Embrace Life

hello (online discovery) monday | 127

I am forever reading and researching online. I get regular notifications from some of my favourite sites. This week seemed to have more than the usual number of good things, so I thought I'd share them. That and the holidays are in full swing so there really is not an awful lot going on around here! The photo? Just about the only spot in my new yard with no weeds! Click on the photo to get to the Honey Do Boys (Austin & Cody) who will be here for a few days putting things in order!

hello reasons why i still "scrapbook". this is a very good article. a reminder why i should make more time to do what i love to do.

hello happy. yes. all of this.

hello happy children playing. joy. universal. connection. love.

hello new startups. i wonder which will be around next year. which will catch fire? which will die away? this is the kind of stuff i find fascinating. what is the next best thing? where is the tipping point?

hello grateful. yes. all of this.

hello hemingway. writing can be tedius. fun. challenging. frustrating. enlightening. and sometimes error filled. this app might just be a quick help!

hello efax. grampy and nanna have a fax machine instead of a computer. i have a computer instead of a fax machine. i discovered a service that will convert computer files to be fax-friendly. brilliant!

hello next year. i will have to remember to celebrate like this next july 3. very funny. and this flag infographic i found fascinating.

hello fitness. one of these apps holds the key. now to figure out which one will work best for me?

hello off switch. after years of hoping, can it be true? do people have an off switch?

hello monday. you are my most favourite day of the week. i love that you provide me with 52 fresh starts every year.

 

what are you saying hello to on this brand new monday?
head on over to lisa's blog and link up in the comments.

things we do | share

Like most of us, I spend plenty of time on the computer. Between blogs, Facebook, TED, Pinterest and various other sites, there is plenty to learn without ever leaving home :) For someone who is very curious, this can prove to be quite a distraction!

For years now, I've received random paper clippings from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Globe & Mail from my dad. Sometimes there is a note, sometimes not. They are always something he thinks would interest me. Fortunately for me I have a Dad who knows me well enough that usually he's right :)

As a result, one of my favourite things to do is find internet nuggets and share them with my kids. No stamps required! I do love technology and the ability to share things with them quickly via e-mail. I even have Pinterest boards dedicated to the olders and their interests. I enjoy how these things keep me connected with them - and them with me.

Lately we've shared:

A TED Talk that might turn every man who watches it into a feminist: Jackson Katz, PhD and another that seems very topical around here: Rita Pierson.

22 Amazing Places - and they're right, it's hard to believe they exist!

A lesson on on how not to say the wrong thing everyone should learn well.

Sad news that our favourite sportscasters are moving Stateside!

The latest subjective list of the world's greatest restaurants.

"Slash" as slang not a simple punctuation mark. Sigh, this is my life.

Pinterest board for Claire and for Cole. There will be one for both Chloé and Caden - once they get Pinterest accounts!

There is always something interesting and fun!

Re-entry | Reader Catch Up

I got away with the Moe and a fellow mum to Las Vegas for a few days of warmth and entertainment. It was wonderful. While away my Google Reader simply collected posts from the 204 subscriptions I read. On average that gives me about 60 articles to read each day. I forgot that over the course of five days away I'd have over 300 articles to read! As it turns out I came home to OVER 650 posts!

I actually thought about this while I was gone: which articles would I be anxious to read upon my return? And, if those were the only ones I wanted to read, why not just reduce my reader to those subscriptions? So, that's exactly what I did!

By The Numbers:

THEN: 204 blogs in my reader

NOW: 156 blogs in my reader (still too many)*

POSTS READ: about 300

OBSERVATIONS: Design and Photography blogs post WAY TOO MANY articles in the course of a single day. Those and the Pioneer Woman - holy smokes, she's a machine!

I came across a few articles I'm so glad I didn't miss, and don't want you to miss either:

Have I told you how much I love Brené Brown? She has empowered me to be all the things I want to be, and more. While away her TED talk went live! Brilliant!

Danielle LaPorte must be reading my mind. Or maybe it was the shimmering effects of Vegas, but I'm really thinking about my Superhero Name. What's yours? Along those lines, this is still resonating. And, if you don't get them, sign up to receive her Daily Truth Bombs, such good stuff.

From over at the Happy Self, I found an idea I am implementing NOW, I just didn't realize I was in the process, and the validation is wonderful. I'm thinking this is another idea worthy of immediate implementation - one I should focus on a bit more.

I also love reading who inspires those who inspire me. Carolyn Rubenstein really speaks to my heart and her list of those who speak to hers is inspiring.

A while ago I stumbled upon Jenny Meyerson via Ali Edwards and I am ever so happy I did! She and I think along the same lines and where I'm apprehensive about putting it "out there" she is not, and I am grateful. Her 100 Family Conversations is a wonderful idea and something we can (and will) participate in right away.

