Is it already October?

Is it already October? I just cannot believe it, but it's here. I have been in complete denial that summer is really over and that the kids are back in school and that the pool really is closed until next May. Working on some new designs for a company (will announce this news soon) for 2011...yes 2011. Seems far away but it's not. These manufacturers plan that far out, therefore we, the artists and designers have to design that far ahead. It's fun though, and so it doesn't seem like work. It's a different way of thinking when you're helping companies choose color palettes for products they want to sell bazillions of to their customers. No pressure...ha!Planning color groupings for various products and trying to plan well so colors and patterns can easily be changed to be formatted for various products for several companies and not just for one. Sketching new designs and creating new collections. I am keeping my sketchbook in the car with me and have been known to sketch ideas lately at stop lights. Never know when the ideas will flow, so one has to be prepared. Also about to give the website a big facelift so that should be coming out in the nest several weeks. Is anyone else out there in denial that it's already October?

I saw God at the Farmer's Market!

I am a total sucker for color groupings like this. Just makes me want to paint every shade I see.

Ok, be prepared for a long post here...I just cannot help myself. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to pop over to the local Farmer's Market whenever possible, especially this time of year.

Nothing "bittersweet" about this time of year except for being tempted by this! Bought this bunch of bittersweet to place about the house and adore the colors.

Just look at these mums...Yummy Mummy!

Something about the beginning of fall when the pumpkins are out and fall colors start to make their appearance...Even though fall is not my #1 favorite season, the colors are my favorite. Not a big orange fan, but love to search for the diverse colors of the mums, bittersweet and the white and green variations of pumpkins and gourds.Just look at this amazing color. I am inspired every time I go here and could honestly stay all day to photograph.

Apples galore...Think they thought I was a reporter because I was snapping shots of everything I could find! See the whole farmer's market shoot here!

More color groupings of gorgeous produce!

These pretty things are called October beans...they almost look tie dyed up close.

Everywhere I looked I could not stop thinking of God's goodness and creative genius. Not surprising the Sunday School lesson assigned for me to teach 3rd graders today was on creation and God resting on the Sabbath. Something I struggle with like many, but oh was this a great reminder to bask in His goodness through daily happenings.

Fresh rain on the face of the pansy...Yes, I saw God at the Farmer's Market today. I am 100% certain. He's not hard to find other places too...where have you seen God these days? Look for Him this week!

xoxo,

C

Last Dragon Standing & Dedicated Golfer

Very proud of sweet William Friday night for winning Last Dragon Standing at his Martial Arts Tournament. Way to go William!

Very proud of Walker for his recent award for Most Dedicated Junior Golfer from this summer. Way to go Walker!

Keep up the good work boys...

Love,

Mom

Prince of Peace

Our daughters are at the stage where they are madly in love with their daddy. I love that and he loves it even more! They are even painting/drawing him with a crown on and of course they are wearing crowns in the pictures too.

See here's more...I am finding them everywhere! They are even tracing their own bodies in the driveway and adding the finishing touch of a crown.

One of our daughters asked recently if she could really be a princess when she grew up. Words I want to immediately jot in a journal and date and never forget that she asked. We chatted a bit and pulled out the book, Gigi, God's Little Princess. A great story of a little girl named Gigi whose parents teach her that she is already a princess...she is God's princess...a daughter of the King of all kings.

Haven't gotten this yet, but plan to...it's the devotion book by Sheila Walsh...same author of God's Little Princess. This devotion features scriptures to memorize, beauty secrets for true inner beauty, stories about special ladies in the Bible, promises that God gave us, fun plays to act out, songs to sing, articles on manners, good behavior, and loving others. There is even a "Take a Bow" section where they can act out scenes from the Bible.

To all my lady friends out there and especially to their daughters...no matter their age, remember we are all princesses in God's eyes and are daughters of a real King.

Isaiah 9:6

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Oh Mercy!

