Bloom Book Club - A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman

I am joining in at the  Bloom Book Club for the first time. The book we are reading is A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman.

The book works to expose the inner artist that is God breathed in each of us, regardless of our talent in the classical artistic sense.  

As a photographer I have relished the moments of discovery through my lens, and have felt such a connection with a deeper part of my self, a longing that is only fulfilled when I take a deep breath and hear the shutter close.

Through A Million Little Ways I am focusing on this connection, a piece of myself that my Creator hid away deeply, a part of me that is vulnerable, content, and whole.  So much of the first two chapters spoke to my heart.

In Chapter One – Awake: Emily reveals the impact that artists have on our lives, we learn of honesty, beauty, courage and hope. We learn that each of us has the ability to be “Fully Awake to their maker”, and that we should “Live our lives as though you believe you have something to offer”.  I appreciate understanding more fully that my creator is an artist, and that by sharing myself through my art, I bring Glory to my God.

 In Chapter Two – Reflect:  We learn that we “Bear the image of a creative God”, and that this becomes a “framework for our lives”.  As I frame up pictures in my lens, I realize that my creative eye is an eternal artifact of my maker.  It’s in those moments when I “Dare to be who I really am”, that I feel “Fully Alive”.  Oh how Emily’s words touch my heart and soul!  As I shift my focus on engaging more with my artistic self, I am more aware of moments where I am truly captured by the one who molded me.  I am learning that I can bond with my soul and be an artist in many facets of my world. 

Dinner and Halloween Cupcake Decorating

The evening started with Dinner with my hubby, my sister in law, my niece and her babies. 

I cooked a deconstructed chicken pot pie, using this recipe, and used biscuits as the base in stead of crust. 

It was Delicious

I also made Jello Jigglers in Halloween shapes!

We had a most wonderful time! 

DIY - Front Yard Reseed Project - Day 2

 Day 2 of our Front Yard Reseed Project

 We Spread around fertilizer and a mixed in topper in the soil by rake. 

 Then we spread some seed - This stuff is what the guy at Home Depot suggested 

 And we covered the seed with a thin layer of topper to protect it from weather and the birds. 

Then we watered!

And we hammered steaks and wrapped tape to protect the area. 

 Crossing our fingers that Grass Grows!

 My Cousin in Mississippi sent me this hat. She is a supporter of the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District. Seem appropriate to wear the hat while working the soil in our yard.

DIY - Front Yard Reseed Project - Day 1

Our front yard needed work. It hadn't had much care in a while and grass was not going to grow unless we gave it some love. 

 My Mom and Dad joined us and worked so hard along side of us. We are so thankful for them. It was fun working on a project like this together! 

 We rented a Tiller for the day! On a side note, I'm a proud Tustin Tiller, my high school mascot. 

 My Dad and Ryan tilled the yard twice in cross directions to make sure the soil had plenty of movement. 

 Mom and I raked all of the dead grass and roots...4 trashcans full....

 When we finished the day our yard was freshly tilled and clean for planting the next day!

 I love that we worked on this project together. It was way more work than we had planned. We were exhausted and sweaty, but still in Love! 

 We learn that these kind of projects strengthen our relationship! I am so in Love with this man and his ability to learn new things! 

DIRTY FEET....HAPPY HEARTS!!