Ways to lose track of time when your are board

 I don't know about you, but being such a creative person I find myself board ALL the TIME! Over the years I have found many activities that don't just make me forget I am board, but also give me a task, or project. (and I am sure you all know how much I love projects)

     First on my list is building a fort, this is a good way to pass some time no matter what the season, if it is hot, build an air fort. If it is cold enclosing a small area will conserve body heat. Outside you can build igloos if there is enough snow, you can use a trampoline if you have access to one, or a tree house. Inside you can use boxes, chairs, cushions, pillows, blankets. You can spend as much time setting it up as you want, you can also make it as big or as small as you want, and of course you can invite friends, family, and pet into your fort.

     Next on my list is to play shadow puppets, if you put a bunch of work into making a fort, or even if you don't, shadow puppets, or shadow theatre is lots of fun. Even if this isn't one you can do by yourself, or at least it isn't a lot of fun by yourself, it only takes two to have a blast that can last hours.

     Learn morse code. I started teaching myself and my younger sister morse code to entertain us. I mean, who doesn't want to speak a secret language? It doesn't even need to be morse code, any code will do, try learning ASL. ASL would be more useful, but harder to learn than morse code. Morse code is just what I chose to learn.

   Practice a foreign language, this one is similar to the last one, but you have a few more options, you can watch a movie in a foreign language and try to pick out words you recognize, or listen/read a book. You can play online games, there are apps and resources everywhere! Learn the words to a song in another language, You can even learn Tongue twisters in a foreign language. 

     Learn hand clap games, my mom taught me, when I was very young "I caught myself a baby bumblebee, won't my mommy be so proud of me. Yes, I caught myself a baby bumble bee, ouch! It stung me! I am smushing up my baby bumblebee, won't my mommy be so proud of me, Yes, I'm smushing up my baby bumblebee, Ewww! It's all over me! I am wiping off my baby bumblebee, won't my mommy be so proud of me, yes, I'm wiping off my baby bumblebee, Eww! It's all over you. " Who doesn't know Mother Goose's pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake baker's man. Learning new hand claps can be lots of fun they can get really complicated or be really simple. Jump rope songs, or tongue twisters are about the same thing, but you can search them and get different results.

     Make art with natural materials you can gather materials on a nature walk and building lots of stuff! Let your imagination go wild and feel free to use Pintrest for inspiration, make your own paper, make your own paint, make your own paint brushes.

     Shop at thrift stores, second hand stores, buy junk for fun. Wasting money is a great way to forget how board you are. Find something that you can use, and it will keep you busy longer.

     Play hopscotch, dance, exercise, there are simply too many exercises that you can do with anything you have, for you to have any excuse not to exercise.

     Play pranks, be nice, but be creative, and be prepared for retaliation. Don't dish it out if you can't take it. Or watch prank show on tv.

    Cook from scratch, this is a hard one, but very time consuming. So many options!

     learn about growing a garden / plants/ Forging

     Build a kite, or build paper airplanes

    Write a story, poem, or blog

     Clean/do chores

     Play cards, or board games

     Play games with friends/sleep over

     Mad libs, mazes, word searches, word puzzle, puzzles

     Learn to play an Instrument, I pretend to play the keyboard, but, I do It outside where my family can't hear me. Not by my choice.

     Perler beads, necklaces, key chains, home decoration, organization

     Detox bath, tea bath, bubble bath, oil bath, candles, food tray, shower

self care, paint nails, do hair, pamper yourself

     Start a fire/ light a candle, roast marshmallow, roast bread on a stick, Shish kebab, grill, sing, be loud, burn spices to keep bugs away, or burn chemicals to turn the fire colors, enjoy being outside, just starting the fire can take some time.

     Spend time with animals

      Virtual reality, Field trips, one of my favorites! Or volunteer

     Sew, Crochet, Quilt

     Take quizzes, there are quizzes that tell you your love language, your Disney side kick, your taste in clothes, how old you are, What your friends like most about you, your ideal boyfriend's qualities. Really fun to do with anyone and compare answers.

God gave me peace.

God spoke to me

 This is a creative leaf rubbing, I wrote psalm 25:9-5 over it. I try to do something creative everyday. When I am in a bad mood being creative lifts my sprits, I was really struggling today, then I took a moment to pray, I went down on my knees and asked for help. Not long after that, I got on Pinterest. God spoke to me though a Pinterest pin. It said one hundred my fall by your side and ten thousand at your right hand but it will not come near you Psalm 91:7 I pinned the pin to my bible board. I took a much needed deep breath and felt peaceful for the first time all day.

