Let's Talk Books The Nesting Place

I was so excited when I found out the small town that we moved to last year had a large library. Over the past few months I have been there a couple of times a week. They have a large arts collection and for a small town this has been such a gift for me after leaving a town with two libraries. I thought I would start sharing some of  the books that I have been enjoying there. This weeks books is The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith. 

This book is all about loving where you are at this time in your life. I really needed to read this book, because before we sold out house last year I had only lived in 3 different homes in my whole life. Since we sold our house we have lived with my mom, lived in an apartment and now we are living in a camper trailer while we are building our home. So a book about being content where you are was really the thing that I needed.

It really is about embracing where you and the messing that come along with it. I know that sometimes we have to look past the mess and focus on the beauty that is in the homes that we each live in. 

We also have to be willing to give up on perfect to make the house a home. Sometimes we have to learn that just because it isn't perfect doesn't mean that it is not inviting. I hope that you are able to pick up a copy of The Nesting Place and I would love to know what you think. 

Book Review The Sketchnote Handbook

Here is the publisher's description:

The Sketchnote Handbook Video Edition: the illustrated guide to visual note taking (includes The Sketchnote Handbook book and access to The Sketchnote Handbook Video) , By Mike Rohde published by Pearson/Peachpit 

This gorgeous, fully illustrated handbook tells the story of sketchnotes--why and how you can use them to capture your thinking visually, remember key information more clearly, and share what you've captured with others. Author Mike Rohde shows you how to incorporate sketchnoting techniques into your note-taking process--regardless of your artistic abilities--to help you better process the information that you are hearing and seeing through drawing, and to actually have fun taking notes. 

This special video edition includes access to 70 minutes of video tutorials where viewers can see the author in action, demonstrating drawing techniques discussed in the book.

The Sketchnote Handbook Video Edition: the illustrated guide to visual note taking (includes The Sketchnote Handbook book and access to The Sketchnote Handbook Video) explains and illustrates practical sketchnote techniques for taking visual notes at your own pace as well as in real time during meetings and events. Rohde also addresses most people's fear of drawing by showing, step-by-step, how to quickly draw people, faces, type, and simple objects for effective and fast sketchnoting. The book looks like a peek into the author's private sketchnote journal, but it functions like a beginner's guide to sketchnoting with easy-to-follow instructions for drawing out your notes that will leave you itching to attend a meeting just so you can draw about it.

(Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I choose to post this review here because I really do recommend this book) 

You can view a sample excerpt here

Here is the video that first caught my eye and made me want to read the book: 

Mike Rohde: The Sketchnoter from size43, LLC on Vimeo.

Here is a video explaining the video series that comes with the book and a little more about the book. 

The Sketchnote Handbook - Video 2 from size43, LLC on Vimeo
My Review: 

I love this book. Even though I have been taking this type of notes for a few years now but I never knew that I had a name until this book came along. 

It is about capturing ideas not about making art. So even if you think you can draw you Can Sketchnote.

There are all different types and styles of Sketchnotes and like everyone is unique so is every Sketchnote unique. I have added a couple examples of the different styles of Sketchnotes that you will get a chance to read in the book. 

You just have to remember that Sketchnotes are not a page filled with words but a page filled with the big ideas and visual cues to help you remember the important things. 

Book Club Thursday With Link Party

This weeks book is not of the crafty genre but of the mystery. I have always loved to read but over the past few years it was more to learn something than just to read for the pleasure of reading. It has been few and far between that I have read any books just to read. So this book was a great one to pick up. I love that it is co-written by one my favorite authors Mindy Starns Clark and  Kim Alexis. Beauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery is a great read if you like a twist and a little romance thrown into it also.

 Here is the cover description:
Juliette Taylor walked away from her career as a supermodel twenty-five years ago. Now approaching fifty – an emotionally complex milestone -- she co-owns a beauty supply company that makes skincare products for salons and spas. Her niche is pampering Christian women who usually spend more time caring for others than for themselves under the slogan: Isn’t it time someone took care of YOU for a change?When Juliette arrives at the Palm Grotto Spa to host a spiritual retreat, she runs into an old modeling colleague, Raven, who had always been disliked in the industry for many reasons. She isn’t there for the retreat; in fact, her presence at the spa is somewhat mysterious.Not long after Raven makes a cryptic threat to Juliette, the unsympathetic back-then beauty is found dead, poisoned by something in the green clay of a chai soy wrap. The following morning, a banner for the retreat has been unceremoniously altered:It’s your turn to be nurtured, to be restored . . . to be murdered.Suspicion is directed at Juliette who has history with Raven and certainly knows how to use beauty products. But for murder?! Now she must find the real killer before the police really take care of her.

