braving the blues check in

So far the winter has treated us kindly.  The days have not been to bitingly cold and I have had the opportunity to step outside from some fresh air more often than not.  Having a plan in place has definitely helped me to brave the blues and keep me on track from not falling down the rabbit whole.  

I have been keeping myself busy with some creative projects.  I unpacked my sewing machine and jumped on in.  I do not really know how to sew but I am learning.  It has bee so much fun to watch something take shape.  Have a creative outlet to turn to and a project to complete keeps me energized and focused.  

More often than not I have revved up my juicer.  Getting healthy foods into my body always makes me feel better.  One of my favorite go to juice recipes is:

• A few Carrots
• One Beet, two if they are really small
• One Green Apple
• One Lemon
• A couple of stalks of Celery
• Some Ginger
• Romaine

This is one of my favorite combinations.  I love the healthy dose of energy that the beets provide me.  Do you have any favorite juicing recipes?  

I have also been enjoying sending and receiving postcards as a part of the Love Notes Postcard Project.  For this round I created a couple of postcards using watercolors.  It was nice to sit down for a little while and really focus my energy on these postcards.  

For me there is such a thrill that occurs when I see a little sliver of sunshine in my mailbox sitting next to the bills and excessive amount of catalogs that I receive.  These little pieces of paper lift me up and change my day for the better.  I can't believe next week is already our third and final prompt for this round.  

How about you?  How have you been braving the blues?  Do you have any secret recipes or  warrior moves that you can share?  What is helping you get through these dark and cold days?  
I encourage you to join me in braving the blues.  Check out the hashtag #bravingtheblues on Instagram to see what else has been helping me.  Maybe it will inspire you in #bravingtheblues 

what I want you to know

What I want you to know is there is love swirling all around you
People care about you and want to be there
Lean on them whenever you need to
Yes, I know you are the one usually doing the taking care of
But others want to take care of you
Do not hesitate to pick up the phone, ask for a hug, or stay a little bit longer

What I want you to know is you are fully supported
Prayers are being said
Love is being sent
You are held deeply
Open up your heart and soak it all in
We are all by your side every step of the way

There is so much that I want you to know
But about all else
What I want you to know is that I love you

This writing is in response to the second Love Notes Postcard Project writing prompt.

What I want you to know. . . .

 It has been so much fun seeing the images appear on Instagram #lovenotesjb and in the Facebook Group.  People are filled with such wisdom and their words have touched my heart.  Oh this project is so much fun!!  I am sad that this Sunday is the last postcard for this round.  It all flies by to quickly.  

sew crafty

This weekend I pulled out my sewing machine and decided to jump on in.  There was one particular project that I had to finish up from last year, yes last year --- when my sewing machine broke and I couldn't figure out how to fix it.  This particular project needs to be complete before Christmas, so now is as good a time as any to get it done. 

I am LOVING my new machine.  It is so easy to use and was set up in a flash.  I wish I would have taken it out of the box sooner.   My living room is filled with bits of fabric, pins, and all sorts of sewing goodness.  It is an explosion of color.  Not having much space to lay everything out makes it a little bit challenging, but I am still enjoying the process.  

There is something magical to me in watching my creations come together.  In seeing the pieces that I cut out actually take form.  I do have much to learn about tension, stitch size, and fabric but these little works of love are a fun experiment.  

I wish I could show you more images now but these pieces are gifts for some very special folks and I don't want to ruin the surprise.  I will share more after they receive them.   

Sewing was a great way to help me brave the blues.  Yesterday it was windy and cold outside.  I went for a short walk but knew I needed to do something to prevent me from laying on the couch and drifting away into a bluesy nap.  So out the machine came and instantly my spirits were lifted.  My creative drive revved up and I even made two trips to the craft store to pick up somethings I didn't have, and then somethings I forgot.

Working with my hands soothes me.  I love how I can physically see nothing turn into something.  I think that little sewing machine is going to get a lot of use out of me.  

let's bring the love

Your heart is filled with love, spread it around
It only takes a second to make a change
Carry her grocery's to the car
Hold open the door
Smile at others and make eye contact
Your one small action will create a positive shift in this world
Slow down and appreciate the moments
Say hello
Offer to help
Be kind
There is much darkness out there
Hurt, pain, and sadness
No need to add to it
Let's bring more sunshine and laughter
Let's come together, hold hands, and spread love

adventurous spirit

I have an adventurous spirit.  I will take the scenic route home rather than going the way I have traveled many times before.  I am always looking for something new.  Clearing out the old and inviting in the unexpected.  

I have learned that the only way I grow and expand is when I find my edge.  When I stand face to face with being uncomfortable and I dive right in.  Sure I could survive right below the surface.  I could move through my life with my eyes closed, and it would be a pretty good life.  

But I yearn for more.  I want to see the lands I have never seen.  I want to push myself to do things I never thought I could do.  I want to work hard to accomplish a goal and feel the joy that comes from my dedication.  

I want to live out loud.  Living small is not for me.  I want to encounter strangers and hear there stories.  I want to dig deep into the lives of my friends and unearth our truest passions and desires.  I want to live with intention and adventure intertwined.  

love notes

The Love Notes Postcard Project is back for it's tenth round and I couldn't be more excited.  I began this project because of my passion for words and deep need to connect with individuals.  I love sending and receiving mail and wanted to bring others together to experience the joy that comes when a little ray of sunshine arrives in your mailbox.  

What is beautiful about words is that they have an ability transcend and bring people together.  One simple writing prompt can bring out the words that will inspire another.  Using postcards for this project makes it that much sweeter because the the words pass through so many hands before arriving to the intended recipient.  This provides more opportunity to inspire and we just never know how it may have touched others on it's journey.

This weeks writing prompt was  :: there was a time ::  The words that spilled for me where:

There comes the day when you will great yourself with kindness
When you will look lovingly at the person looking back at you in the mirror
And know that you are doing your best

There comes the day when you will lift your head up to the sky
Speak your wishes out loud
and take the first few steps in making them come true

There comes the day when you will say yes
Knowing that you are stepping boldly into who you are
And receiving all that the world has to offer you

Yes, there will come a day
When you will be standing strongly in your person
Sharing your bright shining light with the world