For the love of banners

I saw this sweet Tulip Banner Tutorial on Donna Downey's blog and fell in love. I purchased the kit and here's my finished banner:

It came with five canvas banners which I used all for this project. Here are the quotes I used:

Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.  ~John Harrigan

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.  ~Anais Nin

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.  ~Henry Ward Beecher

There is no glory in star or blossom till looked upon by a loving eye; There is no fragrance in April breezes till breathed with joy as they wander by.  ~William C. Bryant

Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet.  ~Katharine Lee Bates

Speaking of banners, I purchased these one recently from Jellybean Studio for my bedroom and finally switched out the candles for matching ones from Hobby Lobby. The before is here.

I've been crafting up a storm this weekend. I'll be back tomorrow with all the completed goodies.

Hugs,

Quote - More than what you see

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I am aware that I am less that some people prefer me to be. But most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.  ~Douglas Pagels

TGIFive on Friday

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What a sweet face! So happy and blissful.

1) Printable action plan sheets from Creature Comforts
2) If you've ever suffered from depression this post from the Brave Girls Club is for you
3) DIY vegan Cadbury creme eggs from The Pursuit of Hippieness

4) DIY scrappy suitcases from Vintage Umbrella

5) Showing Kindness to your Shy Sensitive Soul on Kind Over Matter. Yes! Being sensitive doesn't have to be a curse.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Juicy ebooks, Part IV

See Part I & II & III.

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::Free::
~ The Little Book of Comfort by Blessing Manifesting + many other ebooks, posters, wallpapers, & worksheets
~ Unravelling The Year Ahead workbook by Susannah Conway
~ The Nourishing Wisdom Workbook by Nourishing Our Radiance (Melissa Geiger & Natalia KW)
~ The Inspired Way by Ariane Hunter & Kate Watson
~ Our Butterfly and Your Life. Your Mirror. by My Mosaic Life
~ What Matters Now by Seth Godin 
~ Peace, Love, Connection by Tess Marshall
~ Creative Journaling Basics by Andrea Schroeder + a couple more ebooks, meditations, & dreamy vids
~ A Fragrant Journey: Aromatherapy for the Soul by A Peaceful Path

::Worth Every Penny::
~ Spring Blessings  (ebook + workbook) by Blessing Manifesting

Happy reading!

Quote - Hope

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The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.  ~Barbara Kingsolver

For Your Own Wellbeing: Essential Self-care

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To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.  ~Buddha

I’ve shared several times how crucial a day of self-care is to your overall health. Whether it’s a few hours, a day, weekend, or even a whole week (for a few lucky ducks!); self-care should be a basic part of your regimen. It’s essential to your mental, physical, and creative health and offers a restorative balance to your life.

I’ve shared a few posts on simple ways to include self-care in 7 Ways to Relax and 15 Mood Boosters. Today I want to share a few resources that may spark the addition of a few “me moments” in your schedule.

+ The Receiving Project shares 56 Acts of Self-Care
+ Blessing Manifesting shares A Moment Just for You
+ Metta Drum shares 9 Ways to Be Gentle with Yourself
+ Marc and Angel Hack Life shares 30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself
+ The Woman's Field Guide shares 50 to Practice Great Self-Care Without Spending a Dime

Check out these resources and take a few minutes to look at how you spend your time. Is there an extra hour that you can spend on you? What are some ways you can take time for yourself?

You deserve it!

Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish to rise above?

Thanks for joining me for this week's Wishcasting Wednesday. If you'd like to join this magical circle of dreamers and doers, please visit Jamie Ridler Studios.

This week's prompt:

What do you wish to rise above?

I wish to rise above my insecurities and negative self-talk I use violently against myself. I wish to rise above the critical and judgmental people that sometimes appear in my life. I wish to rise above the undue stress I put myself through by questioning my choices and dissecting the comments of others. I wish to rise above my fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of what the future may hold.

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I’m reminded of the eloquent words of Maya Angelou:

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

~Maya Angelou

Have a beautiful day!