I am totally immersed in Susannah Conway's Blogging from the Heart course and enjoy what influences and inspires her online.

Oh my goodness, I cannot wait to make this: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Stew. I can only hope my kids will be equally excited when it's served :)

Though I still feel the sting of one particularly snarky know-it-all scream "CONTROL Z" over and over again when I was first starting to learn Photoshop, I found this article particularly informative.

I really enjoy "collectives" and one of my very favourite is The Creative Mama. In particular this project idea is exactly what I need! LOVE that there is a tutorial, too :)

I love how Cathy Zielske speaks about her children. LOVE.

*while going through all of the goodness, I re-categorized a number of the blogs and they are now in my "must read" file.

MUST READS INCLUDE all of those above as well as:

Ali Edwards

Under the Sycamore

Chookloonks

Marta Writes

Positively Present

Baked Bree

Molly Irwin

Katrina Simeck

TED Blog

Cannelle et Vanille

Over At Our Place

My Words

There are, of course, quite a number of personal friend-and-family blogs I read, too!

I hope you find inspiration and validation in these blogs as well. What inspires you? What am I missing from my "must reads"?

Hitting Delete :: Reader Clean Up

I don't know about you, but I've been suffering from information overload. Our lives are so full and I'm constantly running here-there-everywhere. Lately, every time I sign into my Google Reader I'm met with over 1,000 unread entries! So much wonderful stuff, but something had to give.

Since I signed up for Google Reader - October 29, 2008 - I've read close to 120,000 articles. Late last week I was subscribed to 342 blogs. Some of which - Scott Kelby, PetaPixel and Pioneer Woman - are quite prolific with multiple entries each day. After my first pass, I managed to whittle my subscriptions down almost in half, to 174 blogs. Now after a week of continued focus, I am now no longer subscribed to 242 blogs, which leaves me with my new limit of 100.

I suprised myself with some of my deletes, I suprised myself even more with some of my keeps!

Things in my life are changing and I am no longer looking for the latest and greatest in scrapbooking ideas and trends from every source available, I've found my style. I continue looking for healthy eating and moving more ideas. I am always looking for inspiration, reinforcing my commitment to positivity, and many of those wonderful blogs stayed.

My top inspirational blogs are:

Brene Brown

Carolyn Rubenstein

Postitively Present

Under the Sycamore

Cathy Zielske

Ali Edwards

The Creative Mama

Wish Studio

Jamie Ridler

Centsational Girl

What are yours? Link me up in the comments ...

 

I gave up 365 because I can't count ...

This year I elected to not participate in Project 365 or Project Life. I have managed to fill my time with other things, but every once in a while I wonder if I made the right choice. After all, two or three years of the same patterns and behaviour makes it pretty hard to quit and start something new.

I found participating in Project 365 the last couple of years to be overwhelming. Not so much the photography part, I'm still taking at least one or two - if not 20 or 30 - photos every day, it was the uploading in simple upload or blog form that took it's toll.

As much as I admire Project Life, and I especially enjoy the many adjustments participants have made to adjust the burden of the "daily" aspect, I took a good look at my life and realized even with four active kids and so much going on every day, there were too many slots to fill - too much opportunity for blank space! I am not much of a consumer, I do not shop much nor do I care about or collect labels, tags or much ephemera. I spend a lot of time tossing this stuff out of my house, I cannot imagine putting it in a place of honour in a photo album.

(To be honest, for the longest time I didn't understand the difference between the two projects. I get it now.)

I used to get very frustrated with the whole counting. I know, it sounds so simple, but it was frustrating when I'd be posting my July - August - September photos and realized that at some point I had miscounted. Argh. I know a little bit of preparation would have gone a long way and I'm sure it would have taken less time to have manually found a calendar and counted out the days, but I didn't. I tried to find what I was looking for on-line. After all, how hard could it be? Hard.

So the other day, while venturing from one blog to another to another, clicking on links I FOUND IT!! I figured just because I'm not participating in the project doesn't mean YOU aren't so here's the link: Basic Calendar Creator. Now this is the important part:

See the bottom box? Show day number of the year. CLICK IT and voila!

I wonder if I can start again? Or go back and figure where I messed up the last two years?! Time wasted? Worth it?

