inspiration comes from ::: the work of my hands

This blog has never been consistently stable for editorial content (like diy's and columns). It's never been all that great as a lifestyle blog either. I do not consider myself a writer, and much prefer looking at pretty photos to reading & writing. I've bounced around in my blog journey, unsure of my actual goals as a blogger.

Bluntly, this is my journal of life as a creative and my various projects. So I want to get down to brass tacks, and write a few posts about what motivates my heart from its very depths. Those small parts of life that truly cause a yearning to thrive from within, you know?

Every spring is a miracle to me. I chose to invest in my dirt because it was an eye sore. Little did I know that every year would emerge a new joy to wash over my soul.

Sickly winter twigs suddenly sprout the smallest beauty.

From rocks there arises new life. Like pure magic.

Each year I forget what to expect. You can find me outside just staring at the ground, waiting to catch a glimpse of something new. It's like the anticipation of Christmas, but completely different. Unexpected and faithful. Sporadic but sustained. A reflection of grace renewed.

Like any baker or builder, there is a mountain of gratification with a job well done. Do you have any insprirations that offer continual surprise?

welcome 2013

Mid January is when people recap their life talk & about their new year goals, right???

On top of life and put together is the story of my life....not so much. If I were to recap last year on Joy Ever After it would be a really short post—because I blogged maybe 6 months out of the year? It's like we're at that point in our relationship where we need to break up or tie the knot. Commit or move on.

Good thing deep down I DO love this relationship.

So here we go. Because my life feels a little complicated, my 2013 resolutions/goals/commitments are simple: Take Chances + Embrace Change.

This will be a challenge for me. I like being comfortable. Most people recap what they'd like to change—I recap that I DON'T want change. To be honest, I've avoided this "new year" post because last year was sooo comfortable. My freelance work flourished. My husband and I enjoyed living together, taking life pretty easy. We achieved many personal goals. We are part of an amazing community of friends and have a home that we love. Not much discontentment in 2012, and New Year's Eve didn't exactly bring excitment of great hope in 2013. Actually, I had a death in the family that night and spent early January surrounded by broken hearts.

And as I look to what this year will hold, I see a lot of change. A lot of risk. When life gets too comfortable, it's probably time for change. My husband and I will face decisions. Do we uproot this life we love? Do we exchange our freedom of comfort & ease to start a family? Do we dive in to a new job and a new community?

So here I am looking to a future of uncertainty and transitions. Leaving behind good things, in the hopes of greater things. Please stay with me to share this adventure.

in winter

The long weekend and chilly days have left me with feelings of nostalgia for winter. Especially winter with a snow that covers many trees.

What about you? Are you looking forward to the first snow or dreading it???

inspiration archive // 14

These images make me swoon! View the rest of the collection here. And these make me want to go take photos at a smiliar location in St. Louis. Now to find an excuse or a subject...

Featured Lovely By: Mes Dames

fall bliss

Hoodies. Scarves. Hot tea. Autumn spices. Is anyone else loving the sudden onset of chilly weather?

I am almost ready to be back sharing my regular creative projects with you! Next week will be perfect too since it's my birthday week. I also signed up for a new Blogging Your Way course, so hopefully next month I gain a better purpose & plan for this blog.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Photograph by Francesco Lagnese for Real Simple (via Pinterest)

inspiration archive // 13

Ran across the styling of Tina Hellberg and just loved her series of wallpaper displays. The arrangement is so great!

Hope you're week is going well!

Featured Lovely By: Tina Hellberg (photography by Magnus Anesund)

inspiration archive // 11

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Mine was great! Yesterday was spent at a 6-hr neighborhood block party. And I am worn out. Not sure I am ready to tackle all my work projects this week, but more than grateful to develop relationships with those that live closest to me. #rewardingwork

And these simply styled nature images are just the inspiration I need...to foster my dream of someday starting a second (Oi vey!). But for now another week begins. Make it a good one!

Featured Lovely By: Brumley And Wells with Wendy Francisco, featured on Ruffled

inspiration archive // 10

Not sure where this week went. It was Tuesday, and now it's Friday...and I'm not sure what happened in between. But I do know suddenly I'm loving the bits of cool weather and longing to break out the scarves and boots. This photo captures it perfectly. Cozy fall.

Have a splendid weekend!

Featured Lovely By: Tartelette (via Pinterest)

inspiration archive // 9

Hey all! It's September already...wha??! I hope you had a fantastically long weekend (I sure did). I should be back to posting my projects soon, and I've got some fun ones coming up. In the mean time, isn't this a pretty sunrise?!

Also, since most of my readers enjoy handmade things, recipes, and all that fun stuff—I figure you might be interested in a new venture of my friend, Bonnie.

A snippet about Roost Tribe: For as much as a latte, members receive 3 e-books on everything from how to grow your blog to how to pitch to bloggers. additionally, members receive loads of exclusive premium content every single month.

each month members will receive:

•  adobe illustrator tutorial
•  a fully photographed recipe
• 2 seamless repeating patterns
•  graphics to improve their blog posts
•  a printable greeting card
•  desktop background
•  coupons + discounts
• + much more!

I'm participating to see what this is all about...maybe you should too! Lots of great goodies to gussy up your blog, and looks like there'll be great biz resources as well.

Have a great week, friends!

Featured Lovely By: Tony Kuchar (via Pinterest)

inspiration archive // 2

This image is soooo pretty I want to die. And really I just want to make everything cobalt these days. Major color crush.

Featured Lovely By: harold.lloyd (via I Break For Bokeh)