a soft hush overcomes me...

The two winners are:
mandiegirl said...
Ummm....First of all, I *heart* houndstooth. I love your stuff, and I love u. :) So, I think I should win.

November 6, 2008 7:30 PM

christine said...
i'm a huge fan! =)

November 7, 2008 3:53 AM

Mandiegirl and Christine please e-mail me your mailing address so I can send you your lovely gifts :)
belladrummer@gmail.com


I am here sweet friends.
I've missed you.

Please accept my apology for not coming back sooner to announce the winners last friday. Friday was bittersweet for me. Of course an exciting day because I loved sharing my art with you with the opening of my new Etsy shop. (A huge warm hug to each of you whom purchased from my new shop and sent well wishes!) I am encouraged and filled with happiness. :)

And on the same day something both personal and professional fell apart. I received news due to the economic downturn my position as a graphic artist would no longer exist in 2009. I of course was devastated. I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster. And between telling myself to take deep breaths and believing this is a good change I really am trying to believe all of it. This news has made me well aware that not one thing in life is guaranteed. I am reminded to make a list of gratitude in an effort so fully see my life is full of blessings. I have health, I have found the love of my life, I have shelter, provision for my body and beautiful encouraging friends whom all believe in me. And I'm thankful. I am so grateful. I debated as to whether to share this here or not, but seeing as I'm sure I'm not the only one who is going through a tough time...well, I thought I'd share a word of encouragement and prayer for you and me both. Everyone needs a little bit of that :)

things worth remembering:
- good things are just up ahead
- live a life that is content and not defined by material things
- to be rich in kindness and love
- generous with an open heart
- learn to be full of grace and wisdom
- know your needs will be met by faith
- face your circumstance with grace and dignity
- step out, dream bigger, always look up
- do not dwell in the hurt, but learn to appreciate this valuable life lesson
- embrace encouragement and follow your heart

working on this every day is not easy. but this song helps calm me: Stay with me by Future Of Forestry
(I encourage you to make your own gratitude list to visually see your life filled with blessings and lessons you are learning.)

you my friend are lovely, beautiful and strong. i pray you live your life to the fullest. I hope you are in a place where you excel above your own expectations. Where you shine amongst darkness and love even through the most impossible times. I pray for your protection and for strength when you need it most.

In His Arms,
d