How I can start my day off better 

     I plan on putting up a prayer above my bed so I can remember to start my day off right. I worked in little ways to lift the moods of the people around me, my focus shifted from my problems to the problems of those around me. I left a note that said "Hold E'm,  Fold E'm,  Walk away,  run" on the dryer when my mom went to check the laundry, I asked if she had found my note. She said "Yes what is that supposed to mean?" I started singing Kenny Roger's The Gambler, "You got to know when to hold E'm, know when to fold E'm, know when to walk away, and know when to run." We both started laughing and singing, which made us feel better.    

I also plan to start a biblical morning routine to get me to not lean on my own understanding.

I made an effort to be self sacrificial 

    Then I played with my little sister, she is always begging to play, it seems, but I keep reminding myself that she will eventually not want to play anymore, so I should take the time I have with her. I enjoy telling her stories more than I will admit to her, it gives me another creative expression, I hope she never grows out of listening to my stories. Just as I will never grow out of listening to my mom's. Even though mine are made up, and my mom's are based her experiences.

 The Geek word for self sacrificial love is agape

My loved role model

     My mom is so confident, I wish I could be more like her. My mom tells me that she is motivated and confident because God gives her confidence. Her confidence comes from asking God before she makes decisions. She doesn't care what anyone thinks of her, but she is also the best nurse I've ever seen. She is a fantastic house keeper, her cooking is far superior to mine. She is a devout wife and mother, and yet she is humble. Everything she does is an act of worship. She only gives godly advise.

My confession to you

     I have many decisions to make, I am almost eighteen. My parents are letting me made some of my own decisions, but I also have to deal with the consequences. I am waiting, and praying. When I read blogs that are linked to Pinterest everyone seems to have it all together, that is part of the reason the Internet can be so dangerous. It can make you question yourself, your life and make you envy other people and what they have. I don't have it all together, I don't even know what is going in my own head most the time.

What I want to learn next

     The creative project I am engrossed in right now is learning how to make my own clothes. I am going to start with making a shirt or blouse. I am researching, learning and preparing right now. My parents said they will take me to Hennessy soon to buy fabric I have worked with my dad all summer to save up money, I will spend this money to buy fabric. I am torn between buying fabric to further my education in sewing and altering clothes, or buying fabric to make stuff to sell. I suppose I will split and buy fabric for both. I also need needles, and want pattern drafting tools. I also need to remember my chores.

My prayer

      You are all knowing God, Greater than my mind can conceive. You have answered my questions in the past, things I put most importance on, are trivial to you.  I ask that you again show your faithfulness to me, and lead my paths. I revere and respect what you tell me to do, even when I don't like what you have decreed. I will not run like Jonah and the whale, I submit. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

 Tips on being both a Christian businesswoman and a teenager

       "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)  

It's important to remember that you can't do it alone, but with God, everything is possible. I am on the same journey you are, and asking all the same questions. God is leading me down every path in unexpected ways. I hope I can be a channel through which God speaks to you. 

     The first lesson I learned is how to utilize others' knowledge and expertise.

      People are put in your life for a reason. God knows what you need better than you know yourself. I can't count the number of times I've needed help with something, and just the right person or thing to help me came into my life at just the right time. It's okay if God doesn't give you the answer you're seeking, as long as you keep asking and searching. When he finally gives you the answer, well, I can't even describe how it feels. It's not easy to ask for help, whether it's from God or others, but asking for help won't weaken or diminish you in any way. 

     "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) 

     Knowing what you are unable or unwilling to do is the second lesson.

      Setting clear boundaries with your business is as important as setting them in life. If asked to do too much for too little in too little time, simply say no. This will be better for your business than taking on too much and not meeting the promised standards and losing money and time. 

     Confidence in your abilities is the third lesson.

      If someone sings your praises in front of you, accept their praise and compliments. Responding in self-doubt will lose the respect of others and the high esteem in which they hold your business. If someone asks if you know anyone who can do what your business does, don't hesitate to volunteer.

     Accepting criticism is probably the most important and hardest lesson for me.        

     Now I don't mean bullying or naysayers; I mean real criticism that comes from someone wiser than you. Most of the time, you will know whether what they are saying is true or not. That is what makes it so hard to listen when you know they are right. My prayer is that when it comes to accepting criticism, it comes from a humble source and that you and I learn to accept it with grace.

     The fifth and final lesson I have for you today is to be diligent.

