Life Baggage

{photo credit}

Recently we came back from a pretty long, but wonderful vacation. We went back to Romania, our home country, to visit family. It is such a blessing to be able to spend time with people who love you unconditionally, and just cover you with their love. In these four short weeks, we've been to quite a few places and visited about 15 different homes. I love the experiences and the memories we made, and, I've learned a couple of things:

1. Minimalism must become part of my life, especially now with a kid. Having just enough especially on the road, is freeing. Instead of keeping track of things, you can focus in your memories. Over the past year, I have been learning to live with less, be content with what we have and focus on people, not things. Still, I have a long road ahead of me to fully grasp this lifestyle..:) 
2. Traveling with baby(or babies) can be done. Fair warning here: it is more tiring, and you need to take the baby's needs into consideration, but it can be fun. 
3. Plan ahead, but be flexible. It's ok if you don't get to see the whole city, in the end what matters is the time spent with family. Thinking of the memories you could have made will just steal the joy of the memories you did make. Nobody will appreciate a fussy attitude. 

 I want to talk a bit more about luggages today. I had to pack and unpack so many times that I hope to not need to pack again for at least 3 years (not realistic). Each time I'd have to pack again, I was thinking of how  I pack and unpack every day. Yes, you and I do this exact thing with memories, experiences, thoughts. And it's up to us what we bring with us on our journey. How I choose to pack is impacting my life. When all good and not-so-good memories are brought along, feelings of uncertainty, doubt and even anger cand overwhelm our being. It's of utmost importance to be ruthless editors of our life baggage. When I carefully select every "item" (feeling, scent, sound, taste...) that goes into my memory luggage, I find it easier to maintain my balance. I'm free to actually enjoy those moments, I can be present in the memories, and I become a calmer me. 

However, when I stuff my luggage with ALL sorts of things, it's more challenging to be me. To enjoy the present while cherishing the past. To find the joy of just being, instead of rushing nowhere. 

This season, I'm taking everything slow. I'll be on the floor with our little one, discovering a new way of living, while she discovers the world for the first time.

xo,

Vio

Ten Reasons Why You Don't See Progress

You know, there is this cool picture circling around the internet (not the one above, I see it popping on my Instagram feed now and then) with the saying "Progress not perfection" scribbled on it. In it's all simplicity, it has an impact when you first see it. I had plenty of moments thinking of the truth it holds. On this one particularly cloudy day, a while back, I was thinking "ok, ok, I get it. It's about the steps you take to grow, to know more, etc not necessarily to be perfect. But what about if I haven't seen any progress in the last month? Or the last year?". I had those thoughts on my mind when someone in my group of friends touched on the subject. At that point, I knew I wanted to write down a list of things that have held me back from progressing. After some research and introspection, I came up with the list below. I don't say it's the ultimate list.

1. You're far ahead compared with those around you. While some you cannot change (family, coworkers, etc), I suggest that you surround yourself with people that will teach you new skills. Or that will push you to try new challenges.

2. You're afraid to go out of your comfort zone. That is understandable. I bet no one likes to do it. But, usually, the magic happens out of your comfort zone. Take heart!

3. You're afraid to fail. So, what's the worst that can happen?.. Try again! Fail better. Try again, until you succeed. Every new day is a new chance to start over.

4. You're a procrastinator. 'Nuff said!

5. You don't plan. In modern world, if you don't have it on your schedule, it won't happen. Everyone knows that.

6. You don't want it bad enough. We get bombarded with tons of information, decisions making moments every day. Chances are, if you don't want it bad enough, you don't pursue it.

7. You don't realize how hard you need to work for it. Our social media feeds are filled with cute #iwokeuplikethis photos (which everyone knows they are not true). However, our subconscious can be tricked into believing you don't need to work to get something. Reality is, you need to work hard to succeed.

8. You are easily distracted. Again, we live in a society of right now, right here, right my way. It's easy to slip into the wrong perception that having to work for something is unimaginable. But ask all the grand people of all times and see what they say about progress, success and a life well lived. Here's a personal favorite: "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." (Nelson Mandela)

9. You're stuck on planning. You know what you want, you want it bad, you're willing to work hard for it, but you like to have everything mapped out before starting. Enjoy the journey. Things may will change along the road. It will be fine, you'll see. One step at a time. Remember, progress, not perfection.

