Dry Walls
It’s been a while since I’ve done a project. And I don’t mean a craft. I mean a real, sink your teeth in, work all day, major B&A–project.
Actually, according to medical professionals, not allowed to project like that for another 5 months. So, I’ll bide my time, but that doesn’t mean progress should halt. A few months back, before we got the results of the MRI, before the surgery…before…Derek and I cleaned everything we had stored in the basement out. All in preparation for it to be waterproofed, the first step toward a completely finished, livable basement. {*dreamy sigh*}
You can see that post here.
Well, since I can’t participate, I thought I’d at least show you where we stand now. You may remember me mentioning that when my parents came to visit in June, my dad thought the most fun way to spend his days in Minot would be installing an egress window for us. No complaints from me. I’ve been meaning to ask him to write a guest post about putting it in. So, Dad, if you are reading this–we should chat about that. But I digress…Here is the window going in.
Let’s just say, I don’t trust just anyone to hack into the cement of my foundation. And I trust my dad. So…yeah…
Now I have a light filled basement. Better yet, it’s completely waterproofed. That’s what all the white stuff is on the wall. If you want more info on the system we went with, you can check out Innovative Basement Systems. It’s pricey, yes. But it is also guaranteed, pretty much for all time and eternity. So we felt like it was worth it.
The guys who cant to install the system were a pair of 20-somthing besties. They told me the met on the job and immediately clicked. It was a bromance if I’ve ever seen one. While they worked I could hear their music from the basement. It was like a kareoke party. There was some Frozen soundtrack, some singing along with Taylor Swift, and obviously a little jamming to Journey. Adorable.
I even have a sump pump!!
Now, the big question is, “What next?” Where do you go from here. Well, I’ll tell you.
First step, wait 48 hours for the cement to dry.
Next, save more money. The home improvement fund has been tapped out this summer with the new roof and the basement situation…
After that {conveniently in probably about 5 months or so–wink wink} we’ll start installing studs and dry wall. Eventually the vision is to have a bathroom, storage space and bedroom down there. So. Yeah. Someday.
Amy
The Fam
Last week Derek and I ventured to my favorite place in the world. Elkhart, IN. While there I got to go to the country’s best 4-h fair. Seriously…it’s ranked #1 or #2–they flip flop with another fair in California. I soaked in the hot tub and soaked up sun in the pool and went for a boat ride on the might St. Joe.
In short, it was awesome.
Like all trips home there are a million things we want to do and only a few select actually happen. One thing we did find time for was taking an updated family photo, per my momma’s request. The last time we did this, my sister and I weren’t married and there were no dogs included. It was pretty casual. Nothing dressy. Just a couple photos in front of the barn {which is getting a fresh coat of paint this summer}. The whole fam. All together. Even the dogs.
Bring Out Your Crafty Side
I have something very exciting to tell you about. It’s exciting for me, but mostly it’ll be exciting for the Practically Canadian followers out there.
A couple new services have been tacked on to my services menu. And they are way fun.
Starting now. Right now, The Art of Living Project is offering crafty classes for you and all your friends. Now, what on earth could that mean? Let me tell you.
I think lots of us can agree that crafting is super fun and awesome….and it only gets more awesome if you craft with friends. And it gets even better if you don’t have to spend time gathering supplies or finding a tutorial. And even more amazing if there was no Pinterest rage involved, because someone is there to help you complete a project that actually turns out the way it should and not on one of those “nailed-it” boards.
That’s where my crafty classes come in. Right now I have 15 projects available to choose from–everything from Pottery Barn knock offs to wreaths-a-plenty. Lots of others are on the way too. Projects on the horizon include DIY mercury glass, all kinds of paper flowers, burlap runners, glass painting, lamp wiring! So keep your eyes peeled and watch for new project postings.
You pick a class, I get the supplies, you have fun, you end up with something awesome and a new skill.
The best part about this type of class is that you will leave with the understanding of how to create something. For example, I offer a class that focuses on all kinds of burlap flowers. You’ll leave with some cool stuff and the know-how to do it again…the next time you want to embellish a wreath, or package, you’ll be able to whip up a flower and brag to your friends. It’s the whole teach-a-man-to-fish philosophy. I’m really into that.