I had the privilege of attending a luncheon last week (that's me at the back left table) for Mercy Ministries here in Charlotte at wonderful Noble's Restaurant. A dear friend of mine, who is quite instrumental in this new home being built in Charlotte, invited me so I could report back to our pastor who was not able to attend. I met so many incredible folks and cannot get over what God is doing through this ministry!

The founder, Nancy Alcorn, spoke and shared more incredible stories... her journey of how the ministry began, donated land for Mercy Ministries' homes, the waiting list of 750+ who want to attend a Mercy Ministries program, and so much more. Wow is all I can say! Check out Nancy's blog here. And Nancy is the one in the middle (below).

Two Mercy Ministries' graduates spoke and gave their testimony...heart breaking stories but amazing truth about how God and Mercy Ministries filled the void in their lives and allowed them to overcome drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders and more. Watch the new Mercy Ministries' video here...(warning...a bit graphic and not easy to watch in the beginning)

And here is a bit about who they are:

Since 1983, Mercy Ministries of America has provided hope and healing to generations of desperate young women who are seeking freedom from life-controlling problems such as:

Drug & Alcohol Addictions * Depression

Eating Disorders * Unplanned Pregnancy

Physical & Sexual Abuse * Self-Harm

Our free-of-charge biblically-based program serves a diverse population of young women from various socio-economic backgrounds, aged 13-28. Many of the girls, who come to Mercy for help, are facing a combination of debilitating circumstances and have been in various treatment facilities with unsuccessful long-term results. We are committed to providing the young women we serve with the most excellent program services that allow them to recognize their self-worth and prepare them to reach their full potential. Our non-conventional approach to healing allows young women to permanently stop destructive cycles and prepares them to take hope out into their communities.

I feel like God is stirring my heart to teach these girls art once the home opens here in Charlotte....a sort of art therapy class. We'll see what God decides, but I know I'd love to be involved in some way with this amazing ministry.

So check out Mercy Ministries and my message for you today is this:

Jude 1:2 "May mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance."

xoxo,

C

The Silly Squirrels!

So I agreed to coach our daughter's soccer team this fall. Figured I had to drive and be at all of the practices anyway and better do this now before they realize I have no idea what I am doing! They are, after all, only 5! Plus I was able to recruit many our girl's friends for the team!

But as the season was about to begin I panicked a bit and e-mailed last year's coach who was kind enough to send me a list of fun drills...bless him! Then I watched some soccer drills on YouTube...that helps too!

Anyway, the point is they are having fun and I am having a blast! Had our first practice Thursday and our first game today. The girls came up with our team name... The Silly Squirrels since our uniforms are gray!

We won approximately 8 to 1 even though we do not keep score (the parents still do in their heads). Played 3 on 3 with no goalies...simple and fun. Our only objectives are to have fun and kick the ball in the correct direction!

Thank you Lord, for the privilege and opportunity to coach these sweet girls!

Tying up loose ends!

Pretty sure I had a pair of Converse high tops at some point during my early years. They are just so fun and cool... and now they are just plain cute on our 5 year olds.Converse now has these classics in great color waves...and we chose pink, although I love the green! They look great with shorts, skirts, jeans and even some of their dresses. NOT easy to put on and tie though!

Speaking of color waves and tying, I have been busy here in the studio tying up loose ends with a few contracts which I am very excited about. It will be great to get through the business part and get on to the designing part...the fun stuff!

Finalizing Pantone color for the hang tags which will appear on products created by most of these companies I am working with. Remember I shared how I am obsessed with color? Also brainstorming new designs and possible products. It's so much fun I can hardly stand it!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,

C

We have a winner!

True Random Number GeneratorResult:2Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Thank you to those who submitted comments and passed the blog on to friends! Your words were all so kind and it gives me great pleasure to design these products knowing they make you, the consumer, happy. It also makes all of the long hours and effort creating it all sooooooo worth it when I hear the stories of how the messages have touched lives.

