Donating a precious gift.

Locks of love is an organization that collects donated hair and makes wigs for children with conditions causing hair loss. It's a confidence builder as well and an opportunity to empower these special children to be all that they can be.

I have desired to donate my hair for years now and finally have accomplished my goal :) I donated 12 inches of my locks to this wonderful organization. We may have ideas as to how we are supposed to look, act and carry ourselves but at the end of the day we are all beautiful and it is hair that many of us are fortunate enough to have. So why not share our blessed gift!!

It's one of the easiest more rewarding donations to give. Simply go to http://locksoflove.org and follow the instructions. They require a 10 inch minimum to donate.

Be generous with what you have to offer. You never know when you might be on the receiving end.

Capturing the Moment

"A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety." ~Ansel Adams


Photographing is an art as well as an expression. It captures a moment in time to savor and remember for years to come.
...as the seasons change and people grow we can remember these precious times.
A picture is abstract, objective, and can provoke an array of emotions.
Have you ever been so captivated by a picture that it filled your heart with such passion and lifted your spirits high above? Have you ever been so moved by a landscape that it brought tears to your eyes? There is such beauty in the most mundane things. The object is to see true beauty for what it represents.

Typically a picture is the reminder of your personal experience for experiencing the event is truly individual. A picture can take you back through your episodic memory to relive the smells, sounds, and presences of your surroundings. Try and recall the last sunset you perceived and how vast and indescribable beauty really is. We are beckoned to experience and visualize though pictures, we achieve this by seeing the world through others eyes.















A leaf,flower,car,boat,bird,family,boot,hands,sunset,
eyes,feather,ring,tree,fish,ice,mountain,swing,beach,chair,expression,house,butterfly etc. Photography is uniquely interpretative. It's amazing the stories pictures can tell in one visual image set before us.

The best part is all you need is a camera and an imagination to carry you away...

Paper Butterflies

History:
Vanessa Means "Butterfly"
Invented by author Jonathan Swift for his poem 'Cadenus and Vanessa' (1726).
Vanessa was used as the name of a genus of butterfly.
Numerological Meaning
People with this name tend to be very inspired, intuitive, and creative. Their aim is to improve the world and can be quite altruistic. They strive to see the "Big Picture" and achieve their dreams.

Oh what a spring we've had..beautiful sunny days, wet misty ones too, and oh those San Ana's..though, summer is just around the corner. Rain or shine this simple craft is a perfect activity.

These fun fluttering paper creations come to life. They are simple to make and add volume to any wall. No age requirement for this task! Invite the little ones to join too.




All you need is:
Paper- I used dictionary paper I bought at the "Dollertree"
Tape or a stapler
Scissors

First fold a piece of paper in half and draw your desired butterfly body. (Use as many layers of paper that you would be able to cut though with ease). Then, cut it out. Add two butterfly layers together and tape or staple them. (Stapling on the outside base of the butterfly allows you to gradually fold each layer out to give it a 3D shape. Next begin to layer your butterflies body aligning the center fold and staple or tape each layer together. Feel free to add layers and move the wings where you want them. Each butterfly is unique in size, layers and design. Now run around the living room fluttering like a butterfly before you decide their final destination on the wall :)

Unique. Fluttering. Decor.

Decor Frames

Tran⋅quil⋅li⋅ty –noun; quality or state of being tranquil; calmness; peacefulness; quiet; serenity.

Easy on the eyes and calming of the spirit. These decor frames brighten up any space they occupy. The color, design and center 3 by 3 space can be filled with any desired choice.
Essentials:
Wooden Frame
Acrylic Paint
Craft Glue

Center 3 by 3 fillers:
Sea Shells
Rocks
Marbles
Sea Glass
Mirror
Photo

..and of course patients for the paint and glue to dry ;)

These are some of my favorite decorative frames to make because there is so much flexibility to diversify the product for different spaces.

I was honored to have someone purchase a set and offer the same to anyone interested in my technique. (Choice of: color, texture and 3 by 3 filler)

Last but certainly not least, credit for this idea goes to Chelsea Carter for inspiring me to create my very own piece of art decor.

Art is contagious!

Hand-Made Jewelry

One of the greatest jewelry gifts to give and receive. A hand crafted genuine original piece of jewelry. There are many ways to make fine jewelry and countless materials to use such as; pearls, crystals, beads, shells, rocks, rings, and many more.

