Happy Saturday

Happy Saturday to you! I'm in a great mood after decking the halls with Christmas decor! Add that to the fact that it's Small Business Saturday and you got yourself a deal!

Use the code SMBIZ14 for 20% off anything in my Etsy Shop!

Pre-Order is available for my Dictionary scarves! Order now and they will ship out 12/15! There will be a limited number of the dictionary scarves made before I take a break for Christmas, so buy now!

Finding Beauty Friday, the one with the transparency

Happy Aloha Friday! I hope you all are full of awesome Thanksgiving food and lots of love from family and friends! Today, as with most Fridays, I link up with the talented Aimee from This Darling Day for Finding Beauty Friday!

This photo is from a quiet day with my Mr. at the park. The sunlight through the leaves was so beautiful, so transparent.

Also, the Etsy shop will close from December 18th and reopen December 26th with a replenished stock of the dictionary scarves!  I think the holidays are so important to just step back and simply enjoy time with loved ones, so I won't be "working" on those days, and my blog posts will all be scheduled ahead of time. I may check my emails every other day or so, so please don't think I'm ignoring you, I'm just off making memories!

A little thanks, and a little dirty rice

A very happy Thanksgiving to you! This year, I have so very much to be thankful for, even through the hiccups and stressful situations, I know that the good Lord above never gives us more than we can handle. 

So today, I'm going to share my Dirty Rice A.K.A. Rice Dressin' recipe with you! Maybe you'd like to add a little Cajun side to your next holiday meal!

Dirty Rice

1 pound ground beef

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 each red & green pepper, chopped

2 tsp beef bouillon granules

1/2 tsp each salt, seasoned salt, & ground black pepper

2 cups water

1 cup uncooked white rice.

Directions:

Heat large skillet over medium heat and stir in the onion, ground beef, red & green peppers, beef bouillon and seasonings. Cook and stir until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain and discard any extra grease. Stir in rice and water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to med-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 20-25 minutes. 

Or, if you have a rice cooker, cook the ground beef mixture, and then stir into the cooked rice. 

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving! 

Day 17 & 18, Two Free Days in Barcelona

Continuing our Europe Trip from 2013, 

Check out the previous adventures below: 

Day 1 & 2, Bruges & Amsterdam

Day 3 Amsterdam- Berlin

Day 4 & 5 Berlin 

Day 6 Prague

Day 7, Bratislava

Day 7 Continued, Bratislava to Vienna

Day 8 & 9 from Ljubljana to Venice

Day 10 Venice to Roma! 

Day 11, Free day in Rome, Pompeii

Day 12, Free day in Rome, Vatican City

Day 13, From Rome to Florence and Tuscany

Day 14, Visit Pisa and Nice

Day 15, Free day in Nice & French Riviera
Day 16, Arles-Barcelona

And, if you want to learn how I did all of this only using ONE pack here... 


This is what Expat Explore had to say, "

Day 17: Visit Barcelona

Today is all yours to do with as you please! Barcelona offers a diversity of options in how to build your day into a lasting memory. The best views of the city can be had from Park Guell, and you can take in the panoramic splendor and skyline of

Barcelona. The park itself offers a very interesting design which is a product of Anton Gaudi’s challenging architectural visualisations. Barcelona is home to many of Gaudi’s building designs and you could spend the whole day, simply locating each one and recognising the signature design features. One of his most famous works, is that of the unfinished Sagrada Familia - an interpretation of a gothic cathedral which is unlike any building you will have ever seen. You can't miss it from Park Guell, or most other vantage points in the city. Harbour tours, La Ramblas, the ‘Old Town’, museums, art galleries and some of Europe’s best shopping - there is much to do in this incredible city. If you wish to participate in our optional excursion, we can organise tickets for you to see a traditional Flamenco show! The dance of passion is performed with style, flair and energy, and is a real experience not to be missed If you prefer to stick to more modern forms of dance, each night the city fills with tourists and locals, who are in search of music and sangrias!

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 18: A free day in Barcelona.

Hola! You have another free day in the Spanish city of Barcelona! Today you can make this your own, by continuing to explore the historical and cultural centres, indulge in some high end shopping and retail therapy, and much more. Football fans can

 use the extra day to visit Barcelona FC’s stadium - Camp Nou (there may even be a game on whilst you are here), Why not take advantage of the beaches and hit the shores! Ocean tours depart from the harbour and take you for a cruise up the coast to give you a unique perspective of the city. Barcelona is full of things to do, so there is no excuse not to get out and make the most of things. Fiesta, not siesta!

