whatever

Blog

Category Archives: creativity

this week

April 3, 2016

i have been attempting to write this post for over a week but my computer is being dumb.
there seems to be a window right now where it’s working so i write. 🙂

my mind has been consumed with thoughts and planning for Camp CREATE coming up next week.
and shopping for it.
and prepping for it.
all while being a mom and that kind of stuff.
so… here are a bunch of phone pics of things that are going on recently.

best shirt ever (from hello apparel)

i finally put up the cow bust that was my grandma’s.
it hung on the side of her sink and she used it as a towel holder for as long as i can remember.
i always loved it.
and i was so happy to have it for my home.

working from home… a project that will come out in september.

annie’s first spring break.

we went to a Rend Collective concert.
have you heard of them?
we listen to them allllllll the time with our kids and some of the songs are sung at our church too.
my Rend Collective pandora station is one of my most favorites.
in this picture… i was watching the lighted beach balls that were bouncing around the crowd and never even saw that they put panda heads on. HA!
i was looking through the photos and asked “what in the world?” to talby & annie and they said “yeah… they did that for a long time mom”
oh.
i guess i was distracted.
so funny.

still trying to eat healthy.
a battle i feel i may never win because – cookies.

H.O.R.S.E. in the driveway.

spring break dinner out that just happened to be on St. Patricks Day which made for a lively crowd. (aka: drunk)

saturdays with no sports or major events are my faaaaaaavorite.
and the dogs like it too.
ha!
they get so many more opportunities to make me spill my coffee.

my friend Jenny sent me this ADORABLE wood sign for my house!
and i found a spot right away so i could see it everyday!
she has so many cute handmade signs in her shop.
i love every. single. one!

this was Easter morning.
WHAT?
we haven’t had snow in two years in our area of kansas.
and on Easter sunday annie came in our room and shouted “IT SNOWED A TON!???!” and threw open our curtains.
we were shocked!

FullSizeRender 5
FullSizeRender 7 FullSizeRender 8
it was so bizarre to have all that snow!

this was the most i did for Easter for my kids… everyone got a small chocolate bunny.

i have been “collecting” random pretty state or flower plates for a few years for maybe someday doing a big mosaic project.
but recently i was thinking of getting new dishes at home but dreading spending money on dishes that would inevidentally end up broken since the kids do all the dishes at our house… pro/con.
i realized i had tons of these dishes… they are fun to look at….they are unique… they cost .50 – $1.00 at our thrift store… i could just use these as our plates instead of buying a new set of fancy dishes.
It’s more my style anyway… eclectically unique/colorful/vintage/modern twist.
so now they are our everyday plates!
and i love them!

camp prep – making name tags.
making projects.

planning for camp looks a lot like this.
at several different stores.

and at camp since we are together for several days we give everyone their own cup.
it helps keep track of which drink is which, cuts down on dishes and it’s cute!
lots of people asked on Instagram where i got them… you can find them RIGHT HERE.

the same grandma that had the cow in her kitchen also used the phrase “happy plate” when we were good eaters and could have dessert.
and let me tell you… i was a really picky eater and they ate weird stuff.
i challenged the happy plate at every meal.
but i loved her tapioca pudding and usually ate enough to get it.
so i saw this plate in OKC and loved the memories it brought up.
and bought one for me and one my sister too.
FullSizeRender 4
marshalls and tjmaxx are my weakness.
i love finding stuff there!
like this rug… i have even brought it up to the register but haven’t bought it… yet.
it’s just so darn cheery!

my mom found me this awesome tank on Zulily.
could it be any more perfect for me?!

all that snow melted immediately… like by 5:00 it was GONE.
and spring is definitely here in kansas.
my chickens are loving the nice weather.
as much as i can assume a chicken loves anything.

i found some fun stuff while thrifting the other day.
i don’t love green glass but i love when i find something unique and that water jar was just that.
but really i just love thrifting in general.
and the flowers were from Dillons.
because it’s a nice addition to any friday.

scott went on a college visit last week (HOW?!) and these clouds were on my drive home.
deep blue and moving so fast.
i tried not think of them as some kind of metaphor for this new stage of life with my oldest son….

we got our baby fix holding craig’s cousin’s baby on friday night.
he was dreamy… never made a peep.

and my last pic for today… this was the scene i walked into after my house had been cleaned.
it’s all so C L E A N!!!
i smiled for an hour!
i have lots more i want to share but who knows what my computer will do the next week.
and camp starts in three days!
there is laundry to wash, beds to make, art supplies to organize, margaritas to make!
it’s going to be a very good week!

show hide 16 comments

add a comment

Mindy - Love Rend Collective and can only imagine the energy live and in person! I love Marshall’s and TJ Maax as well – you never know what you might find there. And your tulips – lovely.

Candice - Love your photos! Can you share your source for printing on canvas? Thank you!

beth larson - I loved this post Meg…all the great pictures etc… (my your kiddos seem to be growing in leaps in the last few months). I especially love the last pic of the cute pups in your sparkly clean house! Happy Friday,
beth

Lisa - Oh that picture of you and Annie! Be still my heart!

Jenn - so your rend collective picture…….well first love the panda heads. great…..but second the girl in the picture (her profile) looks like drew berrymore

Lindsey - Love everything about this post!

angela F Conklin - Ok, so i can’t stand it when people say *where did you get that?* and *what color is that?* BUT…………..
Lipstick color in 1st pic please!
AND
tell me about your counter tops. Granite? Marble? Quartz? Color? Make?

Angela conoil@yahoo.com

cornelia krahn - I have 20 of those state plates and I’m moving so I can’t keep them. I’d like to give them to you for all the joy you’ve brought to my life. I live in Wisconsin but will be in Newton this Thursday-Sat. Are you interested?

DLG in Mich - I bought two of those rugs at Marshall’s for the same reason – they make me happy. I got orange and teal and while they make me smile, they don’t wash up so well. The colored ‘ribbons’ come un-tucked from the tan body of the rug, if that makes sense.

Melanie Sidwell - Ooooh you know CU-Boulder is a great college town 🙂 just sayin! Also – I have collected about six of those green glass water jars (found one even with the original yellow lid). I love them and haven’t found any for a few years so I’m quite tickled you found one. I found four at a small town Nebraska thrift store, and two in different stores in Colorado. Coveting yours!

Melissa - “because cookies”… story of my life.

Rebekah Wales - That rainbow hello t-shirt is THE BEST!

Jennifer - Great post! Yes, next week is definitely going to great ;)!

Heather - Love that cow, I have the exact same one hanging beside my sink! Found it at an antique shop for $7 and felt like I won the lottery! Your pictures are always so bright and cheery, love checking in on your blog just to see all of the fun pics. 🙂

Debi meyers - Hey meg.
Pretty lipstick in photo #1!

Since I’m older than you but not as old as your grand mom, as a teen in the 70s in the Midwest I bought a similar white ceramic head to hang my bathroom towel. Not a cow, but another barn animal … Pig? Duck? don’t remember. Has same eyes. I guess they were a thing.

I collect vintage souvenir plates too. Many often have a sticker saying “not food-safe” … And often the original stickers are gone. You don’t want to be eating off a lead-based paint.

Carry on ….

