Forward Progress

Prompt 12 ...continued....

2009-11-02T08:09:00.005-05:00

so for prompt 12, we continute to focus on expectations. I know this such a hard one to do. What do people expect from us? Do we care? Does it affect how we perceive ourselves and our actions?

I just love how Peggy talks openly here about how we feel the need to know and understand why we are so curious about what other people think of us. I know I feel this way, too.

Peggy's Layout:

You Rock, Peggy!

Make sure you link us up if you have done this challenge, we would love to see....

Winner for Prompt 11

2009-10-30T07:49:00.002-04:00

I am here for an update to post the winners for Promt 11

The winners are.................................................

for our first prize goes to Drea!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and for the second prize......Bessie!

Congratulations, ladies!!!!

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK THIS MONTH'S PROMPT {PROMPT 12} AND another HUGE thank you to Genuinely Jane Studios for sponsoring us this month!!!

Make sure you email me your addresses so I can get these awesome albums out to you!

Prompt 12

2009-10-15T07:00:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe Prompt 12 is here! It is so crazy how fast time goes. We are sponsor free this month. I have been involved in a Breast Cancer crop over at Serendipty Scrapbooks and my time and energy has been poured into that this month so I hope you join us over there to raise money for Breast Cancer. It is so very important. And a huge thank you to Kim who won last month's prompt...I was a bit late getting her prize package to her.

So who is ready for this month's prompt!? We have one of the nicest and most talented people I have ever met joining us today....Lucy Edson. PLEASE check out her blog here...just oodles of gorgeousness!

We are focusing on letting go this month and how we free ourselves from the expectations of others.

I feel at times that I sacrifice things that are the most appealing to me because of what other people expect of me. For me, a lot of it surrounds working. I tend to bare a large amount of guilt for wanting to work and loving it and finding satisfaction in my success in my career.

Think about it...how many times have you done something because of what someone else implied or because that is just how it has always been done? And this behavior, to me, is self defeating. When we do what we choose b/c that is what we want, we free them of their expectations too, liberating them of their judgments.

I am not sure when we became a society that constantly just judges each other...maybe now I just notice it more b/c I am older but regardless...I think it is liberating to be able to free yourself from expectations of others...whether it's society...your friends...you parents...whoever.

Now go forward...progress...I hope you enjoy this one ;)

Lisa

{journaling reads} Once I let go of the expectations of others, life became simpler...better

Lucy

{journaling under photo reads} Expectations, they can weigh on us from birth, some good, some bad. As an adult I try to live up to my own expectations now, and not be controlled by other's ideas of what my life should be. Living up to your own expectations is hard work, so give yourself a break and just do the best you can.

PS...we will have a winner for you in a few days from Prompt 11!

I spy...

2009-10-13T09:32:00.003-04:00

Some of you know I am an active member over at Serendipity Scrapbooks and I was in the gallery last night and came across this layout from Rebecca. Rebecca has been a long time member there and I have gotten to know her and this layout just touched me and I instantly thought of our prompt on forgiveness here.

Thank you so much for letting us share this Rebecca! Please visit her gallery here and blog here for some more wonderful inspiration!

Don't forget...you have a couple days left for Prompt 11 and a chance to win a prize package from Genuinely Jane Studios! Make sure you check out their blog...they just posted some NEW releases!

The Fabulous Peggy...

2009-10-07T15:41:00.003-04:00

I have been really sick lately and finally got to the dr. yesterday for some antibiotics...no flu though! phew.

so i have peggy's layout here for you...it is amazing!

i know how hard this prompt is...it really hits home about how we touch the people around us and if we really do at all? And when I read what Peggy wrote and these lyrics, I cried and cried. It just touched me so much. I mean the part about "her rescuing me"..how true is that? I don't know about you but I just blogged about how I never saw myself as a mom, that I dreamed of a life of traveling and adventure but then came along this whole new life that well, saved me.

THANK YOU PEGGY!

Here is what Peggy had to say about her layout and the process:

Well, do I really, I wonder? The only persons I could really think of, of course, were my children. But then again, they touched my life as well, they changed me completely, they changed the way I feel about things, how I think, how I love, they changed the way I look upon life itself. I didn't really know how to put this into words, so I used the lyrics to a Martina McBride song, "In my daughter's eyes".

I used to think a lot about my place here in this world. When I was younger, I really wanted to matter, to make a difference in the world. I never did of course, which made me wonder about the meaning of it all. All of this changed when I had my children. I didn't have to look for a purpose, for "the meaning of life" anymore, I had all the purpose I needed and still need. The only thing that matters to me now is creating a warm, loving and safe home for my children, giving them a good start in life, teaching them to be good and strong. I guess I still want to matter, but now in my own little world, I don't feel the need to matter in the whole world anymore. I guess to me the meaning of life is just being happy, and trying my best to make sure that the ones I love are happy as well.

Lyrics:

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
World is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
Strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand
Around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
Has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daugter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
She made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

DON'T FORGET....GENUINELY JANE STUDIOS IS OUR SPONSOR THIS MONTH!

We have a WINNER!

2009-09-22T20:45:00.010-04:00

We have a winner from Prompt 10 and it's

KIM!

wahoo, Kim!

in case you didn't see, this is Kim's layout:

here is her journaling, Please take the time to read it:

To forgive and forget is much easier said than done. I think that’s because most people thing when you forgive someone, it’s for the other person. And while that is partly true, it is so, so much more for you. To forgive someone means you will no longer hold on to the hurt, anger, resentment and unhealed wounds. It means to let go and free your-self of those feelings. It takes a lot of energy to hold on to the negative, to forgive is to put that energy to better use. Forgiveness is choosing to love.

don't forget to email me, Kim...my email is on the right and scroll down a bit...

and a HUGE thanks to Scrapadilly for sponsoring us this month!!!

