In The Garden : Flourish

Whenever I get the chance, I walk out into our backyard to spend time admiring the fauna and flora which my husband puts a lot of his time and effort caring for within the last 4 years that we’ve lived here. I find myself mesmerized by how beautiful our garden is flourishing. 

For 9 months out of the year, the tubers of these Dahlias lay buried in their pots awaiting for summer to bloom again. When they do, it brings so much color and life into our home when we arrange them in vases, with the exception of this single flower below, which was the size of a dinner plate. It’s pretty spectacular isn’t it?
Here is a photo of my niece, Arielle, holding one of our white Dahlias that is actually bigger than her head! This one is the biggest that I’ve seen them grow so far. I wonder, can they grow any bigger than this?
Check out this red + white striped Dahlia, really cool! This is the most unique one out of the whole bunch. It’s not my favorite, but it’s one that stands out from the rest and it just makes you stop and think how wonderfully amazing these flowers can get with so many varieties, colors, shapes, and sizes.

I can only cherish them for a little while longer until they begin to go back to their slumber in early October. If they only could last all year long, but then I wouldn’t truly appreciate them the way I do now…

~Dahlia

Short but sweet…

Soli, was our first puppy that we welcomed into our family for only a short amount of time. When he arrived, we had high hopes that he would stick around for a very long time. Little did we know, that it was just not the right timing for our family to care for this wonderful dog. I will explain in just a little bit.
First, let me ask you… Have you ever jumped into something you were so sure would work out and you only made the decision to do it because you felt in your heart that it was something that would make you or someone happy? OR have you ever taken a chance on something that you expected to be successful, but never really knew if you had what it took to make it happen? Well, that’s exactly what happened with Soli. :(
A friend of mine, my former boss, contacted me about Soli and when we saw his picture, we were instantly in love with him. Soli was with another family who was temporarily caring for him, but needed a home and hearing that he has been house trained, went to training school, is neutered, and up to date with all his vaccinations, it just felt like the perfect dog for us because I didn’t have a lot to deal with as far as training goes or so I thought and the fact that most of his medical needs were taken care of. My boys have been begging to have their very own puppy for the longest time and I thought to myself that this “could be” the one. I sought advice from other friends and family who have dogs and got mixed opinions, but overall, I was still determined that it would be all good and gravy. What could go wrong? After all, if others can do it, so can I, right? Nope, not necessarily.
So the first day, Soli got along really well in his new surroundings and he seemed to love it in his new home. We made sure he was fed and took him out for walks in the morning and in the evening. During the day he followed me like a shadow all around the house and loved to curl up by my feet. As I searched the web to learn all about taking care of dogs, I was amazed at just how little I know about their needs for discipline, socialization, and affection. My perspective of how to treat and care for dogs were slightly off. Of course, I know how to give affection, but I had much to learn about how to discipline and socialize them around other people and other dogs. At that point, I became aware that Soli needed more than I had expected. It was just like raising another child to a certain extent. Even though I thought he was just the perfect puppy and my heart was smitten by this gorgeous dog, I began to question whether I was ready to make that sacrifice. 
A couple days later, I noticed that Soli was becoming a little hyperactive and started to lose his temperament when it came to being around my boys. He was especially more aggressive with my youngest, Lucas, being that Lucas was so full of energy all the time. He must of saw him as another playmate and would jump and chase Lucas all over the house and when I would step in to stop them, Soli would bolt at me with a growl. My boys began to feel fearful and uncomfortable around Soli, which of course can easily be sensed by dogs and only accentuates their aggression as I read somewhere. I also noticed that Soli would be jealous whenever I would show the slightest affection with Lucas. The moment I would hug and hold Lucas on my lap, Soli would jump and try to get in between. Soon after, Soli no longer listened to me or my commands, but chose my husband as his “master” or “pack leader”, which posed an issue because my husband was at work all day. So, getting Soli to behave and remain calm became a huge challenge for me.
That night, as I was changing Lucas, I noticed a dark bruise on his hip and looked closely to find that they were bite marks that weren’t deep enough to draw blood, but painful to look at. I was shocked that it had happened, but most of all, upset that Lucas did not stop to tell me. Obviously, it didn’t hurt him enough to make him cry and come running to me, but I couldn’t help but wonder if it had been worse, what then? As much as I wanted to let it slide, I just knew I can’t ignore this and just wait for another accident to happen. It’s definitely something that could be corrected through proper training and discipline, but I knew that I didn’t really have the time, energy, or commitment let alone the money, to hire a professional or buy the self-help materials to do that. And even having to remind and refrain my sons over and over again to not jump, run, or scream around Soli, can be exhausting. They are kids after all, so what can I do? My husband and I were struggling with mixed feelings about letting Soli go, but we knew that at this time in our lives, we just weren’t ready for the task or the challenge to give the attention that Soli needs and deserves, especially while our boys are still young. 
We also thought that we were ready for this new addition and added responsibility, but in reality Soli deserved more than we can give him. I, myself, thought I could handle it being a stay-at-home mom, but realized that I’m already facing challenges trying to balance my life with two young boys, with the oldest just ready to enter Kindergarten, which is a big adjustment for me in itself. Being naive, I was sure that it wouldn’t be that difficult to manage having a family dog. The truth is, I couldn’t do it all by myself without the support of my husband who is at work most of the time and without the proper knowledge, patience, and consistency that is required.
After returning Soli the other night, I didn’t think it had any deep affect on me, but the moment I came home, my husband and I shed a few tears over the fact that we had grown to really care and love Soli. It was pretty awkward, but it was our first puppy as a family. Even Josiah, my five year old, took it really hard and cried his heart out. It was Josiah who really showed the most excitement when we first got him and now he was the one who begged to not let Soli go. He said, “Mom, can we please keep Soli forever?! I love him!! I’ll help you take care of him and feed him. Just tell me what you want me to do. I will clean up my room. Please Mom?” I broke in tears just to hear him say that and to witness my son react with such remorse and sorrow, but we believed that it was the best thing, not just for our family, but for Soli. 
It’s crazy to think that a dog would have such an impact on a person in such a short amount of time. I wanted him to grow old with us, you know? Sigh. At times, I get extremely disappointed for even allowing myself to get carried away from the get go and assume that everything would work out to our advantage. It was hard enough letting Josiah down and having to see him go through this little heartache. But, I realized that if I would have never decided to take Soli in the first place, we wouldn’t have had this experience which allowed us to learn and respect dogs or any other pet for that matter and to also honor and respect other pet owners who willingly and selflessly make every effort to ensure that their pets are taken good care of. I used to wonder why people would go so far to rescue or protect an animal. I just never understood how people got so connected to them that they would do whatever it took to make them safe, healthy and happy. But now I can honestly say, that I do know and do understand fully…

