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a giveaway >> remnant dresses!

2012-02-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Friends, by now you know I love it when I come across a person who is using their gifts to bless others. Creativity is meant to be shared and when I heard about The Remnant Dress I had to find a way to get the word out about them. So you ask… what is a remnant dress? A remnant dress is one made with love from leftover fabric “remnants.” Kristin Miller, another mama who is adopting from Ghana, is selling these dresses to help fund their adoption.

Additionally, for each dress purchased, a SECOND dress will be given to a girl living in orphanages in Ghana and Haiti. What a great concept! Each dress is $30 with $5 shipping, and sizes run from 1T-12. Go to their facebook page to check out all the available dresses in each size, leave a comment on the photo of the dress you like and they will get in touch to help you place your order. When you purchase you'll be helping a family bring their children home, gifting an orphan with a darling new dress, and gaining a super cute dress for your own little one as well! These also make great gifts, I've already bought three of them for the little girls in my life.

<--- The giveaway: Okay, up to WIN is one size 3T Remnant Dress, this is SO cute! To enter, simply leave a comment sharing a name or link to your favorite socially conscious shop or organization. Contest starts now and ends on 2.12.12 at midnight. I'll announce the winner on Monday 2.13.

Okay, ready... GO!

pretty prints

2012-01-30T04:13:00.000-08:00

I really love having meaningful, inspirational art surrounding my work space. I find I'm more productive when I have visually interesting things around me. Have you found this to be true for you? Here are a few prints I'm loving right now:

photos via

friday emersonisms

2012-01-27T11:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words:

Happy Weekend!!

marathon people

2012-01-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

dis·ci·pline: (n) activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training

Huh. Sounds like just the ticket. Just the thing I want to dive headlong into with overwhelming zeal and energy. Other words that are equally stimulating for me: order. organize. follow-through. work. God, hold me back! (Is the sarcasm coming through? Sometimes its hard to tell when expressing these things via the interweb, you know.) On the proverbial scale of chaos and order, I fall far to the left. Tell me to do something and I'll not want to do it just to spite you. Its not personal, really, its just that I hate following the line. My friend Melissa said it well (bless her gracious heart) when she told me I am just more of a pioneer, cutting my own path.

The practice of discipline is a hard one for me. I want to be free - and order just isn't screaming freedom, am I right? Well turns out, as Life is in the habit of teaching me lately, that I'm quite wrong. Turns out that order, in fact, breeds creativity rather than constricts it. We see this originally in the story of Creation, when God huddles over the abyss, the chaotic nothingness, and speaks order into it. He embarks on the creative work of putting things in their proper place so that the greater good can thrive. Water, air, vegetation, animal, man.

As someone who thrills at the opportunity to partner in creative work with my Creator, I'm aching to learn how to best use my gifts. And while slowing down and showing up to my work whether I feel inspired or not feels counter-productive to creativity, I'm seeing the benefits. My work has more of a story to tell. I've had time to think through the storyline I'm trying to communicate. The violent rush of creation, I'm discovering, is really more of a slow burn.

I think this principle carries over into every area of life. We are generally not marathon people. Its very very difficult for us to put off the gratification of an experience. Training for months before seeing results goes against everything in us. My friend Aaron says the iphone represents the "end of 'I don't know'" because if you don't know the answer, you can look it up instantaneously. I just read this New York Times article about the human cost workers in China are experiencing as a result of "having achieved a pace of innovation nearly unmatched in modern history." When we rush for instant success, we skip over the important work of bringing order to things.

Maybe we think we can get to the part of the show that tangibly displays our success (the creative work) without putting in the time. But really all we're left with is more turmoil. We may be cutting our own paths, but we are leaving a trail of chaos behind us. What would it look like instead, to slow down, to be okay with not having proof that we're progressing, to trust the work of showing up and bringing lasting order to the things we have charge of? Would we, perhaps, get a glimpse of the kind of true creativity that can only come from true order? I don't know, but I am willing to find out. . .

photo via

spark: color love >> CORAL

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Oh glorious luscious coral. You are not quite pink, not really orange. You are pretty much perfect for this dreary time of year. . .

>> image credit and more inspiration via my pinterest page [ here ].

movin on up

2012-01-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

Earlier in the week we received an email from our adoption agency letting us know that we're slowly moving up to the top of the referral list. This was an unnecessary kindness, they are in no way obligated to let us know this, nor did we expect it. What I can say is that when you have no information and are in the midst of a waiting season, any information feels like something worth celebrating.

To be reminded that we aren't actually floating on an island but that in the waiting there is an immense work happening below the surface -- It was a gift. And its amazing how much energy its given us as we enter into a fresh week of waiting. On the 24th it will be five months of sitting on the list, waiting on a call that could come at any time. Such a hard season, but such an important lesson to learn about patience and faith.

Emerson talks constantly about how he wishes we were a "full family" and sometimes I hear him pretending imaginary games with his imaginary Ghana babe. It warms my heart and breaks it simultaneously. God, I am so grateful to be present to this experience, as difficult as it is. Sometimes I think I can literally feel myself expanding, growing into more of a human being as I experience the ache of missing this babe.

I can only imagine how much more true that statement will be by the time we reach the end of this journey. Tonight, I'm praying and sending love to each parent on this journey, both domestic and international, and really to every person who in some way is experiencing that same ache of longing for a child that is not yet theirs. May peace find you and sustain you. XO

friday emersonisms

2012-01-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

I have no idea where this obsession began, but he is enamored with the city of San Diego. He talks about his "real home" in San Diego and how much he misses his "real friends" Shamu and the cheetah family from the zoo (where he was apparently born??)

We are definitely in full imagination mode around here. Which I love. Its something I've been waiting for, to watch this kid dream up big dreams and live unencumbered by what is actually "real". He has the rest of his life to submit to the limits of the real world, for now he is three and I say, dive into the imagination!

Steve is traveling for ten days in Israel and Palestine. Before he left he tried to explain to Emerson that he was going to the place where Jesus once lived. E got things a bit misinterpreted, and has been telling everyone that his dad is "going to be with Jesus". I know this because I had an awkward interaction with his preschool teacher last week, where she very tenderly came up to me and asked how I was doing, how things were at home, and if there was anything she could do to help. People, I was so confused. When I probed her questions she told me what E had said, and we both laughed until we were in tears. Haha. Good times.

He's been wearing a headband all the time... have I mentioned the headband before? He's convinced it makes him run faster (like his cheetah kin) and so insists that he not leave the house without it. As my friend Brooke said, he's been looking very "Royal Tenenbaums" lately.

a new liturgy

2012-01-11T00:07:00.000-08:00

You know those people who challenge you to live a better life just by the way they live theirs? Those who are so wholly comfortable in their own skin that they're brave enough to take risks and dive deep. They have a way of knowing who they are, and reminding you of who you are too. When you find a friend like that, you're inspired to take more risks and in the process you discover more of who you're made to be.

Aaron Niequist is that kind of friend to Steve and I. We lived a few blocks from each other in Michigan and met weekly in our little house church, sharing meals and the ups and downs of life. It was a sweet season for each of us. We learned a lot, we grew up a bit, faced some fears, and discovered what it meant to be family for each other while living far from extended relatives. I'm so thankful for those years and the ways they shaped each of us.

Aaron led worship at the church we were a part of in Grand Rapids. On Sundays, he made space where we felt free to have an authentic experience with our Creator. He's the sort of artist and leader who innately creates inspiring environments wherever he is. He is also someone who takes life - and the opportunity we have to live our lives with holy, infused purpose - incredibly seriously.

The Niequist's have since moved to Chicago and us to Orange County, but his songs continue to pastor us from afar. I am so grateful for his latest project, A New Liturgy. Aaron has created a series of liturgies, 25 minute worship experiences we can download and take with us anywhere. "A moveable, sonic sanctuary." More than simply another worship album, its really a journey of music, prayer, scripture, and space that helps open us to The Almighty in any location, season, or emotion. It has been so so good for my heart. I've been playing two: Blessed to Be a Blessing whenever I'm in the car or out for a run. It centers me and gives me a place to process my thoughts when they seem jumbled and out of control.

Aaron, thank you for being brave with your life, for taking risks and putting your art out there. Because I need it and I believe a lot of others do too. May we all be inspired to dive deep and trust the places our hearts want to take us.

friday emersonisms

2012-01-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

Every night he performs a "concert" for us and his super hero friends. Enjoy!

common creative: CJ Casciotta

2012-01-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

Meet Cj Casciotta: a good friend to us, a brilliant thinker, writer, innovator, and dreamer. He has this knack for inspiring others to action [not always an easy feat] but one that CJ does unassumingly, humbly, and with genuine interest. He works at Create Culture, a media-based business that helps organizations with a passion to shape culture discover their story, clarify their vision, engage their audience effectively, and determine the most fluid, simple way to communicate their message online.

CJ is also involved with a great organization SLAM (SOUNDS LIKE A MOVEMENT). SOUNDS LIKE A MOVEMENT started with this crazy hunch that if people could come together with other people in their community, amazing things would start to happen! The problem is, we’re so caught up in our own day-to-day lives (work, school, errands, etc.) that “I” starts to overshadow “us” and we never end up taking that first step toward the adventure of “loving thy neighbor.”

So SOUNDS LIKE A MOVEMENT coaches people towards authentic community through rhythms that bring everyone together like music, food, and causes, creating events, media, and resources that inspire people to actively love where they live. CJ lives in Old Towne Orange, CA with his wife Kelly, who you might recognize from [here]. Follow CJ via Create Culture and SLAM on twitter and facebook to keep up with all the great things they've got going on.

"What inspires you personally and creatively?"

I'm inspired when I see the imagination of childhood mature into adulthood. In these cases, imagination escapes its common disappearance alongside innocence, and develops into tangible, moveable action. Paper models become working engines, thoughts and ideas move from head to hands, and possibility marries practicality.

I'm also inspired by the "old," be it stories, or people, or mechanics, or sounds. Too often we obsess over the "new," but anything current first sprang from something ancient. There would be no iPhone without someone first stringing two tin cans together and holding them taut.

