stepping into silence

{photo of me by photography by Kjelse}

{over the next several weeks, maybe even months, i will be writing here and there from elora's thirty days of prompts. this is something that i have never done before, something raw and fresh and gorgeous and potentially painful. so please, be gentle with me. you can find all posts i have written from these prompts here}

:: what are you waiting for?

for Story 101, we are entering our week of silence. this is our time to step back from the internet, our time to breathe, our time to embrace our writer souls. honestly, with the amount of time i spend on the internet every day, this prospect is slightly terrifying. 

:: but maybe that's what i was waiting for.

see, as a stay-at-home mom, the internet has been my retreat. it's the only "getaway" i have from my life as momma. but maybe it's holding me back. maybe i'm waiting for something that isn't going to happen. maybe i'm waiting for my life to go back to the way it used to be // before my precious little wailing warrioress came into our lives. 

i'm never going to have that life again.
and that's okay.

because Marian is my new life. this is normal. this is my radiant normal beautiful new life. this is my gift. this is my now.

so maybe this week of silence, this time of resting away from the internet {in part}will be my first step toward embracing my new place. i know i need to stop fighting what is. i need to stop waiting for the new house to find my space. i need to stop waiting for this illusive magic moment before i accept the pen that the Lion is pressing into my trembling fingers.

:: i can start writing that chapter now.

in some respects, i'm still bristling at this concept of internet silence, even if only in part. it was always a punishment, a stripping away of something that connected me to a world that always seemed so far away.

{photo of me by photography by Kjelse}

but i am seeking ways to heal my eyes from that past view. i am hoping, daring to reach up for that scarlet rope hanging in the window. it feels so dangerous to hope. i am still recovering from the loss and confusion and heartbreak that this year has already brought me.

but there has been such joy there too. and that is worth the hoping and the risking and oh, the releasing.

there will hopefully be a lot of returning to the journal in this week of selah. a lot of art, a lot of postcards made and sent. a lot of breathing.

oh dearhearts, won't you gather around me here?

pray for the Song of the Lion to permeate my soul? pray for strength and deep, deep grace? pray for Life, for Light, for Glory. 

pray for rest. 
pray for selah. 
pray for silence. 

{don't forget about the self-care giveaway taking place here. i would love to bless you with some tender gifts, precious ones.}

love you, dearheart {a self-care for warrioresses giveaway!}

i'm learning the art of self-care. 

i'm learning that it's okay to whisper two letters that are hard for me :: no. i'm learning how to soak in life, allowing myself to sojourn to the art table and sink into paint and ink and paper. i'm learning that it's okay to shut the bathroom door and cry, because it cleanses, and that's okay. 

i'm learning to take care of me so that i can better take care of them. 

:: i'm learning how to embrace the self that the Lion found worthy enough to die for. 

and i want to help you do the same. 

so i have put together three amazing packages, three amazing love-gifts from my heart and from the hearts of eight other craftsmen, to show you that you are worthy of some tender love all your own. 

// you could win //

1. a spot in MADE :: a inspiring creative e-course created by my precious friend Beth Morey. i am taking part in this, and now you can join myself and a host of other beautiful artists in seeking God-centered creativity. the course begins on September 1st. 

2. a beautiful body, heart, and mind self-care kit which includes 

:: a beautiful handmade jewelry piece from sea of wild

:: an alstroemeria real flower petal necklace from enchanted planet

:: a lunar necklace from spiralDRIFT

:: two types of soap {vanilla sugar + lavender} from Inspiri

:: a custom handmade journal from my own personal shop, DEJournals

3. a tender loving care self-care package which includes 

:: lovely beauty products from Cosmic Bath and Beauty

:: a peppermint pumice + lotion foot care kit from Inspiri

:: two handmade surprise bracelets from hallie johanna

:: a yummy turquoise and silver "brave feather" bracelet from soulmakes

oh dearhearts, i am so excited to bring you these gifts. you are a warrioress, prized and loved beyond all knowing. you are treasured and precious. 

love yourself. it's okay. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

spring {eighth giveaway}

item no. 1

i am so excited to be bringing you this newest giveaway. 


in a way, i feel that as spring is slowly making its way here to my corner of the world, things are going to be changing. 

in a good way, i think. 

but this giveaway, for me, is a farewell to winter and a welcome to summer. the most beautiful Callie of Creations by Callie has knitted some beautiful items, and has given them to me to give away to you. 

item no. 1: chocolate swirl bag.  

description by Callie: because of the felted aspect, this bag is very strong and durable.  a pocket on the inside is the perfect holder for keys, a cell phone, or other small items, while a bright pink flower on the front completes this adorable bag.

item no. 2:  strawberry sunshine scarf and wristlet set. 

description by Callie: the scarf is a glamorous mixture of yarns in different colors, weights, and textures.  its long length allows for many wearing variations.  following the color scheme of the scarf, the wristlets keep your hands warm, while still allowing you to use your fingers.  worn together, the scarf and wristlets create a colorful combination that will brighten up even the gloomiest day! 

