Happiness is . . .
Success is . . .
my product debut at the Atlanta Gift Show - more to follow upon my return.
My family and I are off for some nature and nurture time here:
May miracles sprinkle on your garden today!
xoxo
Terri
I am often curious when a particular thought is on my mind, and remains there unless and until I address it in some manner. It acutally keeps appearing before me in different ways, visually, verbally, and otherwise as if to be tapping me on the shoulder, sometimes knocking me upside the head as if to say, "hey, listen to me!" That thought of late for me, is Optimism.
For as long as I can recall, I have been an intrinsically optimistic person. In spite of very real, and challenging circumstances, or when I have wanted to throw the biggest pity-party (and keep partying in the pity) I find myself moving forward - in spite of it all.
Optimism \ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm\ is an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.
In other words, as the ol' saying goes, with my Terri-twist to it, "when life gives you lemons, add some sugar darlin' and make your sweet self some lemonade."
One of my favorite philosphers, Kahlil Gibran once said, "The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious of the rose."
Different than hope, optimism is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. Optimism is the bud, the bloom, inspite of the thorns. It compels us forward.
I created this piece and some companion pieces to go with it waaaaaaay back in 2007 - and while they did not go to print as desired then, the art is now on other products in the marketplace - (see JoAnn's for decorative boxes with this art). A positive, all in all. (a very light hearted example, I know).
In all honesty, many of us are faced with real life challenges, lost jobs, cut wages, foreclosures, and the list goes on - we can be defined by our challenges, or, challenge ourselves to walk through these closed doors, knowing, believing there is indeed something more on the other side.
In the photo below, do you see a closed door, or the many possibilities of what waits for you on the other side? Print the photo, tuck it in your journal and write about the many possibilities on the other side door for you.
I see a beautiful renaissaince faire in a lush garden, with booths, and each booth has a sign: peace, prosperity, security, love, comfort, success, faith, hope (create your own signs)...you're given a basket as you enter the faire, and you may approach as many booths as you deisre, and have your basket filled with what is offered.
What do you see?
Optimism, I guess this is why I became an artist - xoxo Terri
Christmas in July - a victorian tradition - but also a necessity as an artist creating for the commercial market. This morning I am taking a break from painting candycanes, stockings, and snowmen to enjoy and be inspired by the simply delightful... (please visit design lovely for more inspiration)
1. Designed by Two Brunettes
2. via Scoutie Girl
3. via 100 Layer Cake
4. via Ish & Chi
5. via iDiy
6. via Simple Hue
7. via Mostly Mod , guest post from Delight by Design
8. via Paisley St. Claire
9. via Creature Comforts
10. via The Red Thread
11. via Design Sponge
12. via Design is Mine
Enjoy, and take delight in how you spend your day today
I'm still here . . . creating behind the scenes, taking care of business, family, sometimes myself (oh to have more hours in my day). How are all of you? Eternal optimism has been on my mind lately and I feel the need to write on this topic - I have a hunch we all need a dose of it now & again. Next post . . .I promise.
For now, something oh-so-pretty that caught my eye this week here, where you will find lots of inspiration with my Webster's Pages products.
If I were a bird . . . I would most certainly live here -
I adore bird houses, and our feathered friends. Marie Sporring created these delightful houses using my Hello! Beautiful and Sweet Charity papers.
I am certain that all the birds who dine in my yard each morning would love these as much as I.
My dear friends,
"Be as a bird, perched on a fragile branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings." Hmm, sounds like this little bird is singing to the tune of eternal optimism.
This piece is available to purchase here.
Taking the day off to go to the beach with my girls - and enjoy the moment. Hope you find a moment of enjoyment today too.
Blessings,
Terri
Today is the day! Congratulations to Rachel Nolt, a recent newlywed -
Here are your random numbers:
9
Timestamp: 2009-06-10 16:03:04 UTC
You are the winner of Terri Conrad Designs' "My Print & Pattern" customizable chic canvas decor. Please contact us make your selection of a 16x16" designer canvas.
May this day be blessed.
Warmly,
Terri
Time . . . we seek it, we kill it, we wait for it, we create it, we lose it, we count it, we capture it, we love it, we play with it, we steal it, we find it, we march to it, we measure life by it - but . . .