10. You're not consistent. Zig Ziglar said "people often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.". Taking one step and expecting the final outcome is quite irrelevant. Consistency is the key to persevere.

Some of the points listed were, at some point, reasons why I didn't progress. Some are current battles. What does hold you back nowadays?

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Happy Love Week!

I know, it's more likely a day, not a week! But my plans were this last week to be a Love Week. You know, that kind of week when you surprise your hubby every day with something, and you share your love, and everything is red and pink and butterflies in your stomach. Well, things didn't go like that. Didn't get a chance to decorate the house (I had a couple of very cute ideas) or prepare my gifts/surprises for Eddie, and to top it off - I was tired and grumpy the whole week! Take that, Love Week! However this whole week Eddie truly, deeply loved me in the midst of my mess. He was patient with me, he forgave my outbursts, he didn't hold any of those moments against me. (Yes, I am bragging about him now.) Even more, he waited me with dinner on the night I get really late home. I'm sitting in my living room now, in the dark (only one candle lit in the whole house), surrounded by calming silence, reflecting on the past few days. How childish my behavior in contrast with Eddie's! But he still loves me. I understand now that my attitude this week could have easily been changed with a moment of meditation. To honestly search my heart and pray for an attitude change.
Unfortunately, this kind of situations don't happen only in family life. I get so hooked up on job, errands, my hobbies and my wants that I put my needs on the back burner. My spiritual needs, that is. To pray more. To study more. To understand more. To listen more. Intentionally. Yet, God still loves me. He pays attention to me. Not only He knows exactly what I need, but He gives it to me. Every. Single. Time. The God that created the entire Universe. Do you know how big the Universe is? Infinite. True. But do you grasp this concept? It's huge. More immense than huge. You and I cannot contain it! And if you don't believe me, look for yourself. Go stargazing. Or even easier: do a search on Hubble Telescope. Still not impressed? Watch this video. When you'll be back (hopefully) to finish reading, you'll understand my amazement. I stand in awe that the Creator of all these wonders loves me so much that He gave His only Son to die for me. A small human. A wanna-be writer. An impatient wife. A faulty friend. There are stars out there that sing for His glory day and night, without stopping. And I constantly leave other chores or worries to steal my time from praising Him. From talking to Him.

This Valentine's Day, I've learned to intentionally make time for my Creator. To pray intentionally. To study intentionally. To listen intentionally.


To be more. Intentionally.

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Oh, hello ... (again)

I will be honest with you, it's hard to jump right back into writing after taking a lenghty break. I don't know what to say first - should I just jump right back where I left? Should I (re)introduce myself? Should I explain why the long break? I guess the easier thing to do is to take the "this is my blog, I do what I want" attitude and roll with it. But things life is more complicated. Once I decide to write on a public space, I have a responsibility to my readers. It doesn't matter there are three or three thousand readers. The fact that they constantly return and take their precious time to read my ramblings is enough. 



So, here I am again. Typing (more deleting, to be honest) my thoughts away on a cloudy afternoon, craving some warm weather and sipping my tea. I have tons of ideas, but when the time comes to write them down, my mind goes blank. It's a struggle. I wanted to get better at blogging, so I started reading a lot about blogs. The more I've been researching, the more confused I was. And disheartened. I don't have a domain. I don't have a niche. I didn't find "my voice" yet. I don't have amazing graphics. I don't have good photos for my posts, either. I don't have enough knowledge of SEO. And the list goes on. But the thought that maybe, just maybe one person will find what I write helpful makes me keep going. I've had this nagging in my heart since 9th grade to write down my thoughts, my wondering moments because maybe, one day someone will read them and be encouraged. That's when I started journaling. That's why I started to blog. And the same thought has been nagging me since last summer - to keep writing. 



What will you find here? Well, I don't know exactly. I know for sure that you'll find pieces of my heart. I will share with you my thoughts, ideas, funny moments and lessons. 



I will embrace this journey. Would you join me?


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New Perspectives - the joy thief

Comparison noun \kəm-ˈper-ə-sən, -ˈpa-rə-\

: the act of looking at things to see how they are similar or different

: the act of suggesting that two or more things are similar or in the same category

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

          This year, in my journey I’ve learned a few new things. One of them will be illustrated in the following imaginary conversation:

X texts to Y a picture with Z: “Am I bigger than Z?”