Not only is it a way fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, it’s a great way to learn something new, create unique gifts and become a DIY master. After all…why should I be hoarding all the skills?
Oh…and if you and your cronies have found something that you are just dying to make…or have failed on before but would like to try again, all you have to do is get in touch with me and I’ll be happy to come up with a tutorial, gather supplies and plan a custom party just for you.
So, yeah. I’m pretty excited. And you should be too. Because this just might turn out to be your new favorite Practically Canadian pass-time.
Amy
PS–I’m also working on an artillery of painting party designs. Right now there is just one lonely painting in the gallery, but more are on the way!
The Gallegos Family
This is the Gallegos family. Aren’t they just beautiful? The smiles, the personality and those dreamy summer colors–some of the photos from our shoot in the farm lands of Practically Canada go down as some of my favorites to date. Their flash drive is in the mail and they’ll soon be sorting through their whole session. But for now, I’ll share some of my favorites from the day.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Oh, did I mention that this one is having a train themed birthday party??
A Whole Book
image viaI know I mentioned before that this is the Summer of Yes. At the time it was declared, back in the beginning of June, I was feeling like that was a great idea. I couldn’t wait to see what I could say “yes” to.
Then I had surgery. And the yeses in my life became very restricted. There have been a lot of forced no’s lately. No, I can’t pick that up. No, I can’t walk that far. No, I’m not allowed to carry that. No, I can’t…I have to rest for a while.
You see, as much as I had hoped to jump right back to my regular life {they say you can go back to “normal daily activities” as soon as you feel ready} I really haven’t been able to. When I went to my post-op the surgeon explained how the disc herniation was worse than they thought, since the bulge wasn’t off to the left or right–it was right in the center. He then went into detail about how in order to complete the surgery, he had to stretch and move all of the nerves running through my spinal cord. All of them. Stretched like rubber bands. It makes me queasy to think about it. And apparently, that kind of nerve manipulation will leave you sidelined for quite some time. Bummer. Especially, since my normal daily activities include tearing down walls, building things, tramping through fields on photo shoots, and jostling smiles out of stubborn children.
Okay. There’s that. When I started to thinking of something I could Yes my brain was taken back to a conversation I had had with a friend a few days before surgery. She told me that her 12-year-old cousin had recently memorized an entire book of the Bible. A whole book! 12! I put it off and tried not to think about it. I wanted a different Yes to happen. But this one kept gnawing at me. Could I do that? Would I? Should I?
You know the answer to that. After all, this is the Summer of Yes.
So, finally I gave in and began trying. I even researched a technique for memorizing large chunks of Scripture. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be able to recite an entire book of the Bible by October 13th.
You might be wondering why I said yes to this of all things. It sounds kind of boring, a little tedious, and definitely difficult. Lots of reasons. Let me enlighten you.
First of all, the Bible is the Living Word of God. The more time we spend with it, the more we are opening ourselves up to a deep communion with Him, the easier it is to hear His voice, and understand the possibility He has for us.
Second, Scripture wasn’t written verse by verse. Okay, so in a sense it was. I mean every book is, in a way, is written sentence by sentence. The books of the Bible, like most books, were written–usually–to a specific group of people, to convey a specific message, address an issue, explain something, etc. The content of a book flows, it makes a case, a broad point. Isolating a single verse can be dangerous since a verse’s true meaning often hinges on its context.
It’s easy to take a single verse and quote it and force it’s application to all kinds of circumstances. It’s a better practice to look at a verse in context by reading around it, to understand what is really being said.
And thirdly, when we commit something to memory we root it deeply in ourselves. I still remember the lyrics to songs from a musical I was in in 5th grade. I can recall facts I had to memorize for a science presentation in 6th grade. While those things are useless…memorizing–gaining a deep understanding–of a big chunk of Scripture isn’t. I believe that the more we understand our own beliefs, they easier they are to share with others, they easier they are to explain. I don’t like to spout of a “I think it says in the Bible somewhere–but I don’t know where…” when I’m in a conversation with someone looking for advice. I’d rather really {really} know what I’m talking about…and I think memorizing a book is a good place to start.
