Creating a Latte

I'm a procrastinator so I'm always behind the rest of the blogging world. They all did their recaps of OneWord 2013 IN 2013... but here I am wrapping up 2013 on Day 6 of 2014...

Create ... Create ... Create

I wrote for class, I attempted and almost succeeded at 31Days in October and I did a little more writing for me and for the blog.

I made connections through the God Sized Dreams Team and made new friends at Allume and loved on my local friends.

And then there was my cardmaking... It comes in shifts, which is why it's mostly a hobby! But I made some progress this year! I opened an etsy shop... and I made some sales.  I created a bunch of cute Christmas cards (and had less success). I have thoughts and dreams for 2014 and I definitely plan to keep creating... and hopefully more selling.  Like these cute coffee cards "Thanks a Latte"

They are for sale in my etsy shop, but you also have an opportunity to win a set for yourself.  One of my God-sized Dreams Team friends (who I had the lovely privilege of meeting at Allume) is doing a giveaway extravaganza for her birthday this month. This giveaway includes my cards, so be sure to stop by her site and enter. Then be sure to subscribe to Melissa's blog to catch the rest of the great giveaways she is offering this month.

And if you are in need of some newborn photography she has a great deal going on right now (Yes, she lives in South Carolina, but maybe a few of my readers are close... or you know someone who is, so spread the word with your friends, too)

and if it's not too much to add, I'm doing a Sale on the Christmas cards in my etsy shop. Spend $10 or more in my Christmas section and use the code CHRISTMAS20 and receive 20% off your order from Whimsical Words!

Thanks, friends... and here's to creating even more in 2014!

#31Days of Dove Promises-TwentyFour

It is October 30 and our #31Days series is coming to an end. I'm giving myself grace for the days missed. Come back tomorrow for my closing post.

I have a few cheerleaders in my life... friends that just encourage me, point me in the right direction, wave their pompoms when I discuss my dreams and give me a swift kick in the pants when I need it. A few of them live near me and I see them regularly and I am soo thankful for them... but today I want to talk about the ones I've seen just once or twice in my life.

Because their smiles... Lit up my life this past weekend!!

There is no way I could list them all, and if I start I am sure to miss someone! The friends I connected with at Allume filled my heart and soul and shared their contagious smiles with me!! Here are just a few of them!

I'm a bit of an introvert and sometimes I liked just being alone in my room or heading to the quiet of the prayer room, or entering a session all by myself... But when I ran into these dear ladies (and a few more that I did not upload pictures with yet), each time their faces lit up with a smile to see me, which caused my face to light up and my heart to light up.

So remember how important your smile is... to those around you and to your own heart!

Did you know that a smile is contagious? You really should smile more (and so should I)!

Yes, I am working to share one promise every day. To see all my #31Days of Dove Promises head to this page and bookmark it, pin it, or just subscribe to my blog and we can enjoy a little bit of chocolate together every day this month.

and if you have lots of time to spare, check out all the #31Days topics at The Nester!

#31Days of Dove Promises-TwentyTwo

Today is October 28... I am on Day 22 in the #31Days Series... and I knew this would happen, but I'm so glad I pushed myself to do this series anyway. Because it made me write a little more this month. Not much, but every bit counts. Even now I'm a little afraid to sit down and write because I am full to overflowing with goodness, thoughts, conviction, blessings, etc from a weekend at Allume... maybe you've heard of it?  and maybe you have heard about how much I love Dark Chocolate??!?!

So today, I give you this...

"A good love is delicious, because you can never get enough."

You can't get enough of good love, you can't get enough of good dark chocolate and you (or at least, I) can't get enough of Allume!!! There is no way I can fit it all into one wrap up post, but here is a little glimpse of Allume through my eyes this year!

Ann Voskamp likes Nutella... I knew we were destined to be friends! :)
"Until you are intimately know, you are ultimately nomadic" ... We want to be known. Better to be known by the God of the Universe, than the world.

