Write with me

September 29, 2010 1 Comment
So, after an inspiring conversation with a friend, I have decided it’s time to get this blog back up and running! This blog is “my dream” in tangible form. 
What does that mean? It means this blog is a place for people to find inspiration through writing. Not writing for school, not writing to impress, not writing to make money–just writing for yourself. 
The point is, simply put: we write, and we feel better. 
Who is with me here?  
I already know this is true and the whole point of this blog is to happily convince all of YOU to feel the same. 
So, please join me on this journey. Feel free to use this site for inspiration, journal topics, sharing, connecting, and helping–yourselves and others.
My ultimate goal is that somewhere along the way you will write to heal yourself, whatever that means to YOU in the moment when YOU need it most!
I am interested in starting a local or online writing “group” to  get this ball rolling. This is not a place where I’ll be “teaching” or where you’ll be forced to share your personal writing or deep, dark secrets. I envision it as a place where we convene once a month (or more!) to very simply: write, and feel better. 
About what, you may ask? ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. 
I have been in training as a Certified Journal  Facilitator, which means I can provide a bit of structure and know a little bit about leading a group in the right direction. I am not a therapist or a counselor and participating in this group does not mean you are in need of “help.” It’s just a place to write, talk, and enjoy yourself. 
If you are interested in participating in such a “group” please contact me; leave a comment or send me an email.
Can’t wait to get started!
Filed Under: Writing Inspirations Tagged With:

Nurture me, Nurture you

September 28, 2010 2 Comments
This morning I was perusing a new site I am in love with called mamalode. The mamalode mission is to provide a “place where there is room for all of the parts that make you whole. Whether you are working to become a mother, or driving your grandkids’ car pool — you are changed. Motherhood can be very shattering, both from the pressures on the outside and the love from the inside. But there are bits that remain yours– pieces that come from your own childhood, your own adventures and your own growth. They are still there, mixed in with your family, relationships, time, money, health, passions, dreams, work, and creativity. There is room for all that at mamalode. Welcome — every last bit of you.”
Isn’t that exactly what we’re all looking for–a place where we can connect, share,and nurture the stories of our lives?

I found the site from reading one of my absolute favorite blogs, Enjoying the Small Things. I like this blog so much that last nigth I actually dreamed that I was at Kelle’s house, just hanging out with her and our daughters. Sounds crazy, but when you read so personally into someone’s life, it’s like you really know them and I guess that somehow finds its way into your dreams at night.

Anyway, from Kelle’s blog I found Dig this Chick, and from there I found mamalode. Nici from Dig this Chick writes for mamalode in a weekly column called Mama Digs and as I was perusing this morning, this line from her piece called “sweet dreams“ really hit the nail on the head for me.

“Motherhood is all about the careful balance between nurturing my children with my whole self and maintaining that whole self so I can nurture.”
Wow! I thought that message might hit home for a lot of you, so I wanted to share. Thanks, Nici, and mamalode for providing a place for mother’s to nurture their whole selves so they can then fully nurture their children.
Filed Under: Beautiful Family Tagged With: ,

Iron Aiden

September 28, 2010 1 Comment

I first learned of Aiden’s story through Lindsay, one of my best friends from childhood, who is very good friends and sorority sisters with Aiden’s mom, Leslie. As a new mom, I just cannot fathom dealing with pediatric cancer and as I read Leslie’s blog entries and try to put myself in her shoes, my heart breaks. Seeing how their family and friends have come together to help Aiden, combined with his amazing strength and smiling face is truly inspiring. I have faith in the power of prayer and hope you all will join me as I continue to hope for his healing. 
Lindsay and Leslie’s good friend and sorority sister, Kere, has an adorable online store called Olive to Sew and is offering 20% of her profits be given to help with Aiden’s treatment.I know so many of my readers LOVE all things monogrammed, so if you need a classy gift for a baby, wedding, graduation, house warming, or upcoming birthday, please consider using Kere’s store. Please type in “For Aiden” in the special instructions box before checkout. If you have any questions, please contact Kere Knapp at olivetosew@yahoo.com.

One of my favorite items is this mini-market tote:
Please continue to follow Aiden’s journey, spread awareness, and pray for all of the little “warriors, survivors and angels” of pediatric cancer. 
 
Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With:

Everybody Love Everybody

September 23, 2010 3 Comments
Hey, somebody call Oprah, I just had an “Aha! moment.”
Do you wanna hear about it?
I was reading my friend Valerie’s blog (and when I say “friend” I mean long, lost soul sister), and she had this quote at the bottom.

“Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.Strive to be happy.”


Max Ehrmann, 1927
Well, it just so happens that I have a portion of that very same quote hanging in my classroom, right beside the door so my kids can see it as they head out into the universe.

 (You can buy these awesome cards in really cool stores or online.)
Don’t you just love it when things cosmically connect like this?
Valerie’s post reminds me of a mantra some students taught me a few years ago. Whenever their class would get tense (in a writing class where lots of feelings come out, this can happen) “Clody” (two best friends named Clay and Cody) would keep the peace by saying “E.L.E” which stands for “Everybody Love Everybody.” One day, after their class had been particularly unruly and I got upset, “Clody”  gave me this note to cheer me up.
I keep it hanging on a bulletin board beside my computer and look at it often, especially on days when I want to scream.
“Everybody Love Everybody.” So simple, so sweet, so easy.