Creating is all about your imagination. Many materials are already in your possession. If you don't have jewelry making supplies there are simple ways to make memorable jewelry. One great idea is to use ribbion as the neclace and add a beautiful pendant or sea shell you found on the beach!

The two pieces I chose to share have their own stories to go along with their style.

The shell earrings were two different pieces that came together beautifully. First while shopping in a boutique on the island of Kauai, Hawaii I found a discounted box of earrings that were all marked at $3. Wow, what a deal. Why perhaps is the next question one would ask so I examined them. In the process of rounding the sides of the square shaped earrings some of the shell was chipped away. Brilliant because there was the simplest solution. When I got home I glued small matching snail shells to cover the imperfections and it added a great finish to the earrings. Wa-laa.
Secondly, the amber crystal necklace is composed of four types of beads. Alternating the sizes of each bead is appeasing to the eye and gives the necklace beautiful definition.

Remember you can always create jewelry with materials you already have. It's such a joy to be able to make your own jewelry for any occasion and uniquely design them for others.

Etsy.com has a great selection of hand crafted jewelry. My sister in-law Chelsea and her friend Lisa make exquisite jewelry offered online at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoBottleBlondes !!!

A New Beginning!

Today is the day! I will be moving to CSUN, Northridge. It has been a whirlwind organizing, packing, cleaning, storing, deciding, and all the other details that are involved. I am very excited to meet new people and be immersed in a different city. Optimism helps when anticipation is running through your mind. I find myself reflecting on each major decision and school change I've ever made ready to compare it to my future. I will say each milestone has always steadily been bigger and better than the one before. My mind interestingly enough is reminiscing on memories long, long ago.
This really has been a huge decision for my that I have spent countless nights thinking, praying, and sometimes crying about. It's a beautiful beginning for me to learn and grow independently. However I have always felt such a tremendous responsibility towards my family and it's hard to part. When one moves away they want their world to stay the same back home so that they know the strength, love and support will always be there for them. I hope.
And so it begins...

Patience...and Understanding.

Throughout my life I have always kept journals, but those are secret and personal and on rare occasions do I share entry's with others.
So, I thought I would give this a try...writing is a beautiful expression of the ways of life.
I have hesitated for days to write this blog, because I know it will come across vague and confusing. Please, know..what is dark will soon come to light.

I turned the thought of writing my "thoughts" for people to read, comment, and gain something from those words for a while now, but I tend to write more fluidly in the quietness of my own secrecy. However, I recently spoke with a friend about starting a blog and she encouraged me to do so. I must caution and say this is bold, vulnerable, and unveiling for me, three things that I am exercising with great faith...

God sure chose a interesting time in my life for me to begin my blogging, this being my first attempt at writing one and I cant describe the magnitude of thoughts I have at this very moment in time. This week has redefined the course of my life. Literally. I have cried, and laughed, prayed, and pondered his plan and preparation for the future. Late last week, I learned some devastating news about someone dear to me. Immediately the tears began, shock set in and I quietly listened to the voice on the other end of the phone. I can honestly say I am one of those people that "prepares for the worse" in case it would some how subdue the devastation, however it usually has little effect. This event, also was unlike that because it came "out of the blue" I could have never imagined it would become a reality on so many levels. My chest gripped me so tightly the first few days, I struggled to speak and deeply asked God to give me the ability to offer any words of encouragement as comforting as they could be.
I learned, I cried, I hoped, I began to see Gods plan....unfolding before my very eyes. I am not a very open person when it comes to the depth of my heart and the trials God has set before me, but this last week he uncovered that fear and let light shine in. God showed me a purpose, one of many I am sure and he laid it down in my hands. I questioned the reality of the situation at first in disbelief if this situation could really be an answer to a prayer I had prayed for the last 7 years, but I know with confidence and certainty he has validated it.
and that is a BLESSING. it brings tears to my eyes..
I hate to say the words, "no one else understands"- but, now..I truly know someone else does.

It gets even better- the following day in regard to a completely separate prayer... the Lord answered another, faithful, and with such grace the Lord provided. Please don't take this lightly. I am trying to describe it as accurately in words as I can. These were prayers that I have cried out for years, for him to answer, I waited patiently, and he transformed my heart.

Unfortunately and fortunately there is much, much more.
I ask for your patients, and understanding that time will reveal what it is that I am talking about... and so much prayer is needed during this time.
Strength- for God to heal the weak
Wisdom- seeking
Love- support and coming together

Be thankful, life is richer and more beautiful when you are a light to others.
Sincerely, Vanessa