tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-282889162024-03-13T01:35:47.584-04:00This Girl's LifeMandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.comBlogger1446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-39885782519121336322021-06-12T12:55:00.001-04:002021-06-12T12:55:09.852-04:00New blog!<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My blog has moved!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Head over to <a href="http://mandyford.co/blog">mandyford.co/blog</a> for all new posts. </span></p>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-72581107184875537862020-01-04T11:02:00.000-05:002020-01-04T11:02:39.720-05:00One Little Word 2020<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Oh 2020, what a start you are off to!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm sitting here on the couch with nothing but practical things on my mind. Which is not normal for me. I need to pay our January bills. And we currently do not have a car, as both are un-drivable for different reasons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our beloved Prius, which we've had for ten years, is sitting at the repair shop right now, probably totaled. We were in a pretty darn scary car accident this past Sunday when a guy ran a red light and hit us on the driver's side. Thankfully we are all OK and just waiting to find out the car's fate. And then last night we went to take our other car to the store and ended up with two flat tires. Thankfully only a few houses down the street. Seriously? All I can do is laugh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Soooo...our new year is off to a wonky start. The humorous part to me is that my word for 2020 is...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But what the heck am I manifesting? I mean seriously? I had no intention of this, I'll tell you that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was thinking more about art opportunities than new tires and car shopping. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We don't always have control over what the universe sends our way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But you know what we do have control over? How we respond to it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So I'm sitting on the couch writing this blog post, being OK with not having a car right now, and counting my blessings. Like tow trucks. And car insurance. And coffee, always coffee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm still really excited to see what God and the universe can help me manifest this year. Here's to a year of being open to possibilities and having the courage to go after them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Do you have a word this year? I'd love to know what it is!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">XOXO,</span></div>
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Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-51595339869692109122019-12-31T20:09:00.002-05:002019-12-31T21:56:59.275-05:002019 Recap<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Well. Hello there, good old blog. It's been awhile!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Let's talk about 2019, shall we? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There are only a few hours left in this year, and in this decade. I don't have the energy to think back on the past ten years today, but do want to look back a bit on the last 12 months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I didn't have any specific goals for the year, other than slowing down and getting back to a life that felt manageable and aligned with my soul's purpose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What I didn't expect was that giving up some things that were weighing me down would open me up to so many new opportunities. I was amazed when I looked back on the year at everything I had been able to accomplish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/mandyfordart" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, I created a highlight for the year with links to different posts. But for this blog post, I'm gonna keep it simple and list them with a few things linked up for ya. So here we go! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 2019 I...</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Showed art at my 2nd Surtex </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Let-That-Sh-Go-Coloring/dp/1071149563/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mandy+ford+coloring+book&qid=1577839514&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Launched my 2nd coloring book</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Left my art agency</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Partnered to create printables for the Reset Girl</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.illustratedfaith.com/product-category/print-pray-digital/mandy-ford/" target="_blank">Rejoined the Illustrated Faith team</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Created my first physical product for Illustrated Faith </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Launched new branding</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Taught my first in person lettering classes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/689705424/custom-pet-portrait-pet-art-print?ref=shop_home_active_10" target="_blank">Created lots of pet portraits</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Started creating gifs </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(you can find them by searching "mandyfordart"!)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mandyfordart?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=27127927" target="_blank">Launched my first stickers</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Started meeting with a s</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">piritual director</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I see Amy at </span><a href="https://www.amysgr.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Persimmon Studio</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">.) </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Moved to a new art space in our home</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Bought pink glasses</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Got to hear Lisa Congdon and Andy Miller speak together</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And chat with them both in person - such a gift!</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Moved to a four day work week at my day job </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Had two super fun pop up shops</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was a YEAR. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We capped it off on Sunday by getting in a scary car accident. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yikes. So the past few days we've been taking it easy and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">majorly counting our blessings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm so thankful for all of the support I've received this past year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had no idea what it was going to hold, and looking back I'm in </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">awe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, thank you, thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here's to a 2020 where we give ourselves grace and grow </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">even more into our best selves!</span></div>
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Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-34180431911795803242019-06-11T20:14:00.001-04:002019-06-11T20:14:50.870-04:00New Printables!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hello friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How are things in your corner of the world? I know I've been super quiet over here on the blog, but if you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/mandyfordart" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="http://facebook.com/mandyfordart" target="_blank">Facebook</a> you know I've been keeping myself busy with lots of new projects. And I have an exciting one to share with you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm super excited to be back in the <a href="https://www.illustratedfaith.com/product-category/mandy-ford/" target="_blank">Illustrated Faith Print & Pray shop</a> with some new printables! <span style="background-color: white;">"Give it all you've got" is my motto these days, and all of these designs were created with motivation and encouragement in mind. </span><span class="_5mfr" style="margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png?_nc_eui2=AeGLa6MJi89ZMkjrVRdWLpimdKpfhKIl4NhF76mhU1xPDtxfv2xjaB8reCPlKciLcu09Id9Mb78j-qgoMByfVa_MwxEaHIGvX8OP58LRMo7cJg"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; display: inline-block; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">đź’›</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The first set is full of fun ephemera including rainbows, lettering & of course coffee cups, washi strips, and lots of cute hexies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the second is a set of four patterned papers...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are so many fun projects you can create with these sets! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">They are fantastic for not only bible journaling, but scrapbooking, adding to your paper planner, card-making, art journaling, and really any sort of paper crafting.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">You can check them both out, as well as my other printables, <a href="https://www.illustratedfaith.com/product-category/mandy-ford/" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span></div>
