The Problem with Being Open Minded...

I know it's been awhile, and that I have pretty much been radio silent on here, but I feel as though this is the safest place for me to write this.

I follow politics, and I have issues that are very important to me. Not only for me, but for both of my daughters. Lately, I have felt that most of what I personally find important, and what I feel passionate about, is in jeopardy.

But the main reason I am writing, is this: I consider myself to be exceptionally open-minded, and I take pride in knowing that I do everything within my power to educate myself and to see both sides of every story. Or issue, as this case may be. 

But the problem is, I think that I might be TOO open-minded. I can literally see two sides to every issue! It is downright frustrating! Not to mention, mentally exhausting. This is where things might get messy. For instance; the Woman's March.

Oh, how I would have LOVED to be a part of that history! To be a part of that statement!

But there is this side of my brain that starts to think "I was blessed enough to have been born when I did, where I did, and with the rights and privileges that I {currently} have. What is there to march about really? Stop whining." But then there is the other side of my brain, literally screaming, saying "This isn't about you! This is about the future generations! This is about the women in other countries who are not as fortunate as me! This is about standing up for what you believe to be true and fair!"

See my dilemma? 

Another instance would be: Guns. Knowledge above all else, is key. I believe that everyone should have the right to carry and defend themselves. But only if they do so in the right, legal and safe way. But let's be honest, how can we get everyone to do that? Criminals obviously could care less about laws and regulations! I agree with stricter background checks, and I think that a person should have to renew their permit ANNUALLY. I also think that upon applying for a permit, you should have to take a class on proper gun use. After all, we ALL have to take Driver's Ed, and take both the written and driven test to get our driver's licenses!
For places such as theaters, government buildings, schools, etc...these places get the worst of the worst when it comes to gun violence. You wanna know why I think that? Because they are 'No Gun Zones', and the criminals know that the people there are helpless and are unable to defend themselves So how do we fix this? Ahh, that is the million dollar question!

Again, see my dilemma?

One more instance would be the A.C.A. {aka Obamacare}. Since it has become mandated, millions of people have been saved simply by the preexisting conditions rule. People would not have had access to surgeries or procedures without it! Canada does it, and it's a success for them! But then again, on the other hand, I have witnessed personally, the rise in insurance costs for my family. What we pay yearly for our full insurance coverage would literally BLOW your mind! While I agree with the idea as a whole, I also agree that some things need to be changed. But how? Definitely not by taking it away completely! There are people who do not have the ability to have health insurance. So why not help your fellow humans?

And again...a dilemma.

There are quit a few more instances is which I see both sides. So it becomes extremely difficult for me to make a solid stance. As I said before, extremely frustrating!

But then there are the issues that I will absolutely NOT waiver my point of views on! Such as: -Women's Rights {reproductive and civil}
-Supporting Planned Parenthood
-Civil Rights in general {LGBT, racial equality, etc...}
-Climate Change {aka Global Warming}

As I type this, our Environment is quit literally on the chopping block. Without nature, or a healthy environment, literally nothing else matters!
As only one small person on this planet, I am beginning to feel helpless. But I CANNOT stop believing in what is important to me! So feeling helpless is simply not an option!

And if after reading this you feel the need to debate, I get it. I really do. But I ask you this: instead of lashing out and getting defensive about what is important to you, please educate me with the facts on your issues. This will help us all to become more informed!

Above all else, being a kind and decent human being is the most important.  Please be nice to each other. Arguing and fighting only deepens the divide between us. Please build bridges, not walls. 

- XoXo -

VIDA

So this past week something completely unexpected happened.

I received an email from VIDA. 

 "...VIDA's story is that of the rich, interconnected world we live in -- the story of contemporary life and mindful, global citizenship. We are a global partnership of co-creators, from a designer in Paris, to a producer in Karachi, and a consumer in San Francisco."

 

Simply put, VIDA invites artists from all over the world, to become designers and design completely original scarves and tops inspired from the artists' very own artwork.

Any form of art, from painting, to drawing to photography. Anything that can be digitally transferred, can be used to design these high-quality products. 

They invited me to become a designer, and design my own scarves and tops created from my very own artwork...my photography! 

To be honest, I was hesitant at first. 

So I looked into it. And it's legit! 

I began playing around, and started creating some products with my photos. 

And it was a ton of fun! 

It has taken my visions to a different level, that I would never have thought of myself!

