tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80756032731827290752024-02-18T23:54:42.664-07:00...Live Life CreativelyMichelle Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390350721455614669noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075603273182729075.post-55328406993844184352011-07-12T12:49:00.000-07:002011-07-12T12:49:26.747-07:00Yes...Im still here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP0KBUFrvoAoXJTJImC4cUraGG7kr6H7keadbsBeRk13QfME3tWntTgeRf9j_NMm0ybSZ4sMCsasF0EYXnTyzx0pHTMdYYQnGFWdQUJEiH-6H7AQx2_VG-hHKIY99y4VTmCFQ96x2OGk/s1600/IMG_2687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP0KBUFrvoAoXJTJImC4cUraGG7kr6H7keadbsBeRk13QfME3tWntTgeRf9j_NMm0ybSZ4sMCsasF0EYXnTyzx0pHTMdYYQnGFWdQUJEiH-6H7AQx2_VG-hHKIY99y4VTmCFQ96x2OGk/s320/IMG_2687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ok, so it is official! I am truly the worst blogger ever! Lol! This is not the first time that I have had to explain my where abouts...however,<em> I am</em> going to skip the long explanation of where we have been and what we have been up too (for it would be the longest blog post in history!) and sum it it with one simple fabulous word... "LIFE".<br />
Life just sometimes gets in the way of up-keep of those little things...and yes my blog was one of them! <br />
So just know... I am still here, all is amazing, just plugging away with everyday "LIFE" and enjoying every minute of it! <br />
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Living Life Creatively,<br />
Michelle MarieMichelle Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390350721455614669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075603273182729075.post-30792996905038697142011-02-23T22:00:00.004-07:002011-02-23T22:38:22.806-07:00Greatful for Family Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em><strong>Family Day 2011 - What a great day we had!</strong></em><br />
It seems like the older the kids get, the busier our lives seem to be. With John working away alot and Breydon working full time, still a full schedule of hockey for all four, three in school.. etc etc. It seems fewer and far between that all six of us end up together in the same place at the same time!<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Family Day however, is an exception! We make sure we find the time. For me (and for the rest of my family Im sure) it is a significant day that at one time in our lives we probably just thought of as another day on the calendar and perhaps even took for granted a little. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>On Family Day 2005</em>, that changed. Family day for us has become something I am eternally greatful to be able to have the opportunity to share with my family. We don't always do something huge, its all about just being together and being fortunate enough to have that time together as a family and enjoying the little things.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Family Day 2005 (seems like yesterday sometimes) Breydon and I and our hockey team and families were on our team bus travelling home from a hockey tournamnent in Medicine Hat. We were just outside of Olds, when our bus lost control, swerved accross the highway and crashed into the Olds overpass on the opposite side of the highway of the QE2. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There are a million little details surrounding that night that even today slightly surface leaving me with a numb feeling all over. Even now, if Stars air ambulance flys over, the smell of exhaust from a bus or that loud whoosh sound it makes, it takes me right back to that night. And to this very day, getting on a bus is difficult. And unfortunately with 4 kids in hockey, I have no choice but to board a bus now and then. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Feelings of anxiety and deep sadness for the wonderful man who lost his life in that crash. Remembering you always Durk for your kindness, support and generousity that you shared with our our boys. Also feelings of utter relief and happiness that we are here, which truly in itself is a miracle. A miracle that I am sure all who remember that night are greatful for.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnFAsDTbaN4VkEkq8ZJCViZ6jLYh3bdbFUj-SKUvxC8fUVY2olkRgS297c00dz8AcbiSFLfh27nTYc6szEM1Fqop0IF3Dm1a9HaVMuiZ7CJQCDqY32hrdFNc19OZvd1hdwVHJ6XTay4o/s1600/IMG_1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnFAsDTbaN4VkEkq8ZJCViZ6jLYh3bdbFUj-SKUvxC8fUVY2olkRgS297c00dz8AcbiSFLfh27nTYc6szEM1Fqop0IF3Dm1a9HaVMuiZ7CJQCDqY32hrdFNc19OZvd1hdwVHJ6XTay4o/s320/IMG_1449.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfPzTURGgXUqUINCaMjg_iKZYjSGt7KzZBDhyphenhyphenRycjwMC0zBd8spv_db_N1EgCtfnLjbtwNMyqjW1lx73tSWX3pHcJXnvKahVlkbklTH9qPPItBsBY5KpKqkjArAdYYCEGDzjYUO1UyII/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfPzTURGgXUqUINCaMjg_iKZYjSGt7KzZBDhyphenhyphenRycjwMC0zBd8spv_db_N1EgCtfnLjbtwNMyqjW1lx73tSWX3pHcJXnvKahVlkbklTH9qPPItBsBY5KpKqkjArAdYYCEGDzjYUO1UyII/s320/IMG_1447.