We'll never know. But I'm happy if I can send someone else, equally as frustrated as I was, in the right direction. I hope it helps and makes life easier for someone else who can't count - I can't be the only one, can I? :)

Links for the Time Crunched | 8

As always, great stuff to share:

• I am a great believer that I am raising my children to be adults not to be children. I am protective, I support them 100% and love them to bits which is why I let them make mistakes, suffer consequences of bad decisions and do my best to keep out of their business and trust that I am raising them well. We're learning plenty from each other! I'm always looking for parenting input from "survivors" and found some, what I think is good advice, here and here.
• I'm big into housekeeping right now! Prepping for our visitors in December :) I love finding ways to make housework easier, especially things like folding fitted sheets and effectively cleaning the kitchen.
• I'm a bit of a font freak and love finding this kind of thing.
• Pears, hazelnuts, brown butter and vanilla. Divine.
• I love classic design. I'm looking for elements for my December Daily album. To the rescue? My wonderful and generous friend Brenda who shared this entry. I may get a hang of this digi stuff yet!
• Growing up our fridge was covered in notes. I miss having a central area for communication. For the last few years I have had an aluminum fridge so no notes. For a while we had a steel front door so that was used to post notes. Now we have a big thick wood door, gorgeous, but not great for notes. Then I found this little idea. Brilliant! Definitely on the "to make" list.
• I found this article fascinating, such a different perspective from my own. I come from the assumption that people do not remember me, it would never occur to me to be hurt that someone didn't remember my name or my kids or anything, after all, it is my assumed norm. I love perspectives that differ from my own. I can always learn something new.
• I am a huge, HUGE fan of Dr. Brené Brown (who would, no doubt, if given the chance, have plenty to say about the truth of my entry above). Check out the interview of her conducted by the lovely Susannah Conway.
• A writer - artist, photographer, creative type - always needs a good kick in the pants.
• Do you ever wonder if there are other bloggers who live by you?
• I must have been hungry when I put this post together. Another recipe: pears, chocolate, vanilla bean. Sounds perfect :)

What about you? Any recent can't-be-missed links? Share in the comments!

Links for the Time Crunched | 7

I have been really trying to keep away from any holiday focused links. Not because there is anything wrong with them, but they are so easy to find - and abundant! One or two might sneak through, but I'd like to keep the links more broad in focus :)

• Yes. Well, maybe not dull - but certainly someone without messy kids and in posession of a full time cleaning lady!
• For the amount of time I spend in my laundry room, I think I have to make one of these signs. And a chandelier might be nice, too! A girl has to dream ;)
• Love me some TED. Love me more some Sir Ken. One thing I would LOVE to do? Attend a TED conference. Why? To make me better. Wonder if I could find a sponsor? Do you think a middle aged mama can get herself to TED? Working on it!
• I used to be a complete magazine junkie. I got away from it, not so much because of deteriorating content (which it was) but the clutter and waste of it all. Yes, I'm an anti-hoarder. But this is interesting. It might just justify my iPad ... if I can get it back from Caden!
• Pericles. I miss school. Some days.
• The time has come to actually get this done. I like my handwriting, on those days that it's "on". You know what I mean? The rest of the time it's just scribble. This way I can have it "on" all the time!
• I thought I was the only one. Definitely on my list, I'm hoping Louis orders a few of these to stuff my stocking.
• Fear is a terrible thing; but when you face your fear and ask the right questions you get great answers. Are you a writer? Do you need a few practical answers? Or some reminders?
• Reduce, reduce, reduce. It really is not a bad thing.
• Are your children mindful? Want to know what I mean ... the gentle and observant Karen Maezen Miller will walk us through the steps.
• If you know me you know I love Mehmet Oz. Have you seen his new site? Sharecare has a bunch of expert answers. Check it out.
• Fun hostess gift for any time of year!

What goodness have you found lately? Share in the comments!  

Blog Friendships & A Hop Winner!

Do you remember my Celebrating Blog Friendships hop of last Saturday? I participated with a number of ladies I've met through the Shimelle Blogging for Scrapbookers course I took about a year ago. The blog hop was expertly orchestrated by Jo and Lizzie, kudos to those brilliant ladies for dealing with the logistics and prizes. Thank YOU for visiting.

As for the results, I have to say WOW your kind words are so appreciated and linking up to your favourite blog friends has expanded my Google Reader - again!

In order to win this:

I asked for each of you to leave a comment on the blog and include a link to your favourite blog friend in order for BOTH of you to win the framed art above. I have to say, you ladies not only write, but also read some EXCELLENT blogs. I don't want all that goodness to get lost so here are all of your lovely words and links:

