kind over matter: November 2010

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sharing Our Stories : Rock On : be True

be true - 5, originally uploaded by jennaflee.

Dear Lovelies,

This is a story about being True.
I've been writing this letter to you for weeks.
Today is my last day with Kind Over Matter.

One of the things that Amanda & I have always taken great care with is being transparent with you, being completely honest and True. And the Truth is that there's been an idea pulling at my heartstrings for a while and I need to honor it & follow it, wherever it leads.

(It's led me here.)

The new project is titled roots of she, and my vision for it is to tell a story, the story of the female experience, in all of its shapes, sizes and forms. This is a safe space to talk about the wide range of experiences that women have, this is a space that will let other women know that they aren't alone, that no matter what, there is someone out there that knows what she is going through.

Connection. Joy. Solidarity.

roots of she launches Dec. 21, the winter solstice. The line-up for the first cycle is such an absolute powerhouse of creativity, strength and beauty, inside and out -- Darrah Parker, Lori Portka, Jamie Ridler, Andrea Schroeder and Sara Smaha.

The layout and design are still being tweaked, and I'm over the moon that the amazing Jess Swift is helping me with the banner and buttons -- I can't wait to share them with you, she rocks so hard, I just know they're going to be gorgeous! Also, you can share in the excitement and butterflies with me on Facebook, Flickr and Twitter.

This was such a hard decision to make, I went back and forth so often because I love this place, each of you hold a very warm and special place in my heart. I was scared about leaving you, about letting you down. I was terrified about starting over, but at the base of all that emotion, I knew one thing to be absolutely True.

I could do it. I could start from scratch and make something incredible and beautiful. I have faith in myself, and this project.

I can do this.

So what I want to say is this:

Always believe in yourself. Always follow your dreams. Make them manifest, nurture them, take baby steps with them while they grow. Let them take root and bloom inside of you.

You can do anything.
You can do everything.

Peace to you, always, xo.
Jenn

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Feel Good Shop of the Day : All the Luck in the World

All the Luck in the World
Etsy Shop

I am sooo smitten with this shop! I love how she is infusing optimism
into every beautiful thing she makes!

A string of positivity?! Yes please!

Connect:
:: Website :: Blog :: Flickr ::

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We Love Our Sponsors : Marked by the Muse

Marked by the Muse
I'm Stephey Baker, an unconventional artist, creative intuitive coach, licensed spiritual counselor, Reiki Master and Master-Instructor Integrated Energy Therapy™ practitioner. Whew – that’s a mouth full. For the past 10 years I've been helping artists, musicians, spiritual healers and other creative souls "get the stuck-out" of their creative blocks and discover the true potential of living their creative lives.

I’m a sucker for beauty, inspiration, and dreams coming true and overcoming anything that dares get in the way. I’m also a lover of bubbles. There’s no better way to accomplish what you want than to enjoy what you’re doing. To navigate the highs and lows of life, you must engage inspiration - it has the power to keep the heart light and free. It’s your protective bubble to doubt.

Are you a creative, artistic and intuitive person? Are you brimming with ideas? Desire to live a fulfilled creative life? Yet, find yourself “stuck” and unable to create your dreams come true? Then a one-on-on one “get the stuck out” session is for you. Just you and me – minus the stuck – I like the sound of that. We can connect via email or chat over the phone – it’s up to you. Lately I’ve seen a similarity in people receiving one-on-one sessions. I’ve offered support regarding (but not limited to) the following:

Lots of ideas but no forward movement
Exhausted during the day due to cramming in late night creativity – how else are you going to engage your artistic sparkly side?
How to stick with it and not be discouraged
Concerned about life passing you by without accomplishing creative goals - yet that inner voice keeps nudging you…
Needing encouragement and the tools to create what you feel guided to

I’ve got the tools and techniques to isolate and dispel your creative blocks and put you back on track for your ideal inspired life. If you’d like help in getting “Unstuck” then please contact me to schedule your session. P.S. For a limited time I am offering a free mini email session. Simple contact me by clicking here no later than December 8, 2010, 2010 to receive your mini-email session. I look forward to connecting with you soon! Pssst- those who opt in for the free mini-email session will receive future one-on-one sessions at a reduced rate.