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s2YN7kUKALQ8_UUjeTqhw6n3pNi8RbPhOtTxIBQfwEOCg6RfLwhdtGfsYzmRL6hcIDg0oiI3yvEq9OF3Py5Ez4yWhmTbximKb1tC0ZVBPyYcshhywqfUiG6kE-q4HiG5k6YlvpndGJs/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s2YN7kUKALQ8_UUjeTqhw6n3pNi8RbPhOtTxIBQfwEOCg6RfLwhdtGfsYzmRL6hcIDg0oiI3yvEq9OF3Py5Ez4yWhmTbximKb1tC0ZVBPyYcshhywqfUiG6kE-q4HiG5k6YlvpndGJs/s200/IMG_1451.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">For us now Family day is a day of miracles that we are eternally greatful! And for that very reason, </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">we make sure that at the very least we do something all together as a family on Family Day! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So we skipped hockey (yup we did - a game to boot! can you imagine?!!) and all of us started bright and early for a jamb packed quality day of family fun! John started our morning off with his ham n eggers and then we all loaded up and took off to Edmonton for the day. Colton who naturally doesnt function until much later of course loaded up with his blankie and pillow in tow...just like when he was little. lol! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Even though Edmonton is only 2 hours away for us, I cant believe how many times, even at this age, I heard them ask..."are we there yet? How much longer?" Lol Kids will be kids!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It had been quite a few years for us since we were last at the waterpark, so it was a little different for John and I for we really didnt need to be following little people around. They all just took off! And then me and my camera had to go hunting for them! What a blast!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0Gj47gW6TfZPVA0QA7cHhRHXjp5Bv4ebJbNV6yGEf1lAwvhsrC1el2kj1NSoeP2zyMh2Ccx8gyWwwHgna0wGxi9DdXfLWYTWkVdpMguJd_DLNF2jJge8-1qCzeHb_623luVmCIcirdM/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0Gj47gW6TfZPVA0QA7cHhRHXjp5Bv4ebJbNV6yGEf1lAwvhsrC1el2kj1NSoeP2zyMh2Ccx8gyWwwHgna0wGxi9DdXfLWYTWkVdpMguJd_DLNF2jJge8-1qCzeHb_623luVmCIcirdM/s320/IMG_1333.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4SawkS2NlggqS_tuRhvJRqOu__P6eHfNBSSAtCHTRyyt3-14WisqG8Y05y_QzRMSLjrznZeCBvnPSjvh9dj6fcTzfEOM347UA-aFXUTOT62kYBgtJ3BNhZoJkIh4Qm9CIWbqS2ufwLo/s1600/IMG_1329+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4SawkS2NlggqS_tuRhvJRqOu__P6eHfNBSSAtCHTRyyt3-14WisqG8Y05y_QzRMSLjrznZeCBvnPSjvh9dj6fcTzfEOM347UA-aFXUTOT62kYBgtJ3BNhZoJkIh4Qm9CIWbqS2ufwLo/s320/IMG_1329+%25282%2529.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We first found Breydon hidden in the corner of the hot tub. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then we spotted Brook, Catie and Colton enjoying the wave pool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEPQOstrP_HGakfVmy3Hd9VcnOix1yfgpAXg91SxuHsqOjua-FIVv-BFfjMehyphenhyphenoH7UF0ejJ-GHdBt9gp6_zgVa_GE4BNZ8hgjSXjzvL-D0zsFBkiDt5iZAzHWbhSsP2Qzg4VORSGTeq8/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEPQOstrP_HGakfVmy3Hd9VcnOix1yfgpAXg91SxuHsqOjua-FIVv-BFfjMehyphenhyphenoH7UF0ejJ-GHdBt9gp6_zgVa_GE4BNZ8hgjSXjzvL-D0zsFBkiDt5iZAzHWbhSsP2Qzg4VORSGTeq8/s320/IMG_1337.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids had an absolute blast! So did we. I think John and I were feeling a little bit old though for there was Nooooooo way we were going on the big waterslides! lol Not a chance!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB_69rvXaeSShMikC2EM2jkEyQdNTACn3lCq1bYBu_ZLlMdDKybCad91BWj6Ee1o2DWDxna8cdeEAKa8UKm5d4PVdwWPQc_GVLNGmVSRfK6EYTkO6hosnD0aTm15FAQBa7mlrvmtHom8/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB_69rvXaeSShMikC2EM2jkEyQdNTACn3lCq1bYBu_ZLlMdDKybCad91BWj6Ee1o2DWDxna8cdeEAKa8UKm5d4PVdwWPQc_GVLNGmVSRfK6EYTkO6hosnD0aTm15FAQBa7mlrvmtHom8/s320/IMG_1377.JPG" width="194" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjUV3106dqMIPn33K0maFCQzvtWWW1gcHkxfXNaetvAlQu-rpvfleo0M4EkInilNEiAnyI-f4MS5StcoI7zI64h0C77xyQIxhlnfdcMouqp4lLOT9A5beWqFZL1_AdTd3xPnWLrYk2uo/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjUV3106dqMIPn33K0maFCQzvtWWW1gcHkxfXNaetvAlQu-rpvfleo0M4EkInilNEiAnyI-f4MS5StcoI7zI64h0C77xyQIxhlnfdcMouqp4lLOT9A5beWqFZL1_AdTd3xPnWLrYk2uo/s320/IMG_1387.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrOBPe0hvJp0oIqcuD3o7ogh01A5EznJDj9v9Cw65SnOCLLnd5Wuph4jRTXP1eP5vOBOd_2X9TJyutJuFy8I7Df9pyps-FflXztDj1FUHrAgIERLVndPgyOMLZS8XbwAK65jIiAxcGTw/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrOBPe0hvJp0oIqcuD3o7ogh01A5EznJDj9v9Cw65SnOCLLnd5Wuph4jRTXP1eP5vOBOd_2X9TJyutJuFy8I7Df9pyps-FflXztDj1FUHrAgIERLVndPgyOMLZS8XbwAK65jIiAxcGTw/s320/IMG_1412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHPABCW1F1-IUfX-r3dz2_G2zoGGiQ21CzYRK6OKFxeDDRZykdYeGa0HgxoI2w-cjveBBCoMxeFuesL7hj2a_lojH_vB64bCzFjIEwNCiLVYQr05WJMuq28btqk1OnMo4v47YW9Ghd5w/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHPABCW1F1-IUfX-r3dz2_G2zoGGiQ21CzYRK6OKFxeDDRZykdYeGa0HgxoI2w-cjveBBCoMxeFuesL7hj2a_lojH_vB64bCzFjIEwNCiLVYQr05WJMuq28btqk1OnMo4v47YW9Ghd5w/s320/IMG_1438.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needless to say, after a few good long hours at the water park we were all exhausted! But not too tired to find some energy to do a little shopping, play some mini golf, then end off our day with a great dinner at </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Old Spaghetti Factory. (John's Fav!