1. Jo Sowerby :: only one? now that's hard but i will chose abi cos she's my youngest and nearest geographical blogfriend ........... http://creatingpaperdreams.blogspot.com/
2. Melissa :: My favorite blog friend is Sue who blogs at http://suealthouse.blogspot.com/ because I always get inspiration from her blog and she encouraged me to continue blogging.
3. NancyD :: Your blog is so beautiful!! It's a pleasure to look at. My favorite bloggy friend (it's hard to pick one!) is Rachel. She showed up on my blog and was so honest and personable that I couldn't resist her. Her blog is: http://stop-drop-roll-rachel.blogspot.com/
4. Sian :: I'm so pleased to have discovered you :) and I'm enjoying your posts so very much. It's a pleasure to visit - and for that reason I'd like to cheat slightly and nominate your good self as my newest favourite discovery! Here's to many more years of blogging x
5. Amy :: Lee, I am so glad you left a comment on my blog way back when, otherwise I would have been too chicken to comment on yours - yes, it is sad, but I'm too shy sometimes. It has been a pleasure to visit your blog with all of the wonderful and inspiring stories and scrap pages you continually share. I can't say I have favourites - that is like asking a mother who her favourite child is ... however, I know Jacky was signed up for this hop and had to withdraw due to ill health ... she deserves some sunshine I think - here's her link http://scrappyjackylive.blogspot.com/
6. Lizzie :: But, but, but... I can't only choose ONE! That wouldn't be Fair! I have several favourite blog friends... If I only choose one, I'll be leaving the others out! Ok then, how about The Linar Studio? I love coming here! (now that's a cop-out, but what can I do? The others all know who they are... and you can find them listed on my blog, so that's where you need to go now!) Love your blog, Lee and so glad to have met you! Thanks for joining our Blog Party - it wouldn't have been the same without you. :-)
7. Furrypig :: Thanks so much for your great post I have too many great blog friends to pick one, there is K, Mel, Oona, Jo, Kate, Amy, Jacky, Sian, etc etc I love them all!!! AND others too! xxx
8. Gayle (The Scrappy Tree) :: I really can't just choose one! Oh dear! :D Loving the citrus pics here btw :) Gayle xx
9. Monika Wright :: So thrilled to see The Scrappy Jedi on the blog hop list, Lee. She has the coolest roundups on Friday, has an Etsy shop with good stuff (!), just shared a detailed tour of her scrap space to include her thoughts behind her organizing madness and is a talented scrapper! Just a fun place to be! You, my new friend, are a joy to read and so inspirational in your art!
10. Crystal :: I visit you often but have never posted before. One of my very special blog friends is Linds (http://lindslangdon.blogspot.com), who live in the UK. I found her via a link long ago and we have become the kind of friends that phone each other and can hardly wait for the day when we can meet in person. She is funny, thoughtful, creative, a frequent writer and always makes me think. She really is a sunny spot in my days. Thanks for asking - and for sharing :)
11. Jennifer Grace :: Ooh, it's hard to choose a favourite. There's a few I could pick, but I'm gonna go for Sian, because not only does she blog fantastic stories and crafts, she also finds the time to comment on almost all my posts, and the posts of many other blogs too. I think she might be super woman. She is, at least, a super-lovely woman! http://www.fromhighinthesky.blogspot.com/ Great thought-provoking question. Love how you created the letter too. xx
12. Mel :: What a lovely post, so interesting to read about your 'blogging journey' :-) And what a super prize! Like everyone else it is difficult to choose just one blogfriend, but I think I'd have to say Amy (www.overatourplace.blogspot.com) for the reasons given in my own post. An email from her always makes me smile and brings me sunshine :-)
13. Lesley :: I'd like to nominate Mel of I speak Melsh - and one of your blog hop contributors. She was one of the first people to comment on my blog and her blog is so fun
14. Karen :: I love your blog, Lee, and spend way too much time following your links around the internet! Thanks for the inspiration.
15. Kai :: Super cute frame! Some of my favorite bloggy friends were listed on my post for today's hop. So glad to have hopped by... :)
16. melissa :: your posts always inspire me so much, thank you for that!
17. Amanda Rhodes :: I love the shadow box frame! My favorite bloggy friend is http://noteablescraps.blogspot.com/ because I actually know her personally and she comments the most on my blog here lately! We attend the same church and I teach her youngest every Sunday in Sunday School! She loves to digiscrap and I paper scrap.
18. cate :: I love the bloggy world Shimelle introduced us all to! I think my favourite bloggy friend would be Deb of http://paperturtle.blogspot.com - she has the sort of crafty relationship with her daughter that I want with my kids!
19. amy :: Such a lovely post! I am a new subscriber here....looking forward to reading more! This hop has provided many new blogs for me to visit! I joined Shimelle's class late so it's great to meet so many of you! My favorite bloggy friend is Sally at www.dareyousayit.blogspot.com. I see her in person and on the web and she is such a wonderful support to my life!
20. Xnomads :: You have a way with words, Lee! I love your blog and will continue to visit. Thanks for coming by to mine today and leaving your kind words. I will do my best to post more as I'd really like to, but to plan my days better so that I have the time... it will happen! : )
21. Sharyn Carlson :: Oh you are too sweet, Lee! Thank you for your kind words. My best blog friend is also my best friend: http://bobnlindseyschmidt.blogspot.com/.
22. jillconyers :: What a great idea for a blog hop. Off to visit a few links while I have time.
23. S :: What a spectacular unique way to give away your goodies, but I'd never be able to pick just one blog friend; I believe in circles of friends (wink)!
24. Lou :: Mine is a kiwi friend in london: http://scrapadventure.wordpress.com/ love this blog hop and hope to continue visiting!
25. Lisa :: Great to see your blog on this blog hop. I've been popping in from time to time since we were in LOAD together - love your style, love the blog, love your scrapping. So many blog friends it's difficult to chose just one but if I had to, then it would need to be my sister - alifetimeofchances.blogspot.com - we started scrapping on the same day back in Jan 06 and have supported each other through this wonderful creative journey ever since. We don't live in the same country any more and therefore, blogging is a wonderful way to keep up the connection and sharing.

