It ain't easy being green...

Remember that song? I am just waiting to see the Kermitt the Frog song and character being used for recycling advertisments. It is probably already being used somewhere.

My friend and fellow social justice advocate wastes nothing. She reuses everything! I always thought that I was not wasteful and very frugal, but when I started working with her I discovered that I could do way more. Recently, she had a birthday and I decided to give her items from the health food store in our town. What better way to package them than with recycled products. This was a fun gift to make and she really appreciated the idea.

Materials: bubble wrap gift bag, muslin ribbon-glimmer misted and streaked with stencil paint, "everyday is earthday" iron on patch used for the tag.

I don't remember being bored as a child...

Nowadays children always say that they are bored. I do not recall ever being bored growing up. O.k. so maybe boredom is a possibility, but there is ALWAYS something to do. Sometimes kids just need a little guidance. For goodness sake...they do not come out the womb knowing what they like. Older people have to expose them to various things. Long gone are the days when every school had classes for art, sewing, mechanical drawing, woodworking, metal shop and home economics.

I believe all of us have a responsibility to 'pass on' what we know to others. One way I do this is by hosting gatherings or 'Pass it on' parties where attendees can have fun learning a skill like cooking, acting, sewing, crafting or writing while building communication skills, creativity, collaboration ability, and confidence.

This was not a scheduled gathering. When these three girls insisted that they had nothing to do, I found myself hosting an impromptu drama party. They were urged to use their imaginations...and boy did they! They wrote an original skit, and used props and costumes (I keep baskets of found items and old clothes on hand). They performed beautifully and had hours of fun. Then we made and ate a delicious dinner-does that count as a cooking 'pass it on' party? lol

Secret Surprise Giveaway!

Congratulations to Danah, the 20th follower of Joy in the Journey! Danah, you are the winner of the secret suprise giveaway. Your DCWV paper pack is on the way.

You might be saying "But there was no post announcing blog candy." That is EXAXTLY right!!! Don't you just love surprises? The next giveaway may be when there are 50 followers or maybe it will be when there are 100 followers. You never know, so be sure to follow me here. The next winner will be selected randomly.

Black Friday is upon us, and I am sure there are some great blog candy goodies to be found.

Don't miss this...

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Here's a little something for you!


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Stay tuned for their page call announcement and a wonderful December filled with ideas and inspiration by the fabulous SOC Girls and a super BIG BLOG GIVEAWAY! Don't miss a minute of the scrappy inspiration!

It is good to have support

Three years ago I was sort of afraid to move from the northern part of my state to the southern part. I had become used to my circle of friends. When I got real sick the nurses ministry at my church stepped right in to help me. Still, I knew that God had ordained for me to move.

I love my house, but I feel so isolated in this area. I recently learned that it is not simply my location, but also my stage in life. See, I am single with no children while most of my friends have children and are married. Coupled with that truth, I discovered that I do not always ask for help.

However, two things happened to me recently that helped me to grow out of this " I can do it by myself" box. I was caregiver to a 4 month old baby for a week and yesterday I had a back procdure done. While I didn't plan any appointments during my week of babysitting, it was still more than a notion to care for a young child. With my physical disability, I really needed help. With the back procedure, I have been a bit wobbly and almost fell a few times. It was great to have help with daily living activities and to not be by myself all day. I am so touched that a few folks have called to check on me, picked up perscriptions, heated up meals etc.

I really like giving to others, so who am I to think that others would not want to and enjoy pouring into me. I thank God for growth. In these two instances, I asked for assistance. Some folks came through; while others said they would, but did not. Normally, I would take the attitude "see when you ask for help you do not get it". This time I did not let that deter me-I reached out anyway. Although, I still refused offers to put away dishes and do laundy, I did accept help. I figured that I could take baby steps before I put away my wonder woman cape. lol Every process takes time huh?

Save the scrapping for last...

I am truly a work in progress. So, I ditched all of my grown-up responsibilities and decided to play in the craft room. No dishes, laundry, errands, phone calls etc. It was still the end of the day by the time I made it to the craft room, but I was determined to make it-and continue on my journey to combat the notion that 'scrapping/creating has to come last'; after all the other 'have to do' work is done. It is hard to reprogram years of stinking thinking.

This was actually a Tim Holtz challenge on the Scraps of Color .ning network. I made a tag with perfect pearl mist. I sanded and used distress ink on the grungeboard key. Then I added the word 'life' pin. The "Love is the Key" tag didn't bring me joy and since there are no mistakes in scrapbooking, I cut the tag up and made confetti. I had made this all black watercolor background the other day to use for another project. Instead I used it to create this simple mixed media piece. Viola! Now, tomorrow I will have to do all those things which I have neglected today...old habits are hard to break.

Carpe Diem!

For two days now I have spent the day buried in my office with my face in my computer. How in the world did that happen? I woke up this morning with great plans. O.k. so yesterday, I did manage to wash my hair and do a teeny little bit of housework. And, oh yeah...I fixed my leaky toilet, but for the most part that is all I accomplished outside of my office. So today was supposed to be different. I was going to get so much done today. Ahhhh, one can always dream. It is afternoon already and where am I? Still in my office. While I am thankful for this space and that I get to work from home...this room is starting to feel like a dungeon. So I am busting out of here and going to play in my craftroom. Just like when we vacation or travel, I am putting 9-5, pencil pushing type work on the shelf and going to create. I am trying to rediscover the happy and relaxed person that crafted this z fold, envelope, mini travel album. Whatever you do today remember to feed your spirit by doing what you love. Sieze the day: Carpe diem!