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Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-8302241399206166932019-05-03T09:00:00.001-04:002019-05-03T09:01:13.138-04:00A Dose of Encouragement<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh yes, it's Friday friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thanks goodness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How are you doing over there? I wanted to share a bit about what's going on with me lately, and a few links to inspire and encourage you.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I've been blessed with commissioned artwork requests the past few weeks. The serendipitous thing about this is that just when I decided to take a break from working at the crazy pace I had been, some really wonderful and meaningful projects came my way. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the most recent one:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When this request came to me, I immediately knew how I wanted the finished piece to look. One of my favorite things about these pieces is that they stretch me to draw new subject matter. I had never drawn an amaryllis before, and it was a fun challenge. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This dog portrait was a surprise birthday gift which made it even more fun to create...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And how fun is that name?! I used one of the owner's tattoos for inspiration for the flowers and color palette. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And finally this piece was created for the shared bedroom of two young sisters. Do you see the little bee and lady bug? Those represent them...how sweet is that?! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm sharing all of this with you to prove that the universe has your back. Just when I felt discouraged and that my art wasn't the quality it should be, or reaching the audience I wanted it to, these projects came my way. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That validation means everything!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And as I promised, here are a few links to encourage and inspire you...</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://99u.adobe.com/articles/63288/what-it-takes-to-turn-a-hobby-into-a-career-at-age-40?mc_cid=59b454e367&mc_eid=80152d6cd9" target="_blank"><i>What it takes to Turn a Hobby Into a Career at Age 40</i> </a>with Lisa Congdon</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jen Hewett on <i><a href="https://ownyourcontent.wordpress.com/2019/04/23/jen-hewett-on-letting-go-of-perfection-and-growing-multiple-skills-to-enrich-her-creativity/?fbclid=IwAR0jfAbZ8OaCx9-_i3t0VZ2ICPZJhF5BAqtF_-TIuGQoEDdp5B3Z-fe9Now" target="_blank">Letting Go of Perfection and Growing Multiple Skills to Enrich her Creativity</a></i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And finally my FAVORITE podcast for creatives - check out the latest episode of Creative Pep Talk! <i><a href="https://www.creativepeptalk.com/episodes/2019/4/30/229-the-6-step-process-to-unlock-powerful-creative-business-momentum" target="_blank">The 6 Step Process to Unlock Powerful Creative Business Momentum</a></i></span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hope you have a fantastic weekend friends!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">XOXO,</span></span><br />
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Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-89444418627779249012019-04-15T09:30:00.006-04:002019-04-15T09:30:58.674-04:00Keep Going<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh, hello there friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Boy has it been awhile since I blogged. A lot has changed for me in the past few months, and even in the past few weeks. A lot of growing and discerning where things are going, and where I want them to be going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have you been in a similar season? It can be exhausting, right? But also freeing. Figuring out who the heck you are, what matters to you, and what path feels right for your soul. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you follow along with me on social media, especially my Instagram stories, you know I love to start a slow morning with a good book and a mug of coffee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last weekend I read <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Going-Ways-Creative-Times/dp/1523506644/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=keep+going&qid=1555331876&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Keep Going</a></b></i> by <a href="https://austinkleon.com/" target="_blank">Austin Kleon</a> and it was so lovely and encouraging that I wanted to share a few of my favorite snippets with you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You're not supposed to start with the end, but I will say that the last page made me cry and say <b><i>YES!</i></b> out loud and nod my head and then cry some more. It was exactly the reminder I needed on the day I read it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't you love when a book finds you at the perfect time? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of the serendipitous moments where the book met my life is where Kleon talks about creating a "bliss station" in your home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My husband and I recently switched desk spaces at home. He needed a more private space so he moved into our downstairs rec room, and I moved my desk into our family room. This has been the best surprising game changer for me. I hardly every used my art space before because I had to be alone and away from my family, and when I'm home I want to be with them. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Creativity is about connection - you must be connected to others in order to be inspired and share your own work - but it is also about disconnection. You must retreat from the world long enough to think, practice your art, and bring forth something worth sharing with others."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now I'm sharing the space where we do life together and it is perfect. If I need quiet I just pop in my headphones and get to work. I still do love creating from the comfy corner of our couch, but last night I sat at my desk to work on an illustration and it was so wonderful. It is amazing what this switch has done for my motivation and attitude toward my art. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Kleon says, "A bliss station can be not just a <i>where</i>, but also a when. Not just a sacred <i>space</i>, but also a sacred <i>time</i>." Depending on your life and schedule, it can be hard to find a place and a time that works. The important thing is to find one that works for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Another lesson in the book that hit super close to home for me was the notion of doing the creative work and letting go of the tight grip on BEING the artist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For the past year and a half I have been so focused on results and productivity, that I had lost the joy of simply creating. I don't recommend this unnerving path, but at the end of the day, coming back to joy feels like returning home after a long trip, and that is a particularly wonderful feeling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Art and the artist both suffer most when the artist gets too heavy, too focused on results."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It had gotten <b><i>so</i></b> heavy for me, this "professional artist" life. I was so weighed down I could barely breathe. And when you can't breathe, you can't create. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of my very favorite creative folks, <a href="https://www.andyjpizza.com/" target="_blank">Andy Miller</a>, recently said that your art won't be alive if you aren't living. Boy, isn't that the truth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"If you want to change your life, change what you pay attention to."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I've been focusing a lot these days on what I'm giving my energy and attention to...on the vibes I'm sending out into the universe. And I'm seeing miraculous changes happen both for me mentally and in my career. My confidence has grown. I'm owning my strengths and talents in a way that is helping me share them in a more authentic way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Being open is SO important to creating space for those miracles to find their way to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This book is a fun, quick, and encouraging read, and I really recommend it if you are feeling stuck and need a gentle kick in the pants to get you going again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*And if you need a few extra things to make you feel good about the world, I recommend these:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE-aOBGN8UM" target="_blank">Tiger Woods</a>. Oh this made my heart soar!</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PqeNDLF-lA" target="_blank">Lennon Stella</a>. This girl's voice has been playing on repeat for me lately</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everything <a href="https://www.instagram.com/morganharpernichols/" target="_blank">Morgan Harper Nichols </a>shares is pure joy and encouragement </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sending joy-filled vibes to you!</span><br />