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And naturally our trip home was not boring either. Breydon had us all doubled over in stitches all the way home with his crazy Jim Carey impersonations and amazing singing! (sarcastically speaking) It was hysterical!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It really was a great day! Thank you to my sweet honey and my fabulous kids for the wonderful day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love you all more than words can say.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xoxoxo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Michelle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Living Life Creatively</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Michelle Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390350721455614669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075603273182729075.post-57194371247322722762011-02-17T22:20:00.000-07:002011-02-17T22:20:23.480-07:00Upcoming Scrappy Events!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tis' the Scrapping season my fellow <em><strong>Creative Friends! </strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With all of the <em>New</em> & Exciting <strong>CHA</strong> products that are trickling into the stores, you just cant help but to be inspired! And what better way to express all of those creative juices and utilize all your new goodies than to attend some up and coming creative and motivating events!</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This time of year there are so many Exciting and Inspiring Scrapbooking Events taking place that believe me you won't know how to choose! I thought I would help you out a little and suggest a few of my upcoming favorites. So whether you are in support of a wonderful cause, needing some creative inspiration, or just needing a relaxing and motivating weekend away. Here are a few fantastic scrapbooking events coming up, that trust me you wont want to miss! </span><br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: #660000;">MARCH 4th - 6th <span style="font-size: large;">TOP SECRETS of Success</span></span></u></em></strong><br />
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Two of my favorite people, <a href="http://www.christyriopel.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Christy Riopel</strong></span></a> & <a href="http://www.allisonorthner.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Allison Orthner</span></strong></a> have teamed up to bring you a jamb packed weekend full of their very best "Top Secrets" in both design and photography! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">This event is taking place at the fabulous<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.scribbles-and-giggles.blogspot.com/"><strong>Scribbles & Giggles Scrap'n Adventure</strong></a> scrapbook store in</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #134f5c;"> Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. I cant wait!</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><em><span style="color: #20124d;"><strong>MARCH 19th - 3rd Annual <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.crop4kids.blogspot.com/">CROP 4 KIDS!</a></span></strong></span></em></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><a href="http://jenniferrowsell.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Jennifer Rowsell</span></a></strong> and her team will again team up for a good cause in support of </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=home_template"><span style="color: #0c343d;">The Alberta Childrens Hospital Foundation</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crop4kids.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhaXj5SNJA9xhc6SPKv41wpsejmy70pxvvQcOERmlQoIk3-Thl-DPvc_AtYT37bY6-b26yB63j2FKsYyhLavPRBkmaKMPYwZxKuVuhFk0k8sYR4zVAF2VebjFRncshlFZv9xB4dLaI0c/s320/Crop_4_Kids_2011-blog_header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can visit <a href="http://www.crop4kids.blogspot.com/">http://www.crop4kids.blogspot.com/</a> for more information</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><u><span style="color: #660000;">APRIL 2nd - <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.gracebaptistmexico.blogspot.com/">CROP FOR MEXICO</a> and onsite Garage sale!</span></span></u></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Join <a href="http://www.allisonorthner.blogspot.com/">Allison Orthner </a>and Team to <em>crop and shop</em> to help build homes in Mexico for families in need.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gracebaptistmexico.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqsgS0TUmnco25n8UTwPN7vCK6UFVVEXKs5enABmq9DPSm36TO5YHvvP9nS0cRKFpGdSw4PVRIf5WKbRb2D62v8QR0mRzvm336h9uDepv_s77YeOpQKpnZneYIqL52gcTUyV1tvizFcg/s400/Crop_For_Mexico_copy.