{here is how to enter to win one of these beautiful items. please leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment, and please leave your blog address or email address in at least one of the comments.} 

(IMPORTANT NOTE: while i dearly love each one of my international readers, this giveaway is only open to the United States and Canada at the shipper's request.)

item no. 2

entry no. 1 (mandatory): what is your favourite part of spring, and why?  (+1)

entry no. 2 (mandatory): follow this blog and put the new and improved button on your sidebar. (+1)

entry no. 3: blog/tweet/Facebook about the giveaway, and leave a link to your post/tweet/blog post in the comment. (+3, one entry per and one comment per, please)

entry no. 4: follow Callie on twitter (+1)

entry no. 5: visit Callie's shop and comment with your favourite item from her collections (+1)

EDIT: Callie's shop is down for maintenance at the moment. this entire is currently invalid.  

entry no. 6. {inspired by Jess}: go drink a nice, cold glass of water. a great way to start the springtime season off right! (+1)

spring is coming. and with it, change. and change is a good thing, touched by the hand of the One who holds the world in His palms.

this giveaway ends on April 5th, 2012, at midnight CST. winners will be chosen using an internet randomizer the next day. winners have 48 hours to contact me with their address or a new winner will be drawn

beginnings {seventh giveaway}

item no. 1

the holidays have come to an end. and it's almost impossible for me to believe.


and with the start of this new year, my life has radically changed. i chose a word for 2012, and then i found my way to live it out in ways i never could have imagined.


and now, it is time for another giveaway, another time to share and connect with one another. 


i cannot begin to say how much i enjoy doing these giveaways. they are such a blessing to be able to share beauty with each one of you. this is my way of giving back to those who have given so much to me.


i cannot fully speak my incredible thankfulness for mancave soapworks {Carrie}, silver lotus designs {Darcee} and raziela designs for their willingness to share their craft with you and with me as we start off this new year. 

item no. 2

item no. 1: chocolate craving handmade clay pendant from raziela designs

item no. 2: working jewels steampunk ring from raziela designs


item no. 3: old fashioned men's shaving set in scent of the winner's choice from mancave soapworks 


{this item is a man's item intended as a gift. if you do not have a man in your life, please make mention in your comment.}


item no. 4: love birds personalized necklace {initials of winner's choice} from silver lotus designs

item no. 3

{here is how to enter to win one of these beautiful items. please leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment, and please leave your blog address or email address in at least one of the comments.}

(IMPORTANT NOTE: while i dearly love each one of my international readers, this giveaway is only open to the United States at the shipper's request.)

Entry No. 1 (mandatory): did you chose a word for 2012? if you did, what is it, and why? if not, did you make any resolutions? what are they, and why?  (+1)

Entry No. 2 (mandatory): follow this blog and put the new and improved button on your sidebar. (+1)

Entry No. 3: blog/tweet/Facebook about the giveaway, and leave a link to your post/tweet/blog post in the comment. (+3, one entry per and one comment per, please)

Entry No. 4: visit raziela designs and comment with your favourite item from the shop. (+1)

Entry No. 4: visit Darcee and comment with your favourite item from the shop. (+1)

Entry No. 4: visit Carrie and comment with your favourite item from the shop. (+1)

Entry No. 7: purchase an item from any shop {+10 entries per purchase, MUST be verified}

this is the time for newness. the time for fresh starts and new life. i am overwhelmed as i reach out and touch brave in 2012. 


what will you grasp firmly this year?

this giveaway ends on February 6th, 2012 at midnight. 

winners will be chosen via random.org and announced within the next day or two. 

winners have 48 hours to claim their prizes or new winners will be chosen

time's anticipation {sixth giveaway}

{item no. 1}

time is a clever thing. 

as this Christmas season slowly begins to creep upon us, the ticking of the clock heralds the anticipation. we are children, you and i both, to feel the shiver of delight as we see the illuminated trees and delicately wrapped presents.

and we are seekers, you and i, as we step from shadow to the glow of stable's lantern light. we kneel there with virgin mother and tender protector, the caress of a Father's eye upon His son's infant form. this humbling of King of life to wailing new life in the arms of this chosen woman.