If you would like to link up what you are doing this week feel free to link up below:

Rules: 

1. Link to a specific blog post and not your main blog address
2. Link any project that you would like to share. 
3. Have fun and visit the one before you and come back and visit the person who links up after you. Leave a comment and let them know you saw them here. 

Book Club Thursday With Link Party

Book Club Thursday is back again. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have. It is now of my favorite books in my creative library. This book is a great way to learn new lettering styles and is great for either the beginner or the experienced letterer, that wants to add some new style to their lettering. 

Here are a few of my favorite projects from the book. I love the different ways to use letters to add some class to your art journals, cards, scrapbooks and gifts. 

This ornament is really a great way to make a gift with your lettering. 

If you would like to see more you can click either the picture of link below to see a larger preview of the book. 

Creative Lettering: Techniques & Tips from Top Artists

Amazon Book Description

Hand-lettering techniques are a popular and visually dynamic way to add textual elements to crafts, from journals to mixed-media art. Sixteen accomplished contributors—including calligraphers, painters, collagists, card makers, fiber artists, and graphic designers—give their personal perspectives on lettering. They all offer their favorite tools, how they use them, their signature technique with step-by-step instructions and photos, and an alphabet sampler of their own font. Gorgeous gallery images of each contributor's work are also included.

Contributors include:
Andy Ainger   •   Francois Begnez   •   Flora Chang   •   Barbara Close   •   Philippe Debongnie   •  Karyn Denten   •   Aimee Dolich   •   Lisa Engelbrecht   •   Pam Garrison  •   Stine Kaasa   •   Rhianna Lederman   •   Martha Lever   •   Linda Schneider   •   Jessica Swift   •   Madeline Tomkins   •   Lori Vilegen

About the Author

Jenny Doh is the former Editor-in-Chief of Somerset Studio magazine and the President and Founder of crescendoh.com. Jenny serves regularly as keynote speaker across the nation to deliver messages related to creative passion, authentic leadership, effective communication, and focused compassion. For her leadership in publishing and the art and crafting community, Jenny was recognized by Folio magazine as one of the top 40 leaders within the publishing industry. Jenny is the author of several books, including Hand in Hand and We Make Dolls (both Lark). She lives in Santa Ana, CA.

If you would like to link up what you are doing this week feel free to link up below:

Rules: 

1. Link to a specific blog post and not your main blog address
2. Link any project that you would like to share. 
3. Have fun and visit the one before you and come back and visit the person who links up after you. Leave a comment and let them know you saw them here. 

Book Club Thursday

Welcome to week two of Book Club Thursday. Each week I am picking a book off my shelf to let you know what I think about them. They may be a new book or they may be a book that has been around for a while that I think you might find useful.
This week I am reviewing the book Blogging for Bliss: Crafting Your Own Online Journal: A Guide for Crafters, Artists & Creatives of all Kinds.
I really am trying to work my way through this and glean tips to make my blog a place for your to find inspiration and be able to connect with a broader community of people through it.

Here is the book description from Amazon:

Today’s crafting community is online, connected, and blissfully blogging about their work and ideas. Blogging is hot in this highly creative world—and here is the only how-to book aimed directly at them. Everyone from knitters and beaders to scrapbookers and altered artists will find the practical information and visual inspiration they need to create an artful online journal.

Thanks to hundreds of gorgeous screen grabs from the very best blogs, a thorough introduction to the tools of the trade, and instructions that virtually take you by the hand, even beginners will swiftly go from blank screen to colorful, enticing pages. Those who already have a blog, but want to enhance their presence on the Web, will learn how to add banners and graphics, take the perfect shots, crop and size photos, establish links, and attract an audience of eager readers.

Best of all, readers will meet some of the Web’s most popular creative bloggers, including Alicia Paulson (Posie Gets Cozy), Gabreial Wyatt (Vintage Indie), Emily Martin (Inside A Black Apple), Lidy Baars (Little French Garden House), Heather Bullard (Vintage Inspired Living), and Serena Thompson and Teri Edwards (The Farm Chicks).