Melanie Shankle (Big Mama) ... "Your calling is different from others. Legalism used to be a list of things NOT to do. Legalism today can be a list of all the things you should be doing--sponsoring third world children, missions trips, adoptions, etc."

September McCarthy ... "Instill values that you know will replicate into a child that is sold out for Christ and his kingdom work."

Jennie Allen ... "It didn't mater that my prison cell was cute, I was still stuck in it."

Bianca Olthoff ... "Faith is not needed to do what is possible, Faith is needed for the impossible."  and "Clarity is knowing what God wants you to do. Courage is believe God Will do it!"

And then there was the Friday evening worship with Anthony Evans, Jr. which was beyond words... AWESOME!!  My most favorite part of the weekend was singing "It Is Well With My Soul"
a cappella with 450 Allume sisters and Anthony Evans, Jr.!!

Add to that the great meals, conversations with new and old friends, encouragement to my heart... And the Prayer Room and I left with my heart and soul and mind and stomach FULL!!

And with a grateful heart I returned home to the arms of my husband and my kids who shower me with unconditional love... something else that I can't get enough of!!

Community Conversation:  What can't you get enough of?!

Yes, I am working to share one promise every day. To see all my #31Days of Dove Promises head to this page and bookmark it, pin it, or just subscribe to my blog and we can enjoy a little bit of chocolate together every day this month.

and if you have lots of time to spare, check out all the #31Days topics at The Nester!

Five Minute Friday: Together

It's not quite Friday and I've been looking forward to this night for a LOOONGG time... anticipating it for quite some time!! :)

This is Five Minute Friday Live Night here at Allume and I'm not always very good at spitting out much wisdom in just five minutes without much thinking, but we are going to give it a go!!

Topic: Together

START:

Today, I am with friends. New Friends and Old friends and yet to meet Friends... and missing some of my back at home friends.

There is something about hugs and faces and being together that brings a smile to my face. It's not something that can be explained and it's not something I can even understand myself sometimes. But it is God-given community and He is seen and shown every week in the words and the posts and the life we live.

While we are apart, but together online each week and even now while we are together in person, in the flesh, in hugs and prayers and laughter and stories.

And where two or more are gathered in His name, he is in the midst of us. and we are together... and this gives me a glimpse of heaven when we will all be together, praising God and worshipping Him and giving thanks in all things, together.

I am thankful for this time together, the chance to be real, to come out from behind the screen and see and touch and hug and love and to know that these people truly love me and care about me in a way above and beyond anything I can imagine because it's of God and we have Him in common.


STOP


And if you are looking for more fun, check out my #31Day of Dove Chocolate Promises... It's sure to make you smile!

#31Days of Dove Promises-TwentyOne

Wednesday night... It's finally here ... Allume Blogging Conference!!!

It's Wednesday night and I have been feeding the anticipation for days, weeks, even months!!  and tomorrow morning bright and early I will be hopping on a plane headed to Allume and I am just giddy with anticipation of reconnecting with old friends, meeting new friends and learning SOO, SO much!!

I am anticipating some great fellowship, some great food, some laughter, coffee, cupcakes, singing, praying, learning, listening ... and so much more!

I am anticipating hearing from God... would you pray for me that I would be listening for His voice this weekend?! I am so blessed to be able to attend again this year and I want to receive what God wants for me in this weekend, not just what I might be expecting!!

Community Conversation:  What are YOU anticipating? ... another piece of chocolate perhaps? :)

Yes, I am working to share one promise every day. To see all my #31Days of Dove Promises head to this page and bookmark it, pin it, or just subscribe to my blog and we can enjoy a little bit of chocolate together every day this month.

and if you have lots of time to spare, check out all the #31Days topics at The Nester!

#31Days of Dove Promises-Nineteen

So, I've done it... I hit the #31days slump! I'm surprised I made it as long as I did. When I skipped Friday, I was a little surprised and how easy it was to skip Sunday and how badly I want to skip today... but it's still Monday and I can still spit one out even if I'm not quite on track any more.