"In what ways do you hope your creative work inspires others?"

I hope people are inspired to not just think outside the box, but "do" outside the box. I'm smack dab in the middle of figuring out what that process looks like (and I think I always will be), but I have, at this point, concluded the following: it's often messy, at times lonely, always bigger than you can handle, and ultimately rewarding.

a letter to 2012

2012-01-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

Dear New Year,

Welcome. Our little family embraces you and the promise of a fresh start you offer us. Last year was one of immense growth, perseverance, and development. We moved, we completed our home study, we added staff to our campus, built relationships and partnerships with our city. We walked with family members and loved ones through seasons of illness, loss, and pain. We learned more about who our little Emerson is becoming, coached his first soccer league, he began preschool, and made a first appearance in a school play. We traveled, vacationed, saved, budgeted, dreamed. We spent the last four months waiting with bated breath for a phone call that has yet to come.

Little year, you hold the key to many of the things we hope for. To know a name, face, and voice of our babe in Ghana. Perhaps to travel there and meet him or her, perhaps to even bring them home. A phone call is coming that will change our story immeasurably.

This is the year we've set aside to pay off loans and become debt-free. We've been given many opportunities to work outside our traditional vocations, Steve traveling and speaking at camps and I teaching more creativity workshops. We welcome the freedom that is coming.

You hold so much promise for us, a true blank slate to write our next chapter. One that ensures to be rich with moments that change us forever. And so, we raise our glass... errr, green sword... to you and say, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

merry christmas

2011-12-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, thank you for traveling this long, winding, sometimes funny - sometimes painful walk with us the last year. What an adventure adoption has proven to be! We are anxious as we enter 2012 as there are many signs that point to us meeting and embracing our newest little Carter! No official match yet, just pure hope that it will be soon... Today while at the market Emerson said to me, "I can't wait to have all our family together, then we will be buying toys for me AND my Ghana Baby!" Yep. Tears in the middle of the pickle aisle for me.

My heartfelt prayer is that the Christmas season for you is one of miracles, great or small. May your heart open up, perhaps just a tiny bit more, to the light and magic and brilliant love happening all around us. Stop, feel the snow sting your rosy cheeks, drag your fingers along dewy blades of grass, squeeze the hand of the person standing beside you. This is real life, happening in a blink right before you.

We're taking the next two weeks off to really be present to all that good stuff, and will be back to a more regular, Emersonism-full blog after the new year! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

common creative: Elana Grace Cherin

2011-12-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

My first encounter with Elana Cherin of Elana Grace Photography was at an art show. I'd wandered around the warehouse taking in the art when I came across her piece. I must have stood for ages while I stared at the painting, I was completely caught up with her work. She is a very talented photographer and a gifted fine artist as well. She has a passion for culture and travel and making the world a better place. Two years ago she helped to organize the very first Dalit Benefit Art Show, a fabulous event, fun and interesting, filled with lots of great art and quirky artists (yes, I was one of them!). Elana makes art that tells a story, reminds us of our histories, and challenges us in our futures.

To learn more about Elana's work and book her for an event or consultation, visit her CONTACT PAGE.

"What inspires you personally and creatively?"

The idea of the world at large, being such a melting pot of culture, ideas, and innovation, inspires me daily in how and what I create. I absolutely love to travel and have an unquenchable thirst for adventure and new experiences. Cultural differences, challenges, and broad social injustices also greatly inspire my creativity; making art with a message is important to me, it's not enough to just make something aesthetically pleasing and beautiful. I have spent some time living abroad in India and have created a lot of work that draws specifically from my experiences there and the questions that living within another culture inevitably raise about life, survival, and need versus want.

Stylistically I am inspired by vintage, Victorian, and Art Nouveau aesthetics and work to foster feelings of nostalgia and child-like simplicity in my pieces. I love to work in different textures and mixed medias, while including unexpected materials in my work such as found objects, unique handmade papers, and sewn elements.

"In what ways do you hope your creative work inspires others?"

I want to challenge the cultural status quo with my work. I want people to feel inspired to deep consideration for the world around them, ultimately sparking them to want to change things for the better. It is so important to constantly be experiencing the world through different perspectives, as this keeps us aware of the needs of others and the connectedness of all people. If I can offer a different perspective on the world and inspire others to want to do something to make it a better or more beautiful place, I would say my goal as a creative is reached.

ghana on my mind

2011-12-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

Embracing the holidays this year means embracing the spot in our family reserved for our little one who sleeps in Ghana now. It means both in feet in the moment, but fingertips stretched to the West Coast of Africa. It means keeping my phone close and trying not to think every call I get is going to be the call.

We are living in a season of advent, of longing and waiting, and its never been more real to our family than this year. We're are also trusting that celebrating the New Year and all it holds for us will be sweeter and more full of promise than ever before.

common creative: Kelly Casciotta

2011-12-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

I'd always liked her, admired her, but let me tell you - The first time I stepped foot into Kelly Casciotta's home, I knew I loved her. Their place is charming and straight out of Mad Men. Imagine long lazy shadows stretching across the timeless floor, something dreamy twisting on the record player, sunny mimosas waiting for you on the vintage table, the porch door open with a citrus-tinged breeze blowing through gauzy curtains. And if you have a keen eye, you'll also take note of the handmade decor Kelly has added to the walls, bookcases, and nooks. She is remarkable. She can style anything. I was lucky enough to be styled by her for a recent shoot, which you can preview [ here ]. And we are lucky enough to have her here today to share her secrets!

Kelly is an artist, designer, and stylist who specializes in hand-made decor, event branding, and apparel accessories. She lives in Old Towne Orange, CA with her husband CJ but her home is wherever a good food, wine, art, and stories are shared. Book Kelly for an event or consultation by visiting her CONTACT PAGE.

"What inspires you personally and creatively?"

Simplicity, elegance, good lighting, innovation, courage, fierceness, vulnerability and other people’s creativity. I don’t know what it is, but when I watch someone fully commit themselves to an artistic act; be it dance, song, acting, etc., if they let themselves slip fully into the moment it makes me weep. It doesn’t happen every time I take in a creative moment- just the times when I sense that person is doing something with her whole being. There is something very brave about that.

"In what ways do you hope your creative work inspires others?"

I love to be part of creating an environment.. both with words and with things. When I’m writing, I hope to take people somewhere; to let them slip into the moment with me and see what I see, feel what I feel. When I’m creating a physical environment for an event or a home, I want the space to take people away from the regular world and stay a while in this new transformed one. It doesn’t have to be expensive, lavish or covered in glitter spray. But it does need to involve the senses so that the person can see, feel, hear, smell, taste something sublime.

friday emersonisms

2011-12-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight Emerson's preschool is putting on a Christmas play. His class was assigned to be shepherds, and given my complete lack of ability to sew or knit or "fashion", I decided to cut a hole in an old pillowcase for his costume. Dear boy, for this I am sorry. So so sorry. But alas, the show must go on. I will be recording and you can expect lots of shaky, fuzzy footage up here next week, HA!

Earlier in the week while out running errands, E asked a heavyset guy if he had a baby in his tummy and a checkout clerk with acne why he had sprinkles on his face. People! How is a mother to recover from this?? Pretty sure I'm never leaving my house again.

We decorated our place for Christmas, (officially - since really I've been sneaking in lights and such since November first). I have always loved the nostalgic appeal of mistletoe and hung some up this year. Emerson is fascinated with the thought that every time you pass under it with someone you must give them a kiss. I have been kissed by that kid approximately 1,623,496 times in the past two days. Not that I'm complaining :)

On E's Christmas list:

A white puppy.

Five siblings, preferably brothers.

A color-changing rainbow Cheetah.

An invisible car.

A pet bat.

Speaking of bats... he is obsessed. He was given a small encyclopedia of bats and asks us to read from it every night. He also sleeps with it. While we were visiting family last week, my stepdad helped him build a bat box, which is apparently a home for bats. Well, now its hanging by our house, just waiting to be filled with lots of tiny flying squeaking creatures. E assures me they do not swoop down on people, according to his bat book. So we have that going for us.

Cheers to a happy, joy-filled week for you!

fixing it.

2011-12-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Over Thanksgiving we spent time in Arizona visiting with my mom and her family, then my dad and his family. When I was little my parents divorced and remarried, which means that many holiday memories became divided into two households. Splitting time, sharing space with both sides, trying to develop a rhythm that kept everyone happy. Tough work for a kid. And its not gotten that much easier as an adult. My husband's parents are also divorced, so when we travel to the midwest we're dancing the same fine line of multiple houses.

Many, many people know this feeling and the challenges that come with broken homes. I sort of hate that phrase, actually. Yes, my original family structure was broken in quite tangible and obvious ways. But, just because a person's parents may still be together and have a thriving and healthy marriage does not mean there is not brokenness in some form. Every home is broken. That is the problem of the fall, something in each of us is deeply broken and longing, constantly and unceasingly, to be fixed.

My relationship with my stepdad has always been strained. When I was a kid, I was angry with him for marrying my mom and destroying any Parent Trap dreams I'd had of my parents getting back together. When I was a teenager he and my mom moved a few hours south of my hometown. I moved in with my dad and my resentment-filled and abandoned heart pounded fiercely. I blamed my stepdad, specifically, for all the pain I felt from the divorce because I felt such loyalty to my mom and dad that I couldn't imagine being angry with them. It was easy to be angry with him.

He carried a lot of teenage girl drama on his shoulders, for years, as I tried in my own way to deal with my pain. I was committed to creating immense distance between he and I, which caused such heartache for my mom, who longed for everyone to be happy and at peace. Over the years we'd developed a manageable relationship, however still strained at times.

And then, this summer he became sick. Very, very sick. The doctors gave him a 20% chance of survival. He endured surgeries, blood transfusions, dialysis... it was a horrible season for our family. My mom stood through it as a woman of honest, raw, and beautiful faith. I hope to write more about the things I learned from her during that time soon... The beautiful part of the story is that my stepdad has healed, he's come back to complete and perfect health. Even his doctors called it miraculous.