      Don't give up, there will be bad days (I pray for you that they are not as bad as Paul's). Being a Christian means that the devil will try to attack you in every possible way, including your business. Ask for success with confidence in the power of Christ and his love for you. 

I am going to share with you a prayer that I pray over my work.

     My salvation and hope are in you, Lord. You are the God who sees me. Forgive me for any sin I have committed in your presence, even those which I do not know about. You have always been my source of strength and my salvation. You have always kept your promises. I hope that you will use my work to bless others in ways that I cannot even imagine. Help me overcome my despair in a way that no one can doubt that you are there for me. Let me be a light to all who see me. Grant me knowledge that I lack. I offer my life, and business, in service to you. I entrust my finances to your great power. Amen.

 

My favorite way of praying for my business I learned from the marketing prophet I will leave a link here so you too can learn to pray for your business.

https://themarketingprophet.com/pray-business-strategy/

What I've learned going to craft shows

      I went to a craft show today, Octoberfest at Sunset Plaza. I wanted to share tips and tricks that I have learn that work for me.

First I want to start with collecting emails. Sending out emails doesn't work for me. No one even looks at emails anyway. I collect phone numbers and send out text messages. I wish someone would have told me to ask for phone numbers, more people are willing to give out their numbers than you might realize.

Tell people you take custom orders if you do. If you write it on a sign it might be easier than repeating yourself to ever person. 

Ask people if they would like to look at your (fill in the blank). Hand it to them, then talk about it. Some people assume you aren't talking to them and keep walking, some people don't hear you, and some people listen then ask questions. If they listen now is a great time to offer a card.

Set your booth you to where people can get to your stuff and get a better look, and so that is doesn't inconvenience other vendors.

Ask other vendors about their favorite maker's markets. You have a good chance of finding new markets that fit your business. That's all for now good luck and have fun!

Leaf rubbings

      Start by gathering fresh leaves, not any that are dried out lay them on a flat surface and place a paper over them. Use color pencils or  crayons and rub over the paper this will create an imprint.

For this leaf rubbing I made it look like the sun is shining on the leaves.

For this leaf rubbing I wrote a bible verse over the pattern.

You can chose what colors you use, and what you do with them.

Disappearing nine square quilt

 This is the second quilt I've ever made. I use a disappearing nine square pattern. I quilted the layers together with a geometric pattern. I practiced quilting making stroller/Walker caddies. 

This is what I started with,

I sewed them together.

Cut them in half vertically and horizontally.

Rotated the upper right and lower left square 180°.

Then sewed them together, I repeated this process many times then arranged the pieces on the floor, so I can place the squares where I wanted them according to color. Then I sewed them together.

Next I quilted the top to the batting. 

Then I sewed the backing to the quilt, I make the backing of my quilts larger than the top, so I can wrap the edge around the top, I think this makes the quilts look put together, and it is simpler.

This is the backing. I used matching fabrics to make the squares, and everything looks amazing. I saw a quilting trick after I finished this quilt that suggests you lay the seems open when you are sewing, and the fabric should lay flatter. Another benefit of using this method would be not having to worry about sewing seems in opposite direction. I intend on using this method next time I sew a quilt. 

Perler bead pistol shrimp

My pistol shrimp

I got an A+ for this art homework

 This is a pistol shrimp made out of perler beads, I made the design myself. I hope you can use my design to inspire you. My mom assigned me and my sisters to create a sea creature out of peeler beads. She had an entire unit study planned out for me and my sisters. We studied sea related spelling words, learned about explorers of the sea and submarines. We watched documentaries. We even ate creatures of the sea (sprite, with Swedish fish, and blue food coloring). Then each of us wrote a paper about the creature we chose.

Easy design

I drew this graph for all who wish to use my design, for creative projects, or for your own homeschool inspiration.

What you will need

These are the perler beads I used if you want to try and match the colors I used.

In this photo you can see the plates I used. 

Bible journaling

      How to add borders to your study bible or bible journal.

I saw several examples of people using washi tape, or how to draw boarders, but I like to add variety, and learn how do do things in different ways.

First if you a using a bible with fragile pages test a small corner on a page in an unnoticeable place. I used Elmer's school glue. Any decorative paper will work but I suggest using thicker paper.

Cut a strip of paper the length you want to fit your page. Spread the glue on the strip and place on the paper, place a paper between the page you are gluing the strip to and the one behind it. This will prevent the glue from soaking through thin paper, if you put to much glue it will prevent the glue from getting squished off the side and gluing your pages together. leave your book open to dry. Straighten the page before you let it dry!

