tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856907331628317142024-03-16T14:53:13.042-04:00LostBumblebee Blog ... Queen of Printables - a creative little outlet for a creative little bee...Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.comBlogger698125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-63789546905633767532023-11-27T14:06:00.002-05:002023-11-27T14:06:18.471-05:00GIVING TUESDAY IS TOMORROW!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvly17mbRSaPbcHFqP8Cww2HkvF4FSZuCMU28qHAnbttRzkyGdWIHGf9E0XsnN7MA-_3NfOCBN8JUuTmFVJKERLkkO3O9blTd7yeMbSzaaGzT34wmdshK3AP5tf2tHlGv5zvujTkuZ2OGfHrUBhmgYTiz6-NBc598znwDCSwIT2o5ILvhzaEn5RVwhew/s2551/2023MDBN-EWCV-GIVING%20TUESDAY-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="2551" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvly17mbRSaPbcHFqP8Cww2HkvF4FSZuCMU28qHAnbttRzkyGdWIHGf9E0XsnN7MA-_3NfOCBN8JUuTmFVJKERLkkO3O9blTd7yeMbSzaaGzT34wmdshK3AP5tf2tHlGv5zvujTkuZ2OGfHrUBhmgYTiz6-NBc598znwDCSwIT2o5ILvhzaEn5RVwhew/w640-h151/2023MDBN-EWCV-GIVING%20TUESDAY-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you do me a favour and mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday this year?</span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 28th is one the biggest giving days of the year, which makes a huge impact on projects like ours, Eagles Wings Children’s Village. </span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This year we have been gifted a matching program that will match every donation, to the dollar, that is raised. That means if you give $10, your $10 dollars is multiplied and $20 is received. All donations received by December 15th will be matched! </span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I want to encourage you to proactively and cheerfully give. Sometimes during this season it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the social expectations of the season, and we start to doubt what our humble offering can do anyway. Your donation doesn’t have to be big, any amount helps.</span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Currently in our community in Uganda, $10 will buy: </span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5kg of beans</span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">25kg of maize flour (this is the main food staple in the </span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">region for making Posho) That’s a lot of posho! </span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Laundry detergent (for a long time!) </span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I encourage you today to give a little something and see </span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">what can be done with your donation! Little by little, </span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a little makes a lot…</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Click the links<span style="color: black;"> </span>below to give now! We are so grateful for your contribution to the lives of these children and our community!</span></p><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;">
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<p style="color: #a30003; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>CANADIAN DONORS:</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>
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<p style="color: #a30003; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><b>AMERICAN / OTHER DONORS:</b></p>
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<p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><a href="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/18243?v2=true">https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/18243?v2=true</a></b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>(Scroll down to Matching Campaign)</i></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>
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<p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://hellenicministries.org/give/"><b>https://hellenicministries.org/give/</b></a></span></p>
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</table><p style="color: #0d6002; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div><b><br /></b></div>Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-80868944085557504482023-11-25T09:57:00.009-05:002023-11-25T09:57:53.158-05:00Christmas. Started a little late around here.<p> Christmas started a little late around here, I had actually toyed with the idea of skipping it all together (one should actually know not to do that, thanks to John Grisham's book Skipping Christmas, that was made into the movie, Christmas with the Kranks). But alas, sometimes I play the fool very well, and entertained the idea for probably longer than I should have.</p><p>Two solid weeks into November, I finally marched angrily downstairs and started hauling up Christmas stuff, I kept thinking to myself, why am I doing this, just to undo it in 6 weeks, the thought of taking it down was causing me angst in putting it up. </p><p><i>This is not unusual for me, I've recently been working out every morning with a friend, which often ends in coffee, and chitchat, it's like a free mini therapy session. During one of our leg days- I came to a sudden realization that I am merely living to get things checked off my list, to move on to the next thing, and I only feel safe and secure when there is not one thing on my horizon. Which, let's be honest, it not possible in life, there is always something coming... but I learned that I don't live in the moment, I live in the future moment where I feel free, safe, with no looming expectations or responsibilities. It's really weird- and I'm working on this, But I digress- Let's get back to Christmas with this crank ;) </i></p><p>So down to the basement I marched, dog ran to take solace upstairs as <i>I</i> angrily marched downstairs- you know the march, the heavy step that makes everyone in the house disperse- because they know not to get in your way at that moment- for fear of that <i>middle age rage</i>, which I may have more of than I'd like to admit.</p><p>Up I come, now I'm sweating, and frustrated, yelling at Alexa to play classic Christmas, standing in front of the burning fireplace because "It's the holidays, I am getting into the holiday spirit if it kills me!" and then I stopped dead in my tracks- my spirit immediately caught me off guard, "Melissa, we do this not for social norms, we don't celebrate and decorate because we have to, we celebrate the birth of Jesus..." my heart hurt, tears rolled down my cheeks. How could I have gotten so wrapped up in angst and frustration about celebrating the greatest gift of all? How would I have let myself get so far from the truth that I honestly "forgot"?</p><p>I had to stop, ask forgiveness, say sorry, and make that 180º heart turn. It was in that moment all of that angst, anger and frustration just left, it was in that moment that my heart said, <i>I get to decorate in honour of the greatest gift ever. </i></p><p>I share this with you, because I know I am probably not alone, I know that social expectations weight heavy on everyone's heart during this seasons, did I do enough, did I give enough, am I enough...</p><p>Let me stop you right there... we are enough, what we give during this season of celebration is enough, if we can keep our focus on the reason for the season... <i>He</i> is more than enough.</p><p><br /></p><p>Be encouraged, be hopeful, be mindful, be filled with joy as you gear up to celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus this season, and Share the love, the most important thing we can do, is share the love,</p><p>M.</p><p>Scroll down for a free graphic, if you want to print it in high resolution it is available on my Etsy Shop. To purchase Click here:</p><p>Black on White 11x14in: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/476111362/black-and-white-christmas-verse-glory-to">https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/476111362/black-and-white-christmas-verse-glory-to</a></p><p>Black on White 16x20in: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/489618333/black-and-white-christmas-verse-glory-to">https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/489618333/black-and-white-christmas-verse-glory-to</a></p><p>Chalkboard Black and white 11x14in: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/476113610/chalkboard-christmas-verse-glory-to-god">https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/476113610/chalkboard-christmas-verse-glory-to-god</a></p><p>My Advent Calendars are all available on Etsy as well :) </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqBwp60W8a5Gt4Ve9BMTpt5gCZwdXUxCBjuy323zKwkViJ7SVp_p70jDWYt1DiKUik2G8nLGxJdgDPZkr1YbW3qoH0t3XSKRm0oVxwI5Fl287tXmWH8sDwJoF9T54q9NLdljLKQldNyt2ATaF9lAXB9vxrlPkQXWGvjRd1iuSTq489MhlbzgJVyRUYCc/s4200/MDBN-LOSTBUMBLEBEE%20GLORYTOGODonwhite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glory to God in the Highest Graphic" border="0" data-original-height="4200" data-original-width="3300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqBwp60W8a5Gt4Ve9BMTpt5gCZwdXUxCBjuy323zKwkViJ7SVp_p70jDWYt1DiKUik2G8nLGxJdgDPZkr1YbW3qoH0t3XSKRm0oVxwI5Fl287tXmWH8sDwJoF9T54q9NLdljLKQldNyt2ATaF9lAXB9vxrlPkQXWGvjRd1iuSTq489MhlbzgJVyRUYCc/w503-h640/MDBN-LOSTBUMBLEBEE%20GLORYTOGODonwhite.jpg" title="Glory to God in the Highest 2023©LostBumblebee | www.lostbumblebee.com | Free Printable | Personal Use only" width="503" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.56px; text-align: center;">GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST 2023 ©LostBumblebee | www.lostbumblebee.com | Free Printable | Personal Use only</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-29861213137961630922023-11-09T15:08:00.004-05:002023-11-09T15:09:49.586-05:00It's Official.<p>Well It's official! In my long stint away, the hubby and I were asked to head up the Canadian Ambassador Program for Eagles Wings Children's Village. I'm sure many of you remember "Living Life on Purpose 2015" when the hubby and I packed and went to Uganda for 5 weeks to work in an orphanage and a children's village- we had no idea what we were getting into, where exactly we were going, and just exactly what we'd be doing, but we went with open hands willing to serve in whatever capacity we could, doing whatever needed to be done. And all I can say, is WOW what an experience! </p><p>I had the pleasure of heading back in February of 2020 with my mom, and seeing just what is happening on the property (PS. WE HAVE ELECTRICITY!) was inspiring! We are in the throws of building a medical clinic, where we will not only be able to see patients, but will also be able to have lab services and eventually full hospital accommodations. My favourite part of being in Uganda was the days I spend in the health clinic with Dr. Macris. The clinic was about 12 x12 feet, with a small bathroom, other than that it was just a one room clinic where patients would come in with everything from fevers, to mastitis, sick babies and children. This clinic was on the school property, but was made accessible to anyone in the village who needed help. I loved serving there. </p><p>I have so much more to share, and I will, it'll all drip out as we go- I often have a hard time putting big events into words, they live vividly in my head, but sharing it with others is proves to be difficult for me. It's as though I can't quite get the right words to share the experience in a way I feel honours it. So I shy away from details, and say things like "it was amazing, oh so life changing", "you have to see it to believe it", "It's more than I ever imagined" - as many words as I go through in a day- I find it hard to put major experiences that have shaped me, and my heart, into words I deem worthy enough of the impact they've made. I guess I'll just have to learn, and try harder ;)</p><p>Take a look at this video for a glimpse into Eagles Wings Children's Village, and see what God is doing in Lubumba Uganda :) </p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/Vh5pyVi9gNs?si=7dtDubl6_csSJZ6r" target="_blank">CLICK HERE :) </a></p><p>Share the love,</p><p>M.</p><p><br /></p>Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-68661379311687588232023-11-08T11:43:00.006-05:002023-11-08T11:43:55.606-05:00Breathe It All In.