So this Thanksgiving we spent time together, just enjoying the fact that we could sit and listen to his voice, hear from his heart things he'd laid in his hospital bed hoping he'd one day have the chance to say. That he loves us, that he knows he has a second chance at life and that he is not going to waste a single second of it. We laughed a lot, shared stories, talked about history and architecture and the places he hopes to see some day. All that matters in those moments is that we are present to the healing that is secretly and perfectly happening inside us. The broken parts are finding what they've been looking for. They are becoming fixed and new again. Hallelujah.

christmas gifts with purpose

2011-11-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

How many of you have already crossed a bunch of gifts off your Christmas lists this year? Anyone wake before dawn to catch the Black Friday mega deals? I love my sleep far too much to forego it, but have many friends and family that snagged major savings by braving the lines, crowds, and traffic chaos.

As we gear up for the holiday season, I'm feeling extra protective of what Christmas means for our family. Maybe because Emerson is so much more aware this year and he's been asking so many questions about what this Christmas thing is all about. I don't want him to buy into the idea that it is all about getting presents, making a list of TOYS TOYS TOYS and stuff that will fill our house with more plastic and broken parts in the coming weeks. Not that I'm cynical, truly I love this season. And I love getting presents. I also happen to really enjoy giving gifts as well. But, its not really the point of it all, is it?

I want to be intentional with our purchases, I'm trying to commit to buying products that give back, such as TOMS and 31Bits. I want to serve the less fortunate in tangible ways, practice kindness and generosity. To put on display the characteristics of an all loving and infinitely loving Creator, who we happen to be celebrating on this holiday.

Along the journey of our adoption we've encountered such beautiful spirits, people who get that there is a bigger story happening all around us, all the time. Its been such a gift to receive the benefits of their creative talents. As you're searching for gifts this season, I wanted to make you aware of a few shops that share their proceeds with our adoption fund. By purchasing from them, you not only support local and independent artisans, but help us raise funds to bring our babe home from Ghana. Check them out, and consider too those in your own circle. Perhaps we can think of ways to shop this Christmas in a manner that reaches beyond the gift itself to really bless around us.

Brooke Noellie Designs:

"Brooke Noellie Designs combines creative heart with a passion to see orphans placed into families. Fifty percent of all proceeds will go to the Carter family's Ghana adoption."

Hannah James:

"Hannah James {the shop} was started to help us raise money for our Ethiopian adoption, while helping other families as well. It is our mission that by helping other Hannah's we can bring home more James'."

Baby Bookworm:

"I make unique and personalized baby gifts. 50% of all proceeds will go to the Carter family's Ghana adoption!"

common creative: irvina kanarek

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

Common Creative is a place for sharing concepts, inspiration, ideas, and collaborative work for artists in all sorts of fields. If you would like to submit your post, [ click here ] to complete the form. It may take a few weeks for your post to show up, thanks for your patience!

Irvina Kanarek, Founder and Creative Director of Rewrite Beautiful, has a few things she'd like to share with you. She is a force of nature. A creative, inspired woman on a mission to change the way we view 'beauty'. Get ready! "There are several things in life I treasure; faith, writing, kids, art, awkward moments and big ideas.

I’ve learned, through my own eating disorder, what I treasure is a choice. I could choose to treasure the size of my jeans. I could choose to treasure how hot you think I am. I could choose to treasure the title of my job and the emblem on my car, but what would any of that do for you? Nothing. The things I treasure today are a reflection of the heart I was created with- My hope is you will also discover the things you were born to treasure and share them with others. I think that’s our purpose as human beings; to share what we have been given.

Rewrite Beautiful is what I have to share. I hope you allow me to share it with you and I hope you remember that beautiful is not an appearance that fades; Beautiful is an action that can grow to dramatically change someone else’s life forever. How can I be so sure? I have experienced it! I might not be here if it wasn’t for the beautiful actions of men and women who took the time to Rewrite Beautiful for me. HOPE is real. REWRITING is possible."

What inspires you personally and creatively?
Truth and Strength. TRUTH inspires me. Because TRUTH is not ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. It is something we can all agree on. I think we all can agree that human beings shouldn’t judge themselves or others by the color of their skin, the weight of their body or the dimensions of their thighs. Yet, our world is full of girls and boys who are anorexic, bulimic and compulsive overeaters. These people starve, purge and over eat because they believe a lie that their worth is found in the dimensions of their body. And I guess that’s why STRENGTH inspires me. I have been able to watch people courageously fight back an eating disorder and admit that they believed a lie. Watching someone admit that they have been deceived, that they were wrong and seek a new path is incredibly strong and I am always INSPIRED by watching it.

In what ways do you hope your creative work inspires others?

I do Street Art Workshops with people from 5 years old to 55 years old. We try to change how people see ‘beauty’ in themselves. My hope is that when people walk away from a workshop or seeing the art on the street that they would feel they have been given their freedom of choice back. A Street Artist that believes, just because their art doesn’t sit in a gallery, doesn’t mean it isn’t art. Equally, just because society claims beautiful is found in your appearance, doesn’t mean it is. I hope people would be inspired to say, “Ya know what today I’m gonna ‘rewrite beautiful’ for myself and say, I’m beautiful, because I know I am creative, kind and strong. I don’t care what you think of my body, because I know I am beautiful in a way that can never be changed.” Learn more about Rewrite Beautiful [ here ].

thankful heart

2011-11-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us. When did it sneak up?! I'm glad, of course. Scattered leaves make our sidewalk adventures more colorful and the drip of the rain on my rooftop is a welcome serenade. Sprinkles of cinnamon all over the counter give clue to fresh batches of homemade applesauce. Christmas music, twinkle lights, warm spicy coffees, and the sense that something has changed lingers in the air.

I love this season. I love the change of each season, but especially as we enter the holidays, the magic of it is as close to childhood as I can get. I love watching the wonder in my son's eyes and the way I get to relive it through him. This year we'll be heading to Arizona to celebrate Thanksgiving with both sides of my family - lots of turkey, tree decorating and gingerbread house-making to be had. But, before the bustle that lies inevitably ahead, there is something to be said for making a list to reflect on the things we are grateful for.

This year, I am thankful for...

Our little blue bungalow. It's home to three artists, really, and we are each thankful for the space to linger, read, dream, and spill paint on the floors.

Health. Never before has it mattered as much as this past year. We have walked with loved ones through the worst and to watch them come through it has been miraculous.

Our friendships. When we moved away from Michigan, we said goodbye to people who had become family to us. It was painful to leave them, painful to accept that the daily life together was going to stop, that friendships were going to change. But like family, we have remained connected to each other's lives and have found ways to reach beyond state lines to keep the gift of community going. Likewise, moving meant starting over when we relocated back to Orange County. We were so fortunate to find the thriving, loving community we have here as well. This year I am so grateful to have incredible people to walk through life with, both near and far.

Creative work. I recognize this is not a case of entitlement, because there are never any guarantees in life when it comes to getting to do what you love. I am deeply thankful to have the opportunity to make the art I do, and so happy there are people and places who connect with it as well.

Adoption. This year brought us incredibly far in our adoption process. I'm not sure how to sum up the depth of gratitude we feel as we look back on all the ways people have stepped up to support us in this journey. We have been given so much, and I catch my breath as I recognize the sacrifice others have made to help us reach our Ghana babe. We are hopeful that by next Thanksgiving, we will be a family of four, with much more to celebrate!

Wherever you may find yourself this holiday season, whether it be in a place of many blessings or few, I pray that you can pause and reflect on the gift of this one life you have, and the many ways you can choose to live to truly make a difference in this broken and needy world. Be blessed this holiday season!

S

friday emersonisms

2011-11-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

Okay okay, better late than never! Haha. A few winners from my three year old's mouth this week:

"Mama. I am SO thirsty for milk, and we don't have any more here. Hey, I know! We can drive to a farm and squeeze some from the cows!" Or, another option, we can drive to the market. Ha.

I was telling him the story of the Grinch the other day, and at the end he said, "Whoa whoa whoa... wait just a minute. So you're telling me there is a green guy who hates Christmas?!?"

Also, there is this...

common creative: trever hoehne

2011-11-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

Trever Hoehne is one of our dearest friends, and he is also one of the most gifted and most good-hearted people I know. We met Trever and his wife Brooke not long after moving back to Orange County and have since clocked countless dinners, beach days, vacations, and gallery events with them.

Trever is a visionary not only in his field (photography) but in all types of artistic expression. His work is spectacular, he can talk about great art, architecture, some band that we'll all be listening to next year and in the same breath remind us of what it means to really worship God, to strive to seek out the divine in the daily, and to laugh often.

He is a photographer who has spent the last half decade devoted solely to commercial photography, dreaming up concepts and ideas with his clients to produce images that say something. He’s taken his camera from the coast of sunny southern California to the deserts of Israel. With an understanding of fine art and obsession with great light, Trever produces distinctive images for discerning clients around the world. Learn more about his work [ here ].

"What inspires you personally and creatively?"
I find myself spending a lot of time "looking". I'm always interested in the conversation of art... where its been and where it's going. I actually spend most of my time looking outside the world of photography. Many times my biggest times of inspiration have come from looking at paintings, sculptures, design, street art, etc. I think a very important part of creativity is space. When I have too many shoots lined up, or too many emails to respond to, I will often shut down creatively. I will still perform the tasks at hand but I wouldn't say I am operating at 100% creatively. It takes some space and often times not looking at anything for a while to refresh my palette. Somewhat like a creative sabbatical.

"In what ways do you hope your creative work inspires others?"
I love looking at an image that makes me stop and say "wow". I love that creativity has the power to do that. I hope that as I grow as an artist that my work can be that for other people. I always want to contribute to art by creating something that matters and says something.

missing

2011-11-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit missing from our blog as of late. I'm sorry about this, and miss the way writing here fills me. This has been a busy season, one I am so very grateful for, but one that has kept the best parts of me for itself. I've budgeted my energy for the three large art exhibits I'm a part of, the creativity workshop I recently taught, a big giveaway, an art auction, the top secret creative global endeavor with my friend Trever (who will be sharing about the things that inspire him here Tuesday on the blog). I've been focusing on returning myself, Steve, and Emerson back to health after a month of knocked-us-off-our-feet flu. We've had out of town guests to catch up with, family events, and what seems like a surprising number of new babies to celebrate.

