Confessions on a Wednesday: Stand Back Up & Fly

We all have disappointments in life....that's one thing you can be assured of. Want a sure thing? It's name is disappointment. I've had many in my lifetime...so many that for much of my life..I've walked around with a big gaping hole inside me.

I tried to fill that hole in many ways...hobbies...finding a person who loved me...loving others...helping others...writing..creating art...you name it...I  tried so very hard to fill that hole....

Imagine a little girl carrying around a big shovel....never tiring..trying to fill a hole that never seemed to get any smaller...you have imagined me....until 2 months ago.

Then someone pushed me into the hole....and buried me...alive. I thought I would die...suffocate...the soil was heavy on my chest...I almost gave up. I thought...I'm tired of carrying the world on my shoulders....the one person I trusted in again...loved...promised me....has abandoned me...betrayed me...forsaken me...I can't do this anymore...I am so tired...I can't and don't want to go on anymore...I'm ready to meet my maker....

Then in those few hours of despair....my spirit rose up...it said...you are not ready...if you give up...you will not meet your maker...for your maker dwells above...he gives life...doesn't take it....the one who is crushing you...is not your maker....no this is your time to fly. You have never given up...you will not now.

I was pushed down...on the floor...crushed...defeated...fallen...beaten...and then I decided I will STAND BACK UP....I've had enough...I'm weak....I'm scared....broken....then my maker told me...yes you are...this is the only way...I can use you....broken...bruised...scarred...now my love...I can use you....

My maker placed a light inside of me...that no one...no man...can snuff out..I can weather this storm...I can heal these sparrow wings...and rise up on the wings of an eagle....not only will I just stand back up--but I will FLY.

Not by my own might....but yes I can surrender...completely....then thru His power...I will rise and be victorious....to be a stronger spirit that I ever was before.

How? I'm not sure...but in time I will let you know...sometimes you don't feel an absolute...you don't feel an answer...a solid definition...a divine intervention...a peace..but you KEEP going...you just STAND BACK UP even when you don't feel like it, or think you can't...you do....because you must...

So when life's disappointments reach you---when someone you love betrays you...when someone says you are a failure...you feel a waste of life...you keep making mistakes...you feel you are not worthy....

STAND BACK UP...for only your maker knows WHO you are and WHO you are meant to be...you might be slow to awaken...a bit delayed in rising...but you are WORTH life...worth pushing thru this big world....worth every disappointment....worth every tear....worth each trial...you are WORTH this fight my friend... no matter what life throws at you...no matter who pushes you down...you must STAND BACK UP. Then my friend....at the long end of this road called life...you will meet your Maker...who will say...Well done...then you will rise above...all the disappointments...the naysayers...those prison keepers....will be nothing to you. For they will no longer hold the key...YOU my friend hold the key...unlock it today...believe in yourself again....you are WORTHY....so STAND BACK UP and stretch your wings....

Only thru losing your feathers a few at a time....molting the old ones...waiting for the new tender ones to harden..to strengthen......stretching them until they hurt..building them up......can they take you higher..can they weather the storm...can they lift you up and you can soar...soar above all that has hurt you...above all the naysayers..all the things that held you down...or the people...only upon extreme pressure...can your wings be strengthened...and ready for the flight of your life...

Love to you this Wednesday--no matter WHAT you have went thru...YOU have a purpose...it is NEVER too late my friend...broken? Only more able to be used...only when broken...can you grow...and SOAR in the sky.

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Giveaway Monday: GORGEOUS Art Chix Goodies!! Ocean ATC Tutorial from Helga!

The winner for Last Monday's Giveaway for the Berry 71 Bleu Tag Pack was #63 sweet little scrapper!!!

Congrats email me with your mailing addy for your 2 gorgeous embellished tags from Berry71Bleu!!! Woot!!! Wooot!!

I just love altered art & mixed media...that is what I started out with almost ten years ago!!! I have long been a FAN of ArtChix Studio. My precious friend Helga sent me some amazing art goodies this month to share with you! So be looking out for fun projects I will be making using these awesome goodies! Helga has this amazing eye for design and she always seems to pick the TRENDIEST and hottest stuff out there! So if you haven't seen her delightful shop--please pop by and tell her I said hello!!!

