From Chaos Comes Happiness

I'm ready. I know many of you are, too. Good-bye 2011. I sat this morning and made up my little photo collage of the past year. I like to do this at the end of the year, sort of like putting a nice little bow on the year that was, and tuck it away for a while to let those memories simmer for a bit. In my mind, I'm welcoming the New Year with open arms . . . ready for it to take me in whichever direction it chooses. But I have to admit, as I look back at the photos of 2011 . . . I had one incredible year. Really. Absolutely incredible. Colorful, wasn't it? I like that. Color. It surrounded us this year. What a blessing. From banana suits, to meeting my dear blog friend Kiki,  it was a year of smiles. From quiet moments in my car, to vacations to New Orleans and Disney World, it was a year of adventures. From celebrating a Royal Wedding, to watching the birth of three baby birds, it was a year of watching as life unfolds around us. From duck ta...

I'm finding myself again. Little by little, small pieces of me are coming back. Finally. I've been gone for a while. A few weeks, at least. Burned out. Unplugged. Drained. Every ounce of energy that once was mine had left me. I felt it. In my very soul. But, this very day . . . I feel it coming back. I threw myself into my business and my art the past few months . . . and took little time, if any, to slow down and breathe. It caught up with me. Periods of total exhaustion and emotional emptiness took over. And I shut down. This past week, I found our couch . . . and that, along with some wonderful movies (It's a Wonderful Life, The Bishops Wife, Sherlock Holmes, Gypsy, and Little Women) have pulled me away from all of the worry and the over analyzing. God Bless my PG, he has been picking up in my mental and physical absence; doing laundry, washing dishes, parenting, everything. I'm not totally sure he understands what has been going on in my mind, ...

We're getting close, my friends. Time to look ahead to the New Year with one word. Yes, I'm talking about that Word of the Year! I'm thinking about it again. Wondering what my focus is going to be for 2012. The idea originates from Scrapbook extraordinaire Ali Edwards , who reminds us that, "One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities." In 2008 , I wanted Peace . I looked hard for it. I took deep breaths often throughout my days, and I found it. I meditated. I prayed. I tried to live with Peace in my heart, and put peaceful energy into relationships that needed it. It was a wonderful word for that year. In 2009 , I sought Balance . I needed it, bad. With a husband whose job required him to travel more and more, I felt like I was drowning between home and my own work, between being a Mom and being Me. I needed it to stop. I needed to focus. I needed balance. I said “no” to more things, and I said “yes”...

Much Love and Peace, Leanne

On Sunday, I shared my " I will . . . List" with you. The very " I will . . . List" that would soon become the outline of the next 12 months of my life, and probably many months thereafter. I will . . . Right now, I'm feeling like I'm moving in slow motion. An opportunity has surfaced since that very post, that would change my " I will . . . List" And I feel like I'm moving in slow motion right now until some sort of sign from the Big Guy upstairs comes my way, telling me what I should do. It would be so great if life happened that way, wouldn't it? If a simple telegram would arrive from Mr. G (that would be God, of course) telling me:    I understand you need guidance STOP My office is instructed to wire you all the guidance you need this very minute STOP Hee-haw and Merry Christmas STOP Mister G Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful to receive a telegram like that? STOP But, alas, that only happens in t...

In a few short weeks . . . I will have the courage to start again. I will be braver. Stronger. More determined than before. I will paint something new. Many things, actually. I already see them in my mind, soon I will bring them to life. I will return to my blog, this place that has always housed my truest self, and I will fill it with dreams and possibilities. I will write more from my heart . . . like I used to, not so long ago. I will inspire. I will motivate. I will do the things that make me feel good. I will believe. I will listen. I will support. I will encourage. I will begin something new. I will  read your words, grow through your stories, and let you know that I am doing so. I will find my passion once again. I will listen to those quiet whispers in my heart . . . and keep moving forward. 2011, you've been quite good to me. But 2012 . . . oh, I've got some plans for us. It's going to be wonde...