The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is...(or she)
We may also extend time - ahh, everyone exhale with me on the latter.
Our friends at the delish & devine "Decorology" blog spot want to get in on the action of our oh so chic My Print & Pattern Canvas Wall Decor give-away. Sooooo, we are extending our time for you to sign up and WIN your very own My Print & Pattern Custom Canvas.
Here's how to enter, play, and hopefully win:
1. leave us a comment here, with your blog link (no blog? be sure to include your email addy in your comment)
2. post the above pic on your blog with our link back here, inviting your readers to play and win (kindly use image for this express purpose only)
3. visit Terri Conrad Designs to find something lovely for your heart & home (no purchase required)
On June 10 one winner will be randomly selected and given the choice of any "My Print & Pattern Canvas Wall Decor" to be customized in a 16x16 format.
O Happy Day! Can't we all use just a little bit more time? I know I could have this past weekend. We began ours with daughter, Jessica's vollyball practice Friday eve, VB game Saturday morning, then off to our daughter Katelyn's (jazz) dance recital, returning on Sunday (mind you it's a hour drive each way) for her hip-hop recital. Lot's of fun & excitement, each performed beautifully, and made mom & dad very proud.
Remember, Time is the precious coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.
May miracles sprinkle on your garden today and may you find time along the way!
Hugs,
Terri
I have a little something for your today . . .
It's a creative card to print and tuck into your creative corner, where ever that may be - perhaps it's a sketch journal, a computer, your kitchen, or an acutal creative space with colored pencils, crayons, markers & paint where you can let your creative juices freely flow. Let it serve as a reminder (for personal use only - please be conscientious) to take some time, to make some time to play, learn a new technique, and to explore your creative abilities.
I am going to treat myself to a day of play in my studio today - it's been collecting dust while I've been tap tapping away creating the technological way.
I'll show you mine if you show me yours - leave a comment with your blog link . Post your creative expression and we'll send our readers your way to take a peek.
We have some beautiful people and places (listed just to the right) to visit and glean some lovely inspiration. Do enjoy!
Remember, there are a few days left to participate and win one of our brand new and may we say, "chic print & pattern canvases". These little lovelies are customizable and may be ordered in 16x20, 16x16, and 11x11.
Here's how to win:
1. leave a comment below;
2. post this image on your blog and (where allowable) on community sites with our blog link (http://www.terriconraddesigns.typepad.com) inviting readers to do the same. (image may be used for this express purpose only)
3. Visit Terri Conrad Designs to see what's new and to find something pretty to warm your heart & home - then
On May 31, 2009, a random selection will be made and the winner contacted to select his or her choice of one My Print & Pattern canvas in a 16x16 format.
It's always important to warm up first - cross train your creative brain here
Remember, "Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last you create what you will." George Bernard Shaw said that.
Happy CREATIVE day to each of you -
Terri
I want to extend a big thank you to each of you who shared your heart, both here and privately through email regarding our Mother's Day post. Merci mes amies.
Per-se-ver-ance n. 1. the act of persevering; continued, patient effort . . .to hold on; to try again; to refuse to give up; to believe; to have hope; to fall seven times and stand up eight.
How do you define perseverance? In these trying times for so many of us, we must push forward, continue to define, and redefine ourselves, our work, our family, and our home. When everything around us says "Give Up!" we need to take a deep breath, and tell ourselves, "Try just one more time."
Does this resonate with you on any level? Are you calling upon perseverance for something in your life?
Two and a half years ago, (following a flood, a divorce, a move to a different home, a housefire and loss of that home, remarriage to my hubby - and all within one year's time) I took that deep breath and said to myself "Try just one more time." I resumed my work, and in 2007 launched my licensing program with my scrapbooking products focusing my time and effort primarily on building and developing that line.
For the past year, in and amidst other challenges, the added focus of further developing my brand allows me today to proudly announce the launch of my new web site Terri Conrad Designs and "My Print & Pattern" Designer Canvas Wall Decor featuring your print and my pattern in customizable gallery wrapped canvases offered in 16x20, 16x16 and 11x11.