Make sure you click here for Prompt 11...it's aWeSomE! it's not who you touch but how...

Thanks so much to everyone that participated. Here are the other layouts, Please make sure to check out the blog links we provided so we can continue to support each other:

Bessie

Karen

Drea

Chris

Dawn

Prompt 11

2009-09-15T11:04:00.007-04:00

{winner for prompt 10 will be announed by the end of this week}

kal barteski.

amazing. inspiring. art. she introduced me to pencil crayons and taking a look deeper into my life and what my spirit tells me. during her class we celebrated each other and that is what we do here. lift each other up.

let me introduce you to prompt # 9

LoveLife/057

our purpse undefinded and intrinsic. impalpable pulse-beat past echoes in time. your unwitting effect-so profound. how do we fit-and where? the lines between who we hope we are-and how we're thought of-so blurry. maybe it's not what you do-but why. not who you touch-but how...

you are infinitely more than you think. inspire

have a great weekend. spread joy. love life

This month's prompt is about touching people's lives...it's not who you touch but how...

i have always felt that me, as a person and as intense as i am, left an immediate and definitive mark on where i have been and whom i have met. but do i? am i profound? am i in my lines? or do i blur them?

i love that Kal gets me thinking and leaves me thinking all at the same time. I hope you can find that inspiration in her work, too.

go. forward. now.progress.

AND our sponsor for this month is ... GENUINELY JANE STUDIOS!!! We have TWO prizes to give away! A "grand" prize and a "runner up" prize and if you visit their site...you have a good idea of what we have in store for you...

Here is Lisa's take:

When I first read this prompt, I wondered how I would ever be able to put all my feelings about this subject into one layout. After much consideration, I kept coming back to the same word...IMPACT. How do I impact my world? Be it chance meetings or powerful moments, am I being a positive influence?

Once I had my LO complete, I sat down to write my journaling. But try as I might, I couldn't express myself in a concise manner. So, I decided to include all that I had written on the back of the LO.

"We all have them. Those times that forever leave a mark on our hearts...our souls...our being. Be it a good or bad time, it shapes and molds the person we become. Much of the impact it has on us is defined by how we approach that moment and the choices we make regarding it. I've had many such moments. Big, huge, earth moving moments. Marriage, children, divorced parents...a divorced me. Children moving away and then returning. The death of someone very dear. Some of these were cause for celebration and others were the cause of much pain. But through them all, I learned more about me and became stronger and hopefully wiser as a result.

But not all defining moments are as enormous in size. There are also the little things that can affect us. Little chance moments such as an encounter with another person that leave us with a life lesson all because we crossed paths. There can be inspiring moments of awe and wonder. And there can be misunderstandings or misguided intentions that leave us in a position to choose how we will move forward and whether or not we will allow it to cause harm or good to a relationship.

Lately I have been facing many defining moments. Times that are testing my character and my strength. I'm facing decisions that are almost impossible to make as there is really no good answer. Some days I feel victorious in these situations and other days leave me struggling to not feel defeat. But I am most thankful for these trying times. I know that even on the down days, I am building strength. God has given me the ability to rise above by trusting in Him. And I'm learning with each test and working harder to be a more positive influence."

Jocelyn:

There is Hidden Journaling Behind the Picture. It reads:

This is one of my favorite songs and every time I hear this song I think of you two boys!
When I look at the two of you, I see Me...the way that we say things and our funny little smiles....All of these things make me know that I will forever hold you in my heart! My Wish is that someday when you sit
down with your children and grandchildren....you will teach them what I have taught you!!!! Kindness, Empathy, Faith and Love. You both are my life, and I hope with all my heart, that what has been taught
to you, will bring you everything you could ever imagine!!! You are my legacy, you are my Heart
and I LOVE YOU!!!!!

All i have to say is...

2009-09-03T15:17:00.003-04:00

WOW!

we have been visiting the blogs of the entries and you guys rock and totally inspire me. I hope working through some of this was therapuetic for everyone. I know it was for me. People look at me strange {well at least I feel them through cyberspace, LOL} when I tell them that it is no surprise to find me laughing or crying in my scraproom at times.

And, as I sit here typing with tears in my eyes like total weirdo, lol... I have made plans to go see my grandmother. Thanks for those of you who have reminded me that even though she is not there mentally, that there is still a part of her that knows me and knows I am there.

I wanted to add the second half of the month's layout from Peggy and Jocelyn. Make sure you put us on your blogger feed b/c in the next few weeks we will post the entry layouts.

Jocelyn:

The journaling reads

Do I want to hold onto the hurt......

the pain that was so deep I thought I could

never take a deep breath again...Will I give

you this much control over my life. NO!

I must move forward....I must forgive.

I can breathe again...I can Smile.....

for this experience I have grown to be

the person that I know Today.....Forgive....

Peggy:

My journaling:
"I would give a lot to see you just one more time. I would tell you how much I love you, and how much I miss you.
You never asked for much, but I was too occupied with myself to even give you the little you asked.
You've always been there for me. I'm so sorry I haven't always been there for you."

Forgiveness Prompt 10

2009-08-14T23:57:00.010-04:00

We have special news for this prompt today! We have our very FIRST sponsor! a HUGE thanks to Bonnie over at Scrapadilly and Green Greco products. These products hold a special place in my heart. The first reason is because they have totally cute products;) and the other is that their products are Eco friendly. So please check out the links above and support them. Bonnie is donating an awesome prize package of Green Geco products for one lucky winner who completes Prompt 10 and links it back to this post by September 10, 2009. We will promptly select a winner just in time for the next prompt.

with that being said...let's get started!!! Here is prompt 10:

I found this scandanavian proverb while thumbing through a book and i just knew it was perfect for us here at Forward Progress.

he who lets the small things bind him leaves the great undone behind him

how can we move forward in life if we have not forgiven {someone, something, ourselves, etc} for something in the past?