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Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-44850621717261603512019-02-17T10:59:00.000-05:002019-02-17T10:59:19.233-05:00New Product Alert<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I have a super exciting new product collaboration to share with you today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm over the moon to share that I'm creating monthly printables for <a href="https://www.theresetgirl.com/" target="_blank">The Reset Girl</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Holy cow. Yep...that's what I'm still thinking as I share this news even though I've been working on this for weeks. #dreamproject</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My first set, <a href="https://www.theresetgirl.com/product-category/designers/mandy-ford/" target="_blank">Happy at Home,</a> is available now!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I've been a long time fan of TRG and am pinching myself that my creations are now a part of their store. Ahhh! I can't wait to get started on my next set. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you have themes you would love to see send them my way. I am always collecting inspiration!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span><br />
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<br />Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-33915190782548605112018-12-21T14:44:00.000-05:002018-12-21T14:44:42.483-05:00Holiday Permission<div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is your permission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Permission to be fully you during the holidays.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Permission to be sad about what isn't, while joyful about what is.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To not allow others' anxieties, hang-ups, and issues to become your anxieties, hang-ups and issues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Permission to feel lost and yet found.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To be whole. To be rooted. To be free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To feel grounded in the middle of everyone else's chaos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You get to decide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are in charge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And isn't that a lovely thing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sending hugs, peace, and light to you,</span></div>
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Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-37808151661935988182018-12-10T22:11:00.000-05:002018-12-10T22:14:05.252-05:00One Little Word 2019<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hello there friend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I hope December is treating you well so far. Is it flying for you like it is over here in our corner of the world? Goodness it will be Christmas like...tomorrow? And 2019 like...in a week? It certainly feels that way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I've been thinking about writing this post for a few days now. To talk about my OLW (one little word) for 2018 and what I've chosen for 2019. I've been choosing a word to guide my year for several years now, and most years my words have served me so well. Like in 2017 when my word was <a href="https://mandyford.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-year-of-magic.html" target="_blank">MAGIC</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For 2018, <a href="https://mandyford.blogspot.com/2018/01/one-little-word-2018.html" target="_blank">I chose the word balance</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This choice came after a chaotic and anything but balanced end of 2017, when I decided I had to pay better attention to self-care and focusing on the things that mattered in 2018. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Little did I know what the coming year had in store for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2018 was not balanced <b>at all</b>. Comically so. Like when I look at that cute acrylic word cut out up there, which I keep in our bedroom, it makes me giggle every time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was the most painfully awkward and mentally draining year I've ever experienced.<i> Counting down the days until 2019 over here. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It caught me by surprise, knocked the air out of me, left me in a panic more times than I could have imagined, and forced me into painful experiences of growth I would not have chosen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Family illness, huge shifts in relationships, crazy big changes in my day job, my boys starting middle school, and all of the challenges that come with working an 8-5 while also working toward an art career at the same time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had lunch with a friend a few months ago, when I was in the thick of the hardest part of the year. <i>Thank goodness for friends who'll let you confess that you are losing your shit while sharing a plate of BBQ nachos. </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She helped me realize that every significant area of my life was out of balance. Work, family, extended family, my art career. Nothing felt settled. No wonder I was a disaster. Ha! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now this is the part when I get really honest with you. For most of this year I have resented my day job in the worst way. I was in a terrible downward spiral. I wanted out. All of the change and upheaval at my job, while mostly positive, were too much for my slow-to-change soul to handle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />One of the most challenging parts of this year? 2018 required me to use my voice in big, scary ways. You know that saying about speaking your truth, even if your voice shakes? Yep, this year had that covered for me, quite literally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I found myself in situations where I had to speak up about extremely difficult things. (Going back to that voice shaking thing here.) There were so many times when I wasn't sure if I should have said anything. And then after that hard experience or meeting, someone would come up to me and thank me for speaking up. And each time that happened, it became clearer to me that my voice mattered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The words I said actually made a difference...brought about change. Whoa. I had never experienced that before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And then in early November my body decided it was not having any more of this nonsense and totally went on strike during one of my biggest work event weekends of the year. I ended up in bed for three days straight after a massive panic attack. It was like my body and soul had a come to Jesus meeting and decided no way, no how, was Mandy going to spend two days being hostess to 80 people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But that weekend was like a reset for me. I came out of it feeling relieved and ready to face whatever was ahead. And so very thankful I had come through the other side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I also realized that I've been trying so hard to keep areas of my life separate from each other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Mandy who works 8-5 in higher ed AND the professional artist Mandy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The quiet, introvert Mandy AND the not afraid to speak her mind Mandy. <i>*It was such a surprise to meet that version of me this year...I think I'll keep her.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Mandy who is mourning change while simultaneously thanking God for new opportunities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Mandy who is thankful for her current life while at the same time dreaming of more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I want to remember in 2019 that I can be all of the things I am, all at the same time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I can be filled with anxiety while also using my voice and speaking my truth. I can work 8-5 in a seminary and then come home and draw illustrations for my art agent. I can be humble while also sharing my gifts and knowledge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It might seem a bit silly to even need to say these things because they are all a part of who I am, but for some reason I've fought letting them all live together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So when thinking about a word for 2019, I wasn't even sure if I was going to choose one. I mean, 2018's word fell totally flat on it's face. I knew that if I was going to choose one it needed to be exactly the right thing. I didn't want an unattainable goal, or a word that would put unneeded pressure on me after the dumpster fire of a year I had just gone through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And then I figured it out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My word for 2019 is...AND.