Share the {Blog} Love!

If you're looking for Whimsy Wednesdays you can find it here. Otherwise, continue on down to mingle with some amazing bloggers!

What's Bloglovin' you ask? Well, only the greatest way to keep track of the blogs that you love. With the discontinuation of Google Friends Connect (GFC) for non-blogger blogs like Jenny's, she decided that I needed to find another way to keep up with all of my favorite blogs that are not hosted by blogger. She stumbled upon Bloglovin' and fell in love! It is very similar to Google Reader, in that you can see the beginning of the post and the first picture attached to the post. Plus, Bloglovin' automatically updates posts. Another added bonus is there is a Bloglovin' application for IPhone and Android devices. Woohoo! Like I don't spend enough time reading blogs. Now it's a simple touch. Love it!  In order to participate in this hop, you need to have Bloglovin set up for your blog. You can find a super easy tutorial here. I promise it'll take you less than 10 minutes and you'll thank me down the road.

There’s only a couple of rules:

1. Please follow your hosts! They are the 1st seven blogs linked.

2. You MUST link up your Bloglovin' url to participate, NOT your blog.

3. Post our button for the blog hop on your page to promote the fun or share about the hop through Twitter or Facebook would be greatly appreciated.

If you're interested in co-hosting next month, you can find info here and then shoot Jenny an email at russej10{at}gmail{dot}com if you're interested. I also have some sponsor spots still available for November, which you can find here. Alright, so let's have some fun and mingle! Please remember to ONLY link up your Bloglovin URL.

I'll catch you over there and I'll probably be back later today with more fall decor updates...

Day 25 - Seeking Happy

Yesterday, I lost a dear friend who was an amazing photographer.  Her sudden and very tragic death hurt my heart.  

Life, short and full of uncertainty, once again punched me in the throat and cut off my air supply.  Life moved my heart to my stomach.  It had the nerve to, in a matter of seconds, send my entire body into a state of still.

Time, relentless and stubborn, inconsiderate in its consistent tick and tock, has the nerve to move forward.  Frozen, I watched the clock.  I thank God for the numbing peace during this time of silence.

Tears, salty and purifying, once again blurred my vision to see life for the ugly truth it can sometimes be.  Faced with reality, drenched in sadness, I came to terms with another loss.

Another loss?!

Another. One. Lost.

When the tears could fall no longer and the pain of my migraine pounded stronger, I remember her art and how she used her camera to find happy.  I scroll through my phone and I almost hear her ask me:

"Tabitha, how could you not...

...SMILE?"

In your honor, in your memory, because of your work, I will ALWAYS seek out the happy.  

My sweet Marlene, we will see each other again and I'll hug you like old friends do when it's been too long...

Day 24 - Give Back

During her first week, Munch brought home a form requesting book donations for the school library.  She excitedly pulled out the paperwork and I excitedly wrote the check.  Over dinner, we spoke about the importance of giving back.  I explained that libraries give everyone the opportunity to read FOR FREE.  I knew she got it when she exclaimed that she wants to give a computer to computer lab and a basketball hoop to gym. 

I might not be able to help the other departments to THAT extent but I will help how I can.

She twisted her lip and said, "You can buy a computer and a hoop, too.  Just tell my daddy..."

The reason for this post?  Well, I was reminded of this conversation when I opened the thank you note from the librarian:

I know you might be wondering, "how does this relate to the series?"

Well, philanthropy starts at home.  I'm changing my attitude about home requirements to eliminate compounding resentment and my bad attitude (sometimes... well, more often).  I'm learning to accept my chores as a part of my home, to accept my home as part of my healthy life and to constantly edit our space to meet our needs.  If it doesn't enhance our life, it is not necessary.

Our 31 days journey is almost over and I think I feel progress... IDK.  We'll see if I stay on top of this whole laundry thing.

Wish me luck!

Day 23 - FaBOOlous Frame

Remember the Fall frame I created awhile back? 

No? Check out the tutorial here.  I wanted to show you the halloween frame I created using the same technique:

I can't wait to show you pics of the small collage... I just need to add a little more ghoul-y goodies.

Stay tuned!