And the best part about VIDA, is that they use part of their proceeds from the sales of the products, to create literacy programs for the makers. 

With these programs, the makers have opportunities to learn basic reading, writing and math skills, that they would otherwise not have access to. 

 

So by purchasing from my VIDA Collection, you not only support my art, but you are also helping makers across the world! 

How incredibly cool is that?! 

Here are a few examples of what I have created so far:

 

 

 I am THRILLED to share my collection with all of you!

Check it out HERE, and enjoy these coupon codes!

 Until the end of the month, there is a Fashion Portfolio Event.

Use the codes below at checkout to save:

$15 off $75 {with code Fashion15}

$150 off $450 {with code Fashion150}

 

Thank you for supporting my art, and the makers all over the world!

And thank you VIDA for introducing me to your incredible company, and it's amazing new platform for artists everywhere! 

 

WE Day Seattle!

I literally stumbled across the finding of an organization called ME to WE at a vendor event this past December. There was a group of teenage girls selling Rafiki bracelets, and I thought the name was cool, and they bracelets were equally as cool looking!

Once I did some research and found out what the bracelets were all about, 

I knew that ME to WE was something that our Girl Scout troop had to take part in! 

Long story short, you choose two causes that you want to help with, do a project, and/or donate money, to help those causes. One local and one global. 

By doing these projects, you EARN tickets to an event called WE Day. 

This year was the fourth year WE Day came to Seattle.

"WE Day is a celebration of youth making a difference in their local and global communities....yearlong program that nurtures compassion in young people and gives them the tools to create transformative social change." 

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Now, I had no idea that We Day existed before. So after finding out that our troop had earned enough tickets for all of us to attend, I watched the video below and got goose bumps. I had no doubt that these girls would benefit from going! After all, even the adults get something out of an event this inspirational!

So last Wednesday, April 20th, our twelve Girl Scouts and five {brave!} adults piled into three cars, and caravanned to the Seattle Center KeyArena for a morning filled with amazing, eye-opening, thought-provoking words of wisdom! There were celebrity speakers, well-known bands and singers, local business owners, local celebrities {i.e. news anchors,} and local athletes {Pete Carol and three Seahawks, Seattle Storm players and Seattle Sounders players}!

You might be wondering how much information nine-year-olds really get during a long morning/day, filled with a lot of talking...well, hopefully they got more out of it then we think! I figure that we need to start them young, so that they can be introduced to the fact that they CAN change the world, and make it a better place! If it doesn't click right away, it will eventually! I know it! 

Especially with these girls...they are all so incredibly smart!

They don't even know what kind of potential they have yet! 

I know that it effected Emma a lot more than she even knows!

That night, she saddled up in bed and wrote in her WE Day journal, and started reading the WE Day book that everyone in attendance received for free! And if you ask me, her words are quit profound: 

I hope that WE Day comes back to Seattle next year, because you can bet that we will be there again!

This organization, and it's event, speak so deeply to me.

I believe in everything it is about, and I absolutely love how it is centered around youth!

I am excited to start planning our projects next year, because I know the girls will love seeing how their projects and donations are actually changing things, and helping people! 

AND, they get rewarded by earning tickets to WE Day! 

Talk about a Win-Win! 

"Together WE change the world!"

The Closing of a Chapter

With all of life's busy workings, it gets continually harder for me to keep up with my blog! 

While it will not be going away for good,  if you truly want to keep up and check out whats happening in our little corner of the woods, I invite you to please follow me on Instagram!! 

With that being said, I have decided to officially close a chapter in my life. 

A chapter that I started almost four years ago. 

A chapter that I had never seen myself being part of.

But a chapter that I am so glad I decided to be part of!

Now, almost four years later, this chapter has come to it's end.

I have decided to quit direct selling with Thirty-One Gifts. 

Their company changed so many things for me! 

It helped me to step outside of my comfort zone.

It helped me gain so many relationships that I would have otherwise never have known.

Relationships and knowledge that will forever be indispensable. 

The reason for this was simple:

I just haven't had the best of luck with this particular product, and that's OK!

Not everyone does, and that's OK!

It simply boiled down to whether or not this was a smart financial move for me and my family.

And at this time, it makes more sense for me, personally, to step on the brakes. 

I have officially cancelled my Thirty-One website, but can still place orders for you through my email, until the end of this month {April}. 

I will also be going through my personal inventory and selling what I will no longer need.

At a discounted price, of course! 

So please let me know if you would like to place a final order with me, or if you would like to look at my inventory and purchase in person! 