I have to say I've gone to visit every one of your favourites and I am more thrilled than ever to be a part of this blogging community. What a lovely group we have :) I am always appreciative of your words and your visits! I'm now very happy to get this entry posted so I can respond individually to all of your warmth and kindness.

No more delay, as promised, the prize goes to:

  JENNIFER
Congratulations to both you and Sian.

When you get a chance, send along your mailing addresses to me at linarstudio.lc at gmail dot com and I'll get your prizes right out to you :)

Be sure to come back tomorrow for some more "friendship" goodness!

Links for the Time Crunched | 6

I'm still wading through a huge number of bookmarks! So much great stuff and inspiring ideas. I'm in the middle of working on a few recent projects totally inspired by ideas found her on the www. What about you, anything interesting lately?

• Have you seen this seriously gorgeous on-line magazine yet? Wow. What a wonderful concept. Not too much to take in. Plenty to savour. Perfect balance.
• Louis loves his Guinness. I'm thinking he'll enjoy this cake.
• IRL. This post had me thinking for a good while. Interesting point of view. I like discovering a new way of looking at things.
• Does anyone deserve a ribbon in your life? Here's a quick tutorial. Good stuff.
• I'm all about grabbing a box to make my life tidier!
• It's all about the comfort food. One of the top items on my list, especially with the weather getting colder and soups and stews becoming more of a staple, is this skillet cornbread. YUM!
• As much as I enjoy taking my own photos, I love learning from the talent of other photographers. Flickr gives me the perfect opportunity to do just that. Here are all of the reasons why you should use Flickr.
• It really is the lack of understanding that keeps me from doing creative things. I am so happy for people who post the benefit of their knowledge so I don't have to waste supplies, time and energy on trial-and-error methods to beautifying my life!
• None are perfect, but what a great resource if you are looking to visit a city with which you are unfamiliar. Where to eat? Where to shop? The answers are here (though you should confirm all plans - given the economy who knows what is still open and ready for business).
• I've always wanted to open a nice little boutique in a nice little town with a nice little main street. I always thought it would be a stationery store. But this is really something to consider! * Swoon *
• Definition of irony? I love maps but have no sense of direction. As in none. But these were comical.
• Rolled fabric flowers seem to be all the rage lately. Here's a great little tutorial if you want to try making a few. Me? I'm not a fabric person, but there is a ton of stuff in my "to be donated" bin, maybe I'll tear apart a t-shirt or two?

Such good stuff! Hope you enjoy the journey :)

Links for the Time Crunched | 5

My bookmarks are overflowing with some pretty brilliant stuff and I haven't posted a collection in a while. The www is an amazing place. So much inspiration and creativity. Check out what I mean:

• Living in a house with five other people, I tend to find myself dealing with messes made by others. It is frustrating and ... frustrating. We are fully engaged in the school and hockey year and things are getting out of control. I printed this out for my kids, who don't know what Feng Shui is, but they do know I don't like clutter!
• Do you like Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights? Can you like both? This article proposes that you can like one and not the other. Interesting.
• Anything to help women embrace their inner brilliance is good. Great tips!
• Seth Godin has a way with words.
• I really admire how the mind of Amy Krause Rosenthal works. She always has interesting people studies; social experiments. Have you seen The Day Money Actually Grew on a Tree?
• Free to Be You and Me was one of my favourite records growing up: so empowering. I recognized it immediately. Even when I was being criticized and put down, I realized Marlo Thomas had something important for me to hear. And I did. I'm so glad she continues her quest for empowerment.
• I enjoyed participating in this and was surprised to see me represented in this :)
• You really are the company you keep. I love that the lesson is being taught to young girls. Some old girls could benefit from the same lessons. Time to not clean the house and invite friends over :) That whole "perfect" thing is pretty stubborn habit to break!
• I agree: we so often undervalue that which is considered valuable. This is just one small example. Many women I know vastly under-value their time and talent, I too have been caught doing the same thing. Must stop that! 
• It always amazes me that there are so many shades of white. As for me, my Benjamin Moore go-to-white is Flurry formerly BM904.
• I really should have taken a couple of photos to show how mine turned out. GREAT way to get those juices flowing after - in my case - years of artistic neglect! Even if you've never done this before, try! Bonus: the video is a hoot :)
• As the baseball season winds down, I was happy to find this article about the late great Ted Williams on line. It was originally written by John Updike. In 1960. I love the turn of phrase. The cadence. The intelligence. I love more that so many old articles can be found on line. Lovely.

