tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10586701395044969122024-03-06T02:06:43.227-06:00LeissnerArtThe life and times of Lori Leissner, mixed media artist, poet, color lover. Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-69644500730469192222016-04-02T20:58:00.002-05:002016-04-02T20:58:31.062-05:00Super Easy Stamp Carving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9K1t9xahGGx4pFnlVaVrPJReRPBPBq-uCsclMTXLEJJYSst_7D2wO70Uu8of1zOKE1GIo_TIp0MmsxL3SZ0VcCmRbtvaV5V6h4kLsxL5AKdAbhxLkoNeNMjiShSRUmVIDvy_Pp88wro/s1600/stamp+carving+Title.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9K1t9xahGGx4pFnlVaVrPJReRPBPBq-uCsclMTXLEJJYSst_7D2wO70Uu8of1zOKE1GIo_TIp0MmsxL3SZ0VcCmRbtvaV5V6h4kLsxL5AKdAbhxLkoNeNMjiShSRUmVIDvy_Pp88wro/s1600/stamp+carving+Title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>I haven't posted anything in sooooo long! This is a repost from a guest blog I did for another site.</i> <i>I hope to be back here more often. If anyone reads this, thanks for sticking around! xoxo L</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">I've followed a few artists who do amazing stamp carving. My favorite is <a href="http://blogdelanine.blogspot.com/">Geninne Zlatkis</a>.
Her carvings are detailed and alive and perfect. I've searched at
Blick's repeatedly for the materials she said she uses for her carving,
and I've had various carving blocks in my cart more than once. But I'm
keen to start small when I'm looking at new interests. I have a fear
of commitment, I think.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">So in the interest of being cheap, I did
my first stamp carving on pink school erasers. You can get them in a
pack of four or five for close to a buck at any discount store, maybe
less if you catch them in a clearance pile after the back-to-school
rush.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">All you need to do this is a pencil, a
pink eraser and a Speedball carving tool. They are super cheap, about $8
if I recall correctly, and come with five different carving tools that
are conveniently stored in the handle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">1. Draw an image on the eraser. My
drawings are not perfect like Geninne's, but I kind of like them that
way. If you mess up your image, you can, in fact, use an eraser to
erase on an eraser....just so you know. One thing to keep in mind, if
you're writing words or letters, you need to draw them backwards so
they'll print the right way. I did an adorable "Love" stamp that just
didn't work as well when all the letters are backwards.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxi1B9m_OUEXv_EEyMNahC46Ed7dNtOdOnrpFKWVLVMoKp_CmTV7iETpzHXj1gm3g5zLPWgCMq2XTQL_1X01cykiHfOCUApwkfUuiFa0_hh9oResfB2tXhD0D_WR67a3cpS1vSNPbvFY/s1600/Stamp+Carving+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxi1B9m_OUEXv_EEyMNahC46Ed7dNtOdOnrpFKWVLVMoKp_CmTV7iETpzHXj1gm3g5zLPWgCMq2XTQL_1X01cykiHfOCUApwkfUuiFa0_hh9oResfB2tXhD0D_WR67a3cpS1vSNPbvFY/s1600/Stamp+Carving+2.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">2. Start carving. The tool is sharper
than you think. You can get really good lines. Watch the curves,
though, and don't make them corners. Just keep cutting little strips of
eraser off until you get a good clearance so there'll be no ink
transfer from areas you don't want to leave a mark.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTz1iy23igOVyPbEFg4GUFjjSqAX_zKaCCP14Qhh-LAmQi97URlilAg1RHcP3TyvTftzf6hYMtaFUDQNmmXVKvBRUXpQEdw_ArqI_ZnBoHECEtEVCCxS2zSiCowjnfhHrhBGDJ6NyT3kc/s1600/stamp+carving+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTz1iy23igOVyPbEFg4GUFjjSqAX_zKaCCP14Qhh-LAmQi97URlilAg1RHcP3TyvTftzf6hYMtaFUDQNmmXVKvBRUXpQEdw_ArqI_ZnBoHECEtEVCCxS2zSiCowjnfhHrhBGDJ6NyT3kc/s1600/stamp+carving+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">3. Use your stamp. If you need to trim any areas, trim 'em up. It can be as rough or as smooth as you want.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-s1L-aOo_grTKuxPQ0DHzZgnsSjUTWLvm76AKFccGvaFAYQnPePfBI74GYrmgcdiHGtP9l49q0fU5wnUvlkgMxULForB3dCSxOVF6swOaTyzn9_OxTUFuSFNK2_HohMk8zJxsYq7z7g/s1600/Stamp+carving+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-s1L-aOo_grTKuxPQ0DHzZgnsSjUTWLvm76AKFccGvaFAYQnPePfBI74GYrmgcdiHGtP9l49q0fU5wnUvlkgMxULForB3dCSxOVF6swOaTyzn9_OxTUFuSFNK2_HohMk8zJxsYq7z7g/s1600/Stamp+carving+4.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">If you carve any pink erasers, I'd love to see them. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs8Xv-WGtweYj-6M88JfqBev77iJdxbVMp0wPXt_mqYJWNvSYcw1YfZ-uAeJbO0vgHi0MkjTJXx1BMcFrNVW8osc4fbUh7sY-lACc_ChBIuP1DdRuG1QxPVD0Fj3bq6vUHBYXnbBWnao/s1600/stamp+carving+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs8Xv-WGtweYj-6M88JfqBev77iJdxbVMp0wPXt_mqYJWNvSYcw1YfZ-uAeJbO0vgHi0MkjTJXx1BMcFrNVW8osc4fbUh7sY-lACc_ChBIuP1DdRuG1QxPVD0Fj3bq6vUHBYXnbBWnao/s1600/stamp+carving+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-45798508968643733542015-02-17T23:22:00.000-06:002015-02-17T23:27:33.331-06:00Listening to the Holy Spirit<span style="font-size: large;">I was on my way to work this morning, running late for a conference call, and thinking. It's a long drive to work. Thirty minutes in car is a good opportunity to take care of a lot of brain work. It's a great time to listen to Family Talk Radio on XM. Focus on the Family comes on at 8:00. I missed all that but got in on the end of Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram, which is a favorite. I was sort of half listening when Chip said, "You can pray with your eyes open." I didn't hear what that was related to, but I thought, "Yeah. I can do that." So I did. While I was praying for our country (while driving (with my eyes open)), the Holy Spirit spoke to me. WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS TO YOU, LISTEN. Seriously. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So here's the deal: </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I need you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DEtlrRGPR60/VOQD2g_gkNI/AAAAAAAACPc/y-gW1zs3-o0/s1600/you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DEtlrRGPR60/VOQD2g_gkNI/AAAAAAAACPc/y-gW1zs3-o0/s1600/you.jpg" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To help me</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1lHHY2Md5E/VOQE7E9XeeI/AAAAAAAACPk/y0UbjMM2oS0/s1600/Instagram%2BProfile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1lHHY2Md5E/VOQE7E9XeeI/AAAAAAAACPk/y0UbjMM2oS0/s1600/Instagram%2BProfile.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to help these guys</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gN4x5RD8EaI/VOQQBZWicGI/AAAAAAAACQA/qLMh331yJJY/s1600/edit1959794_724763774235187_115301942_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gN4x5RD8EaI/VOQQBZWicGI/AAAAAAAACQA/qLMh331yJJY/s1600/edit1959794_724763774235187_115301942_n.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to help this guy</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XA3y2-IwA0/VOQfVUmXubI/AAAAAAAACQk/PFvlqUxxLXc/s1600/John1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XA3y2-IwA0/VOQfVUmXubI/AAAAAAAACQk/PFvlqUxxLXc/s1600/John1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Get fresh water for these guys (and gals)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARXxG4bnDLA/VOQaoR9kCQI/AAAAAAAACQY/Z8TLlNPL4IM/s1600/1962586_799445146741953_2108124966850222823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARXxG4bnDLA/VOQaoR9kCQI/AAAAAAAACQY/Z8TLlNPL4IM/s1600/1962586_799445146741953_2108124966850222823_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jason Clayton and Kyle White from <a href="http://www.godolove.org/" target="_blank">www.godolove.org</a> (check out there Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/godolove.org" target="_blank">GODOLOVE</a>) are helping Pastor John (Max Henry Lorient) in Merger, Haiti, put in a water system so that he'll have clean water at the ready to serve the 100-120 kids he feeds every single Saturday. They need $515 more to give him that water that will allow him to expand his ministry. EVEN MORE KIDS would get to play football (or futbol if you're Haitian) and eat every Saturday!! That would be awesome! They need it by <span style="font-size: x-large;">Friday</span>. <span style="font-size: x-large;">THAT'S IN THREE DAYS.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm having a <span style="font-size: x-large;">MAKE OFFER SALE</span> on everything in my shop to help fund this. If there's anything in my shop you like, make an offer using the convo feature. No reasonable offer will be refused (assuming you're the first offer). I'll change the listing and you can purchase for the agreed upon price (plus any applicable tax and shipping). All funds (I'll need to use the shipping you pay for shipping and sales tax for sales tax but everything else) up to the full $515 will go toward this mission. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If the Holy Spirit has been talking to you, now's the time to step up and get some art to boot!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's my shop link. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeissnerArt?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">LeissnerArt</a> Please go and clear the place out and let's go DO love all for the glory of God.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">xoxo Lori </span><br />
<br />
<br />Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-58768989115787344242015-01-27T17:02:00.001-06:002015-01-27T17:02:49.686-06:00Reclaiming: Creative Meandering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXewhL3xImg/VMgUKbscAFI/AAAAAAAACPE/aYkpN0cd3e4/s1600/competition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXewhL3xImg/VMgUKbscAFI/AAAAAAAACPE/aYkpN0cd3e4/s1600/competition.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been torturing myself with comparison and competition lately. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
could go into a lot detail about this (and I actually did, but I
backspaced over it because it sounded whiny and jealous and that's not
the point of this post). I'll save it for my journal. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The point of this post is that comparison and competition are thieves. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">They are the thieves of my joy, of my fulfillment, of my gratitude, of my peace and even of my creativity.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's not a race.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even if it were, I don't have to run.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their destination is not my destination. If they want to race to get where they're going, it's their race, not mine.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can take as long as I want, as long as I need or as long as it takes.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can stop at roadside vegetable stands and eat all the fresh tomatoes.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can detour.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can visit all the rest stops and linger. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can meander. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So can you.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori</span></span></div>
<br />Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-87202702123736914562015-01-19T06:00:00.000-06:002015-01-20T14:41:03.947-06:00Reclaiming: Closet Edition<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p2ka0DDKsA/VKbnalVMVnI/AAAAAAAACJ0/Ki7VrTwGFMI/s1600/closet%2Breorg%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p2ka0DDKsA/VKbnalVMVnI/AAAAAAAACJ0/Ki7VrTwGFMI/s1600/closet%2Breorg%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the things that has bothered me most about the way my life has gone off track in the last few years is my lack of organization in the mornings.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> There ar<span style="font-family: inherit;">e a few <span style="font-family: inherit;">places where I'm <span style="font-family: inherit;">disorganized, but mostly in my closet<span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span></span></span></span>It takes me much longer to get ready for work on my "in the office" days because of the mess in there. I don't wear all that stuff. In fact, the truth is (y'all, don't tell anyone this) I've been known to wear the same black pants all three days I have to go to work. One pair of pants. I should be embarrassed by that, but I'm really not. No one can tell the difference between the same pair of black pants and three different pairs of black pants. Then I get them dry cleaned and wear them again next week. Sometimes the whole week. Why do I need eleventy-dozen pairs of pants if I only really wear one or two pairs?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The answer is simple. I don't. So one of my first steps towards reclaiming my life is to reclaim my closet. </span><span style="font-size: large;">If you have the desire to also clean up some part of your life, here's the quick and dirty on how to do it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Be realistic--If it's too small and you wouldn't wear it even if you could wear it, get rid of it. If you might wear it if you could and you are actively working a plan, you can keep it for one season. But if you get to Fall and you didn't wear that cute swimsuit, ditch it. If it's too big, get rid of it. Don't keep around those "fat clothes". Don't give yourself any reason to be okay with skipping workouts or gorging on fudge (are you talking to me?). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Be ruthless--If it's uncomfortable (even if it's pretty), get rid of it. If you don't feel good in it (even if it fits), get rid of it. If someone gave it to you and you hate it but you don't want to hurt their feelings, get rid of it. Someone else might love it and that's still good for the world. If it was such a bargain you couldn't pass it up but you haven't worn it in months, get rid of it. You aren't going to wear it, so let it go so someone else can enjoy it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Be relentless--When you get started, carry on. Old sock with holes? Trash them. Underwear you mother wouldn't approve of in case you're in an accident? Gone. Outdated shoes, scarves, stuff in that very bottom drawer you never go into? Get rid of it and make some space for yourself. You'll be so glad you did. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Be repetitive--Get an extra laundry basket, line with a garbage bag and keep it near your closet all the time. It'll be easy to toss in things that you no longer need/want, bag it up and take it out on your next trip to Salvation Army. Do the same with books, coffee mugs, office supplies you realize don't work the way you'd have liked and anything your mom gives you that you couldn't turn down but that you realize later you wished you had. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Be realistic--Next time you are out (or in) shopping, think first about your newly clean space and whether you really need/want/can use that item you are contemplating. Don't buy right away. Spend some time considering first. If you can't stop thinking about it, it might be a good purchase for you. But if it's easy to walk away, just keep walking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Maintaining clean surfaces in my home and order in my closet makes a huge difference not only in the time it takes to go somewhere or find things, but also in the way I feel. My stress level goes up in correlation to the size and number of piles. If I can't find a place to rest my eyes from the visual chaos that sometimes starts to encroach, I just don't feel good. These steps improve the quality of my life more than one might think possible. A clean counter top can mean the difference between a good day or a not so good one. A clean closet can mean the difference between being early and being late, a stressed start to the day or a calm one. It's worth it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It took all day, but my closet is clean. I have one whole empty bin that I'll use for the workout tshirts I can't wear right now. My drawer won't close, so I know I don't need them all, but I want time to see if they'll actually start to fit. If I stop working out, I'll get rid of them, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_S4EPgnXkg/VKbnRBtJq7I/AAAAAAAACJk/HUnIUduGjcY/s1600/closet%2Breorg%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_S4EPgnXkg/VKbnRBtJq7I/AAAAAAAACJk/HUnIUduGjcY/s1600/closet%2Breorg%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p2ka0DDKsA/VKbnalVMVnI/AAAAAAAACJ0/Ki7VrTwGFMI/s1600/closet%2Breorg%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p2ka0DDKsA/VKbnalVMVnI/AAAAAAAACJ0/Ki7VrTwGFMI/s1600/closet%2Breorg%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOCVqqF7xTI/VKbnW4w4-VI/AAAAAAAACJs/_qrjGLT9FUE/s1600/Closet%2BOrganizing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOCVqqF7xTI/VKbnW4w4-VI/AAAAAAAACJs/_qrjGLT9FUE/s1600/Closet%2BOrganizing.