This is my third year choosing one word for the year - and this year I choose JOY. (To see my previous year selections <---- click there).
Robert's Dictionnaire says joie is "sentiment exaltant ressenti par toute la conscience, that is, involves one's whole being."
When used in phrases like Joie de vivre: (French pronunciation: [ʒwa də vivʁ], joy of living) is a french phrase often used in english to express a cheerful enjoyment of life; an exultation of spirit.
Joie de vivre "can be a joy of conversation, joy of eating, joy of anything one might do… And joie de vivre may be seen as a joy of everything, a comprehensive joy, a philosophy of life, a Weltanschauung.
The lettering is done with an iPad app called "Flowpaper" - its pretty cool! Both photographs were taken locally, the top one is on the water off Cape Canaveral, the bottom one is from Fellsmere, FL.
I'll admit to being a slacker this year, and not keeping up with my "one word" for this year, LEAP. <----- you can go read all about my word and choosing it.
But, I haven't completely forgotten about it. I have this gorgeous Paula Best stamp, featuring her "Flying Cat", the stamp is retired but its still so one of my favs. This uses an older technie "faux cloisonne" an oldie but a goodie. Simply use an image from a catalog or magazine, then heat emboss right over top. Cut out and there is no coloring, its all been done for you.
Remember in my last post where I reserved the right to change my word? LOL, well I'm exercising my right.
About mid week, while watching the kittens play, wrestle, romp, pounce and LEAP into the air, I realized that was my word for this year. LEAP. As in "Leap of faith", ten lords a leapin', and one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Oh, and its LEAP year!
This is my second year that I've decided to choose a word as part of the ongoing "One Little Word" exercise on Ali Edwards' blog on all things journaled and scrapbooked. Last year I chose the word Focus <--- you can click there to check out my word for 2011.
If you're not familiar with the One Little Word project, you can check out Ali Edwards's blog, this is what she says:
one little word
A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow. Today I want to introduce you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life as well as your scrapbook layouts.
Last year I began a tradition of chosing one word for myself each January – a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. Last year my word was something I wanted to bring into my life in a more tangible way. Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2012?
It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother’s word or your spouse’s word or your child’s word – this is YOUR word.
One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here’s one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren’t ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.
Some years I’ve had to look harder or listen longer or simply choose one that fit with what was on my mind and heart at that moment. There’s no right or wrong. The main thing to remember is that this is your word. It’s not for your child, parent, partner, spouse, sister, etc.
And what do you do with this one little word?
You live with it. You invite it into you life. You let it speak to you. You might even follow where it leads. There are so many possibilities.
So this year, I'm having trouble picking ... I haven't given it as much thoughtas I probably should have and several things jump out at me, but so far - one hasn't said "I'm the one little word for 2012". I really like the one Ali chose, she chose "Up" <---- you can click to read her thought and goals for the year.
The one I'm leaning towards is "Fly" as in "She flies with her own wings". The dictionary says "take to the air, usually employing wings", and wonderfully illustrated in Sarah Evan's song. I might still change my mind, but in the meantime - enjoy the song:
If you've got a word selected for this year, and would like to share - I'd love to hear it! Just leave me a note in the comments section!
Squigglefly has generously agreed to donate sales from any feline related digital image to Lucky's Fund. You may have read about Lucky on my blog, for a few weeks I've been trying to raise awareness for a special kitty - Lucky. Lucky has a unique medical condition and is need of some very specialized surgery. And unfortunately, that surgery is pretty expensive. But she is in good health and stands a chance at a wonderful life. To read more about Lucky:
Make a donation of any size to Lucky's fund! If you would prefer to make a donation directly, a site has been set up for that here and accepts online payments. If you would prefer to mail a check, please make the check out to The UGA Foundation for Sundown Surgery and make sure to note For Lucky on the check. The mailing address is:
Veterinary External Affairs Office- Sundown Surgery Fund
501 D.W. Brooks Drive
Athens, GA 30602 USA
Now that you've gotten 'the scoop' on Lucky, here are the details on my card:
digital image: Every Life by artist Ashley Summers {Squigglefly} paper: Echo Park and Papertrey ink accessories: grey pearls from Kaiser and this sweet kitty die cut from CKS Paper Scraps
I had a chance this weekend to catch up on a few projects I had in variouse stages of completion around my house.
In a year where I've selected the word "focus" as my word - actually getting projects completed seems to me like a good way to get started.
These flowers are made from satin type, polyester (not nylon) blouses that I buy at the thrift store. I wash them, just to make sure they're clean (although I believe the thrift store cleans everything), and then they get cut up into circles to make these flowers. I used a beautiful shade of eggplant purple and some blue/grey to make these. I then hand bead the centers, these are with galvanized silver 8/0 seed beads. Best part? the poppies are on a pinback, so it can be unclipped from the purse. You could wear the poppies on your favorite jacket, and put something else - like a vintage pin on the purse.
The purse is also from a thrift shop. It is definitely "very gently used" with only slight wear on the bottom. I decided it was the perfect purse to showcase my purple poppies. The purse is grey cable knit. The interior is lined in a soft grey material with two open pockets, one large zippered compartment and a magnetic snap.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King, Jr.
So, after weeks of searching - I haven't found a stamp that says "focus". I'm thinking about making my own stamp - but if anyone knows of a stamp with the word "focus" - please let me know!
In the meantime, I created some simple word art and printed it on this new Stampin' Up! paper called First Edition. Its creamy and well, quite dreamy, with vintage looking text and a few graphics in simple vanilla and black.
I cut the paper down to the glass tile size (its 1.5 x .75 in) and I used a copper bail on it. I didn't have any matching ball chain, so I took some of my silver chain and used my Adirondack alcohol inks in Caramel, Butterscotch, Ginger and Terra Cotta. The end result? This chain with several mottled golden coppery colors on it (and a bit of silver peaking through here and there).
To color the chain, I let it pile up, then dropped different colors, when inked - you can always go over it in more colors. I then moved it aside to dry. When working with alchol inks, if you don't like the color - you can remove it by adding some isopropyl alcohol or the Adirondack alcohol blending solution. If you missed any areas, just repeat.
This is my first year that I've decided to choose a word as part of the ongoing "One Little Word" exercise on Ali Edwards' blog on all things journaled and scrapbooked. If you haven't seen these posts before, check out Ali Edwards's blog, this is what she says:
one little word
A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow. Today I want to introduce you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life as well as your scrapbook layouts.
Last year I began a tradition of chosing one word for myself each January – a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. Last year my word was something I wanted to bring into my life in a more tangible way. My word was play.
I thought a lot about play and what it means to me. I tried to incorporate it more into my everyday and on my adventures out in the crazy world. For me, it was a lot about living without fear – about being more open to experiences with an attitude of playfulness. The word play found its way onto many scrapbook pages and into many stories I told throughout the year.
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007?
It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother’s word or your spouse’s word or your child’s word – this is YOUR word.
One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here’s one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren’t ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.
Some years I’ve had to look harder or listen longer or simply choose one that fit with what was on my mind and heart at that moment. There’s no right or wrong. The main thing to remember is that this is your word. It’s not for your child, parent, partner, spouse, sister, etc.
And what do you do with this one little word?
You live with it. You invite it into you life. You let it speak to you. You might even follow where it leads. There are so many possibilities.
So, have you guessed my word? Its FOCUS
If you've got a word selected for this year, and would like to share - I'd love to hear it! Just leave me a note in the comments section!
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