Wednesday Sponsor Giveaway: Freehand Scraps, Big Picture Scrapbooking, + Paper & Co. Show

Hi Ali,
(Can't believe all the comments already...)
I took a really big leap last month: I applied for artschool... and this week I learned that I am allowed to take the entrance examination!

Wow Ali, I so needed to read that today. I'm almost in tears, just almost.
Truth be told, I'm sucking it up and looking ahead for brighter days. I know we can, yes we can.
My husband got some news last Friday that has sent us in a whirlwind of emotions. He was laid off. We weren't expecting it because he works in adult education, an industry that normally doesn't suffer during a recession. He loves teaching, it is absolutely his passion. It is what makes him happy. It gets him out of bed in the mornings.
He and I have been through so much and weathered so many storms as well as basked in the delightful sunshine. He is my anchor and I am his. But this news was a blow to his ego and his emotions and his confidence.
Over the past few weeks he's been dealing with medical issues and then this. He has come around 180 degrees and is leaping for bigger things and better days. He's happy to be a domestic and stay home with our daughter, he is spending more time writing the book he's been putting off, and he is happy.
This is a new adventure for him and us. One income, new house, new life. We are leaping in magical ways and know that we will carry on no matter the circumstances. Everyday has been an adventure for us and it isn't going to stop anytime soon.

New eye glasses for me. I was all set to order the "safe" pair and then said, no, not today. Today, I take a leap of faith and trust they're as cute as the technician said.

My most recent leap was a month of full-time volunteer work for January. It felt really good to give up my quiet and semi-organized life to give of myself and my time for a month. However, in thinking about big leaps it seems like I have gone too long without leaping...really big so that is now on my radar...looking for a big leap!

My biggest leap this year was learning how to better handle my Mom's disease...she recently (and very quickly) came down with Vascular Dementia. It has been hard on all of us (my dad, my siblings and my children) as all of our lives have drastically changed. however, I know that her being her is a blessing and that we take each day as it comes and not dwell on what we have lost. That has been my biggets leap is letting go of my anger and accepting what she is now so I can relish each moment and each day that God gives us together. Scrapbooking has also been a blessing since the books are in chronologial order it helps her be a part of my kids lives even she is not able to be around them. It realy helps her which helps me!
Thanks for your wonderful blog, your chance to win goodies and for always having great craft ideas for all of us Moms!
SAC

One of my most recent leaps was sharing my blog with my family and friends. For a while, I kept it basically private to give me an "out" for all the stuff I never want to say out loud. But I wanted to live a more integrated, authentic life, so I took the leap and shared the address with my friends and family so I could give them a peak into my inner mind.

My most recent leap:
"going back to work after taking an extended maternity leave (two years).. I always thought I wanted to be a SAHM but after two years of being home with them and totally enjoying the early years, I was ready to go back to work, although it was the hardest decision I've ever had to make."
thanks for sharing that with us Ali.
Francesca

I'm not usually one for leaps but we did move 3 years ago to a new community and I have had to forge all new relationships and 6 months ago I went back to work for more hours, although still part-time, than I have since I had kids (21 years ago!)

My recent leap? I finally made a break through with Photoshop Elements- I'm trying to teach myself digital scrapbooking. After several months at trying and failing (and ignoring it for a while) I finally did it!

My biggest leap has been to take a good look at my life and try to change the areas where I fail and embrace the areas where I succeed. I am not normally one to reflect on my shortcomings, I like to power on through. It has been difficult, but very rewarding.

(Sorry if you have already read this - I think Typepad lost my post.)
What an inspiring quote and great blog! I have now got Gypsy Girl bookmarked near the top of my bookmarks.
My most recent leap of courage has been the decision to own and accept my health in whatever state it is at.
Two years ago I was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome. I hadn't even heard of it and didn't want to. I went into denial and tried my best to ignore it. At the same time I developed multiple food sensitivities (including wheat, corn, soy, dairy, chocolate - yes chocolate!) and ended up just feeling sorry for myself and trying to ignore that as well.
A few weeks ago I decided that would accept where I was at with my health (this has been the hardest - to move out of victim mode), appreciate what I do have and work to improve my immune health. Since then I have been researching Sjogren's, being careful with what I eat and trying to exercise regularly. My next step is to join a Sjogren's support group. Funny enough, I feel better too.
Thanks for the opportunity to share, even though Italy is not possible at the moment.

My biggest leap was deciding to teach high school. I always told myself I wasn't cut out for it, but I've been doing it for 5 years now, and I've survived!!

I enrolled in a drawing class. I've always told myself "I can't draw" because I can't do it perfectly the first time. It's time to find out whether that is true or not!

Hi there - I feel like I am on the precipice of making several large leaps, but the most recent was deciding to have sinus surgery rather than live with constant problems. Now I don't know why I waited so long. I'm still healing, but I know it will make a difference.
I am a big fan! Thanks for letting us share.
Jessica

my biggest leap of faith was to offer to give up my "regular" class of 3rd graders in order to teach a large population of non english speaking students in grades 1st - 5th that have recently moved to our town. the best challenge i have ever faced and i love every minute of it!

My most recent leap of courage was coming to terms with and accepting that my son has Aspergers syndrome. only diagnosed last year at aged 12 and it was a shock- i just thought he was eccentric all these years. After many tears and problems, I had to accept it, and take the psychologists hand (so to speak) and go on a new journey...and accept him as he is, and that some things will never get better.

My most recent leap was to start taking classes to get my teaching certificate at the same time as getting my PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences. It has been a struggle, but I am getting through it. Scrapbooking and photography help me release my creativity and focus on something other than science.

I made a new friend. Sometimes it's hard to let people in.

I moved fairly recently and have had difficulty making friends in the established neighborhood we moved into. I decided to make flyers and stuff mailboxes on my street with invitations to start a book club. I had 9 women show up last Thursday night!!

Sometimes courage is the small voice at the end of the day saying, " I will try again tomorrow."
I've been doing a lot of this lately.