(Mostly) good, wonderful things. But things that keep me busier than usual. What I find during seasons like these is that I have less time to sit and let them shape me. I grow less during the fast-paced time. I'm running from thing to thing, person to person, and have little time to sit and reflect and soak in the ways that I'm learning.

So today I finally sat and wrote, listened, and prayed. Here is the icky part. I noticed a dark spot in myself as I sat with pen in hand and finally put to paper my inner thoughts. For every baby born, for every match made, adoption completed and court date realized in the past few months, I've felt both joy and self-pity.

The ache sucks, it really does. I wish for everyone who adopts we could skip it and get on with the good stuff. Of course, my wiser friends simply smile and remind me that the ache is necessary, important, a part of our story that makes it richer and more beautiful. My mouth agrees but my mind says, "Oh stuff it. This is hard. I feel like wallowing right now." And the good thing is, I have a gorgeous loving community that is very good at wallowing with me when I need it. They are also very good at pulling me up, forcing me into my high heels, and taking me out for margaritas when I need to get over it.

I suppose being so manic comes with the territory. I am just SO. VERY. GRATEFUL. that I don't have to walk through it alone.

giveaway ->

2011-11-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

I've had the honor of sharing an original piece from our Mermaid Collection called Bloom over at dear friend and author Shauna Niequist's blog today. Click over to enter to win!

mermaid prints, cards, & calendars

2011-11-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

About a month ago my friend Whitney and I hosted an opening where we showcased a collaboration of love, dreams, and underwater magic. Called Mermaids, our work displayed a combination of underwater photography and mixed media. It was such a fun evening and we were asked when we'd have prints available online. Well, that day has come! I'm so excited to announce that just in time to kick off holiday shopping, our Mermaid collection is now up in my shop. Check them out, we also have greeting cards and a 2012 calendar as well! View all the items here --> http://www.sarahcarterstudio.com/#!shop/

common creative: cory hill

2011-11-08T06:30:00.000-08:00

Common Creative is a place for sharing concepts, inspiration, ideas, and collaborative work for artists in all sorts of fields. I'm so excited to invite different creative voices to contribute to the greater creative conversation. I believe in the power of collaboration and know that although artists tend to create alone, they hunger for community and inspiration too. Common Creative is a great way to stimulate ideas, share exposure, and help others become inspired in their own dreams and ambitions by asking two simple questions: "What inspires you personally and creatively?" and "In what ways do you hope your creative work inspires others?" If you would like to submit your post, [ click here ] to complete the form. It may take a few weeks for your post to show up, thanks for your patience!

Today we get to hear from Cory Hill, an artist who I had the opportunity to get to know a year ago. He was part of a team of artists collaborating together in an effort to raise funds and awareness for an amazing nonprofit in India called Harvest India. Cory's desire for artist to work together has stuck with me, and I hope you too can find ways to push yourself creatively as you read his insights below:
1. What inspires you personally and creatively?

I'm inspired by the immense diversity of this amazing planet we live on. I love to travel and I love all the differences of each place I visit. The smells, textures, people, food, languages, sounds, and feelings of all the different places I've been to play their own little unique part in my creative process, and I try to work that into my art. I am creative when things are willing to be created, and I'm colorblind.

2. In what ways do you hope your creative work inspires others?
I hope that my work inspires others to explore their abilities to find their own creative ways to express themselves. Too few people think that they have the freedom and capacity to create, and I hope that something they see in my work gives them the courage to embark on a creative journey of their own.

I hope that my work helps them see the beauty in all the differences we find all over our planet. We are too often afraid what is different, and I hope my art inspires people to work through those fears of difference to find the comforts of our similarities.

Thank you Cory for sharing with us! You can view more of his work at his website [ here ] and if you're local, come to the 2nd Annual Dalit Benefit Art Show happening at the Hurley Headquarters on November 18th! Be sure to check back next week for our next featured creative...

sarah carter studio

2011-11-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

I've been working on my art website, adding new work and setting up an online market for those interested in purchasing prints and originals. I really love the process of change, the act of updating and rearranging. Something about the experience of trying new things fuels me creatively. How about you? How do you gain energy to do creative work?

I believe it can come in all sorts of ways, and that the manner in which we need to be inspired varies as well. Sometimes the work is very deep, very inner. That kind of inspiration requires moments spent on the couch with a good book or perhaps some reflective journaling. Other times we literally need physical inspiration, to take a walk, touch the soil with our bare hands, chop an onion and feel our eyes water.

There are seasons where being at a dressed up, champagne and high heels soiree can inspire ten different works of art. Other times, the thought of a room full of people does just the opposite. Its important to honor the place we find ourselves and try very hard to feed the artist within with care and attention to what it is we really need at a given moment.

Hope your week is full of many life-giving and inspiring moments!

friday emersonisms

2011-11-04T00:56:00.000-07:00

A few highlights from our Halloween. . . first, as you can imagine, most days are a bit like Halloween for Emerson.
<--Exhibit A: normal day, pretending to be an astronaut.

He wears some sort of costume almost every day, and trying to get him to commit to a single costume for an entire day was a super challenge.
<--Exhibit B: normal day, pretending to be a firefighting batman.

For the first half of the day he was parading around Target and Nordstrom as his favorite singer, Johnny Cash.

Later I helped with his wardrobe change as he morphed into the bat.

We had such a great time though, first attending our church's annual "Trunk N Treat" (such a fun event!). After that we met some friends for a bit of proper door to door candy mooching. The kids had a blast.

How about you? How did you spend your Halloween?

common creative: christina moodie

2011-11-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

Friends, welcome to the latest addition to our blog! Common Creative is a place for sharing concepts, inspiration, ideas, and collaborative work for artists in all sorts of fields. I'm so excited to invite different creative voices to contribute to the greater creative conversation. I believe in the power of collaboration and know that although artists tend to create alone, they hunger for community and inspiration too. Common Creative is a great way to stimulate ideas, share exposure, and help others become inspired in their own dreams and ambitions by asking two simple questions: "What inspires you personally and creatively?" and "In what ways do you hope your creative work inspires others?"

If you would like to submit your post, [ click here ] to complete the form. It may take a few weeks for your post to show up, thanks for your patience!

Our first interviewee is the woman who inspired the idea in the first place. Christina Moodie is a photographer who specializes in capturing intimate family connections and documenting timeless memories. A while back she asked me to contribute a guest post to her blog, which you can read [ here ]. Also, be sure to check out her entire website [ here ].

1. What inspires you personally and creatively?
I think what inspires me in the purest form is God's creation. I am always in awe of things in nature like the beach, a beautiful view, water, mountains, snow. In these things I see God's creativity and I feel this desire in me to create. It is so awesome that God created us in His image and gave us the desire to create as well. I am also inspired by relationships, the family bond, and the natural connection between people who love each other. Whether it be between two people in love or the love between and parent and a child, those connections inspire me. As for what inspires me creatively, I think that really flows from what I said inspires me personally. When I am photographing I always try to capture the real life moments between the people. I strive to capture that natural connection and emotion between them. As an artist I am inspired by the whole creative process that takes place. I am inspired by beautiful art, images, dance, and design. I really think that love for creativity really goes back to my fascination with how God creates, what He created, and that we, in a small way, can do it as well.

2. In what ways do you hope your creative work inspires others?
For my clients my biggest hope is that it inspires them to see themselves and their relationships in a new and beautiful way. For a senior girl I would hope to bring out her personality and maybe show her that she is beautiful just the way God made her. Maybe for a couple they would see their love and connection in new way. The things you may not be able to see yourself but someone else can bring out of you and show you in a photo. As for other creatives I guess I just hope to add to the conversation, bring new ideas to the table and I hope to help encourage others along the way.

Thank you Christina for sharing with us! Be sure to check back next week for our next featured creative...

darling shops

2011-10-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about our adoption story has got to be the way our funding has come from such creative avenues. People who manage shops, make art with their hands, and feel compelled to use their gifts to bless others. Over the last year we've encountered story after story, and as I read through some of those posts I can't help but tear up. We have been SO blessed, and it is my hope that someday we can turn our blessings into gifts for others as well.

If you are looking for a way to make your Christmas gifts go the extra mile this year, check out etsy shops Hannah James and Brooke Noellie Designs. Both of them are partnering with our family (and other families also in the adoption process) to give 50% of their proceeds to our adoption fund. All of this, and their items are so super cute! Be sure to mention our name at checkout, and thank you for supporting these gorgeous artisans and our precious Ghana babe!

friday emersonisms

2011-10-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

"Mama, did you know that a megalodon dinosaur is thirteen millions of tall?"

Emerson: "Today Little Brookie kissed me on the mouth at church. But don't worry, I got it off with my teeth because Emily already said she married me and we adopted baby Charlie." HAHA

He covered himself with blue marker because he wanted to be blue for the day. Naturally.

"This is so embarrassing mama."

He has his own theme music that he hums as he ventures from place to place. Have we already discussed this here? Perhaps, but he's singing away as I type this so simply had to share :)

I'll be sharing pictures of my little bat boy next week, can't wait to see all the kids dressed up!

Happy Weekend and Safe Halloween!

not knowing

2011-10-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

This morning I spent some time reading and came across this quote by Agnes Demile: ‎

"Living is a form of NOT being sure, not knowing what next or how. The moment you KNOW how, you begin to die a little. The artist never entirely knows. We GUESS. We may be wrong, but we take l e a p after LEAP in the d a r k."

And it sums up so much for me in this season. So much "not knowing" is happening, and while I thought I was comfortable with nonlinear thinking, this season has stretched me beyond my limits. Or maybe its expanding my limits, because I want to be someone who is comfortable with not knowing. It sounds so wonderful, so romantic and brave. But the reality of what it entails is heartbreakingly painful.