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation."

So, if you read the last post, we arrived in Barcelona sort of later in the day (I think), and went to the Ibis hotel here, and unpacked, washed up, and went next door for an included dinner of paella. This was the first time Chris and I had tried it, and it was delicious! I've attempted to make this dish, but it won't compare to that dinner in Spain.

The next two days were both free days, and honestly, both a blur. I do know that the next morning, we did a bus ride tour around Barcelona, with our tour guide pointing out things to do, and see. He also said to watch your valuables closely down Las Ramblas.  It was also nice that there was a mall right next door, so if we didn't want to venture out too far for food after a long day about, then we could go next door. We also found a chocolate museum, and I was all for it!

Day 18, the Mr. and I plus our best Australian tour mate went out into the city to see all of the buildings, especially the Gaudi buildings, enjoy our photos!

Yes, it's all made of chocolate!

I hope you've enjoyed Barcelona with us! Stay tuned for Day 19 when we leave Barcelona for Avignon!

European Tour, Day 16, Arles to Barcelona

Continuing our Europe Trip from 2013, 

Check out the previous adventures below: 

Day 1 & 2, Bruges & Amsterdam

Day 3 Amsterdam- Berlin

Day 4 & 5 Berlin 

Day 6 Prague

Day 7, Bratislava

Day 7 Continued, Bratislava to Vienna

Day 8 & 9 from Ljubljana to Venice

Day 10 Venice to Roma! 

Day 11, Free day in Rome, Pompeii

Day 12, Free day in Rome, Vatican City

Day 13, From Rome to Florence and Tuscany

Day 14, Visit Pisa and Nice

Day 15, Free day in Nice & French Riviera

And, if you want to learn how I did all of this only using ONE pack here... 



Today, we wake up and leave the French Riviera. Sad day, because this was really the first time we had a beautiful spot, nice weather, and some relax time off! Normal free breakfast was provided, and we board the bus heading to Barcelona! Here is what Expat Explore had to say:
"Day 16: Visit Arles and Barcelona

Time to brush up on your Spanish greetings - you will need them this afternoon! As you depart Nice and get back on the road headed for Barcelona, you will make a stop in the UNESCO Heritage Site of Arles, famous for its historical buildings and links to such artists as Van Gough (many of his paintings were inspired by this city). Don’t forget to check out the colourful houses and Roman Amphitheatre on this comfort stop. Barcelona is nearing, and you should be getting excited about exploring this cosmopolitan Spanish metropolis. Once you arrive, Expat Explore will acquaint you with its vibrant energy with a city coach tour, so you can decide where to start first on your free days. Keep your eyes open for the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral, and any of Gaudi’s spectacular examples of eclectic architecture. Then there is the lively La Ramblas - a pedestrian walk way down the middle of the city which is full of market stalls, cafes, restaurants, street entertainers and just brimming with life. The city comes alive at night, so after dinner, head back into the heart of the action for some music and atmosphere."

This wasn't a terrible bus ride, distance wise. The stop over in Arles was a bit too long since most of the city was closed due to an annual outdoor market they had. We did walk around, taking in the sites, and eventually a little cafe opened up with us where we had hot chocolate to warm up. I didn't take many photos of this stop over, as we just kinda sauntered through the city. 

After the stop over, we headed into Barcelona where our awesome tour guide briefed us on what we would be doing, a little history on Barcelona, as well as sharing some of the best sangria I've ever had! More on Barcelona tomorrow! 

Weekly Wishes, the one with rock and roll and cooties

I'm so happy Melyssa from The Nectar Collective came up with this link up! It's a great way to list your to-do list online, and hold yourself accountable!

1. Blog like crazy! I will admit, I've been pushing this blog further and further down the list of priorities, and that's not fair to you readers! So, I've thought about how to do this, and if I can devote a couple of good, no distraction hours to blogging, I think I can get a week's worth of posts ready to go. We will see how this goes this week, and hopefully I can go back to posting 5 days a week. I know that I must finish the Europe tour because that is so fun to post about! I can't wait to get back across the pond!

2. Sew like crazy! I have about 25 yards of this Blackhawk fabric, and plan to do ear warmers with fleece! Such a nice gift and I know they will sell out fast. The problem is, I have to hand make each and every one of them! And, I want to do it where I have enough stock to last throughout the Holiday/Christmas rush. It would make the perfect gift for a Blackhawk fan! Keep checking on my Etsy Store (here) for them to be listed!  