<p>It has been a minute. So much has happened since I paused my life here on blogger, some good, some bad, *ahem covid*, and some just ... well just was- not everything is good or bad, sometimes it just is, what it is- that has been a good part of my break,<i> it just is what it is.</i></p><p>I've always had a hard time stopping something that I felt mattered to people, I feel like my blog had it's place, and then I felt like my blog owned me. I felt constrained in the space of "having to write" never not once did anyone tell me I had to write this blog. Not once did anyone tell me they were disappointed that there was not a post today, not once was I made to feel badly from stepping away from this space, except by myself.</p><p>I feel like sometimes we hold ourselves hostage to things that do not bring us joy anymore, they have gone from something we love, to something that we <i>have </i>to love. And as you know, anything that is forced on us, we immediately dig in our heels and put up a wall. Or is that just me? (like honestly, sometimes I get in the shower, and because I literally just did this yesterday I rebel and I stand there, unwilling to wash my body, I'm here, but I am not washing- sometimes when I say things out loud, or write them I see the folly of my ways- but I'm STILL NOT WASHING ;) </p><p>Taking some time away to just live life, through probably the hardest 2 years of our lives on planet earth- Covid, and then to the year 2023, in which, I think, everyone believed was going to be the best year ever- because we are out in the light of life again- and then for me, 2023 has been a real, pardon my French- shitshow. It has not lived up to my expectations on so many levels, I have felt disappointed in the year so many times. Seriously how much disappointment can one year bring, well if it's 2023- lots. </p><p>BUT, I'm here to say, I have a month left, and I a not letting this year get the best of me. Being it's CHRISTMAS season all up in here- a season I love for many reasons, a seasons that is marked with craziness, and joy, and let down, and family stuff... it's still my favourite. (take a read <a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-merry-christmas-list.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you want to know a little about my Christmas seasons and what I like to do to get through them unscathed). I'm going out with a bang. I will be celebrating all of the goodness in my life!</p><p>I've been taking more time to just be aware of the wonderful that is around me, for instance, I'm sitting in my favourite chair, with my favourite dog, in front of my favourite fire place... so many magical things around me that bring me joy- I am not wasting this moment. I'm inhaling the beauty and comfort of it all.</p><p>I'm not wasting anymore time, I have 1.5 months to enjoy the rest of 2023, will there be let downs? of course, will have have disappointments? Yes... but will I wallow in the disappointment? nope.</p><p>I'm here, I'm choosing Joy, I'm choosing consistency (I'll share more about that in the next little while) I'm choosing to be happy, I'm choosing to make these moments count... even if it's just taking a moment to breathe in the fresh cold air of November and breathe out gratitude for being alive.</p><p>Care to join me?</p><p>Share the love,</p><p>M.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IPWi8qKHOIdMeXVfNCjEPhAUZL5SgskdA9WVtwk_Ny40mEhhOuMS5bTwnCFMHmc3EJmgNOqBZgKm_z6CWUP5v4FxrkSBlOWDy0afbI7cancJyko1RqWiVACKalAdwyz6p4ekGPn8tC-m3vp-bDUomfXQAzDmMBDfc8H7t2rv6VOaad73MMN3voPhL5o/s6000/2023-11-BREATHE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4800" data-original-width="6000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IPWi8qKHOIdMeXVfNCjEPhAUZL5SgskdA9WVtwk_Ny40mEhhOuMS5bTwnCFMHmc3EJmgNOqBZgKm_z6CWUP5v4FxrkSBlOWDy0afbI7cancJyko1RqWiVACKalAdwyz6p4ekGPn8tC-m3vp-bDUomfXQAzDmMBDfc8H7t2rv6VOaad73MMN3voPhL5o/w640-h512/2023-11-BREATHE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-56538328050164839542021-10-20T08:34:00.006-04:002021-10-20T08:45:59.454-04:00Antsy in my Pantsy!<p>Do you get antsy when the seasons change? I do, I've got pent-up energy and no idea what to do with it! So I try to funnel it into a project, and then I end up frustrated because honestly, it's not the right time. I feel on edge like I've had too much coffee, and I can't seem to relax. The Holiday season is coming and I feel like I am living for the future waiting until I can decorate, and start to "enjoy" it... </p><p>Do you feel me? Are you there too? are we in this crazy weird whirlwind together? Ok, I hear you... I know what we've got to do... we've got to RELAX. Like, really relax. Not lounge about, but just be in the moment breathe it in, and breathe it out. <i>(I know, easier said than done, trust me, I know, I feel you)</i></p><p>As a beautiful reminder to you... below is a desktop background to keep you grounded during these antsy days of anticipation...</p><p>If you are a worrier around the holidays or live in nostalgia like I do... I have learned some tips and tricks to help me get through the holidays and keep my emotions in check, you can find that here: <b><a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-merry-christmas-list.html" target="_blank">My Merry Christmas List</a>.</b></p><p>Don't forget to head over to the <b><a href="http://www.lostbumblebee.com" target="_blank">website</a></b> and subscribe, to be part of our Creative Hive, lots of awesome offerings there, while you are there, check out my new <b><a href="http://www.lostbumblebee.com/shop">shop!</a> </b><i>(take advantage of free shipping to Canada and the continental USA!)</i> there are many fun holiday hoodies to get you in the mood + plus I'm positive you'll be able to check some gifts off your list!</p><p>Share the love,</p><p>M.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aokXJ7cvKwBj0pitUTSYMfqkfOSYj6vBwVSdq2oIl3B_9GgyAUcox6e6WQgDgLqJ4NK9WNFaHq9-LUyCFlqL9UNteUdBzSMIFhP6E_Doo6wUatdbMpIXp4Y_CIcO_N1BnTFrRmfL3Ew/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Just Breathe 1920x1080" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aokXJ7cvKwBj0pitUTSYMfqkfOSYj6vBwVSdq2oIl3B_9GgyAUcox6e6WQgDgLqJ4NK9WNFaHq9-LUyCFlqL9UNteUdBzSMIFhP6E_Doo6wUatdbMpIXp4Y_CIcO_N1BnTFrRmfL3Ew/w400-h225/2021MDBN-+Just+Breathe-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35149a_928680804aa242a59f62974889db014e~mv2.jpg" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ^</a> FULL SIZE</span></b><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6llXz6O3VdZviNUdqlM-CIPj0mlPwODGkXD9p9LXrxQy41v3_KCEXMp3tuf15ggWXR59HMLwsFqlPXMDCVXeVMYCFwfg8iWgqht3TIkVkUoRkhpd2bIqUW-TOr_v37G1etyzdxSy8cfw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Just Breathe 2 1920x1080 dpi" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6llXz6O3VdZviNUdqlM-CIPj0mlPwODGkXD9p9LXrxQy41v3_KCEXMp3tuf15ggWXR59HMLwsFqlPXMDCVXeVMYCFwfg8iWgqht3TIkVkUoRkhpd2bIqUW-TOr_v37G1etyzdxSy8cfw/w400-h225/2021MDBN-+Just+Breathe-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35149a_57a2b975e4904bd3bf8d7424ee4947c2~mv2.jpg" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ^</a> FULL SIZE</span></b><br /><br /><p></p></div>Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-42266331397313845462021-10-04T14:45:00.008-04:002021-10-04T14:48:36.848-04:00Grateful for Changes, and for things that stay the same...<p>Well, it has been a minute, I hope you are doing well in these very weird and uncertain times. Covid has taken its toll on all of us and we are just plain tired. Tired of rules, tired of people getting sick and dying, tired of constantly washing our hands (honestly I've never been so clean in my life- sorry to everyone I ever shook hands with before our world was thrown into a global pandemic). </p><p>With all of those regulations, and forced staying home, I'm happy to say the first year I made the most of it and gained 30 lbs... ha! I know, I ate, I drank, I felt sorry for myself, and for everyone else- it. was. weird.</p><p>The second year, I decided I was going to do it differently, so I've lost 76 pounds (including the 30 I gained in 2020), I've revamped my business, I've opened an online shop, which I am so proud of, and I am trying to figure out my life as a blogger. I know I know, I have made promises that I could not keep, I promised I'd be here more, and I was not, I promised I'd do better, and I did not. I'm sorry. I'm human, and if you've been reading along for the past 7 years of my blog posts, you would know I can only white knuckle so much at a time.</p><p>But all of that to say, things will be moving and shaking up here, I am not sure where this blog is headed, I know it's full of my heart and soul. It has and is a bright spot in my life, it was my road to healing. The words I shared with you, the stories you shared with me, the people I connected with... the worlds that collided on a little platform called blogger... You are all part of me. And for that, I am so incredibly grateful.</p><p>So while I am transitioning onto new things, and holding this blog dear, I would love for you to journey with me... I don't know where I am going, but you are more than welcome to come along. We'll get there together, and together we will know when we have arrived. The ebb and flow of life, if we pay attention to it, really does allow us to grow and change in the most beautiful ways... 2021 is a year of transition for me, in so many ways... and 2022 holds new and exciting things for all of us.</p><p>Hope is on the horizon, fix your eyes on those positive things, hold tight to your dreams, and let's move forward...</p><p>Here's to new beginnings, new challenges, and new projects!</p><p>Come check out my new website and shop- As you know this blog has and will continue to support Edrisa our little guy in Uganda... My website and shop will also go towards supporting Edrisa- I can't wait for you to see all of the awesome things I've been working my tail off to create!</p><p>Just a friendly public service announcement Christmas is December 25th ;) and I think you just might be able to find that perfect gift in my shop... head over and check it out!</p><p>Use this coupon code to get 10% off any product in my shop: <b><u>BLOG10!</u> </b>(valid until Oct.31, 2021)</p><p>Share the love,</p><p>M.</p><p>In light of Canadian Thanksgiving coming faster than I'd like to admit... I think you might love <b><u><a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/08/live-gratitude.html" target="_blank">this print.</a></u></b>.. check it out.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-61909335012948324872021-03-23T10:29:00.003-04:002021-03-23T10:29:15.964-04:00Scared to Death, and Saddling up Anyway.<p> Do you get a word for the year? Something that defines your year, keeps you on track and motivates you?</p><p>I do. This year my word is "Yes!". I can tell you- I say it with less excitement than I just wrote it- Ha! and right off the bat, IT freaks me out. Why? Because my favourite response is "we'll see" with hopes that whatever was requested - just fizzles out. But not this year- this year I am saying yes to projects and activities that scare me. </p><p>Last weekend I was asked to speak at a publishers conference, talking about Inspiring the book within. How exciting, and omgggggg freak me out scary! I am not a public speaker, although I can do it, I do however often let my nerves get the best of me. But guess what, I did it! I survived, and I participated in the entire conferences instead of ducking in and out for my session. We live in a world where connections are not happening as easily as they once did, I am a very relational person, I love people, and I had the best time getting to know new people. How exciting! (I wasn't going to stay for all of the sessions, because I was scared that I was going to get more nervous, knowing what they talked about, and what if I am not as good as they are, and what if... what if.... what... ) </p><p>Ha! Guess what my talk was on- <b>Creativity: <i>Consistency</i> </b>(the more you do), <b><i>Collaboration</i> </b>(don't compare, collaborate), <i><b>Courage</b></i> (it takes COURAGE to show up, to share- to give, to show your work)</p><p>I got convicted by my own talk last Wednesday when I was refining my talk- and I had to take my own advise and show up, and be there, and listen and learn, and not compare, but instead collaborate with the other speakers in bringing a conference filled with inspiration and encouragement to move people to the next step of their writing process... </p><p>Guess what, we are all created with different gifts, to be used different ways, even if it looks like someone has already done what you desire to do, do it anyway- yours will be different ( I am not talking bout copying other's work- do your own) if you have a desire to create something, create it, don't look around at what other's are doing, just do you! </p><p>All of this to encourage you to do the hard things, do the thing that scares you- I've talked about this before often it only takes 10 seconds of courage to ask for what you need, to press send, to start a new project and to do something new... 10 seconds of courage. I'm here to encourage you to embrace the 10 seconds of courage, and just do it.