I knew there would be no way for me to personally choose a comment from one of you. That's why I chose Random.org to do the job. Some of you commented under other blog entries but I found them and some of you e-mailed your comments so I included you in the give-away too. I listed you in order as you commented and then headed over to see what random # was chosen....so as you can see there was no bias here!

Congratulations Laura from Sherwood, Oregon! You are the winner! Please e-mail me at multipleblessings@mac.com with your shipping address and I will get your free products to you! You will receive over $50 in free Multiple Blessings goodies and I hope that you will enjoy using and giving them!

On another note, some of you have asked about the gallery wrapped canvas originals I am creating. I am actually taking orders for these. They are custom original paintings and torn collages using my cards. I made this one for a friend's 40th (gave you a sneak peek recently, remember?) but have been asked by several folks to sell them and orders are being placed. We are revamping the website soon and I will have some for sale on the site. Just got the green light too that this fall I will be able to sell some of the products I have designed for other companies on the site! Details to follow! Back to the canvases... so far the themes are: a cross, a lamp (let your light shine!), peace symbol, the word LOVE, a heart. But if you have another idea I am open...it is custom to you...the design and the scripture! or you can certainly let me choose...up to you!

This one took about 10 hours...It is a gallery wrapped 12 x 12 square for $115 or a 14 X 18 rectangle for $125 or a 16" circle for $115. When the process is done, they are coated with a glossy varnish and they are quite pretty.

Love the gallery wrap too...no frame necessary! Let me know if you'd like to chat about a custom order.

Congrats again to Laura! Check back in frequently as we will have more giveaways and remember to share the blog with friends!

Have a fabulous day!

xoxo,

C

THINK before you speak!

Ok, before I post...the give-away is still open until Wednesday pm...so get back to it and leave some comments. Thank you for the kind words so far...some of you left them under other posts...no problem. I found them. Others of you e-mailed in comments...very nice. Will try and include all of you in the random drawing! Check back Thursday to see who won!

Alright...we've all heard it and most of us have rattled these words off to our own children:

"THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK." It is true and we are all guilty of not thinking before we speak. But this week on 91.9, I heard wonderful reasoning behind this quote. A caller shared how her grandmother said this often but the acronym is why she remembered this the most. I love this!

Before we speak, we should ask yourselves,

is it...?

T...rue

H...helpful

I...inspiring

N...eccessary

K...ind

And if it is not, we probably should not say what we are about to say.

Love that! And yes, I have just printed it out in bold for our kids to see and for me too!

Blessings on your day!

xoxo,

C

Time for a Give Away!

Heeeelllllooooo? Anyone out there? Ok, I KNOW I have lots of blog readers. I run into you and you tell me so, you e-mail me and even call me and tell me that you read it and enjoy it. So glad...but hello, I am lonely here in blogland and would love some comments? It is not hard...promise...I will even walk you through it. If you do not have a Google account, then you need to open one. It is easy and simple and only requires your e-mail address and for you to create your own user name and password...that's it! And you only have to do it once! Then, after each blog entry you will see the date and the word comments. Click on the word comments and you will simply be able to comment using your Google account. Click here to open a Google account.

Ok, now that you know what to do, here's a little incentive and giveaway! We are told to "spread the love", "spread the word", "spread peace"...well now I want you to "spread my blog". E-mail your friends all over the country and tell them to visit Designing For the Soul and of course tell them about the giveaway too. We want to see how many comments we can receive...by next Wednesday, September 16th. Your comments may include why you like the blog, what Multiple Blessings' products are your favorite and why, or tell us your favorite scripture (it may be used soon on some products I am designing). The more comments, the more prizes...here's how it will work:

1-10 comments-1 giveaway

11-20 comments- 2 giveaways

21-30 comments-3 giveaways

you get the idea!

We will use RANDOM.ORG to do the choosing!

Ok, now on to the fun part...who doesn't love free stuff?