Please don't think that I will be leaving my customers in the lurch!

I can find a consultant to refer you to, if you need one! 

THANK YOU Thirty-One Gifts for the opportunity of a lifetime!

Your company has opened my eyes, and my mind, 

to direct sales and what they mean to women {and men} everywhere. 

I will be forever Grateful!

Some May Say I'm Crazy...

...But I am saying WHY NOT?!

I have decided to embark on yet another journey!

With my plate already full with Girl Scouts, Box Tops and my Thirty-One business, I have had to make the switch to an overflowing platter!

I am in the process of starting up another business: Perfectly Posh! 

This past weekend while at a vendor event, I was reintroduced to some amazing products that I love, and while I can't quit explain it, it felt like just the right time to start something new.

So I snagged some stocking stuffers from the Consultant, and grabbed some paperwork on the  business opportunity. And the next day...BAM! 

I am now an Independent Consultant with Perfect Posh!

So what is Perfectly Posh? Well, let me introduce you to your new favorite products!

As a company that was founded in 2011, it is taking off with huge leaps and bounds!

Their motto is "We Simply Pamper", and the products are great!

They are made in the U.S.A, with all natural ingredients. 

And the company in fact, wants you to read the labels...the proof is all there! 

With products such as lotions, body butters, hand cremes, face masks, bath salts, soaps, scrubs and exfoliants, essential oil blends mixed with shea butter, to face wash and 

moisturizers, various facial treatments, from lip scrubs to balms, shampoos and conditioners, foot care, and a line of products just for men! 

I am telling you, they have it all, and it is all freakin' amazing!!

And you wanna know the best parts?

Every single products is $25 and under!

They have a flat $5 shipping fee!

There is always a Buy 5, get the sixth Free deal!

AND, they have a Perks Program, where you Earn points with every purchase, and then you get to Spend the points on FREE product!

Pretty freakin' cool, right?!

So the point is: if you like skin care, and you like to treat yourself, I'm gunna have to say that these products are just what you've been looking for!

If you don't believe me, check it out HERE! 

Busy, Busy, Busy...

These past few months have most definitely been a whirlwind!

Granted, I may have overloaded my plate for this year, but I secretly enjoy staying busy.

While I wish that I could say I am staying busy with my social life, let's be honest...that is just downright laughable! Ha, ha!

Since the Summer has ended, and Fall is now upon us, Emma has started THIRD GRADE! 

Seriously, though...WHOA.

Haylee has turned THREE YEARS OLD!

Again...WHOA.

We had to get Em ready for school, since third grade is apparently a huge leap from second grade!

That is no joke by the way. 

She has much more homework, their curriculum is much tougher, and everything seems to be a lot more intense. She was placed in the co-teaching class, with two teachers and 50 students, which I was very unsure about once I found out. But it has actually been very good for her! 

She has an extra set of eyes, and hands to help her, and she is benefitting from having two ways to have a topic explained to her. Two similar, yet different, approaches to each subject. 

Overall, we are loving her teachers and their communication with the parents!

Then we had Haylee's Dinosaur Birthday at the bouncy house place. 

Yup, our girl loves her some Dinos and bouncing! 

We also had a numerous amount of friends' kids birthday parties to attend, so that took up a lot of time during September.

So besides the girls and their overall busy-ness, I have taken over Em's Girl Scout troop as the main leader, and added five extra girls! That brings our troop to a total of 14 GIRLS!

Yup, 14. That makes us an official 'Super Troop', haha! 

Which means that we will get to earn extra money during Cookie Season, so that's cool!

Then there is the all consuming, never-ending task that I took on for Emma's school as their Box Tops Coordinator. Yup, you read that right...Box. Tops. Coordinator.

It is a lot of work. 

Including: advertising at the school, setting up contests, collecting from the school as often as I can, clipping, counting, sorting, mailing, and on and on!

HOWEVER, like I said before, I secretly enjoy it!

It definitely keeps me busy and always thinking.

In fact, I have come up with two new ideas that the school has never done before, so it will be kind of exciting to see how it all goes this year!

In case you were wondering, each Box Tops brings in .10 cents, which adds up pretty damn quick!

Also, with helping out the school as much as I can, I hope to be able to find some sort of para-educating role once Haylee starts Kindergarten...

So with all the school stuff, and Girl Scout stuff, and toddler stuff, and house stuff, I have been kind of M.I.A. the last month or so!

