Don't ask me WHY? (also info on...God Box and Pennies from Heaven)

...I've been so motivated and inspired lately.  or as my Prissypal put it "Stella's Got Her Groove Back" WHAT?  But I won't question it... just go with the FLOW.  Woohoo.  Recently, I read this article in "Real Simple" about a God Box and I thought I'd make one too.  It's a perfect time of year to start new things.  I took an empty used box left over from Christmas gifts... this one was a chocolate brown so I loved the base color to begin with.  Then I printed out a pretty (and appropriate) saying on 8x11 printer paper.  I aged it by singeing the edges with a match (blowing it out immediately so the entire sheet doesn't burn up, this can be tricky in a hyperventilating manner) and then I affixed it to the box top with double-sticky tape.  I also made a loop with ribbon for a knob.  I just punctured a hole into the center of the box top, made a loop with the ribbon and tide it on the inside of the lid to keep it in place.

Below is a picture of the box top using a favorite verse (I have many) from the bible of mine.  I don't know about you but bible verses always bring me a sense of peace and comfort.  I thought this verse was especially appropriate for use with my "God box".  Lawsy knows I have plenty of crooked paths that need straightnin' Ya'll.

 

Inside view of God Box.  I punched various scalloped shapes for use to write my little mini-prayers on.  I keep a few xtra blank ones in there too.

I also finished my "Pennies From Heaven" journal.  I'll post pictures more on that later. I am going to use it for my gratitude journal this year.  This is a journal class that is taught by Debby Schuh over at the Memory Bee blog?  You can read what the Pennies from Heaven journal means to her over at the Memory Bee  <---- click and where it originated.  Just love that.

Always love a new gratitude journal and fresh new beginnings that the New Year brings~~

Shoot for the Moon You Might Just Land Among the Stars~~~

As you might be aware... my word for the year is "FIT" So far so good. On NYs weekend the girls and I decided to make vision boards (also called Treasure Maps, Visual Explorer or Creativity Collages?) in place of making "resolutions".  We all know that resolutions fall by the wayside and never get kept anywayzzzzzzzzz. It was a lot of fun, easy and we hope it to be inspirational in the coming year.  You will notice on mine that I used the word "FIT" quite a few times as a reminder of what my focus should be on this year.

The idea is to surround yourself with images of who you want to become (me, fit), what you want to have, where you want to live or vacation etc.  It can be approached with knowing what you already want, a theme or opening and allowing.  I think we approached it with a combination of those ideas but more so just opening and allowing.  A lot of times I used pictures that had the "feel" of what I would like to become, do or have.

So with clear hearts and minds, some yummo hot holiday drinks and inspirational music we approached it with just a few thoughts in mind. Focusing on:

1. Ask yourself...what do you really really really want? (yes, more of that please)
2. Don't worry about the "why or how"

We went through magazines and images that we had saved over the years and tried to tear out those images that brought great joy and delighted us.  Like I said not worrying about the why or how.  Just smiles and having fun.  Open to whatever spoke to us.  Ohmmmmm. Breathe. ,)

Ok that's a little hippy-dippy

I had been unknowingly gathering photos for this purpose because I had been working on an "Illustrated Discovery Journal" <----click for the past couple of years. Which is still in progress not done. But I was able to grab some pictures already cut out from magazines for this journal to use on my vision board. As a result my vision board came together quickly. 

As I go through the year I will keep in mind what is it telling me about me?  The answers will unfold and we hope that our vision boards will be powerful guides for us as we go through the year.

My vision board is propped up on my dresser where I can see it daily. 

On top of dresser (my daughter added the candle to wake me up one morning) She's such a little spa-fairy

 

In addition, I took a picture of it and have "set it" as my computer desktop both at home and work (this is pretty cool) having it ever present in front of me.

As I added images I found it cool that the pictures all found their "place" on the board fitting just right in most cases.  As my board developed I noticed sections forming.  Predominantly... health, fitness, home, financial freedom, inspiration, faith and R&R.

I also used a lot of favorite sayings as reminders.  Some of my favorites... "You will never find time for anything you must make time", The picture of the eagle with the word "intention",  Set your goals high and don't stop until you get there, the word "gratitude" / "faith"...  The words "effortless" and "deliberateness" found themselves on top of each other (see the upper left corner) when put together effortless deliberateness.  That sounds really powerful to me to go forward in a deliberate manner yet make it effortless.  There's another reference again on my board to my path being straightened??

Must be kind of crooky overhere in prissyland.