Now, you might be thinking that this is about the past but i want us to focus on what we need to do in order for us to forgive and forget ...a promise to ourselves....to let go of so we can move forward.

you might not want to forget but there is a process we go through for forgiveness and it starts today. for me, it starts now:

Here is ellen's take on today's prompt:

I used a heart from Clear Scraps and made a mask with the flowers on the back with Glimmer Mists and Color Washes. I sure wish it showed up better but this is the best photo I can get with it. I hid my journaling in the scroll. There is a little Magistical Memories chipboard drink on the back, LOL! I find I like to have a glass of wine when these things start going through my head.

in the scroll i wrote this:

it seems as if everyday i ask myself, "what if i would not have done that, would my life be different"? i often think, "will my children be punished for the decisions i have made"? if so, how can i live with myself? i am not sure why, til this day, i am so hard on myself. i seek perfection in everything i do and even when i receive constructive criticism, i take it so hard. i am not perfect. i am not perfect. i am not perfect. ellen, you made those decisions b/c at the time, it is what you needed to do to survive. maybe you got lucky, maybe there is a grand scheme for you. you are touching lives now, you are making a difference. let that be good enough. let that be enough so you can forgive the hurt you caused and allow yourself to heal and be forgiven. you must forgive yourself or that negative energy will destroy you. it will consume you. it has consumed you. don't give it the power you are now. it starts today. it starts now.

Lisa's:

This topic, for me, was easy. In life, we are all exposed to teachable moments. Some we recognize as such, others might slide right past us going unnoticed. Well, I'm hear to tell you, divorce is not one of those unnoticeable moments. There are lessons to be learned at every turn. While I am certain I failed in many ways in my struggle to get through the most painful experience of my life, I am proud to say, I worked hard at forgiving from the beginning. And I firmly believe that it was only by forgiving that I was able to let go and move on.

Title reads: Letting Go of hurt, anger, resentment

Journaling: "moving forward means letting go of the past if the past fosters nothing more than pain and anger. learning to truly forgive...and in the process, letting go, has brought healing and freedom."

The Howards: married 5-24-86 separated 1-9-05 divorced 2006:

coming soon...

2009-08-08T11:19:00.008-04:00

prompt 9 and it's a "thinker"!!!

Until then i wanted to share this layout about change from Devon.

We are all about changing for the better here. thanks for letting us share, devon!

Jocelyn & Peggy

2009-08-03T20:54:00.010-04:00

We asked Jocelyn to join us for a few months and do the next 3 prompts with us and this is her layout for our Taking Stock prompt {prompt 9}.

I always enjoy Jocelyn's candor and this layout is no exception. And look at that gorgeous picture of her!

Thanks Jocelyn!

Peggy is joining us as well for awhile and this is her take on Taking Stock. Take a look at this cooool detail! Peggy sent some instructions with this so I will be posting those at a later date or you can visit her blog from some more details {click on her name}.

Journaling left page:
When I think about where I am at this point in my life, I can only come to the conclusion that I have everything I have ever wanted ... My family. Although in my childhood dreams I definitely was a mom, but never a SAHM, I now can't imagine nor ever wish for another life. Maybe this fact, the fact that I'm a SAHM, is the reason that I still have so many plans for our house, our home, the place where I am at most of my time. Nothing in my house is 100% the way I want it to be. Still, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, I love my home and my life in it. But then, sometimes from one minute to the other, I get frustrated because the bathroom isn't big enough, or the electricity is playing up again... How can a person go from intense happiness to utter dissatisfaction in just a moment's time? But then I turn on the TV and watch a documentary about homeless people, or poor people in Africa or other poor countries, and I am reminded once again, for a minute anyway, how good life has been to me. Still, I don't think it's so unusual for a person to want more, I think we all do from time to time, it's in our nature. What would we be without our dreams, without goals in our lives?

Journaling right page:
Yes, 3 different kind of bricks. The exterior of our home definitely leaves room for improvement. However, this ugly exterior houses a safe haven for our family. It's our own cozy little place, where we are building our own happy memories. Our bathroom ("the little white room") definitely could do with a make-over... but ... it provides us with everything we need: water, just by turning the tap ... what a luxury! Yes, there are way to many weeds in our garden, and we so need to replace our fences. But, when our kids are playing here, and the garden is filled with laughter, this garden feels like paradise!

P.S. I WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW WE HAVE A SPONSOR COMING UP FOR NEXT MONTH! A NEW COMPANY WITH WAY COOL PRODUCTS!

A Layout to Share

2009-07-31T21:02:00.003-04:00

This month's prompt was about taking stock of ourselves. Looking at where we are right now with regard to who we are, our goals or where we want to be. Kim created this wonderful layout that expresses how she sees herself. I love that she intentionally used a blurry photo to place emphasis on the fact that the lines that define us are often unclear.

Her journaling reads: "Here I am. I am not perfect. I can be moody, impatient and stubborn. I'm also loving, creative and loyal. I am real, I am me. And that's enough. Right now I am stopping and taking a moment for this...and to just breath."

Thank you Kim for participating and taking the time to take a closer look at yourself.

Goals

2009-07-20T14:48:00.004-04:00

I like to hang out over at CMK and I am so glad I do b/c the inspiration over there just drips from the gallery.

The other day I spotted this layout by Joli when she got picked for LOTD. It's about change and accountability so I asked her if we could post it here b/c, well, this is what we are about...right?!