Amanda

My Favorite Things - A work of art

1) Feed the soul painting from City Farmhouse

2) Bird painting from Contemporary Earth Art

3) Personalized watercolor portrait from Birds of Ashmae

4) Sincere artwork on walnut panel from April Henderlong

5) Hearty Fruit paper clay wall art from Mahtab Grimshaw

Join me each Tuesday for My Favorite Things, beautiful and unique finds from Etsy and other favorite retail therapy sources.

Quote - Be kind

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Choose being kind over being right, and you'll be right every time. ~Richard Carlson

Quote - What are you sending out?

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Life is an echo, what you send out comes back. ~Chinese Proverb

Life is like a roller coaster...

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Life is like a roller coaster and I wish someone would let me off this crazy ride. At times it seems unbearable yet others I’m having the time of my life. Today it’s too much. Too much meddling and gossip that I need to back away from. It’s just not healthy for me to be consumed by the negative energy of others. 

It’s also not right for others to take advantage of my thoughtfulness and helpfulness. I’ve heard that it’s an asset but sometimes I think it’s a weakness. Or a curse. I never doubt that kindness is the answer but being exploited is not the way. Neither is nitpicking. It’s critical, negative, and just plain hurtful. Every now and then I start to wish that I didn’t care as much but I know that’s not who I am. This highly sensitive person was created this way for a reason. After all, there’s a reason for everything, right? 

And so the ride continues and I must either enjoy it or be defeated by it. I refuse to accept defeat because – kindness always wins.

Note To You

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When you are going through a rough patch in your life you should always, always remember – it will get better. It will.

Hugs,
Amanda

TGIFive on Friday

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1) Love this post from Tiny Buddha, Where do you see yourself in five years? It's a reminder to not live in the future but in the moment.

2) The Unicorn Name Generator - mine's Helleborine Celestial Filly 

3) This fabric-covered Ikea drawer makeover with Mod Podge from Crafting Crazy is so sweet.

4) These Lighten-Up drawings from oh my! handmade goodness made me giggle (+ free download).

5) We Are All Connected *free* printable art from Kind Over Matter.

Hugs,

Quote - Tell each other

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Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time... It tells us to tell each other right now that we love each other. ~Leo Buscaglia

My Day in Pictures

Spring Bunny Love

Happy 1st Day of Spring!

Hugs,

My Favorite Things - Hearts and More Hearts

1) Red heart owl from Claylicious

2) Wooden love story sign from Landee on Etsy

3) Mason jar labels from Mud & Twig

4) Heart embroidery hoop art from Well of Creations

5) Reclaimed wood love sign from PB&J Creations

Join me each Tuesday for My Favorite Things, beautiful and unique finds from Etsy and other favorite retail therapy sources.

Note To You

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Some days are full of challenges. It feels like nothing is going right or going your way. I know it’s frustrating. The more you try to fix things all the more go wrong. You feel testy and annoyed. We all have these days. When you feel beside yourself, stop for a moment and take a few deep breaths. Exhale the frustration. Inhale the calmness. Tomorrow is a new day and will be much better.

Quote - Act in unison

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If all of us acted in unison as I act individually there would be no wars and no poverty. I have made myself personally responsible for the fate of every human being who has come my way.  ~Anais Nin

Nothing But the Truth

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There are two important truths in life that I want to remind you of:

1) You cannot control others

You are not a master puppeteer. You may influence others but control them you may not.

Of course, suggestions are always helpful. And it never hurts to wish.

2) You cannot control everything

Not everything is within your control. You may try to orchestrate as much of your life as you can but there will always be a few things that are not within your control. Accidents happen and illness happens as does many other scenarios. These will never be within your reach and they will always be at the most inconvenient times, if there is a convenient time for these things. :-)

Even if you try, it may lead you to much frustration, a headache from banging your head against the wall, and unkindness to those you hold dear. Accept it and let it go.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

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An Old Irish Blessing 

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.