FLOURISH conference for GIRLS!!!

March 27th...it will be a glorious day! check out the flourish blog for more info, crazy videos & to SIGN UP!

www.flourishconferences.blogspot.com

[inspiration]

Be inspired by the world around you!!! Open your eyes and take things to new levels.

[making a memorable scene]

 

The day started by deciding to take a stroll along the beach and as we came to a huge mound of sand, like typical girls, we set up a little photo session, enjoyed the sun and caught up....THEN out of nowhere our silence and serene beauty was interrupted by 3 boys. There were the two brothers (one plump/so precious and the other super skinny and never stood still) and then token random friend. who was off in his own world. They climbed onto our mound of sand with boogie boards and I wondered..."Are they going to do what I think they are going to do?" And sure enough...down the sand dune they went. We watched. We laughed. We thought it was cute that the plump little brother looked like he was praying before he scooted himself off the edge. I thought it looked like fun but they were boys and I am such mature, classy lady.

But you see, I am reading this book, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller (THANKS mike forrest!!). It's been like a little treat each night before I go to bed. I try to force myself to only read a chapter or two because it's like a good dessert after a tasteful day. ANYWHO. The book really dives into this whole concept of our life being a story and challenges you to look at the life you are living. Is your story compelling? Is it Fun? Is it meaningful?...Donald Miller writes, "A good movie has memorable scenes, and so does a good life."

So back to the beach....I decided, why not join in on the fun and make some new friends.  First attempt down was so fun! It was like sledding but even better because I wasn't cold and I didn't have 45 layers of clothes on.  Then skinny brother started doing crazy things like 360s and jumping so I was like..."Oh I am doing that!!! He is 10years old. If he can do it, I can".....Unfortunately,  it was an epic fail. I was flipping and rolling all the way down the sand dune and was a human sand box for the rest of the day.  The moms asked if I was ok. My friends were crying they were laughing so hard. The boys definitely did not think I was cool. But it was a memorable scene in this life I live. 

life is but a BREATH. live it well.

 

[Thanks for coming to visit Kimi&Taryn. You both live a very compelling life and am thankful to be a part of it!! Keep shining.]

[believe in someone]

Who inspires you?

Who do you see has amazing potential?

Do you see someone using their gifts and talents beautifully?

TELL THEM.

Recently, someone I admire and respect took the time to believe in me. To encourage and push me to be the best designer I can be. She gave me advice and spoke life-giving words. The power of LIFE is in our TONGUE...so let's USE IT!!! Let's allow those around us to FLOURISH by speaking life into them, not to receive anything but the joy that comes from seeing someone live life to it's fullest!

[olive leaf]

Olive Leaf is a line of products I designed and Janie Seltzer penned the beautiful poetry.  My favorite pieces are the mugs!! The shape is perfect for a big cup of coffee in the morning...and I definitely need a big cup of coffee in the morning :). These were released in the middle of 2009 through DEMDACO and are available at bookstores and retail stores around the country. [www.demdaco.com]

[megan hearts goes to NORTH CAROLINA]

I have been a part of the MeganHearts team for a little over a year now and it has been so much FUN! Kimi and Megan started a publishing company called Kegan Publishing and they published their first book "Megan Hearts Baking" in 2008.  I came alongside as the art director and we [Kimi, Megan and I] have been taking this book on the road. Our goal is to use every minute of the hour and a half event to redefine FUN! Our hope is that each girl walks out of the room a little more confident, knowing that she too can find JOY in unexpected places through giving, encouraging others and having a positive outlook in all situations!

January 8th-12th we were in North Carolina--With almost 300 kids & adults and 5 events we have many crazy memories and moments from this trip! Here are a few highlights via our facebook status' in case you missed them :)

ON BOOK TOUR: Charlotte, NC...was getting odd looks at Starbucks...which was odd till Rachel reminded me that a Mohawk isn't normal [megan]

BOOK TOUR DAY 3...a little 6 year old girl just told Megan she had "fonkay hayer"...seeing girls leave more confident then when they walked in has been amazing!! Kimi-we MISS you. [me]

STOP #4: Asheville, NC @ gas station dressed in purple sweatpants & lime green/purple striped beanie & was greeted with, "you girls ain't from around here, huh?" [megan]

Final stop: Salem-Winston & Colfax, NC. I asked the inevitable question, "so do I sound like I have an accent to you guys" to which a new friend replied, "no darlin, you just sound like those people on them tv do." We all delighted in her answer, drank some tea, and then discovered we have two different definitions of ......the word Shag. Thankfully, they were referring to "dancing" with their friend's dads.

left 14 degree weather in NC and arrived to 74 degrees...eating breakfast outside overlooking the ocean in manhattan beach. thank you california. [me]

 
VERY SPECIAL THANKS to the guys house in Charlotte, NC and for Sandlin & Hunter Douglas for housing us [and for playing our little game :)]

 

[new hiddenlife designs]

I am designing a new line of products for hiddenlife and here is a little sampling :) enjoy!