Even though it wasn’t meant to be for us, Soli gave us a chance to open our hearts in learning how to share our love as well as show compassion towards animals and how wonderful and beautiful it really is. I know that there will be another day and another time where we can finally be ready and fully prepared for a puppy we can really call our own. Until then, we are forever grateful for Soli….

xoxo,
Dahlia

Pages of My Heart | Josiah Vol.1.1

Josiah | Vol.1.1

Recently, Paislee Press + One Little Bird, created this beautiful collaboration–Storyteller available at Oscraps. Because I do love telling stories and love making pages that reflect pieces of my heart, I could not resist getting a hold of this new release. It’s soft, subtle, and very impressive with their unique elements and papers. It immediately sparked the idea of starting a baby book for my children, beginning with my oldest son, Josiah. Now, I’ve made a traditional baby album a very long time ago, but this one is going to be digitally designed where I can have it printed into a hardbound photo book and I also can make not just one copy, but multiple, which is one of the great advantages of digital scrapping. :)

So, this is going to be my debut post of my first layout for Josiah’s Baby Book. Noticed I wrote it as Vol.1.1 = Page 1 of book 1, because hoping that I can create a collection of his life as he grows up and faces the different stages of his childhood up until he reaches complete independence. By then, it will be another chapter. I am going to also be doing one for my son, Lucas. If I can manage to do both at the same time, then I will have really accomplished more than I would have expected. In reality, it’s going to take one day at a time + one photo at a time, a lifelong journey if you will, but one that is worth every second.

xoxo,
Dahlia

A Love Letter

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path” 
Ps119:105

One night I was laying in bed, unable to sleep. Feeling this heaviness that I couldn’t explain. We were back from our trip to Napa and though I had an awesome time, coming back to reality and the challenges that I face everyday, were starting to overwhelm me.