But once everything falls into it's place soon, hopefully I'll be around more!

The funniest part about all of this, is that everything I end up doing, brings in zero income!

It's all volunteer-based work, which is something I can honestly say that I would never have seen myself doing nine years ago!

But again, I enjoy doing it.

And I enjoy helping out where, and when, I can!

Namaste

Have you ever tried to do something for yourself, only to find out that it's next to impossible?

A few months back, I started trying Yoga.

Something to center myself,  to relieve stress.

To get in some exercise, without feeling like I was exercising. 

I even found out that my local gym held an evening class!

So I went out and bought myself a yoga mat.

I went to a few classes, and even found a pretty amazing Youtube channel, 

so that I could practice at home. 

Then I remembered {how could I forget} that I have two kids and no sitter!

The class I tried going to was in the evening, but my husband's work schedule is kind of all over the place right now, which means that I am not always able to count on making it to the class.

Yes, my local gym has childcare.

But do I really want to pay for it? Or can I?

To me, that seems to defeat the whole purpose of finding your zen!

Then there is the practice-at-home routine. 

I tried that too!

But of course, it's kind of hard to find your inner peace when your toddler no longer naps, 

and your eight year old is constantly nagging you! 

So, I kind of gave it up. 

Not necessarily in the give-up kind of way, 

but more in the lets-try-this-later kind of way.

Which I fully plan on doing when school starts back up next month!

But until then, I have been trying to find out what finding your inner peace is all about.

How to find that zen feeling, and have been exploring the meaning of Namaste.

The meaning behind Yoga, Namaste and all things Zen, have always spoken to me.

But for some reason, I have never taken the time to explore them.

Shame on me!

I really do love the way I feel afterwards.

It is much more of a workout than I had originally thought, which I consider to be a bonus.

And the funny part of it is, I have no balance and I am not as flexible as I once was!

But oh well! I have to at least try, and I am.

Maybe one day I will get to that point where I don't have to try so hard.

And maybe one day I will be able to reach those difficult poses.

But first, I HAVE to find the time for myself.

But how? 

I have been told to include my little one, to have her join me.

But trying to include my toddler into a yoga practice is everything but peaceful and relaxing!

I have to find a way to be at peace with all that is crazy in this world.

For more reasons than I should probably admit, I need to find inner peace.

I need to find zen.

I need to learn the true, deep meaning of Namaste.

Because sometimes, people just need to find themselves.

This particular journey is all about me.

Me, Myself and I.

The Summer of Change

My vow to write more has obviously drifted to the wayside! 

No excuses here, just life. 

Compared to last summer, this year has been laid-back.  

We have, however, definitely attended our fair share of birthday parties, baby showers and play dates!

We went on a short family trip to Friday Harbor and camped with the in-laws for a couple nights, but other than that, that's about it.

If I had to pick a theme for my summer, this year would be Change.
So. Much. Change! It is happening all around me...

The change started at the beginning of the season, when I was informed by a friend that we would not be going on our annual family vacation with them anymore, due to their impeding divorce.
This unfortunate event has effected me more than I care to admit.
A friend that I was close to, and was only able to see once or twice a year as it was, is suddenly feeling very distant. Very unexpected!

The change continued when my mother-in-laws father passed away.
We went to his funeral, and gathered with their family for a wake afterwards.

Then I found out that a very dear friend of mine, who I have met through Thirty-One, told me that her and her family would be moving back to their home state of Georgia. Her husband had been trying to get a job there for awhile, and God finally answered their prayers!
While this is great news for them, and I am beyond happy for their family, it breaks my heart to not be able to see her anymore.
The worst part about this change was my fault.
I purposefully did not reach out to say a goodbye in person.
I couldn't handle it. Now I am regretting it.
Live and learn, and don't be selfish.

Shortly after they moved, my mom told me that she would be quitting her job, and moving to Eastern Washington where the rest of my family lives. While I do not see her all that often as it is, it was nice to be able to call her up and meet randomly for coffee, or a meal.

I have also found out that two other people that I talk to regularly, are also moving in the middle of this school year! Apparently everyone's getting the hell out of dodge!

I have been trying all summer long, to come to grips with the fact that I have important people in my life, that I will no longer get to see on a regular basis.
I keep reminding myself that I have so many close friends and family that live far away, that this is nothing new, and that it's all good!

Note to Self: It is NOT all about you.

Change is a good thing...sometimes it's just hard to get through...

