In the Stillness...PAJWLH

I've never thought of being sick as a blessing but in this experience I have learned the value of being still. Something funny happens when you are forced to stay home, in the quiet, away from the kids... just you.

I think everyone deals with things in such different ways.  I for one, when I became sick didn't really think of it as a burden rather than just a common illness that I was sure to pass soon. I had no idea that it would take hold of me for the next two months. In the beginning though, I found myself antsy, out of sorts because all of my regular faculties were not available. I couldn't walk around, take my kids to school, be outside, cook...or even eat. I never realized just how much I took for granted these small details of my life. Fortunately, I had good friends and an amazing husband around to help me out but still... this left me alone, by myself with only my thoughts... kind of a scary thought, lol.

Like I mentioned in the beginning of this experience, I was antsy... just wanting to get back to my work...school...my kids...my husband...my life. But something was happening to me, my health I believe was failing at this time so that I could allow myself the rest that my body needed that I had neglected to give it for so long.

So often in our lives we get caught up in what we think we ought to do rather than what it is that we are supposed to do. I believe that we all have an important purpose and are a valuable addition to this world but sometimes the world takes control of us and we get a little skewed from our path. I think this illness was my body's way of tell me that it was time to stop...Listen...Pray...and Remember...

During my few months of being still... I found out a lot about myself. Somethings I was not too fond of but they are me either way. I can be stubborn, unnecessarily independent, opinionated, over whelmed... and well a whole lot more. This time helped to remind me of my purpose and allow me to see myself as I was. Human. Even the human in me though can use some adjusting. So during this time, I evaluated some of these attributes that I am not to fond of, some of them I came to terms with, but some of these I really had to humble myself and let go. I had to realize that some of these characteristics where not part of my purpose, who I am or who I wanted to be and purging of these attributes became a part of my healing process.

I guess the point of this art journal prompt is to share my perspective of being still and how sometimes it is so very important for our make up. I like so many cat lovers often find myself laughing at my cats as to how much they sleep, but I am sure that they look at me and think.... wow, does she ever stop?

My Cat... Ginger.

*Copyright and Property of Liz Hicks, please do not use without written permission.

So for the last art journal prompt it was to write down a list of words through out your day that you felt. For this journal prompt, divide that list into words that are you... and words that are of the world, not necessarily of you but words that the world displaces you with. Sometimes seeing the difference allows us to recognize and remind ourselves that there is a bigger purpose to us than just our day to day. That each day adds up to a whole life and well, we want this life to count for something, right? During the time of our life we are re-routed by what we THINK we should be doing... what the WORLD tells us is right. Sometimes we go with it, but sometimes there is that gut feeling that tells us that something is just not ok... and well that little something if we listen to it can get us back on track. The important part though is to be still, listen, feel who we are, remember what we stand for and allow ourselves to dig deep into ourselves and evaluate... it can be tough but so rewarding too...

As I have mentioned before, I am not a counselor and don't dare to claim to be. The prompts and art that I share are merely for those who enjoy following my journey. It is in no way to take place for a counselor or anything of the sort. Art journaling is a way of expressing what is going on in our minds and allowing us to connect with those subconscious thoughts that are so important to us.

Thanks for stopping by today. Our family is actually on a bit of a break and visiting family in California for the week. We are taking some time to relax, enjoy loved ones and just be... it is a pretty awesome thing.

~Liz ♥

Hello 30~

Last week I celebrated my 30th birthday exactly the way I wanted to. I have debated on whether to talk about my dailies here in the blog, but I originally started this blog to catalog moments in my life so that I could look back and scrap as I go. So with this in mind, I share with you some of my day to day events this past month.