Check out these sweet & fun goodies she sent just for you!!!!!~~~THESE ARE SEA-RIFFIC and will make amazing sea ATC cards! what is an ATC? it's an Artist Trading Card! You must check out Helga's site to see all of the amazing ATC projects she has created! Here is an example of a few!!!

WANT TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE THESE OCEAN ATCS: HERE IS THE TUTORIAL by HELGA!!!

Tell me a  Fish Tale Collage Sheet ($4.50)

Red Coral laser cuts ($5.00)

(these are a cool distressed color on the back)

Red Seahorse Laser Cuts ($5.00)

ATC Chipboard Blanks set of 24: ($4.00)

I also wanted to remind you that I have THREE new stamp sets that are coming out for release super super soon, and you can see them here at my store K Andrew Designs, and preorder now. Quantities are limited.  These are SEASONAL MIX AND MATCH (I love mix and match--because it's like having 5 stamp sets in ONE sheet!) and they are all LARGE sheets of stamps! I am absolutely in LOVE with these sets!!!

Make sure to PREORDER now and grab them while you can! I'm also doing a LIMITED TIME WHILE SUPPLIES last bonus stamp set of "MERCI"--my newest stamp set that you can ONLY receive by placing your order of 25.00 or more!!!! You can't BUY this set! eeek! Just my little thank you!!!

ALL ORDERS shipping FIRST week of September! yay!!!!!!!

1. LEAVE me a comment! (one entry)

2. Be a follower of this blog (one entry)

3. "Like" my facebook page: Getting Cricky! (one entry)

4. "Like" ArtChix Studio's Facebook Page and tell her K Andrew sent you! (one entry)

5. *Visit ArtChixStudio's store and tell me YOUR favorite item of hers!!! (one entry)

6. Visit ArtChix's blog and tell Helga that K Andrew sent you over (you might want to follow Helga--she is always putting up cool ideas and giveaways/speicals over there!)

6. * Share this giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter, or your Blog. with a link back here (One entry each)

Have a great day my friends!!! See you here tomorrow for a TUTORIAL TUESDAY!!! It's going to be FUN!!!!

 

(This giveaway ends 9/4/2011)

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Blog Winners!!!

All blog candy that has been won the past month--went out this past Monday  the 22'nd--so it should be there or there soon!!!

Now for the Blog Hop Winner for the Scrap N Easel....it is # 5 Linda Therrien! Hoo-ray--contact me via the contact tab with your mailing address and I'll get your prize right out to you Linda.

Dont' forget I give away a prize every 100 followers, randomly, every Monday, each blog hop, and on my facebook page!

Love to you all!

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Simply Sunday "Winged Things"

Winner for Last Week's Simply Sunday Challenge: Treats is #8 Sherri Wolfe!!! Congrats!! email me for your prize! woot! woot!

This week the Design Team is featuring any project that has

to do with Winged Things and some of the designers are also featuring the brand new fabulous Winged Things stamp set shown here & other stamp sets by K Andrew Designs

Butterfly Card
featuring the Winged Things stamp set
Visit Brenda's Blog here

Butterfly card 

featuring the Positive Thoughts stamp set

Visit Shawn's blog here

Heart with Wings

featuring the Winged Things stamp set

AND...

Shaped card

featuring the Winged Things stamp set

Visit Lisa's Blog here

Ladybug card

featuring the Winged Things stamp set

Visit Janis' Blog here


Shaped card
Featuring Winged Things stamp set
AND...


Butterfly tree
Featuring Winged Things stamp set
Visit Rebecca G's Blog here

Butterfly card
Featuring Winged Things stamp set
AND...

Butterfly card
Featuring Winged Things stamp set
Visit Janice's blog here

Faith Metal Wall Hanging

Featuring Winged Things stamp set

Visit Faith's Blog Here

Butterfly card
Featuring Winged Things stamp set
AND...