Built Ford Tough

What do you do when your husband's work {literally} burns to the ground?

Well let me tell you: 

First you freak out. I mean you really, really freak out. 

Second, you try to remain calm since the kids are watching your every move.

Third, you take a deep breath and tell yourself that everything will work out.

Because it will...just breath.

At 6:30am on Saturday, April 25th, we found out that Howard's work place of the past 15 years, Ford of Bellevue, had been completely burned to the ground. 

Not exactly the most ideal way to wake up and start your weekend.

The news report said it started around 3am that morning, and that the building was completely engulfed in flames by the time the firefighters got on the scene. 

And it was:

Howard immediately got dressed and drove to Bellevue. 

At that time no one knew what to expect. 

Maybe the shop had held up? 

Maybe his tools were okay? 

This was not the case. 

He got there around 7am, and sent me this picture:

As it turns out, the entire building is gone. 

Barely anything survived the blaze. 

Customer cars: gone. Vehicles for sale: gone. Toolboxes: gone. 

Except for a few cars set further away from the building, everything: gone. 

The only good thing about this, is that not one person was injured. Thank God for that!

Ever since Saturday morning, he has been down there helping every day.

He volunteered, and was selected, to be the person in charge of taking care of all of the tools for the shop. That includes all 22 technicians, and all of the shop tools and equipment.

He has been OK'd to handle the inventory of everything the shop and technicians need. 

He has not stopped. 

He is constantly attending meetings, taking phone calls and answering hundreds of text messages. 

He is, essentially, helping to rebuild this company.

I cannot begin to explain to you how tedious this task is, and will be.

The company assures everyone that all 96 employees will be taken care of, and made whole again. 

That includes compensation and the replacement of tools and equipment. 

What exactly that entails, we are not 100% yet.

{We are hoping for more solid answers by the end of the week}.

Speaking of tools, this is the current state of Howard's personal toolbox and equipment:

The ceiling beam fell directly on top of it...Keep in mind that it used to be bright yellow in color...

Needless to say, it is not recognizable, and not salvageable. 

The stall that he has worked in, for as long as I can remember, is the third door from the left in this photo:

The 15 years he has worked there, we have been together. 

I have, for all intents and purposes, been there as long as he has.

It is so surreal to think that this place is gone. Forever. 

They are planning on moving the company to a Mercedes shop in the interim. 

They have to get that location set up and running, so it is up in the air as to when that will take effect.

And as far as I know, the fire investigation is still underway, and nothing has been determined yet.

There is a brief update on their website HERE. 

This is something that you just don't think about.

It's something that you never think will ever really happen.

But it does, and it did. 

Howard and I can add this event to the long list of things that we have overcome together. 

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to remind you of what you really have.

And for those things, I am incredibly grateful!

R.I.P. Ford of Bellevue...your slogan takes on a whole new meaning to me know!

MY Truth About Direct Selling

I have noticed quit a few opinions swirling around lately about Direct Sales.

Direct selling is not for everyone.

And sometimes it's still not for me. 

I am honestly not all that good at it.

It can be hard, and I do not make a ton of money.

But that's just me.

Part of starting up is to reach out to those around you, the people you already know.

Some will be supportive, MOST won't. 

They say to go out side your circle, outside of your comfort zone. 

Which is what I have had to do since day one. 

Day freaking ONE! 

And I have been at this for almost three years,

{which is a drop in the bucket to a lot of people in the industry}.

They also say to attend as many events as you can, and to put your name out there.

But then there's me.

I do NOT hassle people or bug them about my product.

I do NOT walk up to strangers and say "you should buy this," etc...

I do NOT corner people or pressure them into buying. Even at parties.

I do however, mention my product if someone I know is talking about something similar. 

I do have my own private Facebook group that I invite people to.

I do carry my own product and I love it!

The way I figure it, if someone wants my product or is interested, they will let me know.

I personally HATE pushy, overwhelming salesmen/women. 

So I think like the customer. 

Which I know is my biggest problem. I am not naive to that fact!

 I am not a pushy person. If I want something, I will seek it out!

Which is what people do, right? Right! 

Like I said, I invite Facebook friends to my private group. If they want to stay, GREAT!

If they choose to leave the group, GREAT! 

And I will not bug them with trying to add them again.

I will NOT blow up your newsfeed with annoying posts, etc... 

I am not going to force you to look at my products, or make you hear what I have to say about them.

The choice is 100% YOURS. 