Or

A couple is walking down the street. The girl: “Do you think I’m fatter than that girl?”

          Now, be honest and admit it – you’ve done it. I’ve done it! And most likely the feeling you get from it is not a satisfactory one. You don’t even feel better. It left me doubtful and hopeless. I’d start questioning my abilities to get to my goals – a step away from believing I couldn’t do it. I felt it would be hopeless to do all the work (eat clean and work out), anyway I might never look like that girl. Until one day, it hit me: It is possible I’d never look like someone else. I may always be bigger than someone. And that is OK. We are different human beings – why would I desperately want to be like someone else? I’d stop being me. My body reacts differently to all factors around me – and that is OK.

          To avoid the deceitful consequences of improper comparison, I have decided a couple of things for me:

* The only person I can compare with is my younger self. It feels infinitely better to realize last month I could barely run 90 seconds and now just ran 5 minute. Imagine how I’d feel if I’d compare myself with one that just ran a 5k (let’s not even go to a marathon).

* Look at people for inspiration, not comparison. There are a few people on Instagram that inspire me to keep going: @mollyrunsforlife and @eatingwhole are just 2 of them. It’s hard to look at people for inspiration rather than comparison, but staying focused is important: one inspires me to eat healthy (and gives plenty of healthy food options) and the other one finds such a joy in working out that is contagious.

* Be honest with myself. This journey is not an option anymore. I’m in the process of learning that smaller number on the scale does not equal happiness. Also, I’m keeping things real – if you do it right, you’ll see results. If I slack, I shouldn’t expect results.

* Accept myself. I know you’ve seen it all over the internet, but it’s true. If I don’t like myself now, I will never accept my body. It’s tough, but that’s what it makes it worth it.

What is your joy-thief this week?

New Perspectives

{via}

            This year, I’m tired. (You are allowed to say: “WHAT!?!?! You’re just 25!!!”)

    You read correctly. I am tired. I’m tired of giving up. Tired of starting over. Tired of just trying. Of complaining. I’m tired of talking myself down. Tired of not thinking the best of me. I have never thought how much harm I am capable of doing myself by just convincing me I cannot do this or that. I was never aware that one of my biggest complexes was 98% in my head. That I told myself so many times people don’t think the best of me because I’m chubby. (yes, that was hard to put it out here!)
     Even though, in theory I knew it was not true, practically, I was beaten down every single time. On New Year’s Eve, I decided I will stop complaining, comparing, talking myself down and any negative though in my mind and I will start doing. Four months later, a year older, with lots of struggle and tons of discipline and self-control, I am typing this. As my thoughts wander throughout these first months of 2014, I am amazed. For once in my life, I decided I will have no New Year Resolutions, and I’ve done more than I did in the last 3 years: I am learning new things, reading books, discovering new places, trying new things. And the best part? All of these while encouraging myself to be me! So what if the lady in the magazine tells me I should be a size 2 and have (35, 23, 35) measurements? The fact that I can’t fit in a size 2 or 4 doesn’t affect my IQ. (This sounds totally like my sarcastic self) My friends don’t think less of me because of how I look. They appreciate and value my friendship, my loyalty and honesty. They brag about my qualities and make me aware of the parts I still need to work on. I asked my friends to tell me some of my bad habits and things I need to change/work on. I was shocked to realize that the fact that I gained weight was not even on their list. However, all these discoveries did not make me feel more comfortable with how I look. Nor did they vanished all my insecurities. Realisticly speaking, big changes do not happen over night. I came to accept this. So, instead of giving up(just like before), I decided to stick with it. To take small steps, one day at a time.
And miracles happened.

Note: Because the post started to be pretty big, I decided to split it. Stay tuned to read the rest of my story.

My wishes for you, on this new year

~ via ~
Print available to buy at French Press Mornings

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."   Isaiah 41:10

This was written for my friend, Maya. When I was done writing it, I felt the urge to share with you. So, here you go, what I wish you this year:

1. To get to know God for who He is ("righteous God")

2. To not worry ("... do not be dismayed")

3. To trust in God (" I will uphold you")

4. To not look for your strenght in any other place ("I will strengthen you")

5. To not feel alone ("I am with you")

6. To have your eyes on God; only then, worring won't make sense ("do not be dismayed, for I am with you")

7. To not look for help or support anywhere else, but to God ("I will uphold you with my righteous right hand")

8. To e aware of the One whom you put your trust in ("I am with you ... I am your God")

9. To expect this year to be challenging. Otherwise, why would this verse be in the Bible? It would be useless.

10. To accept the fact that you need God ("I am with you, I am your God, I will strenghten you, I will help you, I will uphold you")

11. To not think of Him as a common God, but as your personal God ("I am your God") because He talks to you personally ("I am with you")

12. To not be afraid. ("Do not fear, for I am with you")

Happy New Year, my dear!