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visit <a href="http://www.gracebaptistmexico.blogspot.com/">http://www.gracebaptistmexico.blogspot.com/</a> for more information</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><u>MAY 13th - 15th <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.scrapbookyourheart.com/">SCRAPBOOK YOUR HEART</a></span></u></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>A Life changing Womens week-end Retreat promising to help you expore matters of the Heart.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scrapbookyourheart.com/"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzhAHyJSpWuAeJEoU2qYzB3vYIXy4T1bdF-VcaK2p7vVdrY618Sd5Zy9qKI-h1B8mwOxsVTEgqwPhhnDIj0LsyzWVlrjyEGIVMFzsYJtTovvWL_V7kXoEcpdf-kh-iW26dOfu1EZfb-w/s400/2011Poster_copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Alberta wide retreat is like no other you've experienced. An absolute must!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visit<a href="http://www.scrapbookyourheart.com/"><strong><em> Scrapbook Your Heart</em></strong></a> to Register</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>ENJOY! </em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Michelle</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Living Life...Creatively!</em></strong></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div></div>Michelle Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390350721455614669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075603273182729075.post-83836377937154502362011-02-08T14:43:00.003-07:002011-02-08T15:04:14.081-07:00Trust your JOURNEY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2qfe7zGhYgo0j_eibMScwjqpfbD1rBMOLerEQ2E6dCV4dnlue9AB10SL0hR5QNxeh5vMjH3TdvDzMTOYB3p1wWBryreJKyqyhwVPu-OA8tCQzCR-fktgs1jmtR1RMQyJqWELEqUn6i8/s1600/IMG_0729_edited-1+%2528605x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2qfe7zGhYgo0j_eibMScwjqpfbD1rBMOLerEQ2E6dCV4dnlue9AB10SL0hR5QNxeh5vMjH3TdvDzMTOYB3p1wWBryreJKyqyhwVPu-OA8tCQzCR-fktgs1jmtR1RMQyJqWELEqUn6i8/s320/IMG_0729_edited-1+%2528605x800%2529.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To all of the Soul Sisters out there who have dug deep into thier brave souls and trusted enough of themselves to embark upon this creative journey of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">restoring thier soul houses.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Keep being Brave, Trust your Journey, </span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">YOU</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> are so worth it!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If there is anything I have learned over this past few weeks, it is exactly that.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>And what a journey it has been so far!</strong></em></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With a little<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><a href="http://www.bravegirlsclub.com/onlineclasses.html"><strong><span style="color: lime;">Soul Restoration</span></strong></a>, I have learned that its ok to be me. And that all of the experiences in my life that have led me to now, whether good or bad </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">have made me who I am today. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO9VHk4sGrX2dMUS3WoHjALeWmJtIZbG7IDCLHEqQk1WkCrSJ-DZvRyKE2MVeM8LNcx-Q0qpqXUvSGIGPLRJjFHbsJA7C0H0ysRyaH30VlisRCNxFlSZ81Vg03FYeQmdasRckgtMGXaY/s1600/IMG_0754+%2528640x427%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO9VHk4sGrX2dMUS3WoHjALeWmJtIZbG7IDCLHEqQk1WkCrSJ-DZvRyKE2MVeM8LNcx-Q0qpqXUvSGIGPLRJjFHbsJA7C0H0ysRyaH30VlisRCNxFlSZ81Vg03FYeQmdasRckgtMGXaY/s200/IMG_0754+%2528640x427%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With a little help, I have taken a real good look at what those experiences have brought me, have taught me and importantly...how they have <em>defined me.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Without them, I would never have learned the things I know now. Who knew at the time I was being provided with the necessary tools to guide me in the right direction on Lifes Journey? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And even though I didnt know it at the time,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> looking back, as hard as it may sometimes be, I am <strong>greatful</strong> for it now.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENnG878SaoX7BhJiVIfc5-kEtBRcwK6xIGpj69GTbpaFfeApxCoE936_PJiTN1O5jTJO-daHNgK0LNr3jv3149Qa3wIMTuBlO-JkhxUMO55TiCjV2mkds-I4IduBdGFnIN_mzZrB14BI/s1600/IMG_0723+%2528800x533%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENnG878SaoX7BhJiVIfc5-kEtBRcwK6xIGpj69GTbpaFfeApxCoE936_PJiTN1O5jTJO-daHNgK0LNr3jv3149Qa3wIMTuBlO-JkhxUMO55TiCjV2mkds-I4IduBdGFnIN_mzZrB14BI/s320/IMG_0723+%2528800x533%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So trust your Journey, your story is important no matter how difficult. Change is necessary...embrace it! And remember to live your truths...they define you. </span></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Living Life Creatively,</span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Michelle</span></em></strong><br />