I’m glad I let you guys in on this little secret, and I’m glad Valerie gave me this little reminder that love is everywhere.

Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With: ,

Designs by Kara Kihm

September 22, 2010 Leave a Comment
My best friend from college is starting her own clothing line called Designs by Kara Kihm and she is jumping for joy!
Her first collection is full of beautiful dresses that can be worn in all occasions. And what’s even more exciting, is that she has designed a “Priscilla” dress! How cool.I’ve never had a dress named after me, but I’m pretty sure it’s one of my lifelong dreams.
It’s still in the works, but here is the back. Of course, I am in love with it.
She is currently looking for an American manufacturer so her product can be made right here in the USA and sold to all of you. If you have ANY tips or leads, please contact Kara or myself.
Thanks and enjoy her beautiful looks!
Filed Under: Beautiful Things, Fashion, Make it Beautiful Tagged With:

P’s Picks: Turquoise Love

September 21, 2010 3 Comments
“P’s Picks” are things I am loving right now. 


1. I don’t think I could find a more beautiful fabric than this butterfly print from Tucker for Target right now. I love the material, the colors, the butterflies…and I especially love that it looks a lot more expensive than $22.99.
2. I saw these turquoise Ashton Yippie Ki Yay boots by Old Gringo while flipping through a random catalog we got in the mail called “The Territory Ahead.” Obviously this is one of my favorite colors, and even though they might be a little bold in person, I think they are truly beautiful. 
3. To complete my totally turquoise look, this Shaded Selvatico necklace by Anthropologie is one of my new favorite pieces. I would really love to be able to recreate something like this and think I have the materials to do it…I just need more time and some background on jewelry making. If anyone would like to help, let me know!
Filed Under: Beautiful Things, Fashion, Make it Beautiful Tagged With: ,

Congrats to….

September 20, 2010 Leave a Comment
You are the new owner of this beautiful necklace from Anne Vaughan Designs!
All entries were assigned numbers and entered into Random.org. The site then generated a completely random number, which happened to be the one belonging to the very lucky, Black Dog Salvage!
Thanks to all who entered! 
Please tell your friends about Anne Vaughan Designs and stop and see her beautiful work at the Roanoke Market whenever you’re in town!
Filed Under: Make it Beautiful Tagged With:

Anne Vaughan Designs Giveaway!

September 14, 2010 17 Comments
I am SO EXCITED to announce my very first giveaway!
Anne Vaughan Designs has gracially offered to giveaway this beautiful, handcrafted necklace made with India silk, lucite, vintage brass and other various gemstones, valued at $51.00!

I LOVE it…Honey, can we say “Perfect Christmas Gift!”
You may remember hearing about her work in one of my previous posts and I couldn’t be happier that she is willing to giveaway this lovely piece to one of my lucky readers.

The Giveaway: The Winner will receive the above necklace from Anne Vaughan Designs 

1. For 1 entry: leave a comment letting me know your favorite item from Anne Vaughan Designs by September 17th, at 5pm EST. If you don’t have a blog make sure to leave your email.

2. For an additional entry = 2 entries: become a follower of my blog and become a fan of Anne Vaughan Designs on Facebook.

3. For an additional = 3 entries: write a post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page.

4. For an additional = 4 entries: tweet about this giveaway with a link to this post & also twitter ID, @avdanne.

5. For an addition=5 entries: copy my “button” and put it on your blog. 

When you leave a comment let me know what you have done and your number of entries.

The winner will be chosen through RANDOM.org and will be announced on
Sunday, September 19th at 9 pm.
Thanks and Good Luck!
Filed Under: Beautiful Things, Make it Beautiful Tagged With: ,

It is Well With My Soul

September 14, 2010 Leave a Comment
“The River” is a very special place to Ben’s family. They have gathered there for years every Sunday in the summer months for food and fellowship with family and close friends. I brought my camera last Sunday to try and capture some of the beauty it holds. Luckily, Ben’s cousin, Betsy, was able to snap a few of the three of us during AJ’s feeding. 
 When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
 Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
  
…Even so, it is well with my soul.
Filed Under: Beautiful Family, Make it Beautiful

Pretty Little Things

September 13, 2010 3 Comments
This weekend I was fortunate enough to attend Olde Salem Days in my old college home of Salem, VA. I was in Roanoke visiting a good friend for her baby shower and was so excited to learn that we’d be able to hit up one of the best street fairs in VA. I remember fondly going through Olde Salem Days while in college, and the time I got an Anna Sui dress from Millie & Co. for only $15! While perusing the different tables I first came across some adorable baby headbands from Buttons and Such. Of course, I had to get AJH a few of the beautiful creations.

Of course I couldn’t resist getting something pretty for myself,especially after seeing the beautiful jewelry made by Anne Vaughan Designs. I am always a sucker for vintage-y, delicately handcrafted pieces, and these were no exception. I got a vintage-like pendant with lucite and freshwater pearls on an antique chain with matching earrings.
After leaving Olde Salem Days we went to the baby shower, only to find the host wearing one of Anne’s creations as well! She had bought the necklace that morning and refused to take it off. I think I’d like to have this one next:
Don’t you just love pretty little things?
Filed Under: Beautiful Things, Fashion, Make it Beautiful Tagged With:
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