MakeSomething365 - Day24: Make time for great people!

Without saying too much...

I've got some really great friends that do a really great job at making me feel a really great lot better.

Life is just a little more sunshiny with friends.

MakeSomething365 - Day23: Bottles without a secret

Tonight, I made more bottles! This time, there are no secrets inside... ooooh! ahhhh!

I put tiny feathers and swarovski crystals inside. I then glued the tops shut. Sealed forever!

I really love them. I hope you do, too...

Now, to get these beauties on some pretty chains! :D

MakeSomething365 - Day22: Changing the world with one small action :)

It takes the smallest action to change a life.

One word or thought can move the earth. (In positive AND negative ways.)

Some recent examples:

-One friend told me about a cool blog she was reading about art and creation. It made me start one.
-Another friend told me that one story I told her about something that happened to me had really helped her cope with a similar situation that she is going through. This is HUGE to me since I usually feel like people like my stories but, overall, just think that I am silly or too emotional about things. Really, I just like to think that I have loads of PASSION!
-One simple sentence of a stranger in a restaurant is what brought us to be friends: "I paint."
-Me telling someone that they shouldn't listen to prejudice was, sadly, taken as "I should completely go against my parents and I know Georgia's got my back." That was a rough one to go through and re-explaining myself hurt someone. But, it needed to be clarified. Even still, huge things happened. I can't help but wonder if things might be different if I had never said anything. Sometimes, trying to help just turns into disaster.
-Anytime someone says "you inspire me" or I say "you inspire me" to someone else, a light goes on and faces are brighter.
-If Steve Kardynal hadn't sung "Firework" in the Apple store. I wouldn't be listening to this Katy Perry CD right now. That is a definite.
-If Chad hadn't taken a stand for me, we wouldn't be married.
-If friends hadn't read "Captivating" and "Wild at Heart", we wouldn't be so inspired by these books' awesomeness.
-I've always had an interest in making jewelry. But, I know for a FACT that Lauren Peckham's jewelry making is what REALLY got me into it on a more serious level many years ago. I've never told her that before. Me making things has inspired my other friends to make things. Ultimately, one person has changed MANY lives without ever even knowing.
-Without Hanson, I wouldn't have a unique connection to weird people. And, I probably wouldn't have any Toms shoes because I would be less likely to know what they were all about.

Well, ANYWAY, tonight, I inspired basket-loads of people to smile!

I went on chatroulette.com and SMILED. I asked tons of people to smile with me, and to dance with me, and to be my friend. It was fantastical!

It was unbelievable how many people returned the smiles! Just a simple smile can change someone's attitude. And, in return, these people made ME feel lovely as well! (Obviously not the pervs and creep-o's. But, all of the cool people.) A few people on there looked very sad and then I kept smiling and told them to smile. And they did! :D
One guy in particular had really big, blonde hair, bad acne, and a very sad face. After seeing a video recently called "Validation" (which I will post below), I knew that something positive had to be done. And *I* had to be the one to do it! So, I said, "Look! We both have big hair!" and I smiled and laughed and danced and told him that he was awesome and I told him to stay groovy as I said goodbye. He LOVED IT. I will never forget the frown on his face and how it mutated into the biggest smile. It brought me such joy.

I hope that kid finds more joy in his life. We should all totally pray for him today. How will you do something positive in someone's life today?

"Validation" - This is a really great and sweet video. :D

Smile through your fear and sorrow. Smile and maybe tomorrow you'll find that life is still worth while... if you just SMILE. ;D

MakeSomething365 - Day21: Dessert Delight!

I made a dessert cheeseball!

It's a raspberry white chocolate cheeseball!

Sooooo tasty!

I also got more cleaning done today. That was lovely. :)

Today, work really brought my spirit down. (Yes, again...) This is why I'm so grateful to be able to come home to something better. I know some ladies at work who go home to something worse. And I just couldn't imagine living a life like that.

I require freedom and I won't settle for less. I'm just trying to be patient for the positive changes. I already put forth effort to make this change. Waiting seems like an eternity. But, I know it will be worth it all someday.

:)

I will leave you with "It Will Be Worth It All" by All Together Separate. Enjoy...

Never be afraid to get your hands dirty.

In the name of life, in the name of joy, and definitely, in the name of art. ;)

MakeSomething365 - Day20: Dance like no one is watching!

Today, I danced.

I went to the Rebault Monument over by Fort Caroline and I danced.

I danced in the car.

I danced when I got home.

This created joy in my heart.

And various methods of weight loss.

I feel very good about myself.

By coincidence, tonight I ended up watching many videos about dancing and singing like no one is watching.

Here is my favorite one of the bunch:

Steve Kardynal is my new hero. He is quite brave!

MakeSomething365 - Day19: Making time to rest

I made time to rest.

Sometimes it's easy to forget how important it is for our bodies to take a moment to rest once in a while.

So, I did nothing but sleep.

It was glorious.

I am refreshed!

MakeSomething365 - Day18: Gallery Fun!

