by Kimberly | Oct 2, 2015 | Uncategorized
Here’s a new Friday and a new introduction to a new friend!
Hello! My name is Danielle and I’m brand new to the maker scene! Well, I’ve been a maker all my life, but now I’m a seller too! I opened my shop, The Little Things, less than 6 months ago. Grateful to be a part of the maker community!!
I have a degree in Interior Design, which I put into practice in Atlanta for 6 years. Then something stirred inside me and I developed a huge heart for missions. I spent about 5 years working for a small overseas missions organization. God has me taking a step back for a season. It has become perfect opportunity to open my shop! Something that’s always been a dream of mine. I’m back in my home state of Michigan. Currently my “day job” (as I like to call it) has me working at the front desk of a counseling office. When I’m not there, you can find me working in my shop, attempting to stay Paleo, playing with my nieces and nephews or scrolling through social media! Ha!
If we could sit down at your favorite coffee shop together, where would that be and what would you be drinking?
So hard to decide! There are lots of little coffee shops where I live in Grand Haven, MI. Today I would pick The Bakers Wife and I’d be drinking a hot green tea. If I were still in Atlanta, my favorite has always been Land of a Thousand Hills in Roswell.
I love your state-designed prints. How did you get started in those?
Thank you! Since Michigan has a rather unique shape, I’ve seen Michigan themed designs for a long time. It seems that “state love” is not just for Michigan any more and as popular as ever, so I couldn’t help myself!
Where did your love of design come from?
I think I must have been born with it! I even remember sketching houses when I was little. My mom is super-woman when it comes to all things creative – basket-making, sewing, quilting, collages, even baking. I must have some of her genes because I get so much joy from designing, creating and making anything and everything!
What is your favorite medium to work with and what is the thing that inspires you the most?
Favorite medium? I don’t know if I could pick! I started with cards and prints because I’ve always enjoyed it and I had all the supplies just waiting for me. There are so many other things I enjoy though! Including sewing and lots of random Pinterest inspired projects. This may sound silly, but thrifting inspires me! I go with my mom a lot and I’m constantly seeing things and thinking “I could make that into something!”
What are three things in your life that you can’t live without?
I need my quiet time! If I don’t get even just a little in the morning, my entire day feels off. Music. I’ve pretty much got it on 24/7. And a list! Whether it’s hand-written or digital. A calendar or a task list. Work or personal. I just need a list!
You mention your love of Jesus, please share something he is teaching you about himself and how incorporate that truth into your art.
Right now I feel like He’s teaching me how to rely on Him MORE! I see His strength kicking in when I have none. Not so much physical strength, but that sustaining grace that helps me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I hadn’t thought about how I incorporate that into my work, but I will be from now on! Some of the quotes on my prints come from ideas that have settled in my heart. I’ve had lots of different thoughts about how my shop could have a kingdom-impact, and I haven’t landed on any of them yet. I’m hoping in the near future to figure out how to dedicate a percentage of my proceeds to support work in the 1040 Window.
Go show some love to Danielle!
by Kimberly | Sep 30, 2015 | Uncategorized
I hope you have enjoyed coming along with me on this Blogtember challenge. Today, as the challenge concludes, I thought I’d share some thoughts about how it went:
- First, I wanted to meet new readers by doing this challenge – and I did.
- Second, I wanted to learn a discipline of writing every day – I did.
- Third, I wanted to remember that there are more important things than blogging – and I did.
On the third one – I always was mindful of what was going on in our home. Was my mister home? Were we doing anything special or were we both sitting on the couch working and watching a mindless show or a repeat? Were my kids awake and playing and demanding my attention or were they asleep? Was the house a mess (please don’t let my mister answer that!)
I know quite a few people schedule posts well ahead of time, and I’m usually not that person, unless it is for a site that is not my own – like a book review or recipe for another company. I like to write and post – sort of like instant gratification.
I hope you have learned something new about me – and hopefully challenged yourself to answer the questions that I have answered. Starting tomorrow, 31Days is happening on the blog – we are going to be looking at the overwhelming character of God found in Psalm 51. Join me.
by Kimberly | Sep 29, 2015 | Uncategorized
We are coming up to the end of our blogtember challenge. Its been good – but more on that tomorrow. Today is my chance to ask the questions – and answer any of them that you want to.
- How did you come to know Jesus – if you are a Christian?
- Who was the teacher that had the biggest influence on you?
- Besides the person who gave you birth and Jesus – who is the one person that has had the greatest impact on your life – and why?
- What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?
- If you could live anywhere else other than the place you currently live – why would you want to live there?