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A Christmas like no other

         Two more days until Christmas. A young woman walks around Walmart, with no expression on her face. She's has a toy and a pretty dress in her cart. Arrived at the register, she realizez the money in her wallet are enough only for the toy. With a desperate sigh, she mumbles "I hate Christmas!". The lady at the cashier looks at her in amazement. "Isn't this supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year?" She's wondering quietly.

            It's Christmas Eve. In the local café, a middle aged lady is sipping a cup of tea. She's hoping in these 10 minutes, she can relax and calm down a second. She has to find a way to to tell her parents the kids don't want to stay at their house for Christmas. "How am I supposed to say "no" to their invitation when Christmas is a time when family stay together? They live alone and the kids are the only grandchildren...". She takes another sip of the hot tea. Dialing her parents' number, she takes a deep breath, and says "I hate this Christmas!". 

             It's Christmas morning. I am sitting in my favorite chair in the house, hot coffee in my hand. I'm looking at my husband talking with our family from Romania. We both miss a Christmas in Romanian style. In my mind, the two stories become vivid in my head. I feel guilty. I said "I hate this Christmas", too. I stop a tear, and I pray quietly: "God, forgive me. I don't want to ever forget the reason of Christmas again."

              This Holiday season was an unusual one for me. However, I've learned so many things throughout the last few weeks. I've realized no matter how different the celebration is, as long as you put your focus on Jesus, your Christmas will be perfect. I've discovered a new me, a renewed calling. I've stopped and cherished the whisper of God in my heart. So, yes, it was a different Christmas, but not an ugly Christmas. 

How was your Christmas? Did you learn something new?... 

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When you learn new things from unexpected experiences.

      "Please raise your right hand." (pause, while I do as asked) "Do you swear to say truth and only truth in this room?"

        "Yes!" The answer came automatically, while I was realizing this was the real deal. I was moments away from becoming a US citizen or not. I dodged the last thought, while focusing on answering the questions.

20 min later, I was already driving back home, with the biggest smile on my face: I am now a US citizen. The whole experience was such a great reminder for me of my true citizenship. My truest and most important identity, is my heavenly identity. I am a child of God. Just as any other country on the earth has their requirements to become a citizen, so has God. We become so suck into all "God is good. God is love. He forgives." that we forget god punishes the ones He loves. Or even worse, we I become so sucked in our schedules, dreams and ambitions, but we think "We're good, God! We're buddies.". This last 2 weeks were quite a battle for me. Untill this week, I wanted so bad to make a business with my cards. To have tons and tons of orders and all that stuff. I wanted it so bad, that I forgot the fun in it. I forgot my creativity doesn't stop with a sold or not sold card. I forgot to enjoy the process. I forgot that I can use my creativity to celebrate Jesus. It took 2 conversations with two dear friends and my naturalization interview to realize cards don't define me. I am way much more complex and valuable than some handmade cards. I'm not saying I'll never make cards again. I will, but I will not stop only at cards. I'll let my mind wander and do its "magic". 

And I'll do it all for Jesus!!! 

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Celebrate Christmas

         

via

          I love this time of the year. Carols, glowy nights next to the Christmas tree, decorations, time spent with loved ones, hot chocolate and cookies, warm socks and cozy sweaters. It’s all magical, while in the same time, everything can become chaotic and stressful. Gifts have to be bought, cards to be sent out, cookies to be baked, events to attend and on top of it, you want to stop and take in the moment, create memories. So, this year, I decided I will take it easy. I will stop and wonder at the snow falling (let’s hope we’ll get some pretty soon), I will stop and listen to loved ones, I will be patient and I will celebrateJesus. I will sing carols from the bottom of my heart, smile to strangers and I will be present wherever I am. I will tell people of the miracle of Christmas, and why this is truly the best time of the year. I will tell people of the angels singing, and shepherds rushing to see the King in a manger. I will speak of the star that led 3 wise men such a long way. I will stop. and awe in wonder of the miracle of Christmas. I will sing loud and clear that love has entered the world. I will drive around just to see beautiful lit houses, and spread joy around. I will celebrate Christmas with all I am, and with all I have.

