Paying It Forward Is A Good Thing

We're approaching that time of the year....a time for giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives.  I know I'm grateful for so much; especially for my little family.  

Though we always seem to desire more, don't we?  More material objects...like a bigger house, a newer car or the latest trends, but will any of those 'things' fill up your soul and make you happier?  I don't think so. 

 One could argue that I feel this way because I don't have any of those things.  

I don't have a house, but I have a home in the shape of an apartment.  It's large enough for each of my girls to have their own bedroom and it's always full of warmth and laughter.  I also don't have to mow the lawn, plow the driveway or worry about maintenance.  To me, that's a good thing.

I don't have a new car.  I have a 15 year old Land Rover, but it's paid off.  It's also a beast in the snow storms of Maine and it always gets my family from point A to point B safely.  The girls and I have made a lot of memories in that old Land Rover.  Again, a good thing.

We really want for nothing...we have clothes on our backs, shoes on our feet, food in our bellies and a solid roof over our head.  I'd say we're pretty lucky compared to some, and I try every day to instill in them the gift of giving.  You don't have to have a lot to give, and to me it's far more rewarding than anything else.

During this holiday season, take some time to give.  Whether it's a gift card, cash or your time.  I can promise that the smile and gratitude you'll receive will be far more rewarding than anything else.

I've created these simple "pay-it-forward" envelopes for Reverie Creations out of vintage book and atlas pages, and they make a great way to give thanks to those special people in your life.  Tuck in a gift card for your hairdresser, a co-worker, or the babysitter.  Add some cash and present it to a stranger.

They're durable and reusable so the recipient can continue with the giving and pay-it-forward.  That's ALWAYS a good thing.

You can find these and more "pay-it-forward' envelopes at Reverie Creations.  If you prefer another theme or color, just message me through Etsy and I will customize a set of envelopes just for you.  Start giving today and every day!

Have a blessed day, my friends!

M.

Hey there!!

For those of you who haven't completely given up on me....

So much change has transpired over the last few months that I'm not even sure where I'd begin or that I could hold your interest long enough to get through it all, but suffice it to say that I'm a stronger person for having experienced every second.  

Unfortunately, my little family is still wading through all that comes with a difficult (and expensive) divorce.  I have faith that we'll rise above (eventually) and in the end be better for it.  Faith is the only thing I have left that hasn't been sacrificed, walked on, taken advantage of, or manipulated.  

And my girls.  I have my beautiful girls.  My constant.  They remain the only inspiration I need to move forward in grace.

Fort Popham, July 2015

Fort Popham, June 2010

On a happier note...the girls and I have been taking little adventures and doing our usual summer activities.  Visiting the coast and it's beautiful beaches and monuments.  

I also took my oldest to her first rock concert!  It was a blast!!  We saw Papa Roach, Slash with Miles Kennedy, Seether and Godsmack.  It makes my heart sing to know that we share a love of music.  

We haven't been able to travel much (to camp) because of cheering/tumbling schedules, but in a few weeks we're heading south to Water Country in New Hampshire with my sister and her boys for some fun.  I can't wait....we love water parks!!

I have to admit that I haven't been very creative as of late, so I don't have much to share in that respect.  My hands are getting worse, and as soon as summer winds down and we're back onto a more structured (school) schedule, I'll take the required next step....surgery.  I just can't put it off any longer.

But here are some of the projects I've managed to finish...in fun or for Reverie Creations customers.

I'm currently working on some Grandparent's Day (September 13) greeting cards and masculine birthday cards.  I'll have them listed in my shop soon so be sure to check them out.

In lieu of paper crafting, I've done a lot more mixed media painting...so much easier on my hands, but because it's so personal, I don't show any of it.  Maybe someday.

In the meantime, thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

M.

Neglected But Not Forgotten

I'm currently working on a memory album for one of my lovely Reverie Creations customers, and it's rekindled that neglected (but not forgotten!) love of scrapbooking.  I'm ashamed to admit that it's been a year (or more) since I've scrapped.  Funny thing, whether or not I'm keeping up with creatively chronicling my little family's memories, we keep on making them.  ;)

  

When the girls were younger, I was able to design and create two to four pages every week, and with three girls there wasn't time to waste.   These days, I realize that the only way I'm ever going to find the time is if I make the time.  New Year's resolution?  

Anywho, here are some sneak peeks at a few of the completed pages...

This album is being gifted to the President of the LOWC, and I'm honored to be doing it for her.  It's become such a labor of love.

It's my hope to be finished by the end of November so that I can fully focus on holiday preparations.  Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?! 

Find time to do something you love.

M.

Hello October!!

My sister's birthday.  My daughter's birthday.  My father's birthday.  It's also the start of holiday preparations for Reverie Creations...not to mention Halloween.  October is a busy month.

Every year, I put together little bags of goodies for my girls and my nephews on Halloween.  Just a little something to put in their pillow cases at the start of their trick or treating adventures.  The tradition started with my Mom who did it for my sister and I.    

For this year's goody bags/tags, I based my design on the Tall&Skinny sketch over at Mojo Monday.

I started with splattering a small paper lunch bag with black paint...simple.  The tag was created by painting Tim Holtz Kraft Resist paper (Moths & Butterflies) black and then adding orange splatter.  Washi tape, a Petaloo daisy and a vintage button were added to round out the look. 

Tied up with raffia and stained muslin. 

Simple and perfectly Halloween-ish for the kids.

All that's left is to fill them with all their favorite treats!

These are also available for purchase at Reverie Creations.

Have a fantastic weekend!

M.