Connect with Stephey:
:: Website :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Blog :: Etsy ::
Thanks so much for sponsoring KOM, Stephey!

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blossoming

_________, originally uploaded by Liz Grace.

The most beautiful discovery that true friends can make is
that they can grow separately without growing apart.
-
Elizabeth Foley

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Monday, November 29, 2010

behave like free spirits in the presence of fate

go out for adventure, originally uploaded by *** coleyB ***.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces
toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of
fate is strength undefeatable.
-
Helen Keller Pin It

Kind Kindred : Kellie : 74 Lime Lane

Hello Lovelies! I hope your holiday weekend was blissful! So excited to share this post with you, Kellie from 74 Lime Lane is joining our tribe today! Be sure to check out her gorgeous Etsy Shop too! Big Love & Peace to all of you, xox, Amanda

photo by Kellie

Today You Are You

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.
I'm a big fan of Dr Seuss, and I know I am not alone. Do you ever find random Seussical phrases popping into your head? No? That's just me?

The thing is, the library of Dr Seuss, the pen name of Theodor Seuss Geisel, is full of important life lessons for all ages. Even "grown-ups" can enjoy the quirky illustrations and catchy prose of his stories, which are as timeless today as when they were first published decades ago.

Today, with the word kindness in mind, I've pulled out these great words to remind us of two things.

Be kind to yourself.
Be true to yourself.

This certainly seemed appropriate when I was asked to join the impressive line-up of guest posters that make up the honour roll of Kind Kindred. I mean, quite frankly I felt like a bit of fraud. What could little old me possibly contribute?

When you living the life of a creative, or as a mum, an employee, or even as a brother of sister, it is easy to get disheartened ~ you're not good enough, your "stuff" isn't good enough, that person is much better at "it".

But hey, you're you. No one else is you. Unique starts with 'U'.

So today, here's a bit of me and what I do. A printable that I hope will you find useful and hopefully inspiring, using the words of one of my favourite authors.

Geisel wrote more than 60 books as Dr Seuss or Theo. LeSieg {which is Geisel spelled backwards!}, which have sold more than 222 million copies in 15 languages.

If you are looking or would like to attend more of the school of Seuss, check out:

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: A lesson in consumerism and the triumph of good over evil
The Lorax: Looking after our environment
The Sneetches: Equality and inclusion despite our differences
Horton Hears A Who: Helping your fellow man, "no matter how small".

And to spread a little kindness, here's a double download of the print above ~ one with a 2011 calendar to remind you each and every day how unique you are, and one without.

Youer than You Print w/ Calendar - PDF
Youer than You Print w/out Calendar - PDF

PS. The above quote is from Happy Birthday to You!

Kellie lives in Australia where she has a shelf full of Dr Seuss books. When not walking around camera in hand, she works a journalist, is a part-time blogger and full-time wife and mum to two boys. She loves cameras, the colour lime, stationery and her favourite season is autumn. Her photography recently featured in Joie magazine and *bepoke* zine. Connect with Kellie through her blog & on Etsy!

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We Love Our Sponsors : Pink Andie Designs

At Pink Andie you will find handmade jewelry and accessories that are inspired by mixing old with new along with the beauty of elements you would find in nature. The designer behind Pink Andie is Tami and she loves working with colors and finding the perfect vintage components to make her jewelry stand out. She tries to make her designs eco friendly by using vintage, repurposed, or old stock materials as much as possible.

Pink Andie is designed and handmade in lovely rural Central Pennsylvania. Tami follows her heart and always does what feels right and also takes that same lead when she is creating. She believes you should be passionate about whatever you set your mind and heart to in life.