</p><p><br /></p><p>Whatever it is you are working on, share it, show it, be proud of it! You are doing awesome! </p><p>Here are a couple of cute prints from my talk last this past weekend!</p><p>Share the love,</p><p>M.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjU0nk-gllTtwagd4su-CmC1QtCUMIB9Of-w3x5xmbKHL2ZqdfHQuGuOd3wGKaybxs3V5Fs1AhwJwpsLha7hkMPJP7PqUnbarKPMffGECyrxz155TFv_tlH_zSwRIMecWP6LwIDZRZJo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjU0nk-gllTtwagd4su-CmC1QtCUMIB9Of-w3x5xmbKHL2ZqdfHQuGuOd3wGKaybxs3V5Fs1AhwJwpsLha7hkMPJP7PqUnbarKPMffGECyrxz155TFv_tlH_zSwRIMecWP6LwIDZRZJo/w496-h640/2021-MDBN-CREATIVITY+TALK-+PRINTS_COURAGE+1.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKstZDHPiwcX5N9CZgN8Zufdz9mzcap-Oh0H7iwKnnXaGC68-ZfG29gr-Hm8rZrv2pMu3rqRDoSVkA-ZFJOou6BJ5jr2zZoE2kpT1dhJCjNcLyr0g9tXZwNAj5G9qYQXZOa0ZF9fOTbZ0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKstZDHPiwcX5N9CZgN8Zufdz9mzcap-Oh0H7iwKnnXaGC68-ZfG29gr-Hm8rZrv2pMu3rqRDoSVkA-ZFJOou6BJ5jr2zZoE2kpT1dhJCjNcLyr0g9tXZwNAj5G9qYQXZOa0ZF9fOTbZ0/w496-h640/2021-MDBN-CREATIVITY+TALK-+PRINTS_CREATIVITY+IS.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtSZXiOVz4XE231KIPu_UiWP9Tf-CupKmp-HffAINS7MgB99q4biQzQEXYC99mAUPY3Sda02eXPsMSQlr9ZluxpD4jYJpmA49VPyuVZ6zDVakWo-MlfhJfbDfGcBKVngY89Ackkjjakc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtSZXiOVz4XE231KIPu_UiWP9Tf-CupKmp-HffAINS7MgB99q4biQzQEXYC99mAUPY3Sda02eXPsMSQlr9ZluxpD4jYJpmA49VPyuVZ6zDVakWo-MlfhJfbDfGcBKVngY89Ackkjjakc/w496-h640/2021-MDBN-CREATIVITY+TALK-+PRINTS_JOHN+WAYNE+1.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1VEI8WaHm0peudQninfReSH3PqJliELBHMXbB24qKqTf_6jXkFV4mXhVic0beWOOOGhL39RP0lX2g-bkWIOaJsEPKaXIimvEbJanlU6B35ccNPlGeZ3-ikYGF6U4cXd-UgpeaYJNpso/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1VEI8WaHm0peudQninfReSH3PqJliELBHMXbB24qKqTf_6jXkFV4mXhVic0beWOOOGhL39RP0lX2g-bkWIOaJsEPKaXIimvEbJanlU6B35ccNPlGeZ3-ikYGF6U4cXd-UgpeaYJNpso/w496-h640/2021-MDBN-CREATIVITY+TALK-+PRINTS_LITTLE+BY+LITTLE.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz00f79WRpJtmQunSZsWPWLyOpsZAycX8-8Gk5AU_se2quu-qyZXsW1Xc-fSPbf3pMNOK_FuUouu-xnCkfNKRGjiuZ3FG95ec33U3vZNjXPvGTFhcL5zbBUWaW36ILZupg4RARUUFTNg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz00f79WRpJtmQunSZsWPWLyOpsZAycX8-8Gk5AU_se2quu-qyZXsW1Xc-fSPbf3pMNOK_FuUouu-xnCkfNKRGjiuZ3FG95ec33U3vZNjXPvGTFhcL5zbBUWaW36ILZupg4RARUUFTNg/w496-h640/2021-MDBN-CREATIVITY+TALK-+PRINTS_ROMANS+12-6.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-62226735440457731532021-02-03T09:38:00.005-05:002021-02-03T09:41:04.775-05:00MIA to say the least. <p>I have been MIA to say the least- I mean I am not missing in action per se, I am literally sitting in my house, if you need me you can find me! yet I am feeling very lost. </p><p>I guess I haven't been here for about 8 months, which really sucks, and I am positive that my previous post said that I would be trying to be more present. I guess I lied. I haven't tried, I haven't even thought about it. That kind of makes me feel terrible, but in reality- this is a weird time, and people are all reacting differently. </p><p>Let's be perfectly honest, it's not like I was blogging much before Covid, so I can't really blame it on that- I can only blame it on myself, and choices that I have made.</p><p><i>Should I even say that I am going to try harder,? You know when you have a friend that has, let's say a nail shop. You love them dearly, and every time you see them you tell them "oh yes, I need to make an appointment, I need to drop in and get my nails done!" Yet you haven't, and you probably won't. Of course you say it with the best of intentions, but you know that you don't get your nails done, so you won't be going- Yet you still say this every time you see them. Stop it. - I had to, and I had to apologize to my friend for basically lying to her. </i></p><p>So I guess my answer is- I'm not going to tell you I am going to try harder,<i> because I am not sure I will. </i></p><p><br /></p><p>BUT IN HAPPY NEWS! </p><p>I have been working on other things, I have been following my dream of being a picture book maker.</p><p>In the past 3 year, I have illustrated 7 picture books- 2 of which I also wrote. I am so focused and thoroughly enjoying using my gifts, and my education to create content in a world that will I believe never give up on books, because books are magic.</p><p>I am so excited to be on this journey, I get to work with other people, and help them realize their dreams, it makes my heart sing!</p><p>So amidst all of this crazy cover chaos, I hope you are following your dreams, I hope you are working towards your goals- Even if your goal is merely to survive this, get up in the morning, and survive the day. I mean- I'm having to give myself stickers in my agenda on the days I shower, and the days I go out for a walk. Fingers crossed today is a gold star day- Ps. if you think gold stars are not a motivator for adults, try giving yourself some when you do something you are proud of- you'll see!</p><p>I'm going to share a link with you where you can download 3 free prints- Strong, Brave and FEARLESS... these are children's prints from my latest book! </p><p><a href="https://www.melissabakernguyen.ca/prints.html">https://www.melissabakernguyen.ca/prints.html</a></p><p>There are colouring pages, printable, activities for the kiddos, and great stuff there.</p><p>And for those of you who need a little downtime and self care, here is a colouring page for you :) </p><p><br /></p><p>Share the love,</p><p>M.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMe_W-NjXKaXYLTbpGaHf19rPDidJa6vXKh5HUTTt9CnikWhiC-Puc49P66lhJvn3dNRzm8M9BL9OdjLhBkptzaP5a3yEuYIMSt5q5-4mdrM_nLwkQ0VeAJE45qXT-06tbnagEIiyS9o/s2048/2021-Colouring+pages_www.melissabakernguyen.ca+1+copy+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Colouring page www.melissabakernguyen.ca" border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="2048" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMe_W-NjXKaXYLTbpGaHf19rPDidJa6vXKh5HUTTt9CnikWhiC-Puc49P66lhJvn3dNRzm8M9BL9OdjLhBkptzaP5a3yEuYIMSt5q5-4mdrM_nLwkQ0VeAJE45qXT-06tbnagEIiyS9o/w640-h498/2021-Colouring+pages_www.melissabakernguyen.ca+1+copy+2.jpg" title="Colouring Page, Reader and Daydreamer" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reader and Day Dreamer ©LostBumblebee | www.lostbumblebee.com | Free Printable | Personal Use only</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-8870520885404775482020-03-05T08:24:00.002-05:002021-10-04T14:47:17.334-04:00Home Sweet Home.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0nig-k8fCfds6INI8bGT8ULfLgGXTonjYw0AwzY6ouxyfqwqAIkyevXU3HjQ5Q3E4X4OeX_qa-OH0eyS2Z5j2jmstdYomV73qinwwSqKVCAobLW3PuE768A6133hPBSAkuPhx-gJn4k/s1600/IMG_7634.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0nig-k8fCfds6INI8bGT8ULfLgGXTonjYw0AwzY6ouxyfqwqAIkyevXU3HjQ5Q3E4X4OeX_qa-OH0eyS2Z5j2jmstdYomV73qinwwSqKVCAobLW3PuE768A6133hPBSAkuPhx-gJn4k/s640/IMG_7634.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edrisa and I <3 our little frowny boy is growing up and look at that smile <3 This is the little guy that we support, if we could we would double, triple, quadruple that support and send as much as possible to this baby home. I cannot stress how these lives are being changed because of your generosity when you donate to download, and because of Momma Fay and her dedication to these children. </td></tr>
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Home Sweet home, I don't know if I promised I'd blog or not on our recent trip to visit Edrisa and the baby home... either way, I did not. I was too busy painting, playing, chatting, living. What an awesome experience to revisit the children and just love on them. Here are some updated photos of our boy, Edrisa, and his brother's and sisters at the baby home... not too many are babies anymore.<br />
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Momma Fay is raising up the next generation, and let me tell you- I only know I am getting older because these kids are getting older... surreal. I get how a parent keeps track of time- because with no kids, me and the hubby are still 23 and 27 forever <3<br />
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While we were there my Mom and I painted decorations for the new baby home, taught in the classroom, loved on the kids, painting with the children, did activities with the kids after school, and just loved on them and enjoyed them. What an experience to share with my mom.<br />
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I got just about enough hugs to hold me over until next time... which is going to be in the near future. Last time it took 5 years to return, this time I am hoping and praying it will take way less. Planning for our future trip back is something I've already started!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edrisa and I</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhgx_psA9Hv9k5AU_FKZttEMr4KSYetG-jj4Jo98dW7Y3fpm5_AoIWXW1kphexr4HdQ1ufl151Nuto-W6gagEOKdrs3m4bKq9IMRBOTyKJ5GnXCYP28ukQqsYNp5zcXRHleiojBtLTVY/s1600/IMG_7668.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhgx_psA9Hv9k5AU_FKZttEMr4KSYetG-jj4Jo98dW7Y3fpm5_AoIWXW1kphexr4HdQ1ufl151Nuto-W6gagEOKdrs3m4bKq9IMRBOTyKJ5GnXCYP28ukQqsYNp5zcXRHleiojBtLTVY/s320/IMG_7668.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edrisa and his Fanta</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids are Kids no matter where </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMXvz7XsHOBKCqnSPdrKI5N2NaWLjjj78xtdw4vG9Vm7-szGSVu-yOShp-SAdWyO38b897PJfBr39nLAl7hUGxYrifeq7yfiP7fKCIHhpQix9zdnH3Um1-WR324B7D1CZ5s8xKzWciwU/s1600/IMG_4042.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMXvz7XsHOBKCqnSPdrKI5N2NaWLjjj78xtdw4vG9Vm7-szGSVu-yOShp-SAdWyO38b897PJfBr39nLAl7hUGxYrifeq7yfiP7fKCIHhpQix9zdnH3Um1-WR324B7D1CZ5s8xKzWciwU/s320/IMG_4042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />We painted their personal boxes, <br />so they would have a save place to keep their treasure. <br />Each older child has 2 or 3 littles that they will share their box with. These children understand the importance of sharing, and caring for other. It blesses my heart to see the generosity of children who do not have everything, yet willing to give so much.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNBn9wNY_1mRf1TIOkm87SLexAYgsJ3UZeRQ_37IeKen4Bqf8RjrrzofD8__l0duh5x2pNcOYdVJErd2Bqmiy1boU5KHXu2kUwi9Zs0DGChDGBWjFePiS-OSKL-K4X9UqxYmrFnN5bNU/s1600/IMG_4399.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNBn9wNY_1mRf1TIOkm87SLexAYgsJ3UZeRQ_37IeKen4Bqf8RjrrzofD8__l0duh5x2pNcOYdVJErd2Bqmiy1boU5KHXu2kUwi9Zs0DGChDGBWjFePiS-OSKL-K4X9UqxYmrFnN5bNU/s320/IMG_4399.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my mom doing what she does best, teaching and loving on children and other teachers.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu0i-Ke1No1DvANFDj0ocgoyt-mnv-b_ar7ZJghLJjsZxPFQDTMSn-Nm8-BGun45olvCqhrNyhyphenhyphen-pkhtA_O7sCYk_ETAskEDBOBYIOnqNkO6iOcQNpz-1vzJK1qSlAmXQZInw6m7DuaM/s1600/IMG_4405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu0i-Ke1No1DvANFDj0ocgoyt-mnv-b_ar7ZJghLJjsZxPFQDTMSn-Nm8-BGun45olvCqhrNyhyphenhyphen-pkhtA_O7sCYk_ETAskEDBOBYIOnqNkO6iOcQNpz-1vzJK1qSlAmXQZInw6m7DuaM/s320/IMG_4405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5BckteaxTADK9ULIpt7uDYwUP3kdnQ-EFu_NnXtq3Bh72PeyEKJL832ghzPyTXMvqntp98_sc6hTfl9WYkoe1XRv_Zm2Ch1YXJWVq9crLk4g6I1z5FXdo3dCnC-bKAka82tQutbSrqg/s1600/IMG_4409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5BckteaxTADK9ULIpt7uDYwUP3kdnQ-EFu_NnXtq3Bh72PeyEKJL832ghzPyTXMvqntp98_sc6hTfl9WYkoe1XRv_Zm2Ch1YXJWVq9crLk4g6I1z5FXdo3dCnC-bKAka82tQutbSrqg/s320/IMG_4409.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPxaiuAXIR9tZIRgStt-7M_t9zDHSapcsrDaE3uLw9c8PowdJPHlH0Eyb3XxuOVnuaiXMuQuG4fTRUQDRmEzSQaoCj4dOfktQLynbN3T6SJasplJ2yiTDHBQDOJMeCA7Uz_L6rpUCIeI/s1600/IMG_4760.