Sunday, August 26, 2007

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Holy Is His Name

There's a passage from the Bible that stops me in my tracks every time I see it. In fact, the first two words of it alone make me feel as though I'm hearing the resounding voice of God rolling through the heavens, raining down His mercy and grace and that peace that passeth all understanding just for me. Be STILL. Then there's that reassurance: and KNOW. Then His promise: that I AM GOD. So powerful. And that's not even all the verse in that very extraordinary passage. But today, I've prepared this reminder from the portion that speaks to me so dearly ... and that I need to hear so clearly every single day.


Along the same lines, I want to give the "With a Grateful Heart" tribute to Tracy. Tracy's blog has just exploded, along with her talent, since I first took notice of digital scrapping blogs. Tracy does what many in this community do. She promotes the work of others, makes note of happenings in the digital community, encourages many, and takes the reins of leadership when necessary. What made me take notice of Tracy is that she was the very first digi-scrap blogger whom I discovered shared her faith so freely. There are many out there who do, to whom I say a loud "hallelujah," but Tracy was the first I saw to do so. And she continues her hard work in sharing her talent and her faith. Thank you, Tracy, with a grateful heart.

Blessings to you all,


Melanie

Friday, August 24, 2007

Another reason to smile ...

... even if you don't feel like it.
Blessings,
Melanie

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

From just around the corner, Joy saves the day...

There you are, just plodding along in life ... in your day ... or, in my case, still fighting with some weird, painful headaches -- when someone comes along and brightens your day by telling you that you did something "awesome." It was definitely a WOW moment for me to hear from Joy in that very way. She's one of the faithful ones who takes the time to send me messages from time to time, and I always appreciate them. This time, she did it expecting nothing in return, and I had to tell her right away that she made my day.

And then -- surely, no coincidence -- I later came across this quotation that instantly reminded me of Joy. DOWNLOAD

So, Joy, I hope this small token of appreciation brings at least a glimmer of a smile to you for the pleasure you bring to others. And speaking of those delightful moments, the rest of you REALLY should take the time to check out her blog and see the captivating photos of her recent trip to Alaska. Fantastic!

Blessings to you all,
Melanie

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

New Tribute


I've been thinking about this for some time, so today, finally decided to launch a new tribute. While the "tagging" is a great learning tool to discover more about fellow scrap-bloggers, and the "Rockin' Girl Blogger Award" is a real hoot (and I've noticed there are other awards, like "Thinking Blogger Awards," etc.), I wanted a way to say a special thank-you to those "angels unaware" among us. So, I started this. It's like a Random Act of Gratitude sort of thing, if that makes sense.

This inaugural tribute I am sending to Kirsty Wiseman. Kirsty would only know me through the comments I leave on her blog. Kirsty not only gives me a daily fix of life in the UK (in addition to my English husband's perspective, of course), but she has a humorous, loving, irreverent, tender, and irresistible take on life and its challenges. Her photography is stunning -- exactly the type of candid portraits that I enjoy the most in my own photography. They inspire me endlessly and I appreciate very much the heart and soul behind such a gift.

Kirsty appears to be a generous, giving soul among her family and friends, and certainly is gifted in her artistry that she shares with us all -- both in photography and those fabulous overlays she allows us to have.

Personally, I have to say that I am most grateful for the unabashed devotion to her husband, and her bursting-at-the-seams pride in her glorious daughter, Ellie. God gives extraordinary children like Ellie to the mothers and fathers who will most understand and treasure these special cherished ones, who light up the world in amazing ways. Clearly, Ellie is wise, well-loved and I am fascinated every day to read about the many facets of this lovely little girl.

You inspire me, Kirsty, in more ways than you can know. For this, I humbly send you the first "With a Grateful Heart" tribute.

If any of you would like to pass this on to someone else, please feel free to do so.