So I picked up the Bible and read a few pages. Then I noticed one of the books on my nightstand was an old Hymn book that was given to me by my grandmother. I flipped through the pages, searching for songs that I was familiar with like “Amazing Grace”. But then, I took some time to look at ones that I never heard of and began to read the lyrics which didn’t occur to me that I’d find myself weeping. These words were like poetry spoken in a way that reflected how I was feeling at the moment. Discouraged. Anxious. Insecure. Inadequate. Distressed. But, it also gave me comfort, healing, and hope. It felt like an invitation from God to just leave it all to Him and not lose heart that in whatever I am going through, He understands and cares…

What really hit home to me was a small devotion that said “A Letter” written on one of the pages. I know that whoever wrote this, probably felt just as I did at the moment….

Dear Child,

Lately I have noticed that the noise and pressures of the world and the demands of your commitment have left you exhausted and discouraged.

I just want you to know that in it all, I am with you. Draw from Me. Let Me give you peace deep down where the world can never touch it. Make My words a part of you and they will make you strong. Whisper them to the morning…repeat them when the sun is low…draw from them in the heat of the day. Here are My words: “I have something very special for you…a gift that is peace of mind and heart. And this peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives So don’t let your heart be troubled and don’t let it be afraid. Just remember that all I am and have is yours if you’ll just learn to trust Me.” 

With all my Love,

Father

I went to bed with tears on my pillow, but I awoke the next morning with renewed strength and confidence. Being that I know a lot of people who struggle with feeling overwhelmed, weary, and discouraged was what enacted me to post about this. Hope whoever reads this, will find that peace waiting for them as they come to acknowledge the love and grace of our Father in heaven…

Peace and love,
Dahlia

Napa Valley Getaway | Part 2

The grounds at Viansa Winery were gorgeous! It has this fairytale like setting which you would only dream about in a love story or maybe find at a magical place, like Disneyland except very quiet and less crowded. Surrounding the venue, were several sitting areas that had elegant patio tables and chairs. The architecture and landscaping resembles that of Tuscany which we found out as part of its history. We then went up a walkway that led us to the Marketplace which sits on a hill and overlooks the valley of Sonoma and Napa Counties. Did I say it was GORGEOUS? 

