15 June 2009

Some Inspiration from an Inspired Mess



Hi, all you lovely people out there! Jamie here from Inspired Mess. Thanks to Janel for allowing me to guest blog today!

I've been thinking all day about what's inspiring me right now. My inspiration comes from the funniest of places sometimes. Lots of times it's just something totally random that I'll get an idea from. Lots of inspiration comes from all my wonderful blogging friends who are so totally inspiring and creative. I'm always sure to have a notebook on me just in case I need to jot an idea down. Sometimes I get carried away and start writing in a notebook and throw it in my purse. Then I'll grab another little notebook and write down another idea that I may have. Then I may get totally anal and grab yet another notebook because it will have a theme and it can't be included in a different notebook with other ideas. (Please tell me I'm not the only person like that! LOL) My hubby asked me the other day why I had 5 notebooks in my purse and if I really needed all of them. Yes!!!! (Besides the fact that I need to clean out my purse but that's a whole other story...)


So, here's what's inspiring me recently...

1. LOVE!!!!


One thing that I looove being inspired to do are "Adventure Nites/Days" for my boys. We have had some of the greatest days just being at home and using our imagination. We've been to Neverland & Space. We've been Superheroes & Treasure Hunters. Just this past weekend, it was all about balloons, after seeing UP. (How inspiring was that movie?!?! You must go see it if you haven't!) All of our adventures are listed on the left side of my blog. If you decide to do one of your own for your family, please let me know because I would loooove to hear about it!!! It's a great way to spend quality time with your family!


2. Flickr! I always get inspired whenever I'm looking through flickr. Whenever I'm feeling less than inspired, I go to flickr and pick a word to search for. You'll be amazed at what you might find! Another fun thing to do on flickr is to pick somebody and go to their favorites. Select a picture in their favorites and click on it. Then go to that person's favorites and select another picture that you love. Go to their favorites and so on. You'll find some great inspiration by doing that and lots of favorites!!!

3. Etsy! I love seeing what other people create. It's fun to just be searching through and then an idea will strike and it's something that you just have to create! You can do the above game on etsy too! ;)

4. Art Journaling. I love it so much. Not only does it inspire me, but it just makes me feel better! I love having a creative outlet like that.

5. This Book!!!!




Holy Wow! I love it so much! I haven't even sat down and started reading it through. I've just read pieces here and there but it is seriously life-changing. If anybody else is reading it, please send me an email or message. I would love to have somebody to discuss it with! It is just so awesome. It's "37 days to wake up, be mindful and live intentionally". Why 37 days? Because her stepfather passed away 37 days after being told he had cancer. What would you do if you only had 37 days left? I love the little things to remember. It's just a fun life!

One thing I read that really struck me and has had me thinking all weekend is the part called "Purge Your Portfolio". It talked about what we always make excuses for. When we see a picture of ourselves, what do we always make an excuse about? For me, it's ALWAYS, "Oh my goodness! Look how fat I am there!" or "How many chins do I have showing in that one?" If there's something you feel compelled to make endless excuses for, change it. So that's what I'm ready to do...change it.

"For many people, an excuse is better than an achievement because an achievement, no matter how great, leaves you having to prove yourself again in the future but an excuse can last for life." -Eric Hoffer
How many of us can relate to that quote? By the way, quotes and song lyrics are a huge inspiration to me!!!! Love 'em!!! I have an entire journal (another notebook) just full of random quotes or lyrics that I write down.

Hop on over to visit me at my regular blog at Inspired Mess! Every Wednesday is "Inspired Wednesday" where you'll find some more inspiration each week! There you'll find links to my etsy, flickr and twitter! (What'd we do before all this technology???) Thanks, Janel, for having me today! You are such a HUGE inspiration to me and I love ya, girl!!!! Hope you each have a happy and inspired day! xoxo -jamie

4 comments:

  1. I am definitely going to have to see that movie and read that book :) Jamie your kiddos are so blessed to have such a cool mom who goes on adventures with them. I love that!! <3

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  2. Wow Jamie, I love your post. Such great words and advice. I totally agree and I've quit making excuses and just decided to get on with it and live my life which I try to do each day as I can.

    I love love love that balloon photo. And I carry a notebook too. :) I have several around my house for different reasons. I have to get back to journaling. The summer is the only time I get to give back so I'm getting that out of the way. After this week it's all about me. LOL

    I really enjoyed your guest blogger and thank you Janel for having Jamie over.

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  3. Well said, Jamie, on all of it! I like that 'excuse' quote. So true!!!
    Great job, babe! Have a wonderful "rainy" day! :D
    B

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  4. Loved your post. I carry 3 of the 5x7 size notebooks in my bag. One for plaque/painting ideas, one for jewelry ideas and one for sewing ideas

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Thank you so much for commenting!! xo