designed to enhance sense of self and worth, clarify values, honor life’s blessings and write the future you want.

For more details, click on the picture or tabbed page across the top. If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring items in the grand prize Treasure Chest, just let me know! (dawn@lifelinesjournaling.com)

There will be linky’s and give-aways ~ hope to see you there!

My First Blog Award & The Artistic Mother

2010-08-14T00:18:00.002-04:00

What an exciting day (which is so nice since I’ve been at home with a sick child all week & now I’m sick!). First, Myrna @ Daily Spirit gave me this lovely award! Myrna has a wonderful blog so I hope you’ll visit her.

I was amazed by how supportive and validating her gift and words were to me. It is nice to know that my intention is being felt. There wasn’t a linky to it and no rules attached. I plan to post future awards to some inspiring blogs soon. It is so hard to choose ~ for me every voice is important & each blog represents a unique voice.

The Artistic Mother Group @ Artistic Creations With Trudy

This group is based on Shona Cole’s book “The Artistic Mother” (I’ve previously posted a couple of projects that I had completed from this book). I had wanted to join this group several months ago but it had already started. Trudy happened to stop by my blog today and the group continues to grow so I joined in and will post my progress.
Consider taking this creative journey with me!

Technorati Tags: artistic mother,blog award

Girl Power Day

2010-08-13T10:22:00.001-04:00

Original Image from Graphics Fairy

Everyone has their own version of truth. I prefer Marianne Williamson’s take on this day, Friday the 13th. The following is one of my favorite passages from her book “A Woman’s Worth”:

We are used to thinking of Friday the thirteenth as bad luck. In fact, Friday the thirteenth was the day the witches gathered. When the patriarchal system, headed by the early church, began to squelch the power of women, witches were deemed evil, and many great women were deemed witches. Their meeting time, then, was seen as bad luck rather than as what it truly was: a time to gather and share energy and pray together and heal.

Our mystical power should not be relegated to the distant past. It still exists. I want mine now, and so does every woman I know. Our power is not evil but good. We must reclaim our goodness as well as our power. Today, the reason we haven’t found our grail, the key to who we are as women, is because we look for it in worlds of false power, the very worlds that took it away from us in the first place. Neither man nor work can restore our lost scepter. Nothing in this world can take us home. Only the radar in our hearts can do that, and when it does, we return to our castles. There we are crowned in gold, and we remember how to laugh, how to love, how to rule.

We can’t look to the world to restore our worth: we’re here to restore our worth to the world. The world outside us can reflect our glory, but it cannot create it. It cannot crown us. Only God can crown us, and he already has.

Reflect in your journal - or blog:) – how this resonates for you.

(Shameless marketing – for more writing prompts on honoring the goddess within, click on the above picture…)

Technorati Tags: writing prompt,journal writing,may queen musings,girl power

Treasure Chest

2010-08-11T09:03:00.001-04:00

Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself. Henry Miller

What unexpected treasures have you encountered this month?

Technorati Tags: journal writing,writing prompt,lifewriting

Dream Boards

2010-08-07T17:21:00.001-04:00

I went to the craft store yesterday and I’m amazed that I left minus only $30.00. I am like a kid in a candy store & it is so hard to choose! I left with some new paint, papers, foam board, fat quarters and stickers (it was a good sale!).

I needed to go because I’m working on some journal totes and needed interfacing

And I also wanted to work on a Dream Board, often called Vision Boards. I have done these for years but can never get mine looking like those that I’ve seen as examples. I can’t clutter my board ~ I suppose because my dream is simplicity. I did add some “clutter” through painting the background first. Well, painting sounds like I’m a real artist ~ I scribbled some paint on the board.

I used oil pastels to draw a vase with a few flowers (because that’s all I can draw besides a coffee cup and lightbulb!) and put a “yoga” lady in the center to represent me as a balanced foundation ~ because this is a DREAM board.

My flowers had hope, imagine & dream.

