Come Alive

I consider myself to be fairly good with words - especially if they are written. Currently, I am at a loss for words to describe my experience this week at a course called, Come Alive, located here in BC on Gabriola Island.

Before this course, I felt as though my life had spiraled out of my control. I was angry, confused, lost, and in so much pain. I didn't know what to do but I knew I had to do something! With the help of my dad, we found this course and the means for me to go.

I am sure the experience contained similarities and differences for all who attended, but I can tell you what I learned from it all. I learned to breathe. I learned how to get out of my head and back into my body. I learned that each individual has his or her own pain and that I can't take that away from them no matter how much I try or how much I sacrifice. It is their pain, not mine. I learned how to love, without losing myself and getting caught up in everyone else's "stuff." I learned how to forgive myself; to accept myself as the pure, innocent and beautiful being I was born as. I learned to live in the moment. I learned to love myself - without the need for others to prove it or not prove it to me. I learned to breathe.

I am finally free.

I further wanted to express the fact that I shared this experience with the most amazing, open, loving, supportive group of people I have ever been with. We arrived as total strangers and left (after five days) as close friends. Many will go their own way and many will remain forever friends. I will always feel very warm in my heart with the memory of them all and the experiences we had together.

I recommend this course to anyone who is lost or wants to feel connected. I recommend it to anyone who strives for peace and contentment in life. I recommend it to anyone who wants to feel loved. In fact, I simply recommend it to everyone.

There are no sufficient words to describe the lightness and warmth that I feel since this amazing experience.

Happy End of My Creative Slump

Seeing as I managed to finally get back into the creative groove after almost a full month slump, I thought I'd get cracking on the challenge blogs. For Heart 2 Heart this week the theme is child's birthday. I was originally going to do a boy birthday card but as you will see, things really didn't turn out that way. The sketch for Mojo Monday is as follows and then my masterpiece. Do you think the elephant stands out enough? And I hope you can see all the sparkles. Enjoy!

All products CTMH unless otherwise noted.
Cardstock: Buttercup, Olive
Pattern Paper: Boom-Di-Ada
Stamp Sets: Life's a Jungle, Dainty Thoughts
Ink: Hollyhock, Olive
Embellishments: Itty Bitty Metallic Brad
All other embellishments (square brads, ribbon, sparkles) from other sources (probably Michael's).

"Just Keep Swimming"

Without going into much detail, let's just say that my life certainly has not been going as my original (or even revised) plans proposed. I have been finding myself riding up and down all kinds of plunging, emotional waves. These are the kind of waves that break suddenly and can dump swimmers, pushing them to the bottom with great force. These are the preferred waves for experienced surfers - something which I most definitely am not! I find myself alternatingly fighting the strength of these waves and allowing them to swallow me under for a time. I'm not sure how long this section of ocean lasts before I can enjoy the pristine calm of shallower waters (see previously mentioned "plans") but for now all I can do is take the advice from the very wise family movie, Finding Nemo, and "just keep swimming."

I figured I'd make a card to help solidify my resolve just a little bit.
I was too late for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge but the sketch was SO perfect for what I wanted to do. In fact, it was kind of crazy how the sketch was almost exactly what I had planned in my head. So here it is; sketch and my version.

All supplies CTMH unless otherwise noted.
Cardstock: Dutch Blue, Garden Green, Bamboo
Pattern Paper: Rustic Trail
Stamp Set: Hot Diggity
Ink: Goldrush, Autumn Terracotta
Embellishments: Black Bitty Brad, White Bitty, Regular and Big Brads
Stickles
Sentiment written by me.

New! New! New!

So many new things to tell everyone about!!
In case you are unaware, the new Close To My Heart Idea Book is now out and all products are available for order! Please contact me to get yourself a copy so you can view all the wonderful new projects and products.

This month's Constant Campaign is a good one! In August, when you spend $55, you can get the stamp of the month set for only $5.50, plus a FREE A-sized bonus set. This essentially means that you would get two stamp sets for just $5.50! It's a steal of a deal.

Here is a look at some of the artwork created with the stamp of the month. I love this one! Time to get started on your Halloween projects. Don't leave it 'til the last minute! Contact me to take advantage now!