Traci - I love that cute cow! Also, I feel that you are my soul sister in a lot of ways. Lover of color, lots of creative endeavors. I enjoy seeing what you write about here. Carry on and here’s to a happy and creative week!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

loving the deck…

August 1, 2015

since the beginning of july i have spent every evening (and morning) out on the deck.
all the heart eyes!

so this was our deck….BEFORE.
last summer and this summer until the beginning of july.
it was so depressing.
literally.
i would go out there and feel cruddy.

i started with flowers.
i went to find some… and in july in kansas it’s not an easy task.
Just like with most places you are supposed to start in late spring.
but i was not motivated then… i was motivated now!
so i started at home depot.
they had Pentas and basically everything else was dead – SO DEAD.
so i bought the pentas.
then i went to Menards… they had cladiums.
then to Lowes… they had black eyed susans and petunias.
then walmart… they had vinca plants and zinnias.
then to my local nursery and got all the vines and draping plants and filled in with more vinca.
i went to world market and found cushions 50% off because it’s JULY!
and target for the fun picnic blanket that i turned into a tablecloth.

i found this old cornice at an antique store in our town and thought “YES! This will help with character!”

craig hung it up for me the same day!

i blogged about our white table HERE.

the lights were also from target in the home & garden department.
to hang the lights…i could not find gutter clips in july either.
they claim they are seasonal (christmas) but i claim that is dumb… because it is.
after much discussion with a dude at Ace Hardware we decided that maybe some heavy wire would work?
and it did!
i bent wire into S shapes and bent it over my gutters and then strung the lights through.
i would have hung more but i didn’t think we had a ladder tall enough and craig wasn’t home to show me where the tall ladder was…
🙂

with all those cute details you barely notice the gigantor speakers right? (ha ha ha)
those speakers are not attractive but they ARE effective.
they are awesome for our movie nights.
maybe i will paint them?! i mean why not?! recover the black speaker with cute fabric?
anything would look better than giant black speakers.
but like i said… they work great! so they stay.
that old metal office cabinet i also found at an antique shop.
i want to paint it bright yellow but i haven’t had time yet.
and it weighs a TON so i have to be very ready because the men in family won’t want to move it twice.

i really like having mirrors in outside spaces!
they reflect more light and the views are always pretty.

i had LOTS of containers from when we redid the patio at the farm house.
(it was soooo cute and i miss that yard a bunch!)
almost all of my containers are old and junky that were other things originally… lard cans, galvanized buckets, trash cans, a bread box and a wash tub.
i bought a few BIG bags of dirt and got busy planting every container i had.

this white cabinet has been everywhere in all the houses.
it originally was an old built-in in our Illinois house basement.
it came with the green glass knobs!
for awhile it was annie’s dresser, then held our games.
it was in my craft room… the living room… my bedroom…
and now it’s on the deck!

and i am guessing some one is going to ask how i hung things up on the siding?
well… i tried to find siding clips and couldn’t.
so i decided to just hang it like i would inside… and i put a nail in the wall.
that is making most of you cringe and pass out but it’s not aluminum siding… it’s wood.
and life is about more than having perfect siding.
so i did it.
the end.
ALSO… the small signs are hung with 3M command strips.
which could be one of the worlds best inventions ever.

having chalkboards outside make for silly stuff that the kids feel like writing… right now it says “Justin Bieber 4 Life” and no one even likes Biebs anymore here so it’s just funny what will be written here.
the rainbow pillow cases were from IKEA.
the polka dot cushions are from Target… i just ordered even more.

animals
everybody loves the deck… even the grasshoppers.
🙂

every morning i wake up and have my coffee out here.
it went from the worst space in the house to AWESOME.

and i trash picked that white iron lounge chair over 10 years ago.
🙂

show hide 25 comments

add a comment

Becky Kindel - I love how you’re able to make spaces so colorful, inspiring, and inviting. And that lounge chair is the best thing ever!

Lori - Meg- I would live on your patio if I could. The transformation is amazing! I just love it!

Your blog was one of the first I started reading years ago, and it is still one of my favorites 🙂

Melissa - Love love love – it’s amazing how much color and flowers can trasnform a place

Chris - This space is so happy! How you manage to keep all those flowers looking beautiful is like a miracle to me;)

chrissi - best deck ever.

Heather - Wow! I have serious porch envy right now.

Beth - O.M.Gee I have a major girl crush on your deck right now! We have a patio space that I have been milling over ideas to make it more enjoyable and homey. This post inspires me. I’m making it happen in the coming weeks. #goals

Karina - I love your deck. I would spend all my time out there too! (Where did the cornice go in the after pic? Please tell me it didn’t fall!)

Linda - You have an amazing ability for putting together space. I love it! I wish I knew ho to pull things together like that!

Mickie - Love, Love, LOVE it! I love to spend time on our patio too but I have to admit that yours just looks SO happy! And, I can always use happy. It just makes me want to hang out there with my coffee in the morning and wine at night. The perfect beginning and ending to a day!

jen - It looks great! Now will you please come to CO and do mine? 🙂

Rachel - Absolutley goregous! I LOVE it! Toally love your sense of hunour too x

Lisa - Of all the pictures you’ve posted on Instagram and on here I never noticed the speakers until you pointed them out. Haha! I guess I’m not very observant. Or they really aren’t that noticeable. I’m sure you’ll come up with a cool way to cover them but even if you don’t they really don’t stick out.

Lisa - Love what you have done out there, it’s beautiful!

Kristin S - Fly to NC and redo my BORING deck. In five years I’ve sat out there maybe… twice?

Renee - Do you have any advice on planting so many different flowers, especially when they’re sharing a pot? And keeping them all so alive and vibrant?

amyjupin - looks amazinnnnnggggggggg!
let’s layout and work on our tans and drink taladas!

Erin - looks great!! I love every thing! Almost bought that picnic blanket at target today. It was marked down. Now I want to go back for it. Lol!

Jenny B. - Meg, you amaze me! It looks wonderful! I actually did not notice the giant speakers until you pointed them out. Then I laughed because, hello… they are huge! 🙂 I was more interested in the fact that your electrical outlet is up high, as if it was put there just for stringing lights! This post makes me want to go out and decorate our back porch! It also makes me think about using some stuff outside that’s not necessarily made for outside (like mirrors, chalkboards, and school chairs!). Love all that stuff… Also, I remember when you got the Trex patio furniture, and I searched for it on Walmart’s website, and it directed me to a giant T-Rex lawn ornament. HAHA! 🙂

El - Where are your cropped white pants/jeans from that you are wearing with the green shirt in the 4th picture? Love the beautiful flowers!

deb meyers - …and those of us who bought oodles of potted color in spring may or may not have just heaved the sad and crispy remains into the compost…

ann a - We ate at a Mexican restaurant recently that had speakers up in the corner next to the ceiling. They were painted with big bright flowers (right on the black stuff). Your deck is unbelievable! (Except I believe it bc everything you do is awesome.)

Jeanie - I think your yard is wonderful. We enjoy our deck so much too. I just ordered a cow print and am anxiously waiting on delivery. I have to admit that I saw your family last night a at Stearman. I was so freaked out. It was like a celebrity sighting. Ha! My husband said. “You could tell her how much you love her blog”. But I was too star struck. Anyway, cute green dress and your family is darling! What nice teenagers you have. You are exactly the way you represent yourself on your blog and that is neat.

natalie - i am OBSESSED. girrrrl, this is SO GOOD. p.s. i buy plastic light clips at the thrift store because you’re right – they’re seasonal & that’s just plain dumb.

Kristen - I think it looks amazing! I love all of the little touches you added, but pretty much everything you create is amazing. 🙂

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

Talby’s room

June 20, 2015

i always like peeking into Talby’s space she’s made all for herself.
13 is an age where they are figuring out what they like.. trying new styles… growing up but not too far… one direction on the wall but still has special stuffed animals on the bed.
i love 13.

i don’t think martha stewart is going to hire either one of us to make beds for her but who cares about that?
beds are for sleeping anyways.
talby enjoys organizing and having a clean space.
she gets that from her dad for sure.

of course i love her chalkboard walls because i love that she and her friends can write & draw all over it.
i like when chalk boards look loved.
she also had a bunch of photos printed from her phone (with her own money even!) and used double stick tape to put them on her small wall.
it’s adorable.

some of these were taken with a wide angle lens so they look kind of wonky.
i like her aqua color she choose for the two sides.
and then left one wall painted white.
she’s got style!

i think it’s fun to see souvenirs still in use from years ago that i gave my kids!
and recent ones too!

(btw…. Talby is not short for Tabitha, her friends just wrote that)

talby and i hung each one together – she chose where they should go.
Paint – Mint majesty by Behr
Ultra Pure White by Behr
Chalkboard paint by Rustoleum
coral & white bedspread – land of nod
mirror – hobby lobby
dresser, bed, side tables & chair – all hand-me-downs
curtain fabric – hobby lobby
“let your smile change the world” art – evie ivy crafts
“this is the day” art – hobby lobby
“one wild & precious life” print – Katie Daisy
frame – michaels
“let you light shine” hand painted wood sign – little branches shop
house for miniatures – vintage
butterfly canvas – by talby duerksen
“be brilliant” print – elissa hudson
“be your own kind of beautiful” – hobby lobby
“don’t forget to be awesome” – francescas
“you are unconditionally loved” print with deer – kal bartenski
“god loves you” print – studio mela
“live creatively” picture – hobby lobby
Peace & the shapes paintings were homemade.
rug & chandelier – ikea
twinkle lights – target

show hide 21 comments

add a comment

meredith - One of my favorite blog post you’ve done over the last 5 years. It’s so fun to get to see one of the girls rooms how she chose to decorate it. I love the wall color and all of the framework about the bed. The chalkboard wall is awesome too!

