Note - 12/15/2010 7:11pm CST: We had a couple of kinks in the links of bloggers + one that not's participating. So, I've edited the links & all should be straight if you want to hop through again to make sure you have all the items to make your layout ;-) Sorry about that & any confusion. xo
ARE YOU READY TO BLOG HOP WITH MY PAPER TREE HOUSE STUDIO?!!!
plus
VERY EXCITING NEWS....
drumrolllllllllll...
I'M BLESSED TO BE INVITED
AS A DESIGN TEAM MEMBER FOR "MY PAPER TREE HOUSE STUDIO"!!!
We are celebrating that God has blessed "My Paper Tree House" with an awesome design team.
This is a beautiful group of inspiring minds on an international level bringing together an upbuilding & positive forum for creativity & art journaling.
Each of us Design Team members have a wonderful story to share with you about what God has done and is doing in their lives... these are God's fingerprints.
Not only do we have a ton to share with you but there are RAKs ("Random Acts of Kindness") along the way, a Great Blog Hop Challenge with a prize, ANDDDDD a wonderful Grand Prize from Artful Delight (see more below).
Whewwww, lots eh?!
So, here is my layout that made the design team cut
and also happens to be an inspiring layout for me {at the moment}...
Just a personal note behind this layout...
(and I usually don't get too personal on my blog)...
About a month ago, I lost a dear best friend 3 years (not to death) but an email early one morning telling me "goodbye", new chapters starting in life, and that it's best to end our friendship for both of us...
this was truly a shock that I was literally speechless, numb, & full of tears beyond words...
so many thoughts ran through my mind & mostly to get it in an email....
I know I read the email 3+ times through blurry eyes & deep throated tears expecting the words to change before my eyes but the message was "clear"...I don't remember crying that hard in a long time, probably when my daddy passed away in 2005.
I ran in my mind through everything I could remember the past 3 years and nothing rang a bell to end a beautiful friendship like this, or maybe I did something subconciously & didn't know but I definitely didn't see it coming...I can't dwell on the what if's, why's...
and I simply replied to his email...
"...As you wish, I hope you have the best in life...".
(actually I don't remember the exact words because it was all a haze as I wrote my reply & I deleted the message after I sent it)
Honestly, what words can you say in ending a friendship of 3 years?
You know the kind of friend who has ALWAYS been there when everyone else wasn't...
who finished your sentences. who shared your humor. who shared your creative mind.
who you talk to every single day.
I resolve to find comfort in knowing life brings unexpected happenings that hit us blindside...
almost like death.
Many roads of heartbreak, but this hit the worst...
Perhaps this is a welcoming change for the new beginnings on the horizon for me....
After many doors closing...I see the open door...
Looking to the positive & finding strength + inspiration + faith in the Almighty to get me through because I could never do it alone.
Always when I fall He lifts me up stronger, wiser, and with more depth & courage....
no matter what life brings my way...
He guides me where I need to be.
With all this said...let's go to a positive note.
We have a BLOG HOP SKETCH CHALLENGE LAYOUT for you!
Use this sketch...
as you stop at each of the Design Team members, we each have an item posted
to add to your layout!!!
Note: You might want to hop & gather all the items from each blog before starting your layout.
Don't forget you need to leave a comment on each of the blogs
& collect all the items for the layout to count!
Let's get to hoppingggggggggggg.....
Let's get to hoppingggggggggggg.....
My item to add to your layout..."Stitching"
My Paper Tree House Blog <-- START HERE
Ruth Tacoma (HOP HERE TO RUTH NEXT) :-)
All layouts need to be linked up on the My Paper Tree House Blog by Sunday the 19th 11:59pm PST.
One layout will be randomly chosen to win a prize and make sure check back on Monday because we have a special surprise for you!!!
Not only do we have RAKS from the Design Team members, a prize for creating layout, but we have a Grand Prize too!!!
All you have to do is comment on all the blogs along the hop!
Grand Prize
sponsored by Artful Delight
They have wonderful kits each month for a great price.
You wouldn't believe everything you get in the kit..... it is full of the newest and greatest scrappy items.
Artful Delight will also custom order you any scrappy item you would like to get your hands on for no additional charge.
So, stop by and see Artful Delight and don't forget to tell them that we sent 'ya....
PLUS
Just for hopping here to ScrapNspire...
How about a sweet RAK for a ScrapNspire mini book kit?!!!
you do not have to participate in the layout challenge for a chance at the RAK ;-)
you do not have to participate in the layout challenge for a chance at the RAK ;-)
How can ya' win it up??
Tell me...
"What are you looking forward to most this holiday season?"
I will select a random winner on Monday, Dec 20th!
I will select a random winner on Monday, Dec 20th!
