by Amy | Aug 6, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Living
“Why don’t you work on your blog? I like reading it.”
“Ugh. Because I have a bad attitude and I’m not doing anything interesting or anything worth writing about.” As soon as I say it I can hear my awful, negative attitude oozing from the words. As soon as the sentence is out there, I want it not to be true. And it doesn’t have to be.
“Maybe I should go on an adventure. Or find something that actually can that won’t leave me feeling like I’ve been run over.”
{Image via}
We are standing in a thrift store and I’m talking to a woman I’ve only met a handful of times, but am wishing I knew her better and as this conversation is going on, I’m creepily scheming up ways to find myself in her company more often. Which is probably even more creepy…since she told me she reads the blog, and I’m sure she’ll know this is about her. But I’m so awkward I throw caution to the wind.
We are there–in the thrift store–with another friend. And, little do they know, the two of them are pulling me out of a rut. An awful, annoying, terrible rut.
For a few days I’d been caught in a cycle of pain, Percocet, inactivity, anxiety and insomnia. One leading to the next, the next and the next. I stopped writing {which many of you know if my favorite activity} because, as stated, I wasn’t doing anything worth talking about. Outside of memorizing my daily verse from Colossians I couldn’t even bring myself to spend time in the Bible in order to write a good devotional.
But Saturday, as we scored major deals {more on that later}, I started to feel more like myself again. I was having a great time, doing something unique, getting an unbelievable deal. And my sense of adventure was restored. I was reminded that I am a creature of free will. There is no rule, fast and sure stating that I am to succumb to a case of the forever down-and-outs because I can’t do all the things I used to. There is no regulation causing me to mourn my old self. There is no reason I can’t come up with interesting things to do despite my physical restrictions.
And I have. Since Saturday when this all went down I have done all kinds of interesting things. I just haven’t written them because I haven’t had time. And when I had time I was too tired. I hope you’ll forgive me, but I’ll really try to stay more interesting and less David Coppery {disappearing and all.} Sometimes it just takes a minute to get back on track. Sometimes it takes a person, or people to get you back on track…even if they don’t realize what they are doing at the time.
The point is this. It can be really easy to stay in and be down. Especially when we are physically down. But there is always a choice. Sometimes that choice is very hard to make. Like really, really hard. It might even take all of the sapped strength you have to make a choice to take a single step toward your regular, happier self. Maybe so, but that’s always a step worth taking. Trust me. I get off kilter more often than I’d like and it’s a step I’ve taken more times than I can count. But it’s always worth it. Always.
Amy
PS–I’m eager to tell you about the outrageous scores I found at the thrift shop. But they just didn’t fit in with the vibe of this post. Come back tomorrow and I pinky promise you’ll be jealous. Unless you live in Practically Canada…in which case you’ll thank me.
by Amy | Jul 31, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
It’s that time of year again…sunflower time!
One of the most beautiful features of a Practically Canadian summer is humongous crop of sunflowers covers many a rural field late in the season. Sometimes they can be tricky, especially since in the three summers I’ve spent here never once have the fields been planted in the same place twice.
But alas, I’ve found a field. A lovely field at that and for the first time ever, I am pleased to be offering Sunflower Mini Sessions for anyone and every one interested. There is one a couple catches. First of all, the sessions will be soon–since the crop doesn’t last forever. Second, the number of sessions is limited–since I can’t set up permanent camp in a field somewhere.
So if you are interest get in touch with me. Facebook me, text me {574-361-7268} or email me at amyallender@gmail.com.
Here’s how it works. You pick a time, come ready to smile and I’ll get some lovely seasonal photographs for you. You can choose to get 5 images for $50 or 2 for $30. Either way, they’ll arrive electronically and you’ll get a print release, online sharing release and a custom Facebook Cover photo. Pets are most definitely welcome and you can split your five images into any groupings you like–mom and dad, just the kids, each kiddo alone, just your dog…whatever you like.
After booking, I’ll send you directions. After the session your photos will be ready within 10 days.
It’ll be fun. Come on out. Hope to see you there!
Amy
by Amy | Jul 30, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Projects, the house
It’s been a while since I’ve done a project. And I don’t mean a craft. I mean a real, sink your teeth in, work all day, major B&A–project.
Actually, according to medical professionals, not allowed to project like that for another 5 months. So, I’ll bide my time, but that doesn’t mean progress should halt. A few months back, before we got the results of the MRI, before the surgery…before…Derek and I cleaned everything we had stored in the basement out. All in preparation for it to be waterproofed, the first step toward a completely finished, livable basement. {*dreamy sigh*}
You can see that post here.