Mindy - What a sweet room! It looks like it inspires so much creativity – love it.

stacy p. - Your Talby and my Heidi are so similar. She begged for a chalkboard wall, but we had to say no since we are putting our house on the market at the end of summer. :(. We did, however, allow her to pick paint colors and she picked a color that is just like a sunset (kind of a light orange) for the ceiling and a light gray for the walls. She saw the gallery wall and we are in the process of putting that together…I can always fill in nail holes! Cute room! Thanks for sharing…

Julie - I LOVE this room! It has spirit and style…great colors and patterns… and it makes me wish I had chalkboard paint on my wall as a 13 year old! Thanks for posting this!

jen - Love this!! It’s been great inspiration for my daughter and I as we finish up her room. The collage wall has been stumping us and Talby’s is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

Kathy - This is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and totally makes me want to make over my daughter’s rooms now!!

Lisa - I love the entire room, especially the gallery wall! I used to have that EXACT same wooden house for displaying a portion of my thimble collection. It brings back so many memories seeing it again. It’s over 30 years old. She has an amazing style!

Susan - So sweet to see her passion for art and her obvious love of God…good job Talby!

Jenny B. - The gallery wall is my favorite! And… Talby is not supposed to be that grown up! I think she was only 8 or 9 when I started reading your blog, and that is just crazy. I love how you’re celebrating the now. You know that quote, “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” 🙂

Christy - Love it, all of it! Especially the chalkboard & collage walls. She did a great job making it he own space.

Janelle - Can you do all the kids rooms? Would love to see the boys rooms for some boy ideas 😉

Wendy C - Thank you so much for blogging about Talby’s room – perfect timing as my soon-to-be 13 year old and I are just planning a redo of her room as our summer project. The paint color is perfect – we just started looking at colors and who knew there were so many shades of mint green!

Sara - Such perfect timing! Ever since you posted a pic of Talby writing on her chalkboard wall, I have wondered what her room looked like! Thank you for sharing! My 13 yr old twins want to “redecorate” their shared room. I will definitely show them this post to encourage them to go for it!

Kelly - Love it! Nice work, Talby. Takes me back to my own room as a teenager…many moons ago. I hope I can be the cool mom who hands over the reigns for teenage room design to my daughter. My parents did that for me, and it was good for me and for them!

Wendy C - Thanks so much for posting this! Love Love Love Talby’s room! My daughter wants to redecorate her room as our summer project and this provides so many idea – especially the perfect mint color paint. We just started looking at paint colors this weekend and who knew there were so many shades of mint out there!

Simone in New Zealand - Love it! She has great style. My daughter is nearly 11 and is always experimenting on her room too (she asked me to do a room makeover for Christmas gone and switched from aqua and pink to black and white with pink and gold accents). x

Lori - I love Talby’s room! Super cute!

tere - Nice work Talby. Your room is perfectly perfect. 😉

Nicole - My daughter has a very similar color on her wall. We kind of stopped decorating when we got done painting. I’ve just been inspired to continue!

Lisa - So adorable! She really does have style–and at such a young age! 😉

Kelly - Awesome job, Talby! Makes me want to go hunting up photos of my room when I was 13! Such a fun time. Megan, if you have pics of YOUR room at 13 how fun would that be to post?! 🙂

I love all of the verses on the chalkboard wall! And “cats scare me”. 🙂 Kelly

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

i like this.

November 2, 2013

fall1 fall2 fall3 fall4 fall5 fall6
halloween always seems a little crazy don’t ya think?
but at the end of the day it always feels like it was fun…. right?
we painted our pumpkins instead of carving because of time.
and i like doing it 1000 times more that way anyway.

my trick-or-treaters got bunches of candy and were completely exhausted at bedtime.
perfect!

fall is so beautiful here in kansas.
i never feel like i appreciate it enough.
i try but how can we really grasp it all? it is GORGEOUS all around us!
and changing literally by the minute.
i was reminded again that fall is my favorite season.

we are headed for a hike in the woods today to soak it up while we can.

happy saturday!

show hide 6 comments

add a comment

Rach - I cannot wait for a little true Fall next weekend! Yay!

Erin Shannon Thibodeau - As a mom who has lived through this (26 and 22 year old)… Separate the ideas….Pumkins either early October or after dh fact..Haloween

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I like your people.

Amy K. - I was all set to rue the day I ever thought of making my kids’ costumes until my oldest said, “I’m so glad you’re the kind of mom who spends time making exactly the costume we want instead of making us choose something at the store.” Well played, kid, well played!

tara - i love those painted pumkins.

we didn’t paint or carve this year.
but, we did have 4 other families over and we had a big pot of chili with all the fixins’ and then we all walked the neighborhood together for trick or treating…so much fun.

enjoy that hike! fall is my favorite, too! for sure!!!

happy weekend.

Kristin S - I know I might look ridiculous, but I wish they made Annie’s leggings/tights in grown-up size. I love them!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

10 minutes.

October 31, 2013

God and i were talking this morning and it basically went like this:

ME:
i feel like crap.
i want to sleep for days.
why do i have to be awake?
why do i have to work?
why do i have clean up?
i don’t want to.
why do i have to exercise?
it’s cold. ugh it’s raining! on halloween!
oh this is the worst.
i want to eat cookies. it is so unfair that i can’t eat cookies all day long.

GOD:
how about you work on your bible study lesson. you seem like you are grumpy.

ME:
well of course i am grumpy!
everyone is so lame and hurts my feelings and makes me mad.
and i am tired.
and hormonal.
and there is so much to do because life is full AND it’s halloween!!!!
we never carved the pumpkins that i bought. what a waste of money!
how will i possibly not eat all that candy tonight!???
and i didn’t buy the boots that annie wanted for her costume.
and i have to miss scott’s football game.
and talby needs her headband made.

GOD:
start your lesson.

ME:
i am cold.
i need another cup of coffee.
and a blanket.
and my sweater and slippers.

15 minutes later….

GOD:
why don’t you start on that lesson now?

ME:
oh alright!!!!

and of course it was awesome and perfect and a great attitude adjustor.
then as i finished the questions the light changes in the room & the cloudy gross weather is suddenly BRIGHT!
it got SO shiny and bright where i was sitting and i immediately felt the need to capture it.
that feeling i try not to ignore.
the push to create something… or appreciate something in front of me.
and so often now just try to get a quick capture on my phone camera.
that is lazy! it is easy and helpful but also lazy.
but my phone was on 7% battery this morning (oops i forgot to plug it in last night)
so i got out the big mama camera, threw on talby’s shoes by the door & went out to catch the light.

AMAZING!
i felt great… there is something so rad that happens when i use that creativity inside me!
when i plug into that part of me.
the crappy stuff just falls away.
the feelings, the tiredness, the self pity, the schedule, the stress…
for a few moments it is not there.
and then if it does come back around… it’s more bearable after spending some time creating.
spending time focusing on Jesus helps me to SEE what matters around me.

i came back in the house, 10 minutes and 200 pictures later and sat down in the same spot.
within a minute the clouds came back in and that sun was gone.
dark and cloudy again outside.
what a gift that 10 minutes was to my heart today.
my cloudy gray heart was FULL of that shiny light i had just soaked in.

my problems aren’t fixed but i don’t have to be heavy about it.
i have Jesus.
it’s all good… everything is in His control.
nothing on my complaint list was a surprise to Him.
(even though i really have nothing to complain about… nor should i be complaining in the first place)
He knows all of it.
i just need to put it all before Him and leave it there.
i am confident that He will change my heart. heal my wounds. lift my spirit. guide my thoughts.

“And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.”
1 John 5:14-15

what are you hearing today?
do you do that with God too… argue and complain to him?
i hope i am not the only one.

and now… time to exercise and make a headband!

show hide 48 comments

add a comment

Mindy - Beautiful pictures and beautiful post. Our “theme” at our church this past year has been “What 15 minutes can do” – just like your post, giving God just 15 minutes and our whole world can change. Think of what could happen if we (me…) gave Him more?

ira lee - thank you for sharing!!!!! why are we so stubborn? i don’t want to put any energy into having a positive attitde, i want everything to go right and me not have to work on it! lol but once a day or attitude turns around, it is so much better, right?

tracy fisher - oh boy… are we ever alike! i just had that same conversation with God. happy monday. -tracy

Jaime - AAAAmen.

