So Inspired...36

I learned this,
at least,
by my experiment;
that if one advances confidently
in the direction of his dreams,
and endeavors to live the life
which he has imagined,
he will meet with a success
unexpected in common hours. 
--Henry David Thoreau

So Inspired....Words to Live By...35

 

God grant me the serenity
to accept the people
I cannot change,
the courage to change
the one I can,
and the wisdom
to know it's me. 
~Author Unknown

Catching Up

This is where I was on Tuesday.  Okay, not necessarily the Chicago Theatre...although I was close enough to it to see the sign.  Actually I was in Chicago to see my son.   He had a reoccurring role in a web-based series and on Tuesday the final two episodes were shown at the Landmark Theatre.  It was fun to see him on the BIG SCREEN again.  I know I'm a bit prejudiced (after all he IS my son) but that kid has talent!  He is so much fun to watch when he's acting...and he always seems to get a big reaction from the audience, whether he's on stage...or in film.  :)

Augie's campus is usually beautiful this time of year...actually it's pretty awesome anytime of year...but right now we're dealing with the renovation of Old Main.  It desperately needs it but I wish we could just push the EASY button and have it done already!  

Speaking of school.   I'm supposed to be writing a paper right now.  Can't seem to focus on it though so I'm blogging instead!!!!!  :)  The paper is on Haiti....poverty/corruption/earthquake, etc.  Which reminds me of this...Haiti By Hand.  One small way to help...you should really check it out.

This probably seems like a bit of a hodge-podge...but that's kind of what my life is right now!  In addition to my family, work, class and scrapbooking (!)...I've also been spending time volunteering for a political campaign.  I've got to say, if you find a candidate that you believe in, take the time to help out...even if it's just a few hours a week.  It's so easy to sit back and complain about our political system, but if you look around the world at other political processes,  what we experience in the U.S. is pretty amazing.  Sure, we all get sick of the attack ads and the pollsters' phone calls during dinner but how great is it that we can actually participate in our elections and express our views?  So, get involved if you can!

Although my time has been somewhat limited the past couple of months, I AM still scrapbooking!  With just over a week left of the campaign AND class....I'm excited about having more time to be creative again.  I admit, my Etsy shop hasn't been quite as full lately as I would like, but remember that you can always order custom books.  Over the next few weeks I'll be burning the midnight oil to get stock built up for a local show on Nov. 20th.....and then..... 

I feel some changes coming on.  If you know me, you know I get bored easily (quickly?).   And, I dislike boredom and feeling unchallenged.   So, I'm looking for and considering some new opportunities.  Stay tuned.  :)

It was supposed to be a rainy weekend here, but the sun has come out this afternoon and it's a beautiful fall day.  Hope it's amazing wherever you are....

...now back to that paper....

School Days

 

School Days Premade Scrapbook....available in my Etsy shop!

 

in the past, I've done a lot of "grade specific" scrapbooks, but I especially LOVE this one because you can capture 1st grade through 6th grade, all in the same book!

 

watch how your child has grown and changed over the years

and, include a lot of extras along the way

 

this book is THICK...made with 5 bags instead of the usual 3

 

which means 5 end pockets to fill up as well

 

the pages are embellished, but not SO much so that you're child's photos are overwhelmed

 

the perfect backdrop for those adorable photos...you know the ones with the missing front teeth and the hair that just wouldn't lay down!

 

the photos that show so much personality

 

AND...wouldn't this make an awesome gift?!

 

So Inspired...Words to Live By...34

 

All that is necessary
to break the spell
of inertia and frustration
is this: 
Act as if it were
impossible to fail. 
--Dorthea Brande

So, this begs the question...What would you do if it were impossible to fail?

I would run an uber-successful company....MINE, of course!  :)  Ok, now your turn....

Stop by Notes from a Cottage Industry for more inspiring quotes!

So Inspired...Words to Live By...33

 

Seize every opportunity along the way,
for how sad it would be
if the road you chose
became the road not taken. 
~Robert Brault

Lately I've been doing quite a bit of "seizing" of the opportunities.  It keeps life crazy and busy but it is oh so satisfying to be doing the things that I love.  There seems to be a societal pressure to only do the things that advance your career or bring financial rewards, but how liberating it is to feed your soul with the things that matter to YOU!  And, who knows where following your heart will eventually take you....

More quotes can be found @ Notes from a Cottage Industry

Have an awesome, crazy, fun-filled, inspired week!

Makin' a List

Can you believe Halloween is just over 3 weeks away?  Crazy, isn't it?  I know I've said this before, but doesn't time just fly by? 

Before we know it, it will be time to pull out the Christmas decorations!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?  

 

There used to be a time when I started my Christmas shopping in September or October...

Not anymore.  Somehow Christmas shopping was more exciting when I was buying Little Tykes kitchens and dolls and action figures. 

If you're more on the ball than I am...and you're thinking about your Christmas list, remember that paper bag scrapbooks make great gifts! 

Perfect for your sister, friend, mom, dad, grandma & grandpa, coach, teacher, son, brother, daughter, neighbor, co-worker...anyone really!  :)

Remember, they can always be personalized with a name or specific colors.  Some of my favorite scrapbook ideas have come from my customers! 

You can reach me through email or through my Etsy shop....or Facebook, or Twitter....or...just leave me a comment on my blog!  :)

Oh...just had to go look....it's 79 days till Christmas! 

So Inspired...Words to Live By...32

 

Everyone who's ever
taken a shower has an idea. 
It's the person who gets out
of the shower, dries off and
does something about it
who makes a difference. 
~Nolan Bushnell

More quotes...Notes from a Cottage Industry!