I suppose the most important thing is that we continue to take leap after leap in the dark. To unlearn our fear of the unknown and gain the ability to harness it for our creative fuel. Creativity is an entire manner of living, although we often like to put in it its own separate box. We even go so far as to say that only some people are "creative". But truly (and deep down we all know this is true) we are each creative beings. We were created, and therefore are born out of creativity, and into it.

Whether it feels true or not, being creative is like breathing for us.

Somewhere along the line however, we learn to compartmentalize this part of ourselves. We learn to distance ourselves from it. And I think this is so destructive. Not only to ourselves, although it certainly does cause us massive harm, but also to our world. How are we embracing the problems of our day? Children are dying every minute of every day because of a lack of basic needs. Countries are launching war and killing hundreds of thousands over religion, race, power. Severely broken hearts and minds are tearing lives apart across the world from you, and perhaps across the street. These are serious problems and they need solutions. Are we approaching them creatively, compassionately, inclusively? Or are we separating the issues, the people, the pain, or choosing not to think about them at all? Have we forgotten how to leap?

This week is about asking for the courage to be okay with not knowing, and trying anyways.

adopt without debt

2011-10-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Adopt Without Debt. Perhaps you have read this book if you are adopting, or have heard someone talking about it. Author Julie Gumm wrote it to share how adoption without debt is possible, she and her husband did just that when they brought home their two children, debt-free.

I was given this book months ago, and read it on a plane all at once. Over the next few weeks I'd pick it up, reread sections, highlight, underline, and have continued to go back to it for ideas, advice, and to remember the bigger picture.

When Julie asked if she could share our story of "the wedding gift" in her latest edition of Adopt Without Debt, I was thrilled. For those that know the story, you also know its one we hope inspires many. We believe in it so deeply and pray that others would grow to experience the kind of generosity, freedom, and hope that we did through it. If you haven't heard it yet, watch the video below:

Wedding Gifts from Nick Benoit on Vimeo.

weary on the path

2011-10-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

At the start of each day there is a glimmer that I must acknowledge and let go. Its that, "today might be the day" thing. We might get the call, learn more, progress in our adoption. I try not to let it distract me from the living breathing presence of each day, but the ache rests at my feet like a lovesick puppy. And at the end of every day I tell myself we're one day closer to our little one. It helps some, it really does. It doesn't change the fact that this is the most out of control I think I've ever felt. Necessary, and forcing some significant growth, for sure. But so so intense and hard. So I'm finding myself a little weary at the moment, leaning fully into the comfort of God as provider and protector.

friday emersonisms

2011-10-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

He learned this song at preschool and it seriously might be the cutest thing ever (not that I'm biased or anything):

He told me "Mama, you are driving me bananas!"

"This day is just awful. How will we ever have Christmas if it is always so hot?!"

"The speed level is four-zero mama. You better watch out or you will get a ticket from the officer. But daddy likes to go seven-zero the most."

these lists

2011-10-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Today I've been reading and rereading these lists, hoping to let it sink deep down and stick. Perhaps today it will also inspire you, wherever you are at in your journey. . .

"1. Creativity is the natural order of life. Life is energy: pure creative energy.

2. There is an underlying, in-dwelling creative force infusing all of life -- including ourselves.

3. When we open ourselves to our creativity, we open ourselves to the creator's creativity within us and our lives.

4. We are, ourselves, creations. And we, in turn, are meant to continue creativity by being creative ourselves.

5. Creativity is God's gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God.

6. The refusal to be creative is self-will and is counter to our true nature.

7. When we open ourselves to exploring our creativity, we open ourselves to God: good orderly direction.

8. As we open our creative channel to the creator, many gentle but powerful changes are to be expected.

9. It is safe to open ourselves up to greater and greater creativity.

10. Our creative dreams and yearnings come from a divine source. As we move toward our dreams, we move toward our divinity.”

― Julia Cameron

pink & gold

2011-10-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

I love color. I especially love it when colors force each other out, and demands we pay attention. Pink and gold are finding their way into every part of my world this fall.

friday emersonisms

2011-10-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

I recently read a post (that I can't seem to track back to right now, shoot! It was somewhere on Pinterest... I'm having pin regret for not repinning it, which is weird.) But anyways, it was great, and it got me thinking. It was a tutorial for moms that gave ideas on ways to incorporate yourselves into shots with your children. Because we are so often the ones taking the pictures and shooting the video, our kids don't have a lot of visual reminders of memories with us. I want to make sure that even if its blurry and imperfect, Emerson will have some memories to look back on where he can see the way I held him, kissed his head, cherished his perfect little self. Here's an attempt:

Untitled from Sarah Carter on Vimeo.

on mermaids, india, kodak, and being brave

2011-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, my gorgeous friend Whitney and I celebrated collaborative art with an opening as part of Downtown Fullerton's monthly Art Walk. Tranquil Tea Lounge hosted our event, and will be showing our work all month long. The actual night was like a dream, a room packed full of incredible people, lovely art, spicy tea, and lots of excited conversation.

As an artist, I work hard to communicate something I believe is true through colors and lines and canvas. Somehow, this is easier for me when it comes to the deeper things. Words have a hard time being enough to really express myself. I have gifted writer friends who can say the most profound and beautiful things. I have photographer friends who can see not only what is there, but what could be there, a brighter more beautiful and perfect reality. Friends who sing their hearts out and play instruments in ways that bring me to tears. For me, it has always been colors.

I'm grateful for this season of creativity. There are a few more projects on the horizon... for the next three weeks I'm teaching a creative workshop at a local gallery. Monday night was our first meeting, and it was wonderful. Ten beautiful tender hearts gathered together, ready to rediscover and nurture their creativity. I can't wait to watch that unfold over the next few weeks! I'll be working with the Dalit benefit show again this November, which I'm super excited about. Proceeds raised help a great nonprofit in India provide for the basic needs of the underprivileged there. And in December I'm partnering with Trever, an incredibly talented photographer, to make something truly new. Truly profound. I pray it is also life-changing for many. But - its also a secret, for now :) I'll share details over the next couple months, but it does involve us working with Kodak ... so that's fun!

happy birthday my love!

2011-10-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

celebrating this guy today.

mermaids art show this friday

2011-10-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

A few months back I had the opportunity to collaborate with talented photographer Whitney Schey. If you aren't familiar with her work, take a second to check out her site, its in constant rotation when I'm in need of inspiration. She took on a challenge as we dreamed of what we wanted to create together and developed a plan for an underwater photo shoot. I then took her images, had them printed, and created mixed media layers over them. And, if I may say so, they turned out incredibly! We're so excited to be showing our work this Friday at Tranquil Tea Lounge in Downtown Fullerton at the Art Walk. If you are local we'd really love to see you there. And if not, be sure to check out my website in the coming weeks for print of the pieces that will be available for purchase!

guest post: what fuels creativity

2011-10-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to write a guest post for photographer Christina Moodie's blog. It was a really great exercise in reflective writing to think on her questions and dig to find what really inspires me creatively. Click on over and read my responses [ here ]. Cheers!

friday emersonisms

2011-09-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

"Mama, I know that Jesus and God are in our hearts, but I really think Superman should be in there too, because he's such a good guy."

"I'm an excellent reader." (this one made me giggle because it reminded me of Rainman..."I'm an excellent driiiiver.")

"Mama, I'm fine. Stop your fuss'in!"

"Instead of being a basketball for Halloween, I really want to be a bat. They are the coolest of all because they are spooky and nocturnal." (ps - um Target has tons of costumes, they even had a garden gnome (??), but absolutely no bats. At least, no bat costumes... for kids. I found one in the pet isle and plan on converting it into E's Halloween costume. Don't tell him.)

Also, when I tried to search for a picture of the dog bat costume, it didn't come up at Target... but these did and they are awesome:

when it aches

2011-09-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

Recently I wrote about the ache we adoptive parents experience as we wait for milestones in the journey. Last week was probably the first time I felt so out of control in this process, longing for my child and having no way to get to him or her - no way of knowing when I will. I think when I was pregnant I possibly went through some of this, maybe a little. But really, at least you have a due date. You know that at some point, right around nine months, you are going to have a baby. There are a million ways that can unfold, but mentally, you can steel yourself for a certain timeframe. Last week what my heart was pining after was a timeframe. And I can't give it one. I don't know when. No one can know.

What I do know is that I have an amazing support group. Family, friends, other parents who are in or have been in the adoption process. They RALLIED. And it was awesome. I felt so blessed by the prayers, encouragement, reminders, and perspective that each of you gave me. I needed it so much.

One idea someone shared with me was to consider that something was happening in our child's life - something difficult that they needed prayer, love, and support for. She suggested that perhaps my heart was aching because I needed to carry our child in those ways. Oh, gracious. Yes. I found my knees pretty quickly after that, and prayed so fervently for protection for our little one - for a strong sense of security and a knowing that he or she is not alone.

Without knowing what you are facing little one, or how hard life might be for you right now - I know one day I will be able to hear your stories and we will marvel at the ways our Creator connected our hearts across all the unknowns. I am praying for you, fighting for you, dreaming of you, and longing to hold you. You are not alone.

We don't always (or often) know the whole story. But today, might we consider the possibility that the whole story is a lot more immense and connected than we suspect?

fall is near

2011-09-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

A little outfit inspiration for this in between season us socal folks find ourselves in this time of year...

fall outfit 1 by sarahcarterstudio featuring polka dot jewelry

VPL draped top
$395 - lagarconne.com

H M racer back top
£9.99 - hm.com

J Crew knee length pencil skirt
$120 - jcrew.com

Belstaff short heels
$735 - net-a-porter.com

Mulberry satchel handbag
£925 - harrods.com

Kenneth Cole stretch jewelry
$35 - macys.com

TopShop polka dot jewelry
$12 - topshop.com

MAC Lipstick Neon Orange (A) One Size
$15 - nordstrom.com

philosophy 'autumn air' tangerine cider shampoo, shower gel & bubble...
$16 - nordstrom.com

thankful

2011-09-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

Today for whatever reason, the waiting (for a child referral) is harder than ever before. I have caught myself stirring up emotions at least a dozen times, dreaming about what it will be like to learn we have a child in Ghana waiting to join our family. It makes my heart twist, bend, and ache in a way that is nearly unquenchable.