As most of you know, Sawyer our youngest son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS November 2006. He spent most of the second year of his life in intense ABA therapy which produced amazing results. He has sense adapted to a wonderful, beautiful little boy. This past few months we had noticed particular behaviors starting to creep up in him. We decided to have him evaluated again by our nuerologist and what she said devistated us. She left us with no hope, and basically told us that our little boy may never grow out of this and that he will ALWAYS have autistic tendencies. I was a shell of a mother as it was, being that I had no control over this thing that lingered in and out of our lives and to hear her tell me there was no hope, just shattered me. She did recommend intense ABA therapy to help with his behaviors but it is near impossible for our school district to cover this. We are currently in the process of having him re-evaluated for services and just hold true to the fact that God created Sawyer just as he is and has an amazing plan for his life. There is no doubt in our minds that Sawyer will move mountains, it is just the most scariest thing to go through as a parent knowing that your child is in there and you don't know how to get him out. We are fotunate enough that Sawyer is bright and responsive, tells us he loves us and talks to us. He is high functioning which is a blessing but keeps him at arms length for services he needs. So this month has been a trial for us emotionally besides the fact James' grandfather passed away as well.

Well with all of this going on, I just couldn't bring myself to have a huge party. I needed to do something simple that I could just enjoy. I had no more emotion left, and I really just needed a day to be me and appreciate the blessings in my life.

So my day consisted of dropping the kids off at school, attending IEP meetings for both Sawyer and Sedona (they both recieve speech services) and hustling over to Jackson's school for his parent teacher conference. All three meetings were great and Jackson recieved all outstandings, plus perfect attendance.

For dinner I ordered some pizza's and we had James' family over for dinner. James brought home some cupcakes from Sprinkles (my new guilty pleasure) and we laughed the night away.

This simple day of mommy duties is exactly what I wanted to do on this day at this time. I needed something simple I could relax with and I thank James for doing that for me. We will most likely do a party for the two of us during the summer, but for my day... my gift was simple. My day was simple, and it reminded me of just what my life is right now and just how blessed it is.

Welcome to October!

So past month was a bit of a crazy ride for our family. From beginning to end, let's just say I am glad it is done.

This past month on the blog I hosted a random giveaway of 5 (1 oz.) bottles of glimmer mist to all subscribers.

Well last night was the final night and I am so excited to hear back from the winners. When I receive their names, I will post them here. It was so fun doing this that I am thinking that I am going to have to do more things just like this!

So this months RAK is...

Support your LSS (local scrap store)

This is some is something that weighs on my heart. I found my love for scrapping through the aisles of my local scrap store. Between there and the CKMB I was constantly finding new things to incorporate on my pages. With so many stores going out of business, it breaks my heart to think that the people that took a chance in living their dream are being dramatically affected by the economy crisis. We have had a few stores close in our area, including the store that I was first given an opportunity to design for. With all the over head, school starting, and the holidays looming, I bet most of you haven't even considered scrapping and I am sure that includes anything else nice for yourself. So since this does directly effect each of us, I figured what a better way to give the scrap economy a little boost?

Here are the guidelines for entry:

1) Subscribe to my blog. Totally simple, and non intrusive. I just send updates about my blog, classes, giveaways from me and the companies I teach for, tips and techniques and just a whole lot of FUN! I won't fill your email box with junk mail and you can email me at any time if you would rather not participate. primadonnaliz@yahoo.com

2) get yourself down to your LSS and escape from the world for a bit.

3) make a purchase of ANY amount. Your LSS will be grateful for ANY purchase, guaranteed!!!

4) email me a pic of your receipt dated 10/1/08- 10/31/08

5) just have fun!!!

The idea of this of course is to give a little boost to the scrap economy, but more than this to really encourage all scrappers to remember themselves in this busy season in life. Whether you scrap everyday or haven't in years, keeping a good balanced recreation is essential to life. YOU need to give yourself a break from the hustle and bustle before it is to late and and stress creeps in. I know I have been there and am sure I am not the only one. So what better way then to get away to a scrap store. I had a group of friends that I went to coffee and a scrap store with every Wednesday, and it was a great boost to my week.

So grab a friend (or not) a cup of coffee and take a good walk through your LSS. Take a break from life, and just reconnect with your inner scrap artist. If you take a pic, please email it to me I would love to see it!

This RAK will end October 31st and I will post a winner on November 1st. I will randomly pick a winner from the list of subscribers who email me pics. This is open to everyone, including our international buddies so tell your friends!!!

If you have any questions feel free to email me!

thanks and happy shopping, browsing, and crafting!!!

XOXO

~Liz