Hi friends! I've been doing some thinking (well, OK, a lot of thinking! : ) and I wanted to just talk about it for a bit . . .
But first I would like to share a small piece I put together last year, but never did post.
This is a small washboard (maybe 10" X 4") that I've added a scrapbook paper design to.
The papers are from Graphic 45 company; and the collection is called "Raining Cats and Dogs."
I first cut out the umbrella girl and the surrounding flowers. (Isn't she a cutie!) I inked some of the edges to add vintage flair. Then I traced the design on a piece of black cardstock, adding a 16th inch 'shadow' edge - and I mounted the design to the black paper.
Then I took that and traced it onto the checkered paper - adding about a 3/8ths inch? shadow edge.
I used some 'pop dots' adhesive pads to stick the girl image to the checkered paper, for dimension.
I had at one point added a ribbon & bow to the washboard (it was a beautiful coral color) but later didn't like it! so I took it off. Anyway, It was a fun little project I really enjoyed creating!
And sooo, on to a few thoughts I'd like to send 'out there' to Blogland! : ) : )
It seems like so long ago, but it was only early June when I was driving through the Colorado mountains and saw the burned trees (remains of the forest fires here) and the flooded area's as well.
I blogged about it here on JUNE 12th Titled "MAKE ME NEW AGAIN" - - but right now my blog won't let me insert a link for you! *sigh* but you can find it in my archives.
Here are a few photo's I had included:
I was talking of the desolation I saw that day in the forest fire and flooded areas of our Rocky Mountains - - and comparing myself to that; feeling like a dead tree : ( in my circumstances as a widow)
flying by my window as I breezed down the mountain highway! And my heart changed. And my thoughts turned.
And I realized - God would "Make Me New Again." : ) as time goes on. There was much to hope for. I will be green again~
And only a few weeks after writing that blog (on 6/12) I started getting sick.
HEY, wait a minute!! I was supposed to be 'being made new again!' I was supposed to be transforming from a blackened burned dead tree - to a new sapling! This was my time for change and growth! For renewal and strength and hope and gratefulness.
Yet what happened to me over the next 6+ weeks was not seemingly those things - but rather sickness and stress, weakness, numbness and confusion.
And. Some. Fear.
What was happening? !? Well, for one thing, I think - - some, character building?
Some testing of one's faith?! (hmmm? : ) some more time to consider and reflect and learn . . .
Perhaps I was . . . breaking the seed shell and starting to push my way up through the ground!
In other words, I'm not a "ready made tree!" or a transplant. I must be re-Grown~
And so often, one of the ways I learn, change and grow - is through adversity. Through struggles and difficulties. Yes dear friend I often learn best that way, because I draw so close to God in those times, - and He can always seem to get my attention~
Like the story of the little oak tree, and how it is best formed to be a strong and sturdy tree through the winds and rain and heat of the sun.
Well, to sum up my thoughts - - during these past weeks I feel very much like I've grown : )
Through the adversity, I've grown. Oh friends I sure hope so~
And as I re-read this post, I don't know if you can relate - or even make sense of what I've said; - but that's OK too : ) <3 I've been in a pretty tough battle, but I think I'm breaking through the ground! A sapling who wants to be a strong and lovely tree when I grow up! LOL
Yes, - I want to change my landscape~
Well,
Thanks so much for listening to this crazy lady talk your ear off! I appreciate you.
Oh, and I didn't go to any detail, but in my reflections lately, I've realized I need to continue on the path of DE-CLUTTERING my house and life. So, I have! And I've been working on my craft room! And I like it so much better. Re-organized and de-junked. Lets hope I can get in there and create something soon.
hugs & Blessings to you,
Karen
Dear Karen, I love your little washboard .. how gorgeous!!! That paper is bright and cheerful and I love the quote .. can just imagine that hanging in your home somewhere!
ReplyDeleteI can certainly relate to your 'thoughts'. We do grow through adversity and we do become stronger through pain and struggle. We wouldn't appreciate sunshine half as much if it wasn't for the rain and, how could we know we are happy if we didn't also feel sadness. Sounds trite I know, but it is true and, if we put our trust in God, He will help us through whatever we have to face.
I hope you are feeling much better now and that you are getting on top of your illness. Sending love and hugs and prayers .. Marg xx
What a lovely post, Karen. I'm so sorry that you've been sick. And it sounds like you've been a little discouraged too. HUGS.. by reading your previous post, I know now that you have colitis. I don't know much about but it sounds terrible. I hope you're feeling so much better now. I do understand what you wrote about the new growth and the hope. Sometimes it's so small but with Him there is always so much hope. I'm glad that you're staying close to God. He's so good to guide, comfort, heal and just love us through these times. As one who as experienced a great deal of loss in my life, I can say that it's through these times that He has cultivated such a heart of gratitude and a desire to celebrate all of life. Finding joy and beauty in the smallest of things and realizing that most things are only for a season. I hope and pray that as you continue on your healing journey...both emotionally and physically that you find His grace to be abundant... His love ever-strengthening and joy in the midst of it all.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being transparent and sharing your heart. You're such a blessing and your sweet spirit just brings a smile to my heart.
Blessings and hugs to you, Dear Friend..Have a lovely weekend.
Tamara xo
Amen! Yes I do relate, dear friend. It's exactly how it works for me. And it is these times in my life that I draw closest to God, like you. But oh, would it be wonderful to skip them sometimes, or be done with them already! Wishing you all the best, sweetie. Take care. And good luck with de-cluttering, one very wise path to walk, I'd say! I have done some de-cluttering too, and oh the peace of mind it gave! Now, before I leave, I'm not heading anywhere before saying something about the washboard which you so beautifully pimped. Such a sweet image of that little girl! The board being very beautiful on it's own, but your embellishments made it even more beautiful! Sending you many big hugs and sunny smiles, xx
ReplyDeleteYour washboard is so sweet, so fun to find a great item and then dress it up a bit.
ReplyDeletewishing you all the best in your re-growth, I agree we learn so much going through our rough times, don't you wish we could learn while doing well, it seems like it is always while someone is going through a low point that they learn the most.
I could use to do some de-cluttering myself but I end up starting another project instead of cleaning up.
I hope so Karen~don't give in :) Love your art!!! Creating always helps me:)
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