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPxaiuAXIR9tZIRgStt-7M_t9zDHSapcsrDaE3uLw9c8PowdJPHlH0Eyb3XxuOVnuaiXMuQuG4fTRUQDRmEzSQaoCj4dOfktQLynbN3T6SJasplJ2yiTDHBQDOJMeCA7Uz_L6rpUCIeI/s320/IMG_4760.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we took a day of rest and visited Lake Mburo National Park </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzfG_3s8RvIDYXRt26rG5V0KaFnggO7lk6Ewd5QNJ7_AcxHg1A1SxD3YpEwXht6_FCpxT36pwnwf8z1KWJp-clF1aDF9bLtOitVROMpLyyaOJRwJb5dZKa9VnZ-KaWVpWMqMuCLU6bZU/s1600/IMG_4773.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzfG_3s8RvIDYXRt26rG5V0KaFnggO7lk6Ewd5QNJ7_AcxHg1A1SxD3YpEwXht6_FCpxT36pwnwf8z1KWJp-clF1aDF9bLtOitVROMpLyyaOJRwJb5dZKa9VnZ-KaWVpWMqMuCLU6bZU/s320/IMG_4773.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">check out those horns. Check out the heart on her head, check out the baby checking us out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaj6oAsDSEnNHukU-DR3dUMG_ESeQ4-DbSTdqxU3B9LVyDgYKi1D9hvNlHnIclP23hxYkPW39JOPbeKEY2dwuMrOX-0j2WKxfmZMT6anATfHLEMGGZHO4XhIJ6_VCh8HWIKgi1KsmNZo/s1600/IMG_4952.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaj6oAsDSEnNHukU-DR3dUMG_ESeQ4-DbSTdqxU3B9LVyDgYKi1D9hvNlHnIclP23hxYkPW39JOPbeKEY2dwuMrOX-0j2WKxfmZMT6anATfHLEMGGZHO4XhIJ6_VCh8HWIKgi1KsmNZo/s320/IMG_4952.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to paint decorations for the new baby home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1Vvvs_Tg9VacRC8BPyUhqrWlfOV97ZUwxdonv4DUn_xfv5CqsYqOwjbJobFLk6HInjOgNgk4SYG10P-cKnjyRh5RjVdr7lp8L0FH_3rVkxtMPo5CmSMHVXxeweo0boN46D9ETxnY0DM/s1600/IMG_5002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1Vvvs_Tg9VacRC8BPyUhqrWlfOV97ZUwxdonv4DUn_xfv5CqsYqOwjbJobFLk6HInjOgNgk4SYG10P-cKnjyRh5RjVdr7lp8L0FH_3rVkxtMPo5CmSMHVXxeweo0boN46D9ETxnY0DM/s320/IMG_5002.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my mom might have fallen in love</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJErCGr-KvNiEw1erbigsME21VMwKZy9NKBA2pDsOVnGX9j0NEqW6-G0dK4W7zlcQ3lBIm-QUilBccZQsqGYCg38otu-48t0cRLotAyNo0vk4OHy-SAekwCY0B4H8_7lCjuqLWc6S0AY/s1600/IMG_5018.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJErCGr-KvNiEw1erbigsME21VMwKZy9NKBA2pDsOVnGX9j0NEqW6-G0dK4W7zlcQ3lBIm-QUilBccZQsqGYCg38otu-48t0cRLotAyNo0vk4OHy-SAekwCY0B4H8_7lCjuqLWc6S0AY/s320/IMG_5018.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">children ARE a gift from God.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlfYYriDpMqpWcOzD_WGNW86Sb2S1kP9vwgcoBwpnS1wyWgCyQF-U9lgXghZJfd5noBVT3kVH79jf1YTgpGEH7BqDOiuChe7eHNFysmfilqvsZ7hRt8uUL3frKsC51Vgb3bXVOoVhh8U/s1600/IMG_5025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlfYYriDpMqpWcOzD_WGNW86Sb2S1kP9vwgcoBwpnS1wyWgCyQF-U9lgXghZJfd5noBVT3kVH79jf1YTgpGEH7BqDOiuChe7eHNFysmfilqvsZ7hRt8uUL3frKsC51Vgb3bXVOoVhh8U/s320/IMG_5025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_Y8Ra9ww-BSnMg83u8ItR4W2WzMixFk7imCEG3Cd9_VCcYCLp20kzcggtVU9i3uZ0nfqRC8UPoHehmgqlSxVuwS7LCwGFJsNE-rPvqyVCM3Jz3faQcw3wCt2ZxSDjFUvvQUQg0imdpQ/s1600/IMG_5031.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_Y8Ra9ww-BSnMg83u8ItR4W2WzMixFk7imCEG3Cd9_VCcYCLp20kzcggtVU9i3uZ0nfqRC8UPoHehmgqlSxVuwS7LCwGFJsNE-rPvqyVCM3Jz3faQcw3wCt2ZxSDjFUvvQUQg0imdpQ/s320/IMG_5031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodby is NEVER easy</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMMJS9jo5X8kwJXxgStokRDg43sKRWpg9xtUtxJoutno814yFiDWKeFdIdo5F5QDaoFnuknHRW949qMm_Z-Oy9RcdYKI-JsEOGK3KTuQNjmDLdgdRuJabCoQWWlcjF84ITu0-LPawGZI/s1600/IMG_5033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMMJS9jo5X8kwJXxgStokRDg43sKRWpg9xtUtxJoutno814yFiDWKeFdIdo5F5QDaoFnuknHRW949qMm_Z-Oy9RcdYKI-JsEOGK3KTuQNjmDLdgdRuJabCoQWWlcjF84ITu0-LPawGZI/s320/IMG_5033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIP8NIwPmtUP6pL7nikRV5Q6XT2y9lZWAB4pgUxTX37_9XtE-DbgeJ7AyHgR3vXAxON0-KEJfFRoOspJZsuXsfGxfQjVW1rl8d7WP4m9AbN1a_Jz6ES1lGwLxVxaGeJxXvi9bkXzoEGA/s1600/IMG_5113.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="490" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIP8NIwPmtUP6pL7nikRV5Q6XT2y9lZWAB4pgUxTX37_9XtE-DbgeJ7AyHgR3vXAxON0-KEJfFRoOspJZsuXsfGxfQjVW1rl8d7WP4m9AbN1a_Jz6ES1lGwLxVxaGeJxXvi9bkXzoEGA/s320/IMG_5113.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone was reading her new book.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDARNauJzh8uUbDNFvWUR41OSa17yYtZiIayworbxvRalYiImUUBdbJyq9YXG_1vVP5wwPVICSYNXkpUGGmFJ_0bStYuhDIo7AGWEJ7SpgknMdNwUNxNwCCeY_mAGMK6xGRNknWiri6g/s1600/IMG_5117.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1008" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDARNauJzh8uUbDNFvWUR41OSa17yYtZiIayworbxvRalYiImUUBdbJyq9YXG_1vVP5wwPVICSYNXkpUGGmFJ_0bStYuhDIo7AGWEJ7SpgknMdNwUNxNwCCeY_mAGMK6xGRNknWiri6g/s320/IMG_5117.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new pillow cases sewn and donated by Gigi <3 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XUIUStM7ZWbmsWruJdLV3eS6YWO-YDm4qWCqu6FEK2dYrtXTz2rw-cVbkfI6H3nbnc7IlRlQ2_O6bsXcz7gGdr7jxN24fjL0mdr_Zw8CK7Mr-lDmt-RUPAlNgsg106zroCiMERGZ78I/s1600/IMG_7108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XUIUStM7ZWbmsWruJdLV3eS6YWO-YDm4qWCqu6FEK2dYrtXTz2rw-cVbkfI6H3nbnc7IlRlQ2_O6bsXcz7gGdr7jxN24fjL0mdr_Zw8CK7Mr-lDmt-RUPAlNgsg106zroCiMERGZ78I/s320/IMG_7108.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in all my glory, overalls, plaid shirt, paint up to my elbows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdwJM1NDOX_wQJ9D__EIz8ebxtrCt1MVn73NQxUfisB1OjfJm5KnQsa-J9zPyxwWDUemKlkGDv2d-yEp1FHImTR-95IIl3TUOTrFqZjdEAxa-GEO3EXnxGObeV264pJHoxt3GGQ6NHYc/s1600/IMG_7365.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdwJM1NDOX_wQJ9D__EIz8ebxtrCt1MVn73NQxUfisB1OjfJm5KnQsa-J9zPyxwWDUemKlkGDv2d-yEp1FHImTR-95IIl3TUOTrFqZjdEAxa-GEO3EXnxGObeV264pJHoxt3GGQ6NHYc/s320/IMG_7365.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">painting.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0xnUY5mtFA06XWTovCbcz39pg7LW015rrG_iMGBfh4PNMGCU8VykUZvBHA9sC5PEP_lxDzMh2cDtjfbk36cUeesrCW689f47-RlGt4esK81JG7XC7SVmraTIBkyVU-kZ6HqNFwW06kc/s1600/IMG_7656.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0xnUY5mtFA06XWTovCbcz39pg7LW015rrG_iMGBfh4PNMGCU8VykUZvBHA9sC5PEP_lxDzMh2cDtjfbk36cUeesrCW689f47-RlGt4esK81JG7XC7SVmraTIBkyVU-kZ6HqNFwW06kc/s320/IMG_7656.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after church on Sunday we all piled into 1 vehicle and went for sodas- yes 1 vehicle, you count :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAtA6O62yLWtQtTWKPuN0uHrsI-58VH_Ad_vpISYBM-5iq-Xufe5IiGNKJxB1x9Uyp784sGNfEpYTXUSmX7RNlcQtEyuGJU0D94HytAlDAVlPz1AS50WrSAKiRnA29-a_TZg8i7mhHJY/s1600/IMG_7667.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAtA6O62yLWtQtTWKPuN0uHrsI-58VH_Ad_vpISYBM-5iq-Xufe5IiGNKJxB1x9Uyp784sGNfEpYTXUSmX7RNlcQtEyuGJU0D94HytAlDAVlPz1AS50WrSAKiRnA29-a_TZg8i7mhHJY/s320/IMG_7667.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone loves a Stoney <3 a Strong Ginger soda.- so good.</td></tr>
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If you would like to donate to this baby home, you can do so through our blog, Donate button or you can visit <b><a href="http://www.toafricawithlove.org/">www.toafricawithlove.org</a> </b>and choose to donate monthly, or even a days worth of milk for the kids. You will be surprised at how far a "dinner out" will go when changing these lives. It costs about 130$ a month for each child- that might be a little steep for your budget, and I get that, but you can choose a smaller amount to donate, and working together we can achieve our goal of fully supporting Edrisa, and ultimate every child in this home.<br />
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I am so grateful that we had this opportunity to visit and serve in anyway we could... I cannot wait to return- more painting is on the agenda- the walls will be plastered soon, and they will need huge colourful murals- I'm starting to plan that trip already!<br />
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I hope you know how much I appreciate all of you who donate to download, and those who give to help support Edrisa, and his brother's and sisters...<br />
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Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-41567001738875226672020-01-20T13:43:00.001-05:002020-01-20T13:43:26.761-05:002 Weeks Out.We are two weeks out from packing up and heading back to Uganda. This time I am travelling with my Mom. What an awesome experience, I cannot wait.<br />
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Guess what, we will be going back to see Edrisa, the little guy that OUR blog supports. Every time you donate a 'dollar to download', it goes in the Edrisa account, and that money goes to making sure he has things he needs. It's an honour to get to facilitate our giving to this little guy.<br />
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He was about two and a half when I got to meet his little frowny face and I basically fell in love. That was 5 years ago, how am I ever going to survive his little 7 year old face? I am not sure I am prepared for this, but then again, can we ever truly be prepared for something like this?<br />
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I will be updating on my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/LostBumblebee" target="_blank">instagram account</a>, if you'd like to follow along, my hubby has warned me I need to be updating regularly because he is not going with me this time, and he wants to make sure all is well. If you already follow me on instagram, you'll know I am leaving behind my tiny furry friend and that will be a stretch for me... but I can do it!<br />
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Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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I've included this beautiful quote in honour of Martin Luther King, Jr. on this day of celebrating his life, his teachings, his love, and his radical movement that is still changing the world... we will get there with love.<br />
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In the words of Martin Luther King Jr... as we celebrate him today...<br />
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<i style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">The time is always right to do what is right...</span></b></i></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhan_mWDuh1LfA5zm-rx3suItnJfAwpxugVT083tttGsFWfckNXRJlaA6F0eQzC7wN3pp5JQvYAdZL9inHQV5MQv6cwAh3tjiMn7NVn87vkYMs3lbi3ANtlPEyNem-ubAIisv8OsZcCPPc/s1600/MDBN2020-+MLK_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="©LostBumblebee 2020 MDBN free printable, Martin Luther King Jr. the time is always right to do the right thing, personal use only" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhan_mWDuh1LfA5zm-rx3suItnJfAwpxugVT083tttGsFWfckNXRJlaA6F0eQzC7wN3pp5JQvYAdZL9inHQV5MQv6cwAh3tjiMn7NVn87vkYMs3lbi3ANtlPEyNem-ubAIisv8OsZcCPPc/s640/MDBN2020-+MLK_8x10.jpg" title="©LostBumblebee 2020 MDBN free printable, Martin Luther King Jr. the time is always right to do the right thing, personal use only" width="518" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©LostBumblebee 2020 MDBN free printable<br /> Martin Luther King Jr. <br />Personal Use Only</td></tr>
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Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-24339445869416043242019-12-27T09:08:00.002-05:002019-12-27T09:13:03.805-05:00Um...Ya, Meltdown.I'm not even going to pretend that I didn't have a meltdown this year on Christmas Eve. I did. It was bad. It was a sad moment, when everything poured in and I entertained thoughts of <i>"what if, and if only, and It should be"</i>... Honestly, I know better.<br />
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I know myself, I know that I get caught up in crazy emotional turmoil around the holidays. I know this. I also know I have a plan, I have a <b><a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-merry-christmas-list.html" target="_blank">Merry Christmas List</a>,</b> that I fill out yearly. But did I arm myself this year with the tools I need to not have a meltdown? No. I did not. Did I have a meltdown. Yes BIG time. Who is to blame? Me. Me and only me. I know myself, I have a yearly plan- I didn't follow through I own that. UGh.<br />
