A little Disney Magic....

Welcome back!....As you may have noticed the blog got a new make over recently. I thought it would be nice to add a little something new, as we prepare for a new season. Hope everyone enjoys the new color scheme, the blog posts, artwork, and of course the new little Koi Fish pond on the left hand side.

Late last night I returned from a week long trip to Florida. Aside from being severely sick half way through the trip, it was refreshing and inspiring to see some family, friends, and college buddies.
I even went back to my old university (Univ. South Florida). It was kinda cool to walk around campus again, the place that was 'home' during my early 20's.

I ventured back to the old fine arts building and was hit really hard (in a good way) with reality. I had spent so much time, money, energy, materials, and thoughts in that building. I worked so hard to learn as much as I could, working towards my life long dream to pursue art. And every year, I couldnt wait until I'd graduate so I could be done with classes, and be able to do my thing. Well...that was over 3 years ago...and everyday since, I've been working hard trying to do the best at the job Ive been blessed with, working hard to pay bills, working hard to challenge myself....leaving very little time for the one passion that God had instilled in me a long time ago. You always think "when I have a little time off Ill get to that" or "maybe this weekend after all my responsibilities are done, I can finally get to do it"... and eventually life ends up passing you by. I dont want to be 60 or 70 and realize that Im running out of time. Yes, we need to live responsibily, but if God plants a dream in our hearts, isnt it our responsibility to pursue it, give it everything we've got, and trust Him to make that dream blossom.

I was fortunate to spend some time at Disney this weekend (thanks to a very generous friend- Thanks Laura!!!) You gota love the colors, the music, the designs, the fun, and the 'magic' at Disney World....but I also was inspired by some quotes that were posted on the walls of the park by Walt....

"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them"

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing"

"When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable."

Just a few things to keep in mind. :-) As for me, I promise to try and post more inspirational blogs more often, as well as new artwork and cards. I have some cool things to share with you all soon regarding my site.

Thanks for everyone's support and love! 

Alyssa and I back at USF

A little HOPE FOR HAITI

It seems like every day we get so caught up in the routine, the 9-5's, taking care of the many items that yank at our attention. These things that sometimes cause us to become frustrated and cranky instead of thankful and giving.

That is until our eyes are opened by a devastation.

We have all seen the haunting images and sad stories departing from Haiti this week after the earthquake. I won't recall all the horror these people have had to live through, but I do want to just stop, and take a minute to pray for these people.

The last week I have been sick with some kinda not-so-fun stomach bug, and yeh, not loving life.

I have this tendency to work really hard. Sure that doesnt sound like a bad thing, but when you begin not taking care of yourself and letting yourself get so worn down that you get sick, that isn't healthy. So after working a crazy long day, pushing pushing pushing, I got some kinda sick!

And really, I beleive that was not from God, but I beleive He allowed it to happen as a reminder for me to SLOW DOWN, and remember everything else that is important in my life.

I shouldnt stress because I can't get everything checked off my "to-do" list that day. I should be thankful for the time I do have and enjoy the things and people I can, while I can....

You never know when a major earthquake or other tragedy will strike, and you will beg God for that comfort of all those peices that made up your life.

I hope this post makes sense (still not 100% from the bug) but I can say this...

I hope that you'll stop for a minute...thank God for what you do have, and ask him with an open heart how you can help others who may not have so much right now.

The picture I chose for this week is a photo

(credit to http://unambig.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/).

Just a little reminder that through life's storms and dark clouds, there will always be a rainbow. Sometimes its so faint, that you'll almost miss it, but just have Faith that God has got bigger plans for us all!

Prayers and love going out to Haiti!