It's been a busy month. I over committed myself and now I just want to curl up in a ball and ignore it all! Thankfully, I was able to finish one commitment and now I'm focussing a bit on Allume coming up this weekend! I must take some time to preplan and pre-write some #31days posts or they will not be happening this weekend! I am so looking forward to a time away with old friends and new friends and soon-to-be friends!

I'm also looking forward to a little relaxation... Relaxation by chocolate, and coffee, and friendship and worship, and smilebooth hilarity, and great food and great sessions and just an all around great time!

Pray for me, that in between all the chocolate and fellowship and excitement, I will be able to hear God's voice, too! I know He's gonna be there and I know He has a word for me... more than He can tell me in a Dove Dark Promise!

Community Conversation:  How do you relax? Will I see you at Allume?

Yes, I hope to share one promise every day and will give you a quick link to each day at the bottom of this post. So bookmark it, , or just subscribe to my blog and we can enjoy a little bit of chocolate together every day this month.

and if you have lots of time to spare, check out all the #31Days topics at The Nester!

What my Allume Roomies should know...

The first thing you need to know is that I feel like a fake right now. Keeping up with my blog is pretty low on my priority list this week, this month, this summer... and though I really, really, really want to write I just have no discipline, no motivation. I even just want to send you to last year's "10 things my roomies should know" post--most of it still applies.

For your sake (and for mine) I'm not going to lock myself into finding 10 things this year.

So why, you ask, if blogging is not a top priority right now, are you going to a blogging conference?

ONE WORD:

COMMUNITY!!

The time I spent at last year's Allume conference still fills me with happy memories! It's a lot of fun, y'all!! I have to say y'all, because it's in the south this year. Which brings me to change number one from last year. I'm flying this year, not driving, which means I won't have room for my own pillows this year... maybe one of you more local people could bring me an extra or two... (j/k, I'll be fine)!

Now I really have no concern sharing a room with someone I don't know that well (although last year, I joked about ax murderers and all) Truth is, I really didn't spend much time in my room at all last year. I do however, anticipate that I might toss and turn a bit trying to get comfortable, but more likely I will wake up with a stiff neck from not moving all night for fear I would disturb you...

I'm a people pleaser... I like people to like me. I don't want to offend you. I hate confrontation. So if anything is bothering me, I will just try to find a way around it, or ignore it, or ignore you... okay, not quite that far!

I am NOT getting new business cards this year... just coming with the plain old ones I had last year with the horribly dark picture of me... If you want to see what I really look like, you can find me on twitter, on instagram, on facebook, on pinterest, and on google+

I am still highly addicted to Dark Chocolate and will love you forever if you show up with Dove Dark Chocolate... (by the way... come back tomorrow for 31 days of Dove Promises) ... you know you want to...

I still make handmade notecards and am working on moving beyond hobby and I opened an etsy shop last month!! I've made a few sales and also have a few more orders in the works! Check it out, here! See something you like? Message me about a free shipping code and I'll deliver your order in person at Allume!

I went to Allume last year because I wanted to grow in my blogging. My blog is still pretty much the same as it was a year ago. However, I made many new friends, learned soo much that's still brewing in my head, and had a great time of rest and refreshment! I am also looking forward to more music/singing/worship this year.

I can't believe it is less than 4 weeks away and I'm soo looking forward to seeing old friends, meeting new friends and making even more new friends!!

Will I see you there??!?

Five Minute Friday: She

 Friends, I wrote this last weekend... ya know on Friday or maybe Saturday, and then somehow it never got posted... Now wonder I'm failing at blogging. So it's a week later, but here it is. Me in all my five minutes of writing on the Five Minute Friday prompt: She




She wants to be a writer, but she's kinda lazy. Being a writer takes effort, work, commitment... and the ability to ignore some distractions.

But she... she is overly distracted, overly overwhelmed, overly tense and uptight.  She wants to write, but she's afraid of what might actually come out. When she can't make sense of what's in her head, what will it look like on paper, in ink, or on the computer screen.

She's always been a bit of a pessimist... and that discourages her even more. She's not miserable, just not right.

