Thursday, March 10, 2011

An Epiphany…

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Do you ever compare yourself to others?  We’re told not to, aren’t we…but I usually do! (Maybe you do, too?!)

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So many of you inspire me and touch my life on a daily basis…

The love, creativity and childlike excitement for everything of my Mother…{no blog…yet!}

Mom in doll shop 2010 2

The joy-filled, lovely, sweetly pastel-colored world of Koralee…

The wisdom and beautifully-worded peacefulness of   Suzanne…

The limitless vintage creativity and wonderful stories of  Elizabeth…

The appreciation of the simple pleasures of home and the wonders of world travel of Tammy…

The boundless creativity, fun and vivacity of Vivian…

The gracefulness and love of nature and family of Julie Marie…

The loving kindness and grace under oh, such trying times of  Suz…

The sheer thrill of learning, creating and sharing of Charlene…

Jenn's Parasol

The amazing creativity, generosity and vision of Vicki…

The sweetness, creativity and putting-others-first of Cindy…

The culinary genius, artistic talents, love and wonderfulness of Marie…

The vastness of artistic ability in so many mediums of Lynn……..

{Thanks, ladies, for letting me use photos from your blogs!}

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I will never have all the gifts and talents that all of these women—and ALL THE REST OF YOU—have, but I’m realizing something…it’s okay.

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There are never enough hours in a day, or years in a life to accomplish all the things I want to learn and do…and that’s okay, too.

DSC01573_edited-1 {Images: Crafty Secrets’ “Love Mail” Creative Scraps; scalloped edging and script: Crafty Secrets’ “Artsy Banners” stamp set}

Each one of us is unique and special in our own way.  We’ve been given gifts that no one else has…to be used in our very own way…

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As I was thinking about all this, the word epiphany kept popping into my head, so I looked up the definition, just to make sure I had it right…and it’s perfect…

Epiphany: “a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.”

Just seemed to fit, somehow…

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So I’ll take the inspiration, kindness, love, laughter that I’ve gained from you all…and add it to the things that already make me…me…and just try to be the very best ME that I can be.

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Thank-you to those that I’ve mentioned today for teaching me, inspiring me, helping me, lifting me, entertaining me each and every day…

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…and to those of you that I’ll mention by name on other days…thanks to you for all you do.  You’ll never know how you help me, make me smile, make me cry, make me think…make me happy to be part of this beautiful bloggy world we’ve come to love…

DSC01593_edited-1 {Main image & butterflies: Crafty Secrets’ “Love Mail” Creative Scraps}

These little cards are my thank-you’s to you all…

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Thank-you.

Julie

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43 comments:

  1. GisèleMarch 9, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    beautiful, kind words that brought tears to my eyes...which i had to wipe away to clearly see those gorgeous cards....xoxoxo

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  2. Blondie's JournalMarch 9, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    This is such a kind, sweet post, Julie! There is so much out there in the world to be inspired by, yet we are all original. Your points were well taken...and I am sure you ARE the best Julie you can be!

    I enjoyed seeing everyone's gorgeous works. The talent in blogland is amazing!

    XO,
    Jane

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  3. Julie HarwardMarch 9, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    What a cute card..love that little girl. I could not even begin to name some of the blogs that affect me for good because they ALL do so much. I just love everyone of them the same..kind of like my children! LOL

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  4. PineconeMarch 9, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    So true!! There is so much talent out there...it can be a little intimidating at times. But, you are right...we just have to be the best person we can be.
    You and your gorgeous blog always inspire me.
    xo
    Ashlyn

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  5. Scrap for JoyMarch 9, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    You have been an inspiration to so many of us bloggers...your creations are always unique and original and recognizable as a "Julie". When you visit, you leave the sweetest, most encouraging comments. You are your authentic self and you inspire us to be ourselves, too. Some of your inspirations I am already familiar with and I will skip off to visit the others now. Have a gentle day!
    xoxo
    Joyce

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  6. AngelnorthMarch 9, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    You bring a very definitely "Julie" touch to everything you create and you share so much of yourself with your stories of your family history and your sharing of your wealth of vintage photos. We all love the Julie we have, no need to try to be anything else!

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  7. MarcyMarch 9, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    What a dear, thoughtful post, Julie! Thank you for inspiring me (once again!) to think of all those dear souls who brighten my world on a daily basis. I'm so thankful that you are one of my bloggy friends.