3. Learn to juggle a new schedule. I love plans, lists, schedules, and when anything gets messed up, I completely freak out... OK, maybe not completelyfreak out, but it's bothersome. Now that I have to recognize what tires me out, what stresses me out, how I feel every.second.of.the.day, it makes me focus on the pain and I now have to juggle things around because I don't know how I will feel in the mornings vs. the afternoons. It's so hard dealing with this Fibro. that I just want to scream and cry most days. So, learning to juggle a schedule and my to-do list based on how I feel is pretty crappy, I don't like it, but if I want to be able to get anything accomplished, it's a necessary evil.

4. Do & post new crafts!  It's been a while since I shared any crafts with you guys, and I miss doing crafts for fun and sharing them! It's time to do more for you! Plus, crafts are a huge stress relief for me, so it's perfect! Be on the look out for that!

5.  Find time for reading. Blogging and my bible study have been pushed down this list. I know, I know.... that can't happen! So, I will work on the new schedule, and if I have to literally write down "Reading from 6pm-7pm" then I will do just that! I also want to focus on my photography more, but that can wait, my bible study and fun reading is more important! 

Well, I guess 2 out of 5 isn't that bad, it's not that good either, but it'll do! Just a couple extra to add to the list,


* Finish sewing quilts I have to finish sewing the quilts for Christmas presents, and that is going to be all day, every day until I finish. I have no idea why I wait until the last minute for these things! But, the good news is- besides the Secret Santa gifts, my holiday shopping is DONE! Wahoo! Now, I just need to wrap everything, or dump them into a gift bag, that always works!


* Get over this cold.  Yes, I have the cooties now. I don't know where the germs came from, but I went from rocking and rolling last week to stopped in my tracks this week, no good! If you pray, please pray that the cooties leave me fast!

AND that's it! The holidays are always so stressful, and that really bums me out! Hopefully, I can work hard the next couple of weeks, and be able to sit back and actually enjoy what the Christmas holiday really is all about, Christ!

How do you get through the rush of the Holidays? Comment below!

When you're almost too lazy to cook...

OH yes, you know exactly what I'm talking about, the days that you are almost too lazy to cook. You could easily be persuaded into ordering in or running through a drive through. But, your family's health enters into your mind, and you sigh, possibly mumbling, and drag yourself to the kitchen. You did it, you decided to cook... but now you don't want to spend hours in front of the stove,  and sink cleaning up after the meal, do you?

OF COURSE you don't! That's why, when I had the opportunity to review this book, I couldn't click my mouse fast enough!

One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More, from the Editors of Martha Stewart Living

Summary:
Using just one pan, you can stew, steam, sauté, simmer, braise, or roast your way to a fuss-free meal—and minimal cleanup to boot.
 
At the end of a busy day, you want to serve a delicious home-cooked dinner, a complete, all-in-one meal that can be prepared with little effort and few pans to wash. The editors of Martha Stewart Living present a brand-new collection of 120 recipes—organized by vessel—to help you do just that, all while adding savory new dishes to your weekly rotation.
 
One Pot is an exciting new way to approach everyday cooking: Imagine perfect pasta dishes for which everything goes in the pot at once (yes, that’s pasta, tomato, garlic, basil, and water all cooked together), dinner-party ready roasts with tender vegetables, and down-home casseroles, along with wholesome fish, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. You'll get incredible flavor payoff from dishes such as comforting Chicken and Dumplings, easy Baked Risotto with Carrots and Squash, healthy Broiled Striped Bass with Tomatoes, hearty Pork Chops with Bacon and Cabbage, and the delectable Skillet Chocolate-Chip Cookie—each of which takes less than an hour from start to finish. Here, too, are a dozen outstanding recipes for surprising and simple desserts that can be ready when you are.
 
