Terri Conrad Designs

For the Love of Words . . .and the Power they Hold

I have always loved words. As a child, I spent time reading the dictionary, allowing one word and its definition to lead me to another as I traversed a path of curiosity.

 

Words . . .

Turning the pages of that dictionary, I discovered it was the meaning of the words, which I read, that would elicit a corresponding feeling that would resonate deeply in me.

like these via sprouting seeds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

telling us it is OK to be changed. It's inevitable, really. This is good news, because change is an indication we are alive and growing.

When I read this post on being brave in sadness and brave in love, I was reminded that we are not alone in our daily challenges, big and small, life altering and life shifting, and that as we stand strong in our power and face our challenges we discover  as Joyshop creatively reminds us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We need to be cognizant of the fact that happiness, even in and thru challenging times is in the seeds we plant. What seeds are you planting?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words resonate

Words are filled with the nourishment & engergy to bear fruit

Words are the power that propel our thoughts that create our life, daily

Words can make all the difference in the world, for the greater good

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What words will you think on today, accepting that

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and trust His power

surrender, let go, and let God . . . knowing that all will be well.

(image via via her inspiring pinterest pages)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Meaning of Vintage for me . . .

 

With all the cooking that occurred across the county last week, I wonder how many of you experienced the "oh no, now what do I do!!??!?!" conundrum like I did. You know the one, where you slide mr. turkey-in-the-roasting-pan into the over, and that's all that fits?! Thank goodness for friends with crock pots.

Ours is an in-the-wall single oven that's much too high for my little five foot frame to access inside the oven from the front, so I am always awkwardly reaching in from the side for what's in the oven.  I burn myself almost every time I cook.

If you know me, and the art I create, you know I love vintage inspired home decor. I would love, love (may I please say it again!) L O V E one of these in my kitchen - and while this blue is oh so much fun, I'ld like one in white, please (and thank you!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and in a kitchen like this . . .(please and thank you, again!)

(photo via miss-design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

gorgeous, huh?

 

The range is a 1944 Elmira Stove Works with an oven spacious enough to fit a feast with room to  spread those wings!

We recently had to have our washing machine repaired - at 8 years old,  this was the third repair. Mr. Fix-it indicated that if it were a newer model we'd be looking at having replaced it already, and that the model we have is considered top of the line "for its time." That's pretty funny, I thought, for its time - it's designed to be dispensible. Hmmm...

This got me thinking about my love for vintage and vintage inspired home decor - why I am so drawn to all things vintage . . .because of the

timeless

classic

beauty

quality, and

craftsmanship

Then I realized it is precisely because of these attributes that I have this love affair with vintage & vintage inspired home decor.  It's when we look beneath the surface of the inherent beauty in what we see, or what we desire, we can often find a meaning to the desire.

It is these qualities and attributes (among more) that matter to me. I often find too that with vintage pieces, often come some sentimental meaning for the beholder and this all adds up to feelin' good and warming my little ol' heart and my home -

When I create, it is these attributes I often have in mind when I envision my art applied to products. Much like these little ladies, (two significant reasons I do what I do)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

my daughters are works of art by their Creator, and I can only hope that each day I am able to help them access the

timeless

classic

beauty

quality

craftsmanship, and

meaning in their lives.

As always, may miracles bloom in your garden today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Key to a Full Life . . .Gratitude

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy a safe holiday week giving thanks  -

 

Prima Design USA and Terri Conrad Designs Partner on Nature's Bouquet

 

 

 

I am filled with joy today to be able to share with you my newest partnership with Prima Design USA and introduce to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

my debut table top line with Prima Design

 

 

 

 

They interviewed me recently and share that iterview on their blog. I want to extend a warm & personal thank you to Andrea with Prima Design, for extending such a gracious welcome to me in joining its talented team of artists - this is always such a deep sense of encouragement and is received with great appreciation.

Prima Design epitomizes a fresh approach to conventional serveware. Its designs feature creative interpretations of emerging aesthetics combined with contemporary functionality. The Prima phylosophy is derived from its spirited attitude and aproach - innovative, stylish and always functional.

Thank you Prima -

 

 

 

 

 

shop here and save 10% when you join our new facebook community

 

 

 

 

Expecting Grace . . .

 

 

 wise, wise words to share today via this guy!

"To make a real decision means that ACTIONS follow your decision. If we do not take action, we have not really decided. It's amazing what happens once we actually make a decision, too.
 
On the one hand, all the BLOCKS that prevent us from achieving our goal seem to pop up. At the same time, it is as if the invisible hand of The Uni-verse comes to our aid to help us along The Path.
 
When a decision is made - the problems appear, but so does the Grace. Our job is to apply an empowering meaning to ALL the events of our lives and SEE everything as happening FOR US, never TO US. The obstacle of today is tomorrow's blessing. The opportunity that fell through today will leave room for something even greater to be. Let us not give up. Let us try, not until some date in our mind, NO - let us try UNTIL it HAPPENS!
 
A decision is only a decision if we ACT on it! Not once, not twice, but UNTIL! Expect the challenges to come; this is how you grow. Expect Grace to come - it is your birthright. See ALL of it as a dance. The UPS. The downs. The all arounds. They are all here to teach you, to guide you and to help you GROW.
 