With special thanks, Kirsty,

Melanie

Monday, August 20, 2007

Learning


Saturday, August 18, 2007

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Sorry I'm Late


For a very important date. Blogging date, that is. I've still been trying to manage a ravaging headache with fever; the doctor gave me new meds today so I thought I'd jot a quick note before they knock me out for the count tonight.

Hope your week is much better than mine has been. Whine whine whine.

The storm all around us tonight, compliments of tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico, reminded me that I had planned to do more "rainy day" word art for all of you who use it in your scrapping. The Neil Sedaka '70s song from which this lyric came is forever emblazoned in my head. It was so sing-able when it came out -- at least for those of us who liked that sort of music over heavy metal, that is -- and, boy, did I sing it and sing it and sing it. I don't always hear laughter in the rain because more often, I'm hiding behind its veil watching the world go by. But it definitely makes me feel as though it's giving us a second chance, somehow. Renewing the planet, restoring the plants, replenishing the seas. And my spirit, too. DOWNLOAD

Blessings to all of you. It would be nice to hear from you.

Melanie

Monday, August 13, 2007

An EPIC Idea


Wow. Who knew? "That ROCKS!" has been replaced by "That's EPIC!!" Many thanks to "a Canuck" (as she signed in on 4Shared) who had the wisdom to consult her 14-year-old nephew about the latest slang. Many thanks! Can't have us all running amok scrapping the wrong buzzwords, can we? :) It's always amazing to see how definitions are reinvented, and most of the time, I think they're great fun.

Thanks bunches, for the assist in keeping us updated, "a Canuck." I got a real chuckle out of it when I read it, and I really needed the laugh. Wish I'd thought of checking in with the nieces and nephews!


I apologize that this isn't the best of word art from a quality standpoint; my migraine is still raging and my vision has been affected. Just wanted to get this funny update out to you ASAP. LOL

Monday blessings,

Melanie

Sunday, August 12, 2007

PS

4Shared seems to be having problems today still, as others are experiencing it as well. Access to it appears to be quite random.
If you leave your e-mail address in a message, I can forward the word art directly to you, if you're interested -- until the 4Shared problems are ironed out.
THANKS,
Melanie

Mindy Strikes Again ... with a ROCK!


Mindy shocked me a few days ago by nominating me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger. Although I'm always trying to stay up with current trends (so that I can have "cool" conversations with my nieces and nephews), never would I have thought of myself as "rockin'"!!! Thanks, Mindy, for your very kind tribute and the honor. To that end, I had to make some new word art. Hope you like it!


Now, I'm supposed to nominate 5 rocking bloggers. To be honest, almost everyone I visit has such a great time and make it so enjoyable and, yes, proud to be in the digital/hybrid scrapbooking community. Narrowing it down to the top 5 picks would only be the luck of the draw, since there are so many wonderful people out there.

Here goes:

1. KimB's style and energy are contagious and combustible. She makes even the simple things fun, and that's a joy. I LOVE her work. Thanks, Kim.

2. Mrs.Miles is an amazing blogger, and you never know what she's going to tell you about her day. She's delightfully consistent in her devotion to God, her husband, and her family, to which I give her high praise. I love her whimsical freebies, too -- plus, she sent me a note one day to tell me that she had a daughter named Melanie. :) Thanks, Barb.

3. Then there's Krista. You're never in any doubt where she stands on any given day, and her talent is breathtaking. Her simple style of blogging is very understated compared to the beauty of her offerings. Thanks, Krista.

4. And ScrappyPony. Heather's got a true gift for capturing the moments in her day and for sharing of herself. Not so much in volume of words, but she shares her spirit in an intangible way, and in a tangible way as well. She was one of the first blogs I came across when I started seeking sites related to digital scrapbooking, and I've watched her evolve amazingly. She won't even know who I am, but I salute her all the same.

5. LindsayJane is wonderfully pragmatic in her approach. I feel as though I know her and that she's just checking in with me, personally -- even though she wouldn't have a clue who I am. Her artistry is terrific and so varied. I think of the word serendipity whenever I think of her; you just never know what's around the corner. Thanks, LJ, for such inspiration.