          My wish for you this holiday season is to celebrate Christmas!

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Some updates

         After I stopped a day to think of all my blessings, here I am stressing out "oh my God, totally forgot to think about a sale for black friday!!" or "Again this weekend will pass and I'll not have a chance to take pictures of the new products." And so on...

         I feel like a total idiot. It's not happy people that are thankful, it's the thankful people that are happy. I have to remind myself every minute to count my blessings, not dwell on my imperfections. 

         Today, I will celebrate!!! I'll celebrate the love I am spoiled with, my more than awesome husband, my first craftshow, and all the little steps I am taking. Because giant steps are scary. 

          While in the celebrating spirit, I'll share with you my newest reason to celebrate:

 my next craft show. It's bigger. It's scarier and deff not feeling ready for it. But I know it will be great!! So, if you are in Philadelphia area, on December 14th make sure you come and say hi! I would love to see you!!! 

So, what are some of your reasons to celebrate this month?

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Taking in the Fall...

Fall was never on my favorite list. Not even on "I like" list. It was somewhere on my least pleasant list. Lately, however, things have started to change. I am bewitched by the light, the colors, the perfumes and even the rain! Also being forced to stay inside and snuggle is always a good plus! So here are some things I was thankful for this fall.

Perfect morning drives when God painted gold sun rises. 

Another (sad) trip to New York (JFK). Eddie's brother visited us this summer. I took this picture on our way back home after we dropped him off. 

My sister gave birth to the sweetest baby girl. It's my 18th time of being an aunt. Both baby and mom are just fine. 

I (finally) finished my project. I made an earrings holder and painted our plain white miror. It's a teal, burgundy, brown and gray love story in our bedroom. I love it! 

Veteran's Day was day off from my day job. But not from my dreams. I worked on some new ideas for my shop! But I can't say more yet...

Christmas smells, Christmas lights and Christmas carols!!! No, I don't want to skip Thanksgiving. But I can't help it. It's best way to relax after a terrible day.

In November, this bridge is like a gate to heaven. 

Did you notice a pattern here? Most of my pictures are taken in the car. My life is not too excited, unfortunately. Between full time job, family, church and my shop, there is no time left for walks and adventures, although I miss them so much!!! 

What have you been up to, lately?

Thoughts on my first craft show

I haven't talked a lot about my shop here. But for a while, I knew I wanted to make another step. So, I decided to go to a craft fair. I imagined on writing posts on my progress how I prepare for this new journey ahead of me, but didn't make it. I thought I had enough time, but I was mistaken. Now that is done, and I drink (another cup of caramel mocha) with the satisfaction of "I did it!", I figured I have no other excuse why not to share with you how it went.

The week before the fair was a real adventure. I won't be fooled again, I'll make sure I have enough time to prepare for the next one. The morning of the first day, I was as nervous as on our wedding day. It was no turning back. And I wanted so much to go hide under a rock! I'm glad Eddie didn't let me do it.

As we got there and started to set up my booth, I calmed down a little. I took a deep breath and decided to make the best out of it. There were way more vendors than I thought, and they were all so confident! But they were all so friendly and ready to help the others. I didn't think to bring a tent, and for those of you who leave in the area, Saturday was just a perfect sunny day. Nicole of CatWomanCrafts shared her tent with me. Of course, I learned my lesson the next day and brought a tent. But I was impressed by the camaraderie between the vendors.

As the people started to stroll by and look at my cards, I loved to see their reactions, on the birthday cards, on the Christmas tree card, or gifts for Jesus(soon to be available in the shop). Each comment from each person was a sweet reward for me. It is a great satisfaction to realize people do like and value your work. The work you pour your heart in.

Not only I learned a lot (about my display, what to bring, how to talk with customers), but I gathered some inspiration (my first customer is among those who inspired me). So, while I recoup from the weekend, and get ready for Niagra Falls this weekend, I'm looking for the next craft show to go to. I loved the experience and I'm ready for the next one. Bigger one. Also, keep an eye out for new items on the shop.

And I'll try to not disappear again...  