I am grateful for the longing of course. I know its all part of the process, and that without this aching my attachment would not grow as deep. To fight the hopeless feeling of being so out of control I am asking myself this question: "Today, what am I thankful for?"

Gratitude has this magical, mystical way of flipping our world upside down. It puts everything in perspective. We stop looking at the yard next door, longing for whats next, and rediscover all the glory within our own fences.

Today, I am grateful for my morning - donuts and coffee in the park on a crisp fall day with my husband and our boy.

What are you thankful for today?

friday emersonisms

2011-09-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

This week was full of firsts for E. He rode a bike, with training wheels, but it was AWESOME! He went to preschool and did not shed a tear this week. That is HUGE. Its been a hard transition for him, and me, and leaving him crying for mama into his teacher's arms has been so incredibly tough. I want to rescue him, run back and take him home with me.

So instead, I called my mama crying about leaving my baby, and talking with her gave me perspective. Growing up is hard, and I can see why parents often step in to rescue their children. It is hard to watch them struggle. We think we're doing the loving thing by taking them out of a difficult situation - and sometimes we are. But other times, like with Emerson and his preschool days, I'm giving him the gift of self-soothing, confidence, and experience. At least I pray that is the case ;)

A few Emersonisms this week:

"I am 'training man' - I run really fast in races and do my exercise!"

"Mama, you look like a pretty princess!"

Me: "Emerson, can I keep you forever?"
E: "Sure, or maybe just for twenty million years."

A few phrases:

Not really.
Actually.
Sure.

Happy weekend! XO

bike ride

2011-09-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

Today was big. Emerson rode his bike, fearlessly, for the first time. He literally giggled the entire time, it was making my cheeks hurt with all the laughing it induced. Blessed by him, in countless, limitless ways.

Beyond grateful to be his mama.

adoption updates

2011-09-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I've updated our adoption status here on the blog. Mostly, that is because there hasn't been much to report. So much of this experience has been about waiting - and we are still waiting for so much. BUT, there are updates, and there is good news to share! We finished our home study about a month ago, which basically means that the arduous journey of gathering paperwork to document every detail of our lives has been completed... and we were cleared to move onto the next step. We have already applied with our adoption agency, AAI, and are now considered a "waiting family". We are on a list, waiting to get that call with a child referral.

Once that happens, we'll take time to prayerfully consider if this child is meant to be a part of our family and if so, we move forward with our adoption of him or her. Yes, him or her. That is another update, I suppose! We are officially open to either a boy or girl, although we know the need for boys is greater and we sort of guess it will be a brother we're adding to our family... You can't choose these things when you're pregnant and we feel very much like this adoption is in some ways like a loooooong pregnancy. We want to be open to the child that is ours, and are equally excited about either gender.

Another thing that having our completed home study provides for us is the freedom to apply for grants and loans. We recently applied for our first grant and I think it may have set the bar high for this whole "asking for money" thing. We asked for $5,000 (thinking we'd maybe get half that amount) and were beyond blessed to hear that this organization was not giving us 5, but $8,000 for our agency fees! To the dollar, that nearly covers our outstanding balance. Amazing!!! We know we still need to focus on the needs we have ahead of us, travel expenses, visa and readoption fees, medical bills... all of this is still a hefty sum. BUT, for this moment we are celebrating at this provision - above and beyond our expectations. We are not given dreams we cannot reach, and we aren't asked to walk toward them alone. We feel so blessed.

friday emersonisms

2011-09-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Rather than take my blog down for a few weeks while I work on a redesign, I'm inviting you into the mess with me! Thanks for your patience as I continue to edit and improve, I'm excited for the finished product!

And now, onto the Emersonisms...

"I really wish we had a family at our house mama. How many days until our Ghana baby comes?"

"This is awful. That is awful. Everything is just awful!"

I don't want to wear this shirt, it is awful. Wearing this shirt is making my heart hurt!"

"I decided what I will be for Halloween... a basketball!"

new look

2011-09-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Hi there! (yes, you are in the right place...) haha, I'm working on a little make over for our blog, something a little more grown up, retro, collective, and inspired. I'll still be ironing out the kinks over the next few days, thanks for bearing with me!

creativity

2011-09-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

You all know my affinity for 31 Bits. This company started with friendship and a dream to make the world a better place. Over the years they have literally done just that in the lives of hundreds of women in Uganda. They have established partnerships with companies like Reef and been featured in OC Register and People Style Watch magazine... kiiind of a big deal!

This month they've released a new winter line, and I must say it tops all their previous lines (not an easy feat!) The elements of joy, creativity, and dedication are evident in each necklace and bracelet.

This week they feature the attribute of CREATIVITY, and celebrate the designer behind the Truffle necklace (my personal favorite!). Read her inspiring story here, and keep an eye out later this week for my own little bio on their blog. I was so honored to be a part of this campaign by lending some thoughts on creativity, especially since it involved a photo shoot in a gallery and lunch with the girls from 31 Bits! You can read my interview on their blog [here].

empire state of mind

2011-09-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a complicated day for us all, as we sit in the tension of remembering and moving on. September 11, 2011... Ten years have come and gone since our country faced the tragedy of the twin towers. My prayers for peace felt unending throughout the day. I hope that today especially each of you felt connected to something bigger and more hopeful... I watched this and thought it was beautiful and lovely.

friday emersonisms

2011-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Well, its been quite the week. On Tuesday we had our meet and greet with Emerson's new teacher, Miss Sarah. He toured his new classroom, tested out some toys, made a new friend, and threw a massive meltdown when it was time to leave. All in all, a successful first day.

Today, I dropped him off in his class and left him. Agh. I could have been the one having the massive meltdown this time. So hard, but so sweet to watch him through the window for a few precious minutes as he found a buddy and began to bond over the awesomeness of matchbox cars. He will be fine - its his mama I'm more worried about :)

A few emersonisms this week:

He found these old rubber bracelets and has been wearing them around, calling them "power bracelets" and claiming they make him run faster and better able to eat his food. (Super - but I do wish they had magic abilities to get him to eat his green food...)

He told me his goal is to grow as big as his daddy so he can be one of those guys who dances and spins on his head. A break dancer? Good goal, buddy. One must have dreams.

At bedtime: "Mama - I really don't think you know just what 'nocturnal' means - because I really don't need to go to bed at night, I have eye shine so I can see in the dark, did you forget?"

it matters

2011-09-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was treated to a two day getaway... completely by myself. All aloooone. And it was spectacular. (I promise I really do love the people in my life!) but I suppose I'm also wired to need times of solitude to recharge. My husband respects this about me, but also thinks I'm crazy. For him, two days spent in solitude is more like punishment. However as I reminded him, we are like the sand and the sea - you can't have one without the other, but the two are very, devastatingly different. That, and the fact that he is not the one who has spent the last three and a half years with a curly-haired shadow. Yes, this shadow is darling, but he is also needy, and all-consuming. And needy. And darling. Yes.

We'd reached a point where I needed more time to "be". I was desperate for the me who had time to wander through coffee shops, watch sunsets on the beach, notice the details of things and daydream without needing to know where all the corresponding exits and restrooms are located at all times.

So I booked a room by the seaside, and the time away was glorious. I slept in, ate amazing food, spent hours writing at the beach and indulged in the luxury of time. But I think the most important part of my getaway was the fact that it happened at all.

I was talking with a friend over breakfast a few days ago and she mentioned that she loves to travel. But work and her relationship keep her from taking the time to do it. It led to this question, "Why is it so difficult to be generous with ourselves?" We can be giving, so giving - too giving sometimes - with others. We give those in our lives our time, creativity, energy - but so rarely do we make the same efforts to give to our own souls.

I recognized during my time away that I've been stingy with my self, and that in return I have some healing and repairing to do. I need to find a way to integrate those life-giving experiences into my daily life. We can't always be taking trips or buying the things we want. But every single one of us can find ways to be internally generous. Perhaps we can start with a simple walk around the block, alone, while asking these questions: How am I feeling? What do I notice? What am I worried about? What do I long for? A simple, ten minute walk has the power be so incredibly life-giving.

friday emersonisms

2011-09-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Its still Friday, right?!? Whew what a week! Month. Summer. Er, clearly I'm in the midst of a busy season. And my growing, opinionated, strong little super boy is certainly contributing to the pace :)

One word: PRESCHOOL. Ah!! When did this happen? And how is it possible to be this giddy with excitement and filled with anguish simultaneously? He is growing up, despite my best efforts. Darn it.

I can't wait to hold his hand and walk him to his classroom. Set up his cubby with "emergency pants", introduce him to his teacher (the aptly named "Miss Sarah"), and watch him discover a whole new world.

And then I will cry myself crazy the whole way home.

Preschool. I hope I can keep up!

a new way to help

2011-09-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

I am collecting these "giving stories" the way a wanderer collects sea shells on the beach... cradling them carefully in my hands, knowing that behind each one there is a story, a journey, and a life once lived. We've been given so many beautiful stories through out our adoption process already. Stories of creativity, generosity, and community. Truly, its so humbling to be able to be a part of it in any way, and as we have the gift of a front row seat, the fundraising side of our adoption experience has been spectacular. (Did not think I'd be able to say that when we'd first decided to adopt!) We so often allow the cost of adoption to be an obstacle, rather than the story that it is really meant to be. Not something to be survived, but witnessed. We stand in awe.

Recently I discovered Brooke of Brooke Noellie Designs, a talented designer with a heart for making the world a better place. My kind of gal! She got in touch with me about doing a partnership fundraiser to help support our adoption. When I read her email, full of love and compassion and a drive and belief in the dream of using creative passion to change lives - I was hooked! Then I clicked on her shop link, and was so super impressed with her items...