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</div>Michelle Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390350721455614669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075603273182729075.post-39760945638125891112011-01-11T01:30:00.016-07:002011-01-11T02:25:46.034-07:002011 - Time for Restoration!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHiabr1j0R6M3oxOKyfUVSm8qelrJOU5ndKhoV4Fyq9yPTz95tP5-HzRWsuzvCEUlvCypjt6glN559aZCmYntJN-0sFG00yVc8MJiz2ABtXcF6hNBe94Xh8vg7yrhkOC3MsY2mEPuMvQ/s320/img1srestE.jpg" width="314" /></div>By the title of this blog post, I can only guess that most people that know me assumed I was going to provide you with a boring old update about the on-going renovations/restoration of my big bad ol' house.<br />
<br />
<strong>NOPE!</strong> Not even close. <strong>This is way more exciting!</strong><br />
Today, myself and women from all over the world will be taking some time to do some <br />
much needed<strong><em> </em></strong><a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/onlineclasses.html"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong><em>Soul Restoration!</em></strong></span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/onlineclasses.html"><strong><span style="color: #134f5c;"><em>Soul Restoration</em></span></strong></a> is an online workshop developed and taught by Melody Ross and brought to you by the <a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><strong><em>Brave Girls Club</em></strong></span></a>. <br />
So <a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/archives/427"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><em><strong>what is Brave Girls Club?</strong></em></span></a> Brave Girls Club is a worldwide online community of women who all share a common goal<strong>...</strong><br />
<strong>to live the best possible life we can!</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/archives/264"><strong><span style="color: #134f5c;"><em>Melody Ross and her sister Kathy Wilkens</em></span></strong></a> have graciously shared with us thier hearts and souls to bring women all over the world together...<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"</em></span><a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/archives/391"><strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>to change the world one brave girl at a time</em></span></strong></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">"</span> - Melody Ross</em></span></span><br />
<br />
These fabulous sisters of <a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/"><strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">Brave Girls Club</span></em></strong></a> host an all inclusive, life changing, 5 day womens retreat known as <a href="http://www.bravegirlsclub.com/aboutbravegirlcamp-main.html"><strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">Brave Girls Camp</span></em></strong></a>. This is offered to women all over the world. For those of us who more than anything would love to attend one of these retreats but unfortunately cannot...we are thrilled to be able to be given the opportunity to take this online workshop. Its like the next best thing! <a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/"><strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">Brave Girls Club</span></em></strong></a> has brought us...<a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/onlineclasses.html"><strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">Soul Restoration</span></em></strong></a>. <br />
This fun-filled, life changing online workshop starts today and I cannot wait to start! I am sooooo excited! As I am sure the Brave Girls all over the world are as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdwXyqLtDV3tzHapiVIdsyMRcPLvLiAchBRTp_eS0hk9PlINDTbV80SikRFwLBfYCwkDd2Yu4hKDCRoknQG3BLYBYSevCaH75jbCkKInjFeSpZrx3JQW-ejL7bLcObZmEpGVGgHH6I4g/s1600/img5Fsoulrest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdwXyqLtDV3tzHapiVIdsyMRcPLvLiAchBRTp_eS0hk9PlINDTbV80SikRFwLBfYCwkDd2Yu4hKDCRoknQG3BLYBYSevCaH75jbCkKInjFeSpZrx3JQW-ejL7bLcObZmEpGVGgHH6I4g/s640/img5Fsoulrest.jpg" width="491" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soul Restoration ~ Brave Girls Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
For those of you who so wanted to hop on board this adventurous ride and missed the train this time around...dont worry! <a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/"><strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">Brave Girls Club</span></em></strong></a> will be offering this amazing online workshop again come April 2011.<br />
Registration for the April workshop will be open January 18th, so be sure not to miss out!<br />
Please visit<span style="color: #134f5c;"> <strong><em><a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">here</span></a></em></strong></span> for more information surrounding<br />
<strong>Soul Restoration and Brave Girls Club</strong>. <br />
<br />
To <em>ALL</em> the <strong>Canadian Brave Girls</strong> out there!!<br />