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Are you starting the new year with tidier spaces? What are your best tips for keeping things organized? I'd love to hear.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for being here! Until next time, may the good Lord bless you with just enough.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori </span></span>Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-74772297052116501112015-01-12T06:00:00.000-06:002015-01-12T06:00:11.663-06:00Reclaiming: Whole 30--The Final Chapter<span style="font-size: large;">As part of my RECLAIM year, I started another round of Whole 30 on January 1. I'm sharing some things I learned in the first and second </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I talked about my steps into a healthier lifestyle in this <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2014/09/fall.html" target="_blank">post</a>. Even though I said I wasn't going to go all the way Whole 30, I decided after a few days that I might as well do it right. That was a big thing because it meant no cream or Truvia in my coffee. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Whole30 is a whole food eating plan that is outlined in the book<a href="http://www.amazon.com/It-Starts-With-Food-Unexpected/dp/1628600543/ref=as_sl_pd_tf_sw?&linkCode=wsw&tag=creativcleari-20" target="_blank"> It Starts With Food</a>. I actually didn't buy the book at first, although I have it now. I was able to do the whole program just from the information presented on the Whole30 <a href="http://whole30.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11N6d00UYKg/VKXEHOyux0I/AAAAAAAACI4/_xyYHqEk738/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11N6d00UYKg/VKXEHOyux0I/AAAAAAAACI4/_xyYHqEk738/s1600/book.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are a couple of things I really like about this eating plan:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. You don't count anything: I've done a lot of programs in my time. Atkins, Weight Watchers, MyFitnessPal and it's all about tracking and counting and writing things down and becoming desperate toward the end of the day when you can have a head of lettuce for dinner because you are out of calories for the day. It makes me a little crazy because I start to obsess about the thing that I'm trying with all my might to avoid: FOOD. It's all I think about. You don't have to do that with Whole30. You only have a few things you avoid (sugar/artificial sugar, soy, dairy, grains, legumes, alcohol--check <a href="http://whole30.com/new/" target="_blank">here</a> for details.) As long as you do that, you can eat until you're full food that tastes good! It seems too good to be true.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkpRF-znnzk/VKXH4GTnewI/AAAAAAAACJY/FrElNBkTD6I/s1600/salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkpRF-znnzk/VKXH4GTnewI/AAAAAAAACJY/FrElNBkTD6I/s1600/salad.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Since it's all real food, you don't have to search up and down the grocery aisles to find what you need (as soon as you get all the spices and flavorings you probably didn't have when you lived off things that come in boxes, that is). You really only need to visit the meat and produce sections. I spent quite a bit of money on spices that first week. And I had to order fish sauce from Amazon (haven't used it yet). And I also got coconut aminos (whatever that is...haven't used that yet either) at Drug Emporium. But, man! Food tastes so much better. I haven't cooked much really until this and spices were pretty much limited to Italian seasoning and bay leaves for spaghetti (which I used to dress up sauce from a jar). It's a whole new tasty world.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pFTJ7xjCoM/VKXHwCM-d2I/AAAAAAAACJQ/KWAN3bgWZJw/s1600/food%2Blist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pFTJ7xjCoM/VKXHwCM-d2I/AAAAAAAACJQ/KWAN3bgWZJw/s1600/food%2Blist.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. You never have to be hungry. This program has plenty of fat, protein and high quality carbohydrates. You don't need to be hungry as long as you plan ahead for good options. Just keep something defrosted in the fridge and cook the food before it's time to eat and you'll be good.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not saying it's easy. Right now, that tub of fudge left over from Christmas is becoming a real problem. I put a bag a Fritoes on top of it so I couldn't see through the fudge window anymore. That'll surely help. It's also hard to pick a restaurant for the family on Sunday's after church. No Mexican, no pizza, no sandwiches, no fast food. But when your hips don't hurt anymore and your pants fit better and the swelling in your hands has diminished so much you can wear your wedding ring again and your headaches go away and your digestion doesn't bother you, it'll all be worth it.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s725RDgTmI8/VKXHwZY80hI/AAAAAAAACJM/98iEZNr3rik/s1600/meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s725RDgTmI8/VKXHwZY80hI/AAAAAAAACJM/98iEZNr3rik/s1600/meme.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know about others, but there are some things I can't live without on this program.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thai-Kitchen-Organic-Pressing-13-66-Ounce/dp/B00JB2QS7C/ref=as_sl_pd_tf_sw?&linkCode=wsw&tag=creativcleari-20" target="_blank">Thai Kitchen Organic Coconut Milk</a>--when you can't use creamer, cream, half and half or the like and you really don't want to also have to live without coffee, coconut cream becomes a lifesaver. I actually really, really dislike the flavor of flaked coconut, but this doesn't taste like coconut at all and it doesn't taste like coconut oil. It's just a good quality fat source that adds some creamy texture to coffee. Brand makes a big difference, though. I bought Goya once. Definitely not the same. After the first round of Whole 30, one of the only things I wanted to do was add Truvia and cream back to my coffee. After the second round, I didn't miss cream or fake sugar at all. If I hadn't just ordered 12 cans of coconut milk, I might try to go with black coffee this time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-59770-Turbo-Twister-2-Speed/dp/B00008IH9S/ref=sr_1_cc_8?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1420148792&sr=1-8-catcorr&keywords=stick+blender" target="_blank">Stick blender</a>--Homemade mayo is essential. While you can make mayo with other tools, this makes it super easy to make and clean up. Just trust me and get one before you start. You'll be glad you did.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LARABAR-Fruit-Cherry-Gluten-1-7-Ounce/dp/B000ENWSBW/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1420148847&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=larabars" target="_blank">Larabars</a>--They are supposed to be for emergency fuel, but I seemed to have a food emergency at least once a day, sometimes more. Cherry Pie is my very favorite. Lemon is a close second. Get some in advance. You won't be sorry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Well-Fed-Paleo-Recipes-People/dp/061557226X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420148853&sr=1-1&keywords=well+fed" target="_blank">Well Fed cookbook</a>--This second round has been harder mainly because I haven't made chili again from this cookbook. Make the chili early and often. The salmon is really good. The scotch eggs...not my thing. The cinnamon stew is good, but I would try it in the crock pot so the meat is more tender. Still working through other recipes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the third round:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm adding <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Well-Fed-Paleo-Recipes-People/dp/0989487504/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420148921&sr=1-2&keywords=well+fed" target="_blank">Well Fed 2</a>. Should arrive any day now.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I miss Diet Coke. Yes, I know it's a death trap of putrid chemicals and....it tastes delicious. As a substitute, I'll also be using sparking water flavored with Young Living Essential Oils. I'm a distributor. If you want some for your water, let me know.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> I'll be relying much less on store bought rotisserie chicken. I didn't know it had sugar in it! I may have to buy another crock pot and a pressure cooker. I ate a lot of rotisserie chicken.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">This is the eating plan that makes the most sense to me. I'm just not safe around sugar and counting stuff doesn't work for me. I like to be well fed. So this is the "final chapter" because I'll be sticking with this until I get to my goal, which includes better overall health as well as a healthy weight. I'll be reporting back on progress, so please follow my blog for updates. :)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Are you following a new plan? Please share what you've learned!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, may the good Lord bless you with health and wellness, too.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">*Full disclosure: The links are affiliate links for Amazon. It's really where I buy all my stuff. </span>Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-4658287566638123332015-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:002015-01-05T07:00:00.916-06:00Reclaiming: Arc Planners by Staples and No More Nekkid Spirals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the first in a series of posts that will highlight some of the tools and methods I'm using to "reclaim" myself this year. As I mentioned in this <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2015/01/reclaiming-myself-2015.html" target="_blank">post</a>, I've let myself "go" in a lot of ways that aren't good for my health or well-being. My "Reclaiming" series is about regaining some control.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ_-s1mSyVM/VKhBHGonZBI/AAAAAAAACME/LoCwjPV4SDY/s1600/Arc%2BNotebooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0GMHftEQUTc/VKhBFvzrPeI/AAAAAAAACL0/A2B3savmdMk/s1600/ARC%2Bheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0GMHftEQUTc/VKhBFvzrPeI/AAAAAAAACL0/A2B3savmdMk/s1600/ARC%2Bheader.jpg" height="640" width="546" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the primary tools I'll be using this year is the Arc Customizable Notebook System by Staples. I don't work for Staples and I'm not getting anything out of this post besides the giddiness that comes when one is a total school supply nerd and geeks out over notebooks and pens and planners and the like. There's a good deal of that, actually, because this system is amaze-balls and they only reason I didn't know about them until now is that we don't have Staples where I live. Heaven knows I spend enough time in Office Max, Office Depot and the office supply aisles at Target and Walmart that, should they have had anything as swoon worthy as this thing, I'd already have snatched them all up and bragged about them ad nauseum.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ_-s1mSyVM/VKhBHGonZBI/AAAAAAAACME/LoCwjPV4SDY/s1600/Arc%2BNotebooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ_-s1mSyVM/VKhBHGonZBI/AAAAAAAACME/LoCwjPV4SDY/s1600/Arc%2BNotebooks.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So, what's so great about it? </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It has all the benefits of a spiral notebook with none of the drawbacks. It lies flat, folds back, has removeable pages, but is also refillable. No NEKKID SPIRALS. Ever.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's expandable. You've filled up your Arc? No problem. Get some <a href="http://www.staples.com/arc+rings/directory_arc+rings" target="_blank">bigger rings</a>, and fill it up some more.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's adaptable. While you can buy all kinds <a href="http://www.staples.com/Arc-Customizable-Notebook-Refill-Paper/cat_CL211127" target="_blank">pre-printed pages from Staples</a> for your Arc planner--calenders, lined pages, grid pages, to do lists, etc--with the <a href="http://www.staples.com/M-by-Staples-Arc-System-Desktop-Punch-8-Sheet-Capacity/product_324688" target="_blank">Arc punch</a>, you can make anything fit into your Arc planner. Your Arc planner can be anything your heart desires or even everything your heart desires all at once because you can get tab dividers, pocket dividers or punch a manilla envelope to hold monthly receipts for your art business.</span></span> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> How am I using it?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9zgSLtxIQo/VKhBGL5s_wI/AAAAAAAACL4/VTN_ztO_zfM/s1600/Arc%2BBible%2BStudy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9zgSLtxIQo/VKhBGL5s_wI/AAAAAAAACL4/VTN_ztO_zfM/s1600/Arc%2BBible%2BStudy.jpg" height="539" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have three Arc notebooks, two full sized and one half size. </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">One full sized book is filled with lined paper. I'll keep it on my desk at home with my study Bible, parallel Bible, and commentary all ready to go when I sit down for my morning time. I find that I'm a lot more likely to continue a regular study habit when I don't have to run around looking for all my stuff. Keeping a full set of materials in my designated study spot will help ensure that I devote all the time designated to it studying instead of searching. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The half sized book has a super cute cover and tabs, which I haven't named yet. But I'm going to carry it in my purse with me for all the times that I think of things on the run and have no place for noting. Since the holes for the smaller size also fits the larger notebooks, I can move over the notes to my primary planner as needed.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The other full sized notebook serves as my primary planner. There are sections for my real job, my art business and my personal life. Some of my favorite components so far are:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The weight and fitness tracker that I've written about over on the Cre8ive Klatch blog. I saw someone else make something similar on Pinterest. I adapted it for my needs. Here's a sneak peek. Read the post <a href="http://cre8iveklatch.blogspot.com/2015/01/using-our-arc-notebooks-cre8ively.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ov_4KgRNSNA/VKhD4YZt0mI/AAAAAAAACMU/rDL1JLgD6ls/s1600/weight%2Btracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ov_4KgRNSNA/VKhD4YZt0mI/AAAAAAAACMU/rDL1JLgD6ls/s1600/weight%2Btracker.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I don't have it yet, but I know the <a href="http://www.passionplanner.com/" target="_blank">Passion Planner</a> (it's delayed by some kind of strike on the shipping docks in California. Come on guys!! Get back to work!) will be a great addition. I'll just tear the pages out of the bound copy I bought and use them in my Arc Notebook. </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I punched some sketch paper for the back of my planner.