I made a treasury on Etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3e533e83e36d91b0af6371/hello-gorgeous?index=0

AND, I made a gallery around my home of paintings that I have painted as well as Amanda, Carissa, and Rachel.

Pretties below!

My blue friend that Carissa painted on cardboard and covered in wax.

From left to right: "Waiting" by me, "Silver Lining" also by me, and "Rain Over Poppies" by Rachel Muchmore

My new mixed media pieces made by me.

"Kindness" by Amanda Stafford

Keep creating. Keep loving. Keep living.

MakeSomething365 - Day17: There's always time for crafting!

I've always had this idea for a painting that had a clock in it.

Tonight, I did not do that idea.

BUT! I DID bring a clock into the picture today... literally.

;)

More metallic paint was involved tonight. I mixed the colors to become a beautiful, lovely, and bright lavender. (My favorite color!)

"I'm so glad we had this time together... just to have a laugh or sing a song..."

Time to show the world how lovely you are!

MakeSomething365 - Day16: Peaceful Day, Peaceful Painting

It's nice when we can sleep in and lay around during the day.

Honestly, we've been so busy - so, when we get a moment to finally rest, it's hard for me to want to do any housework. I love the comfort of my fluffy and cozy bed! However, I still did a bit of tidying around the house and also did some dishes today. (Hooray!)

After speaking with my friend, Rachel today, I realized that I've been putting off painting for TOO LONG!

So! I pulled out all of my paints, my floor paper, my 6 in.x6 in. canvas squares, and my easel. I found my amazing metallic paints (because you all know how much I adore sparkly things!) and I got to work!

But, I hate painting over a pretty painted background because backgrounds are what I'm good at. I love mixing colors. But, foregrounds are something I totally suck at.

So, I chose a different medium: My first solo mixed media piece! I am IN LOVE with it and I would like to continue making more of these. AND, I already have some other ideas and another painted background waiting for a mixed foreground piece.

I hope everyone enjoys my new art :)

Peaceful days CAN include doing dishes. Who knew? But, I've found it to be true. ;)

MakeSomething365 - Day15: A Little Love = A Lotta Craftiness

Adventures today included:

-Waking up in Lake Helen
-Driving to Lake Mary and leaving a sweet note for my family (the product of being a person who keeps mini-scissors, markers, and tape in the car. Craft lover? I would say so!)
-Driving to Sanford to see my mom and finding her to be gone for the rest of the day
-Finding a cute little market in the park while driving back through Lake Mary and buying some cool soy candles, hummus, and dessert mix
-Going to the Sanford mall (which is in Lake Mary, actually) and using our gift cards from Christmas
-Picking up lunch from a place that I don't want to admit that I picked lunch up from (also in Lake Mary)
-Visiting a sick friend's house in Deltona and then leaving quickly because I didn't know she was sick when I went there
-Driving aimlessly around DeLand due to leaving said sick friend's home earlier than expected
-Driving back to Lake Helen to party up for Chad's brother's birthday.

We played cards -Golf to be exact- which I had never played before. Then, we played Farkle and I rolled a straight! Woooo!!!

I also drew another picture. Just a fun little doodle. During game time at the party. Everyone loves a hibernating bear. :)

I love little joys and lots of people. <3

MakeSomething365 - Day14: Brighten Someone's Day

People are so beautiful.

Sometimes they hurt. There are really no words we can say to make anything better.

…But it's ALWAYS worth trying.

After work today, I had a lady-friend date with Rachel M., Hope, Brittany C. and Baby Norah. We went to Al's Pizza and Starbucks.

Even though we don't see each other often, I really am grateful for these beautiful friends. They brighten my days for sure. :)

They inspire me to be who I am and to keep going. When someone talks to me about my blog, I get a little rush of excitement knowing that the impact that people are making on me is continuing on and "paying it forward".

As I type, Chad and I are driving down South AGAIN for the weekend (Chad's brother's birthday is this weekend). We have all of the dogs packed up and the cat tried to play hide and seek with us OUTSIDE when we were trying to pack the car and leave. It was very inconvenient and took FOREVER to get him back inside.

Today, I just took a little time out of my day to make a little picture for someone.

I'm not the best at drawing or anything. But, I still like to do it and to color. I'm happy to keep the child within me. I just told my dad the other day that I truly never want to grow up in my heart. I don't want to be immature; I just want to be one who enjoys the simpler, but still fun things in life that other people might not find to be great enough to give them joy.

Baby Norah reminded me of this during dinner. She became truly joyous when something new was put in front of her. It could have been a napkin or a colorful packet of sugar… she didn't care. Finding joy in the simple things… it's easier to be happy overall that way. And I like it. :)

The smallest gesture can be the one thing needed to greatly brighten someone's day.

MakeSomething365 - Day 13: Simplicity is Delightful!

Lots of things have happened today. Some of which, I cannot go into here. HOWEVER! They were good things.

