Terri Conrad Designs

Hope, Give it, Share it, Hold on to it, Pass it on

in response to yesterday's traumatic events in Boston, I pause to consider what I can do from accross the nation, today, in this moment, and each and every day, as a woman, as a mom, as a wife, and as an artist -

I can:

give hope by being aware of the hurting ("I look, I see, I acknowledge you"), and by taking the time to connect with someone inside their world - being heard is almost as profound as being loved.

share hope by offering comfort, with my presence, a note, a phone call, or to simply be present so to tell someone, "you are not alone" "I am so sorry" and "you are loved."

hold on to hope with love, with courage, and with grace for someone who hasn't the strength to do so for him or herself, serving as a reminder that I will hold onto hope until they can hold onto hope themself.

Let us stop and consider: how can I be a beacon of  hope for someone today?

Let us get engaged with one another, in our home, in our family, in our church, and in our community so that we notice the hurting, and are available to give and receive hope when it is needed.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "The strength of a nation  lies in the people - in the homes of the people." Let us begin at home, to teach God's word (Deuteronomy 11:19), to share the story of hope (John 3:16) and to be a reflection of the healing salve of hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

let us give hope to one another, share hope with one another, hold onto hope for one another - pass it on

 

A Right Brain Business Plan and Inside-Out Living

This is a look inside how my morning began today . . . my Starbuck's (breakfast blend), in my hand painted, chipped-over-the-years-but-still- oh-so-loved cup that reminds me to "have faith", my notes, and my copy of the  Right Brain Business Plan book. I am on a journey. It has only just begun, and I haven't got a map, yet, but that is the purpose of doing the work...to create a plan. 

I have long held the belief that our life is a testimony of who we are and that each of us comes to life with a promise, a gift, a passion and a deep heartfelt desire. Do you agree? Have you discovered yours? Will you share with me?

Looking from the outside-in, it could be said that I am fulfilling my promise, sharing my gifts, living my passion, and experiencing my deep heartfelt desire. But, I am an inside-out kinda girl. I am all about starting at home, seeking and living from the inside - out. Living authentically.

I have come to realize I've overlooked one very important component to my inside-out living...authentic living, if you will, and that is a plan.

I have lot's of ideas, lots of dreams & desires (as I imagine you do too). I am blessed to have realized many of mine, however, without a plan, I recognize how, although unwittingly, I easily let my personal power slip from my hands. It is in my personal power that precious seeds sit, longing to be encouraged & nurtured so that they may break through the ground and begin to live, offering what they can to others.

There are any number of reasons I've let go of my personal power, and it did not serve me well - fear mostly. We've all been there, some may even live there. I have decided to give notice. My bags are packed and I am leaving fear. Leaving it for good. We are breaking up, fear. Good bye!

This is not to say that I am moving forward, creating and making space for my new plan to unfold, without fear, but in spite of it. This my friends is what courage is. This my friends is what my faith is to me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My faith is what gives me strength, my faith is the light that guides my every step and my faith is the oxygen to my every breath.  My faith, is literally what saved my life when, as an 11 year old girl, I sat in my bedroom closet, fearing for my life, and fearing for the lives of my brothers, sister, and mother. (I will soon begin to share more about this time in my life). But, until now, try as I might to let faith drive my life, I have let fear be in the driver's seat. It's scary letting go of something you know so well, and that knows you so well - almost like the puppet and puppeteer.

 

How will I move, fear, without you driving me? With faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

each of the pieces featured in this post are available for purchase here - thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related articles

Renewal, and the Powerful Benefits of Change

Right Brain Business Plan!

Pure Joy: Conquer Your Fears

Renewal, and the Powerful Benefits of Change

Renewal is in my heart and on my mind - with the gray days of winter laying to rest (in L.A. anyway), and the hope that the coming Spring promises, I find myself looking at what I want to make new, personally and professionally. 

Restore

Renew

Refresh

 Reaffirm

They're lovely words, and equally lovely actionable and empowering steps we can choose to take to care for ourselves, our family, our business and above all else, our spirit.

I am taking long walks, reading meaningful books, and being intentional in my decision making. This comes in moments each day, in between driving my girls to & from school, music and dance, running errands, doing chores, and running my creative business. While a long respite on a Hawaiian beach would be more than welcome to clear the clutter of Winter, it's simply not possible right now, so I do what I can with what I have,  mend, make do, and renew in the moments each day offers.