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I try to choose gratitude everyday and I manage, honestly, most days... the Holidays are hard. Even though it is my favourite time of the year, I manage to feel empty, lost, frustrated, and hurt. <i>Maybe I ought to change my favourite holiday? </i>But the reality is when I am feeling this way it is because of unfulfilled expectations, <i>and</i> this toxic phrase that plays over in my mind: <i>"It isn't suppose to be this way".</i> For a lot of things...<br />
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My parents aren't suppose to be divorced. Honestly being the adult child of divorced parents is hard yo. Hard.<br />
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We were suppose to have kids. We didn't y'all, It's hard to celebrate Christmas with family and their children. It's a reminder of what we don't have. <i>(BUT -just let me get a grateful moment in here for a second because- seriously- IT IS SO nice to go home, and have a full night sleep, no sugar high kids waking us up at 5 am the next day- so yup, I do see that Silver lining I love so much).</i><br />
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I am not a great gift giver, I never think it's enough, I always go over budget, and I get mad about it, in the aftermath. (GRINCH anyone??)<br />
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But then on Christmas Eve we ordered a pizza and tipped the bill, because I was so grateful that they delivered pizza to a sobbing mess and washed it down with beer. (So NOT a Grinch?)<br />
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I feel pulled in a lot of different directions with feelings, I'm so grateful for the life I have... and I am so ungrateful because around the holidays it isn't what I thought it would be... how is one suppose to deal with this?<br />
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Oh right... I know, my Merry Christmas List... that is how I manage these feelings every year, THAT is how I make sure that the Christmas letdown is not a Missie Meltdown that takes days, weeks to recover from.<br />
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Next year, I am having a Christmas Eve Open house, come on by, have a drink, listen to some Christmas music, have some snacks, chat a little, enjoy putting together a puzzle with us... Just come by and be... be simple, be grateful, be together, just be... and just be ok. It'll be for me- not necessarily for anyone else, it'll be so I can get through without too much time to ponder the "what ifs, the why nots, the why us" moments.<br />
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I was a mess. I'm embarrassed to even say it, but in order to live my authentic life, I feel like I wanted to share it... because if I am feeling this, you might be too... and I want you to know you are not alone, you are not solo in the journey through the jungle of chaos at Christmas. I too am bushwhacking with the best of them... just trying to survive and hold on to some semblance of peace and gratitude.<br />
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I preach love, peace, gratitude... and guess what, most of the time I live it, sometimes I get caught up in that downward spiral... but what I know for sure is this is not permanent, this is only temporary, and in the grand scheme of things... Life is beautiful, hard, and beautiful. So I must continue to think on these things...<br />
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<span class="text Phil-4-8" id="en-CEV-27345" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Philippians 4:8 (CEV)</span></i></div>
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I hope your Christmas was meltdown free... full of joy, and peace, and love, and gratitude, and generosity...<br />
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Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycSn_GlTZkNTA__DSlPIHNlOndlD7z8OhTJzSih4om7oGybOdZh1dZp795ZM7p1XUpDsY3pIW9700crVolkLFcBzs4wwbj6dIThQLQX1PUeYEkMTJ26ZSWuvm77_8FbelCODQjR9zBqM/s1600/MDBN-12-PEACE+LOVE+JOY_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LBG©2019 MDBN- Free Printable, Peace, Love, Joy, Gratitude, LostBumblebee, Lostbumblebee Blog, Free for personal use, Free Printable, Printable, Print, Black and white, Home Decor, Christmas, Truth" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycSn_GlTZkNTA__DSlPIHNlOndlD7z8OhTJzSih4om7oGybOdZh1dZp795ZM7p1XUpDsY3pIW9700crVolkLFcBzs4wwbj6dIThQLQX1PUeYEkMTJ26ZSWuvm77_8FbelCODQjR9zBqM/s640/MDBN-12-PEACE+LOVE+JOY_8x10.jpg" title="LBG©2019 MDBN- Free Printable, Peace, Love, Joy, Gratitude, LostBumblebee, Free for personal Use" width="515" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LBG©2019 MDBN- Free Printable for Personal Use Only<br />
Peace, Love, Joy, Gratitude</td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-89930397255323248042019-12-12T07:57:00.001-05:002019-12-12T07:57:19.110-05:00December 12...12 days until Christmas... are you ready? My mind is ready, but I've literally done nothing, except decorate my house (hashtag winning?!)<br />
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I've got my gift list, my Christmas list, my grocery list... all geared up and ready to go... now I just need to go do it all.<br />
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That is what Friday is for :) I hope - because I need to get it done!<br />
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Incase you are as far behind as I am, and trying to get yourself sorted... here is a simple Merry Christmas Card Printable for you... if you can't send it snail mail... send it via email, along with a little update about what's going on in your lives... people love that stuff :)<br />
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How goes your Christmas Prep?<br />
<br />
M.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL4VpKz7iQfMZtp4hPJR7IXy7KdF2AXD8XawEeqiRnVYdgp3EWHkLbU4ZUrheZWdhtSeQkUYhnXq9wg3EomkiSJxhc0SMpdcWgvKdgh80T3-xZDwd9CGFvXdq2q1RhpcxfLNZ6ZVrYuk/s1600/LBG2015-MerryChristmas2-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Free Printable Christmas Card personal use only" border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL4VpKz7iQfMZtp4hPJR7IXy7KdF2AXD8XawEeqiRnVYdgp3EWHkLbU4ZUrheZWdhtSeQkUYhnXq9wg3EomkiSJxhc0SMpdcWgvKdgh80T3-xZDwd9CGFvXdq2q1RhpcxfLNZ6ZVrYuk/s640/LBG2015-MerryChristmas2-01.jpg" title="LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Free Printable Christmas Card personal use only" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Free Printable Christmas Card personal use only</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxp-H2JecxVLfgbBDYYqLS2Qc-1B1lpGAcNwvli9JkXn8RUfU1nfk0xroodJ6XReoxRnSZqEL7t9KYYgupCAHevCd1TqxRZ_xh8oSWwTADd7OZr5OYZK6Jq9V0BsPK619suOBcfrcTCM/s1600/LBG2015-MerryChristmas2-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Free Printable Christmas Card personal use only" border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxp-H2JecxVLfgbBDYYqLS2Qc-1B1lpGAcNwvli9JkXn8RUfU1nfk0xroodJ6XReoxRnSZqEL7t9KYYgupCAHevCd1TqxRZ_xh8oSWwTADd7OZr5OYZK6Jq9V0BsPK619suOBcfrcTCM/s640/LBG2015-MerryChristmas2-03.jpg" title="LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Free Printable Christmas Card personal use only" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Free Printable Christmas Card personal use only</td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-2858372627039407862019-11-05T10:41:00.000-05:002019-11-05T10:41:05.244-05:00Find Joy.If you are anything like me, you may find yourself dreaming of the way things were 'supposed' to be. <div>
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Let me just put this out there, right up front, things are exactly as they are meant to be. Now, whether or not they are what you expected them to be, is a totally different story. Hopes and dreams are constantly dashed when people, things, events, don't live up to our expectations- but those are our expectations- What if we were willing to accept life as it comes (I'm not talking about being apathetic here) but what if we let people be themselves, events turn out as they may, and learn to live in the ebb and flow of a chaotic world, yet be filled with peace? <div>
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Is this even possible? Can the world be falling apart, <i>rather our expectations of what we think ought to be happening in the world, </i>and can we still live in a peaceful state?</div>
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I'm going to wager a giant YES on that. I'm going to say that in my situation, AND <i>I live in someone else's plan B of my life, </i>I feel a sense of peace. Knowing that it is ok not to know, and not to be in control, and for me to find gratitude in the moment, and joy in the unexpected story I live...I say YES. </div>
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We can live a life that was not our expectation and still be filled with peace, joy, gratitude. </div>
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Now let's talk nitty gritty... because it totally SUCKS when things don't turn out the way you want them too, and when you wake up in a world that is beyond your control and you have to navigate the hurt, the shame, the unbelievable pain... healing doesn't happen over night. You can't will yourself into being filled with joy when you are at the bottom of a pit heaving just to breathe the pain is so thick... no you can't will yourself to be happy... and the "fake it t'ill you make it" just doesn't work... when tears leak out of you, and you seep pain... it is hard. It sucks. I can't tell you it doesn't. </div>
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What I can tell you is that in time, lots and lots of time, things change... you never stop missing what you've lost, you never stop hurting when you think about it, but you can find peace with it, and in finding peace, you can find joy... I know for myself, joy started to seep in when I started focusing on the things in my life I had to be grateful for. Gratitude is a ribbon that runs through my life, it has changed my life, gratitude and time are healers. In time, gratitude breathes joy, and joy in life... creates an underlying bedrock of peace... not that weird <i>happy all the time </i>crap, but that deep seated peace that no matter what the situation, you know, that you know, you will survive... time will help heal, nothing stays the same forever, and you will grateful for the story you are living.</div>
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Everyone of us has a story that is filled with pain, if we were to compare our hurts, we would all one up each other... but what if we stopped comparing, started sharing, and helped other's see light at the end of the tunnel, because one thing I know is, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope in the darkest night, and there is peace to be had... change your focus, be grateful, hold on to your hope, because... Joy is coming... There is Joy in the story you are living...hold on. Just hold on.</div>
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Two printables for you to choose from... take your pick for whichever you need :) </div>
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Share the love,</div>
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M.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span><i><span style="background-color: white;">Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him.</span></i><i><span style="background-color: white;"> Romans 15:13 NLV</span></i></span></blockquote>
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<i>On a technical note, I cannot respond to any comments that you leave... I'm so sorry, it's extremely frustrating, but I am in no way shape or form a techie- so alas it is how it will stay. If you want to reach out and share with me, please use the contact me button on the side of this page, and that will go directly to my blog email, and I will get it and respond. M.</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free Printable, <br /> Free for personal USE ONLY</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free Printable,<br />Free for personal USE ONLY</td></tr>