Butterfly card

Featuring Winged Things stamp set

Visit Kathy P.'s Blog here

Butterfly card

featuring the Fashionable Friends stamp set

Visit Ildi's blog here

Butterfly Card

Featuring Winged Things stamp set

Visit Rebecca M's blog here

Butterfly Wand

featuring Amazing You stamp set

Visit Amy's blog here



Didn't the DT do an absolutely AMAZING job??? I feel so blessed to have each one of them on my Design Team!

GIVEAWAY

Please make sure to leave them a comment, and if you have a chance, leave all of the participants a comment. It really makes one's day! I have some Creative Charms butterfly embellishments for a commenter who leaves the most comments on the participants' challenge entry. I'll use Random.Org to choose one of you!

Challenge Requirements:

1. Post any "winged" project of your choice & link up by 8/10/2011.

2. Make sure my blinkie is up on your sidebar, and your blog post entry is linked back to my blog Getting Cricky

3. Leave a comment here

4. Have fun & spread the word!

5. The winner will receive a $15.00 GIFT card to K ANDREW DESIGNS stamp online store so you can pick a stamp set of your choice!

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Starbucks Saturday: Adding Tabs to the Top of the Page & GIVEAWAY!!!

WINNER for LAST SATURDAY's STARBUCK is #34 Kimberly S! Congrats Kim, you get a tall machiatto, a grand latte, or other drink of your choice with the Starbucks Gift Card I'll send you--contact me and claim your "hot prize" heehee

Hi everyone! I want to take a minute and tell each of you THANK you! Thank you for visiting with me, praying for me, and being just amazing friends. I truly feel blessed--thank you! I'm SO glad you are here!

I have a NEW stamp release of Seasonal Stamps & Inspiration stamps on the way! I will be shipping them the first week of September! I also have a FREE stamp set: Merci that is FREE with $20.00 or more purchase..so if you love my stamps and love supporting me &my boys and all the charities I love-head over now and check them out at K Andrew Designs!

Okay ready?????

Last time we learned how to add pages! Now let's learn how to add TABS to the top of our blog to show off our pages!

Go to your Blog Dashboard like any old normal day...except today is the day we add tabs (woot woot) and

1. Click on DESIGN

Then TEMPLATE DESIGNER

2. Then ADVANCED

Next TABS Background.

This is where you will choose the background color of your tabs (I chose clear as I use a white page background), and then a selected color (this just means what color will show when a user clicks on a certain tab--I use blue)

3.

Now we want to add our TEXT to our TABS!!!

Now you will click on TABS TEXT: then choose your font, the text color, and selected color. Remember the selected color is just the color the text will turn to when a user selects that certain tab.

4. Now just click on APPLY to BLOG *(the orange button) so we can make sure our tabs take effect!!!

VOILA!! Now you have nice neat tabs for your pages!! Did you miss how to add Pages to the top of your blog? Just click back on last Saturday's Starbuck--to see how!!!

NEXT QUESTION:

How do I LINK to your page or someone else's blog? Just click on this Starbuck Saturday's link to see how to add links!!!

I hope these tips helped you out some!! Dont' forget you can leave me a blog question here and I'll try to answer it. I tried to answer a few today without being overwhelming that was asked the most last week.

I want to offer one of my followers (you guys are so awesome) a COFFEE on me! Just leave me a comment today, and I'll draw a winner next Saturday for the Gift Card. If you don't have a Starbucks or McDonalds-they have all sorts of iced Coffee. You just let me know which one you want!!! Tell me ONE thing you are thankful for!!! (I'm in a small town now--so that is the only 2 coffee places here!)

Don't forget you can subscribe to my blog as a follower, find me on facebook (tab at the top of the page), and grab my blinkie for you blog (left sidebar). I would love it if you did!! If you are a new follower, leave me your blog addy so I can pop over and see you!!

Love to you ALL & May God's Blessings Be Upon You!! Remember, I pray for you each day--pray for me too! See you all here tomorrow for a FANTASTIC Simply Sunday Challenge tomorrow!!! I am so excited about this one--you will NOT believe what my awesome DT has been up to!!!!