And with that I'm off to organize and bookmark more bookmarks! Enjoy your Saturday and I hope you find some fun and fascinating reading. I did :)

Links for the Time Crunched | 4

I may have been gone, but I was not absent from the www. I did manage to find some GREAT stuff to share and some to try. Too much! As always, I'm happy to share.

• Do you ever have to find out how much time between now and then? I find I have to more than I expect and found this handy-dandy little calculator. It's been used often.
• Does your obsession make you interesting?
• So much crafting goodness, I don't know where to start. Must say, ROCKS are very popular. What about these: Doily stones? More rocks? Chalk rocks?
• Which season is reflected in your house? Mine is overwhelmingly autumn - but each of the kids bedrooms, upon request, are reflective of their summer days in Cape Cod with blue and sand colours.
• As with most things in life, it's all about your attitude and how you approach things. What are you making?
• It's when I find things like this I wish my kids were little again. Then I give my head a shake and just pass it along to others!
• I love smart. (Warning: before you click you must pour yourself a cup of something hot, maybe grab a cookie or two - this will take some time. Oh so worth it!)
• Indeed.
• While growing up in Toronto, I heard much Yiddish spoken and used to know what most of it meant. This list really brought that part of my past back to life. The kindest complement I ever received was when a supplier called me a mentsh. I remember having to call my Dad to ask what it meant, but I knew it was good!
• Do you need to relax? Unwind? Breathe? Check out this entry by the lovely Carolyn Rubenstein. And her follow-up confession. So honest. And authentic.
• I did this project a couple of years ago, late, in November. I too have a few missing pages, but I have to say, the pages I made? Treasures. Bottom line: be happy with what you've accomplished, don't worry about what didn't get done.
• Sometimes we just need grammar reminders. It's also great for my kids - wonderful and clear explanations of some weird and wonderful twists in our language.
• Some of these and these make my heart hurt.
• Do you practice mindfulness? A really interesting place to visit.
• How cute is this wine bottle cover? Hmm. I'm getting some ideas for Christmas giving.
• Of the whole list, just remember #2!

I'm always amazed at how life has changed and my "magazine" discoveries can now be found on-line. So much more share-able that way!

Links for the Time Crunched

I'm enjoying my little link lists and the feedback I've received here and via e-mail! I'm glad you enjoy them, too. I was hoping to do this once every month or so, but there is just too much on the brilliant www to share, so maybe a bi-weekly post?

I wonder what my 17-year-old self would have to say about my life right now. What would yours? Or what would you say to your 17-year-old self? Both articles made me pause.

As a huge fan of Leo Babauta and Zen Habits, I loved this post over at Gypsy Girls Guide.

Not that I need a reason to create flowers since my studio is overflowing with baskets full, these are gorgeous tutorials: roses, more roses, dahlias, and Monika Wright had flowers on her mind, too!

What is your creative style? Over at About Orange she has a link to a test. My result? I communicate through creativity. Yep. That was right on. What about you?

Seriously stunning and hours could be spent perusing this site.

I'm already in a "what should I make" panic over lunches for the youngers this school year! I found a few good ideas here, though I still wish a simple PB&J were an option! Thank goodness the olders have their lunch made - and PB&J is always available.

Seriously? I was so happy to see this. I am not alone!

Love her, love her humour and insight. Go get yourself a permission slip and enjoy :)

THIS is something I have to learn how to do, especially if I'm going to get serious.

Design deliciousness and new to me catalogue!

Can you get Pottery Barn style on a budget? Yes! Brilliant and creative ideas abound! Check out all of the entries ... and the winner.

As always, she stopped me in my tracks. I read this article and really had to think. I like that :)

Totally make-able welcome to back to school and fall. And this one is just FUN for any time of year!

As anyone who reads here knows, I'm a huge fan of Marta Writes and I am enjoying her "How To" series. I really loved this post. (I'm an oldest, I'm a Virgo, I need permission and validation - it's a curse)

I'm a bit tired of summer food, as indicated by my bookmarking of this yummy dish. And this cooking show is wonderful entertainment and has great recipes. Oh, and if you like cupcakes, these look delish!

Who knew envelopes and tape could make these!