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Hello September

It was a sunny, bright day of beginning of September. It was a loong day, in which nothing and everything made sense. A day I realized (again) this year's word is "paradox". Everything is a whirlwind and crazy, but that one moment of silence is worth so much. A year when I feel discouraged and want to give up every day, but an encouraging word from a friend or a remark of a total stranger makes me wonder if I really do want to quit. Those mere moments remind me that in the bottom of my heart I'm satisfy with what I do. That I'm going in the right direction, even if I feel overwhelmed because I want to do so many things. So I dust off my superwoman cap and I keep pressing on.

* I wrote this post on Friday night, but I wasn't feeling well and took a NyQuill. I guess I fell asleep half way through... I just found it now because I started writting on a new post...

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taking the leap of faith...

 

          While life lately has been worse then a roller coaster, I am happy to say I've felt an everlasting peace in my heart. It was so comforting through these endless nights and long days. Today, I feel like I don't have anything to say, but in the same time, my heart bursts with words that can't wait to be said. Words of encouragement, of hope, excitement and great news!.. 

          After some "grown up" thinking, I have decided to re-list some of my cards in my etsy shop. I've decided to give it one more try. A better try. I am scared to put myself out there, and I'm oscillating between the fear that no one will like my cards, and the fear that I don't have good enough SEO and people won't find my shop. It might sound stupid and silly, but that's on my heart... I woke up this morning and decided to be brutally honest on today's post, and here I am. I know the road is long, and there are so many things I need to improve (like shop's banner, photos, maybe even description of the items, polices & procedures, card making techniques, marketing strategies, more items listed), so I ask for your patience and support. In the same time, I'd love to hear your honest opinions. 

I'm thanking you in advance, and I'll give you a hint: this "je t'aime" heart is part of a new design I'm working on. 

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"Solo" time. . .

          As the sun was invading our living room this Saturday, I decided that instead of having an extra half an hour of sleep, I'll spend some "solo time". This is a habit I created almost 10 years ago, when I met one of the sweetest girls on Earth, and she taught me the importance of taking time to be alone with God, to dive in His word, pray, stay still, listen to Him, observe Him in my life and all around me. She also confirmed the importance of keeping a journal, too(hence my gift of writing has improved over years - I have 4-5 journals from high school). Unfortunately, lately, I let things go out of control and kind of neglected those important "solo times". 

          But now, it was the perfect scene. A confused, scared girl coming before the almighty God in a quiet morning, while the rays of the sun were hugging me. As I was reading through Psalm 4, it was like God was whispering to my heart. I started writing in my dear journal. I poured it all in there. All my fears, my dreams, my questions. But above all, my prayer: "Lord, I want to be more like you. To be faithful to You, and only You." 

Note: Laura, thank you for teaching me how great solo time is!

Today, I link up with Gail:

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Celebrating August

        

        This month is full of meaning for me. There are quite a few (important) moments to celebrate. Looking back, I can only see God's hand making all things work for the better, just as He promised.   

          Five years ago, on August 9th, I landed with a heavy heart on JFK. I was in a country that everyone rushed to remind me I was going to call it my home. Forever (or at least till I die). And while my heart was longing to go back, my only prayer was "God, I trust You do the best of my life!". At times, the prayer was certain, then angry, other times even doubtful. But I have heard people saying to not trust your heart, so my only refuge was to rely on God. 

          Two years later, and too many hard moments to count after, on August 6th 2010, I left US to "go home"! For 6 months. To get married. It was an epic moment for me. I thought the trip from 2 years ago was rough. I guess my limit was not reached yet. Besides the fact that I was getting married, everything was not as I thought so. I've never admitted it until now. It got to the point that even getting married was hard(don't get me wrong, I don't regret it, in contrary I love my hubby and our life together). It was then when I started to understand why God says "Your home is in Heaven, live accordingly!". 

          Today, August 23rd, 2013 marks 6 years and 8 months since we started dating. Six years of growing together, getting to know each other, and loving each other. It was great, and sweet and bitter and tough but it is worth every minute. There are moments when we thrive, and times when we struggle, but  knowing that no matter what happens, at the end of the day, I go to bed next to the person who loves me the best beyond all of my imperfections, that's what I call awesomeness!

          In the spirit of celebration, I have decided to bring back some cards in my shop later tonight. So, keep an eye open on instagram and facebook, because I'll post when the cards will be available. 