I love my products, and think the world of them! 

If people want to go and spend their money on similar products, then please! Go right on ahead!

I am not going to stop you.

But please consider the alternatives.

Are you really getting what you pay for? 

Is that product as versatile as you think it is? 

Are you supporting someone you know?

Alternatives that are much more fun than strolling around a store stressing yourself out and wasting your gas. 

But who am I to say "don't do that"?

 I, personally, would much rather support the people that I know and help them out.

I would much rather have fun with people in a casual setting, chat, shop and eat!

While I am supporting friends, family and acquaintances in their endeavors, realistically it would be fantastic to receive that same enthusiasm in return. 

But that doesn't always happen. 

Unfortunately, not all of us have the funds or means to start up a super successful business from scratch. And some of us cannot afford to go back to school full time, or work full time outside of the home. Some of us have to start smaller, work our way up, and take the small successes where and when we can. 

Which for me, is where Direct Selling has come into play. 

Yes, I have found new friends through it, and I have learned a lot.

Cheesy and cliche? Sure. 

But it's my truth. 

And I certainly do not want someone else to feel ashamed, or inadequate for their truth or success.

So while many people out there may have choice words on Direct Selling businesses,

all I can ask them is to please keep an open mind about it. 

That friend, family member or accquaintence you know who may be selling something,

{skin care, purses, oils, food, clothes, makeup, etc...}

is just trying to make it. 

Trying to make it through life with small successes. Trying to make new friends. 

Trying to have a life outside of the home. 

They may be trying to focus on something other than laundry and dishes everyday!

After all is said and done, aren't we all just trying to make it?

Getting Reacquainted

 I am taking the time to really sit down and get to know my Canon.

It's been a long time, my friend!

Today I am sitting down and actually playing with the settings, and checking out all of the functions that this amazing piece of machinery has to offer! 

I am ashamed to say that I do not know my camera as much as I should.

And for as much as I talk about picking it back up again and shooting like crazy, I have not taken the time to do so. Why? Because I keep making up excuses, that's why! 

I have been having trouble finding inspiration lately, and I believe that that is a huge part of it. 

So today I am making the time to find inspiration!

Going back to the beginning, and remembering what it is that I love about photography!

For me, the details are everything: what someone's eye might miss, is what I try to find. 

What one might think is mundane or inadequate, I find appealing. 

The everyday happenings and objects that I am surrounded by, or the way the light hits a subject, the emotion that you get when you look at a photograph, the way it makes you feel...that's where it's at! Well, at least for me...

Here's to hoping that I find the Inspiration I want...the Inspiration I need! 

Work In Progress

Lately I have been trying to be okay with myself. 

With my body, my image, my personality, my stye, my life.

For me personally, this is a lot easier said than done. 

I am in constant battle with myself. 

I wake up in the morning feeling one way, and go to bed feeling another. 

Comparison has always been a problem for me. 

It always will be. 

Something that I will always have to work on and "deal" with. 

Social Media has a very large role in this...

Seeing and reading how "perfect" someones life is on the surface is difficult for me. 

However, I KNOW that it is not always real and that people only say what they want you to know.

I am not naive to that fact. 

I have thought on more than one occasion to disconnect completely and live life like we used to.

How we are supposed to!

But then I realize that the only way I will know what's going on is through that type of contact. 

So I continue reading, liking, and posting. 

Because after all, that is what our world has become. 

{Take a look at blogs for instance!}

One would think that at the age of thirty one, it would be easy to like ones self.

That it would come as easy as breathing, as blinking.

But for some of us it just isn't so. 

While in the midst of the whirlwind that is life, and all that comes {the good and the bad}, I have learned to take everything one day at a time.

To step back and take a deep breath when I feel like I am sinking. 

The feelings of seclusion and loneliness are one and the same for me.

But I get through them...eventually. 

Like I said, one day at a time. 

Sure, there are a million different medications that could make it "easier."

But I have tried those before, and they only make things better on the surface. 

And only for a short period of time, until they destroy parts of you that harder to fix in the long run.

So I chose to fix myself. 

Or at least try!

Over the years I have become extremely good at wearing that mask you hear about.

You know, the one with the plastered smile and the contagious laugh?

The one that nobody can see through?

I have mastered that skill. The art of pretending. 

It is the hardest battle I have to fight everyday.

Somedays are harder than others, but I always make it through to the other side!

It might take me a little longer to dig myself out, but I know I can do it because I have in the past.

