Creating Your Own Beauty

I always say it jokingly - but I collect hobbies.  No matter what, I always seem to pick up something that's artsy, and go with it.  I started making the most basic cards in Grad School, as something to do.  I have taken multiple classes on card making, stamping, techniques, etc.  I've been to Scrapfest 3 times.  

After Grad School, I began taking Wilton Cake Decorating Classes.  I aspire to some day attend the Wilton School and take Sugar Blowing, and other such amazing technique classes.

During October, I learned how to knit, and by did I!  I thinking I'm going to take some classes in the next few months at the Yarn Barn downtown - it's time to start making more than long rectangles!

I've also always wanted to know how to quilt.  Well - I've finally bitten the bullet and purchased a sewing machine!  I had so much fun at the fabric store yesterday - and found out that some of my favorite scrapbooking companies are now making fabric!  I'm excited to buy a giant folding table and create a sewing/crafting table.

I believe I need to choose some cheaper hobbies!  But no matter what, it seems like there's always something for me to create - and to be able to find my own beauty - even if skies are grey.  As Eleanor Rosevelt once said -  “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”  

WHY WON'T IT LET ME FLIP THIS?

Here what Ive been creating the last few weeks.  (all stamps from the Unity Stamp Company )

Laughter

I caught myself laughing last night, and for a minute, stepped out of myself, and realized just how genuine that moment of laughter was.  My soul was shining!  There was a pureness, and an innocence in that moment of laughter - and I found myself incredibly thankful that I had noticed - recognized my joy, and how good it felt.  I want to spend my life living in a series of moments that feel just like that & remembered just what a smile, a laugh, an open heart could do for you!

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.
Jean Houston

Starting Over

Today I am inspired by new chances, starting over, new years, new semesters!  Each year we are blessed with January 1st - which gives us a chance to redo, to do, to achieve, and to overcome - for some of us - to finally BE!  While some look down on the tradition of making resolutions - I look at the custom as a way to stop, evaluate myself, and seek to improve.  Even though not Catholic, I use Lent every year, to stop, evaluate, and then choose things to give up that I'm spending too much time on, too reliant on, or too indulgent in.  Going further, working in the field of Higher Education, I have the Fall Semester & Spring Semester to start over as well!  I often wonder what life is like, without these 'natural' breaks, to examine, explore, and improve. 

I believe in the beauty of my dreams, and today, I am inspired by the fact that in my life, I get to start over at least 3 times a year & I am thankful that I am willing to aspire - to seek, and to attain.