For me, the act of creating inherently elicits a sense of renewal, does it do so for you? I've always appreciated the ability to be able to change things up, and relish the possibility that rests in our power to create change. What's one thing you would change today?

Tiny Buddha is full of wisdom for our complex lives (and a favorite go to site of mine). This post they share 10 Powerful Benefits of Change.

Good, good stuff

{XO}

Consider it pure joy - after Atlanta

It is no small statement to say I do what I love and love what I do - when I ventured into the work world at 18 I had no idea what I was good at, what I liked, nor any desired direction to turn except to the only one that was presented to me - become a secretary. With furrowed eyebrows, and perplexed feelings I thought, "work inside an office all day, type, file?!" For 15 years I worked with a variety of companies and law firms as just that, a secretary, and executive assistant. I didn't know then what was possible. I didn't even know that deep in my soul lay dormant a creative spirit waiting to be acknowledged & awakened. It wasn't until I enjoyed the blessed opportunity to be a stay at home momma, caring for two precious daughters - still toddlers - that I realized I needed to resume full time "work" again.   Because of this story (and so much more) being momma, and staying home to nurture these two spirits entrusted to me was thee most important and valuable place I could be. I didn't want to be anywhere else. I couldn't be anywhere else. How could I possibly put their care and daily need in the hands of child care, spend two + hours a day commuting, eight + hours working away from my babies? So many of us do, whether by choice or necessity - I understand. For me and my story tho, this was an excrutiating decision to have to make. So, I began to consider my options . . ."be an artist, design home decor" I thought, surely from far left field, given my inexperience with the industry. Equipped only with my motvation to be home to raise my little girls, a very new awareness of some natural artistic aptitude, and a healthy dose of resourcefulness & determination, I entered into the world of art licensing. Seven years to the date (Jan 2007 when I first launched my scrapbook line) I find myself attending market again, working with and sharing friendship with some of the most creative, artistic minds of our day - each pretty neat people aside from the depth of their talent.

The road along the way here, has risen up several times presenting challenges, but I view these occasions as opportunity to learn - twice blessed - to do what I love and be given valuable oportunity to learn about grace, gratitude, forgiveness, perseverence, intuition, patience, acceptance, belief in one-self, belief in one's dream, hope, loss, faith, and at the end of the day, joy, always joy. I can only hope I have offered this industry some of all that it has offered me and my beloved family. I am privileged and honored to share company with so many fine people - thank you, each of you.

 

Real, warm, engaging and an amazing selection of the best canvas wall decor - thank you Met Colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give thanks, yes, yes, yes for the opportunity to work with Creative Co-Op. The majority of my home is furnished via Creative Co-Op and I love it. Love what they offer to bring beauty and meaning into our home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and for my someday beach cottage, I partnered with Evergreen to bring this line to market

This is only a peek. If you wish to have specfics on where to purchase our licensed products wholesale visit here or just send us a quick note to sales@terriconraddesigns.com.

 

Here are just a few sites worth a visit to for their recaps of Atlanta:

Robin Davis

Alex Columbo

Two Town Studios

Joan Beiriger

Caroline Simas

 

 

Finaly, I want to give a BIG warm heartfelt thank you to Hanne Andersen of Maileg North America for taking the time to contact me and keep my lost badge - with all the biz cards I had collected - safe until  could retrieve it. Simple gestures, BIG impact.

for each of you who pass my way -

 

Creative Co-Op and Terri Conrad Designs Holiday 2013

Give thanks, indeed! For the opportunity to work with some of the finest people and companies - thank you, each of you! I hope you know how much I value our partnerships.

So, when in Atlanta, roam . . .on over the Creative Co-Op showroom for our newest holiday collections. Here's a little sneak peak:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and be sure to visit these manufacturer showrooms too.

May blessings be bountiful for each of you.

 

Heartfelt thanks

 

 

Atlanta 2013 Preview - Harvest House

Friendship does bloom in the lovliest places . . .and we are delighted to have been asked to illustrate this book for Harvest House. So excited to see it on the shelves in book stores everywhere. Thank you, Harvest House!