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">More specifically, the ampersand (&) because it's just so darn cute. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I want to embrace every single part of who I am this year, and not worry so much about making the wrong choices, saying the wrong thing, looking or acting differently than others might expect from me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I didn't realize how much I was doing this until everything I relied on got flipped on it's side this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you've made it through this entire post, bless your heart and thank you. I know I don't blog like I used to, but I have so many friends that have been with me since the beginning of this crazy little space, and I appreciate each and every one of you so very much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I haven't decide on a talisman for 2019 to keep my word close to my mind and my heart, but with how much I love the ampersand I might just have to get a few different things. I've been pinning ideas <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mandyford/ampersand/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Do you have a word for 2019? I'd love to hear more about it in the comments!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here's to a new year of embracing every single little thing that makes you, you! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span><br />
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Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-6159382698085830142018-10-26T08:22:00.000-04:002018-10-26T08:22:48.069-04:00Coffee Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If we were having coffee this morning, I would tell you that whatever you are struggling with, you may think you can't handle, but you are most certainly qualified. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I would tell you that you are growing and learning, and through this hard stuff you are becoming even more of the person you are meant to be. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I would tell you to keep moving forward, to remember to take deep breaths, and to not feel guilty for that extra dash of cream and sugar in your cup. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wishing you an encouraging, cozy, and joy-filled Friday friends!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span></span><br />
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Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-5117535935874705432018-10-03T22:19:00.000-04:002018-10-04T08:45:26.323-04:00Fairy Wing Mural<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm super excited to share my most recent local project...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAFbSmKsiAFnHfcmb-fErbkWGzhUFDlvN9TyzDy4CqpzIKv3QbOoah1pHOrvb-BMRkZ16eQi2BrBPkud51UMRdX4nN3CpXmBCUcBKPfDquYEzkMZ7jp5NGALbLdnkxtAhbPv8kQ/s640/fairy+wings+7.jpg" width="480" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">a fairy wing mural for <a href="https://visitrichmond.org/" target="_blank">our city's welcome center</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />I've been wanting to create one of these interactive murals since I discovered this amazing one in Nashville, Tennessee...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImpUFqGdIkuPJKrnzGYG1a3YCsr3C2xW827XczZU3Xm9NoRkT8kspf_qychhcVh7rwqS3D7z5bJSAJOyuu8baV3OTlBJl8egdpjuOom6t5Vb3D1-wtwxihj4xyM7FrpneMdgzjQ/s400/IMG_6931.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was such a fun and rewarding project, and I can't wait to see how visitors to the welcome center use them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5_U9yDVXnUted73qc7xNJeqB4bTXssttY-NLudea7sMCh0UZQPk2h1EQ4jVl02ksYfEe0B_I6vHUqX0HINdC-bMBlZy8K3gPYsm9zLiO6w3t8V0AiFHKkv9Ac0vMb4ZWWEGWTA/s400/fairy+wings+3.jpg" width="300" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVipoZ00fHkGyNcxc54aVm7iMu8rKwY02TFJBzjIGnaSJzo8SF5fYLX4PX7FnnCwoypElkuYPIzj34g6X18yhv8Uk0GP4SOYq6rvry21lAZ5hhwg61JUCf9UP-JYak_yh1V-MyQ/s400/fairy+wings+4.jpg" width="300" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="858" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W6n065L4sJPn-Bz2QWxLt_6voNuyK6Y6gYsBm7YHvus378QUawpsxI422t5QZpBaV7UzRSuLyVRKTN_eHrorGzBPy5H-VCEAtTLp4DfURpXrb9lPZv0eDUPOMlgap6nCwwu1Aw/s400/fairy+wings+8.jpg" width="357" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How fun are the baby wings?! I think they are my favorite part. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can <a href="https://visitrichmond.org/" target="_blank">visit them in person here</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sending creative vibes to you,</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-50968008207072864362018-10-02T09:05:00.001-04:002018-10-02T09:05:55.453-04:00Hope<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.” - </span>Anne Lamott</span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryCMl-k89sfr8PqUCiqlIvKhaLbPRiMLFTZRym3s20OujtJyzyl59hBDC9yTb8Odt5D26hfyxAENz1Llul3AqMQ5JCuZXV35wLuncswah_hyphenhyphen0M9CDB8yTOSt9wzQIUUQkcxkyXw/s640/sunrise+over+pond.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you are going through hard things, in a tough season, feeling hopeless, raw, or exhausted, this is for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are not alone friend, and we're in this together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-72203042561790718992018-08-21T10:57:00.001-04:002018-08-21T10:57:47.254-04:00New Class!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hello friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How is your week going? I hope you've had some small, or even BIG victories to celebrate. There has been so much going on in our little corner of the world that my head has almost literally been spinning these past few weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My boys starting middle school (HOW did that happen?!), one of my busiest times of the year at work, and keeping up with usual life stuff like we all have. But in the midst of all of this craziness there is much to celebrate, including the launching of my fourth class with Big Picture Classes, <a href="https://www.bigpictureclasses.com/classes/fantastic-digital-florals" target="_blank">Fantastic Digital Florals</a>!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1hY4zWkwqA2qRpHiet6uzIl4Y3bKoi59An-pexmpK8KQLQTKAzIgtftNUvQA8auvUohhpUItYv22c3FPZOJlBE6jF9ZAZBbWdHfLnkLy6Hd-fnD-83K_X8ewjLbpOuiBh-_q8w/s1600/fantastic+digital+florals+main+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1hY4zWkwqA2qRpHiet6uzIl4Y3bKoi59An-pexmpK8KQLQTKAzIgtftNUvQA8auvUohhpUItYv22c3FPZOJlBE6jF9ZAZBbWdHfLnkLy6Hd-fnD-83K_X8ewjLbpOuiBh-_q8w/s400/fantastic+digital+florals+main+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I can hardly believe this is my fourth class with BPC, and being asked to teach another iPad drawing class has been like a dream. I had no idea how the iPad would change everything for my drawing career, and now I want to share all of the fun tips and tricks I've learned this past year with you!</span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fFXj-qFRr_CcEDBKjx9LY65WRrpR5YCTOkcaN2Ybenxnggw4vdCgw1NqSRRsxxKJlXBsJMY93pHcV1My55vcSHbviwNb6txZr4Xqx1FTX6AKqUiFzDRUujogsAUMfdkxO12Z0g/s400/lesson+3+main+image.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This class focuses on the basics of drawing floral shapes in Procreate, one of my favorite things to draw. Flowers can be challenging though, so I hope this class can take some of the anxiety out of the process. </span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="1019" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNsjvJ8jWfdPTfdK4BnmVEZgAX6szCPiGMPlNReK_FR2WdzofUQ4U0HXWR0N5oZc29e4zw_ZBHEx_tP6l_6NEuDz5g9Fpv3FatzZ2S9CJKbN4kwh5sWBIwWkeJdTXuY6QIeEGNg/s400/lesson+4+image+1.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'd love for you to <a href="https://www.bigpictureclasses.com/classes/fantastic-digital-florals" target="_blank">join me</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And if you want to dive into lettering in Procreate, be sure to also check out my Master Class, <a href="https://www.bigpictureclasses.com/classes/mastering-ipad-lettering" target="_blank">Mastering iPad Lettering</a>!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.bigpictureclasses.com/classes/mastering-ipad-lettering" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1600" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXUdtYFS366uaqly2HwW87Jy6rlCuFektg1-qGUyBsdigP4vYvfw10JrZxYSwWrYIiCcMZagNaTTPyv7nvOlF62idB8uc1LCPdaUoNTHqg9szmSKya9nB0jkabW-A5sgJ-ebhfg/s400/ipad+lettering+main+banner+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sending you all of the good Tuesday vibes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-44197569264230793622018-06-20T20:42:00.000-04:002018-06-20T20:42:22.124-04:00New Local Class<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hey there friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Who wants to come paint with me? On July 14th I'll be teaching a super fun <a href="http://richmondartmuseum.org/product/mixed-media-art-with-mandy-ford-71418/">mixed media art class at the Richmond Art Museum</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj3fp3xTEC7tMz3WRO7uBKAA4GfuxKEH4BHFpZeXzG2za31J9Vkvr7kZDOGk6vzSukQxHfBz0hnqpAu574OYT-WDazp_AW-ofmXs1ZhJ9QjFwzO_kuoQNZAnBvqBMZ_4T0prMvA/s400/mixed+media.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We'll create with paint and all sorts of other fun mixed media supplies to create one of a kind art pieces. </span><br />