I added a cross charm, some ribbon on the edges (not shown here), lots of glitter and a “balanced” definition. Also not shown here are the pictures and words around the center = my hopes for a future filled with abundance in authenticity, wholeness, dancing in the waves and creative endeavors.

What gets your creative juices flowing?

Taking Measure

2010-08-05T21:50:00.002-04:00

Today @ work a new wellness program was announced. Many of the women (self included) groaned when we heard that as part of the initial health assessment, we would be weighed and our hips and waist would be measured as well ~ we can give birth but don't pull out the scales and measuring tape! As much as I dread it, I need to see where I am and where I need to be if I want to see my daughters’ futures unfold and enjoy some quality of life. Sitting in the middle of my forties is a bit of a reality check against the youthful ignorance that took for granted energy, strength & elasticity.
It occurred to me that this physical path parallels that of my inner journey. As I’ve gotten older, my priorities have evolved and what once made sense doesn’t always fit anymore.
Take some time to write about what no longer fits in your world.

Technorati Tags: writing prompt,journal writing,lifewriting

Meet Me on Monday with a Twist

2010-08-02T00:44:00.001-04:00

Java over @ Never Growing Old has these fabulous blog hops for building community (not just building numbers) and “Meet Me on Monday” is one of them. This one I haven’t participated in before but I thought it would be fun to answer five questions about myself since I rarely “talk” much other than pictures and writing prompts. (And you know there will still be a writing prompt at the end!)

1. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas & I’m planning a special series for Holiday Heartwriting. My oldest daughter was born Christmas Eve with a fatal congenital defect. Through experimental surgery and prayer she survived and thrived and each year is a reminder of the blessings of life. (Below is my oldest when she was three – she’s now 22, playing dress up.)

2. What color clothing do you wear the most?

Black, although this summer I have worn more greens and browns (with some black thrown in of course). It’s just the easiest to coordinate.

3. What is your heritage?

American mutt although I identify most with the Irish ancestry.

4. What is your middle name?

Marie.

5. What is your favorite cookie?

Do I have to pick just one? I love any with nuts, no raisins, chocolate chip of course, fig newtons and vanilla sandwich (not really Oreo’s so much).

So let me add my own twist. Take any, or all of these questions, and write about a moment in time. For instance, write about baking your favorite cookie, the smells, the taste, the cherished memory if you baked with a family member etc.

Technorati Tags: blog hop,lifewriting,journal writing

Transformation

2010-08-01T09:27:00.001-04:00

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. ~ Maya Angelou

Using the transformative stages of a butterfly (egg, caterpillar, pupa or chrysalis and butterfly ~ seeding, feeding, hidden & protected by silk and finally, wings), write a fictional or personal story about a metamorphous you (or your character) has experienced.

Technorati Tags: lifewriting,writing prompt,journal writing

Alpha Hop

2010-07-28T21:04:00.004-04:00

Feel free to share your alphabet poem here. Comment here if you’ve posted a poem on your blog so I can come visit. Let’s find like-minded sisters through “alphapoems” (Kay Adams’ term). I’m not a big fan of rules ~ feel free to link up & to use the blog button (on the right). No judging of the writing ~ it’s for fun & for ourselves. The purpose is to create & express yourself. The link will be up from7/29 ~ 8/2.

This week, find a picture that calls to you and use a word that resonates with the image…

Rippled light
Echoes like
Fractured thoughts
Looping through tides
Easing through neurons
Calming, once
Teased
Into coherence
Or given to the
Night

Technorati Tags: writing prompt,blog hop

Treasure Chest

2010-07-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. Mary Jean Iron

Coming back from vacation is entirely way too hard & so I need this quote today. A reminder that each moment is a gift and so my treasures this week are in the moments. And in those moments when there is stress, I will remember to breathe and know that those breaths are treasures as well.

Technorati Tags: treasure chest,inspirational quote

Finer Things Friday

2010-07-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

I didn’t see a code for the blog hop button but I liked the concept and I’ll share the link here…

Finer Things Friday

This week was full of “finer things” since we were at the beach.