Connect:
Etsy : Pink Andie Designs :: Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter ::

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don't give anyone permission to snuff you out

Bokeh love was a whole different kind of love (365/217), originally uploaded by JenniPenni.

Go within every day & find the inner strength so that
the world will not blow your candle out.
-
Katherine Dunham

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

offering peace & gratitude

Have A 'Peace' of Pie, originally uploaded by Boy_Wonder.

I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship.
I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings.
My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that
Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.
-
Mahatma Gandhi

Hello Lovelies, we are taking a long weekend & will be traveling
to visit our families over the holiday. If you reside in the
United States & are celebrating we wish you & yours
joyous times!

While we're gone, please be sure to enter our awesome giveaway!
There are so many amazing prizes!

If you are looking for some Thanksgiving or Autumn crafts,
here is a collection of free Thanksgiving printables,
or you could get your DIY on with these beauties!
Oh & these too or these!

Or... you can dive deep into all the amazing posts by our
Kind Kindred & come out feeling more blessed!

We want to thank each & every one of you for
EVERYTHING!

Your support means soooo much!

Please take the time to visit our lovely sponsors,
such talent & they really do keep Kind Over Matter
afloat, we are so very grateful for them:

:: String-Ring :: Gyspy Girls Guide :: ABC Creativity :: Your Courageous Life :: Nicole's Homemade Treats :: Flock :: Botanical Bird :: Grah-Toe Studio :: Paper Squid :: Mom's Daily Retreat :: Silverbox Creative Studio :: Firefly Creative Writing :: Marked by the Muse :: Pink Andie Designs :: Good List Daily :: A Beautiful Ripple Effect :: Under a Copper Sky :: When I Grow Up :: Susannah Conway :: Cleansing Thoughts :: The Word Cellar :: Big Dreams, Small Wonders :: Experimental Art ::

Have a safe & joyful weekend!
Peace to you & yours,
skies full.

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

silence is beautiful

Forest Morning, Gorinsee, Brandenburg, Germany, originally uploaded by Xindaan.

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Thoughtful DIY Gifts for Your Host/Hostess!

I put together 2 collections of awesome DIY projects that you can gift your Thanksgiving host or hostess with!
Enjoy!

1. Coffee Filter Garland 2. Paper Doily Garland 3. Felt Leaf Garland Tutorial
4. Circle Paper Garland 5. Flower Garland 6. Cupcake Liner Garland

1. Sign up for our newsletter by following the link or using the form below to get these Printable Happy Thanksgiving Wine Tags!
2. Paper Wine Bag 3. Denim Cut-offs Wine Bag 4. Rockin' Wine Bottle Gift Tags 5. Wine Sleeves 6. Bottle Wraps

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We Love Our Sponsors : Louise Gale : Big Dreams, Small Wonders

Are you ready to make 2011 YOUR year to see some wonderful Dreams come true? Join Louise Gale and other creative souls to dream, plan and build your roadmap to success. Big Dreams, Small Wonders is a 4 week program in January 2011, designed to kick start your year with tools, techniques and lots of planning resources to ensure you are ready to follow your passion and make some great things happen. Registration opens Dec 1st and Louise is offering an early bird special for this weekend ONLY. (Fri-Mon) Ensure you sign up to her mailing list NOW to get the special link and get 20% off the advertised price. (discount email goes out Friday morning)

We are really excited to be building a community of dreamers who are dedicated to making some great things happen in 2011. We cant wait to track progress and celebrate all of our successes.

Connect with Louise:

:: Blog :: Facebook :: Etsy Shop :: Twitter :: Flickr ::

-

Thank you so much for being a sponsor Louise!!

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rising above

inner strength, originally uploaded by =anja=.