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<a href="http://richmondartmuseum.org/product/mixed-media-art-with-mandy-ford-71418/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Check out the class here</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you are local or nearby to Richmond, Indiana I'd love for you to join me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-60101035998256183752018-06-14T09:31:00.000-04:002018-06-14T09:31:17.874-04:00A bit of encouragement for all of us...<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The creator’s journey is not for the faint of heart. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once you figure out that thing you want to do with your life, you’ll do just about anything to make it happen. But the path is usually unclear. Sometimes you wonder if you’ll ever find it. </span></span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilDCwaP-52n15whg_Bos07rWSl2heQnfQTuk_fboxbXMiUk_ckRt10LKKHQbJO9sRTwG5hm19XWHjP16sh2LmgJ6lSS9WPM9m2INXTfstjV7F4llGLVPTKtwhQ0fXpDgsnB0kAQ/s400/keep+going.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It comes with hurdles, speed bumps, closed doors, and doors you have to decide to open or not. It takes courage to accept the lot of it, allow yourself to wallow for a bit in disappointment, be okay with settling into discomfort, know that you will never do it perfectly, know that there will be times of genius and times of absolutely no inspiration to be found, know that there will always be competition, but also know that no one else can do it like you. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the path you are paving is only creatable by you. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For all of us that are finding our way toward our creative destiny, we are not alone. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So keep going. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don’t give up. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We were made for this. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hanging in there with you,</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-56744774682244112422018-04-26T08:53:00.000-04:002018-04-26T16:16:24.150-04:00New Class!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever been given an opportunity that is so in line with your biggest goals and dreams that you start to doubt yourself?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Those annoying internal questions start chiming in, "Why did they choose me?" "Surely there is someone more talented to do this!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Helloooo imposter syndrome!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You know what? Yes, there probably is someone more talented than you. There is always going to be someone ahead of you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And still, the opportunity belongs to YOU! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">IT IS YOURS. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">End of story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So take it all in, throw all of the thank you's you can out into the universe, and rock the sh*t out of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">YOU GOT THIS.</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBNDB6vfmcVK0aIRUPmCKu9krEwxCS769o2HnOahxzdjHq8K0ArCfZ0IymeXcd9dJjWsPRl1Po1kvO-3iExkza8p_bAdUlEDqyGS7zdJ7oFPX9X3qGGPHe2NXeU3HPihhRiIhJg/s400/me+ipad+square.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you want an example of my latest version of this story, head over to Big Picture Classes on May 1st to check out my newest class with them, Mastering iPad Lettering! Seriously...we are going to have SO much fun lettering on our iPads!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can check out my teacher page here---></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigpictureclasses.com%2Fusers%2Fmandyfordart&h=ATPyELse2jWpMhlpP96JjWQA0vocThsd5JlbojgrbStnmEQ53Pa5A4MNhmiX3ckeMuztWVbSaHChNDZVIMDH4UUoAwxivHAB0Yj8t0kSgPmQYY0ihtf_zlpTDiaO2hYHyf7r0xko7Kk" href="https://www.bigpictureclasses.com/users/mandyfordart" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.bigpictureclasses.com/users/mandyfordart</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hope you have a fantastic Thursday! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-88546353736777641192018-04-22T10:34:00.000-04:002018-04-22T10:34:14.779-04:00Breaking Free<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There have been two times in my life when I felt as if the universe was guiding my soul and circumstances in a way that was not under my control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The first was five years ago when I came back to drawing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The second is happening pretty much right now as I type this, and has been ruminating for almost all of 2018 so far.</span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRHiV_0WW2U3baxgRD5gSUE24qSRKhcMgn-f_052O73u2gEdhG8p3UfsYPoSZVc85FUkoZowCqVRfhKpn1lGzF4AKsucdKSE-G4Rp1PmJOOGgoGZY5Fo7HfdPd8pI7Ofu3wQMkQ/s400/seeking+square.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everything feels a bit like it is floating in a holding space, between the now and the what is going to be, and I'm just waiting for the second gate to open and let me through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile God is sending me some <b><i>stellar</i></b> growth opportunities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That last line was written with a bit of sarcasm, because GOODNESS. I'm spent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now is the time when I need to admit I had gotten myself to a very cranky place. And when I say cranky I mean bitter, annoyed, frustrated...all of those emotions we are taught to hold inside, mask with a smile, work through with a few encouraging images shared from Pinterest.<i> I've been trying that last one and it does help a bit. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Funny thing about God and the universe is that sometimes when you are begging for mercy, it comes in the exact opposite form you were expecting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For me, mercy has looked like two weeks full of challenging situations...using my voice, speaking up for myself and for others, facing hard truths, and stepping into my fullest potential. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It has been EXHAUSTING and at the same time EMPOWERING.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You feel like you are facing it all alone. And at times you are. But I've also had friends stand up for me, take my hand and say, "I'm with you," thank me for having the courage to speak up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I even got a "That took guts!" which I have never, <b>ever</b> in my life been told. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have guts?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Surely they were mistaken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But you know what? Turns out I do. They've been in there all along. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The five-year-old who used to hide behind her mother's legs at church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The early twenty something who quit more than one job because she was terrified of failure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The girl who dropped an art class in college because she couldn't stand anyone watching her draw. (<i>I know, right?!</i>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>She had guts.</b> She didn't know how to use them yet, but they were already there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the funny thing about using your guts is they multiply exponentially super fast with each use. Kind of like eating Grape Nuts cereal. You take one bite, and it's replaced with two more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The supply just keeps building, cheering you on from the conference room, the art table, the coworker's office, the email inbox. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was on the treadmill yesterday morning thinking about the past few weeks and shedding a few tears, (exercise is emotional you guys) and quickly typed up this list of instructions that helped get me through...</span><br />