So even though there's a black leather cover that's all business and a
business calendar in the front and I can take it to meetings at work, my
creative brain has a little playground back there. Business in the
front; party in the back. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNKsZ-8p9wE/VKhD3v63d5I/AAAAAAAACMQ/wtKHCqLToYY/s1600/Arc%2Bsketchbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNKsZ-8p9wE/VKhD3v63d5I/AAAAAAAACMQ/wtKHCqLToYY/s1600/Arc%2Bsketchbook.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to go over to click over to the Cre8ive Klatch blog and check out the <a href="http://cre8iveklatch.blogspot.com/2015/01/using-our-arc-notebooks-cre8ively.html" target="_blank">fitness/weight tracker</a> I've created for my Arc notebook. And come back on next Monday for the next installment of Reclaiming where I'll talk all about Whole 30 and how I'm using it to reclaim a part of me. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I would love to hear about your planner! Please leave a comment and let's discuss.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori</span>Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-11057545021018041812015-01-01T13:00:00.000-06:002015-01-01T18:53:33.599-06:00Reclaiming Myself 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WstkpEZNQ34/VKWJb9pdW1I/AAAAAAAACIY/SJtEXeueHcs/s1600/reclaim%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WstkpEZNQ34/VKWJb9pdW1I/AAAAAAAACIY/SJtEXeueHcs/s1600/reclaim%2Bcopy.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy New Year!!!</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's just past noon on New Year's Day 2015. It's a fresh and clean year with no heartaches etched on it yet. No mess ups. No embarrassments. Nothing to mar its pure loveliness. This is my favorite day of the year. Last year wasn't so bad either, really. It held the normal kind of things that scratch and dent a year and make it look like it needs to be in the clearance bin at TJ Maxx. But that's totally normal wear and tear and will not get you much of a mark down in terms of used years. The last few weeks of last year held the usual mess of prepping for Christmas that always gets me conflicted. I actually wrote a blog post about it that was pretty good, but that I forgot to post. Ha! I just posted it so I can at least link to it <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2015/01/managing-expectations.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As I sit and ponder all the new year might hold, I'm setting a goal in the form of one little word. I've chosen a word of the year for 3 years. I wrote about <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2012/01/just-one-word.html" target="_blank">peace</a>, <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2013/01/growing.html" target="_blank">grow</a> and <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2013/12/giving-thanks.html" target="_blank">thanks</a> in years past. This year, the word "reclaim" jumped out to me and immediately became my word of the year. All that running around that happens at the end of every year had me craving a slow down. I've been in the habit of trying to create simplicity in my life by adding stuff to it. I wanted a more creative, simple life than my real job affords, so I started an art business. Then I started another business in my website <a href="http://www.creativeclearinghouse.com/Online-Class-Reviews/" target="_blank">Creative Clearinghouse</a>. After that, I became a distributor for <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/p/young-living.html" target="_blank">Young Living Essential Oils </a>. Then with some friends, I started a group blog for creative projects called <a href="http://cre8iveklatch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cre8ive Klatch</a> where we share fun, fast, creative projects. All this all while craving, pining away for simplicity. It's not really working and it doesn't make sense. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So this year I'm asking the good Lord to help me reclaim myself. I'm not sure what that will mean, but I'm ready. I was a girl who loved to read long books, write long letters and take long walks in the pasture. I want to meet that girl again. I want to reclaim my health with better food and exercise and the sense of peace that comes from being a little more organized and less frantic in the mornings. I want to reclaim some focus that my nearly middle-aged brain seems to avoid. I want to reclaim some of the time that gets lost in the blue lights of digital screens stared at for too long.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Reclamation will take several forms and will be assisted by some great tools I'll share on this blog and the Cre8ive Klatch blog. I'm so excited for what this year holds, even the sharp corners and hard knocks that will undoubtedly make 2015 limp toward the finish line come December. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you choose a word of the year? Or do you make old school resolutions? Or maybe you do some combination? I'd love to hear from you. What's your plan for 2015?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">PS. Found this quote after I posted this. I'm adding it because it really speaks to me and my "reclaim" choice: <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> “Inch by inch I conquered the inner terrain I was born with. Bit by bit I
reclaimed the swamp in which I'd languished. I gave birth to my
infinite being, but I had to wrench myself out of me with forceps.” ― Fernando Pessoa</span></span> </span>Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-68585171705736540252015-01-01T12:15:00.001-06:002015-01-01T14:43:00.915-06:00Managing Expectations<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htJX3_A2pwI/VKWOoK5-bNI/AAAAAAAACIo/QHr1fKSp1a8/s1600/limbchoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htJX3_A2pwI/VKWOoK5-bNI/AAAAAAAACIo/QHr1fKSp1a8/s1600/limbchoop.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My motto for a while now (like decades?) has been the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you lower your expectations enough, you'll be happy with anything.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Although others may not agree, I sincerely believe this is a very healthy habit and the key to a happier life. If the new husband bought you a fan for your birthday and you were sad, your expectations were too high (True story--he really was trying to be thoughtful). If the piles of paper on every surface in your house are making you crazy, you'd be happier if you lowered your expectations. If you've exercised every day for a whole week and haven't lost that pesky 50 pounds you've been carrying around since your college sophomore was a newborn, lower your expectations. See how that works? I think it's especially true this time of year. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I love Christmas. Well, to be truthful, I love aspects of Christmas. Other aspects of the season I don't like so much. Moms generally bear the weight of this season--the cooking, the cleaning, the hostessing, the party preparations, the family photo scheduling, the outfit assembling, the gift planning/shopping/purchasing, the card addressing, the house decorating, the candy making, the post office torture session visits. The advent of social media and Pinterest makes it even worse. If you have felt compelled to make vintage toy truck Christmas tree vignettes, Christmas ball ornament wreaths or Grinch fruit kabobs, you know what I'm talking about.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That's not what I love about Christmas. What I love about Christmas is twinkle lights in the peaceful early morning dawn. Peppermint Mocha coffee in a favorite mug. I love cinnamon candles, big all day fires in the fireplace, my homemade fudge, Buddy the Elf, my man's homemade Christmas cookies, It's a Wonderful Life, my big kids in new pjs hanging around staring at their phones and a few consecutive days off to enjoy all those things. In other words, the things I've grown to love about the holiday season don't cost a lot of money and are not part of the hype and hurry that's overtaken the last three months of the year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And still I feel the squeezing panic to make it all perfect--the perfect gift delivered like a concierge delivers on the demands of a persnickety hotel guest, perfect food worthy of a Southern Living cover (even though cooking is not really my thing), perfect family gatherings (even though that's rarely happened in the history of....EVER......for GENERATIONS on either side). I feel it every.single.year. Frankly, trying to make things perfect for others ruins it me and, ultimately, also for them because I get mad when they are not thrilled or appropriately grateful or appropriately helpful. It's all not fair and not good and not working.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So why hasn't my motto already kicked in? I don't really know. But I'm implementing it now.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas (and by "merry" I mean "contented, happy with what we have, grateful to be alive")</span></div>
Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-19660740266715922742014-11-04T21:45:00.002-06:002014-11-04T22:29:47.220-06:00A Few AnnouncementsHello, friends!<br />
<br />
I have a few quick announcements (and remember I'm a big fan of bullet points):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5FkArWYc20/VFmKlRng2TI/AAAAAAAACBE/quJ1yr2k-so/s1600/10700131_10205126861400053_6321848307859002435_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5FkArWYc20/VFmKlRng2TI/AAAAAAAACBE/quJ1yr2k-so/s1600/10700131_10205126861400053_6321848307859002435_o.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm a part of a cool FB pop up shop with some other great artists. Request to join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/376483069169055/" target="_blank">Klatchapalooza Handmade Art Market</a>. Late on Thanksgiving night (after the turkey is just bones and the kiddies are all in bed), we'll throw open the doors and add everyone who has requested to join. I'm working hard on some cute things for the sale that won't be listed in my shop--ornaments, blessing boxes, some small collaged and painted works and I don't even know what else, yet. So stop by the shop. It's going to be fun!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsiYNMijI7GvaubMjvowrLcQnArigx_etcvJVl9HB9KCcLCsp_Pc9tcvkaKrAMXgnwJp2vP-2qt-1FxixgE44tKxrfpKUx86NKfdn9Pg2Hfeuo1Nt6owM54w5zGf0a2tOX84vW3iUVoo/s1600/etsynewbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsiYNMijI7GvaubMjvowrLcQnArigx_etcvJVl9HB9KCcLCsp_Pc9tcvkaKrAMXgnwJp2vP-2qt-1FxixgE44tKxrfpKUx86NKfdn9Pg2Hfeuo1Nt6owM54w5zGf0a2tOX84vW3iUVoo/s1600/etsynewbanner.jpg" height="90" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>My shop will be closed as of December 7th for Christmas break</b>. I'm going to work on a few commissions that I need to finish and spend time with my family through the holidays. I'll also be making some changes to my shop. It's still in the planning stage, and truthfully I'm not even sure what the end product will be, so we'll all be surprised! :) There's a coupon code <b>RIGHT NOW!! Use coupon code BIGSALE for 25% off all orders over $35</b> including items already on sale. Here's the link to my shop: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeissnerArt" target="_blank">LeissnerArt on Etsy</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>For an even bigger discount and to keep up with when the shop reopens,<b> SIGN UP FOR MY NEW NEWSLETTER</b> using the sign up form on the right side of my blog. All the way at the top of the page over there on the sidebar ----> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>To keep up with changes in progress, find me here on <a href="http://instagram.com/leissnerart" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and here on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeissnerArt" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igN6xBTJzRA/VFmdBt6khEI/AAAAAAAACBc/b3qoOlnro1M/s1600/Cre8iveKlatch-Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igN6xBTJzRA/VFmdBt6khEI/AAAAAAAACBc/b3qoOlnro1M/s1600/Cre8iveKlatch-Square.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li> Some friends and I are also sharing some super fun projects in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cre8iveKlatch/" target="_blank">Cre8ive Klatch group</a>. Join us for some these fun fast projects over the holidays and into the new year.</li>
</ul>
That's it! Hope to see you at the market, in the group and over in my shop before it closes.<br />
<br />
xoxo Lori <br />
<br />
<br />Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-83102243488629316512014-09-17T20:10:00.000-05:002014-09-17T20:17:08.787-05:00Keeping It Real--Studio TableI took this week off for vacation. The plan was to work on my business ALL. WEEK. LONG.--make art, write some blog posts, get some stuff that's been lying around listed in my Etsy. I probably should have cleaned my space before I got started.<br />
<br />