So she attempts to write without worrying if it's just right and hoping that 5 minutes isn't enough time to do much damage.

She loves community, but it scares her to death. What if she is rejected? Why is everyone else having such a good time? SOmetimes she isn't even sure how to write, blog, tweet, connect...

She is in desperate need of a weekend at Allume and she is counting down the days when the walls of the computer screen are broken down and there is connection again. A reminder of why she does this anyway. A shot in the arm of encouragement, inspiration, worship, and good food.

She is me... and she might be you.

Five Minute Friday: Belong

It's finally Friday... my days this week have been a little messed up. I keep forgetting what day it is. But I'm pretty sure it's Friday because I'm seeing lots of #fmfparty in my twitter feed!!

 So here we are to write for 5 minutes without worrying if it's right or not!

Belong:

There is something about a community that just draws you in and makes you feel welcome. Gathered in, wrapped in hugs, embraced with encouraging words. Even when you are new, you feel at home.

I found that in Allume, in Five Minute Friday, in blogging, in the God's Sized Dream team, it's community and I belong.

Friends I've never met, but feel so loved by.... Friends I got a chance to meet last October and miss like crazy.  There is a welcoming and accepting no matter the background, no matter the country. We are one in Christ... unity.

I blog for community and connection and I find that on twitter and in the comment section of my blog and those of my friends. I always feel at home and I hope that I can help others feel at home, too.

It's great to belong to the body of Christ and the #FMFParty community...

PS. CAN'T WAIT for ALLUME!!!!

and... stop!

and a bonus minute to share a picture because I found out that the lovely Ann Voskamp was hosting Five Minute Friday this week!

Ann makes you feel like you belong! I had the opportunity to meet her at Allume last fall and she welcomed me with open arms... and she called me by my name (how is that for belonging?) ... she also laughed with me, as I fluffed my hair for a picture... what can I say? I wanted to look my best! :)  and I can't wait to see her again this October at Allume!

Community Conversation: What can you say in 5 minutes? Where do you feel most at home? ... and are you coming to Allume? You belong there! :)

Five Minute Friday: In-Between

I'm not normally up this late, but I spent the day traveling, so I thought I would give it a go to do some writing before I went to bed.

In Between... one word or two? add a dash, make it one word...

In-Between

Right now, I am smack dab in-between two Allume conferences. It was just one year ago this week, that God surprised me in a big way, by providing the finances through a complete stranger, that allowed me to go to the Allume Conference in October of 2012. The sad thing is, said donor was unable to make it to the conference and I was unable to thank her properly with a hug.

Now I look back on last year's conference and it fills me with GREAT anticipation for this year's conference. I am anticipating deep hugs from the friends I made last year and also looking forward to deep hugs with new friends I have since made on twitter... I even got brave and picked someone new for roommates.

This in-between is a delightful place to be. So many happy memories of last year's conference. So much excitement about this coming conference.  The line-up is awesome and leaves me giddy with high expectations. And the memories from last year fuel my excitement... Because this year, I know a little bit more what to expect and I can't wait!!!

Community Conversation: Were you at last year's Allume Conference? Will you be at this year's Allume Conference? What are you most looking forward to?

My daily battle for joy

I wrote this one October evening in my garage after I arrived home... just finally getting it up here on the blog, while I count gifts, count blessings, give thanks, and fight for joy.

 

The seasons are changing, they've already changed and I can feel the blues settling in right next to the cold down to my bones, down to my soul. It's pressing me down and I dread the winter. And I know I need to give thanks, even in this.

I take my son to karate one evening. It's getting dark earlier and if there is one thing I can't stand, it's driving in the dark. I feel my neck tighten, my shoulders contract and my back spasms. My eyes keep blinking, somehow assuming that I might be able to see better if I try harder. Twice in the outskirts of my high beams, I see the reflection of the deer's eyes in the farmer's fields and I give thanks in safety on the country roads and find joy in God's protection.

