One of my favorite things about 2010 was being able to attend Brave Girl Camp in May. I won't say that it was life changing because well, I think that puts to much pressure on the program... but what I will say is that it was life affirming. The main thing that received from attending camp was remembering what it is that I want out of this life. This is SO IMPORTANT. Through out life we are constantly going, going, going trying to keep up with our own lives and sometimes others too. Somewhere in between all of this we soon forget what we are deep down in our core. We take on so many responsibilities, so many of other peoples deadlines and expectations... we have to keep going and going and going. Climbing and reaching for the top, and sometimes the top isn't even an option but we continue to reach and stretch till we are all stretched out, vacant and have nothing left to give. It is so hard to take a moment, stop ourselves and remind ourselves just what it is that we are reaching for striving for in the first place. So often our directions shift when we don't even know it.
Stopping and evaluating your direction is almost never an option even though it is a life necessity. This makes me wonder how ofter our own priorities are mixed up when we don't even have the time to remember what is important anymore.
So from camp, this is what I learned. It wasn't a specific lesson that was taught, words that were said or even advice that Melody or any of the other girls gave. It just simply was something that rested on my heart that while I was there, in one of the most secure environments I had ever been in that I was able to allow myself the time to remember what it is that I want for myself and for my family. Even my husband could see this in me after I returned.
This important lesson has stuck with me since May, and I have to say it has re-affirmed me day after day that the life that both my husband and I first decided that we wanted back in 2001 when we first were married... it is still a pretty good life, and well... we need to get back to that simple, love and family filled life.
That was my lesson, it may not be the same for everyone... but I hope that it is just as important for those who attend than it was for myself.
As a thank you to Brave Girls and to you all for following not only my journey but also that of my families... We (My husband and I) would love to giveaway one tuition to Soul Restoration which is a very similar curriculum than that from Brave Girl Camp. This is such an amazing experience so much that even my husband would agree!
Here is what you have to do. We want you to nominate someone that you think would benefit from this online art class. Just leave a comment here of someone that YOU think could really benefit from this. If you really want to attend this online course than have someone nominate YOU. The only entries will be those names of people that are written in a comment on this thread of the blog. When you are considering someone to nominate, remember that they don't have to be artsy, but you do want to make sure that it is something that they would enjoy and that they could benefit from. So that is it... simple. Just write someones name in a comment, or have someone nominate you in a comment for a chance to win!
I will pick a random winner on Wednesday so that you have some time to think about who to nominate, as well as have some people help nominate you too. The class starts tomorrow, but you will be able to pick up starting Wednesday.
So get out there, call a few friends have them nominate you or you can nominate them! The more times your name is nominated the better! I will post both the winning nominator and the nominee here on Wednesday so that you know who to thank for nominating you. please make sure also that they post where you are from ( example, I would like to nominate Liz Hicks from Ft. Collins, Co.) that way we can have an easier way of figuring out who the winner is.
The Brave Girls online community is up too, so if you would like to check out what is starting to happen over there, check it out here! This is a great place to meet other crafters that are preparing for soul restoration too.
If you have any questions feel free to email me at primadonnaliz(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you and good luck!
~Liz (and James too!)
Hi Liz! What a wonderful way to "pay it forward" :) I'm already signed up (yeah!!) and was just talking to my sis-in-law (Cindy) this morning encouraging her to take the course with us and her response was "it's too intimidating and not my style"... I'd love to show her up and have her join us and discover what I already know I'm going to discover :) Blessings!!!!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to nominate Kim from Veedersburg, IN. She is a mother of 2 girls, works full time, and squeezes in crafty projects too. She is in need of a Soul Restoration. I'd love nothing more than to see her given a chance to have this opportunity! Thanks James and Liz!!!
ReplyDeleteI nominate Nancy Nally. She's overcome a lot to be where she is at. Recently she posted on Scrapbook Update about the personal trials she is going through. I know how encouraging the Brave Girl daily truths are to her and think she would really benefit from the workshop and the time to focus on her though art.
ReplyDeleteWow this is very kind !
ReplyDeleteI nominate my dear friend ANU.
