Wednesday Sponsor Giveaway: Freehand Scraps, Big Picture Scrapbooking, + Paper & Co. Show
First, I want to pass along a thought for today that I came across on my friend Alex's blog about courage & leaps:
What I realized is that there is not just one big moment of courage in
our lives. There are many. These moments come to us in different ways.
At times we are forced into a leap (unexpected pregnancy, when parents
or partners pass away, when we loose our job). At times we are called
into a leap (when someone invites us for a trip of a lifetime, when our
partner wants to move to a new city, when we are offered a chance, when
we take the "money maker" role to support our family). Then there are
also the daily tiny leaps we take for the sake of adventure (when we
try new types of food, music, when we go out on a date, when we talk to
a stranger, when we transition from blogger friends to real life
friends). No matter how small, silly or hard, tiny, dramatic or
forgotten... All leaps are important because little by little, we live
through change, we figure out how to cope, we move forward, we learn
who we are, and we build our confidence for the bigger leaps, the ones
we seek for ourselves.
Maybe someone else out there needed to hear this today too...
And now, three cool midweek sponsor giveaways are on tap for today:
• One person will receive a February Kit from Freehand Scraps.
• Two people will receive passes to Stacy Julian's fantastic online Library of Memories class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. Focused on getting your scrapbook albums in working order and organizing your photos (in a very "you-centered" way), I highly recommend the class and/or Stacy's book Photo Freedom. Class begins February 12th and runs for 16 weeks. This class is only offered once a year.
• One person will receive 4 classes for the Paper & Co. event in Italy on March 27, 28, and 29 (giveaway does not include travel, accommodations, or food for the event). You can check out a list of the classes here. Italy sure sounds good to me right about now :).
To be included in the drawing today please leave a comment below and share your most recent "leap" or act of courage. Comments will be closed at 8pm Pacific tonight with the winners posted shortly after.
I would also like to take a minute to welcome and thank my newest blog sponsors:
Digital Birdhouse : digital scrapbook products
Scarlet Lime : monthly kit club
The Paper Pixie : paper embellishments
The Digital Scrapbook Teacher : photoshop tutorials and classes for hybrid + digital scrapbooking
Lettergirls : delightful hand-created address stamps
For more information on sponsor opportunities send me an email: ali at aliedwardsdesign dot com
Great post!!!
My big 'leap' was in 2008, I decided to be part of the life of my fiancé at full time (past years we only 'live' online our relationship :)) move together and live each day trying to find a smile on the other ;)
Nice day to everyone!
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Our most recent leap was moving from family and friends in Michigan to Alabama for a new job!
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My big leap was quitting my job in Montreal and moving to Toronto. There was only 3 weeks from the time I made the decision to the time I started working. I knew it was the right decision when everything started falling into place a friend of mine took a bigger leap by quitting his job and moving with me without knowing if he would find something in Toronto. We found a great apartment and I found someone to not only take over my lease but to buy all of my appliances in Montreal. But I must admit that during those 3 weeks I felt more alive than ever not knowing what the future was holding for me was so exciting.
As for little leaps I try make some of those as often as possible whether it be trying a new restaurant...joining my work knitting club and making my first scarf ever...I really enjoy learning new things and the experiences that come from that.
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My leap of courage is actually happening today! I am taking my 3 1/2 year old with special needs to the DENTIST!!! Oh, I've been putting this one off for awhile but it's time and boy is it going to be interesting!!! I'll be taking a lot of deep breaths hoping my calmness will radiate to her!
Wish me luck!
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My most recent Big leap was to let go of the things that happened in 2008 (many not so happy)and make many changes in life one being a move to a different house.I've also took the leap to just go with the flow let things happen and not stress so much like I always have in the past.
A little leap I have taken in the last week was to stop picking at my finger nails and the rough skin around them. This was a big thing for me when I get stressed I'd pick but its been almost a week since I've and my fingers are looking good for once. Manicure in my future?
Great giveaways!
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my leap is that i am trying to be less dependent on help from my mom. she helps me out alot but i think that my family is beginning to think that i can't do anything for myself anymore!
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On a similar note,
http://knitandpurlgrrl.blogs.com/scraphappy/2009/01/this-is-it-real-life.html
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my most recent leap of courage...i couple of hours ago,
when i finally went for my regular blood test!
for me, that takes lots of courage.