But if I had done that, I wouldn't be able to give you a glimpse into what my space (and often my mind too) really looks like most of the time when I'm working. This is exactly how it looked when I quit for the night. I tried to get the whole scene for you--the pile of paper and stuff on the table along with my brushes that I just washed for the first time in a couple of months this morning, paint tubes on the floor so I can find them, piles of paper from all the snipping I've been doing.<br />
<br />
I lost my scissors today...again. I have a running list of other stuff that's lost in the heaps right now. I'm sure it's all there somewhere. So here goes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwzWKh62VbQ/VBov3Ydt_JI/AAAAAAAACAg/TenJn-aFjv0/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwzWKh62VbQ/VBov3Ydt_JI/AAAAAAAACAg/TenJn-aFjv0/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Now I'll be forced to do an "after". But don't hold your breath. I have three more days of my #LeissnerArtWeek. If I can still see the floor by then, I'll consider it success.<br />
<br />
To see more messy studio spaces, check out Seth Apter's blog post at <a href="http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Altered Page</a>.<br />
<br />Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-63706166099113335792014-09-13T18:04:00.003-05:002014-09-13T18:04:58.930-05:00And The Winner Is......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzrMIqfEgl0/VBTMxwSPEBI/AAAAAAAACAQ/yNHix8f-ZQk/s1600/winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzrMIqfEgl0/VBTMxwSPEBI/AAAAAAAACAQ/yNHix8f-ZQk/s1600/winner.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks again, everyone! I'm so grateful to everyone who took the time to read my blog and enter this giveaway (this wasn't *my* giveaway...God told me to buy the Bible...it's His giveaway). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was so blessed to be a part of it. I hope you'll enjoy and support the links from the post. Those ladies are just beautiful people and generous souls. You'll like them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori</span>Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-80616964097351558742014-09-08T21:46:00.000-05:002014-09-08T21:53:16.888-05:00#Klatchapalooza<span style="font-size: large;">There's something special about people with a common passion getting together to support or practice the subject of their enthusiasm. It could be an uplifting worship service where the singing seems as if straight from Heaven and the fellowship warms your heart. It might a really great sports game where all the fans are engaged, and the players seem to absorb the energy in the gym. Or it could be when a group of creative souls get together to share the thing that lights their cre8ive fire.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That's why I wanted to be part of the Cre8ive Klatch. You can be a part of it, too. Follow the <a href="http://cre8iveklatch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and join the Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cre8iveKlatch/" target="_blank">group</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We're first introducing the contributors, so head on over and meet the crew. Today is my day. Y'all may think you already know more than you need to know about me...and....um...that's probably true. But there are some other really awesome ladies on deck. You'll want to meet them. :)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdWUwvTenXw/VA5pOblJlmI/AAAAAAAAB-E/TwkOHt1oVSw/s1600/Cre8iveKlatch-Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdWUwvTenXw/VA5pOblJlmI/AAAAAAAAB-E/TwkOHt1oVSw/s1600/Cre8iveKlatch-Square.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-51405076310090966222014-09-06T22:54:00.000-05:002014-09-13T16:11:47.127-05:00A New Art Form--Bible Journaling<span style="font-size: large;">My Instagram friend Celia Bradshaw sent me a link the other day to a new group on Facebook she'd found called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/675075232583189/" target="_blank">Journaling Bible Community</a>. The group was started by Shanna Noel whose blog you can find <a href="http://shannanoel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. It's grown to a huge community of women reading, sharing, creating and fellowshipping in barely a month's time. God is really speaking into the hearts of creative women there. It's been really awesome to watch, and the art is inspiring! I asked permission to share a few of the pages some ladies have shared there.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDe8YdxLGy8/VAu0kZrJ1nI/AAAAAAAAB84/ZKqbXS8ulXI/s1600/Lynn%27s%2BBible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDe8YdxLGy8/VAu0kZrJ1nI/AAAAAAAAB84/ZKqbXS8ulXI/s1600/Lynn's%2BBible.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Lynn Richards shared this and it literally took my breath away. Just beautiful. Lynn makes art in California and shares on her blog <a href="http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Little Blue Sky</a>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJYJxqWdDWyI_A0rYM46_jkPomM06yICkKnjPEoba1Ph_3_hCVY8GaeQHMunT_oiVeJsE0nLDaF0hPxmIG0qVTwPeQqdzYSrIEgscgmshaJ0Lvl2gkvqrN9kuEz1GJakRHa1g5tlgq8w/s1600/Andrea's+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have had an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Single-Column-Journaling-Bible-Black/dp/1433531917/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0EMPBJKV9CJ3ZM0570WM" target="_blank">ESV Journaling Bible</a> since 2009. A friend gave it to me for my birthday, and I love it. I've given them as gifts because it's just a great size and the translation is easy to read. It's so nice to have a generous space in the margins for taking notes and leaving messages to myself. I never thought of putting art in it, though! What a great idea!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJYJxqWdDWyI_A0rYM46_jkPomM06yICkKnjPEoba1Ph_3_hCVY8GaeQHMunT_oiVeJsE0nLDaF0hPxmIG0qVTwPeQqdzYSrIEgscgmshaJ0Lvl2gkvqrN9kuEz1GJakRHa1g5tlgq8w/s1600/Andrea's+journal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJYJxqWdDWyI_A0rYM46_jkPomM06yICkKnjPEoba1Ph_3_hCVY8GaeQHMunT_oiVeJsE0nLDaF0hPxmIG0qVTwPeQqdzYSrIEgscgmshaJ0Lvl2gkvqrN9kuEz1GJakRHa1g5tlgq8w/s1600/Andrea's%2Bjournal.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Andrea Chebeleu is sharing her amazing lettering art. Love it! She owns an art studio in California and shares her art on her blog <a href="http://aworkofheart.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">A Work of Heart</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The ladies in the group are making such inspiring artwork in their Bibles. I have to be honest and admit that I haven't made any art in my Bible yet. I'm just enjoying watching what others are creating and feeling really accomplished that I've made it past day three of the <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2014/08/blogging-through-the-bible/" target="_blank">Blogging Through the Bible</a> study I started at the end of August. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoZGqnluaoA/VAu1h7mf_1I/AAAAAAAAB9A/KuSPIegc2pE/s1600/celia%27s%2BBible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoZGqnluaoA/VAu1h7mf_1I/AAAAAAAAB9A/KuSPIegc2pE/s1600/celia's%2BBible.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Celia Bradshaw kindly shared the group with me. She's making inspiring pages, too! She doesn't have a blog, but you can follow her on Instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/ocracoke54" target="_blank">here.</a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I shared the Amazon link to the Bible I use with someone who asked and noticed there were only two left in stock. I love mine so much and on a complete whim (God whisper), I bought one of them knowing.......IT'S A GIVEAWAY!!!!!!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7piSlPc8GsWuq11pPw_OVF4k2EnIc6b0TMKJboiOPlRU4XNLdQPkcFoMZb5A-v_g6hi3rHKvCIFavkc9Dqt8lcgZGnaxDpNguP91XrvLsfE9NVLZLQcZS9WGTpPU3MbyHDCSERT3RdcY/s1600/blogimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7piSlPc8GsWuq11pPw_OVF4k2EnIc6b0TMKJboiOPlRU4XNLdQPkcFoMZb5A-v_g6hi3rHKvCIFavkc9Dqt8lcgZGnaxDpNguP91XrvLsfE9NVLZLQcZS9WGTpPU3MbyHDCSERT3RdcY/s1600/blogimage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm so thrilled about this giveaway. I hope you are too. It includes:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Brand new Crossway ESV <i>Journaling Bible</i> (just like mine!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Set of 12 Prang <i>Colored Pencils</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">My favorite kind of <i>Sharpie Pen</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">A handpainted LeissnerArt <i>upcycled bookmark</i> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Cute little <i>washi tapes</i> because they match the color scheme and that's important</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">A yummy looking <i>candy bar</i> I got at the health food store. I'm not eating sugar, so I don't know how it tastes but I smelled it. A lot. (Just kidding. I really didn't.) But it's dark chocolate and has protein and fruit in it...that's HEALTHY!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">A pot of<i> handmade (by moi) calming cream</i> to help focus your mind when you sit down to ready/study/journal your new Bible. It's made from Young Living Essential Oils' Peace and Calming blend. It smells yummy and is all natural. I'll be sharing how to make it on the <a href="http://cre8iveklatch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cre8ive Klatch blog. </a>Follow so you don't miss it!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a joint giveaway on my blog and my <a href="http://instagram.com/leissnerart" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here (domestic shipping only, please). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like an additional entry, you can also find this image on <a href="http://instagram.com/leissnerart" target="_blank">Instagram </a>and follow the instructions there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll draw a winner next Saturday, September 13!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for being here!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Special thanks to Celia Bradshaw, Lynn Richards, and Andrea Chebelue!!! Thank you all so much for allowing me to share your artwork. </span>Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-19042892199042482592014-09-02T06:00:00.000-05:002014-09-02T06:00:03.219-05:00FALL!!!!!!!!Y'all...I'm not even kidding. I love fall more than cake and sleep and Chic Fil A ice cream. I love it. I love the smell of fall. I love the cool mornings and bugless evenings. I love the leaves changing colors. I love the frost on the windows. I love bringing the firewood up to the porch. I love the idea of loving football even though I don't love football at all. I love boots and sweaters and not even having to think about wearing a swimsuit.<br />
<br />
After such a great summer, I'm looking forward to an equally stellar fall. Since I love bullet points and numbered lists. Here are four things I'm working on and really stoked about for Fall!<br />
<br />
<b>1. Eating right.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOQVxSpHlqI/VAUTnQx7hAI/AAAAAAAAB78/QWnnA4GN8w4/s1600/photo(40).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOQVxSpHlqI/VAUTnQx7hAI/AAAAAAAAB78/QWnnA4GN8w4/s1600/photo(40).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Starting September 1st, I am embarking on a whole foods/paleo eating plan. I actually started a few days ago. Haven't had any sugar or sugary treat since....hmmmm....can't really remember. I have had some cream and a half teaspoon of truvia in my coffee, so according to the sticklers, I'm not doing the real Whole30, but it's close. Also not on the menu is bread, alcohol, any kind of grain, white potatoes, processed food (like bacon! ::commence sobbing::), dairy (except for that tiny splash of cream) (that means no CHEESE!! ::commence gnashing of teeth::) I bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Well-Fed-Paleo-Recipes-People/dp/061557226X/ref=as_sl_pd_tf_sw?&linkCode=wsw&tag=creativcleari-20" target="_blank">Well Fed</a> two weeks ago and have been studying it obsessively (as someone who doesn't cook would). I'm really excited about this way of eating. I bought a thousand dollars worth of spices (not really that much), some of which I've never even heard of. I even tried out one of the recipes. I'll report more on that later. Even though I'm not going 100% perfect Whole30, I am going to follow their guidance regarding staying away from the scale for the duration. I'll report back on the 30th about that..unless it's not good and then I'll hope y'all forgot. And y'all should pretend to have forgotten, m'kay?<br />
<br />
<b>2. Bible reading.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMYpuPDwsPs/VAUOOSY2_-I/AAAAAAAAB7c/cupE83fXyq8/s1600/Blogging-through-bible-with-GMG-button-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMYpuPDwsPs/VAUOOSY2_-I/AAAAAAAAB7c/cupE83fXyq8/s1600/Blogging-through-bible-with-GMG-button-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