the Villa
its like a fairytale
a fountain
sitting by the fountain
green grapes
walking to the marketplace
rustic beauty
very romantic 
beautiful scenic view
the marketplace also offers deli and gourmet foods
ready for wine tasting
red, red, wine
our sommelier 
a sip of an excellent cabernet
salute
feeling happy
wine cellar
our favorites: piccolo sangiovese 05, frescolina (dessert wine) + cabernet franc 04
enjoying pistachio gelato on the outdoor patio
Rob and I have never been wine tasting before and we loved not only the experience, but it opened up our knowledge and understanding about how wine is to be enjoyed, with careful moderation of course, but also appreciated learning about the history behind it, the healthy attributes that it offers and its distinct flavors and richness which is carefully crafted and designed by the types of grapes, the methods used, and the expertise by prestigious individuals who have inherited the winery through family generations or passed on into hands of passionate wine connoisseurs. 
After our wine tasting, we perused the marketplace and sampled gourmet cheeses, olive oils, and balsamic vinegars which were all fantastic. Wishing we had enough money on hand to purchase all of our favorites, we were happy enough to bring home some creamy brie cheese and this rich full bodied balsamic vinegar which was barrel aged, giving it this light consistency of syrupy goodness. Delish. As soon as we got home, we bought some rustic french bread, heated it up in the oven to make it crispy, yet soft and chewy in the inside, and dipped it with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Amazing…
The best part of this visit, was sitting outdoors on their patio, eating gelato ice cream.:) Rob and I spent such a wonderful time connecting, bonding, smiling at each other, laughing, daydreaming, inspiring and motivating one another, but most of all, feeling so blessed for this memorable experience that we both shared together on my birthday. Staring out into the view, we both felt breathless at such natural beauty and the perfect weather made it even more enjoyable. Coming from the foggy coast, who wouldn’t love the warm sun in your face? We would love to come out here more often or maybe even retire in this hidden gem of California one day…
I didn’t have the chance to take photos of our next destination, Greenhaus Spa, where we both enjoyed a much needed therapeutic massage and where I also got to throw in a mini facial. We could have used the services at our hotel, but from the reviews on Yelp, this place had a great reputation and cost less. Let me just tell you, we came out super duper relaxed and my face was glowing like never before…well, since I got married at least and pregnant with both my babies, but you know what I mean. :)
Then lastly, to end this beautiful day, we had a nice dinner in downtown Napa at a spanish tapas restaurant called ZUZU. The space was very homey and comforting as well as the food. The portions however were a bit small compared to the moderately high prices, but the experience of it all was worth it. The menu featured dishes that incorporated fresh, organic ingredients that are locally grown and in season and also incorporated the influence of South and Central America, the Mediterranean, and little bit of Southeast Asian but fused with a touch of Californian inspiration. I guess that’s what you call Fusion Cuisine, right?
corn chowder
roasted fingerling potatoes, spring onions, and carrots w/green garlic cream
sonoma coast lamb chops w/moroccan bbq glaze, mint + curry oil
and last, but not least….
paella w/rabbit + chorizo
Now that I’ve come back to reality, I’ve been daydreaming of another Napa getaway…. Soon, very soon….
Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoyed this post! 
xoxo,
Dahlia

Napa Valley Getaway | Part 1

For a few days, Rob and I took a little drive up northeast from the San Francisco bay area to Sonoma and Napa Valley to celebrate my birthday. Before checking into the hotel, we attended an orchestra concert for the first time. At the 5th Annual Festival del Sole, Joshua Bell (“named the 2010 Instrumentalist of the Year by Musical America”), Jean-Yves Thibaudet (“one of most sought after pianists”), Alondra de la Parra (“one of the most compelling conductors of her generation”) and the Russian National Orchestra (“one of the world’s top orchestras”) performed at the Lincoln Theatre in Napa Valley. 
This symphony experience was unforgettable and I have no words to describe the beautiful music that was orchestrated so brilliantly by these musicians, nor will I ever be able to grasp how deep it resonated in my soul. It was heavenly and inspiring. Simply stunning is all I can say…. I do have another post dedicated to this experience in the works:)
Lincoln Theatre 
the lagoon outside our hotel room @ the Gaia Hotel

the friendly duck that came over to say hello

the boon fly cafe @carneros inn

fresh bottled water

gulp, gulp, gulp

crab cake for me…yum!

kobe burger for my hubby
the vineyards
ahh, so bountiful
our destination 
welcome to viansa
More photos of part 2 to come:) Thanks for looking!
xoxo,
Dahlia