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<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Speak up</span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even when it is hard. Especially when it is. </span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lean in</span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't run away from the hard stuff. Know that it is helping you grow.</span></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hold on</span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tight. To whatever you know is true and good in your life. The people, the feelings, the experiences.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Power down</span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rest. Relax. Do what you need to do to regroup.</span></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Zone out</span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes you have to escape from all of it, even for a few minutes. That's OK! Turn off your mind, take a nap, meditate, eat a pint of ice cream. Whatever works. </span></li>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*May I suggest 4 & 5 be done appropriately with your favorite Netflix show, your comfiest pants, and whatever comfort food fits your mood at the moment. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here is an illustration of me powering down, you know, for visual reference.</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jaFuxx6ugTh2MOnYxKHe7qqx1CCJhGVIQeJe2Ob-gzK0RsHD_oBuOk1aH0gN1FT0l_yx4n81zYsZ_nN3hCvjQ68CZ19pWO1vejhx8auV9tYQOmx_Roje4p_-QPC-56cnf-NJwQ/s400/self+portrait+illustration.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The lesson in all of this is I'm right where I need to be. And you are too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Life being hard and challenging doesn't have to mean you are stuck. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes it is giving you the opportunity to break free. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So a little recap for us all:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Use those guts God gave you</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are not stuck</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are right where you need to be</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are breaking free</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You got this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-30674711030912089402018-04-04T21:52:00.002-04:002018-04-04T21:52:32.468-04:00New Family Member<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'd like to introduce you to a new family member.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="633" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiP8zoDK1CrZQ78ncOVIYuCgRNasRk86Nzt5KNklEWNrocmXTsmKGNrAfU2MF_BmlR1RLRdksTlv1NwwW2sA63J9I6pKHOg4N5c2QDAU8LUA8NvrFzHOKk_9ZePOy0AYzf3G_Vg/s400/IMG_4998.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A new member of my fake plant family! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which one is new, you ask? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I know. There are four in this photo. (<i>I have a problem.</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2bOrw2mWzmBYaXLDipZLzfcAyjVbKsFx8_0SEDUQ3VrQBd_P2ZDDWbl2chPie5cFUsrA-tzebc2bi74YIT-uaj5zKhnH4XB9gKyIHON5RUNuuXdieAzJH2C4pSQRWSsXu8w65A/s400/IMG_5002.JPG" width="300" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That tall, white potted beauty up there. That's her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She came to live with us thanks to the nice folks over at <a href="https://www.silkplantsdirect.com/">Silk Plants Direct</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="453" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEZLpWApHE7fE5H18SO3fv85NA8AX4uJ2nPybukl25n-SlQG9jIu_5NWbcOWVx9uqbRRnq0A27IUZW4Bd_60ZfsEMf-tDzWMjNAuZPbwtVMzV2f8gJo6LOGFyp3kznu2IE8UVWw/s400/IMG_4999.JPG" width="300" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When they offered to send me another plant to add to my ever-growing (and never dying!) collection, and I saw <a href="http://www.silkplantsdirect.com/silk-flowers.html">their awesome selection</a>, I couldn't turn down their offer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItKMf3rQfc2fORDqGDxPnf2pR_AlFKPvpd3Yhiigy81SM4GmFFzaSpSAigzqLjQk6GWf4FHMaT2F0cwe2bPQh2kXh5pjS87ae55hyphenhyphen55Gq-Yc_UFLeFioDLrmaqwrLdNTYTzprxw/s400/IMG_5003.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm even thinking about buying a plant stand. For my fake plants. Is that weird?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I really don't care. Because my available surfaces are getting full. And these puppies aren't going anywhere because, well, you know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Just call me the crazy fake plant lady. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And if you want to join me in this fake plant craziness, you can get 10% off everything but custom orders by using code BLOGGER10! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Brown thumbs unite!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-3229635008315156622018-03-24T23:57:00.000-04:002018-03-24T23:57:31.252-04:00Photowall Product Review + Coupon! <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy weekend friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you are enjoying some time to rest and relax from the week behind us. I know today, for me, was deeply needed after a week full of extra work responsibilities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My soul needed time to breathe today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIt-Sb4TzqbXpolyPAMV8-FJEzu8-UfYuRRgVpGA6hxyxk_2o16Ave0vTF0Mb2VUA4DqZ_Cm6gG8IoJ1rtC-B_mHH3uu21Z9F84FWROoiUKVPw4593gnnDlHWKXaNCsCIY3zNIA/s400/IMG_4926.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This morning I put together a lovely canvas sent to me from the folks over at <a href="http://www.photowall.com/">Photowall.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWW6QsTCcXOlCfL3wvgfdMhTJKxFsLNVfmeW4sV99Y5_UFIjU1208hD23DM0Ayw9v-fvxeO-vh0N7ixOwggQv0hsyTHqNtx7XOMsIRmCWfDU33qPlXQQpQSur7hgEpc56W0u43Q/s400/IMG_4927.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They offer lots of ready-made artwork, or you can upload your own for them to print, which I did for this canvas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was a super easy process to attach the wooden frame and screw it together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rQCpR5wl057Xm31kSR7ZsJN2ok-pp9C3z-Qvgnww-ySB8zJHRNlvjLjhPZXofFM-d0Pv0QhoqN3rJiLUwQvdtQBAl2FY0_6DzcSC9yGxwOhPy_FTLm_rtIUBmSVl1qbpP9HeRw/s400/IMG_4931.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cAy5GkL9G0FslSWTmurLYN9dk5czoPl6TmJovdV9FB74nSapXZ95W8Xqx8ymBYgmA6HBv0o1nDs55-fxfq-KAAIKBqzc4TUNR9haYrL9nEZhfc1iQkfriOSTp-eBgVBE24ZYKg/s400/IMG_4930.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And now I have this lovely piece of my original, hand drawn, digital artwork to display.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRDe9MeIRi0eVSuTsWTbFOHUNtICxCSIJOfr5cnYK5I5jPET2oXmp6rmDds3tC7fa9SkT4VP7H8P7VytQyD1BSxLr5THC7dFaH5EDaRSGdyT5LJ5KRjj09UYsiMi7YpRp1oFZEA/s400/IMG_4928.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFT6ObHqJVoBXyNUDhodxzlS2SGkK8f8feqQRoawcC2ZNFLiKKrUdaVpdIycSu1WH9ItbU-p_ew7dQaeBozbnmMOVmsCvwRS7B7CSlgVSYyibhephTb353fVbZct6gFMYbmI3FA/s400/IMG_4924.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thanks <a href="http://www.photowall.com/">Photowall</a> for this lovely piece of artwork! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And if you would like one of your own, you can head over to their site and enjoy 20% off your purchase with code <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>MandyFordCampaign2018</b>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">But hurry! The code is only good through April 30th! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You can also grab this lettering piece as a print in my Etsy shop<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/588268140/leave-room-for-your-soul-to-breathe?ref=shop_home_active_1"> here</a>!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">XO,</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-44411416702880671862018-03-20T09:12:00.000-04:002018-03-20T09:12:27.620-04:00This Week in My Planner<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Good morning friends! Happy Tuesday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How is your week going so far? It is a busy one for me but I'm finding lots of reasons to be thankful, and my planner sure is one of them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This week I decorated using printables from <a href="http://theresetgirl.com/">The Reset Girl</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Goodness they are adorable! </span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="593" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsbJ3hZ_HumwT9Gx3XxHeqCTIfG8RmLQxmU9f51s9Pgzm8MS8CZLGJ8jv_C_WyQ-ctin0dHqb53WDewrQ_faXjBxxIB9EDzEL_RVj8XrKAMWm6ut2aNGN9WzhxZ_8FrWNarYGHg/s400/IMG_4908.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">I was itching for some new stickers and since I didn't have somewhere to shop locally these were the best form of instant gratification!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DRvEjLrRYFx7TYnCZ9badKev40moxQQnFUeYNYDPATXKwcNOb84TvJIrdqYoC425Jx5pUqhpsF4K4pVhsIM9-cX4Ru3Qz6cB8BUuvs3T1nxSmdtjlBfvFyM2C1ijlQ5_HI_PaQ/s400/IMG_4907.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="606" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoJLGn_FNuq5xdiXkBcHSu7fpLsQFFk_dFUqrV55oyUJaHNpoADKeeiZualoSSUR5Hi3_pZjsmwciZsvXzuYWo36e0h9nakrYuzWSoosqt0w4p8NeyPc09-I-ZBW26L9KEk36qA/s400/IMG_4910.jpg" width="378" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm enjoying using the notes area to keep track of daily gratitudes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSqkXAfO54FHr4fJx2wgff60WwFYfDhF_ikPySpGPlmdfdtS0AmMY3khY836-nl8YuXMqngqPX4zmhUzkN9NBA8arpErnR-g7sFoiuQhIW6nREfq9qSkqHSoQBH7KeLBuAEwqNw/s400/IMG_4905.