I found that this book is full of tips for the beginner blogger as well as the seasoned blogger looking to improve the blog that they already have. I love reading each of the interviews from the various bloggers. I found myself drawn to the art bloggers more because this is where I feel like I fit. I have found some great ideas for updating the design of my blog and I really wish I had this book when I started blogging years ago. It would have really helped me to start off right from the start. If you want to start a blog this is the book for you. If you have a blog and just want to give it a little freshening up then this book is for you too. I hope you take the time to read Blogging for Bliss: Crafting Your Own Online Journal: A Guide for Crafters, Artists & Creatives of all Kinds .

If you would like to link up your book club post please feel free to do so here. I would love for you to use the button above to let everyone know where they can join in the party.

Book Club Thursdays

Today begins a new series for me. I will be sharing a book that has inspired me. This week I am sharing the book Creative Pilgrimage: An Exploration of Artful Gatherings and Discovery of Innovative Art Techniques
by Jenny Doh. I really have enjoyed this book. I purchased it because I wanted to learn about how different artists teach and what inspired them to teach. I really think that it was well worth the money.
 Here is the Amazon Book Description:

"Join 14 very special artists on a Creative Pilgrimage as they share exciting projects that they teach through the various art retreat venues from across the nation. As they teach their special projects, we experience what it's like to learn from this celebrated cohort of talented artists. Hear their unique perspectives about the importance of teaching—a process where through sharing knowledge, they also gain knowledge and develop community. Featured artists include:
—Alisa Burke
—Julie Haymaker Thompson
—Lisa Kaus
—Mary Beth Shaw
—Maya Donenfeld
—Roxanne Padgett
—Sarah Ahearn Bellemare
—Stephanie Jones Rubiano
—Tracie Lyn Huskamp
—Heather Smith Jones
—Carla Sonheim
—Mati Rose McDonough
—Alma Stoller
—Flora Bowley
Peppered throughout the book are snapshots that give us a glimpse of some of the most amazing art retreats from across the nation. They are:
—Squam Art Workshops
—The Makerie
—Artfest
—An Artful Journey
—Artistic Bliss
—Valley Ridge Art Studio
—Art & Soul
—Silver Bella
You'll get a special behind-the-scenes look at these special gatherings from the unique points of view of the coordinators, students, and instructors alike.
Take a leap of faith into your quest to learn, teach, grow, and create with Creative Pilgrimage!"

I was so excited to read about each of these artist that I could not put it down until I had read it from cover to cover.

If you would like to share what you have been reading this week feel free to link up your book club post below. Then come back next week for a new book.

The Rules:

• Please link up your book club post and not your main blog address
• Please link back here so that everyone else can join in the fun. 
• Feel Free to use the button at the beginning on the post for your link back image. 

Book Review: Why I Jumped

Why I Jumped By Tina Zahn & Wanda Dyson / Revell Tina Zahn had enough. The pain of emotional scars crippled her and she took what measures she thought were left. After a high-speed chase to the top of a bridge Tina got out of her car, ran to the edge and jumped. Miraculously, a state trooper was right behind and caught her wrist as she fell. Saved from suicide Tina began a deep healing process through her depression. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, this book offers hope to seek help and overcome.

I started reading this book yesterday and could not put it down. I wanted to share it with you and tell you a story of my experience. What made me pick it up was that she was suffering from PPD (Postpartum Depression) and I thought this would be a book that I could really understand. You see, I suffered from PPD after my second child was born. I had the Baby Blues after my first child but nothing prepared me for what I experienced after my second child was born. For the first 9 months of my precious daughter's life I felt no connection to her. I would just hold her and cry because I did not have the connection with her that I did with my other daughter. My doctor tried to give me meds for the depression but the side effects were so bad that I stopped taking them, and I was afraid of harming my child because I was nursing her and I didn't want her to be effected by them. They made my skin crawl and I could just imagine what they would do to her if it came through my milk. I'm not trying to say that meds are not good and that they don't have their place, they do and they really help some people. It you are going through any type of depression you should seek help.  I know that other things that were going on around me contributed to the depths of my depression and I never though that I would make it through those days. If it were not for the grace of God and praying friends and family I would not have made it. I said all of this to say, there is hope for you if you will just hang on, God has a plan for your life, even when you think that it looks like there is no hope. There is hope, as long as you are alive there is hope for you and God loves you and He will be there for you even when all hope looks gone and even when everything around you falls apart all you have to do is reach out to him and he will pick you up.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jememiah 29:11