Time with my oldest daughter @ DMB

Time with my family @ the beach

Time for reflection

Technorati Tags: finer things friday,reflections

Stormy Days

2010-07-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

When the storm hit suddenly in the middle of a sunny day filled with surf and sand, the groans from children echoed across the beach.

As for me, I enjoyed nature’s poetry and thought of this as Mother Earth’s way to cleanse and heal.

And then I was reminded of this Native American proverb I use often because it is so beautiful ~ The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.

Write about a time in your life when pain was necessary for growth.

Technorati Tags: writing prompt,lifewriting

Arms of Adoption

2010-07-22T12:10:00.001-04:00

I have two passions. This blog is an offshoot of one ~ that of creative expression as a form of healing and guiding others to speak their truth. The other revolves around my full-time job, within foster care and adoption, and is one that I rarely speak of here. Recently however, I was asked to guest post on another blog (Arms of Adoption) and I wanted to share it with you. The post is about Life Books; a different form than the Life Lines Life Books groups that I facilitate but with the same purpose of telling our stories. Part II of this post is coming in August, the first part is the “why” and the second piece will center on the “how”. I hope to see you all there as well!

Technorati Tags: lifewriting,adoption

Inner Compass

2010-07-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Time to take your emotional temperature ~ write down five feelings you’ve experienced in the last 24 hours. If those feelings had color, what would they be?

Technorati Tags: journal writing,writing prompt,self-awareness

Meltdown Monday

2010-07-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

By the time this is posted, I will be burying my toes in the sand and chasing the tide. Even though I won’t have anything to melt down about (I hope!!), I thought you should still have the opportunity. Remember you can rant and rave all you want but end with a positive, you’ll feel better, really. The fact is, we have to embrace the hard stuff to get through the process and to really appreciate when life is good. If you’d rather meltdown on your blog, comment here so I can come visit when I get back!

Technorati Tags: writing exercise,journal writing,venting

May Queen Musings Giveaway

2010-07-13T20:32:00.001-04:00

(find the original picture @ http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/)

I’ve been so excited about this guidebook that I wanted to share. An e-booklet with ten writing exercises that focus on honoring and nurturing the maternal and illuminating the goddess within.

Who have been the May Queens in your life?

(Comment here for an entry. If you are a follower, or join, also comment here to let me know for an additional entry. Random drawing to be held on Saturday, 7/17 after 7:00 p.m.)

Technorati Tags: journal writing,give away,writing exercise

Treasure Chest

2010-07-12T22:19:00.001-04:00

Heroes take journeys, confront dragons and discover the treasure of their true selves.

Carol Lynn Pearson

What treasures have you excavated lately? List five of your treasures and write a poem or prose piece about them.

Angel Innocence

2010-07-07T21:00:00.001-04:00

“A babe in the house is a well-spring of pleasure, a messenger of peace and love, a resting place for innocence on earth, a link between angels and men”
Martin Fraquhar Tupper

Use this quote as a writing prompt. Where has your resting place for innocence been? Your link to angels?

Celebrate Your Journey

2010-07-05T13:56:00.001-04:00

As I prepare to teach my next class through Story Circle Network, I am reminded of why I began this journey ~ a belief in the healing power of writing, a belief that each moment is so incredibly important, a belief that we all deserve to be joyful and we all have a story to tell. What’s interesting to me is that I set out to guide others, and yet have learned so much from others and even more about myself. I am incredibly thankful for my association with Story Circle Network. Through them, I have met so many great women, made friends and been given incredible opportunities.

What people, organizations or events have positively impacted your life?

For more information about the class ~

http://www.storycircleonlineclasses.org/classes/espelage.summer2010.php

Happy July 4th!

2010-07-04T00:35:00.000-04:00

Use any of the pictures or the following quotes as a writing prompt:

How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy. ~Paul Sweeney

I wish that every human life might be pure transparent freedom. ~Simone de Beauvoir

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln

Technorati Tags: writing exercise,journal writing,lifewriting

Ordinary Moments

2010-07-03T02:12:00.001-04:00

After a chaotic day at work that lasted beyond my normal schedule, I came home to this view from my deck.

