personalized crayon box

At the age of ten, Molly was diagnosed with brain cancer. Eleven months later she died with her mom, dad, and brother beside her at home.

Molly was beautiful, vivacious, and tough. And when I heard how she traveled the hour plus to the hospital for her chemo treatments and prayed for the other children there I felt the hairs stand on end. I did not think I could display such strength, compassion, and selflessness as this child.

I did not have to know her. I was touched by her faith and the stories of how she in turn touched the lives of those around her with amazing clarity and fortitude. I was moved when I listened to Molly’s mom relate how in her black and white world, Molly was her box of 64 crayons.

It is easy to get lost in complaint and asking the ‘why me’. It is extremely easy to get lost in our own pains and hurts and not want to give back to others when they are afraid and hurting. What a gift a child has given. Can’t we, as adults, do at least as much?

QUESTION: What color can you be to another human being?

This is for Jenny Matlock’s alphabet series (letter Z)

Artful Rising

I like Mondays. They are like birthdays with the previous week’s activities freshly wrapped and gifted in our memory bank; ready to teach, inspire, and motivate us for the new week. So, I started It’s a Wrap Link Party as a way to share one of your posts from the past week. It does not have to be a tutorial or a recipe; simply something that you would like to share with others.

My craft room is covered with about 300 t-shirts in preparation for a school function that I am helping to organize, I am working on a bulk order of journals for a business that owns hotels, and I started CrossFit this last week. I am sore and moody from the mess and trying to eat better but not wanting too. I am all about easy this week.

Quality Cheap Home shows off how to create a NO sew crib skirt and it is so cute! And a genius idea to put the description and blog name in the photo especially in this time of pinterest. Take a cue and do the same….

Hollie makes cupcake creations look so easy! As the one responsible for Sunday School treats for the adults I am tempted to try my hand at recreating these adorable cupcakes.

And who can resist the idea of frosting you can sculpt? Sew Can Do puts down the scissors and sewing machine to whip up cute sweet creations.

Margaret has a blog of pretty photos that tend to inspire. I wish I could capture flowers and even insects the way she can. This post is about spring inspiration.

So, I am working out with a bunch of crazy people and there is no guarantee that I will stick with it for a month but I can dream about the sweets, right?

Question: What are you dreaming about right now?

I know you are ready to party so here goes!
Etiquette for parties:
1. Link to the URL of the specific blog post not your blog, etsy shop, or other site in general
2. Link back to this blog somewhere on your blog or in the post.

Artful Rising

I do not care for the mixed bag of jelly beans because I don’t like the mix of taste in my mouth. But occasionally I will indulge. And you should to–there are benefits.

buttered popcorn Jelly Belly

sweetness

BellaBooBowtique

great way to start the day

LittlePlaces

and the perfect accessory (clutch; shoes)

QUESTION: What is your favorite flavor?

Artful Rising

I like Mondays. They are like birthdays with the previous week’s activities freshly wrapped and gifted in our memory bank; ready to teach, inspire, and motivate us for the new week. So, I started It’s a Wrap Link Party as a way to share one of your posts from the past week. It does not have to be a tutorial or a recipe; simply something that you would like to share with others.

Sorry for not getting out the party last week. I tend to wait until Sunday evening to get it done and this past Sunday things happened and twice my host experienced server issues which only added to my down time. I told my husband I am going to have to organize myself with my posts better so that I don’t resent my blog. Do you ever feel that way?

We need to party. A celebration is in order! Memories for Life….is not getting married but she did get a fab new ring and was on the etsy front page twice!

I told my daughter that we could make something for her pre-k teacher. I was thinking of a banner and am inspired by Lori’s pretty one. My daughter did ask me to make her teacher a shirt which is not going to happen.

I know someone that likes washi tape and I would be very surprised if she did not try out Restoring the Bright Forest’s tutorial on how to make your own.

And no celebration is complete without showing off one of the pretty girls from BeadedTail’s blog. The girls are holding down the fort while mommy recovers from her CPA duties and tax season. Thank goodness they were there to lend a hand.

I know you are ready to party so here goes!
Etiquette for parties:
1. Link to the URL of the specific blog post not your blog, etsy shop, or other site in general
2. Link back to this blog somewhere on your blog or in the post.

Artful Rising

I am WAY behind with posting and visiting my favorite blogs. I need to say no to some things — are you like that, too?

I noticed that these trees on the side our house were blooming and I took the kids on a mini “adventure”. There are several baby bird nests on that side which makes for the adventure…   Thank goodness for simple blessings.

One tree has purple-pink blooms…

I like how they start off more purple and then lighten then darken again in their cycle of blooming

and the other is pink.

Are these camellias? I need to ask my husband why they are on the SIDE of the house.

QUESTION: What simple blessing have you been given?

Artful Rising