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">SO ready for Friday! Spring break starts AND pizza night. Perfection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY3Mr_FT3DKgc7vUQqOeWUzMK4IUaIwpmWmbCth5GxWMWB_PgJYUjx11zgGQgZggGpvGTAdjKaTHAWFy18rtGsXjQH4jGkI42eo6T-iRseaZ9t7RtCv-zJLXpMIDhfTSjNX139Q/s400/IMG_4911.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I really love these little phrase strips. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf4H7oFQiJG6nkXHb9NeBqIjyfzUojd_ae_El79QHK1chaCakxfPMhpMVguOkrlO0r5Bn9h2MWCPiFzJ3A9BqUyIoUOAcUtS1MjWRiWsGuX2SiiahJUu3xVcwXQvWGHZSHnZPQQ/s400/IMG_4906.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And I never forget to include my weekend morning coffee date with myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I didn't take the time this weekend to create a video of the process, but you can watch my first two over on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIOmaaur8CNaqex9dVJerGQ?view_as=subscriber">my YouTube channel</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hope you're having a fantastic week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-46088511144305377812018-03-10T10:01:00.001-05:002018-03-10T10:03:44.628-05:00New Happy Planner Video!<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hello friends! Happy Saturday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I did another fun little video showing how I decorated in my classic size Happy Planner this past week. If you love adding stickers and other cute embellishments to yours as much as I do, I think you'll enjoy watching my process. I really love watching how others decorate theirs and getting new ideas.</span><br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ci9l2SXt5uI" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you head over to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci9l2SXt5uI&t=25s">the video on my YouTube channel</a>, I've left details for finding the stickers I used. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hope you have a great weekend!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-48673272951930781022018-02-26T15:25:00.000-05:002018-02-26T15:25:30.414-05:00In My Planner This Week<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Monday friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you're having a great start to your week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mine has begun on a happier note because I set aside some time yesterday to prepare for the week in my Happy Planner! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have to say that since I started using a paper planner, it has really helped me focus and keep track of things. And i</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">t completely satisfies my craving for using cute stickers and washi tape, now that I don't scrapbook like I used to. I've been able to use stickers I had been hoarding for years, so I feel like I'm saving us money by not buying a ton of new ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">lways thinking about our budget! *wink* </span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_lVKS8LOeBORE-jUxh8u2JsZhomHJXtw82RgEU4cf1g83hn2p6-b-KsLLw9kuGPIGbXzre5ZWaIdieS9kmvubZtPrQSuWyDuxIB-iHGWJDQdr-Dhops-vMUeJ5UOPZV4sZBGxg/s400/IMG_4661.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I thought it would be fun to do a video of how I decorated this week's spread, so you can check that out below!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iHusJTlH2d4" width="480"></iframe><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sending good vibes for a fantastic week!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-74726304648955184742018-02-24T15:30:00.000-05:002018-02-24T15:30:22.617-05:00Living the Hygge Life<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I finished my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062658808/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1BGQ7W9K39XL3&colid=2XBZTMT1X5C6D&psc=0" target="_blank">third book of 2018</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And I have A LOT to say about this one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062658808/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1BGQ7W9K39XL3&colid=2XBZTMT1X5C6D&psc=0" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="594" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLRM-Y9sakRubYYN-37mUx-OKHM-8cLbzC6bghynKEB849er5SVL7g_dMQYoleNM6eB-YyVASVRqD2lSXdTYhnEX15flrQzz79ZRu_cRStqnZ1KMc8cpA37DM-6ez_UbO6AUIeg/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-02-07+at+4.00.36+PM.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Holy heck do I have a lot to say.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First thing I have to say is <i>HOOGA</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That's right - you pronounce it "hoo-ga" not "higgy" like I had been saying it in my mind for about a month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever tried to switch up how you're pronouncing a word in you brain? Not the easiest thing. But after about a month of saying it correctly I think I'm about 85% there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I don't have everything I want to say about this book formulated in my brain yet, but I know it will be more than one blog post. Probably multiple posts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Because I am in absolute love with HYGGE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So much that <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mandyford/hygge-happy/" target="_blank">I started a Pinterest board</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I know this term has risen to Instagram and Pinterest fame here in the US recently, and has, dare we say, become a trend? I'm sure the Danish find that somewhat annoying considering the bulk of US culture is anything but hygge. (But we can talk about that later.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I will say that I am not in love with hygge because it has become trendy. In fact I tend to go the opposite direction of trends in general.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The whole concept and feeling of hygge is something I was already working on integrating into my life without realizing there was a word for it. </span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="609" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZAjs9Q5GQTnvGXUBZ4VvxWPk_NIBrmWpJxKjlKmIgOQOZjaFG59zjpYqnv72Egy22edrvv6_JQezawKnozikDzpzAGE4x6fesZCVkiCnylRXY_6RN3HGh5LBJQ76pl7_Y-x2cg/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-02-24+at+11.12.01+AM.png" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Everything in this photos oozes hygge to me...the soft, cozy rug, my favorite comfy shoes, and my arts supplies!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hygge is about comfort, togetherness, feeling cozy, warm, and cared for. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh, and lots of coffee and candles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="608" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ30HDxfd6aatEd0u4PiDE7kHhJd5SVQGD7iSlidg-0VZlr0mJsfCbNhtD3U6g84RmVW-iUhCty5eGROp_q_3X8v4wYqk6rnyRtQB77exRCXJTycXJGREB2vZYaAJ6nAi4j8fWXg/s400/sweater+weather+mug+with+candle.png" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So basically my dream life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But not to trivialize hygge...it is so much more than a cute mug full of caramel flavored coffee and a burning candle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is a complete lifestyle revolving around living, what the kids say these days, your "best life." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is about happiness and what truly matters. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So I'll be back later for more on everything hygge, but for now I think I'll sip my coffee and add some more inspiration to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mandyford/hygge-happy/" target="_blank">my Pinterest board</a>. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Come hang out over there and be inspired with me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hope you have a cozy, happy Saturday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