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Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-20211715944359519872019-10-18T10:36:00.002-04:002019-10-18T10:36:31.256-04:00Creativity, Consistency, and Courage?Another word for creativity is courage... I read that recently on a friends business card, I thought to myself- how have I never seen this before? I fancy myself someone who is pretty observant- however I could possibly oblivious to so many thing around me, and I just have no idea- But I digress.<br />
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I wrote this blog post a long time ago for my hubby's blog, he no longer blogs... But of course I keep my files, because I am a digital hoarder. (Oh my gooooodness! that is a real thing. I know a guy. Seriously- it gives me anxiety just thinking about "owning" that much digital clutter) Again, I digress...<br />
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I wanted to share, because I believe that not only is creativity about consistency, but also about collaboration, and courage. Today I want to encourage you, it takes COURAGE to openly share stuff... to take on a new project you've never done. I'll be starting a new project, and it's going to take great courage on my part to not get myself overwhelmed by how big it actually is- BIG for me might be tiny in your world- but no matter how big or small our work may be, it takes courage to share it, to put ourselves out there and let people decide if they like it or not... that takes courage.<br />
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I take great solace in that old saying "30% will like it, 30% won't like it, 30% won't care..." and that last 10 % I don't know what they are going to do, but either way... does it actually matter?<br />
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Take a read, I'd love to know your thoughts!<br />
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<span class="s1">I’m sure you are looking for a wonderful fairy dust laden image of what creativity is. First let me tell you what it is not. Creativity is not unicorns farting rainbows*, (and thank God, because I haven’t seen one of those in a long time- and nope, I won’t tell you the last time I did see one). It isn’t a high that you go on and come down from. Creativity is synonymous, in my opinion, with consistency. The more you do, <i>(it can be anything, writing, drawing, hand lettering, creating graphics, thinking outside the box, mathematical equations -anything)</i> the more creative you will be. <i>By doing,</i> it’s as if you are winding-up a clock, if you windup a clock, it will tick. It is the same for us as creatives. If you are consistently winding-up your creativity, it will tick, you will tick, and ultimately you will create.</span></blockquote>
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<span class="s1">Personal experience has been a great teacher, it has taught me; the more you share, the more you will have. I love this quote by Anne Frank; “No one has ever become poor by giving.” I believe this relates truly to ideas, creativity, and love. You cannot out give the ever flowing fountain that lives inside of you. You create this fountain by consistently doing. It bubbles up and will run over freely. Give it. </span><br /><span class="s1"></span></blockquote>
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<span class="s1">Creativity lives in a world of collaboration, not competition. Don’t compete with others, collaborate with them. Don’t hide what you are doing, share it. Find someone who you truly admire and ask to work with them on something. It doesn’t have to be a famous person, it can be a friend, colleague, relative, neighbour, even your kid. This collaboration thing, this one, this is hard one. We aren’t taught this in life, we are taught to look out for number one. Collaboration, I have had to learn, and it has been a journey. But now, I try to share everything. Trying to one-up everyone else in the <i>entire</i> world is absolutely exhausting! (<- what a great way to drain creativity). Remember there will always be someone above you, and someone below you. So don’t hate- Collaborate!</span></blockquote>
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<span class="s1">Creativity is stifled while you are waiting for the Unicorn to fart Rainbows, but grows in consistency. Creativity vanishes when you don’t share, but thrives in giving. </span><span class="s1">Creativity cries when you compete, but lives in Collaboration.</span></blockquote>
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<span class="s1"><b>3 Things to Remember:</b></span> </blockquote>
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<b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Creativity lives in Consistency. </b><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Creativity lives in Giving. </b><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Creativity lives in Collaboration. </b></blockquote>
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Today I will include a 4th thing to remember...<br />
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Creativity takes courage.</blockquote>
And you my friend are courageous. I've included a print to help remind us all, <i>especially me,</i> creativity takes courage... be courageous today and CREATE!<br />
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Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWKwzO12lQevlxGnvuhlWYzSWldq8y9qaGMynwx8oZnR3aIsgPs1iVGHuJlsmUHe75GWGflDjLeZleCbT2L3-LlqsFYWax-mJ6YfItKtCheo0nUavMsrk-NQymy1A9d5zvPDMeYNW8bs/s1600/2019-10-CREATIVITY+COURAGE_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Creativity and Courage Free Printable for Personal use Only www.LostBumblebee.net" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWKwzO12lQevlxGnvuhlWYzSWldq8y9qaGMynwx8oZnR3aIsgPs1iVGHuJlsmUHe75GWGflDjLeZleCbT2L3-LlqsFYWax-mJ6YfItKtCheo0nUavMsrk-NQymy1A9d5zvPDMeYNW8bs/s640/2019-10-CREATIVITY+COURAGE_8x10.jpg" title="LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Creativity and Courage Free Printable for Personal use Only www.LostBumblebee.net" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-69225438440385246292019-10-08T08:58:00.001-04:002019-10-08T08:58:23.711-04:00Coffee.I'm just going to leave this here because it speaks for itself. Anyone else feel me?<br />
Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free for personal use only</td></tr>
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Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-31571759352353812282019-09-25T09:11:00.002-04:002019-09-25T09:11:42.641-04:00Missing You.Wow, I miss this place, I miss our coffee and chats, how did it get so far away? I've been rereading some of my previous blog posts, because I am compiling work to get a few greeting cards ready to sell. As I'm going through all of my posts, and seeing comments and interactions, it hit me like a ton of bricks just how much I miss this tiny safe space we created together online.<br />
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All I can say is I'm sorry I stepped away for awhile, I'm sorry I haven't been creating, I'm sorry I forgot how special our space was... I can't say I'll be back every day, but I can say I will make a big effort to be back, more often. Because honestly, I miss you.<br />
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It's so weird, I don't know how you can miss people, you've never met, but I miss you.<br />
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So this is me cheering you with a BIG cup of coffee, putting my big girl pants on, and getting my stuff in order... I will prioritize us again, YOU and ME... we will make beautiful things together. We will create a safe space to vent, be creative, get encouraged, sit with our heartbrokeness, and a place for hearts to mend again... we will be us, and just us, is ok.<br />
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Share the love, encouragement, your stories, and your coffee with me...<br />
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M.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free Printable Personal Use Only<br />Life Happens, Coffee and Friends Help!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTkqCNic_FLdwVOSvctAnZtWmMWZxHsIwJlx-m9ALDScNTx7WwtowgG1bsFJAgqsNo_j6b-vSuxcfmA8qT0UhsYBRiXG0wQuFRFzsOQrHEMFS47xfHvlBgs95FGjcW4qoVm5bhcEloWg/s1600/2019-09-Life+happens+coffee+friends_8x10+BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free Printable Personal Use Only, Life Happens, Coffee and Friends Help Black and White Coffee Print, Printable, Prints, Free" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTkqCNic_FLdwVOSvctAnZtWmMWZxHsIwJlx-m9ALDScNTx7WwtowgG1bsFJAgqsNo_j6b-vSuxcfmA8qT0UhsYBRiXG0wQuFRFzsOQrHEMFS47xfHvlBgs95FGjcW4qoVm5bhcEloWg/s640/2019-09-Life+happens+coffee+friends_8x10+BW.jpg" title="LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free Printable Personal Use Only, Life Happens, Coffee and Friends Help" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
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Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-92229409934386634452019-08-20T08:56:00.001-04:002019-08-20T08:56:36.412-04:00Going Back.Can you actually go back? To a time and place where all seemed well in the world... I don't think so, I think things change. I believe we constantly look back at memories and times gone by, through rose coloured glasses. We choose to forget all of the issues happening at that time and remember only the good things. I don't think that is a bad thing, I just think, being a very nostalgic person, that it can be dangerous for me.<br />
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So today, I'm lonesome for Vietnam and our life there, it seemed simple... but instead of wishing I were there, or longing for those days, I brewed myself a little Vietnamese coffee and I'm enjoying one of the things I loved most while inVietnam- right here and now in my pjs, on our couch, in our new place.<br />
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I drink the same brand of coffee now, as I did in Vietnam. I used to pack Kicking Horse Coffee 454 Horsepower by the kilo, so technically it's exactly the same thing- but I brewed it differently there.<br />
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Here in Canada, I throw it in my coffee maker and let it go, a pout of 6 cups, bubbling away in 5 minutes all 6 cups are ready, and I am ready for it. But there... it was time consuming, brewed one cup at a time, lots of waiting... but oh my goodness it never disappointed. Today I am enjoying the perfect cup of coffee...Brewed like in our Vietnam home.<br />
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So do I think we can go back? no... I think the past is only perfect in our minds. But do I believe we can enjoy the past, think about it, relive happy memories? YES! I am so totally nostalgic for things gone by that when I catch myself longing... I have to remind myself, that <i>here</i> and <i>now</i> is the place to be... the past was awesome, but also gone... the future is bright and beautiful, but this moment, right here, sipping my coffee, is the place to be. So be right here.<br />
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Happy Tuesday!<br />
Be here now.<br />
& Share the love,<br />
<br />
M.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN <br />Be Here NOW! <br />Free for Personal use only. </td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-55323808484623675892019-07-30T08:34:00.000-04:002019-07-30T08:55:44.417-04:00They say that breaking up is hard to doLife is good, change is good, and breaking up is hard to do. Now before we go any further, I am not talking about a relationship breakup with my husband. For him, we are on to 18 years of <i>marital bliss-ters</i> on the 4th of August. I'm definitely not breaking up with him.<br />
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I'm talking about breaking up with things in my life that no longer bring me peace, joy, creativity, hope, and are not pointing me in the direction I want to go.<br />
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I'm talking about the hard conversations with friends that you are in business with, working for, helping out, the "I don't want to do this anymore" conversations, the ones that weigh on your heart and mind, the ones that make it impossible to sleep because anxiety is crushing your chest... the ones you pray will be able to end, but not end a friendship. Those things... yup, the big things.<br />