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  8. Diane MarsMarch 9, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Beautiful Post and so many lovely women that share their creative wonders with us all~

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  9. SLRMarch 9, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    so sweet and so true! your cards and projects always brighten my day :)

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  10. UnknownMarch 9, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    Oh Julie, Your post makes me weep. We are so blessed by so many incredible found friendships. It can be difficult when each person is so talented, and we want to feel we contribute as well. Your kindness above all else Julie is such a rare thing in it's sincerity. You inspire me to grow in grace. I am so happy to know of you. Elizabeth

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  11. ElyseMarch 9, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    oh, julie! i know just how you feel and believe me, you have so many gifts and talents and i often leave your blog with my jaw dropped over your creativity and wealth of family history.

    i had an epiphany myself the other day. i've heard people say that bloggers are always sort of bragging -- like "look at me, look at me!" but that's not true at all -- i feel we are sharing and inspiring and it's very give and take.

    hope this made sense. speaking of sharing, i'm not familiar with all of the blogs you mention and will be sure to visit them soon!

    xo
    elyse

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  12. Cindy AdkinsMarch 9, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Hi Julie,
    Oh my gosh, what a precious card you made--and amazing post--thank you so much for including me! (I was thinking about you today when I went out to lunch and was thinking about how sweet you are!)
    When I saw the crown on here, I pushed the button to see who Lynn is and it's none other than Lynn at Trash to Treasure--love the crown and love her too!!!

    I will have to go visit the other people...this was so sweet of you!!!
    XO

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  13. Cindy AdkinsMarch 9, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    And oh my goodness, I just saw Tammy--our fabulous world traveler and amazing friend and Suz who is just so sweet---now I have to go meet everybody else...XO

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  14. Julie MarieMarch 9, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Hi Julie... what a lovely post!... and thank you so very much for featuring one of my photos from my blog, you are so sweet!... YOU inspire me each and every time I look at your beautiful blog... I can always feel the love you have for your family as you post about them and show your vintage photos... and you are right, every one of these ladies is unique... as are you!... how many times I have wished I had your talent for crafting beautiful cards and scrapbooks... so, I just "do the best I can" like you said... my daddy always used to tell me that if I just did my best each day, I will be happy... and he was right! I also love the little "day trips" I get to go with you on, like the visit to Carmel!... thanks for sharing so very much!... xoxo Julie Marie

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  15. Marie RaynerMarch 9, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    Oh Julie, you are such a talented lady in your own right. I always love coming here and seeing what you have done. It never ceases to amaze me! Thanks for the nod. It made my day. I think we all just try to be the best we can be and nobody can ask any more from us than that. If we know we've done out best than we should be very happy with ourselves. So many lovely and talented ladies mentioned here. All unique. All beautiful. All inspiring. I send love and hugs from a cool and windy England. Am hoping the sun will shine again today! xxoo

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  16. Sandi~A Cottage MuseMarch 10, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    What a beautiful post Julie! You are so creative yourself but I do agree that there is not enough time in the day to do everything!

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  17. DortheMarch 10, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    And thank-you to you dear Julie, for constant inspiration, and beauty here on your blog.
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  18. HanneMarch 10, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    You are a big inspiration Julie. Thank you for sharing your art and photos with us all:)
    Hugs Hanne

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  19. CarolineMarch 10, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Wat a gorgeous card, I love the little girl. Thank you for sharing teh photo's, I'll go to visit the blogs, what a wonderful pictures. Greetings from Holland, Caroline

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  20. NanMarch 10, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    One thing I have learned when getting what I call an 'in' with the crafty women on the net is that I am totally blown away by their talent. I learn so much from you gals I really do. I always say I can copy but I'm not creative especially myself. This blue with the roses at the bottom is an example of your wonderful imagination and how well you put together colors and images. I so wish I had that but I really have to work and struggle with that, however I'm having fun and that's important.

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  21. KarenMarch 10, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Honest to goodness, Julie... you are the sweetest and so very, very talented of all my dear friends in blogland. A little icon for you sits right next to Nancy (Nancy's Notes) and Laura (White Spray Paint) on my AOL. I check in on your for creative inspiration that is so gentle and feminine. I love it when you write about family. You probably know how much that touches me. I love it when people remember their ancestors!
    Hugs,
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  22. ~*~ saskia ~*~March 10, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    I love your post today, Julie. Will be off to check some of your links...
    Have a lovely day, happy creating! Koralee does inspire me too, bunches!
    xxxx

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  23. paigeMarch 10, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    That card is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing your lovely friends with us ... I am off to read all of their blogs:) Have a great day Julie~Paige

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  24. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresMarch 10, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Hi sweet Julie, I wondered what Cindy was talking about when she said she saw me on your blog. This is such a beautiful post. Oh my! It would take me days and days to post about everyone who inspires and encourages me. I have met so many kind and wonderful people and always come away with something from whomever I am visiting. Your cards are always filled with such detail and dimension -- just like your family and all the history you are able to share because your foremothers took the time to document their lives. It's been a true joy "getting to know you"! Thanks so much for just being you! Best wishes and blessings, Tammy

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  25. Brenda PruittMarch 10, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    It is an amazing place, this land of blog!
    Brenda

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  26. vivianMarch 10, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    What a wonderful post Julie! and so sweet of you to mention me!
    i find myself comparing myself to others all the time, I hate that I do it, because usually I feel I dont begin to measure up.. I always think, oh I wish I was more like so and so.. but I love what you wrote today.. "the kindness, love and inspiration" that helps to make us each who were are! this is what makes blogging so wonderful. People that arent here with us, dont understand.. oh what they are missing out on!
    xoxo
    vivian

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  27. Maryjane-The Beehive CottageMarch 10, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    Such beauty in this post Julie! I admire you so! xox

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

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  28. Vicki ChrismanMarch 10, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    What a nice post! I think you are all of those things you see in others Miss Julie. You are special!!