In this photo I didn't straighten out the wrinkles,
and I let it dry

And ta-da all finished!

Alter a t-shirt into a fitted Tee

 

How to alter a man's t-shirt

Today I will share my step-by-step instructions on how to turn a man's t-shirt into a woman's t-shirt and be rid of all those baggy folds. By buying a man's t-shirt you get thicker materials cheaper, and altering it yourself can save a lot of money rather than paying more than the shirt cost, to have it fit right. Let's get right to work!

What you will need

     For this project you will need a measuring tool, like a ruler. A marking tool, like a fabric pencil, (I use soap). A man's T-shirt, a T-shirt a size that fits you comfortably, and sewing machine. 

Instructions

     Start by finding a man's t-shirt that the neck line fits, this is one of the most important steps as the neck line stays the same, if it is too big now it will be too big when you are finished. Find a shirt that fits you, if you pick a shirt that is a little stretchy allow for extra room in the chest when cutting. Turn the man's shirt inside out, and fold the shirt that fits you in half and lay it over, place your shirt on the man's shirt with the necks lined up and pin in place.

Then use a marking tool to outline the sleeve's seams from your shirt onto the man's shirt, without overlapping on the sleeves themselves. Next use a seam ripper to remove the sleeves. Cut along the line you made with your marking tool. After you've finished cutting on both sides, and they are even, Line up a straight measuring tool, from the top of the sleeve, to below the sleeve.

Mark a line from the bottom of the sleeve to the bottom of the shirt on both sides. Following that, cut along the new lines.

Then sew along those same lines, sewing the two halfs closed.

Take the sleeves you previously removed and sew them to the right size to fit the new armholes.

  Make sure you sew along the same seam, so you have the same sleeves only in a smaller form. Pin the sleeves onto the garment, and sew. Turn the garment right side out and check that everything is aligned.

Place your shirt back on the garment and measure from the neckline to the bottom of the shirt and mark the garment where your shirt ends. Then fold the hem over twice and sew.

Then you are finished! You just altered your own shirt, Good job. Show it off and don't be afraid to brag.

My poems

      I was looking through some old poems I had written in my poem book and I wanted to share them with you. 12-17-20 I wrote Trust Fall.

Trust Fall

I run towards the 

Cliff you directed me to, 

no fear left to hold me 

I am brand new.

I will leave forever, 

this God forsaken place

Awe and joy will be given to me

I can not wait to...

Anticipation grows,

only I know,

Flying, screaming for joy,

there, who is there?

Jerked, did I hit the ground?

No wait, I am not dead,

I feel no pain,

I have wings!!!

I will reach for the stars.

You did not kill me,

because of my faith,

you taught me to fly,

many others will say,

She was so brave,

she earned her wings

but, no

they were a gift

12-18-20 I wrote To the Lamb and the Lion

To the Lamb and the Lion

My Lord, Abba, Father

I cry out to you

Many before me were,

wiser, braver, kinder, more righteous

But your son alone 

saved me in my time of 

despair, so I call to the

Lamb and the lion

I am lost and broken

in my weakness you

show your strength

do not be angry my Lord,

I want to be seen,

as strong, wise, someone

worth listening to, so I 

call to the lamb and the lion

If by my strength, wisdom 

or worth, I face this world,

I would have even greater

despair, I am not strong, wise,

or worthy

Lord, my ways are imperfect

I chose the wrong path

I stumble and fall on my face,

so I call to the lamb and the lion 

The lamb will comfort me 

and spill his blood to purity

me for once I will be 

Worthy

The lion will avenge me 

and spill his blood to protect

me for once I will be 

Safe

My Lord you are the lamb

and the lion, the first

and the last, the east

and the west, Amen.

5-28-22

Vellichor- the strong wistfulness of used bookstores, which are somehow infused with the passage of time

Vellichor, where I want to be

Mist, gathering on the window pane

Drizzle, what I'm waiting for

Awed, at God's creation

Calm, never leave my heart

Comfortable, in the moment

Idyllic, can only fully describe

Mellow, my pets can feel it too

Nostalgic, remember

Warm, earthy colors

Melancholic, but, not sad

Morose, not quite

Small,wonder

Sotto voce, whisper

Aromatic, the smell after rain

Earthy, and dusty

Woody, and musty

Drip, drop, plop

Crackle, as the fire grows

Rustle, as the pages turn

Soft, touches of emotion

Dim, light flickers

Ablaze, the fire in your heart

Dancing, through your thoughts

10-2-22

Laundry

Laundry left unfolded, beds are left unmade

so much left to do, and left to say 

I give it all to you

The dishes on the bedside and in the

kitchen sink, I give it to you too.