What do your ordinary moments look like?

ALPHA-HOP

2010-06-28T21:52:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite writing exercises (because it’s fun!) is an alphabet poem. So, I’ll be posting them from time to time and would love it if you joined me. Feel free to share your alphabet poem here. Comment here if you’ve posted a poem on your blog so I can come visit. Let’s find like-minded sisters through “alphapoems” (Kay Adams’ term). The link will be up from6/29 ~ 7/6.
In honor of July 4th, the suggested word (as in, I hate rules so use what word calls to you) for this hop …..Freedom

Flow with internal
Rhythms
Escape
External Controls
Dream
Of forever
Moments

Technorati Tags: writing exercise,blog hop,journal writing

Blogged Down

2010-06-26T09:08:00.001-04:00

I began this blog in February as a way of self-expression and connection. I’ve enjoyed it as well as “blog-hopping” (love peeking into others’ worlds and saying hello). Sometimes though my brain starts a spin cycle from all there is to read and learn. It doesn’t help that I’ve always considered myself a technological-illiterate!

Would love feedback on what others do to manage blog-time and blog-info!

Stress Relief

2010-06-22T20:37:00.001-04:00

Backyard Oasis

Views from a Pool Raft

How do you de-stress at the end of a long hard day?

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY…

2010-06-19T23:08:00.001-04:00

THANKS!

For the belly rubs…

Beach Walks…

Dress-Up…

“Coolness Factor”…

And a decade of song

Treasure Chest

2010-06-19T13:53:00.000-04:00

I've been working on "Your Journey's Passport" ~ a collection of guide books for your journey which includes "Treasure Chest" and took this picture. I don't consider myself an artist in the traditional sense and at this point only have my cell phone for pictures but enjoyed "staging" anyway. So thought I'd share it here and ask ~ what's in your treasure chest this weekend? For me, in honor of father's day:

My dad has new lungs!

My husband has great dimples!

Cooking out all weekend & soaking up the summer

(Yes, I can write much more about what I treasure but keeping it simple...)

Meltdown Monday

2010-06-16T19:06:00.001-04:00

So Meltdown Monday came late to me this week but after a work day full of speaking clearly yet no one heard, humidity for weeks that my flat iron can't battle and a restless feeling that something needs to change, I pulled out my shears @ 11:30 p.m. and...well, the picture shows the seven inch deficit that is no longer my hair.

The plus side ~ wash & go during a hot summer will be liberating and I forgot I had curls!

Stess and Parenting

2010-06-12T13:01:00.001-04:00

I'm beginning to work on a graduate thesis as well as a new offering & would love your feedback about stress and parenting.

~ What are your top five stressors as a parent?

~ What impact does stress have on you emotionally & physically?

~ What impact does your stress have on your children?

~ How do you handle stress?

~ Your age?

~ Child(ren) age/s?

~ Number of hours a week worked (beyond household responsibilities)?

I appreciate your response ~ you may respond here or e-mail me @ dawn@lifelinesjournaling.com

thanks so much!

Meltdown Monday

2010-06-06T22:40:00.001-04:00

We all need somewhere to vent once in awhile so I've created "Meltdown Monday." Post your comments, rants & raves here BUT you have to end your post with a positive! Post through Wednesday ~ on Thursday, using random number generator a winner will be selected for a self-care item; this week that giveaway will be my journal writing workbook, "Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey". Hope to hear from you!

Letting Go

2010-06-05T10:51:00.001-04:00

Troubles 95-6/1/10

Story Circle Network (SCN) is sponsoring their annual Lifewriting contest and the theme is “letting go” (www.storycircle.org/Contests). Although I am not entering as I have other obligations to SCN, I realized that I needed to write something for Trouble, our family cat, before I could move on to other blog posts. So, the following is not a full-blown story but something I needed to say. Thanks for “listening.”