We're excited to be moving forward, walking though open doors and want to celebrate this by giving you the opportunty to own a "My Print & Pattern" canvas.
Here's how to win: 1. leave a comment below 2. register here (no purchase required, but if you feel inspired . . .please feel free to shop!) 3. post the above image on your blog and (where allowable) on community sites with our blog link (http://www.terriconraddesigns.typepad.com) inviting readers to do the same. (image may be used for this express purpose only) On May 31, 2009, a random selection will be made and the winner contacted to select his or her choice of one My Print & Pattern canvas in a 16x16 format. We're happy to be here and want to thank everyone who participated in the development and relaunch of our web site. Today, set your focus on the open doors, walk in sunshine and may you always have what you need - and when the world around you says "Give up!" listen for the soft whisper of hope telling you, "Try one more time." Blessings friends, Terri
“All of life is a journey - which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.”
Cherish one's family!
Oh hello, hello dear blog friends - I've missed you! Have you missed me? I am coming up for a long, deep breath of fresh spring/summer air after an intense 4-plus week of design time. I have an overwhelming desire to connect with you and to create (ya know, the tactile kind of creating, after my art side of creating is completed). Merci, mon amie, Heather Bullard for the delicious photo.
There is so much excitement I want want to share with you about work stuff and my new web site, but in case your visit today is brief, the most topical (and somewhat personal) will be shared.
Mother's Day!
Whilst most sites we visit right now are singing praises to our mother's, as is typical of me, I am going to put a Terri-twist on the comemmorated day and speak to each and every Motherless Child.
May I see a raise of hands? I know you are out there - please assure me I am not alone, because I am (a motherless daughter), more or less, myself.
Mother's love (sigh) is the great mystery: moving, unforgettable, tender, balanced with grace and truth, disciplined in nature, loving, honest, open, caring, warm, welcoming - forever (among other things). . . at least I imagine it to be. This (my imaginings) is what fortifies me to mother my children. I have had to learn to mother myself over the years in the absence of one who was incapable of fulfilling her role. I married, divorced, bore my children, married again, have lost friends, experienced fire, flood, lived through deep sorrow, discovered my gifts, talents & abilities, and so much more all without her. I learned to define who I am as a woman (this is, of course, an ongoing process), to be my own reflection, to seek my validation, my okay-ness and all that I am and all that I do, and hope to be deep from within. How, and where do you, as a motherless daughter, validate & define yourself? Are you willing to share? My heart is listening. As little girls we look to our mom to be a mirror of sorts, to reflect back to us our inner beauty, to validate our presence, to sing our praises, to speak up for us, and to teach us to speak up for ourselves, and to protect us. We need our mother to teach us we are worthy, that we matter, simply because we are. If inside your heart resides a little girl, who is, for whatever reason, a motherless daughter, first, know you are not alone. There is a fragrant Second, know & understand that we have a heavenly Father (who just so happend to create Mother in His likeness) who understands us, loves us, values us and knows our each and every need. He is always here to protect us, to talk with us, to listen, and always, always, to comfort and provide for us. He knows just how precious we are. Have you reconciled your precious-ness within your heart & soul? In what way do you mother yourself? Together, as motherless daughters, let's look into the mirror on the wall and ask the age old question, "who's the most precious of all?" and resoundingly shout out "Moi!" For each who is blessed to enjoy the presence of a mother, embrace her, thank her, and celebrate her. and this piece is available for purchase here. As motherless daughters, let's celebrate ourselves, our remarkable accomplishments in becoming the women we are, and the children (if we are so blessed) who call us Mom. Now, take those wings and Fly, Girl! Fly - bouquet of beautiful women who share your company, in various stages of bloom.
I created a little something, and do you know I occasionally hide messages in some of my art - can you find 2 hidden messages in this piece? (hint: they're in plain site, look closely, seek & you will find). Let me know in your comments what you think the 2 messages are.
May miracles sprinkle & shine on your garden today!
Terri
© Terri Conrad Designs All works of art, images and text herein protected under Federal Copyright Laws and may not be electronically or digitally reproduced for any purpose without express written approval by Terri Conrad.
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