I read Ann's post---why the battle for joy is really worth it (twice) and I sob, literally tears streaming down my face. While I don't remember consistent anger or yelling in my past, it has seeped into my present and I don't want to leave this legacy for my kids. I snap, I shout, I cry, I ask for forgiveness. I keep fighting for joy, fighting to give thanks.

Maybe that's why Thanksgiving is this time of year; when the season's change and we have less light and the depression takes root. A reminder to continually give thanks to THE LIGHT, see His gifts and fight to find the joy, then share the joy.

and so I keep counting and I start another gratitude/gladitude journal and I pick up the JoyDare sheets again and I count, count, count... just keep counting (I'm just gonna post October thanks here, I'll be back with November next week).

891. blog posts from Ann Voskamp that make me cry... and keep counting
892. wind chimes
893. pumpkin spice coffee
894. thistles... that remind me of my mom

895. sleeping in
896. reading to my kids
897. a deer in the back field... at just the right time (it could be a whole nother blog post)

898. "tumbleweeds" from the boys
899. hug, kiss and a smile from my 6YO in the morning (she's not a morning person)
900. a thunderstorm
901. a bluebird out my porch window

902. French toast made with Texas toast
903. special order for a handmade birthday card

904. sharing a coffee with Wes
905. date night (Shakespeare play @BBC)
906. FREE Fun Day for community at church
907. hayrides, jugglers
908. laundromats
909. ice packs for aching backs
910. the power of healing prayers
911. finishing a project
912. pumpkins

913. Bible reading
914. actually completing house chores
915. warm sunny fall day
916. "Bob the Tomato" in the BBC pond

917. ombre colored trees

918. fresh highlights and a haircut
919. rain
920. family pictures... in said rain (by the fantastical Daniel Lanton)

921. lasagna soup/ fresh bread
922. writing class
923. laughter
924. friends that tell it to me straight
925. kids and "grand prix" cars and races

926. leaves dancing across the road

ALLUME THANKS (927-955) (no photos here, I will get some up in my recap post... someday)
enjoying a road trip with Donna
meeting online friends IN REAL LIFE
hearing "Bob the Tomato"
FMF Party LIVE
writing on voice
hearing others sharing their words
enjoying Avodah coffee
comfy pajamas
extravagant meals
amazing speakers, sharing their hearts
"The message, no matter what we write about is Jesus Christ, crucified" (@kjtanner)
time spent in the prayer room at Allume
cupcakes
open mic night in the (in)courage lounge

encouragement from Debi, Zohary, Katherine and so many others
silly moments, crazy moments
small may be big enough (@ProBlogger)
Monty Python reference (and re-enactment) with Logan
"Your target customer may not be you!" (@GussySews)
meeting Ann Voskamp ---she's a great hugger!

Saying goodbye with prayers to real friends
Seeing Jesus with skin on
safety in travels
welcome home hugs from my kids
being home again
pizza takeout with friends
a hot shower
being in Wes' arms again
anticipating a day off for kids

Giving thanks in the midst of Hurricane Sandy (956-982)
sleeping in
scrambled eggs for the kids
not losing power all day
words
grace, every day grace
protection in the storm
family Monopoly game
trip to Starbucks, Target, Perkins (for coffee, light, a hot meal)
extra blankets on beds
showers and laundry at a friend's house
cheese quesadillas for lunch
sharing tears with my dad (via phone)
provision of housing and meals -post Sandy
a college dorm adventure for the kids

library books
"reverse" trick-or-treating (bag of candy for my kids)

my daughter eating chocolate cake without a fork... the reminder to "Lose the Fork" and feast on Jesus

movie theater popcorn
free meals at the college while we were without power
snuggling with my girls during a movie matinee
internet access
free cappuccino from the Underground Cafe
childcare allowing me an hour of quiet
comfy pajamas
smiling all day long
fellowship with neighbors in lounge
redoing Five Minute Friday - Roots

stopping there for now... something tells me that I've reached 1000 in this month of November and I will be sure to share them with you soon! :)

When life doesn't return to normal

So a week ago at this time, I was furiously finishing my packing to head to Harrisburg for the much anticipated Allume Social ... which lived up to and beyond all its expectations!