Our greatest glory is not in never failing,
but in rising up every time we fail.
-
Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Monday, November 22, 2010

Feel Good Nouns : Paint-stained Fingertips

Girl Painting a Rainbow, originally uploaded by Pink Sherbet Photography.

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Kind Kindred : Mati Rose

Happy Monday Lovelies! I hope your weekend was full of love & joy! Today Mati Rose joins our Kind Kindred! I've been a fan of Mati's work for soooo long, so excited to have her here sharing her gorgeous art & beautiful story about giving yourself permission to show yourself a little kindness every day & how. Thank you Mati! Peace to all of you, skies full, Amanda

painting by Mati Rose

Self-Kindness Permission Granted

Lately the world has been giving me big lessons in self-kindness and I’ve been noticing how when you start being kind to yourself it spills over to others. You fill your well and then you have newfound space to reach out and fill another’s. I have started to see it as one big circle of giving and receiving; a gentle flow of kindness reciprocity.

As a self-employed artist, being kind to myself as my own boss has been a struggle. How do I be my own boss when I’ve had so many horrible examples of bosses in my past? How do I be my own boss and get it all done with self-kindness? How do I be both the creator and the critic in editing my own work? Who’s going to tell me when to slow down? When have I built up enough vacation time?

I’m learning to lean into this new space of self-kindness, self-compassion and listening more closely to my self and intuition, and mostly trusting that the important things will get done. Really, they will. This sometimes means in the face of a long to do lists, breaking for long delicious lunches, impromptu friend dates and siestas with pillows on my studio floor.

Even as I write this, I am practicing a new form of self-kindness, by taking my first road trip up north of San Francisco to a natural hot springs with my dear and also self-employed and overworked artist husband. We never get away together just for the heck of it! There is always purpose, family or an event to attend! This time we spontaneously decided that we were going to do this intentional resting and relaxing just to restore us. As a couple, as artists, and after battling a few weeks of a lingering cold and many back-to-back deadlines, we surely need it.

But why does it have to get to that point? What about self-kindness through out the day?

In this effort to remember self-kindness I’ve created Self-Kindness Permission Prompt Cards. Cut these up and place them in a jar and when you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost, tired or not sure what to do next, or even joyous and calm, pick one and see what your reaction is to it and if you can create the space for some more self-kindness. Then pass one along to a friend... or better yet, leave them in secret hiding places for yourself and others to discover later!

Self-Kindness Permission Prompts - (PDF)

Thank you kindly for the opportunity to share here and build my kindness habits!

Mati Rose McDonough lives in San Francisco where she regularly encounters lucky elephants, talking birds and a mysterious girl who always wears feathers in her hair. Mati studied painting at the California College of the Arts and has had many shows around the country. She is represented by Lilla Rogers Studio in illustration and licensing and has had her art published on Patagonia shirts, University Game boards, Madison Park Greeting products and Oopsy Daisy canvases. Mati has also been included in several magazines and books including recent features in Artful Blogging magazine and The Handmade Marketplace book. Find out more about her at her website.

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We Love Our Sponsors : Lanterns: A Gathering of Stories, a chapbook from the Word Cellar

"Lanterns offers a kind light to weary travelers wishing for companions on the journey toward a well-crafted soul. Stories, poems, and essays offer signposts and gentle guidance, reminding readers that resistance melts away in the company of those who believe in the path set before us. By illuminating the ways we can move outside of our interior reflections into a more inclusive whole, this lovely book provides a way into togetherness that will encourage and inspire anyone longing for authentic connection around their creative work."
-- Jen Lemen, artist, activist, dreamer

Created and edited by Jennifer (Jenna) McGuiggan of The Word Cellar, this lovely chapbook also features work by Darlene Kreutzer, Liz Lamoreux, Jen Lee, Rachelle Mee-Chapman, Lisa Ottman and Jena Strong.

A portion of the proceeds benefits Girls Write Now.

Connect:
Website : The Word Cellar :: Blog :: Twitter :: Flickr

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