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  29. Auntie CakeMarch 11, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    And a very wonderful you that you ARE!

    Have a great weekend!
    Kate

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  30. Privet and HollyMarch 11, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    Julie, you are way,
    way, UP there on MY
    list of those that
    inspire!! What a treat
    to see my name mentioned
    here among so many very
    unique and beautiful
    blogs! I actually had
    a dream last night that
    we met. I remember because
    I was so amazed that we
    were the same height!! So,
    now I'll throw that thought
    out into the universe....
    My daughter has colleges she
    wants to visit in CA, so you
    never know.....
    Big hugs to you today and
    here's hoping you have a
    wonderful weekend!
    xx Suzanne

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  31. koraleeMarch 11, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    What a blessing you are to so many of us my sweet friend. Thank you for your kind words. We all inspire each other...you and your amazing gift of words and love for your sweet family along with you creative talent of card/paper making. Oh how I love this blog world...I keep on thinking to myself...what would I do without all of you! Thank your for your gifts that you share from the heart everytime you post.

    Hugs for a great weekend my sweet friend. xoxoxoxoxox

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  32. Junkin GypsiesMarch 11, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Hello Julie!
    Thank you so Much for Entering our Drawing and Posting it on your Blog!We are so Excited about our New Little Adventure!
    Come for a Visit again and I wish you Luck !
    Happy Friday!
    Hugs
    Jill

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  33. UnknownMarch 11, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Julie, this is such a sweet post. You are so very talented and such an inspiration to so many people. Never doubt your worth and the joy you offer to the world. Blogland can be such a sisterhood of creative and caring souls. Bloggy hugs to you! xxoo Heidi

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  34. Darlene March 11, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    Oh sweetie ... as you can tell by the number of positive comments you constantly receive ... YOU are as much an inspiration to all of us as we are trying to be to others!
    Your postings are always FRESH and insightful. Thanks for all you wonderful words of wisdom and AWESOME creations!!
    I am SO GLAD you are here in blogland!! HUGS!

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  35. Mimi SueMarch 11, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    You are so right. We all have our own talents. So hard not to compare but something we need to learn to do. Mimi

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  36. Free Pretty Things For YouMarch 12, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    I think i've been under a rock too! how could i have never known of such a sweetheart like yourself!!
    atlas we have found each other!!!! :)

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  37. Sheila RumneyMarch 12, 2011 at 5:28 AM

    Julie,

    What a beautiful post and so many wonderful, talented ladies. And you the best just being you. Your love of your family and friends, your caring personality and love of creativity pours out through your blog. What a blessing to be able to know another kindred spirit so many miles away.

    I too find myself comparing, but I have to admit the best part of me is just being me.

    Have a wonderful weekend, sweet friend.

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  38. Castles Crowns and CottagesMarch 12, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Oh beautiful Julie, WHAT FABULOUS TRIBUTES to women that I admire. I am proud to call Koralee my dear friend and I think I recognize some of the other ladies....BLESS YOU DEAREST, and thank you for coming to visit with such kind and gentle words...Have a perfect day. Anita

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  39. The BUTT'RY and BOOK'RYMarch 12, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Hi Julie so nice to meet you:-)
    You have a LOVELY place here and I should like to follow you too!
    Blessings Linnie

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  40. JoAnneMarch 12, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Hi Julie,
    What a lovely post! You gave me my smile for the day. We are all truly blessed to have each other.
    Love your springy blog look!
    xo
    JoAnne

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  41. UnknownMarch 12, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    What a beautiful card and such a sweet and heartfelt post. I love it! Thanks for sharing.
    hugs,
    Tammy

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  42. NanEMarch 12, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    What a very touching post Julie and your words rang true with me. Thank you for sharing some wonderful blogs that were new to me. Have a wonderful week, Nan

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  43. SuzMarch 15, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Thank you for your kind words, Julie. I am in shock! I can't wait to look at all of these sites.

    Julie, when I think of you, I think of the word, "lovely." You are a beautiful, kind and loving person, inside and out. And your beautiful creations come right from that authentic spot.

    I know I speak for all of us. We are all so grateful for you. I know there are many who hope over immediately when we see you have posted. Then we get a big dose of beauty and loveliness!

    Big hugs,
    Suz

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