HAPPY BLOG HOPPING!!! :)
33 comments:
This is the first year that my youngest actually knows what Christmas is. He is very excited and has started wrapping up items from around the house,including a "signed" picture of Justin Bieber for his older sister. I thought that was pretty thoughtful...even if the Bieber didn't really sign it and I did...it's the thought that counts. LOL! I hope you have merry Christmas!!
=)
I'm sorry to hear about your friend. But I absolutly love your positive attitude, you are so right about one door closeing and another one opening. I have had my best friend for about 11 years and one year I moved and we didn't speak for like a year and a half and one day she and I just picked up right where we let off! Hope this will happen to you.
Contact Info: incase I get lucky enough to win that amazing give-a-way! God Bless and Happy Holidays!
arebori0204@gmail.com
OH Wendy I had no clue. I'm sorry to hear that and the fact that it was done in an email. Understand going through rough times in friendships & relationships...i've been through more then my share and even in the past year! Hold your head high, you have so much going for you and much to come. Great honest layout!
Loved your story Wendy!
hugs,
tabitha
That is an amazing LO! So hard to be so honest and open about our hurts!
Thanks for sharing your story and to be so open!!! Love your Layout!!!
Love Karla Urea
That was a lovely story to share. It does sound like you have gotten through it. I am so guilty about dwelling on the what ifs. So it was a good reminder to NOT do that! Thank you for the inspirational story.
Thank you for sharing your story...
Oh, Wendy I absolutely LOVE your layout. Such an honest and strong layout and as always inspiring. I'm so sorry to hear about your friendship. You are a very beautiful and strong person. Sounds like you have moved forward. Good for you. Sending you lots of cyber hugs...Lindy
I'm looking forward to spending time with family at Christmas. Thanks for everything Wendy!!!!
Beautiful layout, sorry about your friendship ending. I am looking forward to seeing the excitement and joy in my grandsons faces as they open there gifts.
vwilson577 at yahoo dot com
Wendy thank you for such a lovely LO and I am sorry hear
Wendy, Thanks so much for sharing a very personal story. I know God can heal and I hope you look to him always!
Love your layout. Did a beautiful job
As usual your layout is inspiring and your story touched me...so many don't understand grieving the loss of someone who isn't dead it hurts just as much and is sometimes harder to deal with.
Thank you for sharing your story!!! and you layout is AMAZING!!! OMW>..true creative beauty out of the deepest pain!!
Congrats on the DT selection...I know you will R.O.C.K. it! I always hang out with family so, I usually look forward to the festive decorations! And sweetie, I love your positive attitude!!
thanks for sharing your story, best of luck
I love stitching, thanks for adding it to the lo
So sorry for your loss of your friendship. But I agree, God does pull you out stronger and wiser than you would have been otherwise. Your layout is absolutely gorgeous!!!
As for the holidays: I'm looking forward to the special time with the kids. Making the holiday goodies with the kids and the holiday crafts. So far we've made sand ornaments, fudge and peanut butter balls. But we have no sew blankets, christmas trees, wreaths, and lots of cookies left on the agenda.
Thank you for sharing your story, girl. I cannot imagine losing one of my dear friends. One of my focus areas for 2010 was to be a better friend and it's hard with a busy schedule and all the things we have going on. But there are very few things that are more important.
I am looking forward to relaxing and seeing my hubby happy!!
Thanks for sharing your story. You are braver than me to lay it bare in a layout. All the best to you.
I am looking forward to spend my Wedding Anniversary with hubby and daughter. Maybe an outing - just the three of us.
I will be devastated if I loose one of my best friends. I wish you the best.
For this season, I'm looking forward to spend time with my family, do nothing maybe or a lot ja ja, the important is being together.
I love your layout. Thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to being home with my kids and hubby for a couple of days, laying by the woodburner, playing games. Hopping along...
That is a great layout. I can only imagine the heartbreak you have experienced. I know how I would feel if I lost my best friend of 30+ years. I would love to play with your little mini book. Thinking about maybe going to the JUNE 2011 event. Thanks, ms.cheryl
I love the layout. So sorry for your loss but your positive thinking will get you through...thanx for the inspiration..:)
oh Wendy!
I have to first say welcome to the team, I hope to get to know you better!!!
I love your layout, and am so sorry for the meaning behind it...but always look fwd to something better coming your way. :)
Take care!
May you continue to be inspired by your faith.
Blessings -Beth
What a beautiful layout. So sorry about your friend. I hope God has another friend for you just waiting to be introduced.
What an amazing way to take a painful experience and express it. Your layout is beautiful!
Super cute project, love it..Great way to document it.
Beautiful layouts! Sorry about the tacky e-mail, but God has greater plans for you! I can't wait to have family and friends on Christmas day! Great way to celebrate!
AMAZING LAYOUT! I'm sorry you've had to go through this situation.. it's never easy! You have an amazing perspective.. thank you for sharing!
I cannot wait to see the facial expression when my Mama opens up her gift. It took me forever to find and was a fabulous price too. I just know it will bring back so many happy memories from her childhood! :D
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