Homegrown Hospitality

Cultivating My Shape

Remember that my "word of the year" for 2011 is CULTIVATE (read more about my cultivation in the January posts)...and man am I putting the word through the ringer!!!  I have NEVER been so disciplined in so many areas of my life..especially all at once..BUT, I am taking time for each area separately.  I can not cultivate them all at once or I would definitely become a bigger "Whirling Dervish" than I already "was".  Key word..WAS.

so with that said, I am working on my "SHAPE"...both physically and spiritually and they are both tough areas to conquer.  Basically, they will never be conquered..a definite work in progress...but key word is PROGRESS...and that I am making, whew!

As of yesterday, I have been COMPLETELY gluten free for FIVE WEEKS! whoot whoot..I am pretty much eatin' like Jesus did. (except for the AWESOME Gluten Free Tortilla Chips that I am sure HE did not have) Now, let me admit, changing my diet was not a big change for me because I do not eat any dairy or red meat..but let's just say there was ALOT of BREAD & BUTTER, chips and crackers in my pantry..and on my hips!  okay, enough about that, if you have any questions, just email me.

Back to SHAPE...on the spiritual side of things..and PLEASE do not let this part frustrate you or make you want to click over to another blog..because like I have always said..IT IS NOT ABOUT RELIGION, duh...you can apply what I am saying to everyday life....

Shape stands for Spiritual gifts....Heart.....Abilities...Personality...Experience

and it is what you do with your shape that not only matters...but makes a huge difference in your life and the life of others!

Heart = interests, passions & desires

"As a face is reflected in water, so the HEART reflects the person" Prov. 27:19

 

Practice makes Perfect!

The Valentine & I have been making HUGE strides in our new practice of eating well, and we feel really good!! We visited the new Farmers Market and were able to gather a ton of yummy new fruits including pomegranate seeds and Asian Pears, along with some really good vegetables.  It has us both excited to replant the ol' Homegrown Garden soon and have found the lOVE for a new staple to the pantry..Quinoa! (Thanks Regina!)

 
I practiced my housecleaning skills this weekend as my "cardio" as well as taking a few GOOD walks (walk like you are "late"!) and man, was it refreshing..and when I was finished, and after a nap (or two!) I practiced my creative skills and that was very rewarding..try it..you'll love it!

 
Cultivating and Restoring is working well and I highly suggest that you just GET UP and do it!!! "Change is Possible..It is only the Beginning" but take it one step at a time...it is worth it!

I am glad YOU are here...

 
I am crazy creatively busy cultivating just about every single part of my life...mentally..physically..spiritually..and creatively (cutting felt like a loon!)...and although it has only been 22 days (well, since the beginning of 2011) I am feeling some shifts...seeing some changes and enjoying the process.  Hey, I am NOT saying that everyday is a rainbow...shoot..I will be the first to say that it isn't, especially when I saw the number on the scale last night as we kicked off our small group Daniel Plan...but, again, with a goal, focus, determination, a plan, desire, faith and a whole lot of dedication...this journey will be a life changing...heck, lifesaving experience.

I hope that all of this "blah blah blah" is not boring you or detouring you from coming here.  I am soooo glad that you are here and as I mentioned a week or so ago, to be a better ME for you...I need to be a better ME for GOD and a better ME for me...remember, this is a Self Intervention on ME...by ME with the power of GOD, whew! 
The one thing I could NOT do is do it on my own...and either can you.  WE all need eachother and that is why I am sharing it here..(LUCKY YOU!!!) so thank you again for still being here!

My intentions include defining, refining, underlining (well, and even crossing out) several things on my to-do list and so as I continue on...I pray that you will continue on with me.

Now, onto a few creative things...one of my best creative pals, Lain

 
is getting ready to kick off a new online class called L.O.A.D (stands for LayOut a Day) and I would LOVE for you to go check it out and have a listen to what she has to tell you about it...

http://www.layoutaday.com/layout-a-day-211/

and a little look at something that I created yesterday and am finding that I kinda LOVE to do...playing with..paint..canvas...Mod Podge (I call it Modge Podge)buttons....paper...quotes and doodles.

 
I am really trying to fine tine and finish up my Inspired Workshop and the ideas and projects keep growing!

 
Happy Saturday..

p.s. there is still time to start the Doodle 101 class, too!...just sayin!

I am a...

Jay Walking, Picture Taking, Law Abiding Citizen.

 
yep, that is me (well, my head)...taking a picture of me...(there were three others with me that I will keep anonymous because that is the kind of friend I am) breaking the law for the sake of keeping memories....well, and creating a NEW Healthy lifestyle....forever! (picture me and those other criminals, running across the street, dodging cars and I am holding up my camera backwards to "get the shot!" oh the things we do!)

I must tell you that I am a law abiding citizen to pretty much to fullest extent and have alot of respect for the police) except for when I have to jay-walk across a really big & busy street to get to the side where there is no sidewalk, to get over to the other side, in-between cars..and then walk fast..like I am late...to beat the other 6000 people for a seat (I'd do it for Bon Jovi, too!) and let me just say, that I would never be a good criminal because as I am trying to do something fast, like get across the street in traffic, while breaking the law...

I start to giggle and laugh (one of those really good hard laughs) and almost pee my skirt...NO..I did not pee my skirt..I said "ALMOST"... I was wearing jeans..and no I did not pee my pants either...I am just saying...breaking the law (Jay walking) for me, was living on the edge..and funny...I guess.  As long as you don't get a ticket.

I hope I am not busting myself with this...who knows, I may end up on one of those "dumb criminal" shows...but it was worth it because I spent almost an entire day with friends I love at a place I love...and creating some good memories, too!

Cultivating a Healthy Life

First thing this morning I am going here (and think I am going to track it all in my Project Life!!!!)

 
and in case YOU want to go...please do..or...if you do not live local (or want to stay home in your jammies)....YOU can watch it live..online here (and you can make things while you watch it) It is time to get into shape..mentally, physically, spiritually...creatively...for good...http://saddleback.com/thedanielplan/

and OH, speaking of creatively...take a little peek what I made from the NEW goodies coming from Epiphany Crafts (more peeks next week!)

 
It is time..let's do this!