Do you have any reasons to celebrate this month?...

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Newly discovered washi love - one (or many) DIY idea(s)

This keeping the schedule thing is pretty hard when you have a husband like mine... We've been married for almost 3 years and we are still working on a balance between my schedule freak atitude and his oh so spontaneous ideas. 

I wanted to share with you last week how to do washi tape labels. I guess later is better than never, right? It's an easy idea of diy ( it takes literally 2 minutes to do it). All you need is a cleaned glass jar, some washi tape and a sharpie (can be a black one or coordinated). I used whatever I had in hand and it came out unexpectedly pretty. Your imagination is the limit. 

How to do it? Take 1 (2 or how many you'll need) strip(s) of washi tape, write whatever you need with the sharpie, stick it on your glass jar. That's it. Now comes the fun part: where will you use your creative labels? To make some cute happy mail for a pen pal? For labeling glasses at a party? For some pretty organizing storage? I want to see/hear all your pretty ideas!

 So you read my post and suddenly fell in love with washi tape, but it's late, none of the closest craft stores are opened and you really want to use it now. In that case, or any other case that might be, here's a tutorial how to make your own washi tape. Pretty sweet, isn't it?

Update:  My apologies for totally forgetting to mention here the crazy awesome digital washi tape from a vegas girl at heart that I used in my photo above. Yes, there are very talented people out there who make these available for us:

for free

via

to buy.

via

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Mrs. Onion, the teacher

         One afternoon this week while I was cooking, I needed an onion. So I took the best looking onion from the pantry, peeled it and cut it in half. I was surprised to see that the onion was bad inside (this is the second time this happens when buying onions from this store). I felt how the blood rushed through my veins and almost went out of door to go complain about terrible products (that are advertised as "fresh from local farmers"). It was too late that day, but I was determined to use as much as I can out of that onion, so I peeled off the center that was all rotten. The moment I've seen whatever was left from the onion, was like a revelation. I felt like God had whispered in my ears: "That's how you used to be too, Vio." I was all cute and pretty outside, but on the inside, I was rotten and selfish, and had no patience, and full of envy and maybe even some pride. If someone would've seen me on the street, they'd thought what a great life I had, while I was so empty on the inside. Full, but empty. Only when I cleaned up and took all the bad out I've realized how empty I was. Only then I discovered God's grace and love can't fill up a dirty place. Only when I was honest with me I discovered all the crap I was hiding in my heart, my mind and my life. 

         And on that moment, in my little kitchen, I forgot about all my fury on that store for false advertisement, and thanked God for not letting me be an empty person. For giving me value. For naming me His child. And for using the most random times and ways to speak my language. It's like He makes sure we fully understand what He wants to tell us.

    What was that random thing this week that helped you see things in another perspective?

On my heart

            As a teenager, I used to go to youth camps and youth conferences in Romania. In one of those camps I’ve met some of the  Jesus freak people. They were  not different than everybody else. Well, they were wearing jeans, converse shoes and t-shirts with verses on them, or the WWJD signs. They wore the FROG and WWJD bracelets. Not the style (have I ever mentioned I had a pretty weird fashion taste while being a teenager?) was what caught my attention, but their attitude. They were proud to be Christians. They would go out on the street and declare they follow Jesus. 

            Down deep in my heart, I wished I could have the guts to just be so bold, but being a pretty shy person didn't help at all. However, as a grown up, I start to encounter almost every day situations when people think of me as a freak, not necessarily because I walk around screaming my head off "I'm a Christian, I believe in Jesus!", but mostly because of my attitude, the decisions I make or my behavior. And I am reminded again and again that people will see if you follow Jesus. Not necessarily because of the way you dress, or because you only listen to christian music. But because your self-control is beyond their understanding, because when asked to work hard, you don't back down, because there is always a smile on your face and because you love everyone. And when asked why you do that (or why you don't want to go to that place) you can tell them you do it (or don't do it) because you love Jesus. Now, don't get me wrong, I haven't got everything mastered (I really need some help with self control) but I choose small things to remind me through the day "Vio, you still need to work on your patience!" or "Do you have great expectations from other? How about you start to be the change you want to see in the world?". I am not perfect, but even the tiniest decision I make everyday can bring praise to God. 

What helps you show Jesus to the people around you?

Let's keep in touch

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