my heart is troubled today....one of those mornings where I wake up and am instantly worried....we have a house to finish, a house to sell, a struggling economy...such a horrible time to be making our dreams come true. When we started this process a year ago, things were in great shape....a year later and it seems foolish to be doing what we're doing....but there's no turning back now....all we can do is continue to say our prayers and be hopeful. I dreamed about adoption last night....I don't want to be done being a mama...selfishly one baby is not enough for my aching heart and empty arms...another big worry on my mind...perhaps that's what got me started this morning....life is full of challenges and obstacles...I have experienced things in my short life that I never dreamed would happen to me....but looking back, they have always been to my benefit....somehow, I have learned and grown from those nightmares, and have come out a better person....my rough edges have been smoothed...my heart softened...my life filled with more understanding and compassion. So...time to think about my blessings...things that bring me joy, and I hope the worries will disappear for another day :) I don't like to dwell on the negative...it always makes me feel ungrateful...but I suppose that in the record of our lives, we should share the cloudy days as well as the sunny ones. It will turn into a sunny day, I just know it. Right now my little one has found her Halloween costume and is dressed up like a witch, riding her broom, that somehow neighs like a horse...she is a true cowgirl at heart, just like her mama.
I worked on this last night...my un-wind time. It uses the First Fruits and Beyond Basic Borders stamp sets from Papertrey Ink along with Rustic Cream cardstock, Sweet Blush ink, and a Hibiscus Burst button. Melissa Frances paper and resin accents are also used, Basic Grey paper, Kaisercraft adhesive pearls, and a bit of my tea-stained twill and trim.
I love the wheat bundle image in this stamp set...something about wheat makes my heart warm...it takes me away to my favorite fields in Idaho...the beauty of the fields full of grain is indescribable...and then to top it all off, seeing an old weathered barn standing alone in the field is even better :) I should find some pictures for my house and surround myself with these images that make me so happy.
I hope you each enjoy today...time to plan ours out.
Melis
This card is so beautiful - I love the wheat image stamped in pink. That is one of the things I love about your creations - you put a spin on them and make me look at things differently. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
Posted by: Anya | June 24, 2009 at 10:35 AM
It's always amazing how God uses our hurts to better us for his glory, yes? I pray your home will sell & your dream of being a mama again becomes real.
Posted by: tina | June 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Oooh, your wheat bundle in the soft pinks makes for the basis of a beautiful card! Wishing you well, - SueB
Posted by: SueB | June 24, 2009 at 11:11 AM
(((hugs))) melissa!
Posted by: rae | June 24, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Beautiful use of the wheat cluster! Love how it's not "thanksgiviny"!!
You're amazing! Time heals everything because it never stops, so I hope time will heal your worries too!
Posted by: Ashley Newell | June 24, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Thanks for sharing your feelings... so many times we blog about the good times, but it makes us human and real to blog about the not-so-perfect times.
May God ease your worries and surround you in hope.
Your artwork is gorgeous!
Posted by: Sheila R | June 24, 2009 at 11:38 AM
beautiful post beutiful card. love it.
Posted by: joslyn | June 24, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Hello!
You carts is amazig.Fantastig.
Posted by: Birgitta Hyyryläinen-Metsi | June 24, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Love your card...so pretty! I hope and pray for better days ahead....and that your house will sell! Have a blessed day!
Posted by: Amy Smith | June 24, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Hey, Melis...
Gorgeous card. =) Love it! And if I were half as talented as you, I would make my own beautimous wall hangings. ;)
Let not your heart be troubled...all things work together for good!
D =)
Posted by: Deah =) | June 24, 2009 at 12:46 PM
You are being true to your feelings, thank you for sharing with us..we are all lightness and dark..
Posted by: bettyann | June 24, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Life is full of ups and downs, and believe me I know all about the down periods. I've experienced plenty and then some myself. Try to keep a positive outlook on things no matter what and oftentimes the more optimistic you are, the better the outcome :) I adore this sweet card you have created! So beautiful. I wish you peace and happiness and for a wonderful rest of the week!
Posted by: Stacey | June 24, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Oh Melis - what a moving post. My heart is with you during the hard times. Just keep on putting one foot ahead of the other. Your positive outlook will see you through. You are surrounded with love and you are richly blessed.
Posted by: Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye) | June 24, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Same boat (trying to sell our house while building another). Hope all goes well for you... and you hear good news soon.
You're such a good example of looking for the good in life. Hope your dreams come true soon.
Posted by: Dell | June 24, 2009 at 02:55 PM
Keep your chin up Melissa, you will prevail. I love your spirit, you motivate me to do the same in these troubled times.
Posted by: Thi P. | June 24, 2009 at 03:02 PM
You will be fine. Just take a deep breath and steady...I know you didn't just jump into this, so trust your initial answer. Take care you!
Posted by: Ashley Harris | June 24, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Thanks for sharing a little personal info. I feel for you! Your card is beautiful! I love the glittery wheat! The wheat looks like its really doing good this year. Its growing tall and lush! I love when it changes colors!
Posted by: Michelle | June 24, 2009 at 03:38 PM
sorry you are troubled :(
card is gorgeous, as always
Posted by: Laura | June 24, 2009 at 03:49 PM
I love that card Melissa. I would look at that stamp and look and think, "What in the world could I do with that?. You look at it and say "Mmmm, let me at it. Now where did I leave those lovely papers???". ROFLOL.
On a more pesonal note. I'm sorry that you are having anxious times. You are human, life cannot possibly be fantastic all of the time. Some of the time it is just about getting through the day. I wish you everything that your cute, shabby, unique, special, loving heart desires.
Ali x
Posted by: Alison Behan | June 24, 2009 at 03:52 PM
That is one of the prettiest cards I have ever seen. Sorry your are feeling so troubled, I will pray for your peace and God's perfect answers.
Terry
Posted by: Terry | June 24, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Melissa, a visit to your blog always makes me happy so I was sorry to read that you're feeling down today. Please know that I'm sending you (all the way from Australia) warm wishes for happiness, contentment and lots of positive thoughts!
Joanne
Posted by: Jo R. | June 24, 2009 at 06:19 PM
You create some of the most beautiful cards. You have a wonderful talent. We all have worries as mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters. A very wise young woman told me on an Acts Retreat...
"Honey, God knows your troubles and storms so why dont you tell your storms and worries how big God is?" At the point of this conversation with her i was in a horrible state of mind and finances etc. After that wonderful weekend my thoughts changed after thanking God for all that he has given me I turn to my problems and tell them exactley How Big MY God Is!!! The good thing in regards to the economy is that God will never be broke....He owns it All and Loves us unconditionally... Peace and Love be with you always...... Amanda
Posted by: amanda | June 24, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Thank you so much for sharing your troubles with us. I'm going to remember to say a prayer for you tonight. I've been a follower of your blog for quite some time and I always love visiting. (Beautiful card, btw).
Big hugs to you...
Posted by: Renee V. | June 24, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Lovely card as always. I will say a prayer for you tonight. You are not alone in your worries and fears.
Posted by: Jana | June 24, 2009 at 08:52 PM
absolutely gorgeous card!! :)
Posted by: Zuzana | June 25, 2009 at 02:21 AM