My daughter also said that answering this question... (in reference to your one word) Does this choice (fill in the blank) agree with my word for the year?  So I added that sentence to my board in the "FIT" section of the board as a reminder to ask myself that when I go forward in my day or when I get ready to eat that cookie or say no to exercise.  Get it?  Let me see does eating this cookie agree with my word for the year?  um.... NO... um that depends.  Ok come back to me.  I also added the words delight and fun because I need to have more of that.  I don't really know how to have fun in an exciting sort of way so I guiltily made myself into add those words. 

IRONICALLY while I had pictures cut out sitting on the table in a stack of other pictures all ready... my dream "crafty space" somehow didn't make it on the board so I intend to make a second board to fit the pictures that inadvertently were missed (there were a couple of other ones too).  EEK.

Vision board 2011

Don't laugh....

ok so this is the longest post EVER.... whew! I tarred, I gotta go get a cookie

~out

Happy Thanksgiving Day - An Iriquois Address

Greetings to the Natural World.

The People

Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.

Now our minds are one.

The Earth Mother

We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Waters

We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms-waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.

Now our minds are one.

The Fish

We turn our minds to the all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Plants

Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.

Now our minds are one.

The Food Plants

With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Medicine Herbs

Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.

Now our minds are one.

The Animals

We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honored by them when they give up their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.

Now our minds are one.

The Trees

We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.

Now our minds are one.

The Birds

We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-from the smallest to the largest-we send our joyful greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds

We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one.

The Thunderers

Now we turn to the west where our grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We are thankful that they keep those evil things made by Okwiseres underground. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.

Now our minds are one.

The Sun

We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.

Now our minds are one.

Grandmother Moon

We put our minds together to give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of woman all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.

Now our minds are one.

The Stars

We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to the Stars.

Now our minds are one.

The Enlightened Teachers

We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring teachers.

Now our minds are one.

The Creator

Now we turn our thoughts to the creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.

Now our minds are one.

Closing Words

We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.

Now our minds are one.

ohenton kariwahtekwen - iroquois thanksgiving address

A Tribute to Mia the BESTEST CAT

I'm sorry to post sad information today especially since I have not posted in such a long time re: any subject. But I just found out last night that one of our PR!SSy Pals kitty passed away on Sunday. The poor thing was only 2.5 y.o. and it was so sudden. I thought I would dedicate this post as a Tribute to Mia and seeks prayers and good thoughts for Michelle. Michelle is also prego with her first child and is due in April so lets send out some good thoughts to our fellow PR!ISSy pal and let her know we are thinking of her and her special kitty Mia. I snagged this photo from Michelle's blog how appropriate/ironic that kitty is wishing us all a "Happy Saint Paddy's" day!! We wish you well kitty Mia we know you will make a great Guardian Angel for the new baby Lazlo. (Isn't that a great boy name?)

DOODOO

Always ready to go. Today was moving day. My daughter is moving to her own apartment and all of the cars at our house had doors open loading things up. This guy refused to be left out. HOW CUTE. I had to grab my new camera and snap a quick shot and I'm soooo glad I did. From the looks of it, my camera takes really nice pictures. I didn't crop or edit at all and almost all of my photos were edited in some way with my old camera. I was definitely overcompensating with that old camera.

 

He's the best, we love him so much.

 

What's Great about my Life Right Now?

Still designing my best year ever and I was completing another of the exercises. I am supposed to answer the following question. It's a great question and is built on the premise that before you can focus on designing your best life ever you have to come from a place of GRATITUDE. Yay because that fits right in with the word I've chosen for the year. Anyways... after giving it some thought here is what is great about my life right now...

There is so much great about my life right now I don't know where to begin? My family is all together and and healthy We love, support each other no matter what and keep things "rolling" always. I have a great job of which I am exceedingly happy and grateful for. I have finally achieved a modicum of simplicity in my life and surroundings (still a work in progress but I have made progress, it's hard downsizing after 30 years of accumulating). I highly recommend space clearing activities, purging etc. It is very cathartic peeps!!!! I can't wait to do more myself and continue with the space clearing projects. I have really great and fun friends both IRL and virtual. I have fur friends that are a constant source of joy and love. I have finally figured out how to be positive (well sort of ...hater that I am winkwink). My daughters are great peeps succeeding at their careers of choice carving out lives for themselves in this big bad world. Ok I better quit while I'm ahead because it's starting to head downhill (hear that tone of sarcasm creeping in).

Just wanted to multitask and list my things to be grateful for for the day and complete my assignment too.

More crafting later once I get home. Oh and I had a huge aha moment that will save me approximately $110 plus and I will share it with all of you. HINT: Its a repurposed item that will be used for organizing. I was so excited when I thought of it this morning I am going to stop and get supplies on my way home from work today. Cost of materials is going to be approximately $4.oo vs $100 if I would have bought a commercially made system. WHOA that's big. I was so excited I couldn't believe I thought of it. Well I am sure I am not the first to think of it but it was a new idea for me. I am going to try it. I'll take pictures and show you soon...