<br />Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290049477795062895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-1236465872772257972018-01-26T20:07:00.000-05:002018-01-26T20:34:13.730-05:00New Printable!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hello friends! Happy Friday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh my goodness are you as glad as I am that the weekend is here??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I've been busy over here drawing all sorts of fun Valentine's Day goodies to share with you for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/589301003/valentines-day-printable-planner?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank"><b>my newest printable set</b></a>, which I added to my Etsy shop today! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you love February and Valentine's Day, I think you are going to love this set as much as I do. I mean, there are letter boards AND vintage typewriters. SO fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/589301003/valentines-day-printable-planner?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrPe1UdiQAPNwIVwHp007bn6wZu7lyugYta82tux54Sepf0PEtVfl6GsonZBdaTjJmNxWG0OUGneDPZU2o1L0Y-DlSTYyPOElgSVn73Fy0-0JQGdjDafYMZeovynR86yhoale9w/s400/Valentine+printable+etsy+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/589301003/valentines-day-printable-planner?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3fOaJShsoMkU6c-mSJzG_Z2sNxqR3iGkHmRT7dNbe34Jwfms2cxrsWfQ9lTvAWetlKt8yjhdFPrJH5jI3j0VHZhWxnAHnR3NeFsxAbWHCl2WNCP7p0OeLW7aMVh535WCVoog2Q/s400/Valentine+printable+etsy+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/589301003/valentines-day-printable-planner?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJPFt2aoGiMCCyDS-xPpKlsV-cyM7jONltY45Svz-Imhhtvn3uh_TF93uxikXUys9TL8ciq1tYZfUBoI0Fu5N_8BmnBMK7yr_JG2eR4eqQ1rsJz6aJ8rZth621hmiZbbFv5d8LA/s400/Valentine+printable+etsy+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/589301003/valentines-day-printable-planner?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtNEjP78YugEqeq7nDUSAmbsuzmoqyao0oELAbbq6WBFqZaJjjAM2ZOUrXcVNu3Gm9tBJCwEjJjJUcsi8kW7PgfNYd0Hqvh1RdN3Qk0oCDnmDmTKUUrm7JfSw00SS3y7spOZ24g/s400/Valentine+printable+etsy+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">This set includes:</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Two patterned papers</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Six letterboard stickers (LOVE these!) including four blanks to personalize </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Four journaling/quote cards</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Nine bullet point/list stickers</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Three tabs</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Six banners</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Six "coffee date" stickers</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Six "remember" stickers</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Two ridiculously adorable typewriters</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Three washi strips</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Three scallop strips</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">*Over twenty other stickers/images</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I used it in my Happy Planner for my February monthly spread...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2mowGVmuGjIPCbfuDkOBTA7B3f2AF5LmZgTWbTq8x2UFA-o3nLd0Znnyn8vZNMisZyRNiMKDoILcFqZc_uuiuWZ9SMgNDplkTXF56rfbsN9snCh6TgB8oodK7P7nZKpdtgE3Bg/s400/valentine+etsy+photo+1.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJH9qGHLTMxIrF-QqyBsV8g1W5f5DpD8PSTpXRJKHTy7Qhu4d6Or3K9x4aataf8dnny_Ap3l9Io1UmZdJ8yO50gVBSRMtRYt-DnTvAKBw49PfImzxDJr_HG_xKmPKXsWpym5iXQ/s400/valentine+etsy+photo+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlALvf2Sz7ZZP4HYS4eK1lnYssRox0xLNYwM073aICPsYe1W7gZ1hb2GgVdp9b1cHpA4xAZd34MCOH92IOczpUA9VF6JA_zXHEUQF7Xi10SVmbA0os_I2jSUiNFb7RoMbJulmoJw/s400/valentine+etsy+photo+3.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I can't wait to use it throughout the month too! That's the great thing about buying printables...you can re-print the pages/images you want to use more than once! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I don't know about you, but I think I need about 10 copies of that "treat yo self" sticker. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can check out the entire set and purchase it <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/589301003/valentines-day-printable-planner?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank">here</a></b>!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm also sharing more peeks into how I'm using my planner over on Instagram...<a href="http://instagram.com/mandyfordart" target="_blank">come hang out with me over there</a>! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span></span></div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28288916.post-9012123076744450302018-01-13T10:17:00.000-05:002018-01-13T10:17:44.394-05:00What I've read so far this year...<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not to toot my own horn or anything, but it is January 13th, and I've already read two books this year.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know. You're wondering, "How does she do it?" </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, for one, I have a fairly messy house. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And these books aren't exactly novels. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">BUT. I READ TWO BOOKS.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And I want to share them with you, because they are both lovely!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So here goes...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0f8GTJvsAnxbcevOVkcrzweevdvNodVItjXVVj82iiNvefORi4j02bn5ZHQRGgJlWSQa0WHKiCYymZtbaCOHO439bd45K_dFeerq8Jp_ZEBvUzfdNlS3GdR7X15vHtj8cPsVaQ/s400/IMG_4283.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The first book is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Velveteen-Principles-Becoming-Childrens-Classic/dp/0757302114/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1515854788&sr=1-1&keywords=the+velveteen+principles" target="_blank">The Velveteen Principles </a>by Toni Raiten-D'Antonio. I technically began this book before the new year because it was a Christmas gift, but I finished it in January, so I'm counting it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I make up the rules around here, OK? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Velveteen Principles</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> is basically a guide to being human, revolving around the lessons in <i>The Velveteen Rabbit</i>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The theme of this book appealed to me because I love everything about this quote from the original children's </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">book</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.12px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But those things don’t matter at all, because once you are real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is an easy and lovely read. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I can't say I learned a whole lot of earth shattering things or had a lot of light bulb moments. I can owe that partly to working in an environment with, and being surrounded generally in life with, people who have taught me a ton about the value of being authentic, and the beauty that can be found in being real and flawed. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But this book was certainly a great refresher course & kick in the pants to keep moving in that direction.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here is one quote that gave me a whoa moment:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Remember, the most important and most lovable parts of you are invisible."</span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I mean I already <i>knew</i> that, but forget it so often. The visible things about being human can be great, but they sure don't make up your worth as a human being, soul, friend, sister, wife, mother etc. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />This book was a fairly quick read and I recommend it if you need some extra shots of encouragement in a world that is constantly bombarding us with messages of how we need to measure up to others. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The second book is <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Fear-Finding-Magic/dp/0143131575/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1515855225&sr=1-1&keywords=my+friend+fear" target="_blank">My Friend Fear</a></i> by Meera Lee Patel. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I devoured this book in only a few sittings because it is not only beautifully written but visually stunning. Meera Lee's paintings and lettering accompany her words in such a way that you really feel like you become part of the book as you read it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As someone who has dealt with anxiety and fear for as long as I can remember, her honesty around how she has befriended her fear encouraged me to do more of the same. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I typically do a lot of underlining in my books, but this one is so gorgeous that I didn't want to mark up the pages. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Quotes that especially stuck with me...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"If the pull of fear is holding you back from cultivating your dream, spend more time listening."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Where there is self-awareness and surrender, there is no shame in blooming alone."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And a few beautiful images from the book...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I really recommend this book if anxiety and/or fear are holding you back from experiencing your best life. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to sharing more of what I read this year with you. Any suggestions? What are you reading? I'd love to hear about it!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">XO,</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7178715@N07/14477426225" title="signature by Mandy Ford, on Flickr"><span style="color: #444444;"><img alt="signature" height="108" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14477426225_a6ba34f983_m.jpg" width="180" /></span></a>Mandy Ford Art & Illustrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789834275277204829noreply@blogger.com0