Liz Hurst - Meg,
Somehow I stumbled onto your blog a few months ago and I love reading it. You are so inspiring and this post is so right on!
Thank you for knowing what I needed to hear today – God is so good!
Liz

Jenny B. - Absolutely love it!! What Bible study are you doing? I need a new one.

kensie - How great is our God

Flower Patch Farmgirl - YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!
I’m so glad I read this tonight.
I’m so happy you grabbed those 10 minutes.
I’m so glad I’ve got you!

tara - that whole conversation seems eerily familiar to me. 🙂
grateful for your 10 minutes and 200 pictures.
God is so kind to us…over and over and over.

thanks for keeping it real, Meg.

Lori - I love this! 🙂
Thanks for always honestly sharing with us.
God blessed me with a great night’s sleep last night so that
pile of dishes and laundry this morning feels so much more do-able
today.

Karen Gerstenberger - Thank you, Meg.

Kristin S - Every day and He’s beyond patient with me.

Meredith - Beautiful & Touching. Praise God that we can give it all to him! Love the 10 minutes you got, just for you!

Tiffany - Beautiful words and pictures! Hugs to you!

Tiffany Gardner - This made me cry. I needed this post. Thanks for sharing your heart and touching mine. Jesus does rock!

Kerry - Ahhhhhh yes. Just yes : )

Lisa - All those colors you captured remind me of our God’s creativity. What a beautiful time of year. And yes I totally grumble to God at times. Sometimes I think He must get sick of me. 😉 I have tried to get better at being quiet and trying to just listen to Him. Thanks for sharing this today!

Heather - Which Bible study are you using???

Christy - How did you do that? How did you crawl into my head and hear my conversation with God? I made a conscious decision not too long ago to choose joy. I’m constantly reminding myself of that choice…joy when my hormonal sixth grade daughter bites off the head of whomever is in her path, joy when there is WAY too much on my plate and I don’t know what to do with it all, joy when my car breaks down and I have to wait in the dark for two hours for the wrecker because my husband is out of town (thank goodness for my mama who got the kids and took them to a nearby neighborhood to trick or treat while I waited.)

Thanks for the reminder. 🙂

jen - Needed this today. Thanks for sharing it/you with us.

Kit - Oh Megan! This is a real encouragement!! Thanks for being so real and for letting us in on God’s beauty. I argue and complain all the time. So glad He met you…He is so gracious with His grumpy children, isn’t He?!?

Cassandra - Oh this warmed my heart! Thanks for sharing everything the pictures (gorgeous!), the talk w/ God & the verse. I’ve been in a similar place mentally & emotionally this week so thank you for reminding me where I need to be – in his Word!

Diane - This post was just what I needed today! I often feel this way…until I am reminded of all the GOOD in my life and my grumpiness is gone. I am also doing BSF & sometimes am stressed about getting “homework” done…how selfish of me to think of it as a chore, when I am blessed each and every time I spend time in His word!! Thank you for sharing – I LOVE your photo’s and honesty!!

Linda - Beautiful post and a beautiful, much needed message. Thank you again for inspiring me.

Jen - I love everything about this post. I appreciate your openness and willingness to share. I too have been having pity parties lately and have been feeling left out. Life really is wonderful and I don’t know where my self doubt has come from all of a sudden. Let go. Let God.

Terrie G - WoW! Like…you could be me or I could be You!
I can’t tell you how down I’ve been lately…and mad, frustrated and hurt…
soooo hurt.
I went to the local nature center and shot some fall colors…
best photo therapy!!
I felt so much better having a little God time in nature doing what I love!

Kathy - WOW! This is so right where I’m at lately … and life has been so busy that I’ve put off my quiet time ALL too often lately. Thank you for such a wonderful encouragement today!

jaxcheryl - Would you consider making the 5th one from the bottom – the gorgeous red leaves (swoon) a screen saver or a poster to purchase from your shop? I live in FL, grew up in Michigan, and miss the beautiful fall colors so much!

Kristen - Meg- I just love your heart. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to share your heart, what God’s putting on it, and those amazing pictures. I usually love fall so much…but lately it’s felt more like “pre-Christmas”, full of deadlines and costumes and gifts to make and tooooo many things to put on the calendar. Too many folks to try and make happy. My creative energy often gets used up with ‘making things for stuff’ that feels like a chore, and not an outlet or gift. But, as it often is, PERSPECTIVE and SCRIPTURE and AWESOME SISTERS IN CHRIST are the balm that soothes my whiny soul – and you are the perfect messenger! Thank you for the reminder that God gives us this creative drive, and that we can praise him with our creations. I think I’ll do a little crafting-for-my-soul today…right after I do my devotions! 🙂

CathyC - Yes! I do that too! So glad it worked out perfectly in the end 🙂 Today I am hearing I do need to go to weight class, but afterwards I can sit and read on my comfy couch with my awesome granny square blanket I thrifted. That’s why He let me have those.

Bethany - What a comfort that we can come as we are-whining, complaining, having a pity party-and he’s always ready to listen. And if we’re willing, he’ll change it all up. Not necessarily by changing our circumstances or fixing everything, but by changing our perspective. Thanks for sharing this. It’s a good reminder about the benefits of spending time in God’s word.

Jennifer - I just love this post – in and of itself its creative!!!

You’re fall photos are amazing. Is there any chance that you’d sell the full-sized jpgs files? I live in Perth, Western Australia (I’m American, though) and we see about 1 red leaf a year, we don’t have fall the way I did growing up in WI. The thought of using your amazing photos to make canvases to hang in my home pretty much makes my soul fill with joy. Seriously, name a price!

Sadie - Where can I get these study lessons? Are they online? I’d love to try!

JulianneB - Oh, Meg thanks so much for sharing…so where I have been lately…a raging case of pinkeye, sore throat, sick daughter, sick son, hubs busy taking care of us and ministry…and no we haven’t painted our pumpkins either…and yet I know God is good and He loves me big. He can bear it all and my burdens aren’t really that overwhelming in the big picture.

kate@stillroomtogrow - wow Meg, awesome post. love your honesty and your heart. thanks for making me feel like I am not the only one who wakes up with these feelings too. thanks for sharing and what beautiful pictures.

Heather S. - It never fails. When I fight Him I always discover He is full of abundant love and blessings, just waiting to pour them out to me when I am obedient. Your sunshine moment was a hug from your Daddy, your Abba Father reminding you just how very much you are loved….

Tiffany - Hi Meg. LOVED your post today. What bible study are you working on, I think I need some of that! 🙂 Thanks for inspiring me on a daily basis with 3 teens at home – one of which graduated last year.
Tiffany

HappyGirl - Galatians 2:20-21
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness[a] were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

This is my verse of conviction this week. If Christ gave all for me. I shall give all for Christ.

Kerrin - Amen Sister! Thank you for the reminder of the power or our great God. Especially when we are fighting it. Thank you for the reminder of the power of slowing down and touching base with God. And as for those un-carved pumpkins….screw it……they are beautiful the way they are. And besides, there are countless blog followers that are copying your lovely pumpkins from Halloweens past..oh yeah I’m talking about the year you all painted a bunch of them. They were RAD and totally inspired me. So you may not have done anything with the pumpkins you have but you sure had a hand in decorating and carving pumpkins throughout blog land!

Marcia - I am so glad that I took 5 minutes to read your post today so that I can focus on all the good in front of me, too.
Thank you for the reminder: God is with us every moment of every day – sunny or cloudy.

Carol Myers - Thank you, Meg, for allowing God to use you to encourage my heart today, AND for making me smile. Your transparency is an encouragement and speaks volumes.

Mari - Your blog is always so uplifting. Thanks for sharing this post. After reading it, I reminded myself “it’s all good… everything is in His control” and instantly my day just got brighter.