Had to laugh. This is a rhyme that we were taught as children. I had no idea anyone else had been taught the same thing. Love that it was made into a poster. Our rhyme was about crows, this is about magpies. What's the difference? Must look up!

Sometimes it isn't easy and the ideas just don't flow. Or, as in my case currently, there are too many ideas and I'm paralyzed. I signed up over here to work out of either situation! I need to take action.

I've been participating over at BPS and "discovered" Jennifer Mohler who introduced me to her 100 Moments. (Though many of my early life moments are tainted with major "mother issues" maybe this is just the challenge I need to dispose of them like I should have years ago and move on.)

I can't wait to go to Oshawa ... for Scrapfest! It will be my last chance to shop for bling and other non-essentials in 2010. I've decided 2011 will be a purchase-free year!

Could you imagine this in your back yard? A mini-studio! Very cute idea.

I really enjoy writers and learning about their process. This lady is amazing.

I'm astounded.

I know I have to find a place, some place, in this house for one - or maybe two - of these.

Now THIS is brilliant! Something I must do and will get to it next week, but I'd love to know what you would include in your F*ck It List! Even better, after you think it up and write it down, you get to let it go.

Today marks DAY 239 in my second year of Project 365. I found these tips helpful and will definitely refer back to them when I start year three on January 1, 2011. Next year I plan to participate in Project 365 with intention not as just a matter of recording our days.

In September I will be joining Live a Better Life in 30 Days and I was thrilled to find this glowing review on one of my favourite blogs about Celes The Personal Excellence Blog which validating my decision.

What did you find that you enjoyed most on the list? Are there too many? Not enough? Do you have any to share?

found on the www

My reading buddy - every day both of us are at the kitchen table. He reads books, I read on my Mac.

My cyber-friend, the incredibly talented Kathy Thompson Laffoley, mentioned in the comments a few days back that she liked my links "for the time-crunched". I thought maybe, on occasion, depending on how much stuff I put in my bookmarks, I'd share what I'd been finding here on the www much like I did at the end of my blogcation.

This last couple of weeks has found many bloggers who have really gone into creative overdrive. You'll find that most of the blogs I read have the same aesthetic, but the content ranges from creative inspiration to music lists to lemon bars.

Like:

• I'm not a fan of the industrial-revolution-designed way our children are educated. I have many gripes, much in keeping with Sir Ken Robinson, but my biggest issue is with the amount of stuff my kids forget over the summer and that re-entry and review takes through October! I asked, and found, a few math sites: KenKen, MathDoku, Math-U-See, FunBrain, and this great overall site, in order to ease the pain of re-entry and maybe my kids will not have to reestablish their confidence as well. What about you? What system is used where you are?
• Seriously? THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO in my dreams. And then I wake up and reality creeps in. Sigh.
• One of my favourite books ever is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I'm thrilled with the mini-series and Louis, who has had the book sitting in the car for almost a year, is reading it! Not only that, he's liking the book more than the series :)
• This has me seriously considering dusting off my my sewing machine. Gorgeous!
• OpenIDEO is a fascinating concept: tapping into the ideas of more people in order to solve the world's issues. I don't know if it's effective in practice, after all, EVERYONE has an opinion, but I'd like to think that conversation and an open communication of ideas might be effective. And, I'm a huge Jamie Oliver fan - no, that is not a fat joke ;) He has inspired the challenge to raise kids awareness of the benefits of fresh food and it has made for some fascinating reading.
• This is always a good awareness exercise. Invest some time and figure out where you're at - right now.
• Found some delicious summer recipes: Macaroni Salad (calls for too much mayo - so I adjusted), and these Lemon Bars are amazing (as is her whole blog), and I can't wait to make this Goat Cheese number!
• Brenda is so lovely and such a constant inspiration to me. I so enjoy everything she shares on her blog. One of my daily must-reads.
• Do you know how to be alone? This was all over the internet lately. If you haven't seen it, take 4:35 out of your day and enjoy.
• Every once in a while you happen upon a blog post that you need to read, the timing is perfect. My energy and enthusiasm was flagging until I read all 55 quotes :) You can accomplish a lot with a smile on your face! This one has a lovely dose of creative inspiration as  well.
• What a brilliant gift to make!
• Are you a music fan? Do you agree with this list? What about this one? What would you add to either?
• What are you grateful for today?
• And another neat app. I wonder which ones I would add. Rink season is coming up and I'll need something to keep me occupied!
• Seriously in love with this font. And, in keeping with my love of fonts, type and typography, I found this to be so true!
• I have always been fascinated with tattoos. I would love to know the story behind them and what inspires the choices people make. I don't have any, I'm afraid I'll change my mind and not like it and be stuck with something forever! Though, it would be an interesting map of my changing tastes over time.
• This technique is a definite must-try.
• I have not been purchasing magazines of late, I can usually get the content on the www for free. But I found this, this and this may be worth subscriptions. Or at least a trip to Chapter's to see if they carry any or all.
• My son Cole is playing in a intrar-squad hockey tournament this weekend. Hockey has been an interesting experience and I find things can very often turn competitive and unkind. In an effort to turn that around and maybe create a smile or two, I'm printing up and hanging this poster in the ladies washroom at the rink. What do you think? Will it work? We'll see! And, if kindness turns you on, check this out, too.
• I must install a door.
• Are you thinking of starting a blog? Here are some good tips and ideas to get you started. Ironically the one thing I dislike most is music on a blog - you'll want to hit the mute button when you click on this site :)
• I wonder if I started to take back to school photos now I might get a good shot by the time they actually go back to school (on September 7th!) I might need the 26 days to capture something worthwhile. Be sure to check out this guide for some great hints!
• The very same Kathy Thompson Laffoley came up with this BRILLIANT idea. She inspires me with every post. I want to be Kathy when I grow up (though I'm pretty sure I'm older than she is - growing up has nothing to do with age, eh?) AND she's offering a give-away. The deadline is Sunday if you want to win one of these books!