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I hate to disappoint people, and I am such a cheerleader for my friends and their projects that I often feel like all of a sudden their projects become my projects and now I am running the show. I don't want to do that anymore, I do not want your personal projects to become mine. I have my own.<br />
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But... sometimes it happens... and then my projects get put on the back burner. My second book is just waiting to be illustrated... but I have been spread thin working and helping out others that I haven't even thought about my own project (except to say, now is not the time, I guess... because there is no time).<br />
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Now having said all of that does not mean I am no longer going to help my friends achieve their goals! are you kidding that is one of my greatest joys in life seeing my friends succeed and knowing that I got to help in some teeny tiny way.<br />
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I think I just need to get better at saying no. BIG No. I can say it for so many things, but when you need help, and I have the ability to help, I feel like I need to help. This. is. a. problem. This is my problem.<br />
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My goals are to get back to my creative work, my creative counselling, my blog, and my main goal with all of this is to bring awareness and support to Eagles Wings Children's Village as well as To Africa With Love Baby Home... my heart was left in Africa with these children, my goal is to point people towards getting away from thinking inwardly, and start thinking outward...<br />
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The shift in my mindset when I was working for the children, was incredible, there was a peace knowing I was doing the right thing, that I was working for something greater than coin in the bank, but that I was working so more children could eat, more children could go to school, and in some little way, their successes in life, their ability to live and be loved- I am part of that.<br />
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So I'm back baby. I'm back, I feel a renewed sense of commitment to myself, my creativity, my art, my being, my husband... I was floating in a sea that was 200 miles wide and 1 inch deep for a long time, being spread too thin to even think straight. Well things are changing, and I am so excited to see what God will do with me in these moments of time... where He will take me, take my art, and my heart.<br />
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So, yes, breaking up is hard to do, disappointing people is hard to do, it hurts me, and I hate it, but sometimes you've got to put the breaks on and stop doing everything and anything. You've got to make a commitment to yourself to work on the things important to your heart, because God put them there. Move forward and trust that He has a plan, and walk in that plan. He's got this, I don't need to worry, I just need to move forward...<br />
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Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGeiSVdRARux9RWQefgmSw1U4pCh2-cNJXnyXc74a2LwpOJ832O8hVmDDplOGMERtxTaOxT2kvBfdpGMkn4puJf8l8oqig1s6YPuFcjFGx0aA0MwMlAmNCMdeJQfC1KUWNIWPdB6THng/s1600/2019-07-MDBN-Let+it+Go_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="MDBN©2019 LostBumblebee Let it Go. Free Printable, Personal use only, Home decor, LostBumblebee" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGeiSVdRARux9RWQefgmSw1U4pCh2-cNJXnyXc74a2LwpOJ832O8hVmDDplOGMERtxTaOxT2kvBfdpGMkn4puJf8l8oqig1s6YPuFcjFGx0aA0MwMlAmNCMdeJQfC1KUWNIWPdB6THng/s640/2019-07-MDBN-Let+it+Go_8x10.jpg" title="MDBN©2019 LostBumblebee Let it Go. Free Printable, Personal use only, Home decor, LostBumblebee" width="515" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N©2019 LostBumblebee <br />
Let it Go. Free Printable, Personal use only</td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-7849474758915373252019-06-21T10:10:00.001-04:002019-06-21T10:10:29.161-04:00Life. Is. Good.It's weird how we go through stages... somedays all seems dim, and other days all seems well. I know for a fact that we can change our mindsets to believe what we choose. I really do believe happiness stems from a heart of gratefulness. Imagine if we woke up every day and the first thing we though was how blessed we are to be alive, to have a warm bed, food to eat, clothes to wear, hot water for a shower... a job to go to... perhaps you have children, parents, grandparents who are part of your life. There are a million little things to be grateful for, we just have to remember to speak them. Speak the gratitude, shift the attitude and just wait and see that Life is indeed good.<br />
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Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzBb79qBpp1Wqo1VMAMZN2h1VTHBkcaYwwhxzWqliPOWhAQR5dSpTKcB9echSiUJIjk26d2ehpD6xgyqo2G6VpuotdZJq1JYroXEaNYH0KJsvs5BfFRuWVw2hIe7CvlmaaQpZQ9sPAOU/s1600/2019-06-MDBN-LIFE+IS+GOOD_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Life Is Good. Free printable for personal use only! Positive living, inspirational quotes, Life Good" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzBb79qBpp1Wqo1VMAMZN2h1VTHBkcaYwwhxzWqliPOWhAQR5dSpTKcB9echSiUJIjk26d2ehpD6xgyqo2G6VpuotdZJq1JYroXEaNYH0KJsvs5BfFRuWVw2hIe7CvlmaaQpZQ9sPAOU/s640/2019-06-MDBN-LIFE+IS+GOOD_8x10.jpg" title="LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Life Is Good. Free printable for personal use only! " width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN <br />Life Is Good. <br />Free printable for personal use only! </td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-31379745807415225932019-05-24T11:04:00.002-04:002019-05-24T11:04:38.046-04:00Slacker. Am I really?I really do feel like a slacker, but I am not necessarily slacking. I just feel like everyone else has it all on the ball and I'm just trudging along on my own little path to nowhere.<br />
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I'm turning 41 in 1 week and 1 day. I'm excited for my birthday. 41 doesn't seem daunting, or uninvited, it's just arriving, and I'm good with that. I've been, as I seem to always be, re-evaluating what is important and what has value in my life.<br />
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I think I am a collector of stuff (physical stuff, I mean I have a lot. AND for those of you Mari Kondoing your stuff- understand that I like what I have, it brings me joy, except my hair, I want it gone, because it drives me nuts- but I digress)... rather than a collector of goals. I need some new goals, I feel very much like I NEED to be doing something but I have no idea what that ought to be.<br />
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Yes I have a job at a gift shop, and yes I still do my graphics, and yes I am part owner of a vending machine company... so I have a lot on the go, but I guess nothing is bringing me great joy... accept the idea of going back to Uganda in 2020. That has me excited... but I also know, until I buy my ticket I will not get too serious about it. So until those tickets are bought, and it is set in stone... I feel like I'm floating around doing everyone else's work but my own. Helping other's achieve their goals, when in reality I need some of my own. AND I hope that the people I have been helping to achieve their goals will get on board with me to help me achieve mine.<br />
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What are your goals? Do you constantly re-evaluate and edit? I can't be the only one who feels like they are slacking in their own life, on their own personal goals, can I? How do you stay focused? How do you make sure your goals are so glittery that you just can't help but focus on them?<br />
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Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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On another note, here is a print from Nash and I :) you can find all of our Pup friendly prints at our <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/HavaNashCo" target="_blank">HavaNash + Co Etsy Shop. </a></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqNVRTYIVwqpkHV5ipp_a7nz-rTObXHsUKDg4WfhD9Qka6BoJusavZ5gN1T-oFpbvpXGT84lXhiWOvNlmWtP_AwQOIRaI9XxpEevZ-lfSHCU6_gG6X2RmG-m7GUBO77G0NMDxYHfjSnY/s1600/2019-04-HNCO-_8x10+JUST+BE+THE+PERSON+YOUR+DOG+THINKS+YOU+ARE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2019 © LOSTBUMBLEBEE | MDBN | HAVANASH + CO | Printable Personal Use only " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqNVRTYIVwqpkHV5ipp_a7nz-rTObXHsUKDg4WfhD9Qka6BoJusavZ5gN1T-oFpbvpXGT84lXhiWOvNlmWtP_AwQOIRaI9XxpEevZ-lfSHCU6_gG6X2RmG-m7GUBO77G0NMDxYHfjSnY/s640/2019-04-HNCO-_8x10+JUST+BE+THE+PERSON+YOUR+DOG+THINKS+YOU+ARE.jpg" title="2019 © LOSTBUMBLEBEE MDBN HAVANASH + CO Printable Personal Use only" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2019 © LOSTBUMBLEBEE MDBN HAVANASH + CO Printable<br />Personal Use only. Find more Pup Prints at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/HavaNashCo" target="_blank">HavaNash + Co</a> </td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-3374588797049726272019-04-15T14:33:00.000-04:002019-04-15T14:33:05.195-04:00Take a little less, Give a little more.<br />
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Last night we went to a concert, <b><a href="https://www.timandthegloryboys.com/" target="_blank">Tim and the Glory Boys</a>.</b> They are a little hillbilly, bluegrass, folksy... all of which I love. We had a great time. One of their missions in their concerts is to bring awareness to the plight of the orphan and refugee children, oh my heart. They speak my language.<br />
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My hubby and I have been talking a lot lately about budgets and what we are planning, thinking retirement (we've got 20 years- but no time like the present to plan for a good one). With all of the budgeting talk, and looking over our finances... it's apparent that we've fallen into this consumer world quite quickly. We've only been home from Vietnam for a year, and already we can see just how consumer driven our society is, and sadly, we have fallen into it.<br />
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We are not in debt, (thank goodness for <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/" target="_blank"><b>Dave Ramsey's</b></a> Financial Peace course that changed out lives) but many people are. Although we are not in debt, we have not been budgeting like we used to, not telling our money where to go... instead just watching it fly on our the window.... on stupid stuff like coffee, lunch out, the dog (I spoil him, it's me, not him ;).<br />
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With all of these budgeting, giving, saving, retirement, thoughts at the forefront of our conversations - it's no wonder this lyric struck me to the core... Take a little less, give a little more.<br />
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The Hubby and I are in the talks to planning our next trip back to Uganda to serve... in order for us to do that, we need to Take a little less, and give a little more, in everything.<br />
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This is my motto for the year... This is my heart. Of course I will need constant reminders... no matter how hard we try sometimes, we still forget.<br />
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This print is for me, it's my reminder... but if your heart is to take less, and give more, then this one is for you too!<br />
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Share the love,<br />
<br />