I do it more often than I care to admit. 

And of the BEST forms of medicine for me, is always music!

Honestly, without it I feel like I would be lost most of the time! 

I turn on a song, and forget about the silly things are seem to be bothering me at the time.

I turn up the volume and sing it out! Dance it out! 

And my girls. 

If not for them, I couldn't get of bed in the morning. 

They are literally the reason I survive.

They need me more than I know. 

And I need them more than they know.

I am my own work in progress. 

After all said and done, I know that I become stronger because of it.

And I know that in the end I will be better because of it.

I GOT THIS!

Wolf Den Images

I have been updating my Etsy shop lately.

Granted, a little slower than I would like, but I'm working' on it.

In fact, I have added a coupon code for those who might be in the market for a deal this Holiday season! Select any one of the Featured Images and receive a second image of your choice for 50% off {use code HOLIDAYS14 at checkout, available until January 1st, 2015}!

The great thing about my Etsy shop, is that there is no shipping involved. 

Just click, download and print! Pretty simple, don't ya think? 

With low prices and Holiday spirit, I think it's worth a look! 

Go check it out here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RusticWolf?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Girl Scouts, Thirty-One and BoxTops! Oh My!

I think that this has been the longest stretch of time that I have not posted!

The last couple of months have been pretty busy, but mostly I just haven't had much to say...

Not too exciting of an excuse, huh? Well sometimes honesty is boring!

So what have I been up to? Well mostly, Girl Scouts and Thirty-One. I have been working my business a lot more lately, and from doing so I was able to treat myself to a brand new iPhone 6! 

I didn't realize that by volunteering to become a Girl Scout Troop Leader, that I would be devoting so much time, energy and brain power! But it's fun, and more fulfilling than I thought it would be. 

We have taken the girls out on two day-trip outings, tried new snacks, planned our Taking Action Project, and have signed up for our communities Fire Engine Food Drive next month! We will also be  putting together a Food Drive ourselves sometime in the Spring, after cookie season. Which is coming upon us quickly! In fact, official 'Cookie Training' begins in early December. I can say this much about volunteering: it has been keeping me busy, and thinking outside of the box. 

And for that, I am Thankful!

Girl Scouts Mission

I have also been helping out Em's school with their BoxTops program. I volunteered to help sort and count the entire 4th grade! It has honestly been a lot easier than I expected, which is a bonus! The hardest part for me is figuring out the logistics of taking Haylee to the school to collect them...not the easiest task with her in tow!

Emma has started second grade and gymnastics! Which she is in love with! She takes to it so naturally, that I really do think she has found what she loves to do! I would like to see her climb the perverbial ladder to maybe someday compete. She has mentioned it in passing, but I don't think she quit understands the demands of that yet. Any why should she? She is only seven years old, after all!

Haylee turned TWO in September! Two years old! Where did that time go?! She is no longer  our baby, but now a toddler! And boy oh boy, does she do her job well! She keeps us on our toes, and keeps me busy all. day. long! But damn, is she cute!

On another note, I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is this week! Where did the Fall go?! But then again, bring on the Christmas tunes and the bright shinny lights! It just goes by so dang fast, I don't feel like I can catch up! 

I guess I didn't realize that trying to summarize the past four months would be so difficult! I suppose that just means that I need to step up and start writing more often!

I truly hope that you and yours have a very Blessed and Plentiful Thanksgiving! 

More Than Just A Conference

I just returned home yesterday, from Thirty-One Conference!

And let me be the first to tell you, that the experience was so much more than just a conference! 

Not only did I meet more amazing women, establish relationships, and learn a ton of information, but I have become truly inspired to do so much more with my life. And I think I have finally found out my reason, my purpose, for joining this amazing company...

Now I am not a very religious person. Which some might find odd, considering that Thirty-One's platform and business are based off of religion. Proverbs 31 to be exact. But after a very long day of sessions and classes this past Friday, I had what some might call a Revelation. 

I was literally overwhelmed with so many emotions that I started to think out loud to one of my closest friends. The one that let me crash her pad for about 5 days, and generously offered to be my own personal taxi service! I started babbling about feelings that I had never divulged to anyone else before. And at the end of that exhausting conversation, I finalized with this: I believe that God has set the blessing of Thirty-One in my lap, and my life, to find myself again. To believe in something higher and bigger than what I see around me. I now believe that I can find the strength to move out of Fear, and into Faith. I now believe that I truly have the power and wisdom at my disposal to stop being my own roadblock, and to quit being my own obstacle. 