  Image from Disney's "A Christmas Carol" starring Jim Carrey Feeling a little . . . blah today. Feeling tired. Unmotivated. Uncertain. Feeling like Ebenezer himself gobbled up my cheery soul.  BAH-HUMBUG! I think it's from lack of sleep. While we had a rather exciting weekend (which I shared with you on yesterdays "Magnificent Monday Vlog"), I spent two days last week caring for little Ella, who came down with a 24 bug, and was once again woken at 2:30am THIS morning by Katie, who seems to fighting a bug of her own now. I'm going on with about 3 and 1/2 hours of sleep right now. Oh, lack of sleep is a terrible thing. And with that, comes feelings of poopiness. Those of you who know me, know that I am just about the cheeriest person this time of year. I am usually glowing with Christmas Spirit and fill most of my December days with the jolliest of activities. For the past three years, I have captured all of these holly-jo...

What a fast week that one was! Congratulations, again, to Yenta Mary . . . the winner of last weeks give away! I've got two really fun stories that I'm sharing on this weeks Vlog, so I hope you stick around and watch them. I'm fairly sure they'll leave you with a smile! Have a wonderful week, dear friends. I'll be back soon with more!!! Peace!

So, did I ever tell you about the amazing Tina from Knitting Contessa , whom I met in September at The Creative Connection Event? No?  Oh, how could that be?  Tina . . . she's a gem, I tell you. I remember when I first saw her walking into one of the sessions . . . she had the most beautiful knitted scarf draped over her shoulders as if Tim Gunn himself placed it there. Only later did I learn that she, herself, knitted the scarf. Yes, she is a gem. She's as lovely as Paula Deen, and even craftier than Martha Stewart. Well . . . she's just about the next best thing to sliced bread. Really. I searched and searched through my photos from TCC, praying to find a picture of Tina to share with you. I found not a one. I did find, however, what I am certain is a photo of the dessert waiting on our table during, what I am sure, the meal I ate while sitting next to Tina . . . does this count? (I'm sure there were all sorts of grammatical errors in that sent...

Oh, dear. Oh, me. Oh, my. I had a moment. You know. An ugly Mom moment. And while I'm sure that Halloween passed us by well over a month ago, I swear my head spun around and some green stuff flew out of my mouth. What brought it on? My children, of course. Well, not them . . . directly. More like, their actions. Well, not their actions . . . directly. More like, the mess they left in the basement. And the family room. And the living room. Oh, and the hall way. Yep. They were everywhere. And I could tell, you see, from the mess. I love these children. I really do. But 30 minutes before three mothers from the "Room Mom" group were expected at our home, I lost my cool. Yep, I did. Then, I had an epiphany. A realization, you see. That . . . I am not perfect. Who cares if the house wasn't "perfect". I am NOT perfect. Nope. I'm not. I'm actually far from it. My house? Nope. It's not perfect, either. And it's ok. All of it. Becau...

Wow . . . what an exciting time of year! Like all weeks, I've got lots of great things to share with you . . . lots of lessons learned this past week . . . lots of things to think about as the holiday season is upon us. Do you have your coffee (or tea) in hand? Pull up a chair . . . it's time to chat . . . Now . . . leave me a comment below, so you can win THIS pendant . . . I'd love for YOU to have it in your lovely hands as soon as possible! SO, leave a comment TODAY! (The winner will be drawn and announced on THURSDAY, December 8th!) Tweet it, facebook it, tell your friends to leave a comment on THIS POST to be entered!  Have a Magnificent Day! 

Just a quick hello and announcement . . . . We are off on an adventure that I can't wait to tell you all about. Just a day or two. But it will delay my Magnificent Monday Vlog tomorrow (sniff sniff!)!  So, please come back and have a cup of coffee with me on TUESDAY this week!!! Have much to share with you, as always!!!! Happy Holidays, friends!!! Be back tomorrow!!!! p.s. All Ornaments ON SALE NOW for $5!!!!! Pick one up while you can!!!! :)

A boy I went to grade school with passed away last week. I haven't seen him in 25 years, at least. But his memory is haunting me these days. In my mind, I see the young 11 year old boy just as I remember him. He is sitting behind his desk, wearing his Catholic school uniform of yellow shirt and brown pants, and he is laughing. In my memory, I am sitting across from him. And I am laughing, too, at something he has just said. He was that type, you know. Always saying something to make someone laugh. It's as clear as day. He was 41 years old. I don't know how he died. All I know is that he is gone. And it is bothering me. Terribly. Like most things in life, I have to write about it. It seems to be the only way I can work it out. You see, I can't help but wonder about his life the past 25 years since I last saw him. We weren't particularly close. As I mentioned, I haven't seen him in about 25 years. But I remember him. So clearly. He was a nice guy. Really...