<a href="http://christyriopel.blogspot.com/"><strong><em><span style="color: #660000;">Christy Riopel</span></em></strong></a> has created for us our very own <a href="http://bravegirlsclub.com/groups/canadian-brave-girls/"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;"><strong><em>Canadian Brave Girls Group</em></strong></span></a><br />
Join in and all of us Canadian women can brave together in this Life Changing Adventure!<br />
(Thank you Christy)<br />
<br />
Thank you, Melody and Kathy! Women from all over the world have been blessed with this fabulous opportunity and I am sure you are both very excited for this new journey.<br />
Good Luck and Thank you for sharing this wonderful gift with all of us.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Michelle </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>xo</em></strong>Michelle Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390350721455614669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075603273182729075.post-19705838759588626122010-12-31T13:44:00.002-07:002010-12-31T13:50:47.788-07:00Best Wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogY_GefWFgIy4LBmGsczJ5pC8zfslmC4vi460ZK55US48CDfWzeW-r1GxYvj6drc7G5fxo00HgqOplpz-vD3UwulPDrkA-6g_60a2TX9KH3egGFNFg7mI7osrudaMzbYWDM6CcUmurNA/s1600/IMG_9989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogY_GefWFgIy4LBmGsczJ5pC8zfslmC4vi460ZK55US48CDfWzeW-r1GxYvj6drc7G5fxo00HgqOplpz-vD3UwulPDrkA-6g_60a2TX9KH3egGFNFg7mI7osrudaMzbYWDM6CcUmurNA/s200/IMG_9989.JPG" width="133" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>The New Year is upon us...can you believe it! I hope everyone had the Merriest of Merriest Holidays this year! I can certainly say we sure did. Great family time, great friend time and super awesome food time. Way too much food time! lol! (which I will be working off all of 2011).</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Despite all the chaos that goes into preparing for Christmas I can honestly say as always...it was awesome! I really enjoyed the time we found to spend with dearest friends and the new memories we were able to create with our kids. </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Its all about the memories!</strong></em></span><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJymAIgHDl31MIrWdCb_H32XPFqRCGjN7214NaiFupGTEoL15PrFsINxujWTFjCLwNh9tajjR_2A7_xr7swp6Ivv137jMyN6UZ_n3HlFgDtmaWTixUtwNNIKKS1qgqTUcBXPZ4b3Jfn4/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJymAIgHDl31MIrWdCb_H32XPFqRCGjN7214NaiFupGTEoL15PrFsINxujWTFjCLwNh9tajjR_2A7_xr7swp6Ivv137jMyN6UZ_n3HlFgDtmaWTixUtwNNIKKS1qgqTUcBXPZ4b3Jfn4/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" width="320" /></em></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My Little People ~ Chistmas Day 2010</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span> <span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Now here we go...heading into 2011. Wow, that came fast! I am really looking forward to bringing in this New Year. There is so much about bringing in the New Year that is so exciting! There is so much to look forward to. I love the idea of setting new goals, making a list of resolutions with John and the kids. Its like a fresh start! Its always interesting to hear what everyone has to say. Last year John and I wrote down our New Years resolutions for we thought maybe if they were written down we would have a better chance to sticking to them....some of them I think we may have to carry over from last year cause we ran out of time! LOL! Good intentions...right?!</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>So today...as we say goodbye to another year, lets all take some time to remember 2010 and relish in the memories, good and bad. For it makes us who we are! </em></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>And together lets all welcome 2011 with open arms and hearts and with excitement to see what 2011 holds for us all. I cant wait! </em></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZpraeKp1JSgDtbnaQ41DatNzuF0B7jaAMWSSYyKEhr-wEiRNoXQTJtBRNozoLXruyCJ6EyKhvbsi8Fgdf2vak6e7YraFWbU8oIBZHco7rInJYDSVa_5-CazIGQ498TbDcMtrHEOQz84/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZpraeKp1JSgDtbnaQ41DatNzuF0B7jaAMWSSYyKEhr-wEiRNoXQTJtBRNozoLXruyCJ6EyKhvbsi8Fgdf2vak6e7YraFWbU8oIBZHco7rInJYDSVa_5-CazIGQ498TbDcMtrHEOQz84/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle & John ~ Christmas morning 2010</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year everyone!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Best wishes in 2011</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Michelle and Family </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">*******</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Michelle Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390350721455614669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075603273182729075.post-12278701172353862522010-11-22T22:47:00.003-07:002010-11-22T23:20:37.507-07:00Its only the beginning!