What do you think? A good idea to put together this kind of post? It's just stuff that interests me, and my opinion ... but it may interest you too. It was a lot quicker to put together than I thought, too. Bonus!

July www Finds

Even though I took a blogcation, I was thrilled others did not. There was a ton of creativity and ideas and controversy and kindness out on the www throughout the month. So much stimulation, my bookmarks are bursting!

These are a few of the things I found that I think you'll enjoy:

• Lets start with this, which was posted during the last week of school in June. It was something I needed to read when I read it. I might have to read it again and again!
• Some article linked to a link to a link which revealed this brilliant Periodic Table of Cupcakes. Yes, CUPCAKES!
• I find some parenting articles provocative. I have to admit that I'd like the perspective to be that of a parent of a child who is a full fledged person - not a 2 or 3 year old, on occasion. Though, I agree, most children's museums could be well served with a well stocked bar no matter the age!
• I'm very much a SOOC photographer, but these seem interesting - quick and easy! Just the formula I need!
• Simple and comfortable style is so appealing. It looks so effortless, but I know different :)
• You. Me. Some. One. Now. Wow.
• This is what happens when you decide to go big or go home. Now, admittedly, I'm a bit tired of the whole "dream" business that has overtaken every creative blog, but I recognize when they come true :) This lady is talented. (I found her again the other day at Kim Klassen's Staycation!)
• These are very cute free art prints. Love them.
• Have you checked out the Good Look Cookbook? Lots of fun projects and lessons in design. Another recipe for creativity: flat note cards. Smart, eh?
• When it comes to food, I've become more and more convinced that you can purchase more good stuff on a budget than bad stuff. Particularly in this country. In the States crap (aka fast food, chips, pop) is really cheap, that isn't the case here. The question of what to eat on a budget is a hard one to answer, but Simple Mom has a few answers. I'm also interested in the No Spend Month concept. What about you?
• I am a supporter of failure, of making mistakes. Without them we learn nothing. I welcome change because it forces us to face failure. Leo says it way better than I do.
• I was more than a little tired of the Christmas in July bandwagon many of the blogs to which I subscribe decided to jump on, but I was happy to find the link that lead me to this snowman kit. 
• I discovered Sarah's blog while we were both participating in Creative Boot Camp a while back. I love her perspective and her fearless approach to blogging and writing from her heart.
• There is always something interesting to make, see or do, over at How About Orange. 
• I was so happy to discover, by way of the brilliant Molly Irwin, this magazine. Even better? They carry it at Chapters. Even more fascinating is that though it is currently winter in Australia the summer version is on our shelves. Leads me to wonder if North American publications go to Australia six months later, too?
• Right now I am enjoying a spell of tremendous creativity for which I am thankful. This may have been the perfect time to read a cure for creative blocks and in case that's not enough this may light a spark.
• Are you looking for a new tool to keep your personal journal? I use my word processing program and an app on my iPad, but this new idea looks interesting.
• Try Things. Brilliant. Really, really love this blog.
• I passed on the BPS mixed media course, and now I'm interested in learning all things mixed media. Every time I click on a link or check out a new spot I am faced with fabulous art. Messy art. Great stuff. This inspiration was further encouraged by Connie Hozvicka who made her appearance over at Kim Klassen's Inspiration Staycation on August 2nd.

With that, you now know many of the inspiration and thought provocation that kept me busy on-line while I was away from the blog. And, as you can tell by my mentions, what I'm doing now that I'm home: visiting what Kim Klassen has been up to ... be sure to check it out and maybe join in!

What do you think? Find anything interesting?