We had some pretty rainy days here in Chicago last week. A whole bunch of drops fell, as many of us ran from store to store preparing for our Thanksgiving gatherings. Yes, I found myself in the middle of some pretty cold and damp days that left me chilled to the bone. And thinking . . . . about rain . . . and heaven. I'm not an umbrella sort of person. I think I'm actually umbrella-challenged. Many a times I have found myself the unfortunate soul whose umbrella flips inside out, or with spokes that have cracked and left half of my umbrella collapsed and hitting me in the face. Not a pretty picture, I tell you. And I find it almost impossible to get my car, open the door, sit down, close the umbrella, and pull it into the car with me . . . without getting myself absolutely soaked in the process. Yes, I am what you would call "umbrella-challenged", and I am not afraid to admit. While driving around last week, I started to think...

Wow . . . can it be that I was away from the computer all.week.long?  Where did the time go? I unplugged. Big time. But, I'm back! BIG TIME. And  JUST  IN  TIME!!! ANNOUNCING A BIG CYBER MONDAY SALE in my Etsy Shop . . . Tomorrow, November 28th, 2011, click the "SHOP" tab above, or the shop to the right of this post, or THIS LINK to get to my shop. Add the coupon code CYBERMONDAY at check out, and save 15%! 15% OFF OF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE! Now is the time to start shopping for the holidays, my friends! Pick up something unique and special for those in your life ! PLUS . . . Purchase something on MONDAY, 11/28, and receive a free item. It could be a book mark, a magnet, or a set of cards. It will be FREE, and it can be another gift off of your list (or something special for YOU!) And here is my special addition SUNDAY VLOG with a challenge for the week. . . . ...

Holy Guacamole!!! I'm LATE!!! For those of you who enjoy your first sip of Monday morning coffee while watching the lively entertainment of my Magnificent Monday Vlogs . . . I apologize! I missed our Monday Morning date, and for that I am so very sorry!!! But, better late than never, right? Perhaps a mid-afternoon coffee will work today! Enjoy!!! Will be back soon with more delightful tales! Wishing you Peace, and a happy life, my dears!

I'm participating in a heART exchange art swap this week, and I'm so very excited about it. It has been coordinated by the amazing Louise Gale, from  yourheARTmakesadifference .com. If you take a few moments and read a little about this swap, you'll probably agree that it is definitely a "win-win" sort of thing. One of those opportunities when you can share something special with someone, and receive something special in return. So, the swap is something you have made . . . from the heart. And after a few moments of brain-storming, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I was stuck, however, when coming up with the words to put on my piece. . . . what to write . . . what to write . . . I sat at the dinner table Monday evening throwing sayings out for PG's input. Nothing worked. Then, HE (Mr. Phil Guy himself) came up with it. "Follow Your Heart," he said. As simple as that. I stopped and thought about it. ...

Oh, what a week! So glad to be here, and so happy to show you a few new items I've been working on. Hope you enjoy! Hope you are having a wonderful day! Have a Magnificent Monday!

I'm like that mad scientist (and my hair even looks the part this morning), up all hours . . . in my lab . . . with fits of sleepless laughter over the creations I am pouring myself into. It's not a pretty picture . . . but that's been me this week. I feel like I'm rushing against the clock. But there is really no clock. Just my own internal creativity trying to get out. I can't hold it any longer. Here is a sneak peek of what I've been mulling over . . . I mean . . . really . . . MY work . . . MY art . . . in a beautiful little pendant tray that you can wear and have with you all day long. I swear . . . it's a dream, I tell you. A dream. and a few more . . . But that's not all. ANNALEE at the holidays! All made by these very two hands typing right here. Seriously. When I think about what I am doing, I could cry. Seriously. A dream. I still have a little work to do on the ornaments (must add the met...