Gina - I love this Meg!! You had me at, “i want to eat cookies. it is so unfair that i can’t eat cookies all day long.” 😉 And, YES, I dialog with God like this sometimes too. 🙁

Tanya - It’s 100% chance of rain during the trick-treating hours tonight here, and we can’t hit up the church Glow party instead because my little guy developed pink eye over night 🙁
Lots of ammo for silly complaining here today too…but I’m learning right along with you Meg, that God is a hearing and loving Father who doesn’t grow weary of our human trials but as we talk to Him He also continues to challenge us to see things through the eyes of Heaven. xo

Sarah M - How good is God that he has given you the perfect words this morning. I needed to read this and dwell on that verse from I John. Our life is a mess with a lawsuit and a business on hold but none of it is a surprise to Jesus. Thank for the bright light.

Lora - I love your conversation with God. It kinda sounds like the ones I have. I feel a little far from Himlately. Well, maybe not far, just that I’m not doing anything to Glorify Him. I don’t know WHAT to do to Glorify Him. I thank Him for the good things in my life and ask for His help with the bad things in my life, but I feel like I need to DO something. I guess I’ll just ask Him what I should do and he’ll show me 🙂 … thanks for the post today. I needed it. Have a great rest of the day and Happy Halloween!

Gabby - What a great post! Especially your conversation with God. 🙂

Dena - What a great post! I needed that reminder, thank you. PS. My pumpkins didn’t get carved either…….and I have to learn to be ok with that.

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

this summer.

July 9, 2013

dudes….this summer is crazy.

i don't know what i did other years?

how did we do craft thursday?

how did i get anything done?

who is this person i have become????

that is how i am feeling everyday. it's getting old.

i miss that lady who made cookies and painted pictures and sewed late at night.

she needs to come back.

i really miss that girl.

this busy, tired, scattered, zoned out person who is living in my head needs to leave.

these pictures have nothing to do with that little pity party.

these are the cows across the road from our front door.
i love to watch them wander around that field.
this day i was sunbathing while all my kids were gone for ONE WHOLE HOUR and there they were.
just chillin' at the only opening that i can get to for pictures.

i have this little voice in me that says "that is the picture you want… take it"
and for so long in my life i have ignored it.
there are lots of reasons i ignore it.
sometimes there are people with me and i don't want to stand out or have someone think "what is she doing?"
sometimes i don't have the right camera for the good shot.
sometimes i am driving and can't stop.
but about a year ago i promised myself that when i hear that voice i will do whatever i can to get the shot.

not wreck my car or anything but if im not running late than i will pull over and get it.
or i just let people wonder why i am taking a picture of something at Target.
because my mind works like that.

i can see the photo in my mind and it feels so good when i get it.

and i like that.

so…. i was lying there… in my swim suit… one hour alone… reading my book… and there come the cows.
i heard the voice.
i said "BUT…. but… it's my only hour"
sigh.

i got up and put on a skirt and flip flops and my big camera and into the ditch to see the cows.

i am so glad i did.

i am ALWAYS glad i did.

and a lot of times it's not a super AMAZING photo but it's really just the process of looking through the lens.
finding the focus.
catching the light.

and i guess on these jammed packed days that send me to bed exhausted, i need that little moment.

a reminder that i am creative…created to be creative.
it's in there.
and sometimes i don't get to it as often as i would like but it doesn't go away.

moo.

show hide 64 comments

add a comment

Ria - Just wanted to say that I really love this post. And that I’ve been following you on IG for quite awhile, but tonight I’ve got some rare free time to myself and am spending it reading your blog. Really hoping to get a chance to attend your craft weekend someday!

Amy M. - Love this! Too bad you can’t make some cuter tags for the cows at Craft Weekend. They look like earrings that need a better shape and color. 🙂 My little girl would love to give them some big, glittery, pink hoops. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of the rapidly ending summer! So thankful for you and your encouragement, Meg!

Lori Byrne - Sounds weird, but I see those pictures and I can smell them. As a farmer’s daughter, married to another farmer, cows were and are a huge part of my life. So, yes, I know how they smell in the summer’s heat, the sound of them sniffing and the swish of their tails as they swat at the flies. Thank you for getting up, putting on the flipflops and climbing into the ditch for us!! It makes my heart happy!!

betsy - Just last night, I posted the same #trueconfession on Instagram (@betsymck) about feeling embarrassed when I am taking photos of something special that other people *might* think is odd.
I especially feel this way when I’m shooting with my iPhone because to others it may not look like I’m a photographer. I REALLY need to get over this fear. What do I care what other people think of me? That person in that car on the road may think I’m a crazy lady taking pictures of a highway overpass, but I will most likely NEVER see that person again.
I’m headed to NYC for a week in a few days … my personal goal is to let go of the negative thoughts & lose myself in my photography. It is my own version of mediation after all … I deserve to enjoy every moment of it!

beth larson - “I was created to be creative”. LOVE THAT… thanks for putting into words how I feel too!
xo

Rach - It rained today. It never rains in July in LA, so I took that as a sign and sewed two new kid sized bean bags for my kids. We have a total of 5 now. It made me smile. It made them giggle. It reminded me that I am a creative person and when I don’t find an outlet I get depressed and unmotivated. Good for you for shooting the cows! I totally get it.

karen - staring at those cows with tags on their ears makes me sad. a reminder how our culture abuses animal consumption.
“a lesson we learn from literature since the Old Testament — may be the best: although we must satisfy basic needs, a good life is not one devoted to amassing material possessions; what we own comes to own us, keeping us from fulfilling commitments that give meaning to life, such as those to family, friends, and faith. The appreciation of nature also deepens our lives. As we consume more, however, we are more likely to transform the natural world, so that less of it will remain for us to appreciate.”

tinaehb03 - Ive been having a pity party for myself this summer too! This is the first summer i’ve had to work since having my children. I’m not diggin it but trying to make the best of it!

Mel - There is a restaurant here in my town, Longmont Colorado, that has this great image on its walls. Makes me want to put up cow wallpaper in my house somewhere. moo indeed!
http://instagram.com/p/acHZfYK95V/

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Geesh, should say OOOPS! Seriously all I have had to drink today is a Diet Coke, good grief! Okay, I am done now and won’t be OCD about my mistakes.

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Ooos, should be miss the kids….you’re eyesight won’t be that great in the next season 😉

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Meg, I could be your really older sister and I am here to tell you this is a season that will pass. I am finally able to create more now and I love it. There was a time I missed it so much. Your time will come back and then you will have a pity party about how the house is too quiet and you iss your kids, yada yada, but you will be the creative Meg that sews into the night again. Glad you caught your cow photos and can keep your smaller moments of creativity where you can.
xo,Valerie

Tiffany - Well stated, the little voice in your head. Hope you find a few minutes to slow it down and enjoy all that there is to Summer. (i read all his books as a kid, here is quick poem about the voice inside your head – http://pinterest.com/pin/134756213823238172/)

shar y - These are some of the best cow photos, ever!! Love, love! And, I love what you said about the photo in your head. I have felt that way so many times while driving and later am so sad I did not take the time to stop. Thanks to you, next time, I will!!
Have a great vacation!!

Lisa - PS- I agree with the person who said you should share the pics you took with the farmer who owns the cows if you haven’t already. I’m really digging the black and white ones this time!

Lisa - Have a great vacation. Hopefully once all the prep work is done and you’re on your way, you’ll be able to relax! And hopefully when you get home you’ll be able to get creative and feel more like yourself!

Lora - I completely get it! When I don’t listen to my little creative voice and do something about it….I get very grumpy. Lately in my prayers I’ve been thanking God for making me a creative person. Sometimes it’s the only thing that makes me happy. Right now my dining room table is SCATTERED with beads and things. It’s a mess, but I love it!
Those cows are cute 🙂

Kelly - I LOVE cows! Glad you got up to get them. They are beautiful. I think you should make a garland and put it on one of them like a lei. Take pictures, and when the cow gets back to the barn later in the day, the farmer will wonder… well, not for long. He’ll know it was you and will understand you got your mojo back!

Donna - I found your blog today….just when I needed to hear what you said. I just listened to that voice last night and left the house and headed to the coffee shop to work on a song…. the process is always worth it! Cheers to capturing the next great image!!

Lisa - LOVE these. I hope some of them make it to your shop some day! I hear that. About the summer. Super mom who rocks summer with lots of awesome activities and energy and joy – totally elusive this year. I think she got lost somewhere between home repairs and work and two rounds of head lice and adoption fundraising and extended family commitments and I don’t even know what else. We JUST made our summer list on Sunday…and my kids didn’t ask for huge and awesome – they asked for simple and together. Here’s to six more weeks following their lead!

Jane - I love your pictures of the cows. I would love to see photos of buffalo! I bet you would capture some great ones!