My promises to people, and to me inner self

My longings for things I'll never have

Yours, yours, I don't want them anymore

My love for things familiar, things I've

Seen before, new things I get to explore.

They're yours anyway, what can I say?

If I give away what's mine, what is left for me?

LOVE

PEACE &

PROSPERITY

3-23-23

Gold

A spark can lead to an

Adventure

A question can lead to a 

Discovery

A map can lead to a 

Treasure

But gold doesn't always mean 

Gold.

A riddle can lack an 

Answer

A story can lack an

Ending

A path can lack a 

Destination

But not all that glitters is 

Gold.

A word can hope for a

Reader

A mountain can hope for a 

Climber

A lake can hope for a 

Swimmer

But gold can't hope for a thing!

9-8-23

Father Son Holy Spirit

Far out reaching our understanding

Are his ways

Thought leads to one conclusion we are not

Here to stay

Each life he has given leads down a different path

Right or wrong

Seek first the kingdom of God

Offer all

Necessities to Christ in prayer. Do not be

Hot tempered

Offer all

Love and lust, don't lust for things of flesh for 

Your god cares

Sorrow, Joy, Tears, Cheers, Pouts, and Celebratios in

Prayer earnestly

Reveals A righteous person with a great love

Invest in

Truth

9-8-23

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance

THESE five words are connected

to five ideas

these five ideas are connected

to five experiences

these five experiences are repeated

to find grief

ARE these worth your time

WHAT do you do with grief once 

you find it

what do you do with grief once

you feel it

what do you do with a response 

you can't find

I wish you luck

DON'T complain when you don't understand

don't force when you don't know

don't want for something you can't have

UNDERSTAND

Acorn necklaces

Gather lots of acorns

With all the Autumn changes in the air and the air getting steadily cooler we all try to restrain ourselves until it is an acceptable time to put up decorations, or wear a sweater. I've seen the fall crafts flood Pinterest, and wanted to try something myself when I saw acorn jewellery, I just had to try. You will need a string long enough for the length of your necklace, A few marbles, glue, and something to puncture a small hole in your acorn cap, and of course acorns. I didn't crack my marbles but I will add a link of how you can do that if you wish. https://pin.it/2DC2LTH 

take the caps off

 First, you uncap your acorns, how you do this depends on the type of acorns, and what you can use to help you. It can take some practice so get many more acorns than you think you need. Then, use your puncturing tool and poke two holes oposite of each other not far from the stem.

thread the string

 Be careful not to brake your cap in half. Next, take an embroidery needle or other tool and thread your string thorough the holes. Finally, glue your marbles in place. Let them dry, and ta-da you have a great acorn necklace that you made yourself.

ta-da

How I developed my allergies

    

 Pumpkin carving is a prefect seasonal craft, people of all ages can enjoy getting their hands dirty, and roasting pumpkin seeds. This is my pumpkin from four years ago. I was so proud of this picture I showed it off to all my relatives.This was the last pumpkin I carved trying to make it look good. Next year I wanted to make it taste good. I was going to make homemade pumpkin puree, and use that to make a homemade pumpkin pie from scratch.   

  The first step was to cut the pumpkin into pieces that fit in your oven. I only had to cut in half as you can see from the photo, I was using a large pumpkin. Make certain the pumpkin is not touching the heating elements, as this could start a fire. This pumpkin was carved which is okay as long as you don't leave the carved pumpkin open to air for too long before you begin to process it, or it could grow bacteria. Make sure the tools used to carve the pumpkin were clean and any surface or tool used are also clean. Be prepared for a large clean up afterwards also. I made I big mess. Here where things get interesting. After baking your pumpkin at 350° until soft, time frame depends on size of pumpkin, you should take it out of the oven and let cool then peel the skin off the pumpkin. Next, mash and grind the pumpkin pulp into a puree.

     I was half finished pureeing my second pumpkin when I had a rare allergic reaction to a protein released as the pumpkin bakes. I swelled up and turned red, my mom is a registered nurse thankfully she knew what to do. Over the next few days I recovered under my mom's care. After a few days I went with my dad to the minor emergency clinic, just to speed up my recovery. After this allergy I began to have smaller reactions when I ate things I had eaten 
before, and had never been allergic to before. So if you decide to try to make your own puree, be careful that you don't have a rare allergy to a protein that is released as the pumpkin bakes.