Well, since I can’t participate, I thought I’d at least show you where we stand now. You may remember me mentioning that when my parents came to visit in June, my dad thought the most fun way to spend his days in Minot would be installing an egress window for us. No complaints from me. I’ve been meaning to ask him to write a guest post about putting it in. So, Dad, if you are reading this–we should chat about that. But I digress…Here is the window going in.
Let’s just say, I don’t trust just anyone to hack into the cement of my foundation. And I trust my dad. So…yeah…
Now I have a light filled basement. Better yet, it’s completely waterproofed. That’s what all the white stuff is on the wall. If you want more info on the system we went with, you can check out Innovative Basement Systems. It’s pricey, yes. But it is also guaranteed, pretty much for all time and eternity. So we felt like it was worth it.
The guys who cant to install the system were a pair of 20-somthing besties. They told me the met on the job and immediately clicked. It was a bromance if I’ve ever seen one. While they worked I could hear their music from the basement. It was like a kareoke party. There was some Frozen soundtrack, some singing along with Taylor Swift, and obviously a little jamming to Journey. Adorable.
I even have a sump pump!!
Now, the big question is, “What next?” Where do you go from here. Well, I’ll tell you.
First step, wait 48 hours for the cement to dry.
Next, save more money. The home improvement fund has been tapped out this summer with the new roof and the basement situation…
After that {conveniently in probably about 5 months or so–wink wink} we’ll start installing studs and dry wall. Eventually the vision is to have a bathroom, storage space and bedroom down there. So. Yeah. Someday.
Amy
by Amy | Jul 29, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Last week Derek and I ventured to my favorite place in the world. Elkhart, IN. While there I got to go to the country’s best 4-h fair. Seriously…it’s ranked #1 or #2–they flip flop with another fair in California. I soaked in the hot tub and soaked up sun in the pool and went for a boat ride on the might St. Joe.
In short, it was awesome.
Like all trips home there are a million things we want to do and only a few select actually happen. One thing we did find time for was taking an updated family photo, per my momma’s request. The last time we did this, my sister and I weren’t married and there were no dogs included. It was pretty casual. Nothing dressy. Just a couple photos in front of the barn {which is getting a fresh coat of paint this summer}. The whole fam. All together. Even the dogs.
by Amy | Jul 25, 2014 | Blog, Crafts, The Art of Art, The Art of Gathering, The Art of Projects
I have something very exciting to tell you about. It’s exciting for me, but mostly it’ll be exciting for the Practically Canadian followers out there.
A couple new services have been tacked on to my services menu. And they are way fun.
Starting now. Right now, The Art of Living Project is offering crafty classes for you and all your friends. Now, what on earth could that mean? Let me tell you.
I think lots of us can agree that crafting is super fun and awesome….and it only gets more awesome if you craft with friends. And it gets even better if you don’t have to spend time gathering supplies or finding a tutorial. And even more amazing if there was no Pinterest rage involved, because someone is there to help you complete a project that actually turns out the way it should and not on one of those “nailed-it” boards.
That’s where my crafty classes come in. Right now I have 15 projects available to choose from–everything from Pottery Barn knock offs to wreaths-a-plenty. Lots of others are on the way too. Projects on the horizon include DIY mercury glass, all kinds of paper flowers, burlap runners, glass painting, lamp wiring! So keep your eyes peeled and watch for new project postings.
You pick a class, I get the supplies, you have fun, you end up with something awesome and a new skill.
The best part about this type of class is that you will leave with the understanding of how to create something. For example, I offer a class that focuses on all kinds of burlap flowers. You’ll leave with some cool stuff and the know-how to do it again…the next time you want to embellish a wreath, or package, you’ll be able to whip up a flower and brag to your friends. It’s the whole teach-a-man-to-fish philosophy. I’m really into that.
Not only is it a way fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, it’s a great way to learn something new, create unique gifts and become a DIY master. After all…why should I be hoarding all the skills?
Oh…and if you and your cronies have found something that you are just dying to make…or have failed on before but would like to try again, all you have to do is get in touch with me and I’ll be happy to come up with a tutorial, gather supplies and plan a custom party just for you.
So, yeah. I’m pretty excited. And you should be too. Because this just might turn out to be your new favorite Practically Canadian pass-time.
Amy
PS–I’m also working on an artillery of painting party designs. Right now there is just one lonely painting in the gallery, but more are on the way!
by Amy | Jul 18, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
This is the Gallegos family. Aren’t they just beautiful? The smiles, the personality and those dreamy summer colors–some of the photos from our shoot in the farm lands of Practically Canada go down as some of my favorites to date. Their flash drive is in the mail and they’ll soon be sorting through their whole session. But for now, I’ll share some of my favorites from the day.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Oh, did I mention that this one is having a train themed birthday party??
by Amy | Jul 16, 2014 | Bible Reading, Blog, The Art of Faith
image via
I know I mentioned before that this is the Summer of Yes. At the time it was declared, back in the beginning of June, I was feeling like that was a great idea. I couldn’t wait to see what I could say “yes” to.