Thanks for letting us be a part of your journey, Joli! I am right there with you, this is something that i battle everyday and have come to the realization that it will be part of my life forever. I found that having a partner to help me get motivated has helped. Mmy best friend stacy has lost 34 lbs over the past year and when i am feeling "bleh" i call her, she yells at me to go to the gym and i feel better for it.

Thanks again, Joli!

If you have a layout about a journey you are on, let us know! we want to post it here and follow you on that journey. we are all here for each other, lord knows i need it ;)

Prompt 9

2009-07-15T12:54:00.006-04:00

taking Stock...Assessing my personal well being. How can we expect to have forward progress if we are not looking after our state of well being. peace within ourselves..

I have goals...dreams...aspirations...but how do I expect to reach those if i don't have "stock" in myself.

These means evaluating your present position. Are you happy? Probably. Could you say you are even if aren't? Are we honest with our present self?

If you could put a monetary number on how much one share of stock in yourself would cost, what would it be?

Are you worth it?

Okay! I got Lisa's Loaded and hopefully I can get mine loaded soon.

Here is Lisa's layout:

And Ellen's:

Exciting News!

2009-07-12T22:22:00.005-04:00

Hi! It's me, Lisa. Just stopping in to let you know we have some exciting things coming your way. Be sure to come back on the 15th for our next prompt and we will be having some announcements to make later in the month. I promise you are in for a treat!

I also wanted to share one more layout that was submitted for our June prompt about realizing our goals. This layout was submitted by Jocelyn.

Her journaling reads:

"Taking time to nurture our marriage! Spending time doing the things that makes us happy...date night, conversation, laughing...enjoying one another's company. It's time for us. It's time to nurture."

Thanks to everyone who played along. Can't wait to see what everyone does with our next prompt.

See you Wednesday!

just wanted to share...

2009-06-24T13:14:00.002-04:00

this layout that Kim did for Prompt 7.

her journaling reads: I have started on the journey, I am working out again, back on the treadmill, trying for 5 days a week, building confidence each day, one step at a time, one day at a time, on the journey for a lifetime.

Thanks for joining us, Kim! Good luck and make sure you let us know how it goes.

Prompt 8

2009-06-15T12:00:00.009-04:00

For the past 3-4 prompts we have been working towards goals. goals, goals and more goals! i am a firm believer that you can never have too many but the idea is to make them attainable. reaching for the stars is one thing but making every goal you have so huge, you will eventually give up and be dissapointed. so small steps towards achievable goals is what we have been doing and it is working.

for this prompt, we want you to scrap the goals you have reached so far! yes, you heard me right. our 5 months are almost up and we want to see progress. if you haven't reached any yet than scrap a goal you have met in the past and you are prowd of or scrap your progress you have made toward a goal you have right now.

here is what we have done:

***********************************************************************************
Lisa:

*********************************************************************************

Sasha:

*********************************************************************************

Ellen:

i used a little symbolism here...since i got a job teaching through the state, i thought {with some help from Lisa, that a photo of an apple would be perfect. and i had my son model it for me since he told me he was glad i was going to teach b/c teachers are smart and dress nice.

let's welcome....

2009-06-04T13:18:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to share some news with everyone....

the amazingly talented and inspiration Lisa T. Howard has joined us...i am not sure if you have been to her blog but if you haven't been there...you should. she has a way with words that i have never seen before.

people visit her blog just to "hear her voice". and when i say that, i mean her words come off the page like she is talking to you. we found out we had a lot in common and i am not sure if that is good or bad for either of us...but i found her talking a lot about the things we do on this blog...the future, goals, we were are in the world now versus where we want to be....

i find so much inspiration at her blog so .... stay tuned for her inspiration with us here on the Forward Progress blog.

Prompt 7

2009-05-15T12:10:00.005-04:00

We have been talking {scrapping} a lot about goals and what our goals will be in the next few months, 1 year and 5 years...

with all that, it has me thinking...even with these goals..what specific things can you do to shape your future? and if you do these things...where do you think you will be in 10 years? if you meet all the goals we have been talking about...where will that put you in your life specifically in 10 years. maybe you need specific goals to get you there or you can work off of the last goal set we did last prompt....

Will you live in the same town? Will you have the same job? Will your kids still be in school or maybe you will homeschool them b/c you met a financial goal?

the idea is to ENVISION your life and what it will be like specifically not just, " i want to be happy" what goals will you acheive to ensure your happiness? will you have to supercede your 5 year goals? i know...we gotta think about this one!!! ;)

This is what i came up with.....

Prompt 6

2009-04-15T12:00:00.001-04:00

Now that we are working on 5 short term goals it is time to focus on long term goals. This month prompt is to get 10 goals for yourself in the next year. YES! 10, it may seem like a lot but keep in mind, we are already on our way with 5. So, you can look at it as making 10 new ones or keeping your 5 if you aren't there yet and adding 5 more. In my case, I have completed 2 goals so i will need to come up with 8.

I hope everyone is as excited as I am to be working on these goals and making progress. It just amazes me how you can hold yourself accountable when you write it down.

Staci's:

Journaling:
My goals for the next year: By August 2009 - start a garden (started indoors 2/09, to be transferred outdoors when blossoming), lose 10 pounds (working on it), finish Twilight book series (on Book 3), continue to have lots of silly moments with my kids (on-going), do weekly menu planning (haven't started); By April 2010 - organize basement, sew a camera strap, purge magazines, file layouts in albums, blog at least 3x/week, go through old toys and sell what is no longer being used.

Greta's:

I added to my already 5 goals. I have been wanting to finally do the stuff around my house and now that the weather is warming up i have spring cleaning fever.