this month, i am honoured to lay two very special items before you, given from the hearts of willing friends and generous sponsors.

i cannot fully speak out my gratitude to Shabby Apple and vintagerelics {Jen} for their gracious gifts this Christmas season, both to me and to you.

item no. 1: The White Rabbit's Timekeeper pocket watch necklace from Shabby Apple

item no. 2: white pearl earrings in sterling silver from vintagerelics

{here is how to enter to win one of these beautiful items. please leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment, and please leave your blog address or email address in at least one of the comments.}

(IMPORTANT NOTE: while i dearly love each one of my international readers, this giveaway is only open to the United States at the shipper's request.)

Entry No. 1 (mandatory): what is your favourite aspect of this time of year and why?  (+1)

Entry No. 2 (mandatory): follow this blog and put the new and improved button on your sidebar. (+1)

{item no. 2}

Entry No. 3 (mandatory): become a fan of Shabby Apple on Facebook. if you do not have Facebook, you can follow their blog and/or twitter. {+3, one entry per and one comment per, please}

Entry No. 4: blog/tweet/Facebook about the giveaway, and leave a link to your post/tweet/blog post in the comment. (+3, one entry per and one comment per, please)

Entry No. 5: visit Jen and comment with your favourite item from the shop. (+1)

Entry No. 6: purchase an item from Shabby Apple {+10 entries per purchase, MUST be verified}

Entry No. 7: purchase an item from vintagerelics {+10 entries per purchase, MUST be verified}

this time of year is one of my favourites. a time for renewal and restoration, the preparation for the coming of this newborn Messiah, and the precious completion of prophecies long foretold.

oh, come

oh, come

Emmanuel. 

this giveaway ends on January 3rd, 2012 at midnight. 

winners will be chosen via random.org and announced within the next day or two. 

winners have 48 hours to claim their prizes or new winners will be chosen

words {fifth giveaway}

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

for me, November is a month of words. 

my days become measured by word counts and how many cups of coffee i have sipped in an effort to churn just one more scrap of inspiration from my worn author's mind. 

Item No. 1

for so many of us, November is marked by 50,000 words and thirty days of writing the most mismatched, glorious novel that we could ever have envisioned. 

words are a powerful thing. they share. compel. delight. romance. intoxicate. create. i'm in love with the written word. are you?

in this theme of words and beautiful things, November's giveaway is a lovely collection of four stunning items from three generous shops and three wonderful women. 

i cannot truly convey my gratitude toward Blaine {Lori}, happydeliveries {Lori}, and coffeedripsart {Beka} for all they have done to make this giveaway such a beautiful thing, both for each one of you, but for me, as well. Item No. 2 Item No. 1: shabby chic rose locket from Blaine Item No. 2: Eiffel Tower earrings from  Blaine. Item No. 3: 11x17 pewter grey Hellen Keller quote print from happydeliveries Item No. 4: 11 x 11 hand-painted quote artwork from coffeedripsart {here is how to enter to win one of these beautiful items. please leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment, and please leave your blog address or email address in at least one of the comments.} Item No. 3 Life is either a daring adventure or nothing (IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are one of my lovely international readers...i.e. not from the United States...please comment as such in one of your entry comments. This giveaway is certainly open to you, as well, but one of these shops is not an international shipper. Many lovely thanks!) Entry No. 1 (mandatory): what is your favourite word and why? (+1) Entry No. 2 (mandatory): follow this blog and put the new and improved button on your sidebar. (+1) Entry No. 3: blog/tweet/Facebook about the giveaway, and leave a link to your post/tweet/blog post in the comment. (+3, one entry per and one comment per, please) Entry No. 4: visit Blaine and comment with your favourite item from the shop. (+1) Entry No. 5: visit happydeliveries and comment with your favourite item from the shop. (+1) Entry No. 6: follow Beka's blog, leave a comment on one of her posts, and then leave the link to the post in a comment. (+1) Item No. 4 The most important thing is life is to learn how to give out love and to let it come back in. Entry No. 7: purchase an item from one of the shops. {+10 entries per purchase; MUST BE VERIFIED before entries will be accepted} words are precious.  whether you're taking part in NaNoWriMo, or if you're just learning to walk this path of expressing oneself through the written word, never forget just how important words are. they can cut, they can heal  use with care.  never forget to love.  this giveaway closes at midnight CST on November 30th, 2011. winners will be drawn using Random.org and will be announced in the next two days. winners have 48 hours to accept their prizes, or new names will be drawn.