Have a blessed Sabbath,
Melanie

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Rainwear ... for Rhonda


The timing of this word art may seem to be insensitive, considering all the people who've suffered from severe flooding the past few months. But the love of rain is part of me, and it would be unusual for me not to talk about it.

And, besides, I promised Rhonda that I would do it, after she so generously gave her Rainy Day Feeling kit to us. She's begun a new kit (If Not For You), so click on over there to see her. TEAFORTWOPHOTOS.

None of the traditional quotations about rain suited my fancy this time, so I wrote one of my own. Hope you don't mind. DOWNLOAD I tend to rhapsodize about it, actually, and always ask for it on my birthday. Silly, I know, but it renews my spirit, so there you go.

Have a blessed Thursday and thanks for stopping by. Some comments would be appreciated if you download any of my word art.

Melanie

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

I Count It All Joy


I just spent the past three days hosting a 4-year old boy (my great-nephew). The house was awfully quiet last night without him! The puppy is moping today because her little playmate left.

How can I describe that bundle of delight that is Adam? He is part Imp, part Sage, part Engineer, part Explorer, and all Joy. As with all my nieces and nephews, I wonder what directions life will take him ... and I pray that he will allow God to guide his paths all along the way.

Here's today's gift for you, in honor of my little guy. DOWNLOAD

Blessings,

Melanie

Monday, August 6, 2007

Procrastination Highway


Yikes!!!!! I'm caught in an endless loop that's bogging me down because of a nasty habit of PROCRASTINATION, particularly this year. I need to transform that into a mere detour instead of a major highway, huh. I'll bet none of you are guilty of that. ;-)

I'm working on it. It's part of that balance issue I've been trying to cultivate.

Good luck with your Monday. DOWNLOAD

Blessings,
Melanie

Friday, August 3, 2007

TGIF


Very original title, huh. :)

I've always loved this quip. I know I'm revealing my age by a reference to Robinson Crusoe and his friend, Friday, but plays-on-words never cease to amuse me.

And, don't we all love Friday, no matter what???

Here's your freebie today: DOWNLOAD

Blessings,

Melanie

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Her Name is Reagan

My friend (and assistant) has a new granddaughter today. Her name is Reagan. She's the first grandchild on both sides of the family, which, of course, means she's heir to the throne. As I overheard everyone in the office oohing-and-aahing over the photos being passing around, I realized that one of the first things each one said was, "her eyes are closed!"

What else does a newborn have to do, I ask you?! Sleep ... rain on their diapers ... slurp a snack or meal ... sleep. Sleep with their eyes open AND closed!

And, yet, I understood. That's one of the first things many of us notice when we meet someone for the first time. "Her eyes were kind," we think. "He looks right through me," we huff and puff. "His eyes compete with the color of the sky," says the young lovely.

Reagan's eyes will open soon enough ... and she'll see the bright new world before her. Full of opportunities and obstacles. Rain and rainbows. Dreams and reality. I pray that she learns to see with her whole heart ... and remember that they speak a powerful language. DOWNLOAD

Blessings to you all today,
Melanie

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

With a Grateful Heart, Kim


If Moms are the heart of the home, then Dads are the protective shell that sometimes gets a little mushy. At least it was that way at our house growing up. My father was the strong, silent type, but he was as solid as a rock. And I miss him more than I can ever say.

I was reminded of my dad a week ago when Kim Broedelet -- kimbsdesigns -- sent me one of her favorite quotations. So this word art -- while a tribute to my own father -- is in Kim's honor with special thanks. She is such a fun-loving sprite with a wicked killer grin, whose "laughter" on her blog is extremely contagious. You should stop by and catch the spirit, and visit her store, too. She is also very generous with providing free gifts every week, and I, for one, owe her a lot. This one's for you, Kim, with my deep gratitude!


Blessings,

Melanie