Journaling:
my previous 5:
Lose weight- down 5 pounds
get organized- in progress
clip coupons-done and still doing
read more books- 5 more down on my list
get a bike and ride it- not yet
new list:
repaint whole house-in progress already
replace cabinet doors:
replace countertops:
get landscaping done:
work on me as a whole: this is going to take a whole lot of work ;)

Elizabeth's

i'm sad to report that i really haven't crossed anything off of my previous list (but i'm working on it) so i added five more things to do before this time next year.

my long term goals:

1. have a successful garden and cook from it.
2. plan a disney trip.
3. start a game night.
4. learn a new skill or hobby.
5. landscape the yard

as soon as i get some things crossed off, i'll update y'all :)

Ellen's

I made a journal for mine. This way i can document my progress on each one. since i am still working on a few from last month, i just included them in here. I made a page for each one so i can just stuff down and CROSS THEM OFF! ;) i am happy to report that i am doing well towards my 5 month goals!

*Plant a garden {WIP}
*Get a teaching job at a local university {WIP}
*Get out & meet some neighbors
*Run a 5k {WIP}
*Lose 15 lbs. {WIP}
*Take a class
*Get all the rooms painted in the house {bought paint yesterday!}
*Stay debt free
*Find an organization to volunteer
*Make one new friend
*Continue to create for myself
*continue to work on controlling my anger

2009-04-08T13:55:00.005-04:00

All I can say is wow. We are so psyched to have so many followers! i see you guys hitting the site so pls leave us a comment so we can visit your blog. we love to go visiting and see what ya'll are up too!

....are you ready for this month's prompt? It is coming up soon...remember...this one will be the second part of a three part challenge so get your 5 for 5 down.

I have to tell you! GETTING YOUR GOALS ON PAPER IS SO IMPORTANT AND WORTH IT. I have checked in with the girls and they have been making progress with theirs.

So for mine, i have:
ONE) Started running for my 5k AND got the scrubster to start exercising with me!!!
TWO) Put in 1 app for a teaching position at a loca university {not a chance in you-know-where i would get it BUT i did it} AND today i went to a career fair and got the name of a the person to talk to at a local community college that teaches associates degrees AND would pay for me to get my Ph.D!
THREE) started my garden...EASY!
FOUR) handed my paperwork in on time TWO pay periods in a row! woot woot
FIVE) chatted with a neighbor AND she has a photography business!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! i cannot stress enough to you how this can be life changing for you to document your goals and move forward in your life.

On another note....

Check out this cool layout Crystal did for this month's prompt!

5 in 5 {Prompt 5}

2009-03-15T12:22:00.016-04:00

We have been behind the scenes talking about the things in the future that we want to work on and we came to the conclusion to do a 3 part prompt. Since we are working on the future and bettering ourselves...what better way to do that than with Goal Management. ONLY WE ARE IN CHARGE OF OUR DESTINY. yes, things may happen to alter our path, but only we have the power to reach our goals. AND if we write them down, we can then hold ourselves accountable for them. AND we need to have realistic goals. Ones that we can reach and they should be specific. This allows us to be more accountable. Who wants a goal that they can't reach? We only leave ourselves open to failure.

First...{today's prompt} we are going to be focusing on short term goals short term like 5 things in 5 months...

THEN {april's prompt} we are going to be focusing on Intermediate and THEN {may's prompt} we will be focusing on long term goals.

We will have more specifics on the latter of the two when that month rolls around so stay tuned for that. But we wanted to give you an idea of where we were going and what was going on in the crazy brains of ours.

So let's see what the girls have been up too....

Our Short Term Goals....

Greta's:

Using the Nightingale Kit from Noel Mignon. I wanted to list these goals down so i can have a constant reminder of the things I want to do in the next 5 months. Especially buy a bike and start riding now that it is warm weather. (In my neck of the wood anyway)

Sasha's

I used the Fashionista line from Graphic 45 to make a fun LO about my goals in 5 months and what will or should be happening to me around that time frame.

... Elijah will be starting Kindergarten

... I hope I still have my sanity

... I will reach my weight loss goal

... I hope to still be creating for ME

... I will be closer to hugging my hubs

Staci's:

(All products used are Fancy Pants)

Elizabeth's

i did mine more like a to*do list with boxes to check off when accomplished and a space for me to jot the date down when i accomplished them! i love to*do lists and figured this would encourage me to do the things on the list just to cross them off! lmao!

Ellen's

journaling:

1. run a 5k (any time will do)

2. plant a garden. AND have it flourish. (sees are started & some harveted).

3. to land a teaching job @ a local community college or enroll for more classes.

4. make friends with some of our neighbors.

5. consistently get my paperwork on time.

Who done it...

2009-02-22T20:02:00.004-05:00

Here is a slide show of the work from January's prompt. I love each one of these!

And Bree, was busy already finishing this month's prompt! She made this awesome journal.

Stay tuned for more!

Think. Evolve. Act {Prompt 4}

2009-02-15T00:12:00.017-05:00

We live in a society where we are told to live for today! Carpe diem, right?

Yet we are planners, organization is placated all over the television, constantly thinking about what we need to do tomorrow.

Are you what you what you want to be? What do you want out of life? from the world?

Did you see yourself as someone else today? If, so…how can you think, evolve & act to change into that person?

OR are you cool with who you are today? If so, what can you do to think, evolve & act your way into a better you tomorrow? And what i mean by act is our actions...make sense?

This month’s prompt is to create a layout, project or journal entry on this photo from my alma mater, Juniata College. I received a pamphlet like this from them when i requested information on going to college there and these 3 words were the reason I went to this college & it changed my life forever. I hope it can for you.

and remember, you can use this photo for inspo
but don't have too...

