Grateful for Changes, and for things that stay the same...

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). 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hope is on the horizon, fix your eyes on those positive things, hold tight to your dreams, and let's move forward...

Here's to new beginnings, new challenges, and new projects!

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!

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!

Use this coupon code to get 10% off any product in my shop: BLOG10! (valid until Oct.31, 2021)

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M.

In light of Canadian Thanksgiving coming faster than I'd like to admit... I think you might love this print... check it out.

Find Joy.

If you are anything like me, you may find yourself dreaming of the way things were 'supposed' to be. 

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? 

Is this even possible? Can the world be falling apart, rather our expectations of what we think ought to be happening in the world, and can we still live in a peaceful state?

I'm going to wager a giant YES on that. I'm going to say that in my situation, AND I live in someone else's plan B of my life, 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. 

We can live a life that was not our expectation and still be filled with peace, joy, gratitude. 

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. 

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 happy all the time 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.

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.

Two printables for you to choose from... take your pick for whichever you need :) 

Share the love,

M.

 Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. Romans 15:13 NLV

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.

LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free Printable,
 Free for personal USE ONLY

LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free Printable,
Free for personal USE ONLY

Despite the Forecast

This is a lesson for me.  Despite the forecast, live like it's SPRING.

How many of us are starting the new year out on a new foot, or wishing it was a new foot, a new forecast, a new outlook? How many of us have gotten news that we were not expecting? How many of us have parents, siblings, children, loved ones, dealing with a forecast that is heart breaking? How many of us have stuff in our past the makes our future look bleak? How many of us are tired of starting over again... and are just about to let it all go? How many of us feel hopeless?

The forecast we have for children, looks bleak, a chance of thunderclouds, but most likely just a lot of fog, and freezing rain... not what you want to go out and dance barefoot in. But despite the forecast, despite all the times the pain take my breath away, despite what the future looks like... LIVE likes it's spring. Live like there is hope, believe there is hope. Hope...

Somedays I feel like this is doable, there is hope, there is always hope, when all else fails, there is hope... and I do believe that, because it ain't over 'till the fat lady sings, as they say, or it isn't actually over until they put me in the ground. Which means, I'm breathing, so there is hope... right?

I always quote the first part of this verse from proverbs, "hope deferred makes the heart sick..." and my mother always finishes it "... but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life."

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life...   

Proverbs 13:12 

I believe that if we live in hope, our dreams are fulfilled, and I believe if we live with an open mind,  and an open heart dreams are fulfilled that perhaps we never even knew we had...

Here's to a new year, despite the forecast, live like it's spring, and dare to hope and dream!
Share the love,
M.

LostBumblebee ©2017
Lilly Pulitzer,  Personal use only
 www.lostbumblebee.net

New Life, New Hope, New Beginnings...

Easter is coming... and with that comes new life, new hope, and new beginnings... 
Share the story, share the hope... He is not here, He is risen! 

Share the love, 
M.

LostBumblebee ©2016 MDBN
 He is Risen
Personal Use Only
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LostBumblebee ©2016 MDBN
He is Risen
Personal Use Only
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Breathe, You've Got this!

2016 a new year, new projects, new hopes, and new goals all sound well and good, but along with all of those crazy awesome new ideas and dreams comes along new anxieties, frustrations, and fear. What the heck?! Seriously I want to punch fear in the face. Taking a step out of your comfort zone to pursue a new career, passion, hobby... is often, littered with fear. Why are we so afraid of trying something new?

Apparently it's been studied and this pretty much sums it up:

33% will like what you do
33% won't like what you do
33% won't actually care what you do  (gasp! I know right!)

AND 1% (these are the people we don't actually care whether or not they approve of us- I added that part, and when I'm home alone, I have a more colourful word for this group of... well, use your imagination.)

So what do we have to fear? Letting ourselves down? because going out and trying something new doesn't usually let others around us down. Because the people who actually matter, you know the ones, our cheering section, the ones who see our talents way before we ever do, and are continually trying to convince us to pursue our passions, are not going to love us any less if we try following our dream, they are going to saddle up along side of us and enjoy the ride.

So in light of a new year, and in light of new possibilities (by the way, every day is filled with new possibilities, and the ability to stop one thing and start another, without owing anyone an explanation - but I digress) Let's Saddle up the horses,  let's charge forward with our hopes and dreams... and let's not forget to BREATHE, because We've Got THIS!

Share the love,
M.

LostBumblebee ©2016 MDBN
BREATHE, You've Got This!
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Hope.

Hope...

"Hope deferred makes the heart grow sick",  I am very aware of this verse and very aware of how repeating it to yourself can actually make you sick. My very wise Mama always reminds me to finish off the rest of this verse... "But desire fulfilled is a tree of life" (Prov. 13:12)- 
A TREE OF LIFE!

LIFE.

It's like Christmas... Christmas is a time of hope, not because of what is coming, but because of what has already come.

I wanted to share this print with you, because in my life, holding onto hope is important... I've written about hope before, I've shared my hopeless feelings, and my feelings of hope... and how sometimes I white knuckling hope, grasping on pathetically... or heroically- my view changes depending on the day.

