For over 6 years, this blog has been all about the love of home, family, neighbors & friends, being a mom of boys, homegrown gardens, handmade things from paper, fabric, batter and dough, lots of life in a little house, making things from things you already have (aka Trailerpark Martha), the trials of laundry and matching socks and teaching creative classes that incorporate almost all of the above (except for the laundry) because it is what I love to do...and because I get to do it for a living, I am blessed.
For the past few years, I have really dug deeper into faith, reminded myself and others of the things I forgot to remember and have infused my love for the Lord into my everyday blogging as well as in the things I doodle & teach. I am blessed to have the freedom to do this and blessed to have readers that embrace it...so Thank you.
It is what keeps me going, keeps me balanced and in-check (well and a big ol' egg with the word PURPOSE on it!)
Throughout the years, there have been many changes, tremendous growth in relationships, faith, business and life, big & ugly setbacks, a few too many forks in the road, lots of happy heart filled creative moments, being brave and courageous when I did not think I had it in me, and plain ol' day to day moments in between, and for that I am blessed.
Right now, things are moving forward one minute, up & down the next and sometimes, even backwards. I have been learning that when you combine everyday life with purpose, creating art, sharing faith and doing laundry, sometimes the lines get crossed and blurred.
Right now, as I type, I am working towards creative decisions, website & blog education and super cool new on-line classes and I just want to Thank You for your continued support, love and for hanging in there with me.
My goal this year was to educate myself, and one of the first things I was going to do was take your classes :) I am looking forward to your new very cool online classes!
Posted by: Lisa | April 11, 2012 at 07:25 AM
What a lovely post <3
Congratulations Stephanie!!! I'm your big fan and I check your blog daily. Wishing you lots of love and creative moments all along, D.
Posted by: Darija | April 11, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Awwww....thank YOU. For constant happy inspiration. And being yourself :)
Posted by: Kirsten J | April 11, 2012 at 03:41 PM
Thank YOU, Stephanie! I enjoy your blog, your art, your class but most especially that you have made my mornings a happy with your writings.
Posted by: Pam | April 11, 2012 at 04:29 PM
No. Thank YOU!
Posted by: Kim L. | April 11, 2012 at 05:31 PM
I find myself in a place where I am being drawn back to home, to art, to focus on God and my family...and don't know that I will ever get where I need to be. Teaching consumes me...it rules my world and i don't know how to do it in a way that is any easier. So in my search of the slower pace where I can actually see the flowers that I should stop and smell, I find you. I have been lurking here and there and have signed up for a class or two...maybe when summer comes around I will be able to catch up before I am sucked up by the vicious cycle of another school year and all of it's demands.
You are an inspiration, Stephanie. I enjoy your words, your art. Keep it coming. God bless you! ~~god bless you
Posted by: Cheridoodle | April 11, 2012 at 08:32 PM
I've only recently discovered you and your blog, but I am loving what you do here and inspired by it. Maybe I am noticing it because it is where I am at the moment, but there seems to be quite a few people working towards decisions and thinking about purpose. Thank you for what you do.
Posted by: Carolyn Phillips | April 12, 2012 at 01:09 AM
I came across your blog about 1 month ago by accident. It has been the best "accident" ever. Since finding your blog, i have been visiting and re-visiting. Quite simply - I love your blogs. I have enjoyed reading what you have written, you have a wonderful and realistic outlook on life, your faith is nourishing for my soul, and you drawings, craft, artwork is very inspiring. I feel as if i know you, and like a friend, I enjoy coming back to your site to see what you have been creating, and how life is going for you. You are awesome! So, thank you for taking the time to inspire others with your God given talents. God Bless You!
Posted by: Bonnie | April 12, 2012 at 03:19 AM
can you give a few tips on the "book" you posted about in your last post? I've tried a few but they don't seem to come out the way I want. Do you use one sheet of cardstock as a page? I tried adhering two and it seems like they don't "stick" together right. Thanks so much, as always! Hugs!
Posted by: SusanC | April 12, 2012 at 07:10 AM
I love visiting here again and again and again!
Posted by: Colette | April 12, 2012 at 10:28 AM
Sounds as if "SOMEONE" is trying to steal your JOY!!! Don't let 'em....What you do here means so much to so many...me included. I look forward to having my coffee with you each morning!!! Keep smiling...remember...Don't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch!!! ~J~
Posted by: Josie | April 12, 2012 at 11:38 AM
thanks for all you do, Stephanie! love and hugs!
Posted by: Anita Van Hal | April 12, 2012 at 12:43 PM
I agree with so that have posted ahead of me. I love your inspiration, your joy, your honesty, your gift for sharing, I have taken a few of your classes since I've found your links. Plan on taking more~♥ I will proudly be one of the good apples! ♥Td
Posted by: terri d | April 12, 2012 at 12:55 PM
*♥*
Posted by: Lara | April 13, 2012 at 01:58 AM