I have tried a number of Bible study plans over the years. For various reasons, it just never worked very well for me. I see the pictures on IG of the #shereadstruth community with the coffee and their notebooks and their Bibles, and I get kind of depressed because I'm in the elevator almost to my floor where I'll sit at my desk not doing Bible studies for 7 hours. Or I wake up early enough to do it but get sidetracked by laundry or dishes or I can't get connected to the internet to read the devotional first. Something is not clicking in my brain or with my time to do those kinds of studies. But I found one that I think even I can do. <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2014/08/blogging-through-the-bible/" target="_blank">Blogging Through the Bible</a>. It's one chapter per day. No emails. No IG. No fancy notebooks if I don't want to have one. Just one chapter. I think I can do that. Will you join me?<br />
<br />
<b>3. Healthy living.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xb1VoGZLjI/VAUR88IYW3I/AAAAAAAAB7w/Gqc04_S0qT8/s1600/photo(39).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xb1VoGZLjI/VAUR88IYW3I/AAAAAAAAB7w/Gqc04_S0qT8/s1600/photo(39).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm terrible about taking my vitamins, even though I really, really need to take my vitamins. I need a vitamin that reminds me to take my vitamins. I'm hoping vitamins will help my failing memory, so I bought these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Vitamin-Multivitamin-Capsules/dp/B00322LLGA/ref=as_sl_pd_tf_sw?&linkCode=wsw&tag=creativcleari-20" target="_blank">Garden of Life-Raw</a> vitamins that are reported by some healthy-eating friends to be the best. They don't make me sick if I need to take them without eating first, which is why I have sometimes failed to take vitamins. So far so good! I'm looking forward to stockpiling some nutrients. <br />
<br />
I'm also working on getting better sleep. I don't really know how long I've been sleep-deprived. My oldest child is 19, so....um...yeah...nineteen years seems about right. It has to stop, though. I NEED SLEEP! This is helping me with my sleep. A drop rubbed on the feet and a little on the pillow and it is sweet dreams. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syTHg0A5hfY/VAUQ-9kzK9I/AAAAAAAAB7o/Ne0wQ1xuxng/s1600/lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syTHg0A5hfY/VAUQ-9kzK9I/AAAAAAAAB7o/Ne0wQ1xuxng/s1600/lavender.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In fact, I'm slowly integrating <a href="https://www.youngliving.org/" target="_blank">Young Living Essential Oils</a> into my life and ditching the over-the-counter chemicals I've been consuming. There's an oil for that!<br />
<br />
<b>4. Creating.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CeHTNFQW8V0/VAUOGBp3hVI/AAAAAAAAB7U/bumNHyOrOMM/s1600/Cre8iveKlatch-Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CeHTNFQW8V0/VAUOGBp3hVI/AAAAAAAAB7U/bumNHyOrOMM/s1600/Cre8iveKlatch-Square.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm making time for creating too!! I joined a fun band of cre8ives for a whole Fall season and beyond of creative goodness. We'll be introducing ourselves and then we'll be sharing our favorite fun and fast cre8ive projects to carry you right to the holidays and beyond. You can join us by following the <a href="http://cre8iveklatch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and joining the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cre8iveKlatch/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm so looking forward to sharing the progress on all these things and hearing your stories if you have them....especially anyone who doesn't cook starting to cook. I might need some help!<br />
<br />
<br />
Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-19652999838035006162014-09-01T07:13:00.000-05:002014-09-01T07:13:08.465-05:00Summertime<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer 2014 was one of the better ones, I'd say. Here's a quick review. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My son came home from a successful first year of college and got a great job. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8MBB9kwXdlc/VAPGbdPhCtI/AAAAAAAAB3o/shEM5li8pEw/s640/blogger-image-809013294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8MBB9kwXdlc/VAPGbdPhCtI/AAAAAAAAB3o/shEM5li8pEw/s640/blogger-image-809013294.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GqWkZfjf62Q/VAPGo2Z-4tI/AAAAAAAAB4A/rdCxb9mFzvE/s640/blogger-image--293984629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GqWkZfjf62Q/VAPGo2Z-4tI/AAAAAAAAB4A/rdCxb9mFzvE/s640/blogger-image--293984629.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
A few days after school let out my girl headed off to her Great European Adventure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6o-xBdBaUXY/VAPGdaRPWdI/AAAAAAAAB3w/jRqtRBociJk/s640/blogger-image--1935696256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6o-xBdBaUXY/VAPGdaRPWdI/AAAAAAAAB3w/jRqtRBociJk/s640/blogger-image--1935696256.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The same day, the man and I left for a second honeymoon in Maine. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qIAE3zOro6o/VAPGfMnGZaI/AAAAAAAAB34/P7XYg2LqerU/s640/blogger-image-1296975607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qIAE3zOro6o/VAPGfMnGZaI/AAAAAAAAB34/P7XYg2LqerU/s640/blogger-image-1296975607.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3Sw3-_VjEIQ/VAPGsZXpczI/AAAAAAAAB4I/OY-gVYbN5rk/s640/blogger-image-434979822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3Sw3-_VjEIQ/VAPGsZXpczI/AAAAAAAAB4I/OY-gVYbN5rk/s640/blogger-image-434979822.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VcOVjEIc3J0/VAPGYoSzNAI/AAAAAAAAB3g/PTf2qQqgXBY/s640/blogger-image-2079504105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VcOVjEIc3J0/VAPGYoSzNAI/AAAAAAAAB3g/PTf2qQqgXBY/s640/blogger-image-2079504105.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I set up for my first Artwalk and got caught in an epic hailstorm.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P6zGyngQPXCGcqlGkVIIfS6lErnAgXdR5DKHJxL-UpArg6xTxIwpuNmHERULQUrScHQrwyXm5b04uFmowba1kIcl9NFOjR_0hw5lksuod6cHaCAS-M3s_3eQlTZEv4l7mAO8WveUGVs/s640/blogger-image--1957089564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P6zGyngQPXCGcqlGkVIIfS6lErnAgXdR5DKHJxL-UpArg6xTxIwpuNmHERULQUrScHQrwyXm5b04uFmowba1kIcl9NFOjR_0hw5lksuod6cHaCAS-M3s_3eQlTZEv4l7mAO8WveUGVs/s640/blogger-image--1957089564.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K23eDPVrG7o/VAPQYpjpDBI/AAAAAAAAB4w/5XEocjbeNWY/s640/blogger-image--809223327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K23eDPVrG7o/VAPQYpjpDBI/AAAAAAAAB4w/5XEocjbeNWY/s640/blogger-image--809223327.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VH2518HdHLE/VAPQf2lEbjI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/Tu80tuH1tIk/s640/blogger-image--656620435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VH2518HdHLE/VAPQf2lEbjI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/Tu80tuH1tIk/s640/blogger-image--656620435.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-strAiVR_OWQ/VAPSyQA3iBI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/J2gUuKcAJ5Q/s1600/car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-strAiVR_OWQ/VAPSyQA3iBI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/J2gUuKcAJ5Q/s1600/car.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had our annual front yard July 4th fireworks display. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSj3MlKXiu4/VAPQjPCz-UI/AAAAAAAAB5g/TiAgWVh3h_A/s640/blogger-image--1059924809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSj3MlKXiu4/VAPQjPCz-UI/AAAAAAAAB5g/TiAgWVh3h_A/s640/blogger-image--1059924809.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
We had a fun time on our family vacation to Red River. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gP6hQdeTv3E/VAPQauxDOMI/AAAAAAAAB44/1rI8kn2Te2k/s640/blogger-image-2127390309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gP6hQdeTv3E/VAPQauxDOMI/AAAAAAAAB44/1rI8kn2Te2k/s640/blogger-image-2127390309.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guxW4bUXowk/VAPQUXKGImI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Xvb2kDZrzeY/s640/blogger-image-514966725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guxW4bUXowk/VAPQUXKGImI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Xvb2kDZrzeY/s640/blogger-image-514966725.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_5dWHgy9m4/VAPQod8We-I/AAAAAAAAB54/1x-B_f4q7Yo/s640/blogger-image-940997951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_5dWHgy9m4/VAPQod8We-I/AAAAAAAAB54/1x-B_f4q7Yo/s640/blogger-image-940997951.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CZCJO5QW18Y/VAPQW0klojI/AAAAAAAAB4o/0TVZTeTKFKg/s640/blogger-image--125838722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CZCJO5QW18Y/VAPQW0klojI/AAAAAAAAB4o/0TVZTeTKFKg/s640/blogger-image--125838722.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We completed <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2014/08/the-great-backyard-makeover.html" target="_blank">The Great Backyard Makeove</a>r. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzaGoLYuPoM/VAPRP1yTfaI/AAAAAAAAB6E/TpRop3OSzP4/s1600/DSCN3237lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzaGoLYuPoM/VAPRP1yTfaI/AAAAAAAAB6E/TpRop3OSzP4/s1600/DSCN3237lowres.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCpD4LWPZYc/VAPVTciI-jI/AAAAAAAAB64/vjBkfkZFB0I/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCpD4LWPZYc/VAPVTciI-jI/AAAAAAAAB64/vjBkfkZFB0I/s1600/mom.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qJ2LpL-IuU/VAPVShsQmbI/AAAAAAAAB6s/tJ8Xax3gnjs/s1600/helper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qJ2LpL-IuU/VAPVShsQmbI/AAAAAAAAB6s/tJ8Xax3gnjs/s1600/helper.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfwLuLCCAgQ/VAPVP9p_API/AAAAAAAAB6k/u5ID2Nrknx0/s1600/DSCN3259lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfwLuLCCAgQ/VAPVP9p_API/AAAAAAAAB6k/u5ID2Nrknx0/s1600/DSCN3259lowres.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThSkiBasGTeuC5Xv773oqQLnLJd9CUMGbnc_An3bWL9ADUBK7IdjoYUzMHn9bWzFkYHR-dR2SGcFyRX6RWqjkCUOEHJ0iGPTxk7uBxCN3P003o1f_nR_FYp48s6fkRyUY7DOsY_p8L_8/s1600/DSCN3239lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThSkiBasGTeuC5Xv773oqQLnLJd9CUMGbnc_An3bWL9ADUBK7IdjoYUzMHn9bWzFkYHR-dR2SGcFyRX6RWqjkCUOEHJ0iGPTxk7uBxCN3P003o1f_nR_FYp48s6fkRyUY7DOsY_p8L_8/s1600/DSCN3239lowres.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gv2GXAOm0U/VAPRO3FirII/AAAAAAAAB6A/MBrp8uRi-ls/s1600/DSCN3253lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gv2GXAOm0U/VAPRO3FirII/AAAAAAAAB6A/MBrp8uRi-ls/s1600/DSCN3253lowres.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got an early start and got the boy all moved in to his new school. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gwlxa0mMSvE/VAPQhtjVvPI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/Jrb5HINI7yo/s640/blogger-image--929078066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gwlxa0mMSvE/VAPQhtjVvPI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/Jrb5HINI7yo/s640/blogger-image--929078066.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, the night before school started, we joined 100,000 squealing girls at Cowboy Stadium for a One Direction concert. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Nhkw8-erCaQ/VAPQcqVOqHI/AAAAAAAAB5A/CeyqdVY3QT4/s640/blogger-image--1292827780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Nhkw8-erCaQ/VAPQcqVOqHI/AAAAAAAAB5A/CeyqdVY3QT4/s640/blogger-image--1292827780.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ppLQ2JMAvYo/VAPQk0NyIFI/AAAAAAAAB5o/AFj4W6ijOZU/s640/blogger-image--1734609867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ppLQ2JMAvYo/VAPQk0NyIFI/AAAAAAAAB5o/AFj4W6ijOZU/s640/blogger-image--1734609867.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mMPQ8mIgm90/VAPQeBJYN0I/AAAAAAAAB5I/8368zQn8uQw/s640/blogger-image--1737902960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mMPQ8mIgm90/VAPQeBJYN0I/AAAAAAAAB5I/8368zQn8uQw/s640/blogger-image--1737902960.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A6Jzn9jJ7jA/VAPQSbm3zHI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/Z4l5Q1rEZhA/s640/blogger-image--744898287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A6Jzn9jJ7jA/VAPQSbm3zHI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/Z4l5Q1rEZhA/s640/blogger-image--744898287.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I look back and I'm so very grateful for this memorable summer of being together and working together, big adventures, reaching new goals, and watching some dreams come true. So very thankful.<br />
<br />
The days are getting shorter. It's getting a little cooler. School has started, and I'm looking forward to fall, my most favorite time of the year! Fire pits, boots, sweaters, stew and soup, the color, the cool--so many things to LOVE about fall. I love to hear what you are most looking forward to this fall.<br />
<br />
Coming soon to the blog....my big plans for fall.<br />
<br />
<3 Lori<br />
<br /></div>
Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-62208706563164214012014-08-05T18:07:00.000-05:002014-08-05T19:51:30.332-05:00HeavenI've been thinking about Heaven a lot lately. It's not because of all the movies about it because I haven't seen any of those. I also haven't read any of the books about it. Well, I have read one book about it. :) <br />
<br />
I'm not sure what I think about whether God allows people to see glimpses of Heaven. How could we possibly know for sure He doesn't? And if it entices people to read about it, that's good, right?<br />