After work, Becky and I went to get our bridesmaid's dresses altered and then went to eat at Outback. We met a new friend and then -VERY unsuccessfully- went shopping.

When I came home, I remembered that UPS was supposed to come to bring me some goodies!
I got some earbuds and I had also purchased the book that inspired my MakeSomething365 project - 365: A Daily Creativity Journal (Make something every day and change your life) by Noah Scalin.

I definitely feel like my life has already changed from this. And, it's definitely for the better. :)

Then, I created a new way to wrap a fun gift to a special (and very inspiring) friend! (And I also created the goodies that are INSIDE of this cute and simple gift!)

No, I didn't do very much this evening. But, knowing that I spent some great, quality time with some great, quality people this evening just means that we created great, quality memories together.

Successful relationships are an art, indeed!

MakeSomething365 - Day 12: Be FABULOUS!

The more I think about my blog theme choice (Secrets, Wishes, and Dreams)... the more I keep wishing I had added "Inspirations" into the theme.

Well, after all... it's MY theme. My rules! Secrets, Wishes, Dreams, and Inspirations it is!

That being stated; I have been INSPIRED so much in the last few months by so many people.

Art and creation really are my heart's desires. The most random people have taught me that recently. And they've, ultimately, inspired me to be my true self: an active artist. :)

So, tonight, I made something a bit different (for me). One of my favorite things to make is earrings. After looking through my selection of random items, I came across the feathers I just used for my very first creation on Day 1 of my MakeSomething365 project. I still had plenty of feathers left over after making my Secrets, Wishes, Dreams, (and Inspirations) Bottle.

So, I thought I would try making feather earrings for the very first time.

I have to say, considering they're my first pair... I'm pretty proud of myself. They're not perfection. But, then again... I'm the type of person who likes quality without perfection. So, in that aspect, I'm kinda diggin' them.

These lovelies have brought out the fabulous in me. After all, there's no reason not to live life FABULOUSLY! I hope you find these sassy earrings to be just as fabulous as I do. :D

After making the feathered earrings, I continued on to make a super cool octopus necklace and 2 more Secret Keeper bottles to be able to put on chains later.

Exciting!

Stay fabulous! (Oh, and keep inspiring while you're being fabulous. Because, people like me are really grateful for inspirational people, LIKE YOU!)

MakeSomething365 - Day 11: Unlock Yourself

Tonight, I made this super awesome necklace.

I like jewelry pieces with keys incorporated into them.

It's like... you hold the key to opening anything...

...a door, a cabinet, a treasure chest, a secret, a smile, a heart, a new life.

The important thing to remember is... YOU HOLD THE KEY.

It's up to YOU to use it.

Unlock GREATNESS in yourself. Don't keep it hidden away. You're meant for something amazing.

MakeSomething365 - Day 10: With a Smile and a Song :)

As Snow White so beautifully sings,

"With a smile and a song 
Life is just a bright sunny day 
Your cares fade away 
And your heart is young 

With a smile and a song 
All the world seems to waken anew 
Rejoicing with you 
As the song is sung 

There's no use in grumbling 
When the raindrops come tumbling

Remember, you're the one
Who can fill the world with sunshine

When you smile and you sing
Everything is in tune and it's spring
And life flows along
With a smile and a song"

I created this video tonight. It's "The World Above" from The Little Mermaid on Broadway. I wish to one day be fully rid of my stage-fright. Enjoy...

Remember, YOU'RE THE ONE who can fill the world with SUNSHINE. :D

MakeSomething365 - Day 9: Blossoming Life

Tonight we hung out with our friends, Andy and Kara. We talked for a while at our place and then went off for some sushi. Afterwards, we went to the grocery store to stock up on some essentials.

Now, some may say that flowers aren't essential. However, I would disagree.

When we lived down south, we bought flowers every time we went to the grocery store or Chad would pick some and bring them to me. The last time we bought flowers before tonight was when we first moved here in July.

I was looking at the pictures of those July flowers just today. They were lovely. I always take pictures of flowers that I have.

They truly bring me joy.

So, tonight, I bought two colors of flowers that I thought were bright and lovely and I created an arrangement. The yellow flowers reminded me of sunshine. They were hidden below everything else. So were these pink ones. And I'm a sucker for rescuing something that looks like it could end up lost forever. So, these two sets were definitely the ones for me!

My step-grandmother used to work in a flower shop. I LOVED visiting her there. And, from seeing everything they did there, I can easily say that flower arranging is definitely an art.

Now, I didn't do much of anything too fancy this time. But, I did arrange them in a simple, yet delightful way. They really bring a certain extra life and loveliness to the room.

...Flowers for the first time in six months. I am disappointed in us. But, happy that I realized where we were missing out on something so small that, ultimately, really brings us joy.

I inspire you to go buy some flowers. If you don't want to spend the money, then pick some flowers. Ask a neighbor, grow some yourself, or pick some wildflowers from a nearby park or something.

Bring LIFE back into your living space. :)

You can blossom brighter than any flower.

It's because you're truly BEAUTIFUL.