'til next time...

Greta

Staci's:
Journaling:

This life is better then I could have imagined. This life has made me a wife and a mommy, and because of that, I am complete. I am where I want to be in this life, and I am who I want to be. Of course, there's always room for improvement! :-)

Elizabeth's

Sasha's

Journaling:

Always think before you speak Desman and Elijah. Always react differently if you hurt them with your thoughts, but try and evolve into better boys in that situation.

Ellen's:

so no journaling for me this round. and i have to tell you, this photo isn't staged {if it was, owen would have his shirt on, LOL!} . I was inspired with the fact that the words in the make me think of peace. not sure why or how, so i just went with it...peace for me, my kids, this world. everyone.

i gotta show you a little close up of these cuties. never in my life did i think i would use them!

HUGE p.s. here.

for those of you who did last month's prompt. i am soooooooooooo sorry for not doing the slide.

i will this month, cross my heart. the days got away from me with illnesses in this crazy house, including me & i have so much vitamin c in me now that i won't be sick til 2009!

howdy, ho!

2009-01-28T11:11:00.003-05:00

how is everyone?
just want to give a shout out to everyone getting slammed with ice right now...hoping you are safe and warm!

I have a sneak for feb 15!

Also wanted to let ya'll know i am putting a slide together for last months prompt. thanks so much for the inspiration! i loooved seeing what everyone did..it is pretty amazing what you want, isn't it?

i saw some of us used the word "selfish" and that is one of the reasons i wanted to do this challenge so badly b/c we are not selfish for wanting our own lives, our own dreams and our own wants. don't ever let anyone tell you different.

this is how i think of it...do i want my kids growing up seeing that i sacrificed what made me happy? no way. discovering what we want will help us find BALANCE.

BALANCE. my word for this year.

p.s....here's to next month! cheers.

What I want, Prompt #3

2009-01-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Do you ever think about what you want? It could be anything from wanting chocolate right here and right now, to wanting a better future for your children that you might not have had.

It is a new year, a time of resolutions...but let's be serious...do we stick to them? What is it that you really want? Do you want lose 20 lbs or do you want to just be generally more happier with who you are? Do you want more time in the day for the things that are important? Or do you want a new camera?

you get the idea...have fun with it...or be serious...just be honest.

so...with that being said....our prompt for January is to tell us What you want.

This is what we have to say...

Staci's:
Journaling:It’s a simple question, really. Yet it’s one that took me awhile to figure out. I’m so used to defining my desires by my family – what I want is for my husband and my children to be happy, etc. I guess there within is my answer. I want to have my own hobbies and skills without neglecting my family. As much as I love being a mommy and wife, I need to have interests and skills beyond changing diapers and kissing boo-boos. It isn’t easy to make myself part of my priorities while still taking time to play with my kids, snuggle with tony and keep the house in order. Clearly balance is what I need. Balance is what I want.

Elizabeth's

Journaling: To continue on this journey I've recently started with the piano. To always have patience with myself while practicing. To enjoy the beauty of the notes and the instrument. To always know that it took guts and strength to start lessons at this age. To know that i can be amazing at it.

Sasha:

journaling:
I want ....

...to make better choices
...to continue to grow for me
...to forgive and forget
...to do everything that makes me happy

Greta's:

ellen's

journaling:

i don’t care if you smoke. i admit to craving a cigarette here and there,
i am not perfect. But don’t throw your cigs on my lawn & don’t throw
them out the window so they hit my car and lie on the side of the
road. And don’t throw your trash in my yard either.
How hard is it to wait til you get to a garbage can?

Making it Count

2009-01-06T12:01:00.004-05:00

Just some thoughts as we are approaching our next prompt. Don't forget that just because we aren't posting layouts every time we post, doesn't mean you can't find inspiration in our posts...we will be adding thought provoking quotes and tidbits to help keep the inspiration going b/w the 15th of each month.

Here is something to think about:

"The beginnings of all things are small."
Marcus Tullius Cicero

"Imagination is the best beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.
George Bernard Shaw

So whether you are starting fresh this year or building on 2008, 2009 can be whatever you choose, whatever you desire, whatever you will create.

Hints!

2009-01-02T21:36:00.001-05:00

Want a hint for our next prompt coming up in in less than two weeks?

Think....ME, MYSELF and I.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-27T20:47:00.002-05:00

first, i wanted to thank everyone for our all of your support on our new venture. it has been fun and we are looking forward to some great things in 2009!

we have been busy behind the scenes working up prompts and fun stuff for everyone and as we come into a new year, we can continue our journey towards a better self and focusing on our hopes and dreams of tomorrow.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone and thank you!

You are 20 years in the future. Write a letter to your today self! {Prompt 2}

2008-12-15T11:33:00.002-05:00

How many times have you ever said "If I only knew then what I know now"?

Or have you ever wished that you could have let yourself know how the future would have worked out for ya?

Let ya know that it would all be okay?

Or that the one thing you've been wishing for finally did come true?

Well, break out that pretty stationary or design your own and have the 20 year older version of yourself write a letter to the current you!

What would she tell you?