Oh, and this is the exciting part. I spent days thinking and praying over which book to choose. I finally settled on Colossians. I’m currently only two days in, but I figure, if I tell you guys it holds me more accountable. I’m using this method…in case any of you would like to try a big passage {doesn’t even have to be a whole book, maybe just a chapter} alongside me. And look–so far I can quote two verses. I pinky swear I’m going to type this next paragraph without looking at a source. Honor code.
1:1 I, Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God and our brother Timothy. 1:2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ in Colosse. Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Don’t be too impressed, I have a long way to go.
xo
Amy
Four Four and Under
A few weeks ago I undertook a very unique challenge. A photo session of only children. Four children, four and under. I don’t know many big families…and this is the biggest group of very young kiddos I’ve ever attempted to shoot at once. The three brothers recently came to visit relatives Practically Canada with their mom. The little lady is a local. The fam thought it would be a fun time to get together and get all of these cousins in some legit portraits.
Luckily they are all adorable…because it was a challenge. A very fun challenge, but a challenge nonetheless. One would cry while the others would smile. One was consistently facing the wrong way. Someone was trying to dig up grass, someone was trying to walk away. Meanwhile five full-grown adults were shouting their names, making funny faces and shamelessly bribing them with promises of fruit-snacks between clicks of the camera. I adore this family and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. At the end of the day, their photos might not look posed and disciplined….but it wasn’t that kind of day. It was a day full of personality and I think that’s what came across in the images. Here are a few of my favorites from our time together.
There is something ridiculously adorable about this one. I mean, seriously…how about Mr. GQ there in the middle?
Now, somebody get these kids some fruit-snacks! They sure do deserve it.
Flat Rate Sisal Tote
Okay. I know. It’s Saturday evening…this is out of character to post right now. But–I did finish the mystery project from yesterday and I just had to show you the finished product. Look.
Remember what I showed you yesterday? I know. I can’t believe it either.
As I said in that post, this was kind of an experiment. So I don’t have a full tutorial for you. But I’ll be going home to Indiana next week to visit the fam and my mom has requested full instruction on making these little gems. So, pinky swear, a full tutorial {with detailed instructions} will be coming soon.
For those of you that just can’t wait. Here’s the basic principle. Get a flat rate box. This one is a medium. Cut out the sides. Flip a pillow case inside out and put it in the box like a lining. Use spray adhesive to adhere the pillowcase to the cardboard that is left of the box.
Then start wrapping and gluing rope around and around and around. I used 1/2″ and 3/8″ sisal twine.
The straps are adhered with E6000 glue .
Again…a full tutorial coming soon!
What Could It Be?
I’m making something. I had this idea and I’m not sure how it’s going to turn out…but I think it just might be a winner. Here are the ingredients.
A flat rate box
An old pillowcase
Spray adhesive
Rope
Hot Glue
Here’s what I’ve got.
I’ll show it to you when I’m done. Promise.
Isn’t mysterious upcycling the best?
Amy
Chalkboard Everything
That’s right. When I’m not able to draw out a chalkboard full of awesome stuff by hand {like this, or this, or this…} I turn to the digital stuff. Tonight I’m sharing all my favorites with you. AND they are all FREE!! So get ready to pin, because you are going to want to hang on to these sources–or immediately download them. I use them all the time and L-O-V-E them. Dearly.
I love these Rustic Graphics from We Lived Happily Ever After. She is a genius. She also shared a free chalk background. You can get that here. While I usually try to download things that are okay to use commercially, these are for personal use only. So I reserve them for unpaid project for family and friends.
Next are these adorable laurels and frames from Sunflower Studio. They are under the creative commons license. So they are good to use for commercial or personal purposes.
If you know me weirdly well, you know I have a weakness for fonts. Here are my favorites to use against a chalk background.
And…here are two more fonts that you should have. They are awesome dingbats for chalk projects.
Bergamot Ornaments
Lastly…Nymphette
Remember to check licenses before you use them commercially, but most of this stuff is good to go. Happy chalking!
