12 Days::Remember The Story

We stopped by the church yesterday and we locked our car keys in the car with the car running. That single event threatened to steal my peace. I was keenly aware of the power of that moment to raise my blood pressure and burst my bubble. I took a deep breath and threw up a frustrated prayer, asking God to make something good out of our little mess.

I was grateful to be able to wait inside the church while H took the church van home to grab our extra key. As I stood by the door to make sure the car didn't "disappear" I was reminded of my advice to be still. I heard myself laugh as I realized that - though I was at the end of the day - I had not taken my own advice. There I stood, forced into stillness by what appeared to be an unfortunate series of events.

I stood there for the 45 minutes that it took for H to return with the extra key. Just me and this sign, posted on the wall that faced me.

And just like that, the real meaning of Christmas slipped up on me, catching me off guard.* Doe that ever happen to you?

It's day four of 12 Days of Holiday Peace! Already, I feel the peace settling in among us, slowing down our pace as we head toward Christmas. Do you feel it too?

Remember the story...

I've watched A Charlie Brown Christmas every year for as long as I can remember. But it wasn't until recently that I realized Linus was telling the Christmas Story in that speech on the stage. Once again, I was caught off guard. I don't know how that got past me. I guess I was just so enamored of the dancing! Take a minute today to remember the story of that very first Christmas so very long ago. As told so perfectly by Linus (I love it when he says, "Lights please."):

*It's showing up everywhere! Read more here:

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12 Days::Be Still

With Christmas just ten days away, activity around your home might be ramping up a bit. We've got our youngest home from college, so things in our home are definitely all a-flutter. When our oldest arrives on Sunday, our family will be complete - tucked safely under the same roof. I can't wait!

It's Day Three of 12 Days of Holiday Peace! I'm so glad you're here!

Be Still...

Sometimes, in the midst of the hustle and bustle, we miss the magic of the season. Today, take a few minutes to just be still. Step back from the doing and soak it all in. Wrap up in your snuggie, or camp out at your kitchen table, or settle back into your favorite chair and just. be. still.

It doesn't matter how long it takes you. Some will be fine with just five minutes of stillness and others will need an hour or more. Just be sure to find the time and space to stop along the way today. When you still your body, your heart, your mind, your soul, peace will find its way to you.

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12 Days::Write A Letter

  Image uploaded to flickr by cattycamehome.

Winter has staked its claim here on the Great Plains. Outdoors looks like a serene and peaceful Ansel Adams winter wonderland! It beautiful! And it's day two of 12 Days of Holiday Peace.

Write a letter...

Letter-writing is a lost art. It's so much easier to text or email or emoticon our way through relationships. But there is absolutely nothing that measures up to a sincerely written letter. When was the last time you received one?

Take some time today to write a letter to someone who needs to know just how much they mean to you. You might find that putting pen to paper is a gift to both the writer and the reader. Something about connecting the ink to the page, letting the thoughts flow free and true, enriches a relationship.

Write a letter to your child, your spouse, your pastor, your teacher, your neighbor, your mail carrier, your pet sitter, your car detailer, your best friend, your parents, your siblings, your yoga instructor, your...well, you get the idea.

Once the letter is written, deliver it. Seal the envelope, stick a stamp on it, and place the letter in the mailbox. Or hand-deliver the letter. Just make sure it doesn't get lost and never read. The goal today is to write one letter, but feel free to write more than that. Who will you write to today?

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12 Days::Make a List

You're here! I'm so glad you made it! I have been looking forward to this. It's so easy to lose the peace when the holidays roll around and I'm excited to be seeking peace this year, along with you.

If you've landed here by accident (perhaps you were searching for a skydiving adventure to give as a gift this holiday season?), or if you just need to be reminded, start by reading this post to learn more about 12 Days of Holiday Peace. This is day one!

Make a list:

You've probably got a ton of lists already in progress. Grocery lists, gift lists, baking lists, to- do lists, Christmas card lists and lists about the lists you've made. Why not take a minute to list the things you're grateful for? 

Make a list and put it where everyone can read it and can add to it. You could stick a piece of paper to your refrigerator with a magnet, or clear a space on your family's message board. Be sure to keep a writing utensil nearby.

Throughout the days of the season, write down what makes you smile. Simple blessings. Things you already have. Invite your family, your friends, your neighbors, the plumber - whoever passes through - to add to the list each day. Watch the list grow through the holidays and find peace in what you already have.

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Note To Self...

Dear Deidra,

Life is grand. It really is. There will be days when you don't believe this, but trust me. Life is grand. Now, that's not to be confused with easy. Because life is definitely not easy. But still, life is grand. In every sense of the word:

So don't give up. No matter what. Keep pressing on. Keep looking forward. Keep following your dreams. Keep first things first and don't be too concerned about what other people say. Follow your gut - it's usually right.

Know that God really does forgive and love and see you. He does. And He is on your side, working things out for your good and for His glory. No matter what you say or do or don't, He will not give up on you. Ever.

Don't take anyone or anything for granted. Be kind and generous. Always save some money, and always give some away. Always. Use your words for good. Don't gossip. Tell the truth. Encourage others.

Obey your parents. They are brilliant! You may never ever meet a wiser pair of people in your entire life. Honor them.

Speak kind words to yourself about yourself. Love generously and sincerely and richly. Start with loving God and the rest will follow.

Have fun! Don't hold back! Life is grand!

What would you say to your younger self? To join the conversation, go here.

And join me here tomorrow for the beginning of 12 Days of Holiday Peace!