Vera - I can sooooo related to every single word you wrote here. Every. Word. Looking back and wondering why I can’t be the same creative energetic person I was a year ago. Feeling scattered and exhausted. Ignoring the “take this picture” voice because of being self-conscious or busy. Cows. Love ’em.

Jenny Lynn - love this. and needed it today. i have not had the opportunity to sew or photograph as much as i like. life is busy. but you’re right. i feel the same way…”i was created to be creative”. and i’m so thankful it doesn’t go away 🙂

deb nordeman - I am totally feeling the same way as you this summer and our kids are roughly the same age as yours. It just seems that there isn’t enough time in a day – but I am trying to just relish some time with my kids even in their business and be thankful and remember – this is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad!
PS Love the cow pics!

Mindy - I love that you took the time to get the shot – and I LOVE those cows! I keep telling myself to take the camera when you leave home. And I often don’t. And I often miss something good…I love your take on being creative. You are right, we take a break but it’s still there. Keep enjoying that summer, fall and it’s routine will be here soon.

Corrabelle - Yes, I totally know that voice and always have regret when I ignore it! Thank you for the inspiration.
And I love the cows. So gentle and honest. What you see is what you get!

JennD - Oh my gosh, as I started to read about you feeling zoned out and I was like “yes!”. I think of the things I used to do with them, or for myself and now ….nothing! No hobbies, no festive little parties, just racing from thing to thing.
And then…….your comment about taking picture! YES!!! I always forgo a shot because I don’t want to look stupid or my family will complain and then I feel sad about the great photo I could have taken if I were more brave.
Glad to know I’m not alone in those thoughts. And good for you in chosing to get the shot. 🙂

Lisa - Hi Meg,
Yes, I can relate. This summer is not what I had imagined it to be. I envisioned myself being very productive with lots of relaxing time outdoors. Things have come up to change that, and it’s been very, very rainy in Vermont. So, like you, I just try and take the moments when they present themselves. My husband and I were out for a drive through Stowe the other day, and I told him we HAD to stop at the Ben & Jerry’s factory so I could take a picture of one of their cows. He just went along with it ;), and it made me happy.

Debbie Hargadon - It is the activities that the kids are in — and you end up “doing it with them” when they cannot drive themselves. Lots of driving and sitting. 🙂 or reading. . .It is a tough balance for sure. I grew up on a farm in Iowa. I hope you are sharing your photos with the owner of those cows. If he is a “normal” farmer, he would LOVE to have some. 🙂 They are proud of their cows. 🙂 I always love the peak into your life. Thanks for always making the time to blog and instagram.

Heather E - Cows are so fun to photograph! If you ever get a chance to take pics of Brahma’s, take it! Their wrinkly necks are so cute and create interesting lines!

Bethany - LOVE the crooked cow! also love the black and white of the black cow with the tags. And the one of just the legs, and just the blurred ones. Really love them all. Reminds me of my late grandparents farm. Miss them.

tracy fisher - I wish you could come out to our beach house and relax with me…. oh, that’s right… I have the same crazy life as you!! haha. My cousins wife told me not so long ago that my house would be very quiet in a few years when the kids are on their own. How do we find that balance between crazy and lazy??? Hey, that could be a great song! I wish you an evening of crafting your own things very soon… and I hope the same for me. hugs, tracy

Katherine - Love these pictures! I’m so glad I’m not the only who thinks this way. I just asked my husband other day, “Is it weird I see life in pictures?” His answer was, “yes!”

Katie from MN - I recently looked back at pictures from a couple years ago…I saw a different person there. I had so much energy for my kids, art, baking, going to the park… Now with 5 kids I feel different. But my creativity is still inside! For me it is a season of adjusting and finding a new normal. I appreciate this post! I too hear a picture voice. Thanks for the encouragement to stop and take the picture.

Katie from MN - Hey Sarah, I just wanted to say that I resonate with your comment. We just had our 5th in April and our oldest is 8. We are trying to find our new normal. Also I clicked over to your blog and it looks so great.

Cara Yeh - Love this post! You are amazing in many ways.

liesl - I’m glad you listened to that voice in your head. I’ve been kicking myself for my camera sitting in my closet forever, collecting dust. I feel the same as you but glad you listened to that voice that I’m gonna try and listen to again.

Tracy - Fun photos…love cows! Moooo!
Meg, I wish I had even a teeny tiny % of your creativity!

Becca - I wish I had cows across the road from me! They are so adorable.

Linda - I like your pity party. I feel the same way. And I love that you are listening to that inner voice I need to do that too!

Tere - They came back! Love those cows.

Jeanette in Illinois - Meg,
Thanks for the awesome reminder about being creative! Something to never forget and surely allow ourselves the gift to utilize the blessing at every chance.
The photos are fabulous – love their sweet, soulful face and those eyes!!! I adore the photo where the one cow has her right leg up and bent. Makes you wonder what is she doing?!? Thinking?!?
You are not the only one feeling scatter, you’ve got company. I’m with you!
Sending goodness and blessings,
Jeanette

Megan - “a reminder that i am creative…created to be creative.
it’s in there.
and sometimes i don’t get to it as often as i would like but it doesn’t go away.”
It doesn’t ever go away–you are right. And I’m so thankful for that.
Love this reminder. I need it right now as I’m drowning in (not creative) work.
Thanks!

Mary - love this.
i’m so glad you snapped these beauties.
xo

Val - Oh my gosh, what great photos! I TOTALLY understand what you mean about being so hurried with less time to just BE.

Suzette - I think you made the cows’ day!!! They were all packed into that spot saying, “Ooooooo, I hope she comes to take our picture today! I’m looking particularly beautiful today, Meg, come capture my loveliness!” Do you talk to them? They probably love you!

Sarah Wolfe - I was just telling my husband this very same thing last night… Crazy. We’re running from one thing to the next. Is it because we’re trying to do everything that everyone does with 2 kids but we have 5? We didn’t come to any conclusions, only that we may have to cut some things out so that we can be the family we want to be, but don’t have time to be because we feel so tired. Maybe it’s just the way life is and there is no solution 🙂 Tell me if you come up with any answers!
Love the cow pics!

Rita - Love, love, LOVE the cow pictures….especially the one with the leg up, and the close-up of 28. She looks like she has something to tell you! Your creativity always amazes me – your love of colors and seizing the moment. Thank you for sharing your many talents with us. Have a blessed day!

Kathleen - I see things that I want to photograph…I see the picture in my mind and I don’t stop…thanks for the reminder to do so…..There is a beautiful, old white barn down the road, it has a dutch door that always has the top open and a gorgeous bunch of hydrangeas next to it….I need to stop and get that photo !!

Honeybee Mama - yes! seizing the moment. the little bitty ones. i identify with missing the creativity. i find myself sleepily going after it in the morning while the coffee is brewing and i’m still braless and i step outside to just turn on the sprinkler and find myself weeding the garden for 20 minutes in my pjs, determined to make something lovely. it’s being in the here and now that fuels us living the abundant life promised us. no matter what others think. no matter what WE think!

April R - I’m with you – #28 🙂
And how reassuring and encouraging to know other hear that ‘voice’ and listen <3

Debby Graber - I have those same thoughts! I carry my camera with me a lot! Recently went on a trip to Arkansas and although I did have Al pull over a few times, there were so many cool shots that did not get taken! I don’t have the ability you have, but it is in my head to take these pictures! It would be so cool if we could just push a button on our sunglass/camera and the picture would be instant.

Suzelle - Good for you……..Great photos !!! I see a canvas for sure !!

Janet Ghio - Fabulous photos!

Laura - Are you going to put any of those photos on canvas for your shop?? I am thinking that a few cows would look cute in my kitchen! =)

Lorie - All your pictures are very amazing. Even the simple stuff. Especially the simple stuff. I do the same thing. I pull the car over, stop if no one is around. Of course my kids say, “Mom! what are you doing AGAIN?” Highly embarrassing for them. OH well…. Keep taking your pictures, I look everyday.

Meryl - I think that’s half the battle of photography for me–being brave enough to ask the random (but so interesting!) person on the street if he’ll stop…making my hubby pull over to the side of the road…in short, pulling that camera out of the bag, even when it’s a little awkward to do so.

