Goodbye 2014...Hello 2015

I stopped making resolutions years ago.

It didn't make sense to only start something new at a set time or date. Don't wait till Monday. Or the beginning of the month.

If you want it and are inspired to do it, then DO IT!!

Pinterest sent out an email this year about posting images/links to a board for your 2015 goals. I liked that idea better. Some things you have to work towards. You might want them now, but they take practice, or time to work up to, or to save up for.

You can view my "Bucket List for 2015" by clicking on the link :)

I've already managed to accomplish a few of these goals before we roll over into 2015.

• 2014 was a very hard year and I spent the first half of it rehashing the past in my head. I tried working myself past it, but it almost seemed impossible. Little by little I worked through it, and finally had the epiphany to start working everyday toward the things I truly want. Part of that was learning not to have the same dialog of the past playing in my head each day. It doesn't change anything. I'm letting it go.
• There are a few goals on my board that are physical items. I'm going to buy a new dirt bike. When I bought my first one I figured it would last me forever. Hubby suggested I might gain enough skill that it wouldn't suit me anymore, and I laughed. It's time for a new bike!
• Technology skills. I'm spending as much time as I can each day learning. With a degree in education, I know how to set up a learning plan. I know where to find information. To save money (and speed up the process) I am using my resources to gain new knowledge and hopefully a new career.
• Yoga. It's become my stress reduction. My new form of fitness. And the way I clear my head and focus on thoughts that matter. Challenging poses or relaxing stretches. I'm in love <3
• Paddle boards. Time for playing in the hot sun and in the Montana water. There was a fantastic sale that popped up in my "inbox" yesterday. The plan was to buy them in the spring, but I took advantage of the sale. I'll be welcoming new toys in about a week :)

My plan is to add to that Pinterest board as the year continues, and by this time next year I will be able to look back and reflect on what I accomplished, what I let go of, and what I have gained.

Happy New Year lovelies. What are your goals for 2015?

Always,

Rhoda

Define Yourself...

I've offered a few brand new things in the shop. (see what I did there *wink*)

You can now purchase an original logo design, branding package, or a pre-made logo. I'm hoping to add more pre-made logos soon. Christmas break is coming and I'll have time to work :)

 

You can view this listing here: Branding Package. Soon there will be web development and more. Keep watching :) and if you have anything specific that you would like to see, leave me a note...

Rhoda

What I've Learned...

Hello :)

Did you see that fun graphic over in the sidebar?

The frog leg. (took me a minute to figure out how to phrase that one. It's not a paw. Or a claw. Appendage sounds weird. It's not necessarily his leg...but it sounds better than hand...)

Focus Rhoda!

Anyway...I added that so you can keep track of what I am learning on Team Treehouse. Every time I finish a section or topic, I earn a badge. When I finish challenges or quizzes, I earn points. It's a great way to see what topics I am becoming proficient at and what others I might be adding in soon. The points are racking up and I am learning a TON!!

If you are interested. Go have a peek :)

Always,

Rhoda

What Would You Like...

Happy Friday All,

It was a long week. I don't know about you, but I am so ready for a weekend and some time to just "be". My plan is yoga, tech, and tea :)

There might be a few chores mixed in there. Like cleaning and grocery shopping. But those things definitely will not be my main focus!

I am still absorbing as much information as I can possibly find on Web Development. And I have been practicing. I finished a site for a friend. You can view "Moments by Sara Jean" live! It's even responsive for all types of devices which makes me very happy.

My goal is to have a few website packages available in my Etsy shop around the first of the new year. If you have something specific you would like to see such as graphics, color scheme, or a theme, leave me a comment and I will work it into my plans :) 

I will also be creating a listing for a custom site. If there is an idea that you have been mulling over for awhile, now is your chance to put it into action!! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rhoda

Sprucing it Up...

Hello World!

Are you still out there reading? This place has been abandoned. I can't really say that my interests changed, I just lost my mojo.

Then summer came along and I decided it was time to take a break after I finished a few classes and just play.

And I did.