Amy
Lead.
Last week I wrote about how we, as Christians are called to be different. Originally I was going to combine that premise to what I’m writing about now–leadership.
Image Via
But as I started, it all got too long and fuzzy. So I decided to sit on this one for another week and split the two up. Today, I’ll continue the discussion, this time focusing on leadership.
Leadership is a beautiful thing. It’s something we all crave in one way or another. We crave to have control and be the leaders in our own lives, over others, to bask in the glow of recognition and importance. Or–we crave to be lead. We want someone to focus us, guide us, give us answers and lead us.
You see, naturally I’m drawn to be a leader. That’s why the notion of marriage was so hard for me to grasp for so long. I hated the idea of being led. My parents could probably tell you that that leadership quality made me a great student and a terrible child to rear. I didn’t even like being led by my parents–I wanted to do and do my way. Now, many years {and lots of grace} later I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about control, or stubbornness, or doing things your way and no other way. I’ve learned that a great leader can also be led, and a strong individual needs to understand the beauty and importance of submission. {See how Jesus submits to the Father and the centurion–a leader himself–knew the importance of rank, and Paul describes the family order…}
I’ve thought about leaders lately. It might be the NPR, Derek’s job, my work with the youth group, or seeing brilliant teens work leading a 5-Day club in my yard. Who knows. So, I started to look at the Bible. At leaders in the Bible–particularly Jesus, but a few others as well. I studied them and paid attention to the things they had in common. And I discovered something. Leadership is less about control and glory and more about servant-hood.
It seems like an oxymoron. A servant leader.
But that is exactly what all the best leaders were. Servants.
They were most effective and at their best when they set their eyes on how to best serve, know and love people they were leading, while fulfilling their duties. We see Jesus {our prime example} do this over and over again. He knows the people He is leading. He knows their laws and their boring stuff. But He also knows them. And He chooses to love them. Like the famous “woman at the well.” Or the “wee little man” Zachaeous. Jesus knew Him, pursued him out of the tree and dined with Him.
Jesus clearly tells us to be great, to lead…we must first know how to serve. Mark 9:35 says:
…Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.
Another thing I found about servant leadership is that great Biblical leaders, even Jesus himself are real. They are down to earth and transparent with those they lead. Now, Jesus had no faults. So He couldn’t be transparent with those. But He set a clear example of submission for us to follow. He showed us what it meant to commune with the Father and be submissive to Him. {John 6:38-40}.
As we lead, we should never stop considering the lives and hearts of those we are leading. We should consider if there is a way to make their load lighter, their work more enjoyable, or a way the leader can better serve.
A leader should be wary of becoming prideful, remembering the needs of others–again becoming the servant. See Luke 22:25-27. Instead of loving control and importance, a great leader loves seeing his people move in the right direction.Instead of relying on his own strength and insight, we as leaders should constantly look to Christ and be humble before Him.
A great leader is always obedient to God. Knowing that God places those in authority. And He prizes obedience over great deeds and fame. It’s hard, but prayerfully attempt to be content if authority is taken from you and placed in someone else’s hands. A spirit of control is unbecoming on every one. 1 Samuel 15:22
What is more pleasing to the Lord:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
Leaders realize the value in teamwork. In sharing the load of a big vision with others God raises up. Think about the calling of the disciples, how they spread the Gospel after Christ’s resurrection and grew in number and force. {Mark 1:16-18;Acts 6:1-7; Acts 18:24-28}
I know there are lots of other good leadership qualities. There are more that are even Biblical qualities. But these are some that helped me those many, many months ago. As I said last week–we are called to be different. I believe we are called to lead. And anyone who can serve, can lead. In our lives, in whatever capacity we can, we are to point–to lead–to Christ and His lovely truth. I hope you’ll dig in to some of these verses. Heck, find some more to add to the list–then start putting them into practice. Step up as a leader in any fashion your life will allow. It might not be in the fanciest, most glamorous way…but we all have a platform we can use to lead–even a couple–to be different. Different isn’t lame, remember? It’s awesome. It’s eternal.