This Thursday I am in temporary housing, waiting for power to be restored to my home, mourning the loss of items in fridge/freezer, giving thanks for friends and many other blessings.

Being that it is November 1 (HOW did that happen?), I thought I would just give some thanks as processing all of Allume is difficult with my kids STILL off school and us so totally off routine!

I am thankful for meeting online friends in real life and finding them ever as wonderful as I imagined.

I am thankful for my house on the mountain, no fear of flooding.

I am thankful for flashlights and candles.

I am thankful for friends who lend their home for showers and laundry.

I am thankful for temporary housing ... with internet.

I am thankful for health and safety.

I am thankful for chocolate and coffee.

I am thankful for God's Word.

What are you thankful for today?

expect to hear more about Allume in the coming days... there was a lot of goodness and I definitely want to tell you ALL about it!

Returning Home

I'm still working on my post-Allume blogpost, but just wanted to share a little of my yesterday... returning home!



There is something about returning home after a few days away. It starts with the familiar roads, familiar sites, favorite stores and coffee shops.

For me, it's the country roads, the rolling hills still beautiful with a few fall leaves sparkling in the distance. Then it's the long winding driveway, up past the barn and toward the house. The familiar sound of the garage door opener and the excitement of my son's face as he enters the garage, ready for a hug and willing to help with all the Allume goodies.

The strong tight hugs of three little blonde haired girls, the youngest almost knocking me over as I lift her into my arms ... and my back spasms.

There is the giddiness as I talk through as much of my weekend as possible with my husband, as my kids try to talk over me in an effort to share their exciting weekend.

Its being able to gift them with U-Neeks, fun little creatures available from Dayspring, and listen to their (unique) imaginations take off.

It's being thrown back into the swing of things as my kids head off to Christmas play practice and we gather with friends. Friends who love me enough to want to hear a bit about my conference, even if they don't quite understand my online community.

It's praying with my kids and tucking them into bed and asking their favorite things of the day--- and the whole weekend. It's a few extra hugs and kisses from the little ones.

It's snuggling up beside my hubby on the couch and watching a weird movie and checking all the Allume tweets and catching up on my neglected Words with Friends games.

It's a HOT shower with real water pressure, in case Sandy comes early and I lose that option. It's sliding in to my own bed, snuggled up to my man and giving thanks because I am so blessed.

It's also missing so many of my "new" friends, most of them already friends made out there in the world wide web.

It's home ... where I belong!

Five Minute Friday --Voice

It's #FiveMinuteFriday... and I am here... in the same room as Lisa-Jo... and so many awesome #FMFParty friends!!

(I'm not a fan of doing this without thinking for a few minutes... or hours first) I have already thought of new ideas since I wrote these following five minutes on:

Voice

My voice seems so small in this sea of women. But they embrace me. "I hear you, I see you." And the voice of laughter is so refreshing! I laugh and I hear laughter and my heart fills and my throat hurts. But I keep talking and I keep listening and the community grows.

I sometimes wonder if my voice is heard. So many voices out there. But I come here and you know me and you embrace me and we connect. I didn't know you read my blog. And though you follow me on twitter, I think I might get lost in the sea of tweets. But you know me and you hear my voice and I am filled.

"When God gives you a message ... speak it." (Sarah Mae). And I want to speak His words. I want people to see Him in my words. I want to be a voice for Jesus.



Can you hear Him? Can you see Him?

Looking forward to Allume

Two Weeks!!  
Two Weeks!! 
Two Weeks!!

In just two weeks, I will be packed and ready to go... hopping in the car of an "almost" stranger (we are meeting tomorrow at Panera bread, for a pre-trip get to know you time.) And I will be driving down to Harrisburg for a most-awesome weekend of meeting online friends in real life, meeting new friends, eating some good food (hopefully) and learning from bloggers, writers, moms, etc who have so much wisdom to share...

AND I CAN NOT WAIT!!!   
... this was supposed to post this morning... by this time in two weeks I will be in the middle of it!