<br />
I've been thinking a lot about the people in Heaven. Until recently, I've only been thinking about the people I miss.<br />
<br />
Like my dad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVzb-PoI5DmAZm7F_GBOe3ipJLZz-WUNqR601PQndRX-UNQV0wTAfMFNXJywi-CzJ31ejnHSe0RqDAXD3085bfUtTYnPChipN1__j9lpjfspiGrPpnH76uvJDDIOkqNe-MCxWDErVTjI/s1600/box011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVzb-PoI5DmAZm7F_GBOe3ipJLZz-WUNqR601PQndRX-UNQV0wTAfMFNXJywi-CzJ31ejnHSe0RqDAXD3085bfUtTYnPChipN1__j9lpjfspiGrPpnH76uvJDDIOkqNe-MCxWDErVTjI/s1600/box011.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And my grandparents.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPk2S_r5hLH0XT_bNvmFtS5mEj4Lnp4yQz7rHqQG9ff44iVgUHHESzjkyiFwGVCSm2CJ_dHfr_BBeYYzCMuRe4T7N9zUVNQZ-T0tfSmqjmpUjQ-XtkLgJboRmFpEXeWwHw8Ae_ddEka0/s1600/Latham22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPk2S_r5hLH0XT_bNvmFtS5mEj4Lnp4yQz7rHqQG9ff44iVgUHHESzjkyiFwGVCSm2CJ_dHfr_BBeYYzCMuRe4T7N9zUVNQZ-T0tfSmqjmpUjQ-XtkLgJboRmFpEXeWwHw8Ae_ddEka0/s1600/Latham22.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13tcsCCzC38/U-FcoT7PmqI/AAAAAAAABzA/IEJdcbg7yj4/s1600/tony%2526fannie10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13tcsCCzC38/U-FcoT7PmqI/AAAAAAAABzA/IEJdcbg7yj4/s1600/tony%2526fannie10.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And I've thought about people who other people miss--their parents and grandparents, husbands and wives, beautiful daughters, little boys, brothers and sisters, beloved aunts and treasured uncles, precious preborns who were already cherished children. And all those millions who were not cherished.<br />
<br />
Only recently, though, I have realized that Heaven will also be an opportunity to meet those who because of time or distance I didn't get to know on Earth. With the advent of the internet, we learn so much more about our fellow travelers here. So, I'm looking forward to seeing <a href="http://babywackerly.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Roscoe Wackerly</a>, <a href="http://www.babyboybakery.com/p/about.html" target="_blank">Ryan Cruz Saldana</a> and <a href="http://blog.al.com/breaking/2014/05/broken-hearted_brown_family_fa.html" target="_blank">Micah Brown</a>, three little boys I met online who were called home. I'll meet people who were just characters in my parents' stories. There will be people I've read about in books there like CS Lewis and Corrie ten Boom. And so many people with amazing stories of faith who few people knew and no one remembers now, people whose treasures were laid up in Heaven rather than on Earth.<br />
<br />
Oh, won't it be wonderful there?!<br />
<br />
<3 LoriLori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-6381404412311978062014-08-04T06:00:00.000-05:002014-08-04T13:44:38.922-05:00The Next Big MakeoverNow that #thegreatbackyardmakeover is complete, it's time to officially start on another makeover. Me.<br />
<br />
See? Here's the deal. I like food. I really really really really do, and I especially like sugary food. Especially cake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPkfrpK4zCg/U97_LGFBfvI/AAAAAAAAByU/PCg8NfFda9I/s1600/caaaaaaake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPkfrpK4zCg/U97_LGFBfvI/AAAAAAAAByU/PCg8NfFda9I/s1600/caaaaaaake.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Allie Brosh: <a href="http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hyperbole and a Half</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had a birthday last week. I got up thinking I was 48 because 8 plus 6 is 14, then I realized I wasn't born in '66. I was born in '67, so I'm only 47 and I felt a lot better about that. Anyway, birthdays = cake, so I'm a big fan. I'm an especially big fan of this cake (see what I did there?):</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmATga2oXMqdKx0ELLL7Kj4-_YNQcgA7xUBQGxUqLn-ud75BJZzexwIV-UanI6eSiyboPFAb8tskggGOXgwmDqTaTohE1NeAh83nI7qP5BQJSEji3gykE2t43u0k7k_7pm4BZhts2dhw/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmATga2oXMqdKx0ELLL7Kj4-_YNQcgA7xUBQGxUqLn-ud75BJZzexwIV-UanI6eSiyboPFAb8tskggGOXgwmDqTaTohE1NeAh83nI7qP5BQJSEji3gykE2t43u0k7k_7pm4BZhts2dhw/s1600/cake.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
McKay's Bakery White Chocolate Cake. It has cream cheese icing. Had..it had cream cheese icing. I approach eating cake very much the same way I approach hard work. The faster you do it, the sooner you can quit. You'll be happy to know this cake has been neutralized, as they say in law enforcement. It can no longer cause anyone any harm. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I'm one year closer to fifty, even with my bad math, and I need to get these extra pounds off. There's a whole year between me and my next obligatory birthday cake, so what better time to start? My Fitbit is plugged in. The cake is gone. I'm ready. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's blog official. I can't turn back now. Y'all all know. You'll be wondering if I'm following through. I'll need to report back and all that stuff. This time it's going to work.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Details to follow. As soon as I figure them out. So far I have:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. No more cake.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the meantime, hit me with your very best advice, tips, tricks, whatever keeps you on track and living healthy!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks in advance!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<3 Lori</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-33986425833910250512014-08-03T19:02:00.001-05:002014-08-03T21:09:34.912-05:00The Great Backyard Makeover<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcFBYqdxmyE/U966IMoaZqI/AAAAAAAABu8/Rw8jJvfPBIg/s1600/chair+smallframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcFBYqdxmyE/U966IMoaZqI/AAAAAAAABu8/Rw8jJvfPBIg/s1600/chair+smallframe.jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
May 27 was the last time I wrote a blog post. That was a few days before school let out for the summer. My goodness! So much has happened since then. I'll have to cover all that later (and I will), but I wanted to show y'all the promised progress on our yard, which on Instagram I have hashtagged #thegreatbackyardmakeover.<br />
<br />
I should preface this post. We are in the midst of a very long drought. Very. Long. In 2011, we had over 100 days of over 100 degree weather. What little grass we had in the backyard burned up. Completely. Since then we have been fighting to try to keep the dirt off the porch, out of the pool, and out of the house. It was impossible. With nothing to hold the dirt down and our typical west Texas wind, we created our very own dust bowl. The house was filthy. The pool was a mudhole, and our allergies have been out of control. We needed to do something, but it had to be something that would reduce the amount of water we would consume significantly because around the same time our rural water supplier increased the cost of water almost two fold.<br />
<br />
We considered covering the whole thing with rocks, but if we ever decide to sell, we don't think that would be very appealing. We also researched fake grass. We were concerned that although the current versions of "artificial turf" are far superior to what I remember for the 80's, and it's probably great for small areas, we needed to cover a larger plot and it's not tested enough for us to invest that much money for what might be a shorter term investment. The costs are significant and professionals have to do it. <br />
<br />
We decided the most cost effective thing we could do ourselves would be to lay sod. We opted for a type that is said to be both drought tolerant and works in shade, St. Augustin Palmetto. We also opted to significantly reduce the amount of grass and water we'd need by creating large gravel and rock covered areas: a fire pit, plant beds along the edges, a drive way for the shop, and a little patio under the trees where it's shady. These areas, as well as covering the entire side yard with gravel, allowed us to cap almost half our sprinkler heads. Additionally we used a product called <a href="http://www.hydretain.com/" target="_blank">Hydretain</a>. Once we get the grass watered in, it should reduce the amount we need to use to keep it healthy. The website says it will reduce water usage by 50%. We have to reapply every 3 months.<br />
<br />
So without further adieu and in the interest of keeping it real, I'm going to show you some real, honest befores and afters. I know some folks keep the befores to a minimum because it will all look prettier on Pinterest, but you need to know how far we've come to really appreciate the work that went into this. My family of four spent about 30 hours total on this project, with my mom supplying much needed support in some shoveling, grocery delivery, water and Gatorade provisions and pleas to "come in and take a break". The project included a load of caliche, 2 loads of gravel, a load of top soil, three and a half pallets of sod, one flat tire complete with stranding on the side of the road for 4 hours, 2 amazingly generous friends who saved us in our hours of need (thanks Paige and Robert!), two other great friends who loaned us their trailer (thanks Jennifer and Lee!), one Bobcat rental, at least 6 trips to Lowe's, at least 4 trips to Home Depot, a concrete cutter rental, 4 bad backs, innumerable blisters, copious amounts of sweat, some tears and a lot of pride for a DIY that actually sort of worked. <br />
<br />
<b>Before:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh9mWrQ5kSA/U9689OcHXyI/AAAAAAAABvI/UhqDq2obCYI/s1600/DSCN3211lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh9mWrQ5kSA/U9689OcHXyI/AAAAAAAABvI/UhqDq2obCYI/s1600/DSCN3211lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
There was literally NO GRASS AT ALL on this side. Nothing. So no pesky weeding or anything over here. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>During:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m22J7krXBUY/U969VHkaZPI/AAAAAAAABvQ/FlbRb2pf8Nk/s1600/side2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m22J7krXBUY/U969VHkaZPI/AAAAAAAABvQ/FlbRb2pf8Nk/s1600/side2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>After:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgJ_Kz0eH2k/U969yT47LmI/AAAAAAAABvY/hhUjRJKQFEk/s1600/DSCN3261lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgJ_Kz0eH2k/U969yT47LmI/AAAAAAAABvY/hhUjRJKQFEk/s1600/DSCN3261lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We reduced the size of the yard by adding a 2 ft border along the retaining wall and adding a fire pit on the back corner. The <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_361694-1364-8371-95-4700_0__?productId=3448538&Ntt=adirondack+chairs&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dadirondack%2Bchairs&facetInfo=" target="_blank">chairs</a> and <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_502414-52885-89496L_0__?productId=50066653" target="_blank">red trellis</a> are from Lowe's. The<a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/heirloom-firepit/prod13710746.ip" target="_blank"> fire pit</a> is from Sam's Club.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoNh-w8Gf5I/U96-3fm6gYI/AAAAAAAABvo/j5EQxm18yHo/s1600/DSCN3239lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoNh-w8Gf5I/U96-3fm6gYI/AAAAAAAABvo/j5EQxm18yHo/s1600/DSCN3239lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QS-QsPQ1ruo/U96-3RnGK1I/AAAAAAAABvk/g8dtcAJyJiU/s1600/DSCN3240lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QS-QsPQ1ruo/U96-3RnGK1I/AAAAAAAABvk/g8dtcAJyJiU/s1600/DSCN3240lowres.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wSyTqmM1Xc/U96-3D_oxaI/AAAAAAAABvg/7DgWFh3JWDQ/s1600/DSCN3245lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wSyTqmM1Xc/U96-3D_oxaI/AAAAAAAABvg/7DgWFh3JWDQ/s1600/DSCN3245lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Before:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knUlh3vI5Ws/U97Bdg5A0_I/AAAAAAAABv8/3D39gVleWbs/s1600/DSCN3212lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knUlh3vI5Ws/U97Bdg5A0_I/AAAAAAAABv8/3D39gVleWbs/s1600/DSCN3212lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The pool was greenish from recent rain and a part that needed replacing. And it was full of dirt as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>After:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx4MCK8LWo8/U97Bz1veMqI/AAAAAAAABwI/SRbT-MrZj34/s1600/helper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuHpFhFW4U4/U97CaGVBu3I/AAAAAAAABwc/ad7e9naXDuw/s1600/DSCN3262lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuHpFhFW4U4/U97CaGVBu3I/AAAAAAAABwc/ad7e9naXDuw/s1600/DSCN3262lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx4MCK8LWo8/U97Bz1veMqI/AAAAAAAABwI/SRbT-MrZj34/s1600/helper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It still looks a little dry on this side. It's been a week of some of the hottest summer weather. But it's coming a long nicely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Before:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd-DJgkAd-Q/U97Ejpg3HCI/AAAAAAAABwo/QpXOLKlxYGo/s1600/smaller+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd-DJgkAd-Q/U97Ejpg3HCI/AAAAAAAABwo/QpXOLKlxYGo/s1600/smaller+tree.jpg" height="640" width="476" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>During:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YAH9XXOAjFs/U97E9zS2i-I/AAAAAAAABww/NL4myILnuZM/s1600/10574284_10152569399804836_5385989300100338712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YAH9XXOAjFs/U97E9zS2i-I/AAAAAAAABww/NL4myILnuZM/s1600/10574284_10152569399804836_5385989300100338712_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OdHC0v5qlY/U97E9uGEqcI/AAAAAAAABw0/BrF9bcF2GCk/s1600/frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OdHC0v5qlY/U97E9uGEqcI/AAAAAAAABw0/BrF9bcF2GCk/s1600/frame.