I'm so Happy and Grateful

now that.... I have zero balances on all of my credit cards. ZERO. Zero is such a loverly number that you'll ever know. zerozerozerozerozerozerozerozerozerozerozerozerozerozerozerozerozero.
Red licorice
Pr!ssy things
Valentines
Order

Wow. It's a banner day. With all of the horror stories regarding debt these days. I feel the need to brag a bit. I feel like an exception not the rule...I admit we didn't have a lot of debt to begin with (comparatively speaking, compared with the the rest of society APPARENTLY) ...we have less than $5,000 on only 3 cards. But as of TODAY we paid ALL of our balances off and we owe ZERO ZIP NADA on our credit cards. I don't know I'm just so happy and please as punch I felt the need to brag a bit. With the exception of a couple of personal loans to family members... we owe nothing to anyone. We have no mortgage. We own our cars, so no car payment. We fix what we have and believe me it can get pricey. With the exception of our minimum monthly expenses housing, utilities, food, cable, internet, cell phones that is all we owe. WOW. It feels so good to say that. That is it. So freeing.... now onto savings accounts... need to start saving more for sure. I guess all of this focus on simplification is working and now I am very grateful.

Ok enough about me and my braggart self. Thanks for letting me gloat.

Still Celebrating the Newness of the New Year...

...it is after all less than a week into the New Year. As I am still drafting (it's ok I don't have to have them done, I'm working on it) my New Year intentions, promises whatever you will call them. I've dusted off my "Simple Abundance" books in an effort to find additional inspiration. They are classics and I just get inspired every time I read them. If you've never read them you should really pick them up. I have them all (Simple Abundance Daybook of Comfort and Joy & the Companion, Simple Abundance Journal (blank book), Illustrated Discovery Journal (A cross between a personal vision board and scrapbook, great, still using mine it's a work in process), Something More, Moving On your House of Belonging, and Romancing the Ordinary. I also decided to wander on over the the website (hence where I found the freebie). Sarah Ban Breathnach is such a great author she also shared a free vintage image with us. I found this over at the "Simple Abundance" website.

...And January is the perfect companion and co-conspirator for our reflections and renewed commitment to personal contentment and self-nurturance...

--Sarah Ban Breathnach.

What a perfect way to put it... January is a perfect companion and co-conspirator to renew our commitments to ourselves.

I had to laugh because the six principles of "Simple Abundance" are Gratitude, Simplicity, Order, Harmony, Beauty and Joy. Simplicity is second and comes after Gratitude. Looks like I went out of order. hehe. Anyway, here is a portion of what Sarah Ban Breathnach says about Simplicity my One Word for the last several years:

Yes, you already have everything you need… It’s time to simplify. On the Simple Abundance path, simplicity does not mean making do with less, but appreciating the important things more. Embracing choice as a spiritual gift (wow love that line). Making deliberate decisions that will inspire, comfort, soothe and serve you, whether it’s weeding out curios (renting an 18 foot dumpster), paring down commitments or creating a front hall to enthrall every time you cross the threshold. Simplicity requires not only honesty and courage but gentleness and more patience than you ever believed you possess...

--Sarah Ban Breathnach

Considering simplifying has been my "One Word" for the past few years no truer words can be spoken re: the patience part. I am glad that I am now enjoying a more simpler life and home. I'm not 100% there yet but close enough to move on to a new "One Word" for the year which leads me to "Gratitude". Here are some excerpts from the same website...

Well, when was the last time you counted your blessings? Now let’s live it. Together. Find something new to be thankful for today. Many of Life’s most sublime moments sneak up on us and then just as quickly vanish. The smaller the moment noticed, appreciated and savored, the deeper its connection to your sense of peace and plenty… A bottle of milk when you need it most, pie for breakfast, a fortune cookie with just the right message, a compliment from a stranger, not caring (or keeping track!) of who says ‘sorry’ first, and the sound of your own laughter are potent reminders of the bounty of every day’s overlooked bounty.

--Sarah Ban Breathnach

Here's wishing we all have more happiness than cares this year...

--M!ssPr!ssy

Gratitude

I've decided on what my one word is going to be... it came to me, it came to me, insert jump up and down. As my daughter always says... first thought best thought.... so here goes.... my word to live by for 2009

Gratitude

As we express our gratitude,
we must never forget
that the highest appreciation
is not to utter words,
but to live by them.

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Yes, not very original or new but this is the word I was first thinking of using and I decided to stay with my first thought. After all... all things should begin with a thankful heart. Yes, I have kept a gratitude journal for the past couple of years so like the word simplify its not a new concept. Just one I need to keep uppermost in my life.