Katey - So during the stressful times of a busy summer your medium is taking photos of cows instead of sewing at midnight. It’s a blessing you can find creative rewards in many things!! My favorite is the cow with the leg lifted. So funny!!! Awesome shots! You will always remember that hour you had that summer with the cows!!

Jen - Love the cow pics. Love you, Miss Meg!

Marthajd@msn.com - Hi! You deff have a knack for photography! Listen to that voice! Take that pic and please continue to share with your lucky bloggers! Martha 🙂

Gemma - I love your cow photos. They are such a beautiful animal, so pretty!
Have you done anything from the kids summer list yet?
I really enjoyed watching your Instavid the other day, I’ve never heard bugs make a noise like that before!
Much love,
Gemma from London
http://musings-of-a-gem.blogspot.co.uk/

christy - Love, love these photos. B&W is my fav.
Your view on things is really awesome.

Terrie - LOVE it!! Glad I stayed up late editing!!
Love the cow photos!
Especially #28!
I love that voice in my head…
I really like it when I listen. 🙂
As much as I like it when you listen!
And your schedule used to be more about home…
with all those kids’ activities…they take you away from there.
But, little by little, in time it will come back to you.
I can’t promise when..but it will.
Enjoy this stage..embrace the change,
because what else is a mom gonna do?!
Take your hour when you can get it!
🙂
PS – Got my cow pic & bunting today!!
Love them! Bunting is gonna be so cute for
a bridal shower this weekend!
Thanks!!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

craft weekend is my fave.

January 28, 2013

alrighty… i have made it home from Haiti.
it was a super quick trip to meet some of the stove vendors and see how it all is working IN the field.
my trip was lovely.
i will share my pictures and stories at the end of the week.

i stupidly left my phone in the car of one of the girls living in haiti so i am without a phone for awhile.
feels like i am missing a limb.
somehow though i think will survive…. ha!

and now…. Craft Weekend January 2013!

************************************************

IMG_0620-4
a new year begins for Craft Weekend.
it is pretty exciting to me.
we have some pretty big plans for the Craft House and Craft Weekend this year.

we brought in a new piece for supplies….it's from the barn.
it is so COOL!
it was from a post office but i am sure it is much happier living at the craft house now.
it was a pain to clean but i am loving it!
i want to paint it…. although i never have time.

(Katie Daisy art is from Pottery Barn Teen)

lindsey helped me set up my shop on the stairway…. so adorable!
she is so good with displays!
and a new/old map is up in the foyer making me happy every time i walk by.

we were ready a little bit early this time (YAY!!)

our guests arrived and the party was officialy under way!

after dinner we got busy on our aprons.
i am always so interested in watching how they choose.
some are done right away and some are still deciding an hour later.

🙂

ironing, hemming, pinning, sewing…almost done.
i love the sounds of 6 sewing machines going at once!

they were all done earlier than any group has been!
that doesn't mean it was early, but it was earlier than the previous groups.
and i am fine with getting a little more sleep.

on saturday we took a COLD field trip out to Marion to our favorite shop, Bearly Makin' It.
it was crazy cold.
craaaazy.

tere had a jeanne oliver bag!
so cute.

i always like to see what people gravitate to at the store… the quilts? the books? glassware?

after a sonic break we made it home to get crafty again.

these girls were fast workers!
most of our projects get quite messy.
if you are going to make a mess it may as well be a pretty one right?

i found another 7up crate at the barn (and then quickly got back in the van before i froze to death)

Lindsey led a project that she has posted about on her blog before.
it was so fun to make!! i LOVED it!!

i want to make a huge one now. :)

joy led a project that let us use hammer and nails for the first time at Craft Weekend!

its fun to get a little noisy!
(actually it was A LOT noisy…kind of unreal how loud it was!)

my canvas before i started with bright colors.
we used canvases and paint sponosered by DecoART!
we love thier products!

my friend wendy of blue lily photography came for friday & saturday to take a ton of photos for us.
i was so happy to have extra time with her!
she squeezed us in before she took off her World Tour with Tyler and her kids.
i am so grateful!
you NEED to get on their schedule …. they go every where in the world!
check out their dates by you!

roomie pics…..

seriously adorable aprons!
they added flowers and pom poms and really cute trims.

i don't think i have ever been able to pick a favorite.

we made fabric covered button bracelets….. LOVE these!

these are the signs we built with joy.
everyone came up with neat quotes and colors!

our paintings with lindsey!

everyone's was slightly different in the shades they chose.
but i thought they were all awesome!

what an awesome group we had!

i felt completely relaxed when it was over….love that…how wonderful to finish your WORK and feel great?!

krista from kansas erin from kansas

mary from kansas angie from dominican republic

katherine from texas meredith from texas

dani from utah tere from washington

charly from kansas sara from kansas
Cw12c

gale from kansas

joy from california lindsey from california

here's the whole gang!
such a lovely group of women…. i miss you girls!

kimberlee and i pretty much have the best jobs ever!
we love serving all these women and guiding them as they create alongside their new friends.
somehow i have no photos this past month of all the YUM-O food she prepared.
i was too busy shoveling it in my mouth apparently.
her meals are just the best…prepared so thoughtfully…taste so GOOD!
i am so grateful for everything she does at Craft Weekend.

but it's really too fun to be called work for us both!

what is your favorite part of craft weekend when you read about it?

i would LOVE to hear that!

happy monday!

show hide 58 comments

add a comment

Carolyn - What a special time both crafy and in friendship! I just love all the colorful pictures. What a sweet ministry you have there. I follow you on Instagram but didn’t put it together until now! I feel so inspired to get crafty with some girlfriends. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Carolyn
http://www.sillyhappysweet.com

Sara - LOVE those ruffled aprons! Is there a tutorial somewhere for them??

Christine Ishmael - You know what Meagan? I love seeing the craft weekend pictures and always wish I’d been there but you know what stuck out most this time I viewed…EVERY woman you’ve ever had at the craft house have all been so beautiful…all different and unique but each and every one gorgeous…thanks for sharing – Christine

jennibell - I had an extra canvas laying around. . .one I did a background paint on *years* ago and never got around to finishing the project I had “planned”. . .so. . .we’re spending our Friday night making some art 🙂 Thanks for the great idea!!

Amy M. - Every time there is a new Craft Weekend post, I feel like my heart just smiles. I love hearing how this is a ministry for you with people you love. It seriously just gives me joy to know that there are tons of people that seem to “get” what I love. Sometimes you can feel like you are alone on your on craft island. Thanks for the hope and joy and just fun it is to read your posts and see your photos. Oh…and dream about finding a vintage quilt for less than $20! Sweet! Thanks for all you!

Denise W - I am wondering how the picking for the craft weekend spaces goes? My daughter and I were on one of the very first lists and we would still love to come!!! Do the earlier waiting lists get entered for each draw with all the new ones each time? Thank you!

Stacey - Where did you gt your super cute gray boots? Would love to find a pair before winter ends!
I would love to come to a craft weekend, but honestly don’t think I am her crafty enough. Where do I find details on it, though?
You are such a neat person, love reading your blog!

tara - oh my goodness….my little girl looked at this post with me, and she asked why her room couldn’t be as colorful as your house.
think my next project might be getting some more color in her room.

Melissa Davis - I LOVE all the pictures of the craft house…gorgeous colors!

Anessa - Looks like another lovely craft weekend. Just wondering if you were ever planning to put some prints or pillows back in your shop? I would love a print of those paints or the gum ball machine or maybe that typewriter. Anyways, I love them all and hope you open up the shop again soon. 🙂

Jacci in Ohio - My favorite thing about CW posts is your photos 🙂 It’s fun sometimes to see it all through someone else’s lens… but, really, I always like *your* photos best. And although Instagrams are fun and quick to load… I like your big girl camera photos BEST best.
So, thanks for taking the time to shoot them, edit them, upload them, share them. They make me smile and they inspire me 🙂

Laura - I always wonder how the ladies get their crafts and loot from the barn home? Most of them fly, so I was wondering if they ship the stuff home or pay for the extra suitcase to fly it home?

Monica - Love all of it. Love to hear about the food too! I hope I am still on the waiting list. Monica

Karen Gerstenberger - Meg, since you love globes and maps, do you think it might be fun to put push pins in one of them, with flags showing the name & home of each person who has come to Craft Weekend? xoxo

Janna - IT”S ALL my fav!!! But I mostly love to see all the decor in the craft house;) You have my DREAM job! I want to come someday!