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-7hAfsYPRUlxTOSs57fnNYrcew5pUpXn3PN2JdWzkIys7pjXm6AcQ0Dx7VcCmDF3lCEsLNGabIRzPg_y13_CjcCC1JiZIDHlXG6Wo3RH-UIw8f-IOQIcoCwV920nPpXG7_THxw09_Ic/s1600/cs_cover_winter10_mainpage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-7hAfsYPRUlxTOSs57fnNYrcew5pUpXn3PN2JdWzkIys7pjXm6AcQ0Dx7VcCmDF3lCEsLNGabIRzPg_y13_CjcCC1JiZIDHlXG6Wo3RH-UIw8f-IOQIcoCwV920nPpXG7_THxw09_Ic/s1600/cs_cover_winter10_mainpage.jpg" /></a></div>I know it has been a ridiculously long time since I have been on here! Somewhere between packing up a basement that had flooded, hauling half my house out to a sea-can (that now resides permanently in our yard) gutting a basement and starting a renovation, cleaning up the yard - getting it ready for fall & winter, getting kids ready to go back to school, redirectioning my business (is that a word?), a few retreats and a trade show, starting and finishing up with 3 kids in vollyball, and now hockey season is in full swing...I somehow seemed to have lost track of time! LOL! and next thing you know its November! The<em> <strong>end</strong></em><strong> </strong>of November yet!! My last post talked about how I was looking forward to more time...funny how that plays out doesnt it? We somehow think that maybe we will create more free time by making some simple changes in our everyday lives but somehow it seems as if I have ended up with less? Or did I? Maybe I am just spending my time a little more wisely? For I have managed to spend way more time with my family, countless hours following my kids around to vollyball with my camera (fun!) and I have managed to find a little more time to design. (which I never had time for before) So I guess its really all how you look at it right? I am still crazy busy but obviously with more of what I enjoy doing. So that my friends, I will conclude then as a good thing!<br />
One of the things that I silently said I would like to finally do is submit some of my designs and hopefully get published this year. (Kind of a bucket list thing - but not entirely)<br />
So I did...I hunkered down and submitted a few of my latest and all time favourites to my all time favourite magazine<strong> <span style="color: black;">"</span></strong><a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Canadian Scrapbooker</strong></span></a><span style="color: black;"><strong>"</strong></span> and woot woot - you will never guess!! I am soooo happy and pleased to share that little ol' me has been published for the very first time! I cannot tell you how absolutely blessed I feel that one of my designs was chosen. I know that there are thousands of talented artists out there who know exactly how I feel right now. Sooo exciting! And what was even more exciting is that this particular issue of <a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Canadian Scrapbooker</strong></span></a> is thier 5th Anniversary Collectors Edition. What an honour! In this winter issue alone they published <em>30</em> never seen before artists! So there are 30 different artists right now from all over Canada that are as excited, if not more than I am right now!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzv6CWneihTLCEcyvOVLgV7YmV17HyGhzvJRZ1MjkegN8e76-QWn2Ut5aTcAkqbof2-bbeGsAeihfCFtwmkrp7GXkFQi-8CTFDwfXzQM9ic0MF4yQ5zD-SL6RE5TXxVCPud7q6wWNjf0/s1600/IMG_9394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzv6CWneihTLCEcyvOVLgV7YmV17HyGhzvJRZ1MjkegN8e76-QWn2Ut5aTcAkqbof2-bbeGsAeihfCFtwmkrp7GXkFQi-8CTFDwfXzQM9ic0MF4yQ5zD-SL6RE5TXxVCPud7q6wWNjf0/s320/IMG_9394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMAyJVKD8oDex5Sp35rIyiCjNAOdfBfhUgrGqP0vwlfyc9iIzTr0tZ5uX1LfeijPgW5GkywmdwpcgO3rIMoRYSCL1QNYLahNBZIk4-d9hvhBkAvE5lD1eGUg9EOUw2abRjnpIjn3JUtA/s1600/sub_win_banner3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMAyJVKD8oDex5Sp35rIyiCjNAOdfBfhUgrGqP0vwlfyc9iIzTr0tZ5uX1LfeijPgW5GkywmdwpcgO3rIMoRYSCL1QNYLahNBZIk4-d9hvhBkAvE5lD1eGUg9EOUw2abRjnpIjn3JUtA/s1600/sub_win_banner3.png" /></a></div>So "<strong><em>congrats"</em></strong> to all of the newly published Canadian Artists out there! Be proud of your accomplishments, be proud to have been chosen to share in such a wonderful magazine and be proud that you are Canadian, I know I am!<br />
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So I guess that this is one thing I can check off my list of things to do...but dont be fooled..I am on a roll now people,<em><strong> its only the beginning!</strong></em><br />
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Cheers to all, and remember to always...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgH-z1kLrdhtgAj7zt3-tWxYugw2ONv6UxEvRvNyAPr7OhUeAsR35dJ63E3RsE7tQ8g69VKDhFyaNEovfx8LTVdvDOSdjuAImFIFi_4gOgvF8MhS9hwLXTErfjOs9-PHlG2HYySFLAQY/s1600/IMG_9391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgH-z1kLrdhtgAj7zt3-tWxYugw2ONv6UxEvRvNyAPr7OhUeAsR35dJ63E3RsE7tQ8g69VKDhFyaNEovfx8LTVdvDOSdjuAImFIFi_4gOgvF8MhS9hwLXTErfjOs9-PHlG2HYySFLAQY/s320/IMG_9391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK2xOCWY21YMRL8iqm9m36nbyeS-MYbekswUVjPSjB-a_eX2ju7y-ukKN5YPg9qsHcY5u5lNFNeFQLpcIddRve3u4eHkaIpyXJO5blRKJpQLynV7rE8pFDnCiamKbuJgGahW3G-92KYU/s1600/IMG_9376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK2xOCWY21YMRL8iqm9m36nbyeS-MYbekswUVjPSjB-a_eX2ju7y-ukKN5YPg9qsHcY5u5lNFNeFQLpcIddRve3u4eHkaIpyXJO5blRKJpQLynV7rE8pFDnCiamKbuJgGahW3G-92KYU/s320/IMG_9376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>"Live Life Creatively!"