I have realized what my five core values are: Integrity, Dependability, Independence, Honor and Growth.  I have begun to dig deeper into my true Why. Why am I with this company? What are my goals? What can I overcome? I realize now, that is about so much more than financial freedom. 

For me, it is about my family, finding my true self again, giving back and getting involved in my community. I have already begun with random acts of kindness.

 I have always thought that the power of giving can, and will, change your life. But after this experience, and all of the amazing words of wisdom that I have heard, I truly believe it and want to do what I can to help. One of the best quotes that I can recall from conference, was by Leigh Anne Tuohy: "The only time you should ever look down on someone, is when you are bending over to lend them a hand." If this is not the best thing you have heard in a long time, please just think about it. Think about what it really means. 

I have found new ways to better grow my business, and reach my goals. And I am slowly finding the confidence to do it. And a major realization that my dear, dear friend pointed out to me, is something that will forever change my way of thinking about MY business! I have been struggling with the feeling that this is not "my business" and that I am not an "entrepreneur". But I was given an incredible piece of advice: "Your business is not different than a franchise restaurant." And it's true! While Cindy Monroe may have created the business and it's ideals, I {and all the other consultants} are the ones who buy the franchise and make the company into what it is today! 

So while I have barely begun to scratch the surface on what I have learned, and how I will take action, what I have already told you is just the beginning! I have goals that I am hoping to reach, and with the support of my friends, family and Thirty-One sisterhood, I now truly believe that if I can Dream it, I can BE it! Thank you Thirty-One for giving me this knowledge!

Who Would Of Thought...

Ten years ago I would never have thought that I would be where I am today!

Which is totally a good thing, because I had never imagined this life. Never.

As a teenager I used to say that I would never have kids, and that I would only adopt.

I also used to say that I would always work outside of the home, and be totally independent.

HA! Boy did that change! Two children later, here I am, a stay-at-home-parent!

 The thought of being a home owner never crossed my mind. Let alone in the woods!

I also would have never pictured myself driving a minivan, making school lunches every night or leading my daughters Girl Scout Brownies troop...But here I am, and enjoying it! 

 

 

I never would have thought that I would be surrounded by kids all day, or that grocery shopping by myself would be a luxury! I never thought that a day at the zoo would be exhausting, or that my idea of a Friday night would be movie and popcorn at home!

 

But here I am, and enjoying it!

Seriously, who would of thought?!

Forgive.

Thank you to those who will take the time to read this!

This post is by far the most vulnerable, the most raw, I have ever let myself be in public!

 

Sitting here listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash has brought a little nostalgia about my Dad.

I find myself thinking about him quit often lately. 

Why? Because this past Wednesday, March 26th, marked the four year mark of his passing.

Crazy how fast time flies by...

 

 

I did not have a relationship with him as a child, or a teenager, or most of my adult life.

However, as soon as Emma was born he must have seen the light. Smelled the roses.

Because he came around, and stuck around! 

I got three solid years with him, where I was slowly rebuilding our relationship.

 Emma got to know her Grandfather, and he got to know her, and love her.

And he got to know me all over again.

 

 

By reconnecting with him, I learned the true meaning of Forgiveness. 

 When he passed, I thought to myself: "Why only bring him back for such a small amount of time, then rip him away from me so suddenly?!" It took me a couple of years to figure it out, but now I know. It came full circle for me...Forgiveness.

I am a true believer of the saying that everything happens for a reason.

 Also, I know that if he had been in my life when I was younger, that I would not be the person I am today. Again, everything happens for a reason!

 

 

I know now that the reason for him coming back into my life, even if for a very brief period of time, was to teach me this. This life lesson that will forever be embedded into my soul. A lesson that I can know pass down to my children. A lesson that I am now able to pass on to friends and family going through similar situations...

I forgave him for the his absence and his selfishness during my childhood. 

Because when he became present, he was all in. And those last three years he was around more than I had ever remembered! He was able to be there when I got married, and he was able to meet my first-born! That is so much more than I could ever have hoped for!

The reason I write this now, is because it has taken me up until now to be able to speak of it publicly without breaking down. A lot more happened during that time in my life, which I may or may not discuss in the future. But this particular subject I am ready to share. 

I suppose that with the four year mark now behind me, I feel slightly more comfortable talking about it.

 

So thank you. Thank you for allowing me to share.