When we need it most…
Oh, friends…it’s a deep thinking day today.
These inevitably come..especially in the winter months.
That unvited “D” word again…and I don’t mean Dallas. (oh, I mean doubt btw, not divorce, like the country song!)
Via.
I’m not going to use this little bit of cyber-SPACE (haha) to lament on my frustrations in the Great Balancing Act that is my vida loca…
..Nor will I pretend that I am the only one or the first to experience these feelings…
Via.
..in Blogland alone, I can see the hearts swelling with joy and at the same time see you all wondering, “What the heck am I going to make for dinner”?
So many of you inspire me deep inside.
You bring hope.
You instigate a desire to shift my own metaphorical stick-shift into a gear that is more “moving forward” than slamming in reverse.
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The scene: me frantically trying to find files in my not-done-yet-because-I’m-a-procrastinating-mess office.
The feeling: ick/double ick
The posture: shoulders slumped, back like a “C”
The turn-around: an inspirational tidbid sent from heaven above.
…this was from someone who I haven’t even had in my life for very long, but just seemed to easily crawl into my heart
and
take
up
residence.
She has similar struggles as so many of us multi-tasking/creative/gotta-have-5-million-goals women do. She, of course, seems to handle it all so gracefully as I plod along checking my planner each hour to make sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. (“Look! Something shiny!” that’s me).
This is what she wrote to me~
Whatever decisions in life that you make in the future, just know that I think that you have succeeded at all of these things already. I sincerely hope you find that happy-medium and balance you are so desperately craving, for you truly deserve it.
here is a daily truth from Brave Girl that reminded me of you, if you haven’t already read this one…
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Well…whoa!
Well, it goes without saying that little droplets fell on my keyboard…the good kind.
It also doesn’t need to be said that I am indeed quite lucky to have someone stop what they’re doing for two minutes and provide this little inspirational shot in the arm (and go to Brave Girl Camp with her too…so great!)
LUCKY.
BLESSED.
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As many of you lovelies know, I’ve been dabbling in the “Etsy arts” and spreading my wings a little aside from the studio…something just for me that is fun, fun, fun and MESSY! (best done with the kidlets).
It involves collages,
the little soldered boxes of joy
and (coming soon)
photo card collections.
I struggled with a name for this little production.
“What is the theme?” my left-brained scary twin asked.
“Why even do this when you’re spread thin as it is?” she tossed her hair like the know-it-all that she is.
I figured it out…
and even gave it a name…
this little side-branch of my creative endeavors…
drum-roll, please—–
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IGNITE THE HEART ART
(Relighting the pilot light of girlfriends in need)
Not so great a snap from the point-n-shoot (always with the photo disclaimers, these photographers…sheesh!)….
and yes, that is a match on the front of the box…laughed out loud when I found myself trolling the house for wayward matches. Let’s hope it doesn’t catch on fire in the mail to someone.
That’s what bubblewrap is for….that and jumping on it in an obnoxious fashion to annoy the dog.
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Anyway…..
It’s about connecting with other women.
Encouraging them and giving them love pats.
Letting them know we’re thinking of them.
(one of my fave images of the year from this post)
That’s what women do.
It’s like breathing.
I wanted something that represented that because I’m in awe of it.
Awe.
So there you have it…something grew out of my own struggles and it has a name.
…and that makes me happy.
And because I’m happy I’d like to do a GIVE-AWAY!
You can guess what it will be…little red shoes for you close to your heart.
Please leave a comment and I will post my picking-a-name-out-of-a-bowl next week for the winner.
OX.
Side note…..
Our beloved BOYS launched their on-line store today. It is, of course, FABULOUS. Check it out here!
January 28th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Great post – inspiring! Love the name of your shop! And, I think I am going to love the stuff you put in it since I am already in love with the shoes in the box!
Rochelle
January 28th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Beautiful, honest and real post. So glad she knew what you were needing and was able to pick you up and carry you just a bit today. You are so blessed to live near each other.
