Do Not Worry

 I've been wanting to do some "scripty" postive phrases as prints, I think everyone needs a little more positivity in their lives and I want my work to bring happiness to others and even be an encouraging reminder to myself :)

 Everyone struggles with worry, life is constantly throwing a curve ball and lately I've really been focusing on one of my favorite verses. "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own." Matthew 6:34.

It's from a larger passage Matthew 6:25-34,  that also talks about the birds, how they do not store food in barns or grow food like we do but God cares for them and makes sure their needs are met,  and how much more would He care for us. That has always struck a chord with me because in the large scheme of everyday life birds seem somewhat insignificant but even so God cares about them and meets their needs. My pastor explained in a way I thought was awesome, "If God cares for his creatures in this way, how much more would he care about his children?" It really reinforced the truth in that passage for me. So after much tweaking, I decided to focus in on that last part, it's a really good reminder for me, not to let worry paralyze me from doing things, to be diligent and make good decisions sure, but when unexpected stressful things happen not to be overrun with worry, just to remember that He is looking after His children, and that worry doesn't add a single hour to your life (from verse 27) it's not productive so don't dwell on it.

So here's my final version, I want to plaster it everywhere as a reminder so I can be constantly reminded and uplifted. I put the print in my shop with other items too, like a mug and a pillow :)
I hope others can find some encouragement in it too. Happy almost Friday to you!

The little things

Going through difficult stressful times is never fun, but lately I've been trying to focus on the little things that make me happy.

I chopped off my hair and got new earrings

ombre purple awesome-ness

Because of our mild winter, flowers are exploding with blooms, some things haven't bloomed in years.

snap dragon

an odd bloomer the butterflies like

happy hydrangea

poppy surprise :)

I got to hang out with my friend and go fabric shopping for some new projects, that I will hopefully work myself up too.....soon :) It's so fun to geek out over fabric with someone that loves making stuff too.

Also we have Killdeer birds in our parking lot at work, they come around this time of year, even though they also call the beach home. I was pleasantly surprised to see babies in our parking lot this year, they have the cutest little walk and they shake their little tails. Yes, I am easily amused.

SO FLUFFY!

And this weekend I got to see Dirt's latest succulent offering. A mossy succulent turtle!! So freaking cute :)

Hope you are having a good week and enjoying the small things :)

Weekend Wrap up

This week was pretty busy, crazy and difficult. You know when sometimes situations aren't so great and you're frustrated and then it gets incredibly worse, and you think to yourself, "Wow, I guess things were not so bad before." That's where I'm at this weekend, it's been a struggle to focus on the positives but I managed to stay productive.

 I watched a food documentary, Step Up to the Plate, about French chef Michel Bras passing his restaurant down to his son. The restaurant is in the French country side but it's a very modern building and so is their approach to food. I'm really interested in chef's techniques and the cinematography in this film is amazing. The country side is so beautiful and it's entertaining to hear their story and watch them create.

I started reading Mindy Kaling's book. Her show has become my new favorite on Tuesdays. If you are familiar with her at all and like her work, I think you would probably like this book, her language is a little more colorful than on tv, but her take on things is pretty hilarious.

I've been trying to get back into painting, I bought some smaller canvases, I thought maybe I could do a series.  Here's the first one :)

Since I am a bit of a computer nerd, I was pretty excited to experiment with the new pattern tool in Adobe Illustrator CS6, for anyone that does graphic work this tool is a game changer! Basically before you had to draw the pattern piece once or enough for a repeat them build the pattern and duplicate it, it's hard to get sprawling patterns to match up, but this handy tool does it for you.
This makes me so happy!!

 I see Spoonflower fabrics in my near future! Here's some patterns I've been playing with.
Happy birdies and flowers I'm kinda obsessed with gray and navy mixed with pastel colors.

Earlier this week, I attempted to make a key lime pie, I used the wrong kind of milk, sweeten condensed is what you need, I was quite dejected. I really wanted pie, so I decided to correct my mistake and try again, with farm fresh eggs, I plan to have some for breakfast YAY!

So yeah, things could be better, and sometimes I feel like wallowing but getting things done is so rewarding. I'm going to keep focusing on the positive and start baking and creating more often.
How was your weekend?

clouds and birds

Things have been kind stressful and disappointing lately. One thing that cheers me up on my drive home is getting to see the sun set. I love clouds all fluffy and different colors, it reminds me how powerful God is and what a wonderful creator He is.

 He can do so much with so little. It reminds me to calm down and enjoy the view.

I think that's why I love birds so much, they are so tiny and yet resilient. They remind me to stay positive. One of my favorite Bible passages in Matthew is about birds.

 

I have had this drawing idea bouncing around in my head for quite awhile.  Here's a quick sketch, I'd like to do another version with color and tweak the details a little. Regardless this needs to go in my cube as soon as possible.

 I hope this encourages you, and you smile the next time you see a bird fly by. I've added new projects to my list but I'm trying to say focused. Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday :)

The Little Things

It's officially the unbearable part of the summer, but there are little things to be thankful like my friend Holly, she recently did a post on this super cute dress she made. Her dedication to the little details, like making your own matching binding and french seams makes me want to be a more dedicated sewing enthusiast.
Also despite the heat, I'm getting to enjoy the birds. I've decided the Robin, is my new favorite bird. They are very curious and scurry about using the flower beds as camouflage. They also love to splash around in the bird bath and are pretty hilarious. The other day, I got to see three little siblings. They are mottled and still have baby features, very cute.  What can I say since I am still pet-less at the moment, the birds have become my dog substitute :)
Sorry for my picture quality I was on crazy zoom through the blinds

The table is in the way but you can kind of see the robins and the cardinal looking on

My other favorite is the Wren, there are very tiny and like to hop about. The thing I love the most about them is the have the  prettiest little song and it's so loud it doesn't sound like it could possibly come out of their teeny tiny body, but it does.

 singing in the feeder

Sometimes when things aren't great, it's hard to be thankful or grateful. This week has not been so awesome, but I am reminded that I am blessed. I need to remember to be thankful and grateful.
I was thinking about it on the way home from work today, that is would be nice to have this reminder in my cube. It still needs some work but I wanted to share.

Happy little owl close up

Happy Wednesday Everyone