Grace is here. Synchronicity is real. The portal of possibility for a new life opens when we decide and then COMMIT to act on our decision. No one can make this choice FOR US. We must make it for ourselves. It is by doing this, every day, as our WAY OF LIFE, that we slowly begin to SEE - FEEL and KNOW that our inner world is FAR stronger than ANYTHING the outside world gives us.
 
This is the way that it is... If we BELIEVE. If we DECIDE. If we ACT. And act UNTIL. There is no deadline on your dream or expiration date when living a life of your dreams is your LIFESTYLE!
 
You say you've decided - but what are your actions showing you? Are you dabbling towards your dreams or are you COMMITTED to this new LIFESTYLE? Do you have what it takes to try - UNTIL?"

Sweet spirits, what are your dreams & desires? Are you doing anything to discover and develop them? Are you expecting grace, like a long awaited very special guest?

 

 

 

 

 

My hope for you today is that you  Expect Grace to come - know it is your birthright. 

Grace is here. Synchronicity is real. The portal of possibility for a new life opens when we decide and then COMMIT to act on our decision.

 

This is as much for me as it is for you. I know this because just a couple days ago I was sharing with a dear friend a BIG BIG decision I have made. My ACTION requires implicit faith on my part, inviting grace along for the journey and making a committment to try UNTIL it HAPPENS!  I will share my lessons when I reach the front side.

No one can make this choice FOR US. We must make it for ourselves. Are you ready to make that choice for yourself?

As always, may miracles bloom in your garden today . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Grace and Gratitude, day two

The daily dialog on Grace & Gratitude continues.

I had a day yesterday, you know the kind of day that just starts off oh-so-NOT-well and sprirals from there. We all have them. I tried to work, yet my mind said get up and go - just go! Move!

I got up, grabbed my car keys, walked out the door, got into my car and just started driving to parts unknown.

When I find myself in this state of mind I yearn for the ocean - and as I drove, I felt I could not get there fast enough!

For me, the ocean is the place I feel nearest to God; it provides deep inexplicable comfort and solace for me.

As I sat on the rocks on the bluffs, pondered, meditated, cried, and repeatedly asked God to give me some visual indication that He sees me, and is present with me - that visual indication specifically being in the form of a dolphin please (that ought to be easy, huh God, it's a So Cal beach, lot's of dolphin here).

 

I sat, I pondered, I meditated . . . no dolphin. I repeated this process, repeatedly! Remaining aware of the time because I needed to make the hour and a half drive back home once my girls were out of school for the day, I stood up, leaned against the railing and asked God one-more-time, "Ya sure you don't want to give me a dolphin - last chance, I gotta go?" Then, that beautiful, precious, powerful yet still small voice spoke,

"you came to the ocean to be near Me.

I give you the vast ocean, I am the vast ocean,

yet you only ask for and want to see a dolphin

I give you an ocean filled with more dolphin than you have the ability to imagine.

I am the ocean

I am here

I look

I see

I understand YOU.

See Me - I am here."

Exhale, what a powerful  lesson in grace this was for me. How often do we feel alone & unseen in our time of trouble? We are not alone, we simply need to shift our focus ever so slightly to see the ocean for the dolphins, that is to discern an overall pattern from the mass of detail; to see and feel His omnicient presence in even the smallest places in our lives.

Where do you need to see God's Grace in you life today?

In response to yesterday's question, "how do you define grace?" She shared, "I think this is a reminder to always be kind to others. It's definitely the grace we need to offer. I've heard the quote that laughter and happiness are a kind of prayer. I'd have to say that they are grace given to us that we pass on through that laughter. A smile, a simple smile is grace, isn't it! Grace = Blessing. Hugs and grace to you, my friend! Diane"  Diane, I count you a blessing for which I am grateful.

Give yourself a coupl'a minutes, close your eyes, take in & exhale a deep cleansing breath and listen . . .celebrate grace & gratitude today.

Blessings to each of you, and as always, may miracles bloom in your garden!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What is Grace?

My dear friend, Lesa, gave me a CD entitled "Grace & Gratitude" by Olivia Newton John that is so filled with light and love, and pure beauty.

 

The music, the lyrics, and Olivia's voice have resonated so deeply and inspired me that I want to greet, and dedicate the month of November to Grace & Gratitude and will open daily dialog on my facbook page giving you the opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences as they relate to Grace & Gratitude. I hope you will join me, and share the opportunity with your friends.

Our spirits are more tender than I think we often care to admit and need to be safely held with grace.

When our spirit is broken, it is Grace that is the healing salve that gives us the courage to heal, renew and restore so that we may become who we were created to be.

While Grace is most often described as God's unmerited favor, Grace is that characteristic that sets people apart. Grace knows no age, income, gender or race. When it is present it draws us in, it holds us like a safe, warm hug, and allows us to exhale.

Grace is an exercise in love, kindness, mercy, and favor. It's sole purpose is to serve and benefit another. The gift of grace is that when we give it, it gives back to us.

Grace is a gift.

Sometimes, it is ourselves we need to give the gift of grace to - a loving act of kindness, self-compassion . . . grace.

This month I want to slow down enough to be aware to give grace, to myself, my children, my husband, my friends, and all those I interact with.

Is there someone you need to give the gift of grace? Do you need to give yourself grace? Do you need grace given to you by another?

Come be a part of our daily dialog on my facbook page and share your thoughts.

 

 

I'm looking forward to connecting with you.

 In grace & gratitude,

 

 

 

 

 

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