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Do You Know PVE?

Have you met Patricia of PVE Design? Patricia is the talent behind the beautiful design for my 12 Days button! Patricia is kindhearted and sincere and generous and talented. And...she made this for me as a surprise! If you don't already know her, let me introduce you...

You create truly beautiful works of art. How did you first realize that you were an artist? 
When I cried in kindergarten when we had to stop painting or put away any sort of art supplies.  I have always loved the feeling of play that my art gives me.

Your blog profile says you’re “An artist on a mission to design, create, and inspire an artful life.” How would you define an artful life?
Well, it was fun coming up with a mission that spoke to me. I think from the time I was little, I always felt that living an artful life was so important, creating with a purpose, designing with love, and creating what you love. Artful living is about adding an approach to embrace life with feeling.  This can mean the addition of art, music, of a recipe, kindness - anything that gives more flair to your life. It is not about having tons of money, it is about educating your eye, appreciating something that speaks to you. Think of Georgia O'Keefe or Mother Theresa, they lived with passion and inspired so many.

Writers often talk about writer’s block, and marathon runners speak of hitting “the wall” during a race. Do you ever find yourself in “a rut” with your art? If so, how do you get past that and move on?
Oh, that is the devil.  I have some projects now that are not coming out as I see it and that can really be hard. It sounds silly, but I just try to let go and let God take control and work it out.  It always does work out, even when my faith waivers. It is a state of grace when it all finally comes out. It is like giving birth, lots of pain, but we do it again, we see the miracle unfold and all that pain goes away. There is a tremendous amount of doubt, of pain when I am faced with a challenge or a client who changes things, which of course is part of what my Father taught me, that the customer is always right. So I try to identify the problem and then come up with a solution. In the end it all works out.

Each time I visit your blog, I find myself inspired in some way. Inspired to seek out beauty, to be a better me, to stop whining. I really sense that you’ve made a choice to be a positive force in the world. Who or what prompts you to have such a positive impact on others?
I have a close friend who is fighting cancer and never once have I heard her complain. I think that surrounding myself with positive energy, not willing to settle or listen to those that complain is a huge part of what inspires me. Challenges add to our character and we must all know that we will have obstacles, but we can choose to battle without fear and embrace life with good, with beauty and with positivity.

I encourage each of you to try to focus on all the good. Give and live with light and see the change you want in the world.    

What advice would you give to others who wish to live an artful and inspired life?
Start by doing, choose your medium, be in an artful endeavor, or one working with children, or people. And surround yourself with like-minded individuals. If you love food, then take a cooking class, even a class to learn about food and the inspiration it can bring.  Does that make sense?  It is one of my favorite things to say to others - just do it!  (sorry Nike)   

What types of things do you and your family do to have fun? Do you celebrate any holiday traditions?
For fun, we laugh a lot. My twin sons are juniors in high school and there does seem to be tons of pressure this year. I feel for them, so I know it is important to provide support, laughter, love and fun at home.

That said, we all have our purpose, and to find that is key.  I know that my purpose in life is to share my art with others. It makes me incredibly happy too, to create and bring joy to those around me as well as to myself. My daughter loves to sing, dance and play the flute.

We celebrate the holidays with friends, and family.  Some of the traditions we have are to decorate our tree, attend mass, and bring gifts for children. My 16 year old son looks forward to setting up the nativity scene on the mantle. It was a gift from my Mother-in-law from France.  A friend hosts an annual Christmas Eve party and I am always in awe of that night.  Our local fire truck drives throughout the  neighborhood with Santa laughing all the way giving peppermint sticks to children. I love that about our village.

We ski (upstate) during the winter (every weekend) and the snow really is the "glue" that keeps our family laughing and I know in years to come, my children will appreciate all the effort that goes in to the sport.  All three are down-hill racers and I always tell them that in life there will be ups and downs, but the downhills are much more fun!

Wishing each of you an artful holiday! Weee!  Shoosh!

If you've never visited Patricia's site, you should click over now and settle in for a visual and inspiring treat! Or visit her Etsy shop here. Or...for a chance to win one of Patricia's beautiful creations, head over to Kwana Writes, where there's a giveaway in progress!

Here's to a happy weekend to you all! And don't forget to come back here beginning Sunday where we'll start counting down the days to Christmas with 12 Days of Holiday Peace!

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Holiday Peace

I love words and, of all the words out there, my favorite is "Peace." I love the way it looks, the way it sounds, the images it paints in my mind. For years, instead of making a New Year's Resolution, I would choose a word to focus on throughout the year. I tried to make it a word that I could practice. One year I chose "faith." One year I chose "hope." One year it was "prayer." "Grace" is another favorite. But then one year I chose "peace" and it has been my word ever since. I find peace to be wrapped up in the other great words - those I've chosen as my focus words in the past, as well as other greats such as love and joy and gratitude and kindness.

With just over two weeks to go until Christmas, it can get difficult to focus on peace. I can find myself - just before noon on Christmas Day - wondering out loud, "Is that it?" If I'm not careful, peace gets lost in the shuffle. Is it the same for you?

This year I'm inviting you to focus on "Peace" along with me. Beginning Sunday, December 13, I'll be counting down the days to Christmas with Twelve Days of Peace. Feel free to grab the button code from my sidebar! Each day I'll write about something easy that you can do to hang on to peace in your home during the baking, wrapping, shopping, cooking, relatives, traveling, shoveling, sledding, singing and worship of the holiday. I'm looking forward to it! I hope you'll join me!

stunning button image by PVE Design

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