Thirty Five Things

The other day as I was brushing my hair, I noticed something. Something that really caught me by surprise that it took me awhile to get a hold of myself before I finally let out a big groan of discontentment. I was a little shocked. Okay, maybe I was stunned. There, right in the middle of the top of my head, was a gray strand of hair. *GASP* My jaw literally dropped to the floor. Really, is this when it all begins? Do I need to stock up on hair dye? Thinking of one of my aunties, I had to laugh because I recalled watching her pull out her gray hairs with tweezers as she frantically searched for each and every one of them. It was hilarious to me. But, I guess I can’t laugh about that now, can I?. Hahaha! No, I’m not about to start finding my tweezers. Nope. Uh uh. Not me. Hehe… And for those of you who know which auntie I’m talking about, shhhh, okay?
Thirty five years of my crazy life has passed. Whoa. I admit, I’m totally feeling old, but at the same time I feel great about my age. I used to bicker about how I wish I could be 21 years old all over again, but as I matured, I’ve actually grown to appreciate every year and look forward to the next. When I think about how far I’ve come and everything I’ve been through, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I thank God for leading me and guiding my steps to receive so many blessings that I never would have expected. Being a mom and wife, is one of the greatest blessings in my life. Family and true friends are such priceless gifts. Every year that goes by, I can only seize these moments and live them with gratitude. One day, I know that our time will come to leave this earth and all I hope to leave behind for my loved ones is a legacy of love and faith that will be a blessing to them. And it all makes sense to me why I’m here… Well, not all. But, I at least know that I have a purpose. We all do….
For me, as I get older, life becomes more and more beautiful to me. Loved ones become more and more precious, while material things become less and less significant to me. Time becomes more and more valuable then ever before, therefore the choices I make and the things I do are taken more seriously. I’ve gained so much wisdom and understanding to questions I have pondered for so long and am finally able to see a bigger picture then before, when I was too young and too blind to see. For a long time, I was extremely timid and shy, always afraid to be myself and cared too much about what others thought of me. Now, I’ve come to embrace who I am and be more confident in my own skin, even though they are marked with scars of my past. I’ve come to acknowledge my self-worth and learn to value the person that God created me to be. I also desire and try my best to see the good in everyone and not focus on their weaknesses or mistakes. Over the years, I’ve become less self-centered and less self-dependent, but always trusting and relying on God. I can’t help but to reach out to those who are hurting or in need, always willing to lift them up in prayer or offering my love and support. Regardless of what my circumstances are in life, I pray that I can be an example of someone who rises up faith and chooses to stand firm till the end. Most of this has to do with the fact that I am a Mother and a Wife, who desires all the best for my family. But, all of this has to do with the fact that I have Jesus in my heart. Because of Him, I am a better person, I am whole. I do not mean perfect, but one who is no longer a broken vessel, but an instrument that is constantly molded and perfected in His hands as He uses me daily.
I want to end this post by saying, regardless of what age you are or when you cringe at the thought of getting older, COUNT your BLESSINGS and embrace your life as a beautiful masterpiece that God is molding together… That is what helps me keep my focus on how the little things in life, good and bad, make up the big things that makes you very special, builds your character and faith, and makes your story worth telling to others who may need to be encouraged and uplifted.  Life is a gift and once you really acknowledge that, you will find it easier to not take anything or anyone for granted.:)
So, gray hairs are not threat to me. Just a reminder that I need to cherish life and the people I love more and more each day and continue to focus on what really matters….
THIRTY FIVE THINGS
I am thankful for + cherish these things in life so far in no particular order:

  1. The gift of motherhood and the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom so I can witness all the wonderful moments and milestones of my kids’ life.
  2. For my boys. They are my heart, my life, my everything. They are God’s precious gifts to me. They give me reasons to live and be thankful each and every day. They are my reward as they are always seeking to shower me with hugs, kisses, handwritten love letters, i love yous, and even prayers. 
  3. Being a wife that is loved unconditionally by someone who is sweet, funny, genuine, sincere, faithful and extremely passionate about God and his family. Oh, his garden too.:)
  4. Reconnecting with special friends, forming new ones, and building relationships with friends who are genuine and real.
  5. Waking up to another day, another week, another month, another year. Tomorrow is not promised.
  6. The creative talents and gifts that God has placed in me to inspire and share with others. 
  7. For the invention of cameras which gives us the ability to capture those special moments in time, objects, places, and people that we love and cherish.
  8. Books written by so many encouraging and inspiring authors that contribute to my passion for writing and telling my story. The Bible being my most favorite:)
  9. The power of forgiveness. Though I’m still learning to forgive, I have found that when I do, I am more at peace and I can move forward.
  10. The gift of soul mates. The ones who don’t judge you or condemn you when you need them the most. The ones who cry, laugh, mourn, rejoice, pray with you and never take you for granted. The ones who help you rise when you fall. The ones who never let anything come between two of you, even if time or distance is a factor, nothing ever changes and you always pick up where you left off. 
  11. The sweet innocence, purity and faith of a child. They always seem to put me in check.
  12. The number 11. Yes, it’s a special number to me for so many reasons.
  13. The prayers and support of my church family who have prayed me through to receive healing and blessing in my life. 
  14. For my HUGE close knit family and relatives. Always a blessing whenever we get together. It never gets old and we never get tired of being crowded at parties. 
  15. The challenges that teach me to stand firm and stretches my faith. My faith wouldn’t even exist if I hadn’t gone what I went through. 
  16. The simple pleasures in life like a warm blanket, a cup of water, food, showers, shoes to walk in, a book to read, a roof over my head…. things we often take for granted until we see those in need, barely surviving without these things.
  17. The chance to travel to the Philippines when I was 23 with my grandmother and relatives. She paid my way so I can see the hardships they went through. One of the GREATEST life-changing experiences I ever had.
  18. Being named after the Dahlia flower. See pictures of them in my previous post here.
  19. Coffee. Love me some coffee in the morning and sometimes afternoon and night, with hazelnut creamer.
  20. For Rooibos Tea. Rich with antioxidants. Favorite tea that hubby and I drink right before bedtime :)
  21. The joy that cooking brings and how I love to entertain and cook for my family. Food is a powerful way to connect and nurture relationships. Who doesn’t love food?
  22. Living my dream and watching it grow as work hard to become a better graphic designer, photographer, storyteller, memory preserver.
  23. Sharing bible stories, singing songs, and praying with my kids. The things that they pray for are direct and simple–“Thank you Jesus for loving me. I love you Jesus. Help us to grow and be good.”
  24. Knowing so many inspirational, encouraging, motivational, and empowering individuals that have spoken truth and positive words into my life and forgetting ones who spoke negative words over my life.
  25. Our car being paid off last year and only one credit card left.
  26. God’s provisions that He has faithfully provided for me to be a stay-at-home mom and the means to have more than enough on only one income.
  27. Miracles that I’ve witnessed in my life and in others. Miracles do happen! If it weren’t for some of these miracles, I would not even be here.
  28. Witnessing or experiencing pain and suffering, sorrow and grief, disappointment and setbacks, sickness and death… Because now, I can also experience and appreciate health and comfort, peace and joy, forgiveness and acceptance, healing and a new life. I wouldn’t know how to cope if I didn’t go through hard times…
  29. Silent moments. Life can be so filled with so many voices. But in the silent I only hear one voice that comforts and reassures me that my life is in His hands. Fear and worry is washed away and replaced with hope.
  30. Being able to accept that people, places, and things change. But that LOVE never changes. God is love.
  31. Growing more to love people as they are and not because what they can do. I never want my kids to think that they need to earn love by having to be perfect or how much they can achieve. Love is unconditional. 
  32. Still being able to have FUN. Good times with friends and family are priceless. Laughter is the best medicine!
  33. Little reminders that I need to slow down and not rush through life or I might miss the little details that make up the big things that matter. Sometimes we want things done right now or that our needs should be met instantly so that everything in life can be perfect. But, I realize that God’s timing is always perfect. We don’t understand that until we see some of the blessings that could not have been possible if we were to have certain things our way or prematurely.
  34. Taking the time to invest in ME. If I don’t, it would be difficult to lend myself in serving my family, friends, and others… I need time to be refreshed and be revived so I can continue doing what I love, for those I love, and for the purpose I’m called to fulfill.
  35. MOST OF ALL…. For my salvation and the personal relationship that I have with Jesus Christ, not a religion, but an intimate relationship where He has answered so many prayers and given me so much hope in my darkest moments. For His love that has carried me through it all and beyond. When the world may seem to fall apart or when people have turned their backs on me, He has always been right there to show me compassion and mercy. When I have done wrong or feel like I’ve lost hope, He has always showed me His grace so that I can trust Him to have complete control. When I’ve grown weary and tired of the chaos in life and suffered hardships or sorrow, He has restored my soul and strengthened my heart to persevere and not give up. Most of all, the Lord has spared me from so much that I can and will never forget. So, I give Him all the glory and all the praise!
I’m touched beyond words by all the blessings and birthday wishes I’ve received. The past few days were amazing and I will be sharing about our little getaway to Napa Valley in a bit. I had such a memorable experience and the scenery was breathtaking. Will post some photos soon…
God Bless!
Xoxox,
Dahlia