Can't wait to see what you gals come up with :)

Elizabeth's

Greta

Staci's:

Journaling:

Dear Staci,
I wanted to let you know that life is good. Sure, there have been some bumps in the road, but I have gotten through them, and they have made me appreciate the good in my life even more. While on this journey, there are some things I have learned along the way:

1. Embrace the every day moments in your life. I know it is hard to do with two small children when your days are often chaotic and they sometimes all run together, but try to sit back and take it all in. Breathe in these moments and truly let them surround you, as before you know it, they will be gone.
2. Speaking of moments being gone, don’t live in the past. I know you have a hard time of letting go of each passing phase – your babies no longer being babies is a big one for you. Remember that life goes on and with each new phase, new amazing memories will be formed. Try not to linger so much on the goodbyes but instead embrace the hellos of a new stage.
3. Worrying gets you nowhere. I know it is easy to get lost in all of the endless possibilities out in this big, sometimes bad world, but worrying changes nothing. The only thing worrying does is alter your quality of life in a negative way. So many things that you worry about are out of your control, so breathe in, and let the worries go.
4. Nurture yourself. It is easy to consume yourself with being a good wife and a good mom, not to mention being good at your work. But remember that you are important, too. Don’t let yourself feel guilty for taking the time to nurture hobbies and things that you enjoy. If you live your whole life for others, you are cheating yourself.

I know that a lot of these things you already know, but sometimes a good reminder is important. Please know that in staying true to yourself and living the life you want to live, your life continues to be good to you. Oh, and by the way, you have aged very gracefully :-)

Love always,
Me at 53 (your twenty-year-older self)

Ellen

journaling:

Hello me. It is 2008, actually we are approaching the end of it as the holidays are approaching. I am 32 now& henry is 10 mos old and owen just turned 5. life is good, as it generally is for us. I have a few goals I want to accomplish well before I re-read this in 20 yrs. I want to pursue my doctorate and I have my MBA but I want to use that and what I do working with kids and combine it. somehow/someway there is a place for me to be 100% happy in my job. I am almost there. My job is important to me and I want to work, I like it. it is much more acceptable in today’s society, it will be neat to see how it is in 20 yrs. As for the boys they are great, totally cute and fun. I had no idea motherhood would be so great, why did I fight it? I hope that our life with brian will always be this great, it gets better and better. I had doubts getting married so young, I guess 27 isn’t that young to some but I wanted to be sure I lived before I settled down. Travel, go where I wanted to and I did & now we do it as a family. This is one of the reasons I am writing this letter. To continue to free myself of some of the things in the past and to continue to move forward. Don’t keep looking back b/c every minute you lose part of your future. And you have the power. Only you.

Bucket List Slide {Prompt 1}

2008-12-11T09:11:00.005-05:00

Thank you to everyone who has submitted to this prompt. Each one of us has loved reading your lists and loved looking at your work.
New prompt on the 15th so there is still time to play with us on this one.

Food for Thought

2008-12-10T21:37:00.002-05:00

"The best thing about the future is it only comes one day at a time"

-----Abraham Lincoln

Stay tuned. 4 more days until the new prompt is up and it will sure make you think ;)

Just some thoughts...

2008-12-07T16:48:00.002-05:00

we are approaching our second prompt quickly and it seems to get me thinking lately. then i ran into this book at the library about Maya Angelou and her life and i read this quote from her:

I believe that the force that created life is betting that human beings will do something quite wonderful-like live up to their potential.

until the next time...

My Journal

2008-11-22T15:56:00.006-05:00

First and Foremost. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you in the states celebrating on Thursday. And if you aren't, it doesn't hurt to take a minute and be thankful for what you have, and well, if you had past boyfriend's like i did, what you don't have.

Now onto today's order of business. You know me, work, work, work, work. :)

I have decided that some of our prompts, at least for me, are going to require some kind of journal {hint hint hint} So i made this one with some Webster's Papers, recycled cb and my bind-it-all, my first project with it. I don't want to put it down now. I considered using less pages inside so i could make another one soon, LOL!

Our next prompt {hint hint hint} oops, i already said that...;) i will be using this.
front:

some close ups:

the back:
scraps, woot woot!

2008-11-16T16:57:00.005-05:00

WOW! it is so exciting to see everyone and their own bucket lists! Click here for the original post in case you missed this month's prompt.

Here are a few of them so far! they are so moving and inspirational. and i could not have said this better myself, Holly, wrote this comment on Darlene's blog about her bucket list and it is exactly the reason why we chose this prompt:

You put yourself into perspective, but I think you're also helping some of us realize that we need to raise our head and look beyond our current day-to-day struggles.

Darlene's

and Deanna's

Thanks so much for doing the challenge! And don't forget to check out their blogs, great inspo guys!

Your "BUCKET LIST"

2008-11-14T23:59:00.005-05:00

Our very first prompt is based on the movie "The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. While I was watching this movie I was so moved by the two characters that i decided it is time to make my own "Bucket List" If you have not seen the movie you should...but be warned you will need a kleenex.

The Bucket List is a list of things you want to do or accomplish before you "kick the bucket"

What are some of the things you want to do?
It can be a list a mile long or just a few.
Can't wait to see what you come up with.

My suggestion is maybe make you a book (whatever size you choose is up to you) and keep all your forward progress prompts in one place. You can mix it up..just have fun with it.

Greta's:

My bucket list consist of things like
travel to all 50 states
travel Europe with my camera
tandem jump/skydive
finish college and get at least a bachelor's degree

Elizabeth's:

My list consists of:
Own a Bakery
Learn to Play the Cello
Learn Sign Language
Visit Fiji
See Dave Matthews in Concert

I really hope that one day I can cross off at least one of these things! But hmm...which one? :)

Staci's:

Journaling (warning: it's long - I got deep on you all, lol):