- If you could go on one mission trip for a year – where would it be and what would you do?
- What style would you say your home is? Share pictures!
- If you had a crazy dream that you would love to see come true one day – what it would be – like a reallllly big, God-sized dream?
- What book isn’t out there and what book would you like to write?
- Who is your best friend and why is she (or he) your BFF?
by Kimberly | Sep 28, 2015 | Uncategorized
Every time I see the number 24, I think of the TV hit show. And I never even watched it. But, funny thing what advertising does to your brain!
My days start early (around 6). Most days I go to my nearby McDonald’s for unsweet tea and time with Jesus. I’m so thankful my husband gets to sleep in, then he gets the boys up and dressed and then plays with them.
830 we do breakfast altogether. We may not always eat the same thing – but we do try to eat together.
915 – most days he leaves for work and we are off to do errands or play dates or travel fun. Mondays are donut day, trader joes, and the mcd’s play place if everyone has had an obedient morning.
The above will slightly change next week – as life is always changing – our older son starts preschool for 3yo at a great local elementary school He has to be there by 750 – he’s not even up most mornings by 750. Then he’ll get done at noon. So, I think we are going to switch donut day to Saturdays and go to Trader Joes after he gets out of school on Mondays to see our favorite TJ people.
Then we eat lunch and both boys (right now at least) are down for 2-3 hours for an afternoon nap.
Then we usually watch Dinosaurs or Bob the Builder and head to the gym about 4. Sometimes we drive around and look at the school buses, bulldozers, planes, and trains. Maybe even stop in and get a free jr frosty.
We get done with the gym usually by 630 and eat dinner, then read and wash up and change diapers to go to bed. I love reading with my boys. I read with each one of them seperately. Tonight it was the Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton for the little one and Apples Up On Top for the older
Then some days my mister is already home and we eat dinner, watch a favorite show, a documentary, or just crash. Somedays, like tonight, he doesn’t get home until 830 so I clean or blog or watch one of my shows.
During their nap time is when I blog, cook, clean, fold clothes, be creative, email, write book reviews, read, etc. I love that time and don’t know what I’ll do when they stop taking their naps. And I love my early morning time.
Usually we go to bed anywhere between 10-12, but lately its been 9 because the days have been long.
by Kimberly | Sep 27, 2015 | Uncategorized
Today’s blogtember challenge is all about what is on our wishlist. Goodness…my mister knows that I always have a running list of things that I want, but that aren’t in the budget. So, that makes it perfect for him or anyone else just to surprise me with a gift anytime!
So, I’ve separated them into categories:
Creative:
This clear umbrella for photo shoots.
Any beautiful creations from this NC studio for food photography.
Wooden utensils from this craftsman.
Since these are my favorite, I think I need them in every color.
Books:
This journaling Bible.
The new book by Sally Lloyd Jones.
To learn more about food photography – this helpful read.
Gift Cards from the following: Target, Ann Taylor, JCrew, or Fransesca’s
From the online world – anything from the following: Kristin Schmucker, Rifle Paper Co, or 9th Letter Press (you gotta love those Winter Park gals)
Traveling and Conferences:
TGCW registration and travel and babysitters
This food photography workshop in the BVI in January
This creative and business workshop either in Annapolis or Denver
A second honeymoon anywhere with my mister for a week or two.
by Kimberly | Sep 25, 2015 | Uncategorized
I love music. I always have. I recall hearing a tape growing up. It was a home-recording of my brother singing I Am a Promise in practice for his kindergarten graduation. I was in the background hiccuping. Yup. My vocal debut. Then I started singing for our small church in elementary school, playing the piano in middle school, sang on touring ensembles in high school, got to share in leading on praise teams in college and seminary, and sang in an awesome choir in Durham. Music, from country (classic is best) to Brooklyn Tab to Hillsong United to The Cathedrals to everything in between – including jazz and Harry Connick, JR – has a place in my heart. I married a musician. Go buy his cd – if you like Fernando Ortega or Chris Rice – you will love it. And it will encourage you.
Three songs that are encouraging me lately:
Dear Refuge of my Weary Soul – this song has been on constant repeat during our marriage. Our marriage has been wonderful but so many changes in such a short time has had me clinging to this song. I love Sandra singing it too.
For All the Saints: we sing this in church and I love the music for it – and the words are encouraging to persevere in whatever trial (sort of a spin on Hebrews 11)
This is Amazing Grace: recently I got to sing this with about 2000 women and just rock it out, sing it to the top of our lungs, the glorious truth of the Gospel. What could be better?