If you're a retailer and want to carry this, and many of other heartfelt Harvest House  books, come visit their showroom in Atlanta this week (RPM Gifts & Greetings Bldng. 2 Showroom 1735)

If you wish to purchase the book now, please visit Christianbookstore.

More product previews coming soon -

 

 

Unfold Infinite Possibility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is such beauty, promise, and hope in being able to let go of what was so to avail ourselves to what may be . . .  this is the amazing promise each new day & each new year holds for me on this spirited journey we call life.

What will you let go of, right now,

 - that you have planned (that keeps you from your promise)

-  that you believe (that does not serve you well)

-  that you tell  yourself (that limits you)

so to receive what life has waiting for you?

Much like the arduous ordeal of the fuzzy little catterpillar who enters into its chrysilis, to experience the change and wonder of metamorphosis I am determined to enter this new year with an open heart

wholeheartedly

expectently

authentically

confidently

stepping into the unfolding of infinite possibility.

Pushing through limited boundaries, I shall allow myself all the freedom needed to finally & fully lean into the woman I am created to be, graciously accepting and warmly embracing the beauty that is mine, the beauty of a life that is indeed lived with infinite possibility.

Share with me kindred spirit, as you enter this New Year - 2013 - what will you let go of and what infinite possibility will you embrace?

Help us connect, please feel free to share this link and let the conversation begin.

As always, may miracles bloom in your garden today, and everyday -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

prints may be purchased here

Life is waiting for us . . . .

What will you let go of so to receive what He has planned for you?

Happy New Year! May miracles bloom in your garden today, and every day following!

From our heart & home to yours

simply, sweetly, purely, and with utmost JOY, from our heart & home to yours, Terri Conrad Designs wishes you a blessed holiday.

Faith, Hope, Love and a Lot More Goodness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite songs was the Coke song, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing."  A home filled with harmony and love was something I longed for then. Since, I have sought, with every fiber of my being, to create such a home with my husband and our children. We are blessed doing so, and it is our deep, abiding faith, uncrushable hope, and authentic love that are the bedrock of our heart and our home.

My heart has been broken over the events of this past week, as has the heart of our nation. Words are mere whispers in this time of grief. But,

they must be spoken,

they must be written,

they must be shared,

they must be heard.

I believe we must, individually, and collectively begin to think and put words, as well as action to our spiritual and psychological development and growth as a people. We need to talk about the hope that faith inspires, the love that accepts, embraces, comforts and nurtures our human spirit, and we must engage in conversation about the uncomfortable truths about mental illness, civil rights, and an objective interpretation of our Constitution.

At the begining and end of each day, I believe we each want (and yes, actually need) a sense of belonging, we want to love and be loved simply because we exist, we want connection. It is often through the beliefs we hold to be true that we identify with others and find that connection. Sometimes, we over identify with our own beliefs, and this filters our ability to look, to see, and to understand one another, especially when we are passionate about our closely held beliefs. Often what we do not understand, we fear, and what we fear we seek to destroy. We become seperated from one another, this frightens us, and this separation is so contrary to our spiritual and psychological well being.

We need each other.

One grieving father spoke with such moving candor of the power of our free agency, and the fact that we each have a choice, every moment of every day, how to express this free agency. I believe we are here to learn, and my most personal belief (faith) is that we are to learn to be more Christ-like in our actions. Each time our heart is broken open we have an opportunity to let out the light and LOVE of God, to shine it upon others, as well, and to let His everlasting light and LOVE fill us back up with a hope for a better future, a better people.

Let us not be afraid to engage in conversation about the uncomfortable things of this matter, like mental illness, gun regulations, and our need for spiritual and psychological development and well being.

As a woman who has lived her entire life with depression as a constant visitor, I am in my heart an eternal optimist. I credit this optimism to my faith, which gives me hope each and every day, no matter what, even in these trying times.

As we enter a season that celebrates the greates gift ever given, my wish for you, your family, and our nation, is

Faith, no matter how you choose to express it

Hope, for a more civil, spirit filled future, and

above all, LOVE - may we each know and experience the LOVE we so naturally long for, may we reach out and show LOVE with grace to those we encounter every day.

God's grace, and God's LOVE to all - Peace on Earth!