I was reminded tonight how unpredictable life can be. That no matter how much we plan, we simply do not know our destiny. We do not know the course our lives will take, and we do not know how long we will be here. This reminder helped me to realize something when it comes to my bucket list – what I want to accomplish before I die. You see, there are plenty of experiences I would like to have in this lifetime…I’d like to finally go parasailing, travel through Europe, go back to Australia, go on many more cruises, own a boat and live on the water. But with the reminder that life is short and should not be taken for granted, my true desires for my bucket list have changed. Sure, I’d love to have those experiences I’ve listed above, but what is really important to me…. What is most important to me is the way in which I live the remainder of my life. Because although those big experiences are fun to strive for, they are not my every day. However, the person I am, the way I live my life… that IS my every day, and the type of person I am is what will be most important to me as I take my last breath in this world. I want to live a life of integrity. I want to have more patience. I want to be kind. I want to do more to help others, and I want to do my part to help the world. I want to continue to make genuine connections with people and surround myself with love and laughter. I want to be a good mother. I want to live a life of peace. I don’t know how much time I have left in this lifetime. I do know, however, that I want my life to have mattered.

ellen's:
here is my bucket list. i need a 6 & 7& 8! so i better get a move on it. as i am reading the other girls, it so cool to see the ones we have in common {apparently we all need to go to travel together} and that i want to do some things on their lists too! i want to learn sign language, i want go back to school and get my doctorate, and i want to be a better person too. I have learned so much from this, for sure.

Here's my lil sneaky*peeky :)

2008-11-13T11:24:00.001-05:00

AND mine too! ;)

Another sneak peak!

2008-11-08T12:42:00.003-05:00

Whoo hoo, now we've got only 1 week left until our first prompt reveal! Is everyone out there as excited as I am?? :-) Anyway, just to keep you interested, I am following Greta's lead and dropping off my sneak peak, too. See everyone back here in a week!

-Staci

8 more days!

2008-11-07T18:45:00.004-05:00

Today is November 7th...soooooooooooooooooooooo....than means 8 more days until our reveal of our first prompt!

I work with kids that have behavioral issues & we were doing a therapeutic activity the other day & and a prompt came to me. I know, crazy! but that is how my brain works. seriously.

so i asked them, "I am going to tell you a word and you tell me the first word that pops into your head". They love these kinds of activities.

Here are their responses:

Future: the past, flying cars

Foward: to move, march

Progress: a goal being done, trying to achieve

INTERESTING!
and these are only kids!

My sneek peek

2008-11-01T07:00:00.004-04:00

Here is a sneek peek of what's to come.
I am getting so excited for the 15th of November until i am just giddy.

See you in a few weeks with our first prompt!

xo
g

What does Forward Progress mean?

2008-10-17T10:08:00.003-04:00

we have been getting some questions about what we are doing here and we like it! keep 'em coming...we are going to try and tantalize you over the next few weeks until our first prompt comes alive...{insert evil laugh here}!

if you haven't noticed we are super laid back here ;)

so, the photo question...are we gonna have to scrap a lot w/o photos...hmmmm, i say....

the answer to that is yes and no...

with the prompts we have for the next 6 months, you will be able to formulate some kind of photo with it. BUT a few of us have decided to take this on a journaling experience as well, so if you just want to do a journal page, that is cool. whatever you want. personally, i am going to make an 8.5x11 album with my bind-it-all (that is on my 8 page to do list} so that way i can do 8.5x11, 8x8, 6x6, 6x12..whatever size i feel like doing and embellish the cover of it as kind of a work in progress...

i hope that answers those questions for now! don't forget to shoot us an email if you want to.

so, with all that goodness, i leave with this..what does forward progress mean to you? here is something to get you thinking...until next time...

Forward
Pronunciation: [fawr-werd]
Function: adverb

1.toward or at a place, point, or time in advance; onward; ahead: to move forward; from this day forward; to look forward.
2.toward the front: Let's move forward so we can hear better.
3.into view or consideration; out; forth: He brought forward several good suggestions.
4.AHEAD (defs. 4, 5).
–adjective
5.directed toward a point in advance; moving ahead; onward: a forward motion.
6.being in a condition of advancement; well-advanced: It was quite forward in the season when we finished our planting.
7.ready, prompt, or eager.
8.presumptuous, impertinent, or bold: a rude, forward child.
9.of or pertaining to the future; for the future or forward delivery: forward buying; a forward price
10.lying ahead or to the front: Take the forward path.
11.radical or extreme, as persons or opinions: the forward trend in certain liberal thought.
–noun
12.to advance or help onward; promote: The training will help to forward your career.

Progress
Pronunciation:
\ˈprä-grəs, -ˌgres, US also & British usually ˈprō-ˌgres\
Function: noun
1 a (1): a royal journey marked by pomp and pageant (2): a state procession b: a tour or circuit made by an official (as a judge) c: an expedition, journey, or march through a region 2: a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal) : ADVANCE 3: gradual betterment ; especially : the progressive development of humankind
— in progress
: going on : OCCURRING

think about it.

Well, here we go! Scrap the future. Now. or at least get ready to.

2008-10-14T11:54:00.013-04:00

ahem. is this thing on?

no seriously. one thing you will notice about us is that we like to have fun here so there will be a lot of thinking & creating going on here but well, on the lighter side.

so don't look for appropriate punctuation or spelling or anything like that. NOPE. just look for some serious inspiration and great prompts to get your brain thinking of you and what you want out of your life, your future.

i am sure you read the header, if not, feel free, and get a good grasp of what we are doing here. a few of us gathered together over the past month or so and have realized we need to look to the future more...to scrap the future, our dreams, challenges, changes, especially since we find ourselves scrapping the past so often.

so pull up & chair & a journal and look for inspiration from us.

elizabeth

greta

staci

ellen

and more to come within the next few days, weeks and of course, our first prompt coming in november but until then we will just tantalize you with some inspirational goodness. so please put us on your blog feeder b/c we will update often! and you won't want to miss what we've got to share.

AND, be warned, we are still under construction! you may have to blow off some dust as you come back in the next few weeks but it will be worth it.

woot.woot.