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Tutorial Thursday: Creative Charms Scaring Up Some Fun!! Giveaway!!!

HI everyone! Whooo's ready for Halloween? lol! I know--not even September, and here I am making a Halloween card! lol! This month for my Creative Charms post, I wanted to share with you a super easy peasy Halloween card using the Halloween 3D glittered & jeweled stickers, bling, and ribbon from Creative Charms. I know soooooo many of you love their goodies too--because they are so unique & thrifty...always the right touch for any project!~

Since Halloween is around the corner...here is an easy card for you--just watch my tutorial, and then you can swing by Creative Charms and grab these goodies--they are almost sold out, because they have them on sale!  Don't forget to leave me a comment for the GIVEAWAY on BOTH posts--here and Creative charms..scroll down for more information!

Scare Up Some Halloween Fun by K Andrew

Products Used: Cardstock (My Minds Eye: Bohemian Line, 3D Halloween Sticker: Creative Charms, Pearl Black Bling: Creative Charms, Black Velvet & Glitter Dot Leaves: Creative Charms, Purple Swiss Dot Ribbon with Scalloped Edge: Creative Charms, Green Crinkle Ribbon: May Arts, Stamps: Fall-O-Ween by K Andrew Designs Stamps

GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment HERE at my blog Getting Cricky and HERE at Creative Charms blog. ONE awesome reader/follower will receive this BIG bundle of Goodies shown here! Eeeek--you will love it!!!

151 pc Deal July by Creative Charms

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Confessions on a Wednesday.....the Language of Letting Go (personal rambling)

"You can’t make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth."

I love to blog....but I realized...many of us we blog......our kids...our crafts...our projects...but we rarely blog our real stories. I know it's taking a risk....but isn't that what life is about? Taking risks, opening up our wings as we fall....climbing out on the branch.....taking a chance...in the hopes we might strike a chord...on someone's heart.....give someone hope...touch someone...

 

Well many of you might know...I've went thru alot of changes this past year....but really I've been battling a sickness I couldn't cure for almost 8 years....no matter how much praying...loving...searching..trying...I loved someone who couldn't love me back.

 

I thought I had enough love....I was a good person...I tried so hard; prayed....and prayed some more. It was like giving up a fight that I could never win. I couldn't make him love me no matter how I tried. Sometimes no matter how much love you have for someone, how much you pray, how much kindness you show...no matter how wonderful of a person you are....if someone doesn't love you--or have the capability to--it is like trying to climb an insurmountable mountain. My friends...it simply can't be...it's something you can't conquer...because the fight is not inside of you...the choice isn't yours...

 
Sometimes...it doesn't matter about your determination...your heart...your spirit...it's out of your hands...completely. You can't make someone love you....all you can do...is give them the chance. If they don't want that chance to love you....then you must walk away.....
 
You must pick your heart up off the floor...you must turn around and walk away...you must leave everything you've known for the last nine years...you must pick up yourself and walk away from the Love you've never had. You can't lose someone that you never had.
 

I closed my eyes...so I wouldn't see...the love that he didn't feel for me...I loved someone who couldn't love me back...

 

I have given up the fight....I have walked away....I have released my heart....

 

My heart is healing...my mind is repairing...my spirit is being mended....I am learning there is a good in good-bye...the language of letting go...of something I never had.

 
I wish you each much love today in your life...true love...the kind you deserve...I hope that if you are loving someone who can't love you back...that you can learn to let go...and allow yourself to be loved...by the most important person in this world...yourself. Its the best gift you can give yourself....the truth.
 
Then open your heart...to the one who has always loved you...who is not of this world...who can heal your heart...who can repair your mind...and who can mend your spirit...the one who breathed life into you...the one who formed you in the womb...the one who spoke you into being...the only person who can ever truly love you...as you deserve to be loved.
 

Have a wonderful Wednesday...and remember...the language of letting go...is sometimes just as simple and hard as realizing..... you can't lose something you never had....but you can find the good in good-bye...it's just not an easy thing to find...it's hard...it's sad...it's hurtful...but it's necessary.....

