Earth Day!

I just returned from a weekend retreat with a theme "Healing the World from the Inside Out". One of the most touching points was how we brought the intention of holding the earth, and all, in love.  It not only was a grace filled weekend with co workers and friends, it was a real reminder that taking care of the earth is crucial for the future of human kind! I went home thinking I really want to start a garden again. My grandma was a gardener and I so admired her steadfast care for her flowers, fruit trees and vegetables.

One affirming thought I had was on how I share in the awesome responsibility of taking part in taking care of the earth in that I reuse the card stock covers of the church worship booklets for all my cards. It feels good to know what I love to create is from something that has worn out it's significant purpose for another significant purpose.

I took 284 pictures this weekend. Flowers, Lake Michigan, rocks, and the things I love about the Siena Retreat Center in Racine.  I even took some "photo notecards" I had made from pictures I had taken on past retreats to see if they might sell them in their bookstore. At this time they said no, they have lots of cards and don't have a lot of room. I took that as another "no thank you" and still hold hope that something, someday will take off  for me. I really trust this and will continue to create as it re-energizes me in my day to day routines.

Happy Earth Day!

Encouraging words!

I have really only sold my photo notecards through co-workers so far. I have sold a few outside of work, but for the most part it has been through just showing co-workers what I have "done" so far.  One co-worker, Barb, has purchased a few of my "sets of 6 cards" and sent them as gifts.  She received an email from one of her recipients, Becky from New Hampshire, thanking her for the "gift" and how much she loved the cards. My co-worker sent the email to me to share Becky's excitement of her gift.  I was so touched by Becky's energy and love of the cards, it truly put a smile on my face and warmed my heart. Thank you Becky for the kind words! Thank you Barb for your continued support and purchases!  I just finished about 75 cards from my St. Augustine trip and love each one. Now I just have to figure out how to get the word out and sell them to more than co-workers. With permission, the following is an excerpt from Becky's email.


Sent: Sat, Apr 14, 2012 9:07 am
Subject: WOW

The photo cards, printed on (previous) covers of prayer books are AMAZING!  I can feel their spiritual energy, just holding them in my hands.  I LOVE them because you thought of me when seeing them, packaging them for mailing, and writing the note to me. And I LOVE them because of all they represent... all-good (make that great!) juju that went into them by Debbie.

It will feel like a serious sacrifice to actually write on them and mail them to someone.  I will be sure that each and every card is handled with care and love and sent to people who can and will appreciate their meaning.  I guess I'm over-reacting here, but really, Barb...I am blown away by their beauty and the loving thought put into the effort. And that they came from YOUR church?!  I am truly blessed by them..each and every one of them.

I might frame one to keep. BUT which one?!  Feels kind of selfish, but I might!!

Many thanks, good friend, and I send blessings right back to you.

More Beautiful Pictures!

During our recent trip to St. Augustine, Florida, I took over 1400 photos! The old town was breathtaking! I can't wait to turn these photos into note cards. It was amazing because with each photo I took I could picture the card and could picture them being sold anywhere. Where the beautiful Sedona ones are pretty specific to certain people, the St. Augustine photos will be appealing to a larger audience.  Now all I need is a little extra time to create!