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My leap of courage has to do with dealing with my beloved mother-in-law's terminal illness. She will leave us any day now. On Sunday we picked out a plot for her ashes. I wanted to create a photo album and presentation to honor her life. It took courage to do because I have to really face the fact that she will not be with us for anymore Sunday dinners, birthdays, strolls in the garden, or holidays.I wish we had done this together years ago, instead of me and my slide to digital image converter cranking away on the computer each night after work and family obligations are done.
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Biggest leap for me right now would be letting my guard down and following my heart.
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My most recent leap is helping a small maternity/baby store in my area with their blog. I am coming up with the marketing plan and helping them decide on the voice of their blog. The most interesting part is it's a barter -I am trading services for classes and a stroller I have my eye on. In this economy I think that is totally cool.
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When I first read this, I thought that I hadn't made any leaps in a long time. Then I realized that losing my best friend, my youngest sister to cancer was a leap. And my principal asking to step into the role as leader for a short time was a leap. Picking my word of the year, "Produce" was a leap. So I guess I do make daily leaps and didn't even realize it.
I LOVE your blog. It is the first thing I check when I turn my computer on in the morning. Thanks for your inspiration.
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my latest "leap"?
i started running after a huge weight loss, registered for a half marathon and ran it. so somehow in the midst of it all, i decided i was going to DO IT AGAIN. i have 13.1 ahead of me on May 2
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My latest leap was beginning to create the plans for a new business. I can't believe I am finally doing it! I can't wait!
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My most current big leap - embracing the fact that within 2 weeks in 2010 3 major life events will take place. My 20th wedding anniversary with the world's greatest guy. My amazing daughter will graduate from high school. I will turn 50. So, since January of this year I have started investing in myself in little ways. This is a huge deal for me but I want to greet those milestone events in the best way I can.
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My courage is to trust again this summer that my sons will be alright as 2 of them go off to war again. A very hard thing for a mother to do but I know the Lord will watch over them as he has before.... Sometimes even when your kids are grown and gone it's hard being a mom.
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My most recent leap or act of courage has been going to workshops to help with some problem areas in my life. Instead of blowing them off and not following through, I've actually participated and learned something about myself.
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First, I want to tell you I am checking daily to see about the newest arrival, we have been praying for you! Now then, on to the topic, this is the first year I picked a word, you are such an insightful inspiration to so many, so I picked the word now. I have been a writing teacher and literacy specialist for the last 11 years and have had a secret desire to write a book. There are so many books I want to write but my faith in myself always seems to wane. So, starting in Jan. I put my word up right next to my computer (using vinyl & my cricut) and above it wrote the word Write. So, every time I sit at my computer it reminds me that now is the time... today, to put my fears aside and do what God has blessed me to... so far I have 5 chapters written and shared them with close friends. Thank you for your fearless inspiration!!!
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Everyday in my job I get to help people get closer to their goals.
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my latest acts of courage have included getting my butt to the gym, asking for help in my workouts, from my husband at home (not bringing crap food in the house), and buying clothes for myself that look good, make me feel good, and fit me well.
its hard realizing you have a problem, and harder yet to stop yourself from just carrying on with what's comfortable.
what a wonderful giveaway!
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Life as a single Mom with three teens (now) in the economy is a constant leap. I have become very resourceful and with Gods grace and blessings we can make it through. KD4
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Our family is recently going through some changes as my husband is working outside the home again...it was the best decision for our family but is going to require lots of hard work and adjustment for all of us. I am not sure the future will hold or what the heck we are going to do this summer regarding Miss Madison, but we will make it work.
Have a great day Ali!
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My big leap is deciding to get my Masters degree and go back to work in a different field (sort-of). I am certified to teach high schoolers, and I did for 8 years before becoming a SAHM. But I am starting my masters degree this year and get my certification in early childhood! I want to be able to use my creativity DAILY! I would love the kit or the LOM class!
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My most recent leap was starting a new job, two weeks ago. It's really paid off - I'm loving it, actually using my English degree, AND making more money. :) Thanks for the quote - so inspirational!
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My most recent leap was to pull out my 11-year daughter from public school and homeschool her. It IS a most daring act because I have to trust that I can give her a better education and accept that my professional ambitions have to be put on hold.
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