Two weeks ago I shared some of my fears
Last week I shared some things my roomies (and other new friends) should know
This week is all about some things I'm most looking forward to!

1. According to my roommates, it's going to be like summer camp. I never had the privilige of going to summer camp, so I don't know what that means... but I'm guessing with chocolate, nutella, and S'mores, it means awesome!

2. Hearing Ann Voskamp speak. Her voice is soothing to the soul and her words refresh the heart... a bonus would be a hug. I have a feeling that even a short hug would be soul filling!

3. finding some blogging direction... Have you seen the Allume agenda? so much goodness, I don't know how I'm going to choose which sessions to attend. I can't even begin to list all the great choices here. I just hope I can process and apply at least half of what I take in.

4. The FMFParty... LIVE!! Seriously can NOT wait to meet this community in real life ... although the idea of actually blogging/writing in 5 minutes without an hour or two to think on the prompts scares me just a little bit.

5. The Swag Bag --because we all like free stuff and the sponsors of this awesome conference are just awesome! (horrible writing skills there... but it's just gonna be awesome) Based on these tweets from @SarahMae  There will be goodness, lots of goodness, and books...


So many people I want to meet, so much I want to learn, so nervous about knowing no one and having only met one or two in real life briefly, but so excited to actually meet the friends I have made on twitter and blogging ... how's that for a run-on sentence?

Since the beginning, when it was still Relevant, I've been following the Allume community, hoping, wishing, praying that I could experience it in person, though I wasn't much of a blogger and didn't consider myself a writer. But a lot has changed for me this year. I declared myself a writer, I prayed and fasted, I was in my Bible more ... and God opened doors, showed me some things and provided me with a ticket, money for the hotel room and a ride.

Every day He's teaching me, some days I listen and learn, other days He has to hit me a little harder ... or give me a little more grace. I'm so anticipating what more God is going to do in my life before, during, after ... Through Allume...


Will I be meeting you there? if so, you can have one of these!

What you need to know: Allume Roommate Edition

this is what I look like with glasses... which I never wear in public.

So we are down to THREE WEEKS until Allume Social and I am super excited! For many reasons... come back next week for the things I'm looking forward to! :)  But this week is all about what my roommates need to know.

Yes, I am staying in a hotel room with 3 girls I met on-line (here's hoping none of them are ax murderers).  Which I'm sure they aren't... just check out their websites. Crystal, Monica, and Mary Beth.

So in the spirit of the Allume Community, here are 10 things they should know.

1. I love DARK chocolate, and coffee, and Nutella, and DARK chocolate. (I know Hershey is just minutes away, but it just doesn't compare to Dove dark chocolate) :)

2. I must sleep on the right side of the bed (when looking at it) and I can not be in the position of closest to the door... You never know who might try to break in at night and I figure I have a better chance of survival if I'm not the first person they come across... Selfish, I know, but I want to be able to sleep... for a couple of hours at least!

3. I am left handed... and proud of it.

4. I'll be so busy all day long that I won't think of my family hardly at all. Until it's time to go to bed, then I might cry like a baby!

5. Because I am not flying, I will be bringing my own pillow... maybe 2. I hope my ride, Donna, is okay with that (also someone I met through a twitter party).

6. I am a pessimist and often the party pooper. I'm hoping you can break me of this.

7. I make handmade cards ... but not as much as I would like. I may bring a sampling to ask for your opinion... Would you buy them? How much do you think they are worth? etc.

8. I'm very insecure (see #7) and I worry too much what other people think. I know in my head that you guys love me and will welcome me with open arms, but I'm still very nervous!

9. I grew up with all sisters, so this whole room sharing thing, I'm good at it... although I might act shy at first.  The FMF party should  cure me!

10. I'm a follower, not a leader. I hate to make decisions.

and so as to not end on a negative note... I seriously can't wait to meet you!!!

to you and all my other future Allume best friends, you can find me...

on twitter
on facebook
trying to sell my cards
on pinterest



PS. did I mention chocolate? and coffee?


See you at Allume!  Can't Wait!!