Birthday Sale | 35% Sale Coupon @ Little Dreamer

Hey friends!

I’m having a BIRTHDAY SALE! Turning another year older younger is something to CELEBRATE… I have a lot to be THANKFUL for and sharing this day with you with a sale is one of the ways that I want to express how very grateful I am… So, take advantage of this coupon code starting tomorrow and enter it at checkout: msbday35. The sale will go on for the entire week and expires on July, 23rd midnight (PST). Enjoy!!


In the meantime, I will be spending a few days, kidless (yes!), with my wonderful hubby in the beautiful countryside in Napa. A symphony, wine tasting, and time at the spa is exactly what this girl is looking forward to. :)  


I also will be hosting a giveaway when I get back so there is more to come!


Have a beautiful day!

Hugs,
Dahlia

Connecting to ME :)


Back in April, I wrote a post [Who Am I? | Inspired by CZ] about one of my favorite, most influential authors of all things scrapbook related, who has inspired me to become the storyteller and memory preserver that I am today, Cathy Zielske. I also wrote in that post, how I wanted share more about ME and who I AM in my pages. Um… 3 months later, I find that she is teaching a workshop called — Me: The Abridged Version — over at Big Picture Scrapbooking. AWESOME opportunity!

Big Picture Scrapbooking

So what did I do?? Jumped really high with my hands up in the air and did a high kick, cheerleader style! Hahaha, only kidding! I would seriously hurt myself if I did. No really, that is how excited I am to take this class. It begins in September for four weeks and I am loving the fact that it also includes digital templates for someone like me who loves scrapping the digital way. So, this is going to give me the kick in the you-know-what to make more pages about ME and to learn more on how to journal about the every day details of my life. It’s going to move me out of my comfort zone and maybe help me grow more confidence in journaling the stories that I want to share about me personally. What’s also really cool is that I will end up with a 28 page photo book in the end. :)

So, anyone else joining? I’d love to know if you are so we can motivate and inspire one another as we learn together. If you are, join me on Twitter or Facebook  so we can easily stay connected. :)

Countdown begins now!

xoxo,
Dahlia

Follow Your Heart | CT withdrawals….

Credits:
Yes, I scrapped another layout :) I love the feeling and I’ve missed it somewhat a lot since I have not been on any creative teams for quite a long time. Being a designer has it’s thrills and I love that, too. But, there’s nothing like telling your story and bringing your memories to life. I am a storyteller at heart. I love stories. I especially love documenting the here and now, the has been, and the hopes and dreams of what I want my future to hold. I also, as you can see in my layout, love to share pieces of my heart….
I want need to scrap more… I can’t afford not to. I’d be lost if I ever let that part of me disappear. So, I’m going to strive to get myself more in the mindset that scrapbooking, memory preserving, history making, heritage building, autobiography and photo journaling, is an essential part of my life and that my future family generations depend on it. But, how? Perhaps, joining a creative team will challenge me to do just that. Like I said, it’s been a while, but I feel it’s time I let my life shine and unleash this untapped creativity that is waiting to let loose and just flow … 
So there are few CT calls out there that I’m going to jump on and I’d be so happy to join any one, hoping they see me fit for their team :) But, one team is all I am able to commit to at the moment… Here is the order in which I am applying since their deadlines are in consecutive order. So we’ll see what happens! Wish me luck!
xoxo,
Dahlia
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