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!

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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Blessings,

Melanie