She is donating 50% of all her proceeds to our adoption fund, which is AMAZING! So for weddings, showers, birthdays, anniversaries, or just because - please keep her shop in mind. You'll be doing a world of good each time you purchase something!

(Crocheted Hemp Button Bracelet click to learn more and see all her items!)

photo for freedom

2011-08-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

Won't you join me in taking just a moment to stare at these beautiful faces? The YGAP Photo for Freedom - Volta project is designed to focus on and bring attention to child slavery in the African country of Ghana. In early 2011, Melbourne photographer, Tom Goldner conducted a photographic journey and study of individuals, communities, landscape, daily life and work around the Lake Volta region. Toms images will depict this journey and be displayed during a Photographic Exhibition to raise public awareness of child slavery and raise funds to contribute to the project in Ghana. He truly is an incredible photographer. But I'd say more than that, he tells stories through his lens. Raw, honest, bittersweet glimpses into the lives of people in the Volta region of Ghana. His photographs grip you and force you to stop whatever you were doing and give the subjects your full attention.

YGAP will use the proceeds from this project to continue combating child slavery in Ghana.

To see more of these powerful images and follow the story, click over to their website [ here ]

christina moodie photography giveaway winner!

2011-08-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

And we have a winner for the latest giveaway, a photography session valued at $870 with Christina Moodie Photography!

The winner is...

...comment #2 was from Grace who said, "Already loving Ground Swell on FB."

Congrats Grace, can't think of anyone more deserving! And thank you to all who entered and donated, we appreciate you!!

Check back to our blog for more giveaways coming up soon...

A special THANK YOU to Christina Moodie, check out her website [ here ].

friday emersonisms

2011-08-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

My son has a slight obsession with Johnny Cash. When he hears the Man in Black singing Folsom Prison Blues on the ipod he can't help himself - he becomes a slave to the music. Lucky for you, we managed to capture a little bit of his moves. Perfection.

courage, my love

2011-08-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I awoke from sleep at about two in the morning with a text on my phone and a knot in my stomach. A dear friend was in the hospital. She is almost 29 weeks pregnant with a baby girl, and in the middle of the night her water broke. In a split second, in the time took me to type that phrase, everything changed. I'd been at her home just a day before, laughing and dreaming about this sweet baby who was soon to join our lives. And now, there was panic and uncertainty and tears and prayers. Both mom and babe are currently stable and we're praying for a miracle: more time. More time for baby girl to grow strong and healthy, more time for mama and dad to prepare for her arrival. More time.

About a week ago I opened my inbox and read a heart-wrenching letter from a friend who invited myself and a few others to join her in praying for a fight for her health as she faces a possible MS diagnosis.

This week a woman who has affected so many lives for good in our community lost her long battle with cancer.

This morning I opened my inbox to find another friend went into preterm labor and is currently at the hospital, hoping and praying for a miracle.

For about two months my own stepdad has been in the hospital fighting to recover from sepsis and pneumonia. He has endured double knee surgery, clavicle surgery, and heart valve surgery. He is recovering, praise God, but the fight is one of endurance and courage.

Heavy stuff. And this week, more than most, I feel the affects of it. I know we live in a world of constant tension; good, bad, beauty, destruction. Pain. Loss. Joy. Miracles. All of it, all of the time. And it would be easy, so easy, to be swallowed up in the enormity of it.

Today, into each of these precious lives that lie in wait for perfect healing, I pray for courage. And they are brave, so much braver than I could hope to be. They each have reminded me of what faith looks like, because it is so easy to have faith in good things, when life is going as we wish. We assume we're entitled to a difficulty-free life and are so easily upset by petty things. But these brave people are each facing true hardship, a true unknowing. In grace and humility they hold their heads up and step forward, like royalty, into a room of unknowns. It is an honor to walk beside them.

Take courage, my love. For you are made for this, these are in fact the moments I have made you for. Do not be afraid. Hold you head up and step forward.

giveaway ->

2011-08-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I've got a solid case for summer being the best season of the entire year. Of course, I do live in Southern California and it is a bit like summertime all the time around here. But still, there is just nothing better than the beach, a good book, loads of friends, and lots of splashing in the sea with my Emerson.

Another good thing about the summer? All the bloggers seem to collectively embrace this as giveaway season. And so in keeping with this trend, I'm excited to offer another giveaway! But this one is better than any other you will find because, dear friends, you can win an awesome photog session and all proceeds raised benefit our adoption as we prepare to take the next steps toward our Ghana babe. You can learn more [ here ]

Are you a senior (um, citizen or student), newly engaged, recently married, pregnant, new baby, anniversary celebrator, a family in need of some updated photos or know someone who is? This is a great opportunity to not only get a smashing deal but also support our family in our adoption, for which we still need to raise over $15,000! If you're local (OC, LA, San Diego-ish), you can enter to win an exclusive one hour on location photography package with the insanely talented Christina Moodie and a disc with 30-40 edited high resolution images for you to keep.

This package is normally valued at $870, but by donating to our paypal adoption fund in increments of $10 (or more!), you can enter to win it! There are many chances to enter, all details scroll down...

Okay, I'm in. Now how do I enter?
To qualify for this raffle, we ask that you simply *donate $10 to our adoption fund and leave a comment below saying that you did (and be sure to include your email --> example (at) lucky (dot) com <-- so we can let you know if you win!) *No purchase necessary, but much appreciated! Click the button to donate securely using paypal or your credit card:

...Feeling ambitious? For every donation in $10 increments, you are entered for another chance to win. Just be sure to leave a comment for every $10 that you donate. (for example: if you donate $100, leave ten comments...)

...Overachiever? You can earn extra chances to win by doing one or all of the following:
* "like" Ground Swell on facebook (if you already do, thank you! and please still leave a comment telling me you do...)
* "like" Christina Moodie Photography on facebook
* blog about this giveaway
* post this giveaway link to your facebook, be sure to tag Ground Swell and Christina Moodie Photography in your post!
* post this giveaway to your twitter

Each time you do, leave a comment on this post to qualify you for another chance to win. Remember that this is honor system, and for a good cause, so please be good and keep it real :) This raffle will open at 12am PST August 22 and ends August 29 at midnight. Scroll down to leave your comments and enter!

The Fine Print

This prize package has no cash value. Items are non-transferable. *No purchase necessary to enter, but this is a fundraiser so we appreciate your donation, thank you! Ground Swell endorses this product but is not responsible for matters concerning the product once the contest has ended and the information has been delivered to the vendor. Please understand that the vendor has generously donated her time, energy, and beautiful handiwork to one lucky winner of this giveaway/raffle. Let's be appreciative of this - thanks so much! She is so sweet to do this and it means so much to me that she feels the love from you guys! (I know this goes without saying, but I felt a need to say it anyway - you guys are the best!)

Good Luck!!

friday emersonisms

2011-08-19T10:23:00.001-07:00

Well, hi there! Technically I'm am on vacation and technically I am banned from computer time so technically there are no Friday Emersonisms today. However, if you are so inclined I'd recommend perusing these oldies but goodies: click [ here ] for loads of classic Emerson goodness :)

untitled giveaway winners!

2011-08-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

We have *winners of the UNTITLED book giveaway! Congrats to Michelle S. Kim, Michele Stevens, and Lindsay on winning your copies! Thanks to everyone who participated and a big thank you to Blaine Hogan for sharing his thoughts and inspiration with us all. And even if you weren't lucky this time, check the book out [ here ] because I have a feeling you will love it!

*Gals I'll be in touch with you soon to get your books to you :)

Oh! ...and we have another very exciting giveaway coming on Monday, be sure to check back on the blog for all the details!

spark: rewrite beautiful was beautiful !

2011-08-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to participate in a benefit art show with the organization Rewrite Beautiful. It was hosted by the gallery Find Art Magazine in Costa Mesa and boasted a huge turn-out from the community.

I'm always honored to be able to use creativity to communicate a message of truth and redemption. Where the lies have twisted their way into our consciousness, whispering about our lack of imagination, giftedness, and beauty - art has a way of seeping to the roots of those lies. Art has a way of ripping at untruths and replacing them with hope for something more. To get to be a part of that in any way is glorious.

Rewrite Beautiful is a great non-profit that focuses on shifting our concept of beauty from one of image to one of empowerment and creativity. The evening was documented by CHARD Photography, you can check out all the photos [ here ].

Perhaps this week we can all consider a way we can actively attempt to "rewrite beautiful" for ourselves and others. Cheers!

friday emersonisms

2011-08-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

"pinata" = "pie-yaght-ah"

"Boys are strong and girls are fragile, right mama?"

"Boys have lots of good ideas and girls don't know anything." - this he said after I didn't know the name of one of his dinosaurs...I have so much to learn :)

"When I grow bigger I want to be an ocean animal."

untitled : Giveaway!

2011-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I shared with you an interview with Blaine Hogan, creative director at Willow Creek Church and author of new book Untitled. If you are in any part creative (which I believe we all are!) pick this book up and give yourself the gift of the guidence, reassurance, and technique you'll gain from it.

Today, I get to announce a Giveaway!

Blaine is graciously sharing three copies of his book with three of my lucky readers! There are FIVE chances to enter, here are the details:

1. What is your favorite creative activity or hobby? Tell me in a comment below.

2. Like Ground Swell on facebook, and leave a comment saying you did (if you already "like" us, thanks! And be sure to leave a comment saying so for your chance to enter...)

5. Mention this giveaway with the hash tag #UNTITLED on twitter, and leave a comment saying you did.

4. Mention this giveaway and tag Ground Swell on facebook, and leave a comment saying that you did.

5. Leave a review of Untitled on Amazon and leave a comment below saying that you did.

This giveaway will run for a week, ending at midnight on August 16th. You may enter every day if you'd like! I'll announce the winners Wednesday morning, be sure to check back to see if you've won.

spark: untitled

2011-08-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

I recently had the great honor of reading a pre-release of Blaine Hogan's new book, Untitled. Blaine is one of the most inspiring, courageous creatives that I know and I was aching to get a hold of this book. It contains his thoughts on the creative process and is loaded with helpful insights from his years of experience coming at a creative way of life from many different angles. It spoke to me in many ways, and I took my time reading through it as I discovered new ideas and encouragement that I believe will make me a better "maker" long term. While reading, many gifted friends came to mind and I know this book will be an asset to them as well. Blaine says in his book that the best art moves us - and after reading his book I know this to be true. I had the chance to ask him a few questions, read on to catch his thoughts on writing, chasing what you love, and his latest itunes loves. {And please give yourself this gift and buy this book, I know you will be so glad you did!}

SC: Share with us an example of an artist who inspires you.