With chapters devoted to your essential cooking vessels—stockpot, skillet, slow cooker, and more—this book is sure to streamline your meals and to satisfy the people you share them with. Recipes include:
 
DUTCH OVEN: Beef Stew with Noodles, Chicken and Dumplings, Baked Risotto, Texas Red Chili, Cajun Stew
 
SLOW COOKER: Pulled Pork, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Classic Pot Roast, Lamb Shanks and Potatoes, Garlic Chicken with Barley
 
SKILLET & SAUTÉ PAN: Spinach Pie, Poached Cod with Tomatoes, Three-Cheese Lasagna, Macaroni and Cheese, Stir-Fried Chicken with Bok Choy
 
ROASTING PAN & BAKING DISH: Rib-Eye with Root Vegetables, Roast Chicken with Herb Butter, Salmon with Kale, Roast Beef with Acorn Squash, Tuscan Pork Roast
 
PRESSURE COOKER: Short Ribs with Potato-Carrot Mash, Kale and White Bean Soup, Chicken Cacciatore; Easy Chickpea Curry, Beef Stroganoff
 
STOCKPOT: Classic Chicken Soup, Split Pea Soup, Gemelli with Pesto and Potatoes, Corn and Shrimp Chowder, Pasta with Farm-Stand Vegetables
 
DESSERTS: Peach Crumble, Skillet Chocolate-Chip Cookie, Baked Blackberry Custard, Raspberry Sorbet, Molten Chocolate Cupcakes
--------------------------------------------------------

Sounds like such a great book right? I have to say, I believe this one will stay in my collection for years. The recipes are easy to understand, simple layout. The ingredients are mostly common items, some are a little fancy, but do we expect anything less from the Martha Stewart world?

I truly like this cook book. I've flagged about 20 recipes already to try! 
All in all, if you have the chance to get this book for yourself, or maybe as a gift because you put it on your Christmas wish list, you will not be sorry! 

I give it 4 stars! 

**I received this book complimentary from Blogging for Books for my honest opinion.**

Making it's very first debut....

Hey you! Today, making it's first debut, is the Winter 2014 Reading List Link up!  Join me!

What it is:

A link up on the 19th of each month - November, December, January, February, and ending in March, that we discuss our reading goals for the Winter, our progress, and you can even review the books you've read!

What you do:

Link up with me today, posting on your own blog the list of books you want to read through the Winter. Make sure to put the Winter Reading List button on your post so others can join us! This link up will be open for a month, so fit this into your blog schedule at any time!

Then, every 19th (or so) of the month, come back to this blog, and link up a blog post of your own, talking about how far along on your list you are and review the book(s) you've read if you'd like! Share your opinions with everyone else!

We end this series on March 20th, 2015, which is the first day of Spring, and link up our final progress post, to see if you've completed your reading list, and post which books were horrid and no one should even bother with, and see if you've found a new favorite!

Why you should do this:

• It's fun!
• It's a great way to get through the ugly Winter.
• Amazing way to find out what other blogger pals like the same books you do.
• Could be a good way to get a review on a book you've been wanting to read, but haven't committed to.
• BOOKS ARE AWESOME!
• Bookworms are even better!

Sounds like fun right? I'm so happy I thought of this!  I've organized my books on Goodreads.com, and made a new shelf for this reading list. It's just easier for me to keep up with it like this. (be my friend on Goodreads, click here!)  Now, let's get to my list, in no particular order:

Jessica's winter-2014-reading-list book montage

Jessica's favorite books »


I'm so excited to see how this works and to see what books you have on your reading list! Link up below, and don't forget to put the Winter 2014 Reading List button on your blog post, or you may get deleted from the link up! That's the only rule, you can do it!

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An InLinkz Link-up

Adopting a Soldier

I'm sure you've watched the news, and know that some of our brave men and women were deployed again. And I'm sure you're aware that the holiday season is fast approaching us. So, I've started putting together care packages for some of our troops filled with silly things such as rubber band shooter guns, harmonicas, and also things they can use like candy, (of course candy will be involved), cookies, coffee, and even a couple of toiletries. Why? Because my brother is over there again, and because of the fact that the last time our troops were over there, they had a base with little stores open where they could buy these things. Now? Not so much.

I know that not everyone can put in money or time to send a box of goodies over to a stranger. Christmas is fast approaching, I get it. But what about a card? Or letters, or maybe getting your kids to draw some pictures to mail to a soldier... would that be too much hassle?

I'm asking my readers, my friends, to email me if you'd like to donate a box of goodies for our troops, again, this could be snacks, toiletries, or the cards, letters of encouragement, and of course who doesn't love a drawing from a child? Whatever it may be, I know that there is a troop over there right now, wishing they were home for the holidays, and most of them are single soldiers who may not be getting a lot of mail, but need a little pick me up from his fellow Americans.

Please, comment below with your email if you'd like to join me in sending a little cheer across the miles. Consider this your good deed for the day, week, month or year.