You’re Already Amazing Chapters 1 & 2

You're Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be By Holley Gerth Many women are tired. Tired of trying to do more, be more, and have more. With busy work, home and church lives, it's easy to feel like our spiritual growth gets short-changed. But what if God is already pleased, more than pleased--totally head over heels crazy about us and our hearts regardless of our mistakes and crunched schedules? If it's true, that big load we've been carrying feels lighter already. In You're Already Amazing, Holley Gerth wants readers to know that they can lay down the burden of their own, and others expectations, and embrace who they are as beloved, talented women. Rediscover the gifts you've been given and the life of purpose that God has for you.

Chapters 1 & 2 Video on (In)Courage
I just want to start out by saying that I believe that God placed this book into my life as a confirmation for the path that he has been leading me to for sometime, I just never had the confidence to embrace the calling.
As I was working through my strengths the 3 that popped out to me were Encouraging, Positive, & Trustworthy. These are things that I always try to put into every aspect of my life. The skills that I circled were Connecting, Motivating & Supporting. These are strengths and skills that I can use when working for God. Yes I do have other strengths but when I put in the element of working for God into the equation these are the ones that really fit my life.
I have always felt that I was drawn to help other women who were struggling with doubt like I have and I feel that I am at my best when I am listening and encouraging them through the truths of God's word. I love to help people and be able to speak a positive word of encouragement into their lives even when I might be going through a trial.
I also try to encourage my husband to have more confidence in his ability to handle situations and storms that comes into our lives. I feel I have grown in my walk with God over the past few years to where I am able to listen to Him more than I listen to myself. I have had times of doubt but God has pulled me through it and helped me to grow from the experience.

You’re Already Amazing

You're Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be By Holley Gerth Many women are tired. Tired of trying to do more, be more, and have more. With busy work, home and church lives, it's easy to feel like our spiritual growth gets short-changed. But what if God is already pleased, more than pleased--totally head over heels crazy about us and our hearts regardless of our mistakes and crunched schedules? If it's true, that big load we've been carrying feels lighter already. In You're Already Amazing, Holley Gerth wants readers to know that they can lay down the burden of their own, and others expectations, and embrace who they are as beloved, talented women. Rediscover the gifts you've been given and the life of purpose that God has for you.

Yesterday, I was blessed to receive a copy of the book “You’re Already Amazing” by Holley Gerth. The InCourage site is hosting the Bloom Book Club and the selection for this session is this book. I knew that this book was what I needed to be reading right now and I think God for letting them choose me to receive one at no cost. I will be participating in this book club over the next ___ weeks and I hope to share my experience here. For the new readers coming from InCourage I will give you a little back story into my life.
In January 2011 I felt that God was wanting to use me more that he already was in my current position as a Para Support but I did not know what that would be. I really loved my job but I just kept feeling like there was something more out there that I was supposed to be doing. so for the next few months I prayed about it asking for the directions that I needed to go and for God to open the doors or to shut the doors that I thought were open for me.
Over the next few months I thought I was supposed to move into teaching Art, so I applied for every Art teaching position in my county and a few out of the county. Each one of the positions look very promising and I felt that this must be where God was leading me. I know now never to rely on your feelings just to wait on God.
Well after countless interviews and long waits for answers I thought I had this one position. Up until this point this door looking like the one that I was to walk through, but God had other plans for my life.
In June 2011 the door for teaching Art in a public school setting closed and at first I was heartbroken. I felt like a failure, that I was not good enough , that somehow I was never going to be able to step up from where I was to where I thought I needed to be. Maybe that was my problem. It was where “I” thought I needed to be and not where God wanted me to be.
I kept praying to God to show me what I should do and in July 2011, I felt that I needed to leave the Job that I was currently working at. (It was being cut by 25 % and would have cost me more to go back and forth to work that I would have been bringing home.) I kept waiting for another door to open but noting ever did, so I thought I would have to return to this position when school started back.
One morning July 12, 2011 I woke up with a word on my heart, and that word was  “Leap”. I thought about it all day and for a couple of days after that. I prayed and that is when I know that God showed me that I had not taken the “Leap” of Faith and cut ties with the previous job. So on July 19, I submitted my letter and left a job that I have worked at for 4 years to stay-at-home with my girls and homeschool them,
As I prepared for the school year with my girls at home I kept thinking that there had to be more that I was supposed to do, but if it was just for my girls I would do it, and do it with a smile on my face. But God had other plans. I began to help out at my church more, doing things that I really love to do but never had the opportunity to before. God opened doors that I never even knew were there. I know that for now I am where God wants me to be and where I fit.
That brings me back to now. God has me where he wants me to be but I still feel that I am not good enough, that I don’t have what it takes. I know that this book is fore me because sometimes you need to hear something a few times to get it in your head and I am trying to become what God created me to be, and He wants me and you to know that we are Already Amazing