BH: "I'm really inspired by a projection artist by the name of Jenny Holzer. She creates these amazing public art pieces by projecting words onto buildings. I love it because it's meant for everyone. It doesn't require someone to buy a ticket, or come to a room. It just exists for people to encounter it. I wish artists of faith would take the approach more, actually. "

SC: What did you learn about yourself and your creativity as a result of writing UNTITLED?

BH: "To begin with, I didn't realize how much of my own advice I would have to take as I wrote. One thing I talk about in the book is my fear of the "yes," so when my friends at The Creative Collective (the book's sponsors) said they'd like to work together on a this project, I panicked. And on and on it went. Other concepts like scratching when I don't itch, or dealing with rejection, all had to be dealt with as I went through the writing process. On a much deeper level I think I learned that the hard work of creating something you hope will be meaningful to the world, finishing it, and shipping it, is worth all the effort. Perhaps that sounds cliche, but I knew that when I sent off the final draft that I had conquered the blank page (at least this time around!)"

SC: What advice would you offer to people who are on the brink turning their creative hobby into something more?

BH: "Merely that they should. We've got enough cube-fillers. We need prophets and artists who are calling us to more. But the movement towards more will always invite Resistance. This must be fought tooth and nail. We need your hobbies to become more so that we can and so you must fight!"

SC: What are a couple songs in your playlist right now?

BH: "I'm in love with an artist I just discovered named Jon Hopkins and his new album, Insides. It's this great mix of electronic music with really soulful melodies and strings. The Sun by The Naked & The Famous. I've got a secret project in mind for this song!"

Be sure to grab UNTITLED at Amazon, iTunes, and B&N, its on sale for only $4.99!

friday emersonisms

2011-08-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

"the batman face"

"Mama I want you to pick me up. Hold my whole self."

"Actually, my most favorite dinosaur is the triceratops, but I also like the playasaurus."

"When I am sixteen I will get a blue motorcycle."

"That's not just any bird - that's a baaaaald eagle!" (and for the record, no, no it was not)

great heights

2011-08-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

This week we got a little surprise in our email, our home study! This may not sound all that exciting, but in this adoption process we're learning that something like a document in the mail is a massive deal. There are so few markers of progress during the process that you have to take what you can and celebrate it. Having our home study complete is like holding a shiny silver key that opens the door to apply for grants and move on to the next step with our adoption agency - the big heartbeat being to get on a referral list for our child. (!!!)

This adoption process is unlike anything I've ever been through before. The closest I can relate it to is pregnancy. I remember feeling the enormity of change when I was pregnant with Emerson. In those last few weeks my awareness of how totally and completely our life was changing struck me with such an intensity. I was ready, but how ready can you be for something you've never experienced?

You can read all the books you want, talk to countless parents, ask your girlfriends to relay their birth stories over and over again - but until you walk through it, you can't really know. I remember those sleepless nights spent tossing from side to side knowing that this baby is coming one way or another. There is no turning back, no unchanging, you have to find a way to walk through it. And you have to trust that you have what it takes.

I am not a roller coaster person, although I really want to be. They look like so much fun from the ground and those that love them, really, truly, loyally looove them. I keep trying to make myself like them, but its that feeling as we're climbing the first loop, the click-click-click of the rails as we rise higher and higher. The inevitability of what's coming - the plunge. Oh my heart. The plunge. I can't take it. My hands get sweaty and my heart beats faster just thinking about it.

That is the feeling I had when I went into labor with my son. This is happening. Click-click-click. Other emotions were flying around as well, of course, the most exhilarating being a sense of joyful excitement. But the sensation of the unknown was prominent.

Reading through our home study, I had that same knot of excitement in my stomach. This is happening. We are getting closer. Click-click-click.

spark: mermaids

2011-08-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with them. The mystery, the sparkle, the sea. Mermaids are fueling my creative process right now.

friday emersonisms

2011-07-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, have you seen Judson Laipply's video "Evolution of Dance"? Apparently its legendary, athough my husband (being the youtube guru that he is) only recently shared it with me (being the hopelessly out of the loop gal that I am). Too much funny. But then, Emerson got in on the action. There are no words. The video below shows the result... Prepare yourselves, I still roll into hysterics everytime I watch it:

blog love

2011-07-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

When I opened my inbox a few weeks ago, I read the sweetest note from a new friend. Cara is the woman behind Bella Bambini Design, a baby planning company dedicated to creating beautiful spaces and inspiring fashionable mamas. She asked if she could share our adoption story in a feature on her blog, and I was thrilled at the collaboration! So today, reader friends, click on over to her blog (I just know you will LOVE it!) and read our interview. We share about our journey in adoption and creative ways others have partnered with us. She is also doing a giveaway for the last Ghana kids shirt and a few Safe House bracelets! I absolutely love having the chance to share and hopefully inspire others through our story. Thanks so much for all your support!

spark: rewrite beautiful

2011-07-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

I'm still so blown away at the generosity that's been on display through each of you, 'thank you' doesn't seem enough! But I do thank you, each of you, for posting, reposting, sharing, donating, and participating in our recent Give.A.Way. I heard from Kristie at Feeding the Orphans that through our giveaway we raised over $900 for the Safe House in Ghana! That is an incredible amount! If you would like to learn more about the Safe House and the many ways that lives are being changed, check out City of Refuge.

I love this Amy Poehler quote, “I get worried for young girls sometimes; I want them to feel that they can be sassy and full and weird and geeky and smart and independent, and not so withered and shriveled.” I know I see withered girls everyday, and I can't blame this on my Orange County environment (although I will say that there are women here who do seem to manage that picture-perfect image without a hint of struggle). I know this is a first-world epidemic.

We are expected to look a certain way, act a certain way, manipulate in a certain way - and we buy into this warped thinking without a fight because from the time we're little girls, we're taught that this behavior guarantees love. Women, what message are we sending to the little girls who are watching us, hungry to learn what it means to be women? Men, what message about value and worth are we sending to the women in our life?

This Saturday evening I'll be joining many talented artists in a benefit show for Rewrite Beautiful. It is an amazing organization that "is a revolution to change how girls see beauty in themselves from the superficial to the concrete with art for the prevention of eating disorders and to equip them to use their creative skills to positively impact their communities." I'm honored to be a part of it and hope that my work will speak to that end. If you're local, come on by, you can learn more details at the event page [ here ].

We have a Give. A. Way winner, or two!

2011-07-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

A big, heartfelt thank you to everyone who entered, donated, and helped raise awareness for these precious kids in Ghana - my hope is that we can all keep them in our thoughts as we look for ways to keep working for their freedom! Without further delay, I'm happy to announce our Give.A.Way winner:

Comment # 43 is: AMB Paperworks! - "donated! what an awesome way to raise funds for a fabulous cause!"

Thank YOU for entering, and congratulations on winning an amazing loot of prizes! I'll be in touch to get details so I can ship your fabulous prizes to you shortly!

And, a sneaky little surprise... I'm happy to announce a second winner, who will also receive signed copies of the books Craving Grace, Cold Tangerines, and Bittersweet!

Congratulations to comment #8, Grace Cho! I'll be in touch with you as well to work out shipping details...

Again, thank you to all who participated and especially our amazing vendors! Be sure to check out their shops and keep them in mind for the future, they not only create the most amazing items, but have incredible hearts as well! Thanks to everyone who participated :)

friday emersonisms

2011-07-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

When I asked him if he'd like a sandwich he replied, "I'm okay... I already have some cheese crackers going on in the kitchen."

"I really wish I could have a dolphin to swim with me in my pool..."

"I really miss my best buddy Shamu."

When I asked him how he got so cute he said, "Its easy-peasy, lemon-squeasy!"

He is slightly obsessed with making videos lately, he loves to record himself running, jumping, and doing other "super hero" moves. Cracks me up!

On a final note, this week we've hosted a Give.A.Way here, and its doing so well! Today is the last time to enter, click [ here ] to check out the amazing prizes involved, enter, and learn more about why we're put it together! Good luck!

fire

2011-07-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

There are times in life when it seems like the world we desire has fallen through our fingers, carelessly forgotten or damaged beyond recognition. Sometimes it is simply the course life takes, a sea change that leaves us at the mercy of thrashing waves. Sometimes it is tragic, unmeant. Sometimes we break our futures because we think we're undeserving or incapable of accepting happiness and love.

We've been born into a world, this generation, that deals with the perplexing contradiction of love and hate in every possible form and degree, all of the time. In each second they coexist, causing damage and rebuilding hope. Our prayer is that love can rebuild faster and stronger than hate can tear down.

A future abandoned leaves a lifetime of wreckage.

We must be true to ourselves, we must keep fighting for that dream. The dream is the match that ignites our gasoline hearts. It keeps us waking each day, refusing to accept that rebuilding in the name of love is an impossible, futile venture. "Do not let the hero in your soul perish in lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach." Those desires you have, the ones that seek safe harbor in your deepest heart. "The world you desire can be won." It is yours.

spark: good words

2011-07-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled with the response we're getting for our Give.A.Way, thank you to all who have entered, donated, blogged and posted about it! This is all for the sweet kids in Ghana that are desperate for those who will stand up for them and fight for their basic rights. So bless you! And if you haven't yet, click [ here ] to enter, its easy, makes such a difference, and you can WIN an amazing loot of prizes valued at over $1,500!!

Today I wanted to feature a few posters and panels that sport some great quotes, lyrics, and musings... be inspired :)