</strong></em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><strong>Michelle</strong></span></em>Michelle Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390350721455614669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075603273182729075.post-54506073504334510212010-07-21T00:57:00.001-07:002010-07-21T01:17:37.114-07:00New Beginnings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxD6mrj-BOlKF2mRJ_DkJFgh0NeG3EAnHsHvDYlLWcG82X_53D3-DPHeKFpSbLlW8FPr7CD-2J9SaO8DrHVPDB5Eb4ZoV_TGuUAXwHH3LVBP_lKKa3z0hFkzTAe97KtWqBNjxqr56UXw/s1600/IMG_8998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxD6mrj-BOlKF2mRJ_DkJFgh0NeG3EAnHsHvDYlLWcG82X_53D3-DPHeKFpSbLlW8FPr7CD-2J9SaO8DrHVPDB5Eb4ZoV_TGuUAXwHH3LVBP_lKKa3z0hFkzTAe97KtWqBNjxqr56UXw/s320/IMG_8998.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>I am being honest when I say...when it comes to big changes in my life, I really have spent way too much time worrying about what others may think. Its seems silly really that we worry about things like that, but the reality is that we all do it at some point or another for whatever the reason may be...sometimes I think more than we would like to admit. What is everyone going to think? What is everyone going to say? What do I tell everyone? Because of course, they will ask! lol. These are just a couple of the things that has ran through my mind over the course of the past month. Its Funny, because worrying about these little things can hold you back, that is <strong><em>if you let it</em></strong>. Its actually the very reason that it has taken me so long to write this blogpost...until today.<br />
After a few long hard working days out in the yard...it rains. I love it when it rains after spending all that time out there mowing and trimming and making it beautiful and then the rain comes down as if to just give it all a fresh new start! Now I look out to see the rain has stopped and the sun is shining bright, the birds are singing and everything just seems fresh and new...as I said, a fresh start, almost like a do-over...a new beginning! It feels good, real good! Like a breath of fresh air. That is exactly how I feel today, refreshed and ready for a new beginning! <br />
Change for most of us can be scary, which is normal. It is scary to start something new, to end something familiar, whether its starting a new job, leaving your old home to go to a new home, starting a new school, or even meeting new friends. However, if we put all our fears aside and choose to not let it hold us back, the change can be quite welcoming and refreshing! It can be a door to new opportunities, new experiences, new memories and new friendships that otherwise you may not experience if it were not for change. So instead of letting the fear of change or what people may think or say hold you back, embrace it! Welcome it! For you will never know what may be waiting for you at the end of that new path if you dont take it. <br />
That is what I have decided to do. <br />
Over the past month, my family and I have made some big decisions. One of the few decisions that we have made evidently brings big change upon us. We have decided over long hard deliberation to close<br />
<strong>The Hope Chest's</strong> retail store. That was a huge decision for me. My store which I love and started from a dream is closing...and remarkably, and as scary as it first seemed, after I actually made the decision...It felt good! Remarkably great actually! I did, I will admit, experience all the emotions and thoughts of... what are people going to say? now what?...However it now occurs to me that this feeling that I am now experiencing, this fresh feeling of a new beginnings is... exciting! I am so greatful to have experienced all the wonderful times over the past 4 years and I am blessed by all the fantastic people I have met over this time. I could be sad about my decision but I am not..I am excitied! Everything that I have learned over the past few years by having my fantastic little store has enabled me today to embark upon this new creative journey with enthusiasm and excitement! I am excited to finally have more time...time to design, to create, and time to teach which is what I love to do! And most importantly, more time for my family! So, today as I embark upon this new creative journey, be excited for me, I am! Dont let your fears or worries about what others may think hold you back...follow your gut and trust me when I say, when you feel good inside you will know that those two steps forward that you took in a different direction were a good choice...you just never know what is out there waiting for you!<br />
Thank you to everyone for supporting me over the past four years and I hope you will continue to follow along on this new adventure with me as I unfold day by day what is yet to be discovered.<br />
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...Living Life Creatively.<br />
MichelleMichelle Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390350721455614669noreply@blogger.com3