Each giveaway will include at least $50 worth of Multiple Blessings' products but they will be randomly packaged (may include Grace Bits, greeting cards, magnetic notepads, invitations, bookmarks, prints, etc.) Think "grab bag" but better!

What are you waiting for? Get going!

And have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,

C

Quote of the Day...

Quote of the day:

God gives every bird his worm, but He does not throw it into the nest.

Had to use this recently while assisting with/monitoring middle school homework!

Grand Canyon Gratitude-How deep is your love?

My parents are amazing. For so many reasons but one is because when my sister and I each turned 16 they let us choose a trip (within reason I am sure). I chose NYC and that's another story...it was amazing and I loved every minute of that with Mom and Dad. My sister, much more adventuresome than I (and my mother), chose the Grand Canyon, and so my dad was the one to take her. It was amazing and a wonderful opportunity for them to bond especially at that fun and awkward age of 16. Of course we both thought we knew everything then.

Fast forward...Friday, August 28th 2009, Dad and Aleene flew out to complete the 2nd leg of their trip with Oars through the Grand Canyon. My sister, in great shape but now 37 and has two young boys...Dad, now 66 and although he prepared with exercise and practices hikes...well the years add another dimension to the trip. They had an AMAZING TIME, and we cannot wait to see all 500+ of their photos.

But 6 days into their 10 day excursion, Dad slipped and fell and broke his left arm. The bonding which took place and their stories are incredible. Dad mentioned "so many angels along the way" including my sister who actually pulled a string from her shorts and found a stick to make a splint. My sister had to leave dad after getting him settled, run back 1.5 miles to get help, then 1.5 miles back to Dad, then walk with Dad another 1.5 to a place where the helicopter could finally land and airlift them out of the canyon.

So, 1 helicopter ride, 2 ambulance trips, a 2:30am hospital room arrival, many doctors and nurses, 1 surgery, 1 metal plate, 9 screws, 2 airline flight changes, and 1 safe trip home....WHEW!...cannot even imagine. Despite all of this, we are all beyond grateful and know it could have been something much worse.

Among the many blessings:

*it was a broken bone and not his head or eyes, etc.

*it was his left arm (he is right handed)

*my sister was with him! (she had been on a hike without him the day before!)

*there are only a few places where helicopters can land in the canyon and they were only 1.5-2 miles away!

*they had amazing aerial views and photographs from the helicopter they never would have had

* they let my sister get on the helicopter (at first they said NO)

*the surgeon in Flagstaff and the hospital was the best within a 3 state radius)

*my sister had time lots of waiting in the hospital and used it to journal while it was fresh on her mind

*easy flight change thanks to Mom and safe travel home

*long lunch today hearing it all and praising God

*and the bonding that occurred between them was...well....priceless!

NOW go and tell someone you love why you love them and do it today! Every day is a gift!

Let our love for one another be GRAND, and DEEP and WIDE...

as GRAND and as DEEP and as WIDE as the Grand Canyon.

Ephesians 3:17-19

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and how long and how deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

3 ways to "Power Up" in the morning!

Staying up too late recently (my husband says so) trying to complete tons of school forms for the kids (know I am not alone...goodness, there are so many!), and working on a new art project for a good friend's 40th coming up this week. Here's a sneak peek and will post a picture when it is complete.

So when the alarm goes off at 6am to get kidos organized for the school day, I regret the late night, but suggest a few things that can help.

#1 hot cup of Starbucks in my favorite xoxo mug

#2 Proverbs 31 daily devotion (first thing I read every morning in my inbox) Always inspiring and just puts the day in perspective.

#3 Power Up is the new sports devotion book that I am reading with our boys before they head off to school. It is wonderful and you can order it here or here. The Sport's Spectrum magazine is great too!

Then of course there should be exercise and to help with he dark circles under the eyes, there is always this!

Have a restful and yet powerful day!

xoxo,

C