M.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WK8Acksbjog" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52WncFFr_oy6TOt31e_LOYGrCPkynqYK0XgegMx5WV6lDJag0ACYo0mNgFvj6GF-TY4f8Wvy1lhHZEDnVLJkUk3GZhnFTecMfHgvizObVdlh8OltMgeKpwbavUplZwp_0t2lH68l0BEM/s1600/2019MDBN-04Take+little+less%252C+give+a+little+more_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Take a little less, Give a little more | Free Printable personal use only #queenoffreeprintables #lostbumblebee LostBumblebee " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52WncFFr_oy6TOt31e_LOYGrCPkynqYK0XgegMx5WV6lDJag0ACYo0mNgFvj6GF-TY4f8Wvy1lhHZEDnVLJkUk3GZhnFTecMfHgvizObVdlh8OltMgeKpwbavUplZwp_0t2lH68l0BEM/s640/2019MDBN-04Take+little+less%252C+give+a+little+more_8x10.jpg" title="LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Take a little less, Give a little more | Free Printable personal use only" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN <br />Take a little less, Give a little more | Free Printable personal use only</td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-11290652824294528272019-02-28T11:00:00.003-05:002019-02-28T11:00:54.980-05:00Motivation.Is is almost over? winter... maybe, but February is... the sun is shining, and I am going to take my little mutt out for a nice long walk this afternoon. There is nothing like going shack-wacky because you work from home. I look around and there are a million and one things to do and my motivation to do them is zero! <br />
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Let's talk motivation for a moment... where does it come from? where do we get it? how do we get it? and can I get some please? I'm not sure you can summons up motivation, I kind of think it's something that hits, but also maybe motivation is birthed in momentum. Does slowly moving forward keep me moving forward? like a snowball effect... tiny little baby steps? Like the beautiful Tanzanian proverb...<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"little by little, a little becomes a lot."</blockquote>
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Is that how it goes? Is that what becomes motivation, momentum? I'm asking because I don't have the answer, if I had the answer I'd sure as heck share it. We all need it, we all want it, does anyone know where to get it? - asking for a friend. Ya right. I'm asking for me.<br />
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What I do know is that one small step forward, is one small step forward. If we take one small step every day we will actually get somewhere. So here is to one small step forward, and believing the Tanzanian proverb... little by little,<i> (little steps, little bits of vegetables, little bits of writing, little bits of time carved out for self care, little bits of exercise, little bits of courage, tiny steps in the direction you want to go)</i>(a little becomes a lot <i>(even though our steps are small, we will reach our goal).</i><br />
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Share the love, little by little!<br />
M.<br />
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More inspirational quotes:<br />
<a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2018/07/just-brew-you.html" target="_blank">Just Brew You :) </a><br />
<a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/07/thursday.html" target="_blank">Thursday!</a><br />
<a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/02/firework.html" target="_blank">Firework.</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCupYaGrgshAtC8A7Ixo4SdvYNOwBY3-49yloUkQ-wOnpwRumNPRLNA6N5IWNjM3kN3wSKNkUm00CbMtEbV8qAwWyvHiP49Fi_Gc7ZgF8i5Xm26i6fJxC1E6IDMu-hn5eUiCsL8sLoKhI/s1600/2019-02-MDBN-Little+by+little_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee MDBN©2019 Little by Little, Tanzanian Proverb, Free Printable, Home decor, Inspirational Quote, Free for personal use ONLY." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCupYaGrgshAtC8A7Ixo4SdvYNOwBY3-49yloUkQ-wOnpwRumNPRLNA6N5IWNjM3kN3wSKNkUm00CbMtEbV8qAwWyvHiP49Fi_Gc7ZgF8i5Xm26i6fJxC1E6IDMu-hn5eUiCsL8sLoKhI/s640/2019-02-MDBN-Little+by+little_8x10.jpg" title="LostBumblebee MDBN©2019 Little by Little, Tanzanian Proverb, Free Printable, Home decor, Inspirational Quote, Free for personal use ONLY." width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee MDBN©2019 <br />Little by Little, Tanzanian Proverb<br />Free for personal use ONLY.</td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-31028822004409050582019-01-17T09:05:00.000-05:002019-01-17T09:05:13.820-05:00Do over?Let's just say I need a do over. 2019 started way too fast for me... and I can't quite keep up. Not that I am so busy there is so much to do, but just that I am feeling weird, not like myself, and kinda grumpy. Go figure!<br />
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A new year a NEW YOU! nope, new year, same me... Although I have made a conscious decisions to restart today. Yup, on a Thursday, in some obscure week of the year, nothing special about it, just my do over day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGPakniqm1jsFlMXU_2FPP3rION_D-XnZj1GeTev46d95RG2uOgw63SULEMzK6miMRWk5Zxk48x_L_pgPTvRVRukcR4moXO_qj6F6D3WP5FWvCIr6UGfvxvtQfbFOMlFXRBtczjtpbco/s1600/2019-01-Hava_Nash-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Nash Brownstone #hava_nash, havanese, puppy" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGPakniqm1jsFlMXU_2FPP3rION_D-XnZj1GeTev46d95RG2uOgw63SULEMzK6miMRWk5Zxk48x_L_pgPTvRVRukcR4moXO_qj6F6D3WP5FWvCIr6UGfvxvtQfbFOMlFXRBtczjtpbco/s320/2019-01-Hava_Nash-02.jpg" title="LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Nash Brownstone #hava_nash" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2019- Nash Brownstone... Havanese Puppy- <br />Look at that face... don't let it fool you... <br />he's a tiny tyrant at the moment :) </td></tr>
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So, here is to a new year! I'm planning to fill this year with tons of productivity, finish illustrating my second author illustrated book. I cannot wait. I'm hoping to grow our new puppy into a well behaved adult dog- so he can participate in my everyday life at home and abroad. He's 13 weeks people... 13 weeks means he has entered his tweens and is challenging me at every corner... but he's so damned sweet when he wants to be... let's just hope I can convince him he wants to be sweet all of the time. Oh and potty training... it's tough yo! like hard stuff. But he can sit, and lay down, so winning?<br />
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All of this to say today is a new day, I am starting over! Every day, every morning is an opportunity to restart, refresh, reconsider, and re do. We are not locked into our past, we are free to make changes, create new spaces, move away and towards new things, challenges... we are the caretakers of our lives... we have the power to change things...<br />
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What do you need to start over?<br />
Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF5BhoNvWzAqDAnvqjH8ryC2wRiyzzQwm2zoB4c-mEnD8YzKswCnmQndto4MLD7AwaP8d4qmlyKd6bVgl5NEJHLdRUI1Nh8S7U6fyfVcREqrm0kxbAudJXcPJVsZaR-N8_qjxVtyq8YA/s1600/2019-01-Every+Day+New+Day_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Every day is a Fresh START! Free printable, inspirational, encouraging, motivating, home decor, PERSONAL USE ONLY." border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1600" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF5BhoNvWzAqDAnvqjH8ryC2wRiyzzQwm2zoB4c-mEnD8YzKswCnmQndto4MLD7AwaP8d4qmlyKd6bVgl5NEJHLdRUI1Nh8S7U6fyfVcREqrm0kxbAudJXcPJVsZaR-N8_qjxVtyq8YA/s640/2019-01-Every+Day+New+Day_8x10.jpg" title="LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN Every day is a Fresh START! Free printable motivating home decor, PERSONAL USE ONLY." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee©2019 MDBN<br />Every day is a fresh START! Free printable<br /> PERSONAL USE ONLY.</td></tr>
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Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-63663021727216102682018-12-24T10:54:00.002-05:002018-12-24T10:54:40.332-05:00Christmas Eve 2018Well it's Christmas Eve 2018...and I am not feeling christmassy at all... I keep telling myself, write your <a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-merry-christmas-list.html" target="_blank">list</a>, Missie, you know yourself write your <a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-merry-christmas-list.html" target="_blank">list</a>... and yet I am still sitting here not writing my list.<br />
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For those of you who follow along on this blog, you know that yearly I write a <a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-merry-christmas-list.html" target="_blank">list of my expectations </a>of Christmas. I do this because I am, like many of you, extremely nostalgic over the holidays, and when I feel it hasn't met my expectations, there is a big emotional let down, and I feel upset, frustrated, depressed, sorry for myself... and the list goes on.<br />
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So this is a reminder to myself, Missie, <a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-merry-christmas-list.html" target="_blank">WRITE YOUR LIST</a>... trust me, write your list... if you need a gentle reminder to write your list to safe guard your heart, then this note is for you too...<br />
Write your list, trust me... write your <a href="http://lostbumblebee.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-merry-christmas-list.html" target="_blank">list</a>.<br />
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Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
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And also because I love this print, it is available for sale up on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/market/lostbumblebee" target="_blank">etsy</a> shop, but today it's here... just for you :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFR1rmbzrTGkxp94UqE-r9ftCjRWdxifuLqnTeiVbng79Mhq_HPARBgPTQGv_FMSUIOxY9dpkt5FZhWnDJB9r1Y54sa6O1bCjE64W4H7JMHNFzil57udPdiTrlcv60p-N5sQ0PwzPZes/s1600/2018-12-Glory+to+God-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="©LostBumblebee2017 | Free Printable | Christmas | Glory to God | Bible Verse | PERSONAL USE ONLY." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFR1rmbzrTGkxp94UqE-r9ftCjRWdxifuLqnTeiVbng79Mhq_HPARBgPTQGv_FMSUIOxY9dpkt5FZhWnDJB9r1Y54sa6O1bCjE64W4H7JMHNFzil57udPdiTrlcv60p-N5sQ0PwzPZes/s640/2018-12-Glory+to+God-01.jpg" title="©LostBumblebee2017 | Free Printable | Christmas | Glory to God | Bible Verse | PERSONAL USE ONLY." width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©LostBumblebee 2017 | Free printable | Personal Use Only.<br />Glory to God | Luke 2:14</td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285690733162831714.post-38849758322384528432018-09-10T14:06:00.001-04:002018-09-10T14:06:58.804-04:00Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice...Oh it's that time of year again, it's getting chilly, the season is changing, and I am so excited! One of the things I missed most about living in Vietnam was the seasons didn't change- oh yes we got the rainy season and the dry season, but both seasons were hot, hot, hot. In Canada this is the season where there is a chill in the air, everything smells fresh, leaves crunch underfoot, and I am always on the hunt for something warm to drink... It's that time of year sweaters come out, socks go on, and we hunker down for simple, cozy activities... books, puzzles, tea with friends... it doesn't get much better than this...<br />
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And let's not forget... it's pumpkin spice season... pumpkin spice, and everything nice!<br />
What's your favourite season?<br />
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Share the love,<br />
M.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfwSg0rlxP-UMWDh1i-4RAZVOrKgnz-ygfCXg8ZKP5vvbTo_ki70HaY5weZc_TBLL_zXe90Meci8-l2BUdzBEZ1pV92Z5A4ucDfMgmdi-jS_JGiEq9NNnBOUydgP1mqmBCW7_pe4hLfg/s1600/MDBN2018-09-Pumpkin+Spice_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LostBumblebee ©2018 MDBN Pumpkin Spice and everything nice, free printable, fall print, personal use only, coffee, hot drink, cocoa, pumpkin spice" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfwSg0rlxP-UMWDh1i-4RAZVOrKgnz-ygfCXg8ZKP5vvbTo_ki70HaY5weZc_TBLL_zXe90Meci8-l2BUdzBEZ1pV92Z5A4ucDfMgmdi-jS_JGiEq9NNnBOUydgP1mqmBCW7_pe4hLfg/s400/MDBN2018-09-Pumpkin+Spice_8x10.jpg" title="LostBumblebee ©2018 MDBN Pumpkin Spice and everything nice, free printable, fall print, personal use only," width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LostBumblebee ©2018 MDBN <br />Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice<br />free printable,<br />personal use only</td></tr>
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<br />Missiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01556170520246386729noreply@blogger.com0