Grateful Heart Monday, the one with the Mai Tais

Every other Monday, I participate in a fabulous link up hosted by Emily from Ember Grey who is hilarious and really cool, you need to visit her blog!  The other Monday, I do a link up Weekly Wishes with The Nectar Collective. I'm really feeling this rotation: one week, a to-do list, and the next week- a list about what I'm grateful for. It's a good combo that's working for me, so why fix something that isn't broken?

So, today is Grateful Heart Monday, let's jump in:

+ I'm grateful for the simple fact that I have a warm home. I've never really lived in a place where poverty and the homeless were visible... until Hawaii. I know, you'd think every home was a million dollar pad and you just sit around in bikinis, drinking Mai Tais all day, but that's just not how it is. When you get out of the touristy spots, and especially when you pass a public park, you see homeless folks set up with tents and carts, and it just breaks your heart. Now, I know the weather there is fabulous, so they don't have much to worry about, but here, in Illinois, even though I am in an area where I don't see a lot of homeless, I know they have to be somewhere; maybe the next city or town. And I know how cold it is just from the few minutes I'm out walking the dog. I just feel so bad for them to try to survive in this, and it makes me incredibly thankful that God gives me a warm home.

+ I'm grateful for a Mr. who really gets me. I have a weird sense of humor, I know this. Some say it is dry, some just flat out don't get my jokes, or how I can say something and crack myself up for at least a solid 10 minutes. Others don't understand how I can be giggling non-stop and just when you think it's going to end, I start up again. I really don't know what to tell the "Others" but I'm so grateful God gave me a man who just flat out gets me, and can laugh along with me. I may seem shy or quiet most of the time, but don't be surprised when I break out something down right hilarious.

+ I'm so grateful for "Erin" A.K.A. my life planner. I got the idea to name her Erin from Rebecca, (RebeccaChapman blog) and instead of saying "Planner" over and over, she calls hers Erin, (for Erin Condren, the lady who made these) SUCH a great idea! And I'm grateful for my "Erin" and the fact that it allows me to write something down so it can remember things for me and I can free my brain of the details of life.

+ Lastly, I'm so grateful for my God. In all honesty, this year hasn't been the sparkly, happy, simply fabulous year I wished for. It's been gray and gritty. And, at the end of the year, I'm finally OK with it being this way. I finally realized that God must be seasoning me for times to come, and if this year is gray and gritty, then next year HAS to be the sparkly, happy, simply fabulous year, right?

Revelation 21:4

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Amen to that! 

OH! I forgot about this one, 

+ I'm grateful for this little blogging community I have. I never thought that starting a blog would make me some of the sweetest, most loving and encouraging friends! You ladies keep me going when honestly, sometimes I just want to throw in the towel on this blog. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart! 

What are you grateful for on this Monday?

Finding Beauty Friday, the one with the charm

When did homes have to be huge to be nice? When did the square footage decide how great your home is? I may be biased because we want to do a semi-tiny house with 3 containers one day, but I just find this so odd!

This photo was taken a while back, but I love it. The house is tiny, the porch is what makes it look bigger, but it just has so much charm, and it has nothing to do with the size of it! I may have been born in the wrong time, but the bigger = better mind set was completely lost on me. I want charm or uniqueness over size.

Today, as with most Fridays, I link up with the fabulous  Aimee from This Darling Day!

Join us and share photos!  And have a great weekend! 

Weekly Wishes, The one with the crazy

Monday again! Time for my 2 week, Weekly Wishes! 

I'm so happy Melyssa from The Nectar Collective came up with this link up! It's a great way to list your to-do list online, and hold yourself accountable!

1. Blog like crazy! I will admit, I've been pushing this blog further and further down the list of priorities, and that's not fair to you readers! So, I've thought about how to do this, and if I can devote a couple of good, no distraction hours to blogging, I think I can get a week's worth of posts ready to go. We will see how this goes this week, and hopefully I can go back to posting 5 days a week. I know that I must finish the Europe tour because that is so fun to post about! I can't wait to get back across the pond!

Oh the possibilities with this fabric... #Blackhawks

A photo posted by @theartsycajun on Nov 11, 2014 at 9:15am PDT

2. Sew like crazy! I have about 25 yards of this Blackhawk fabric, and plan to do ear warmers with fleece! Such a nice gift and I know they will sell out fast. The problem is, I have to hand make each and every one of them! And, I want to do it where I have enough stock to last throughout the Holiday/Christmas rush. It would make the perfect gift for a Blackhawk fan! Keep checking on my Etsy Store (here) for them to be listed!