We rode our dirt bikes, went kayaking, played on paddle boards, swam at the lake and river, soaked in hot springs, did yoga, and lounged in my new hammock anyplace I could think to set it up!

Now that winter is settling in...I am doing some "house keeping". My shop is updated, the blog and my facebook page have a new look, and soon I will be offering my services for Web Design and Blog Templates. I have been fiendishly learning and applying some new skills and I am excited to be adding to my abilities. 

Hope you are all doing well...see you back here soon :)

Rhoda

Swimming in the Pond...

My niece asked me a few months ago to draw a picture of herself, her sister, and the cousins as animals, swimming in a pond.

I started the animals, and then didn't go back to the drawing until last month. Then I started coloring it and life interrupted.

Now. After 3 weeks, I finally have it finished. I just need to get prints made for each of the kids and a few friends :)

I colored it with Copic markers. It's on a piece of 17 x 22 inch bristol. My second big piece with Copics. It's time consuming, but fun!

Rhoda

Hearts and Sugar

We are sneaking up on that special day in February.

Not really one of my favorites. But I do have a few things I like about it.

When I was in college I used to deliver flowers for the local florist. I LOVED that. There is nothing better than the smell of roses and the smile on someones face when you show up at their door with a handful of them.

I also liked the way my dad gave us Valentines. It was usually some small trinket and he would take them to the ladies in the local bakery early. They would make each of us girls a small personal cake and our trinket would be hiding inside.

No cakes or roses here this week. But I do have a free digi for you :)

You can right click and save the image or you can click "here" to download it :)

Enjoy your week!

Rhoda

Singer Sewing Machine Free Graphic...

As I typed the title, I realized it could suggest a sewing machine or a musical artist.

I think we will stick with the sewing machine for now :)

I don't know about you, but I like to be a "singer" but only when I drive :) Kyla and I took a trip to Northern Idaho last weekend. The car was filled with music the whole way there and back. Sometimes, you just need to surround yourself with music and sing! Other times you need to surround yourself with bright fun fabrics and let the machine sing!

Enjoy :) you can click the image to download it or click "here" to download the file.

Happy February!

Rhoda

Who Wants Ice Cream?

Happy Tuesday!

It's been awhile since I have posted a free digi. Hope you are still checking in every now and then.

After I get my drawing and coloring fix, I am hoping to make a few new sets for Etsy and some more fun things to offer here. Fingers crossed that I get to it :)

You can right click to save this weeks goodie or you can click "here" to download it.

Hope you all have a great week :)

Rhoda

Can You Hear Crickets...

Hi All,

Is January over yet? This really hasn't been my favorite month.

Between sickness, death, dreary days, and just all round "blah" I am ready to be moving on.

Spring is calling :)

There will be a freebie listed tomorrow. I had some ready to be worked up, and then forgot about them in all the chaos. They are still just sitting on my computer. Waiting to be finished. They were snow related. Hopefully I get to them before it's spring and I am drawing flowers :)

I did take some time to draw and color this past week. This picture was in my favorites over on Deviant Art. I really wanted to color something, so I drew it out on some 14 x 17 bristol paper and then colored it with Copic markers.

Today I matted it and now one of my art students will build it a frame. I am giving him the original :) I will probably get another photo of it or a scan and then make some prints for my nieces and anyone else who wants one.

I also started another drawing of some animals swimming in a pond. My niece requested it last spring and I am finally getting to it.

Here's to the end of January!!

Always,

Rhoda

Some Mini Crafty...

This weekend I switched things up a bit.

Not a ton.

Just a bit.

Kyla and I went and browsed the fabric store and found some fun Valentine fabrics. I have a friend who is a photographer and is getting ready to start her Valentine Mini Sessions. I got to be crafty and make some props for her :)

My craft table was covered. Things were piled. The sewing machine was whirring.

Here is what I created:

It's a mini session kit. Things can be mixed and matched, or used all together. Fun!! I also made a set for my Etsy shop. If you take photos or know someone who does this kit will be a fun way to add some pizzaz to the sessions :)

It was nice to be creative this weekend, and nice to be creative in a different way.

Happy January!

Rhoda