Stephanie Talty - Thank you for sharing the Craft Weekend photos with all of us!
I look forward to seeing them each and every time and they amaze me!
The Craft Weekend house has to be like Disney Land for adults!!
It simply looks like the most magical place on Earth.

Jenn - I love seeing the faces of the lucky ladies that get to attend and where they are from. I’ve got to tell you, last month I had a dream that I was selected to attend and I was so excited that I final was going to get to see the third floor of the craft house. Crazy, huh?!

Amy @ Fig Milkshakes - *Squeal*. I feel it takes quite a bit to make me feel jealous – but… JEAAAAaaaAAlouS! What fun ladies! Thanks for the inspiration, I feel like working on my craft room today…

Angela - I love the aprons every time! I can’t ever choose a favorite either. 🙂 And I love seeing pictures of all the Craft House nooks and crannies… what a special place!

shar y - I love them all, but I do love looking at the house photos and all of the crafts ready to go! I also love looking at Kim’s food so missed those this time. The whole thing looks great and so much fun!

Lisa - My favorite thing about this craft weekend’s post is that AWESOME piece of post office furniture! Don’t paint it! It couldn’t be more beautiful than it is right now. All those little nooks filled with colorful ribbons and things. that picture just melted me. Of course, then I saw the picture of those cute button bracelets. Your life must be so satisfying, sharing all that creativity with others and creating such beautiful art of all kinds. sigh…….

Gretchen - Just when I thought I had an original idea … haha! Can you believe that I posted about my geometric art YESTERDAY?! So funny! Great minds think alike! 😉 http://neweveryam.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-canvas-geometric-art.html

Melissa - Your craft weekends always look like so much fun! how often do you host them?

Amber - I don’t know if it’s my favorite or my least favorite part when I see things I NEED to own in the background of pictures from Bearly Makin’ It and have to debate the 90 minute drive to pick up something my husband will give me the side eye over.

Southern Gal - I have some empty canvases, I now know what I’m going to do with them! Beautiful.
I love that supply holding piece of furniture. Wow. My daddy worked with the railroad and had a ticket cabinet that I so with I had kept. I think he ended up selling the thing years ago. Bummer.
And I just told my husband and son yesterday that I want a roll up map to put over the chalkboard in our kitchen where we do school most days. Where did you find it?

Heather Crawford - Wondering what letter stamps those are that you used for the lettered signs…all the crafts you made this time are AWESOME!

Georgia - I tried lindseys tutorial and I just cant get the circles to overlap equally lol ahhh if at first you dont succeed….
Georgia x

Su@TheIntentionalHome - My favorite photos is order are
1. pics of the craft house all decorated and ready for guests
2. crafts ya’ll made
3. what everyone bought at the barn
so are those bunting with pom pom fringe next to the pillows in your shop?

Angie - I love your Craft Weekend posts! It always looks like so much fun. I want to be there and create all those amazing projects. I love all of them this time, not sure which is my favorite. Maybe the aprons, they are darling!!!

beckyk - My husband and I live in Scotland but go to Kansas City a couple of times a year and in December we made a trip out to visit friends in Salina. I couldn’t believe he said yes when I asked if we could drive via Marion on the way and visit Bearly Makin’ It and the Barn! It was so fun! The lady there was super sweet and said you had another trip planned for January. Would have been funny to run into you there!

Lisa - Definitely the photos of the charming, magical playhouse for adults! I savor each one! This is such a fairy tale accomplishment for you and Kimberly. See everyone, dreams do come true 😉

cheryl @ a pretty cool life. - I really love the pics of your house. So bright and happy!

Jennifer - seeing the barn and your home so beautifully decorated are my faves. that house looks like the coziest get-away. yes, you guys really have a great job! 🙂

Suzy - I love to hear about it ALL! And I love every.single.photo! I look forward to this post every month! I can’t wait until my name is picked! Every time I see your pics of CRAFT WEEKEND it reminds me of the saying “Do What You Love!”.

Valerie - Oh geesh I just saw that I mispelled rolls…not roles, silly me!!!

Valerie - Wishing that one day I will be able to make one of those gorgeous aprons and eat Kimberlee’s cinammon roles 😉

Lisa M. - i always love seeing all the finished aprons. All that beautiful fabric! And I love looking at the Craft House too 🙂
And I loved seeing the fabric bracelets. So cool! Thanks for sharing.

Momof2 - Love all the pictures!! But my favorites are the crafts that were chosen and what people got at the barn. And then dreaming about what I will get at the Barn when I am chosen to come, ha!! : )

emily - 110% Amazing! So much happiness!

Tiffany - So fun seeing that house again! And all those women you get to bless… lucky them! Glad you and Kimberlee got a nice pic together this time. (Opposed to the SUPER windy one from November.)
I used to love seeing all of the different creative crafts. I still enjoy that, but now I love seeing your smiling faces even more!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’m all atwitter.
(LOVE those canvases!!!)

tinaehb3 - looks like another successful weekend 🙂

Jen - Glad you’re home safe.
LOVE your pictures!
FYI…I’ve decided I’m moving into the craft house.

Cindy - It would be a cool idea to have each of your guests mark where they live on your world map! 🙂

Heather Simnitt - Reading about craft weekend makes me wish I was a crafty girl. For real. I love the idea of crafting, but whenever I begin something with my girls I find myself wishing I was just *done.* What’s up with that? So…looking at craft weekend photos makes me feel like I experienced a little crafting and I get to see the end product right away!
Oh – and drooling over all of the bright colors! *LOVE*

dee - I have been following your blog for awhile and you never cease to amaze me.You inspire me to be a better person with all that you do and love- dee x

steph - i love seeing what everyone gets from their antique hunting!
and the aprons are always so awesome to see!
the best part for me though?
definitely that i get to BE THERE in less than 2 weeks doing the same thing!!!!
yipppeeee!

jenrobburton - I definitely think the color and the happiness shows through in the CW photos. And I’m always jealous of the finds at the antique shops.
I would NEVER paint that post office desk. It has such a lovely patina from years of use. And all your craft supplies just pop against the wood.
Glad you made it home safely.

Charly - This is like my third, maybe fourth time to look at them. I love them all! It was an amazing weekend! Now to send a link of the blog to my family and friends…to show off my five minutes of crafting fame!

happygirl - Welcome home. Talk about getting back into the swing of things without taking a beat. You ROCK!

gale - It was the most fun I’ve had in a LONG time – so glad I got to go – and I would go again in a minute!! 🙂 I loved it all – and thanks for the pictures and post! It’s fun to relive the weekend 🙂

elma - Sigh…… I just LOVE LOVE LOVE those aprons!!!! I so love seeing all the pictures!!!
I would LOVE to come some day!!

Melyssa - I love to see the craft house and The Barn! Also love hearing about how the groups differ. I have my fingers crossed that some day my name will come up and I’ll have enough $$ squirreled away to have the best weekend ever!

Lacy - My favorite part is seeing all the color. Seriously, that much color just can’t help but make a person happy! I also really like the different finds people snag at the barn and the other antique shops. I’m on the list and hope to come someday!
I know you’ve answered many questions before but, I’m curious, how far in advance do you let people know they have been chosen?
Thanks for sharing your “work!”

Kate - You guys are so beautiful! What a very, very happy place – YAY!
Did you know that I didn’t get to go to GoPro 🙁 I broke my elbow – super awesome, huh?
So glad Wendy got to come to the Craft House! I bet she had an awesome time!

Tiffany - My favorite part is the colors & fabrics, and mostly happy (non quarreling) women. Yay! Joy’s project was especially nice to see, the different interpretations from the women. In this “episode”, I really liked the postal desk, every craft piece looks so happy and and the Katie Daisy print – beautiful. You guys do have pretty fun jobs!

Katey Deasy - Welcome home. Glad you made it safely. Can’t wait to read about THAT. I love seeing what everyone bought at the barn! I love seeing the house all set up ready for your guest. One day it will be and my mom you will be waiting on. One day. Thanks for sharing with such enthusiasm.

Tanya - It just feels like a vacay when I get to look at the pics. They’re like my sunny Vitamin D in the dreary winter 😀

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

1
2
3
4
5
6
Older Posts

search

Search for:
Instagram
Categories

Categories
Archives
Archives

Category Archives: creativity

“And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.” 1 John 5:14-15

search

Instagram

Categories

Archives

“And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.”
1 John 5:14-15