3. Learn to juggle a new schedule. I love plans, lists, schedules, and when anything gets messed up, I completely freak out... OK, maybe not completely freak out, but it's bothersome. Now that I have to recognize what tires me out, what stresses me out, how I feel every.second.of.the.day, it makes me focus on the pain and I now have to juggle things around because I don't know how I will feel in the mornings vs. the afternoons. It's so hard dealing with this Fibro. that I just want to scream and cry most days. So, learning to juggle a schedule and my to-do list based on how I feel is pretty crappy, I don't like it, but if I want to be able to get anything accomplished, it's a necessary evil.

When creative juices start flowing, chaos happens in the office. #keepinitreal #craftypeopleproblems #yoursprobablylooksthiswaytoo

A photo posted by @theartsycajun on Oct 10, 2014 at 11:10am PDT

4. Do & post new crafts!  It's been a while since I shared any crafts with you guys, and I miss doing crafts for fun and sharing them! It's time to do more for you! Plus, crafts are a huge stress relief for me, so it's perfect! Be on the look out for that!

5.  Find time for reading. Blogging and my bible study have been pushed down this list. I know, I know.... that can't happen! So, I will work on the new schedule, and if I have to literally write down "Reading from 6pm-7pm" then I will do just that! I also want to focus on my photography more, but that can wait, my bible study and fun reading is more important! 

Can I just brag on the Mr. for feeding my #janeausten and classics book addiction? #hesthebest #janeaustenismyhomie

A photo posted by @theartsycajun on Nov 11, 2014 at 2:59pm PDT

There! 5 weekly wishes that I will work on over the next 2 weeks. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get all 5 done? Comment below!

Sharing Scripture, Vol. 3, Join me!

Before we get to the scripture sharing, I just want to thank you guys for reading my blog! It started out because of me, but it's continued because of you! Today marks my 301st post! Wow, that's a lot of writing! And I just want to say thanks for reading. Also, stay tuned this weekend for a little 301st post giveaway! EKK! (Email me if you'd like to celebrate with me and be a part of the giveaway!)


Hey you! Thanks for joining me! Today is Sharing Scripture day! This link up is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I love seeing how all of you creative little beings display your favorite scriptures!

Here's the low down:

• This will be on the first Thursday of every month, for now. I know a few ladies said they get overwhelmed with weekly link-ups, so once a month should work great for everyone! 
• You are to follow your host, me (for right now, there aren't any co-hosts), on Bloglovin'.
• You are to link specifically to the blog post about scripture. If you link just to your blog, your link will be deleted.
• Spread the love! Comment on the person who linked up before you, at least! You can comment on how many ever blogs you'd like, but let's play nice and leave encouragement on the person in front of you.
• IF you are sharing something that you've created to sell, please do not link up to your Etsy page. Feature your items on your blog, then link up that specific blog post. We want to hear what inspired you to make something! 
• Lastly, put the "Sharing Scripture" link up button somewhere in your blog post so others will learn of this cool little link up and join us! The link up will stay open for 7 days, so plenty of time to link up if you're running a little late!   This one is so important, ladies. I want to promote you, but I also want to get the word out about this cool little link up! So, I hate to say it, but your post may be deleted if you're not putting the link up button on your post, somewhere, anywhere, it just needs to be there! Thanks for understanding. 

That's it! Now, let's get started Sharing Scripture! 

Oh, Monday...

This Monday morning hit hard for me. Too much to do, not enough energy, and the end of the year is reaching up and shaking sense into me. Did I take on too much? Things, to do lists, obligations come in waves, things disappear and it seems like 10 times that amount appear at my feet. Such is life, right? I mean, will there ever come a time when we all aren't swamped with our to-do lists?

At times like this, I'm not even going to sugar coat, I get cranky. Yes, cranky like a child. Nothing can make me happy and I just pout. And, at times like this, the Mr. knows exactly what to do... take me to the woods, my happy place. This time, I brought my camera, and he managed to snap a few of me in my element. I also managed to take back the camera, and grab a few goodies myself. A photographer hates to be photographed.

On this day, I'm grateful for a Mr. that knows exactly what I need to bring life back into focus. Nature and a few extra hugs. And just looking into those beautiful baby blues does wonders for my heart!

This one didn't need a filter, look at those colors! 

After a little bible study, we sat and talked about life, what Fibromyalgia would mean for our future plans, how to adjust things, if a 38 day European Trip would ever happen again... on and on. This man of mine assured every fear that had taken hold of me since being diagnosed, and laid them to rest. We will have a fulfilling life, come what may.