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>After:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQViXWYai4c/U97Fb60quWI/AAAAAAAABxA/zrXPcBdnrjA/s1600/DSCN3242lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQViXWYai4c/U97Fb60quWI/AAAAAAAABxA/zrXPcBdnrjA/s1600/DSCN3242lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E_xjz6hX5k/U97FeA7m0bI/AAAAAAAABxQ/VBXPUHy7C-c/s1600/DSCN3246lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E_xjz6hX5k/U97FeA7m0bI/AAAAAAAABxQ/VBXPUHy7C-c/s1600/DSCN3246lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my favorite. This patio was a real challenge. We thought these <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_460673-215-205421_4294612589%2B4294837810__?productId=4486768&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=Concrete" target="_blank">formed concrete pavers</a> from Lowe's were cool. Getting them in the right order was not cool at all. We finally found <a href="http://www.belgarddesignpro.com/docs/PORT01-A.pdf" target="_blank">this .pdf</a> on line and got it to work. Since there was no grass there, we weren't worried about grass coming through, so we just built the border, added gravel, then some sand, placed the pavers and swept in more sand. We had to rent a concrete saw for the edges, but I think it turned out great.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Before:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKA4mSIhlPk/U97IgkI1a0I/AAAAAAAABxc/USDKhF5GeeM/s1600/DSCN3215lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKA4mSIhlPk/U97IgkI1a0I/AAAAAAAABxc/USDKhF5GeeM/s1600/DSCN3215lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>After: </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imqWbYFgp7Y/U97IiW6s04I/AAAAAAAABxk/JjBsky2q5Go/s1600/DSCN3255lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imqWbYFgp7Y/U97IiW6s04I/AAAAAAAABxk/JjBsky2q5Go/s1600/DSCN3255lowres.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b> Before:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfHr6VY9UEY/U97KvVgSZcI/AAAAAAAABx4/HeXJhflXHco/s1600/DSCN3226lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfHr6VY9UEY/U97KvVgSZcI/AAAAAAAABx4/HeXJhflXHco/s1600/DSCN3226lowres.jpg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>After: </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msxlcQbpYMU/U97KkOo1BBI/AAAAAAAABxw/DrEZsZmjxl0/s1600/DSCN3243lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msxlcQbpYMU/U97KkOo1BBI/AAAAAAAABxw/DrEZsZmjxl0/s1600/DSCN3243lowres.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
If you're looking for me, I'll be hanging around here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHUsEDUSESU/U97MrF9OTSI/AAAAAAAAByE/xrS21lU1Chs/s1600/DSCN3253lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHUsEDUSESU/U97MrF9OTSI/AAAAAAAAByE/xrS21lU1Chs/s1600/DSCN3253lowres.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading and for following along on <a href="http://instagram.com/leissnerart" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. If you have any questions about anything we did or used, feel free to leave a comment and then follow for a response and I'll answer as best I can.<br />
<br />
I'll be getting back to making art and fun stuff like that soon! Some friends and I are cooking up a really fun project for the fall. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<3 Lori<br />
<br />Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-22871394805973568942014-05-27T19:15:00.003-05:002014-05-27T19:16:25.095-05:00Be Your Own Hero<span style="font-size: large;">It's probably ridiculous coming from someone my age, but it's true. I've been waiting for someone to save me for a very long time. Practically my whole life, really. It had to be those fairy tales and the old Disney movies before Mulan and Brave. Even Batman, Speed Racer, and Mighty Mouse followed the same general theme, right? There's a damsel in distress of some sort. Someone (perhaps a small rodent) swoops in at the last minute, cape flying, and saves the day?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not a helpless person. My parents raised us girls to be self-reliant. I know how to change the oil in a car (a 1976 AMC Pacer, at least. Don't test me on something made in this century). I can start a lawn mower and use it the "right" way. I can drive a manual transmission. With enough time and frustration, I can move a couch up the stairs and over the landing by myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My dad had a common response when I said I couldn't do something. He said, "Can't never could." On the surface, that might not make much sense. But to me it meant, "work harder", "stop complaining", "just do it". Henry Ford may have said it just as well, if less succinctly, when he said, "The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can't are both right. Which one are you?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I bought this awesome tooled leather cuff from Becky at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/farmgirlpaints?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">FarmGirlPaints</a>. I've been wearing it pretty much non-stop since it arrived in the mail. It helps me remember.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urqQt3T1Rqw/U4UaYmYcuTI/AAAAAAAABtU/ql0J5XwW-KQ/s1600/bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urqQt3T1Rqw/U4UaYmYcuTI/AAAAAAAABtU/ql0J5XwW-KQ/s1600/bracelet.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Starting a handmade business is not for sissies. Feeling called to do something different that what you are currently doing and feeling periodically that it's really never going to happen can be defeating and exhausting. Yesterday was one of those days. I was flinging myself around about being a damsel in distress. This is the result:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPZlkDdVxRs/U4Udz4r6nII/AAAAAAAABtg/-N787jQ3IXk/s1600/Be+your+own+hero002+copyframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPZlkDdVxRs/U4Udz4r6nII/AAAAAAAABtg/-N787jQ3IXk/s1600/Be+your+own+hero002+copyframe.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The original is viewable and available for purchase in my Etsy shop <a href="http://here./"></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191034401/be-your-own-hero-bright-mixed-media?" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shortly after that, God spoke to me through Facebook (Ha!! I know! It's crazy. It happens more times than I care to admit) when I saw a scripture scroll by on my newsfeed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Say to those with anxious hearts, 'Be strong, do not be afraid! Here is
your God— he will bring vengeance, he will bring divine retribution, and
he will save you." Isaiah 35:4</i><span class="p"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="p"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="p">I might have disputed that statement yesterday. I might have said out loud, "THAT'S NOT TRUE!!"...a couple of times, actually. I'm pretty sure He'll forgive me for that. It was a momentary weakness. If you have issues even bigger than the ones I wrestle with, He'll save you too (just maybe not in the way you have in mind or might prefer). Ask Him. Through Him, all things are possible. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="p">But we both have to forget about waiting around for some human with a cape to make things right. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="p">Pray about it. Decide it can be done. Then do it. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="p">Be your own hero.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="p"><span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori</span></span>Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-67498725951252871062014-05-19T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-19T06:36:18.443-05:00Bigger Things<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday was little Micah Andrew Brown's funeral. He was five years old. I didn't know him or his family or anyone who knew him, his family or any of his friends. Someone I follow on Instagram (and now I'm not even sure how I ran across her) posted about the accident that his family was involved in...the one that took his life. I clicked over to the link she provided and something clicked over in me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked at the family's photos....a mom and a dad and four little light skinned kids and two little dark skinned kids. Then I found the mom's (Ryann's) blog. There hasn't been an entry since last October. That was shortly after they brought the little dark skinned kids home from the Dominican Republic. Her blog is all about the history of their international adoption and how they became the parents of six kids under the age of eight. I'm sure they've been a little busy since then.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwWJkLdZsb8/U3gzk4MKW7I/AAAAAAAABsg/w2pO4UXZoZ4/s1600/browns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwWJkLdZsb8/U3gzk4MKW7I/AAAAAAAABsg/w2pO4UXZoZ4/s1600/browns.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Source: GoFundMe.com</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This past Monday afternoon, their world changed. Little Micah was lost and his older sisters were critically injured. Rebekah and Sarah remain in different hospitals 100 miles apart in Alabama both having sustained traumatic brain injuries. Friends of the family have established this <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/94wk7o" target="_blank">GoFundMe site</a>. There's also a <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/thebrownfamily2" target="_blank">Caringbridge page</a> for the family. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As I was reading the family's blog <a href="http://becauseofhisgreatlove.com/" target="_blank">"becauseofhisgreatlove</a>" about their call to adopt, their decision making process regarding from what country to adopt, and the struggles they faced in the waiting (which I've come to learn is the hardest part about any kind of adoption, domestic or international) a scripture Ryann quoted caught my attention. She was talking about being far from home waiting for the process to run its course in Dominican Republic. They were missing their friends and family and their church family. She wrote, "We were thirsty for community. We were experiencing fatigue,
persecution, hardship. But God did not intend for us to go through this
alone. He sent good news from a far country. This came in many forms
through visits from friends and family, through care packages, through
encouraging notes and prayers." She said they were thirsty for community.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Prov. 25:25</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God has called us all to hep orphans (James 1:27). This call has been weighing on my heart for a while. Ryann's post was just another tap on my shoulder. I've been able to contribute to an adoption fundraiser that was hosted by Hannah of <a href="http://www.hellograceblog.com/" target="_blank">Hello Grace Blog</a>, who I also ran across on Instagram. She does them regularly, and I look forward to participating again. But I want to do more. Ryann's post inspired me to make this art, which is just the beginning of an art ministry for adoption support.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Plcv74M566k/U3lPliM_fdI/AAAAAAAABsw/IKjXMIztKoE/s1600/far+country1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Plcv74M566k/U3lPliM_fdI/AAAAAAAABsw/IKjXMIztKoE/s1600/far+country1.jpg" height="400" width="393" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The original can be found in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190072015/scripture-art-christian-art-globe-art?" target="_blank">Etsy shop here.</a> I'm also offering 11 x 14 prints <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190073377/scripture-art-christian-art-art-print" target="_blank">here</a>, which are $20. Ten dollars of every print sold will be donated to help fundraising efforts of adoptive parents. I'm not sure yet exactly how that will work, but one way I will start is by searching the #adoptionfundraiser hashtag on Instagram. Along with Hannah (who I talked about above), my friend Kate from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShoppeAdopt" target="_blank">The Adopt Shoppe</a> is also experienced both as an adoptive parent and as someone who donates for fundraisers. I know they'll help me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Did you know it's estimated there are 153 MILLION orphans worldwide? I can't help them all, but I can do something. I've known from the beginning this art business is not just about me. It's about bigger things. It's time to get to it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Please pray for the Brown family in Alabama. Check out their Caringbridge and GoFundMe pages using the links above. They've gotten a lot of support and prayers already, but they will be needing them for a very long time to come, I'm afraid. So please add them to your lists.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Is there a quote or scripture that speaks to your heart about adoption? If so, I'd love for you to share it in the comments. It might inspire the next installment in this ministry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, may the good Lord speak your calling to your heart, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori</span></div>
Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-86385227261322435152014-05-06T17:16:00.000-05:002014-05-06T17:16:33.382-05:00InspirationI haven't been here in a very long time. I didn't realize it had been this long, though. I hit a dry patch in my inspiration after the holidays. It's strange really. I've noticed in the last few years the change of seasons between winter and spring is especially turbulent for me. There are always end of school activities, schedule transitions, the busy season at the real job, the spider webs and dust that become more visible after a long gray season. A few years ago, I realized I had an urge to run away every spring. Oddly, there is some comfort in knowing the restlessness is cyclical and would eventually yield to a more peaceful summertime ease. Maybe a creative pause will also be part of that.<br />
<br />
During my creative lull, I bought a bunch of books and began to read them all at one time. I don't know why I do that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3OlxauOk5p0/U2lDo2LlYEI/AAAAAAAABqc/e_Xz1MB4CY0/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3OlxauOk5p0/U2lDo2LlYEI/AAAAAAAABqc/e_Xz1MB4CY0/s1600/books.jpg" height="400" width="297" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4hDm0uLyd8/U2lDhVj7pQI/AAAAAAAABqU/ivW1A8YCy-Y/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
I ditched all bready, sugary, yummy stuff from my diet (full disclosure: except one or two Lindt Sea Salt dark chocolate squares a day. I believe in the sanctity of life, which would possibly not be preserved without chocolate...so..there's that.) Then I gassed up my fitbit and dusted off my treadmill. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjYfM97yroc/U2lF8Z_Y4vI/AAAAAAAABqs/7nd07Z_CwfM/s1600/treadmill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjYfM97yroc/U2lF8Z_Y4vI/AAAAAAAABqs/7nd07Z_CwfM/s1600/treadmill.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I saw my artwork on national television. That was pretty cool. I cannot for the life of me find the Youtube video in Blogger's Youtube search function, so here's a photo and a link to the video which (thank goodness) I saved to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/261842165809730568/" target="_blank">my art board on Pinterest.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKZ_KOWS66I/U2lQ16eObUI/AAAAAAAABq8/MWX9MbkGveY/s1600/song.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKZ_KOWS66I/U2lQ16eObUI/AAAAAAAABq8/MWX9MbkGveY/s1600/song.jpg" height="217" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiFD5NPLKjA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiFD5NPLKjA</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also spent some time on the porch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voO8TFrNjNo/U2lW3GZunmI/AAAAAAAABrM/sFGSnN5gIrM/s1600/tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voO8TFrNjNo/U2lW3GZunmI/AAAAAAAABrM/sFGSnN5gIrM/s1600/tiger.jpg" height="400" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcBCmsGgfRc/U2lYR52huVI/AAAAAAAABrY/sxB9pOTnNek/s1600/feather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcBCmsGgfRc/U2lYR52huVI/AAAAAAAABrY/sxB9pOTnNek/s1600/feather.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And started to feel some rumblings of inspiration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iKF1GdhFTw/U2lb0KJ38NI/AAAAAAAABrk/dimF8xqTJmQ/s1600/etsy+feather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iKF1GdhFTw/U2lb0KJ38NI/AAAAAAAABrk/dimF8xqTJmQ/s1600/etsy+feather.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buPEZ8morT4/U2ldhDXl2uI/AAAAAAAABrw/958Kl6fv-Sw/s1600/tresgatos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buPEZ8morT4/U2ldhDXl2uI/AAAAAAAABrw/958Kl6fv-Sw/s1600/tresgatos.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Both these pieces and the other small things I've made in the last week since my inspiration came back are being added to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeissnerArt" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> this week.<br />
<br />
It's nice to be back. Thanks for being here. <br />
<br />
<3 Lori <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-50938742078804793872014-03-07T06:00:00.000-06:002014-03-07T09:09:28.040-06:00Google Hangout<span style="font-size: large;">I said I was going to do a blog post every day for 30 days, and by golly, I'm gonna finish one thing that I say I'm going to do. After this, maybe I'll get that Bible read all the way through, not just the high points (Numbers, here I come) and maybe I'll actually be able to make it past day three of a workout regimen. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So today, nine of my online friends and I hung out together. I know I'm not technologically advanced at all. I Skyped for the first time just about a month ago. We don't have Netflix. I don't Vine. I do have Amazon Prime but just for the free shipping, and I use my phone mostly for a phone. This stuff is almost like science fiction for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The fact that I can sit in my sitting area in my bedroom in little bitty podunk Texas and chat with nine other people representing six other states is just AMAZING to me. It was really fun! This is the absolutely adorable Georgia girl Renee Burke of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MindBodyAndSpiritYoga" target="_blank">Mind, Body, and Spirit Yoga</a>. Look her up! She does online one-on-one yoga classes! All my other friends are across the bottom of the screen. The person who is talking pops up on the big screen. Of course, when we are all yakking at one time and laughing our heads off everyone is popping up all over the place and making us all dizzy.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lN7agmOXGW8/UxlN_s7G_nI/AAAAAAAABow/UHFbNLVAyro/s1600/hangout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lN7agmOXGW8/UxlN_s7G_nI/AAAAAAAABow/UHFbNLVAyro/s1600/hangout.jpg" height="536" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hangout would be cool to use for mini family reunions, business meetings, book clubs, Bible studies...all kinds of things! You should gather some friends or distant relatives and DO it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That's the big thing that happened for me today. I'll be back tomorrow with some other tidbit I haven't discovered yet! Have you used Google Hangout or some other video technology dohicky thing for something cool? If so, I'd love to hear about it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori</span><br />
<br />
<br />Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-21737508125319009732014-03-06T06:44:00.001-06:002014-03-06T09:36:24.399-06:00Energy CrisisI was going to write a post today about my energy crisis, but I'm too tired. I think part of my problem may be poor oxygenation of my blood due to only being able to breathe through part of one nostril for most of the day. That can't be good for a body.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The other problem is probably the fact that I ingested too much sugar to try to make up for not enough oxygen. I never took chemistry or anatomy and didn't really pay much attention in biology, but even considering my lack of science education, I'm pretty sure those are not interchangeable. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So it's 945 pm, and I'm already in bed. I'm going to try to read a little bit now that both nostrils are working. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DPJ_ekIrffA/UxfxNIsqrfI/AAAAAAAABoY/ESIzGVX1WL8/s640/blogger-image-1571226569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DPJ_ekIrffA/UxfxNIsqrfI/AAAAAAAABoY/ESIzGVX1WL8/s640/blogger-image-1571226569.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I found a great blog today that is inspiring me to try to get the bad food /no exercise/no energy freak show that's my life straightened up. I'll share it tomorow, so come back!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<3 Lori</div>
<br />
PS. I actually posted this from my phone last night. Apparently, you have to wait until it says it's actually posted before you exit the app. I didn't read one word last night. I was so exhausted, I turned off the light and passed completely out. And I slept all night. It's weird. When you get to be whatever-age-I-am..I guess you would call it "middle aged" (surely that can't be right... but really ...how long do I think I'm going to live....94 would be really old, so I guess this really is "middle age" :::commence sobbing:::)... we tend to start talking about sleep for ourselves the same way we talked about it for our infants. I slept through the night! Yea, me! :| It's a sad commentary.<br />
<br />
Anyway, so this is last night's post. I'm still technically blogging every day. There'll be another one about something later today. xoxox L</div>
Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-40994229095519373152014-03-04T20:25:00.001-06:002014-03-04T20:25:46.593-06:00On Springing Forward<span style="font-size: large;">I heard today that "Spring Forward" happens on Saturday.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> :flings self around and violently bangs head on desk:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure why, but it seems that I am most inspired to write poetry in adversity like <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2012/11/walmart-poem-and-warning.html" target="_blank">having to go to Walmart</a> or<a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2012/09/getting-real.html" target="_blank"> dealing with teenagers</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeissnerArt/posts/377777092288405?comment_id=3447737&offset=0&total_comments=4" target="_blank">people who wear perfume and make me sneeze</a> or <a href="http://www.leissnerart.com/2011/06/ive-lost-my-mindand-my-boob.html" target="_blank">losing things.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, it's springing forward.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcVyu3A6rn4/UxaI8g2_YmI/AAAAAAAABoI/eAR-X7Of9FY/s1600/springforward+poem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcVyu3A6rn4/UxaI8g2_YmI/AAAAAAAABoI/eAR-X7Of9FY/s1600/springforward+poem.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll get over it. Eventually. Probably sometime in November.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><3 Lori </span><br />
<br />Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058670139504496912.post-81432155718005523172014-03-03T22:48:00.001-06:002014-03-04T14:30:59.794-06:00A Little Bit About My Fit BitI'm trying out the Blogger app on my phone for today's post because I am literally too lazy to go get my laptop out of the car. I probably should not be that honest, but if we are going to be sharing every day for 30 days, there's really no telling just how honest it might get, so buckle up.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I bought myself a Fit Bit back in December. It's a handy little gadget you can wear in your pocket or on your arm that can help you track your activities. It's a web based application that uploads the data from the gadget on your arm or in your pocket via a wifi plug in much like the one that came with your wireless mouse. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I haven't actually figured out all the tricks it can do. I wore it for a couple weeks after Christmas, but when it needed to be charged again, it ended up on the bathroom counter for a few months. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I charged it up today and have it on my wrist. That's the first step, right? Tomorrow maybe I'll actually give it something to do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9XcAhn4hzkU/UxVbIm41hNI/AAAAAAAABn4/LEQUHjlKOZ8/s640/blogger-image--1877829905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9XcAhn4hzkU/UxVbIm41hNI/AAAAAAAABn4/LEQUHjlKOZ8/s640/blogger-image--1877829905.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That one little light is indicative of how much I moved today. Tomorrow I'll try for at least two dots. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you have a Fit Bit or a similar gadget? What do you think of them? What are your favorite healthy living apps? I'd love to hear your thoughts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nite friends! Sweet dreams!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<3 Lori</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Lori Leissnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163341696853898614noreply@blogger.com1