back to basics

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HE CALMS HIS CHILD

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There's always hope

At the top of my list of things to do this morning, I must thank those of you who left thoughtful, encouraging comments. I greatly appreciate them and your prayers.

One of the things you already know about making any statements on your blog for all the world to see, you are always reminded that you are not alone. In that regard, I want to tell Mandy (Made by Mandy) to please not lose hope because of the circumstances you and your family find yourselves in. You don't need platitudes, so I won't do that. But please, please, please don't lose hope...and yes, you're right -- it means everything to have your family, to be together.

For Mandy and everyone else, I want to tell you that you are in my prayers, too...and to share these strong, supportive thoughts from Enchanted Cropper:

What you believe is most important right now. Believe that a new door will open, with a better place of work, a better salary, a more enjoyable position, more enjoyable people to work with. Believe. Worry is negative, prayer is positive.

And from her blog: Remember, prosperity does not always come in the form of money. It can come in the form of love, family, an abundance of many
different things.

Your gift word art today is also meant to be a reminder and encouragement:

My family has always been one of my greatest assets. Photographing them is one of my greatest pleasures. Imagine how uplifting it was yesterday to find a layout I had prepared of my nephew, Trace, displayed on KimB's blog!!! I had made it using her newest Friends series' kit, Roche (which you can find at DSO). Kim had oh-so-graciously gifted me with the amazing kit. I encourage you to check it out. The photo was one in a series I took at Thanksgiving 2008.

[layout credits in additonto Kim's Roche kit: word art by me, thanks to last week's freebie action by Atomic Cupcake. The link takes you to this week's freebie on her site]

Please do something nice for yourself today.

Blessings,
Melanie
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What to do when the rug is pulled out from under you

Okay. Just breathe, Melanie. In. Out.

In.

Out.

And for those of you who are friends to my blog, please indulge my fearful ramblings.

Yesterday, I learned that -- effective immediately -- my job was reduced from full-time to 16 hours a week. Of course, that means no more retirement money building up, no MEDICAL insurance, no benefits of any kind....well, you know the drill.

I'm literally having to remind myself to breathe as I try to think through all the ramifications , consequences...and the incredibly frightening loss of a steady, full-time salary. It's almost like being unemployed. And it scares me to death. I've become another statistic in these rocky economic times.

For those of you who are people of faith, I would appreciate being included in your prayer list this week as I try to regroup and figure out what to do next. My wrist isn't far enough in the healing process to be a good job interview candidate--especially since the rehabilitation is such a slow process--so that complicates things, at least for awhile. Your prayers would be most welcome...and very needed. :)

Today's word art captures a bit of my panic, so please forgive the self-indulgence. Hope you can find a fun way to use it.

Also, please remember that the TwoWords word art set is still a fun way to illustrate your layouts, if you're able to contribute $2 when you order it.

Hope your own day today is full of wonderful blessings and delightful surprises. I'd love to hear about them!

Thanks for listening.
Melanie

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crazy world

http://www.4shared.com/file/88703381/3d84c36/mmdcmyday.html

Kindness

In addition to today's freebie, you can order the new set, entitled TwoWords. Really fun word art for your layouts!!! Please click on the DONATE button and consider a gift of $2.00 when you order. Your patronage would be extremely appreciated--I can't even begin to tell you how much.



Isn't it great that when your spirits need a lift, someone does something incredibly nice for you? A few days ago, Sonel (Sonel's Corner) sent me a message to tell me that she had an award on her blog for me. I finally was able to visit her blog today, and was quite humbled by the two awards she gave me:

This is particularly amazing considering how talented the lady is, herself. Thank you so much, Sonel!

Now, I'm passing along these awards to (in random order):

Linda, Bon Scrapatit Designs: What a doll!

Pamela, Digitreats: Her generosity is staggering, especially considering her little ones are still busy bees.

Kirsty Wiseman: an extraordinary artist, visiting her blog is worth the read just for fun and a good laugh; but more importantly, her fierce love for her very special daughter is extraordinary and incredibly inspiring.

Kim Broedelet, KimB's Designs: Kim must receive dozens awards daily, yet I'm compelled to do my part to ensure that she receives every award she deserves. Her irreverant humor is contagious, but her talent is limitless. Such a fun friend to know! Thanks, Kim, for all you are.

Andrea Dickinson: Andrea is such a supportive, encouraging person, whom I don't thank enough. Her contributions to the Digi-Scrap Obsession store are terrific, and she represents the design team there so well, in every way. Hugs, Andrea!

Blessings to your day,

Melanie
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new series

Here's a layout showcasing my new wordart series, called TwoWords:

15 word art pieces for $2.00 -- hope you have room in your stash for these!!!

To order, click on the DONATE button and identify 2Words in the description. Thanks so much for considering this. Still working on medical bills -- new ones still arriving every day. Many of you know how that is.

I'll be back tomorrow,

Melanie

huh?

:) here's today's freebie:

I prepared this for the Purplicious challenge on the OScraps/Danielle Young Designs CT's blog. (credits: all mine). My brother and his wife are high school sweethearts and still love each other's company.

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when i dream

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treat them well

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photography

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birthdays

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grow old with you

layout using my february's dance kit and one of the lyric overlays from my heartfelt season 2 set. [photo of my sis and her husband]

you may recognize the song as being the silly, sweet song adam sandler's character sang to drew barrymore's character in one of the final scenes of the movie, the wedding singer.

february's dance

here's my contribution to kimb's color challenge at dso:
Download 1

Download 2
hand hurting a lot today so no extra word art -- just the 2 pieces in this kit.

ttfn

melanie

monday

Heartfelt Seasons 1 and 2 are still a great buy for your valentine, sweetheart, engagement, prom layouts. $2 each -- using the donation button to the right!

Today's freebie uses one of the colors in the DSO color challenge for February. KimB has a great array of colors in this month's palette!!!

Tired today. yawn.

blessings on your day,

melanie

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