 

Here's to finding the good in goodbye...and allowing our hearts to be open to a person who is worthy of love..but allowing our hearts to realize it's out of our hands....

 
 
Love,
Kristal
 

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Featured Blogger: Nicolette with MUG Holder Caddy Tutorial: GIVEAWAY!!!

Hi Everyone, 

First of all, I want to thank Kristal for letting me be a featured blogger on her blog today.

I have been involved in crafting since I was a little tike. My Mom has

a passion for anything crafty, and now here I am right along side of her.

I started out as Stampin Up Hobbyist over 9 years ago, but over the

past few years we are turning it into a business.

Really enjoy posting new creations on my blog. I blog about all kinds of diffrent craft items. From sewing,

to paper crafts. Just a Varity of different items.

My BLOG is BEYOND SCRAPIN--CLICK HERE to visit me!!!

I do about 6 Craft Fairs a year. This year I am holding our 1st Fall/ Harvest craft fair.

in September, and another in November.

I look forward to being creative with all of you

Nicolette
 

Who doesn't like to be organized, keep everything in one place with this adorable fabric Mug Hugger, wraps around a standard mug. Keep all of your, " Can't find goodies in one place. Great for scrapbookers, paper, craft supplies, quilters. Great for gift giving. Add, paper craft supplies, for your cropping budd, someone's birthday. This lil cutie is 2 gifts in one. Mug not included. Awesome, friendly priced gift for the upcoming holidays.

$ 4.00 each.

S/h not included

Allow 7-10 business days for delivery.

To order yours E-mail Nicolette beyondscrapin@gmail.com

WOW! That was really cool Nicolette. I am so excited you sent me the CUTEST mug hugger with my favorite thing: OWLS!!! eeek--look at see my video showing how you USE this adorable mug hugger and see my OWL one too! Thank you Nicolette for sending me this--it totally brightened my day! I don't see how you are making a DIME on this selling these for 4.00--they are SO well made. I've already filled mine with pens, copics, and my scissors! LOVE it my friend--thank you!!!!!

***GIVEAWAY!! Nicolette will make a special mug hugger for ONE Of my fabulous Followers & Friends! All you have to do is LEAVE me a comment telling me ONE good thing you are expecting to happen in your life. God says the first step in receiving a good thing is to BELIEVE it in your heart,  and PROFESS it with your mouth!***

Don't forget to hop over and see Nicolette at her blog Beyond Scrappin--because I am sure she has lots of fun goodies & more huggies over there!!!

Love to each of you! I'm so excited about the blessings that God has for you--did you know that I pray God shows each of my followers and friends His favor? Well I do! So expect good things! Today is going to be a GOOD day--so THANK GOD for the good things He is doing in your life and is going to do!

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GIVEAWAY Monday! Gorgeous Embellished Art Tags!!

 

The winner for Last Monday's Giveaway for the Creative Charms Pack was #6 faithful e creations

Congrats email me with your mailing addy for your $25.00 Creative Charms Pack!!! Woot!!! Wooot!!

 

I have something TRULY unique & beautiful for you today! A pair of absolutely beautiful art tags-all tags are ONE of a KIND--so the tags you receive will be different--but just as beautiful!!!!-these tags are handmade by Marivic of Berry 71 Bleu--an electic shoppe of vintage inspired & art infused tags! These tags are UNIQUE and will really add a special touch to any scrapbook page, card, or altered book/project!

Check her beautiful embellished tags & kits~~~

I also wanted to remind you that I have THREE new stamp sets that are coming out for release super super soon, and you can see them here at my store K Andrew Designs, and preorder now. Quantities are limited.  These are SEASONAL MIX AND MATCH (I love mix and match--because it's like having 5 stamp sets in ONE sheet!) and they are all LARGE sheets of stamps! I am absolutely in LOVE with these sets!!!

Make sure to PREORDER now and grab them while you can! I'm also doing a LIMITED TIME WHILE SUPPLIES last bonus stamp set of "MERCI"--my newest stamp set that you can ONLY receive by placing your order of 25.00 or more!!!! You can't BUY this set! eeek! Just my little thank you!!!