But if you are in the midst of hoping for something, waiting for something, don't give up hope... hold on (this is a reminder to myself as well) hold on ...because when that desire is fulfilled it is a tree of life.

Share the love,
M.

Larger Prints:
8x10 and 11x14 available on my Etsy Shop


PS. Don't forget to donate to download and help us raise funds to support Edrisa Our (LostBumblebee Blogs + You) Sponsor 2 year old Baby Boy in Uganda!

LostBumblebee ©2015 Hope Chalkboard FACEBOOK COVER IMAGE 

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : HOPE 5x7

Hope.

I love this verse and I wanted to share...

Don't ever give up... no matter the situation-

Hold onto Hope, it is an anchor for the soul.

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M.

another version of this verse can be found  >> HERE <<  told you I liked it :) 

These are Inked-like, so take note, that the ink may be lighter in some areas than others :) They were made that way.

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 : 4x6 

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 :5x6

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 :8x10

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 4x6

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 : 5x7

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 : 8x10

Hope.

"We have this hope, as an anchor for the soul, firm + secure..."

Speak, believe + repeat.

Share the love,

M.

Just a little reminder: *Please note all free printables and images are free for Personal Use. They may not be used for resale or commercial use without written permission. >> If you are using these images on your website or your blog you must link back to www.lostbumblebee.blogspot.com

Please visit our INFO page.

Thank you :)

M.

All LostBumblebee® Prints ©2009-2015 Melissa Dawn Baker-Nguyen

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Hope...

It is just 6 months before we fly away to Uganda to volunteer in an orphanage and to share our love with children who are already here :) I am so excited, I cannot wait, my heart wants to go now, my head says, "whoa Nelly, there is a lot of work left to do... "

In light of all that is happening in our lives, this poem keeps running through my head and my heart, these words, I've shared them before, and if you know my story, you will know that hope is something that is alive and well... most days, sometimes it gets hidden under the weight of the world, but it starts to sing again, and shines its light on the world, and it's like spring in my heart- it might sound corny- but true.

I remember a while ago, I was meditating and I asked it it was ok to let go of hope and just live. I was in a sad place, I didn't want to hold on to hoping for a miracle anymore. It hurt. The bible says "Hope deferred makes the hearts sick..." and my Momma always quotes the rest of the verse, because generally I'm complaining when we discuss this verse - "but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life".  I had literally asked if I could give up on hoping, give up on hope...  that was a Saturday- the next day- our really good friend came and spoke at our church- he spoke about not giving up, not letting go of the promises, holding on to hope. I literally laughed out loud... Yup, what a wake up call.

And I thank God for that wake up call, because it is true "Hope deferred makes the heart sick - BUT when the desire is fulfilled- it is a Tree of LIFE!" 

My prayer for you today, is that if you are hoping and dreaming about something, hold on to that hope, believe it in it, trust that when that desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

Share the love,
M.

A poem by Emily Dickinson:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers - 

That perches in the soul - 

And sings the tune without the words - 

And never stops - at all - 

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - 

And sore must be the storm - 

That could abash the little Bird 

That kept so many warm - 

I’ve heard it in the chillest land - 

And on the strangest Sea - 

Yet - never - in Extremity, 

It asked a crumb - of me.

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Trust.

What is your heart's desire today?
Mine is...

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
-Hillsong United Lyrics

Share the love,
M.

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Live Your Life On Purpose!

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Africa Update! We are so excited to tell you that we have been accepted to go and work in the orphanage. It has been a long journey of back and forth, lots of conversations, applications, letters of reference, etc. But since August 2014 we have been living our life on purpose.   (If you'd like to read about the beginnings of our journey, click this link: Living Live On Purpose AFRICA 2015 )

Financial Update: Oh!!! I am so excited to tell you that we are halfway to our financial goal. Thank you to all who have given, those who have ordered family portraits,  those who have told me they believe in what we are doing and have just given towards our journey, those who have clicked the donation button to the right and gave, those who have bought from Etsy. Thank you, We are so honoured.

Everything little thing counts and we are so honoured. I will continue to create in order to raise funds, please keep checking into the Etsy Shop ~ Everything purchased on my Etsy shop-Affectionately known as LostBumblebee Ink., any special requests I do,  and all funds from my art are going directly to this journey! 

Side Note: I just about bought our tickets last night- I am only slightly worried that a 2 hour layover in Brussels isn't quite enough time, but it is the same airline, so I'm hoping that it is, because we are looking for the least expensive prices so that we can leave as much financial blessing at the orphanage as possible for these children. (anyone been to the Brussel's Airport? how big is it? is the Lufthansa pavilion HUGE??) 

I wanted to create this little reminder for you to- Live Your Life On Purpose. It changes your perspective. Our hearts are so full, our gratitude is at its highest, we are working so hard towards something that is outside of ourselves and way outside of our comfort zone. Even with being so far outside of our comfort zone, I have never felt more peace, knowing that all of the work we are doing is going to impact a these little lives. 