Homeschool Reading Programs

I am new to homeschooling so some of you veterans might know what most of the things that I will be sharing but I thought having a list here will also help me to keep all these in one place. Links are posted after the jump.

REVIEW: 101 Patchwork Projects + Quilts

I bought a copy of Quilting Daily’s 101 Patchwork Projects + Quilts (for 40% off at my local Borders) and I hope to start working through a few of them. I was really inspired to use my stash when I saw this magazine. What I think tis great about this magazine is that all of the projects show have “full size” patterns. this saves so much time , I just have to trace them and they are ready to cut.

Live Like You Mean It

Live Like You Mean It
 
 
 
 
This is the book that I am reading right now and I will be sharing my thoughts on each chapter. If you would like to read along with me you can pick up a copy through the link above. (I don’t receive any return for your sale, I just want to share this book with you.)
Overview:
Scripture tells us we are “God’s workmanship,” born to participate in intimate relationship with God. We are to do the work of His kingdom—this is foundational to our identity.
This book will show you how to respond to your God-inspired inner urgings and live them out intentionally. Discover your true significance and priorities in living out the incredible work of God’s kingdom.
A great discipleship tool, Live Like You Mean It also can be used in a mission setting or for personal spiritual growth.

Family Friendly Nook Book Freebies

When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent (NavPress Publishing Group, 2004)
Change the way you think about personal challenges. Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say— “Isaac experiences” as in Genesis 22— thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives: Their twenty-five-year-old son, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with an impeccable military record, shot and killed his wife's ex-husband. Jason Paul Kent, long recognized for his exemplary character, now walks a path no one could have predicted—and his family lives in the aftermath of a devastation most cannot imagine. Carol's candid retelling of her emotional and spiritual agony will touch your heart. The principles the Kents learned in the process of surviving such unspeakable circumstances will bolster your faith, renew your hope, and challenge you to new levels of personal and spiritual commitment.
About the Author
Carol Kent is a popular writer, an international speaker, and president of Speak Up Speaker Services, a Christian speakers’ bureau. Her many books include Tame Your Fears, Becoming a Woman of Influence, Mothers Have Angel Wings, and Secret Longings of the Heart.

Free Nook Books

I love to read and I thought I would share a few good books that I have gotten for free on Barnes and Noble’s Website. These are Family Friendly Books and I hope that you will enjoy them. They will not stay free for long so you need to get them while you can.
 
Stealing Jake
Book Description
When Livy O'Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she's helping to run an orphanage. Now she'll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.
Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy--literally--while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town--as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off--Jake doesn't have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn't willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

On My Nook & GIVEAWAY WINNERS

I thought I would share what I been reading on my NOOK.
I bought it back in January and I have read over 25 books since then. I love that most of them have been free and have been a good way for me to find new authors.

 

This is just a sample of the books that I have read so far this year. Out of all of these I only purchased 3 of them. The rest of them were freebies. I will say that I love being able to carry my whole library with me in my purse. My husband has always joked that when we go on vacation I have to have a whole suitcase just for my books, well now the jokes on him. I can carry everything with me in a very small package. It was great for our spring break road trip. We were gone for 10 days and I never ran out of books to read and did have to purchase more halfway through the trip.  I will be busy all week with VBS at our church, I am the corrdinator so I will try to post if I get home at a normal time this week. I have to take pictures of the props that I have been working on for the past few weeks. I hope you all have a good week. 

PINTEREST GIVEAWAY UPDATE: 

Winners are: 

Kristi {at} Live and Love...Out Loud

 ~ Noelle

aimee 

kewkew 

Aramelle @ One Wheeler's World

alicia

Just send me your e-mail address and I will send you your invites.