Then I had surgery. And the yeses in my life became very restricted. There have been a lot of forced no’s lately. No, I can’t pick that up. No, I can’t walk that far. No, I’m not allowed to carry that. No, I can’t…I have to rest for a while.
You see, as much as I had hoped to jump right back to my regular life {they say you can go back to “normal daily activities” as soon as you feel ready} I really haven’t been able to. When I went to my post-op the surgeon explained how the disc herniation was worse than they thought, since the bulge wasn’t off to the left or right–it was right in the center. He then went into detail about how in order to complete the surgery, he had to stretch and move all of the nerves running through my spinal cord. All of them. Stretched like rubber bands. It makes me queasy to think about it. And apparently, that kind of nerve manipulation will leave you sidelined for quite some time. Bummer. Especially, since my normal daily activities include tearing down walls, building things, tramping through fields on photo shoots, and jostling smiles out of stubborn children.
Okay. There’s that. When I started to thinking of something I could Yes my brain was taken back to a conversation I had had with a friend a few days before surgery. She told me that her 12-year-old cousin had recently memorized an entire book of the Bible. A whole book! 12! I put it off and tried not to think about it. I wanted a different Yes to happen. But this one kept gnawing at me. Could I do that? Would I? Should I?
You know the answer to that. After all, this is the Summer of Yes.
So, finally I gave in and began trying. I even researched a technique for memorizing large chunks of Scripture. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be able to recite an entire book of the Bible by October 13th.
You might be wondering why I said yes to this of all things. It sounds kind of boring, a little tedious, and definitely difficult. Lots of reasons. Let me enlighten you.
First of all, the Bible is the Living Word of God. The more time we spend with it, the more we are opening ourselves up to a deep communion with Him, the easier it is to hear His voice, and understand the possibility He has for us.
Second, Scripture wasn’t written verse by verse. Okay, so in a sense it was. I mean every book is, in a way, is written sentence by sentence. The books of the Bible, like most books, were written–usually–to a specific group of people, to convey a specific message, address an issue, explain something, etc. The content of a book flows, it makes a case, a broad point. Isolating a single verse can be dangerous since a verse’s true meaning often hinges on its context.
It’s easy to take a single verse and quote it and force it’s application to all kinds of circumstances. It’s a better practice to look at a verse in context by reading around it, to understand what is really being said.
And thirdly, when we commit something to memory we root it deeply in ourselves. I still remember the lyrics to songs from a musical I was in in 5th grade. I can recall facts I had to memorize for a science presentation in 6th grade. While those things are useless…memorizing–gaining a deep understanding–of a big chunk of Scripture isn’t. I believe that the more we understand our own beliefs, they easier they are to share with others, they easier they are to explain. I don’t like to spout of a “I think it says in the Bible somewhere–but I don’t know where…” when I’m in a conversation with someone looking for advice. I’d rather really {really} know what I’m talking about…and I think memorizing a book is a good place to start.
Oh, and this is the exciting part. I spent days thinking and praying over which book to choose. I finally settled on Colossians. I’m currently only two days in, but I figure, if I tell you guys it holds me more accountable. I’m using this method…in case any of you would like to try a big passage {doesn’t even have to be a whole book, maybe just a chapter} alongside me. And look–so far I can quote two verses. I pinky swear I’m going to type this next paragraph without looking at a source. Honor code.
1:1 I, Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God and our brother Timothy. 1:2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ in Colosse. Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Don’t be too impressed, I have a long way to go.
xo
Amy
by Amy | Jul 15, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
A few weeks ago I undertook a very unique challenge. A photo session of only children. Four children, four and under. I don’t know many big families…and this is the biggest group of very young kiddos I’ve ever attempted to shoot at once. The three brothers recently came to visit relatives Practically Canada with their mom. The little lady is a local. The fam thought it would be a fun time to get together and get all of these cousins in some legit portraits.
Luckily they are all adorable…because it was a challenge. A very fun challenge, but a challenge nonetheless. One would cry while the others would smile. One was consistently facing the wrong way. Someone was trying to dig up grass, someone was trying to walk away. Meanwhile five full-grown adults were shouting their names, making funny faces and shamelessly bribing them with promises of fruit-snacks between clicks of the camera. I adore this family and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. At the end of the day, their photos might not look posed and disciplined….but it wasn’t that kind of day. It was a day full of personality and I think that’s what came across in the images. Here are a few of my favorites from our time together.
There is something ridiculously adorable about this one. I mean, seriously…how about Mr. GQ there in the middle?
Now, somebody get these kids some fruit-snacks! They sure do deserve it.