Liz & James, Can I just say that reading that you are giving someone this wonderful opportunity brought tears to my eyes. It shows me how big of a loving heart the two of you have. I will be taking part in Soul Restoration and would love to nominate my friend Kristen Wong from Arcadia, CA. She is more than deserving and I would love to see her experience this.
ReplyDeleteI would like to heartfully nominate my friend Anna Achruk! From Traci Ahangarzadeh
ReplyDeleteI would like to nominate my co-worker Cheryl. I foward her the Brave Girls "A little birdie told me" each day and she said that she feels they are written for her. The move her so much and she's looked into the Brave Girl camp but was sold out this year when she could go. I think she would love this. She has had so many life changing events over the past 10-15 years and I think she'd really benefit from this.
ReplyDeleteMandy
mandy.trusty@gmail.com
I would like to nominate my co-worker Cheryl. I foward her the Brave Girls "A little birdie told me" each day and she said that she feels they are written for her. The move her so much and she's looked into the Brave Girl camp but was sold out this year when she could go. I think she would love this. She has had so many life changing events over the past 10-15 years and I think she'd really benefit from this.
ReplyDeleteMandy
mandy.trusty@gmail.com
I nominate my college friend Kathryn Davis Johnson because she's a phenomenal artist and an awesome mom! :)
ReplyDeleteI want to nominate my wonderful mom heidi hower! She gives so much to other people she deserves something for herself.
ReplyDeleteI'm already signed up and can hardly wait, I really need this! Anyway, I nominate my friend Betsy Burnett. She has overcome a lot in 2010 and could use some restoration.
ReplyDeleteI would like to nominate my friend Lisa Barba from Mira Loma, California. She is one of the most creative, artistic people I know. She is also one of the sweetest, kindest people and really deserves something nice.
ReplyDeleteI would like to nominate my wife Heidi Hower from Orange County Ca. She takes care of her parents and grandmother, all of whom are in ill health, plus taking care of her own family. She gives much to those in need, weather they are neighbors or friends who need a helping hand. She does not leave enough time for herself. She could really use this workshop and the time for just herself.
ReplyDeleteI would like to nominate Nolwenn of http://inner-voices.net/. She is a wonderful mother, artist, and friend. Thank you for providing such an opportunity to a lucky person.
ReplyDeleteHI Liz, I am EXCITED to begin this journey!!!!!! It's about time I sat and re-evaluated my life and discover how i can improve to my maximum potential.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to nominate my best girlfriend i've known since birth (34 yrs!!) for this prize. This last year she has had a world of problems, house flooding and them spending the last 7 months living among boxes and all their stuff in one area without a living room table to eat at. As well, God graciously has blessed her with a fantastic husband this second time around, but I think this course could really benefit her because of all the negative treatment she was subjected to with the first one that tore her down emotionally. I would love to see her rise, discover herself and be able to have some awesome stuff happen to her this year.
Thanks Liz!
Leica
I signed up last minute and look forward to participating. Thee feedback has been so amazing that I think it's important to take some "ME" time to get things back on track. It is soooooo sweet of you to bless someone with a gift like this.
ReplyDeleteI want to nominate my friend Anam. The journey she and her husband have been on is one that would bring most of us to our knees yet she puts one foot in front of the other each and everyday. She perseveres and does the best she can regardless of the roadblocks that keep popping up. She is already one of the BRAVEST girls I know but know that she could really use a little "Soul Restoration". She is an inspiration to many and someone I am blessed to call a friend. If she were able to participate on this journey, I know she would benefit tremendously!
(((HUGS))) to you and James and I can't wait to see you both!!! xoxoxo
you are very kind!i would love to nominate my friend Dora
ReplyDeleteI'd like to nominate my sister Erin. She manages two sober living homes for women & cares/gives so much of herself to each of them..really to everyone she touches. She could really use this restorative class in her life right now. Thanks to you & James for being so generous!
ReplyDeleteOHHH what an amazing thing!! I love all the wonderful things you do! I have to say I would love to win this for my friend Jennifer - she has had a very very hard couple years and we wanted her to do this online class with us but she just can't afford it! this would be an amazing blessing in her life! thanks so much for offering this chance! you two rock!!
ReplyDelete