I listened to the vet talk about options as I pet Trubs; mounds of hair flying due to dehydration. I knew it was time, knew it before making the call. She was almost 15 years old, had a tumor in her mouth and was experiencing kidney failure. But did I really have it in me to say the words? To begin a catnap from which she would not awaken?

I heard facts ~ down to 5lbs, IV bags, blood tests, dialysis, age, etc..…

I saw images ~ an eight week old kitten with a partial shadowed face amidst a solid black litter; the mixed aromas of Lysol, ammonia and dirty fur at the pound; a symphony of barking dogs, mews and children squealing “look at that one mommy”. My oldest daughter, then eight years old, quietly gravitated towards the smallest strangest-looking cat, matching green eyes looking somberly at one another until my daughter turned to me in a silent plea.

I’m sure I tried to talk her out of it. That’s been my way for so long, needing age to mellow like a fine wine, to learn that I don’t have to be in control of everything.

Except on this day at the vet‘s office, I do. I have to make a decision. Our cat was alive in that moment and could have more time. But Troubles was suffering in that moment too. So through tears I said “it’s time”, blanketed Trouble in her favorite bed and toys and prayed for a paradise of green fields filled with flower-shaped, salmon-flavored treats.

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T08:53:00.001-04:00

http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. ~Joseph Campbell

What does hero mean to you? Write about those we honor today as well as any heroes in your life (including yourself!).

Celebrating Self = Self Care

2010-05-28T18:57:00.002-04:00

http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

I was honored to be the guest expert this month for Journaling Moms Coach, Tina Games and the members of her Journaling Moms Cafe. Tina has given me permission to share this link as a sample of what she offers in her virtual cafe. Both she and I had a great dialogue about the importance of self-care and self-celebration, which is what my journaling work is all about. We also talked about my book, "Lifelines: Celebrate Your Journey" and its companion journal and monthly planner. ~ Enjoy the audio (there are some writing prompts included in the conversation) and feel free to post any comments.

http://recording.freeconferencecalling.com/mp3/276729/276729/IA9688_05212010100512430_1052706.mp3

The more you praise and celebrate life, the more there is to celebrate." Oprah

Consider in your journal how you've seen this quote in action in your world.

Launching

2010-05-22T12:32:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy of http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

My oldest daughter graduates from college tomorrow (where does the time go?!). So I thought it fitting that I found this picture at Graphics Fairy with the corner word "Launching". That's what our jobs are with our children ~preparing them to launch into the world, navigating their way and finding their own path. And then it's time for us to do the same ~ who am I besides "mom"? What's my role in this new chapter - for her and me? Write in your journal about a time you've had to let go and re-define your purpose. Consider too, the idea of embracing possibilities. What possibilities are on your horizon?

Emily Carr Journal Prompt

2010-05-13T21:31:00.001-04:00

Emily Carr painting - public domain

Oh the glory of growth, silent, mighty, persistent, inevitable. To awaken, to open up like a flower to the light of a fuller consciousness! I want to see and feel and expand, little book, you holder of my secrets. (Emily Carr, 10/17/1930 journal entry)

Write about how this quote and/or painting call to you.

A Mom's Quick Note of Thanks

2010-05-07T08:37:00.001-04:00

I love this postcard from Graphics Fairy! This week has been a hard one for my family but one of the things I've noticed is the ability of a child to bring a smile, regardless of what else is going on. So today, I thank my girls for being their mom. I thank my girls for smiles and laughter. I thank my girls for reminding me of what's important. I thank my girls for bubbles and fingerpainting. I thank my girls for picture clouds and star gazing. I thank my girls for dirty feet and sticky fingers. I thank my girls for reminding me that life goes on.

What do you thank the children in your life for?

Last May Queen Musings Post

2010-04-30T23:41:00.001-04:00

After a long week of sick and remembering that I promised to participate in a yard sale tomorrow (yikes - haven't done that before!), May Queen Musings slipped my mind for a moment! The class will start on Sunday so there is still time to register. I used random number generator..congratulations Kathy! I will hop over to your blog and let you know there too...e-mail me dawn@lifelinesjournaling.com for the details...