I am supremely grateful for my mind and spirit. By God's Grace my Faith is strong. I'm also grateful for a sharp mind which is ever sharp right? I think? (others I am sure would beg to differ, ha!) also I am most grateful for my family. (my extended family, my mother, my sissies, my cousins everyone you know who you are (sorry I don't have any pics) and these guys....

Can you believe how fantastic they are????? These are my two babies. Wowser. Pinch me now. That's where my body went? my youth... my get up and go.... that explains IT. Give it back... you hear me I want it back now.

of course everyone knows how much I LERVE this guy....

Love that look on his face when I drive up

Ha I bet you thought I was going to post a pic of DH right then didn't you. Oh ok him too...He's the tall guy on the left holding the umbrella. And friends

Prissy Pals - HI Allison and don't be mad I LIKE this picture of you all professional and schtuff

(sorry I don't have more Prissy Pal pics but hi to you too).

Did you see the newest PrissyPal, Tina over at SassyCraftyLady, not only that she has a photography blog too with her friend Stephanie. They called it Stephinaphotagraphy? My daughter has some pictures. I hope Tina doesn't mind but I grabbed one to show. Isn't she a great photographer?

I'm grateful I live around this beauty... the midnight sun

Just another day in paradise...

Thanks to all of my fellow art therapy students aka fellow virtual and real friends (Hi Michelle) who I've met via blogoland who visit here and share their art throughout the year with me and provide such great unending inspiration and eye candy. This papercraft world REALLY REALLY has been a Godsend for me and at this point is not cheaper than therapy but that was last years excuse. hahahahaha

Here's a special shout out to SOME of my favs.

Amuse - need I say more?
Helle - Sweetest person on the planet EVER - BFF
Gina K - Home girl
Sweet Miss Daisy - Wow
Durcandesigns - Lerve
Flea Market Studio - Pretty
Julie over at Lostluggagereviews - Plethora of information - Home girl - Virtual Best Friend Forever (VBFF) hehehehe
Mary Rose - Saltbox Studio - Sweet
MishMash - Wowser
My Happy Little Life - Keepin' it Real
Michelle G over at Out on a Limb BUT ANYMORE I THINK SHE'S OUT ON ANOTHER PLANET HELLO ANYONE OUT THERE??? BFF
Paper Hugs - Kim Hughes - CHF - Angel
PaperTales - Latest Pusher er BFF
Vicki - Sweetest person on the planet EVER - BFF

SERIOUSLY THIS IS THE LONGEST POST KNOWN TO MAN. I COULD HAVE ADDED AT LEAST 20 MORE onto this list. For now. Just know. I read a lot of blogs and lover them all.

Here's to another great year. Try to choose your own intentions this year and stick with them. Now I am off to create some visual reminders and maybe some thank you note sets to give as gifts. Maybe I will specialize in thank you notes this year. How appropriate.

Meet the Mayors of San Diego

BOOBOO wants to wish everyone a Very Happy Holiday. Isn't he just the best.... His real name is Prince but he goes by BOOBOO. I LOVE MY DOG. Is he not the most beautiful dog you EVER saw? He's part husky, collie, wolf mix (hehe). He got my heart the first time I ever laid eyes on him. I snapped this picture at the end of the day one day when I pulled up from after work. He was sitting there waiting for me all pretty with that cute little look on his face. Sitting in his favorite spot outside in the front yard. This dog has got everyone's heart wrapped around his little paws hence his title of the Mayor. Aliases besides BooBoo and Mr. Mayor... Monster Dog, Pigeon Toe, Mr. Dog, Yoda and on one single solitary occasion Bad Dog.

For all you people up in the Northwest, Oregon, the Midwest, such as Chicago.... I would like to apologize in advance for the green grass and sunshine. SOORY. My bad. ROFL. Since seeing all of the pictures lately of other parts of the country where I used to live I can't help but feel sooooo guilty I live in paradise. NOT. Yes that's GREEN grass in JANUARY. hahahahahaha. Hi Patty. hahahahaha

Mayor number 2





Some camophone pics of crazy people's houses when we went light hunting. Isn't that funny candy cane palm trees.

Pics don't do this neighborhood justice but I wanted to post a few to show

Somebody's garage.

Cutest Cat Picture of the Week

OMG that cat is so cute with a capitol C.

He's so cuddly

Here's a close up of Mr. Snaggletooth

Broad Spectrum

Ok I do believe my laser beam F O C U S (my word for the year) is more like a broad spectrum light all over the place or a FLOOD lamp. Everytime I see my F O C U S like a laser beam reminder it reminds me how fickle the mind is. Just thoughts.