1. LEAVE me a comment! (one entry)

2. Be a follower of this blog (one entry)

3. "Like" my facebook page: Getting Cricky! (one entry)

4. "Like" Berry 71 Bleu's facebook page and tell her K Andrew sent you! (one entry)

5. *Visit Berry 71 Bleu's shop and tell me YOUR favorite item of hers!!! (one entry)

6. * Share this giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter, or your Blog. with a link back here (One entry each)

Have a great day my friends!!! See you here tomorrow for a TUTORIAL TUESDAY!!! It's going to be FUN!!!!

 

(This giveaway ends 8/28/2011)

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Getting Cricky with It Blog Hop, Giveaways!!! NEW stamp set releases!!!

Welcome to the Getting Cricky Ustream Event and
Blog Hop where we are showcasing three BRAND NEW sets of K Andrew Design's Stamps! You can order these BRAND new sets--they are shipping now.

This weekend is FREE shipping plus with a $20.00 or more order, you will receive a bonus stamp set: Merci Free!!! eeek--how cool is that??? YES my stamps are still priced below retail even for this special event!!!

Shipping should automatically be FREE, but for some crazy reason it doesn't show free use this code: freeshipfor72

Don't forget you can also BUY my current stamp sets at my retailers: Memory Miser & The Stamp Addict--visit my tab up top! On Sept 10'th, BOTH of these awesome retailers will have ALL of my stamp sets 1-12!!!!

BRAND new STAMPS for PREORDER!! Shipping around 9/2!!! LIMITED quantities--preorder yours now!! All ORDERS with any preorders will be shipped ALL together as soon as stamps arrive (ETA: 9/2)

 

All of the FUN will start RIGHT HERE at the Getting Cricky Ustream Channel at

9pm EST (6pm PST)...  So please click on the link and Join the Getting

Cricky Crowd (if you are joining us later, we invite you to watch the recorded

version of the Ustream so that you don't miss out on ANY of the EXCITEMENT!)!!

**MAKE sure to join CHAT (NOT social stream--I do pop out chat--if you are sitting in social stream--you will miss out on the fun and chat!)

We are SHOWCASING these THREE brand new STAMP sets that you can order NOW! Free shipping is on ALL sets. We have sold out of Food for Thought--but you may preorder it; it will be here 9/1 along with my BRAND new SEASONAL stamps that you will get a sneak peek of at tonight's USTREAM! You can also PREORDER these this weekend too with FREE shipping!!! VISIT my store K Andrew Designs to see them all!!!

I am SO excited to have my sweet friend Amanda Bodine here from Amanda's Crafts & More as my special GUEST designer for this month's blog hop!!!!

Each of my stamp sets benefit charity. At least $1 per stamp set goes to benefit the charity noted on the stamp set package. I am donating to the following charities: Cancer Angels, Storefront Shelter for Homeless

Children, Intrepid & Fallen Heroes, E. Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Doorways Shelter for Women & Children (Domestic Violence), Wayside House for Women, Camp Good Days & Special Times, and Autism Research Institute. I will donate $1 for every stamp set sold, retail or wholesale to the charity noted; and over time believes this will add up to some wonderful miracles for these special people. So you can feel good that each time you purchase a K Andrew Designs art stamp set, someone around the country is receiving some good help!

You can learn even more about my stamps (and pick some up for yourself) by visiting my online

store: K Andrew Designs

Tonight on the Ustream, you saw previews for THREE brand new sets!!

Weren't they wonderful???

For my project, I'd like to share the "Winged Things set" that is being released TONIGHT--yay! I have these in my hands, and they are shipping now!

Simple "Chic" Tweet Card: Wind Beneath My Wings  



BLOG CANDY:

 FIRST PRIZE: I'm giving away one of my stamp sets to sONE awesome follower who leaves me a comment!!! 

BIG PRIZE: I'm giving away a SCRAP N EASEL to one lucky follower who leaves a comment on ALL of my DT members blogs!!!

Now you can hop on over to your next stop: our Special Guest Designer Amanda ......

GET lost: Here is the complete LINE up! YAY!!!

........................................

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