Oh, dear . . . those little ears that hear. I've got four of them in my house, you know. Two belong to Katie and two belong to Ella. And I am often very aware of those little ears during the day. It has always been really important to me that those ears only hear things that will build them up and make them happy. That is what they deserve . And I work hard at that. Those little ears are the reason I stopped watching the news about eight years ago . . . children don't need to hear about the dangers in the world right now. If the TV is on when I am home, it is always set to either the PBS children's channel, or Disney (and I've been known to turn off both of those from time to time.) I'm aware of those ears when PG and I talk, too, as the laundry room has turned into our meeting place for serious conversations about life and family. However, every once in a while we must slip and have one of those grown up talks in a place where little ears dwell. Especially la...

Oh, dear friends! This was a very exciting week for me! And what a MAGNIFICENT MONDAY it will be . . . for ONE LUCKY WINNER! Watch the Vlog to find out WHO will win one of my original canvas art pieces!! CONGRATULATIONS to our WINNER!!! Thank you ALL for entering the give-away! Before I leave, here is a picture of the table I set up for the Vendor Fair on Friday night (this is the one I talked about in the video.) I'm pretty happy with how it looked . . . Remember . . . this can be YOURS! Visit my Etsy shop (click on the SHOP tab above . . . or click on the "Chaostohappiness" Etsy images at the right of this post. Lots of good things coming this week . . . will be introducing a monthly email newsletter that you can sign up, along with making some new products (can you say . . . JEWELRY!!! WAHOOOOO!!!!) and CARDS, CARDS, CARDS GALORE!!! It's a pretty great time to bring some of this happiness into your life! Peace, my friends!

I love coffee . . . (yes, I AM using my Christmas mug!) I love cake . . .   Together, they make a lovely pair. Don't you think? Wishing you a delightful Sunday full of all your favorite lovelies, my friend! p.s. Don't forget to leave a comment on THIS POST to be entered to win an ORIGINAL canvas piece of my artwork! The winner will be announced in tomorrow's Magnificent Monday Vlog!!! Oh, and it's going to be a wonderful Vlog, my friends. I have a few great stories to share! See you then!

I haven't been enjoying the little moments lately. You might be surprised by that. If you know me, you know that I am usually ALL ABOUT the little moments . . . taking notice of the birds, the leaves, dirty feet and lollipops. All things I have caught a glimpse of in the past and have written of here. But lately, I'm trying to just get by. Trying. Trying to raise my daughters. Trying to keep my house going. Trying to balance the national debt ( our debt, that it). Trying to start a business. Trying to be a friend. Trying to be a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a wife, a mother. Trying to be me. And the little moments? They are getting lost in the middle of all of the chaos. They are being overlooked and swept aside for something more pressing. Like, laundry. Or, groceries. Or . . . you know. Life. And I miss them . . . the little moments. I feel the difference in my soul. Because those little moments make up the person I am. And when I am without them, I feel empty. ...

Hey Friends!!! Time for our weekly vlog! Before we begin, I actually have a couple corrections to announce . . . because my brain, quite frankly, has no idea what day today is!  I actually begin the vlog by saying it is Vlog #4 . . . when it really is Vlog #3! AND, at the end of the Vlog, I state that I will be back next week with Vlog #5 . . . when I'll really be back with Vlog #4! (Remember when I told you once that I was really bad with numbers? Here is proof that I was telling you the truth!) So, let our Magnificent Monday begin . . . Now, it's time to enter the GIVE AWAY!!! What am I giving away? Well . . . if you watched today's Vlog, you already know! But  . . . . in case you didn't see it, I'll share it with you. Leave a comment and you will be eligible to win this ORIGINAL Annalee Canvas piece: This piece is one of my very first Annalee sketches, and has great sentimental value to me as it was a bit of a pers...