Remember to live your life on purpose... choose something outside of yourself to focus on. Trust me, your thighs won't seem nearly as wiggly or dimply, the size of your butt won't take up so much space in your head, you know those crows feet happening around your eyes, well if you look outside of yourself, you will smile more, and your wrinkles (which are inevitable) will all end up in the right place and you will be gorgeous.  Look outside of yourself towards things much bigger than our own insecurities, go beyond thinking about you- trust me, it does the heart good.

It may not mean Africa for you, it could be the local food bank, it could be reading stories to sick kids at the hospital, it could be buying the homeless guy you see everyday a nice hot coffee, it could be smiling at your fellow human, making eye contact, it could be shovelling your neighbours walkway, it could be taking the time to stop in and visit your Nan at the seniors home and paint her nails... sometimes the simplest acts of kindness can change your world.

Live your Life on Purpose
and Share the love,
M.

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Hope.

After reading yesterday's blog post to my mom, she got all excited and said;
"Miss, you know what hope is right?"

I thought for a moment, and we both started to recite the beautiful Poem by Emily Dickinson...

Hope is the thing with feathers-
that perches in the soul-
It sings the tune without the words-
And never stops- at all-

This print was born out of that conversation with my mom,
Hope is the thing with feathers...

I used to recite this to myself when I was feeling hopeless about babies... somewhere inside of me, I always said, "but God, I still believe... " ( and honestly after 4 rounds of (ICSI) IVF  you would think you would lose hope) ... and it's true,  my mind did, but my heart and soul still have hope... because hope it's that crazy thing that sits in the soul and believes even when your mind can't... 

If you are going through something that requires hope, belief and trust, learn this verse... recite it to yourself... and allow it to sing the tune without the words- and never stop ... at all.

Share the love,
M.

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Frankly Darling...

I don't give a hoot.
Whoo me?
Nope I never feel like this.
Ever. I always care.

Ok, I'm lying- sometimes I just don't give a hoot. I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately... I often worry about things that aren't any of my business, my concern, or anything I need to even be thinking of.  Do you find yourself tangled up in this web of 'false responsibility' because it makes you feel valuable or worthy?

I've taken to reminding myself often "not my circus, not my monkeys" sometimes I have to say "not my circus, yes my monkeys" and still have to let it play out as it will.

I can't control everything, cause If I could, let me tell you... lol no, seriously- sometimes we just have to stop, let it go, and not give a hoot how it turns out for our own sanity! Sometimes we women tend to try to fix everything, for our spouses, our children, our friend's children, our parents - and the list goes on! But you know what... you don't have to fix the neighbourhood... you just have to live in it :)

I mean of course apathy sucks! That we take no part in- for causes that we need to stand for, we stand! For changes that we can make, we make! To fight the good fight, we fight! - I'm not talking about this sort of thing, I'm talking about the little stuff that we burden ourselves with, the stuff that tires us out so that when we do need to fight, apathy is just an easier choice.

What are you concerned about today that you need to let go of? What responsibilities are you carrying that really aren't yours to carry, but because you are such a good person, you took it over?
What do you need to say "Frankly darling, I don't give a hoot" about today?

Let it go... breathe... the world didn't fall apart- nope it's not easy, it sucks to not be in control all the time, but on the other hand, the freedom that it brings is marvellous!

Let it go + Share the love,
M.

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Please Don't Rain on My Parade.

Please don't rain on my parade with your dumb cockamamy ideas of reality!

Sometimes you've just got to tell it like it is. 

Let your imagination soar!  Follow your heart! Make your dreams a reality! Believe in yourself!

And ignore all other's cockamamy ideas of reality. 

This one's for you :)

Share the love,

M.

Oh and I've got a simple little reminder - Please Don't Rain On My Parade ~for the kid's room,  or the kid in you, or if you want to post it at the office and be slightly more politically correct :) Take your pick- M.

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September.

It's a Crazy time of the year, because I always think I ought to be buying school supplies.  I went from being a student, to a teacher, to a graphic designer, and now a "blogger" of sorts... more like a maker of free printables, but I digress...

On the day before the eve of our departure ( on the road again... is playing in my head ) I've created a sweet printable for the nursery, children's room, your living room, home, apartment- wherever you can think to hang it, it was made for that!

It's about dreams, possibilities and hope... for you, for your children and for others!

Share the love,
M.

These prints are : HoRiZONtAL :)

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Wanderlust

It's kinda crazy around here... I just got home, now I'm preparing to jump on a plane again... 

This year I've travelled by Train, Plane, Automobile and Boat... all I need is a donkey and my repertoire of travel methods will be full !

It has been a whirlwind, and it continues to be...  2015 may or may not settle down, and I may or may not be excited about it either way- full of travel, or full of home time, I can't decide yet. But I do know that my heart and mind are open to both...

Wanderlust : is a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world. 

Usually my wanderlust keeps me wandering around my back field imagining it full of cows. I used to do this when I was little and I still find myself daydreaming about it now :)

So this one is for all of you who desire to see the world, or who just wander around your back field- or for those of you who just let your mind wander... 

Share the love,

M.

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