January 29th, 2010 at 4:10 am
OMG…I totally torture myself with the whole ‘theme’ thing too! MUST all match and have a cohesive message! Except my entire life doesn’t match or have a cohesive message…HELLO!!!
rock on for branching out because your art is beautiful (and shiny. OOOH SHINY). LOVE it.
January 29th, 2010 at 4:17 am
Your posts totally blow me away~ For a second I thought Jeanne was the one who sent you the message, but of course, now I know it was that sweet friend of ours who NEVER fails to inspire.
You are amazing my friend – you are my go-to girl when I need advice (as you know by my many phone calls…). I think, sometimes, when life is taking a new road that isn’t yet familiar, it feels like chaos, when, in reality, it is just your new direction working out the kinks. C’est la vie!
bisous,
xx
January 29th, 2010 at 6:19 am
Embrace who you are my friend…you are full of life, energy, love and creativity…you inspire those around you (far as well as near) INCLUDING your family. The energy of doubt is exhausting and sidetracking…keep on moving forward and enjoy the ride on that pumpkin coach – it’s quite lovely – so are your beautiful treats and thoughts. love you. miss you. xo
January 29th, 2010 at 6:45 am
What a perfect name! I love it. It’s fully inspired. Gave me the goosebumps!
I realize more and more what a blessing girlfriends are. They are life-sustaining and we are blessed.
January 29th, 2010 at 6:58 am
Thanks….. I needed that today!
Marcy
January 29th, 2010 at 7:45 am
This very topic, this very thing that you are speaking of today is a constant conversation topic when I am with my fellow mommy/women friends. I want it all, at one time. I cannot make myself just leave well enough alone a new “big idea” or something already on my plate that I tell my self I should be doing “better.” We are so hard on ourselves. If we could just see ourselves through the eyes of others, we would be so much kinder and more gentle…like we are to our own friends. Thanks for sharing such personal thoughts today…know that they are felt and understood. I give you one big AMEN sister!
January 29th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Sweet, touching, honest…..
I wish you many blessings….
diane
January 29th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Wonderful post! Just found your blog, awesome girl!
January 29th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Brave Girl messages are THE best, aren’t they?!!
Congrats to you… I love, LOVE the name you selected, and the quote inside your box… what a wonderful treat for the recipients!
Have a great weekend,
Mikal
January 30th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Gosh…wow!
m ^..^
January 31st, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Very sweet and inspirational post, I can totally relate as I was raised by a “if your going to do something be the best at it ” kindof a dad. A blessing in some ways, a curse in others. I always feel like I have to be super woman and if I don’t occupy every minute of everyday someone might come from behind me and sweep away my dreams. I am learning to relax, at least on Sunday, leave a few dishes in the sink and instead spend that time in my craftroom makinf pretty little things.
Life is a balancing act and anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is trying to sell you something. The secret is finding “your” personal balance and not looking over your shoulder to see who is juggling an extra plate. Hope you find your sweet spot!
Hugs,
Amada
February 1st, 2010 at 7:37 am
Am I too late to enter? I love your blog, I am not even sure how I found it!! It is so enlightening!! That is such a beautiful giveaway. You are so creative, I just wish that I had an ounce of creativity in me!!
February 1st, 2010 at 8:22 pm
It’s nice to see a something so encouraging. I love it when people create from the heart.
Kristen Smith
searchforgod@yahoo.com
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Sweet Lara,
I needed the post today. I love the Dorothy shoes so much… LOVE the empowerment.
Loves, Kelly
February 5th, 2010 at 11:52 am
I am bawling crying to you as I write this……
You have made a cozy little place in my heart and I am so abundantly happy to have you there……in a time where i thought real friendship could not come my way again, i was sent an amazing gift….YOU!!!
xoxxoo, Tiffany
May 12th, 2010 at 4:54 am
I love photo cards, they are more special than those ordinary greeting cards that is just full of text.”.`