sonyamacdesigns

sunday spaces: Murfreesboro Secret Gardens Tour # 1

2011-06-05T15:27:00.000-05:00

sunday spaces: Murfreesboro Secret Gardens Tour # 1

studio sneak peek friday : like an old chair

2011-06-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

studio sneak peek friday : like an old chair

sunday spaces: studio mailbox

2011-05-29T17:33:00.000-05:00

sunday spaces: studio mailbox

no electricity for NOW

2011-05-26T15:43:00.000-05:00

Look What God can do!

2011-05-20T17:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not supposed to blog here any more ... all blog post should now be posted at my new dot com site ... but I just had to let you know about this blessing. A gift to my little family ... a very ... very new older car ... I just can't believe it and my heart is sing praises to Jesus who lives in the heart of so many. I'm so Thankful!

moving sale: mixedmediaschool {.} com & more

2011-05-12T07:19:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you heard or not, but this little blog is moving. Where to ... you say ... HERE ... it's time to move all the stuff in ... but, I've realized ... we only need so much stuff ... since the Mississippi is rising and my heart is breaking for the folks on the Delta ... oh, so many tears.

MOVING SALE !

I have a unique knack for creating ideas ... this is my gift ... I want you to dominate Google's page one too and the domains below are ready for someone, anyone to change their life. I own each one of the domains below and I will transfer ownership of any one domain to you for ten thousand dollars, that's right ten grand. That's just how much I believe in the key word rich domains listed below.

mixedmediaschool.com
acreativeblitz.com
creativebizjourney.com
creativebizworkshop.com
creativebizkit.com
creative-revival.com
journey2mixedmedia.com

If you don't have an idea for the domain. I do and I'm happy to share. E-mail me at sonyamacdesigns (.) yahoo.com using the key word DOMAIN to purchase. That's it ... that's all ... love is a verb ... sonya la

wordless wednesday: We're moving?

2011-05-11T07:14:00.000-05:00

soon & very soon

2011-05-10T04:35:00.001-05:00

just a few more things to work out and a bit of word press training for me from Renee (designer of the new sonyamacdesigns site) and then we are ready to launch ... soon. Inspired Studios Magazine is still up for viewing ... after I saw a nice little Google page rank HIKE ... on Saturday

multitudes on Mondays: the influence of one strong woman {Eula}

2011-05-09T06:52:00.000-05:00

0021 ... you can see it in this photo ... her strength
0022 ... you can see it in the photo ... her love
0023 ... you can see it in this photo ... her admiration

0024 ... you can see it in this photo ... her grace

0025 ... you can see it in this photo ... her creativity

0026 ... you can see it in this photo ... her elegance

my Mother ... Eula

1937 - 1998

True strength lies in submission which permits one to dedicate his life,

through devotion, to something beyond himself.”

- Henry Miller

multitudes on Mondays ...

gifts of the moments ...

More than any statesman or teacher, more than any minister or physician, more than any film star, athlete, business person, author, scientist, civic leader, entertainer, or military hero . . . MOTHERS are the most influential person in a child’s life. -Charles R. Swindoll

sunday spaces: Linky Love

2011-05-08T07:44:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's DaY ... Check out these creative spaces .... I'm just going to give you the list ...

That should do you for now ... love is a verb ... sonya la ... have an awesome sunday ... Today in Tennessee ... the sun's shining bright! Oh ... don't forget to check out the new issue of Inspired Studios Magazine ... this is the last day to view it for FREE! It's click able!

Sunday Spaces is a new and fresh way of sharing your special living spaces, right here in the blogosphere ... we've had an awesome start with Laura, Amy, Linda and Alease. I can't wait to see and share your special sunday space. It may even be your sanctuary! Join in the sunday space sharing by emailing me Sonya at sonyamacdesigns (at) yahoo (.) com ... can't wait to see where you work, relax and play ...

Inspired Studios Magazine Spring 2011

2011-05-07T14:15:00.001-05:00

Inspired Studios Magazine Spring 2011

View it for free ... Mother's Day weekend only!

Sneak Peak Friday: Check it out!

2011-05-06T23:29:00.001-05:00

Me & MagCloud, are not friends at the moment ... but if you want a sneak peak of the new issue of Inspired Studios Magazine ... HERE it is ... oh and I'm finally ready to check out all the studio bees at Jennifer's ... Sneak peak Friday ... I've been missing y'all this week ... while I put this little mag. thing to bed and all ... love is a verb ... sonya la

EDIT ... I'll upload it to Issuu ... first thing in the AM ... It seams the MagCloud link is no longer working.

what a difference a year makes

2011-05-05T17:12:00.000-05:00

Last year I published my first online publication on Yudu & Issuu. I wanted to see which one I liked the best and for me Issuu wins hand down. I designed the Spring Notes for Inspired Studio's Magazine ... right before the start of Kelly Rae Class and as most flying friends will say ... the rest is history!

Check out my page at Yudo and Issuu ... Issuu is much easier to use ... both, basic pages are FREE!

Inspired Studios Magazine: Spring 2011 Cover

2011-05-04T10:22:00.000-05:00

publishing soon and very soon ... love is a verb ... sonya la

Wordless Wednesday: What Was ... before the Great Tennessee flood of 2010 & yes on my knees I cried

2011-05-04T03:16:00.000-05:00

What a girl wants ...

2011-05-03T04:45:00.007-05:00

Confetti 4pc Bowl Set - Assorted Brights ... I once had a very similar set, but my sweet children broke them all. I am so super excited to find them again ... but it's not my birthday any more ... the wait is on. Don't you just love the colors. This is my kind of vintage ... NEW

the gifts of a fallen tree ...

2011-05-02T09:36:00.004-05:00

multitudes on Mondays ...

gifts of the moments ...

due to the great fall of this tree

I met some new neighbors

I met some older neighbors

married for sixty two years

he's eighty four

and she is eighty

so today my list begins with number 15

0015 ... wisdom of others

0016 ... other peoples flowers

0017 ... other peoples joy

0018 ... second chances

0019 ... sweet fragrance of honey suckle

0020 ... sweeter fragrance of a gathering of blooms

Sunday Spaces: Rose Brady ... sneak peek

2011-05-01T12:17:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Spaces and please allow me to introduce to you artist and Inspired Studios Magazine reader ... Rose Brady. The photos of this Sunday Space are the property of Rose Brady and have been republished here with permission & grace. You just gotta love this creative girl Rosey ... I'm Thankful to Rose for sharing photos of her creative space with us.

You can read more about Rose and see more photos of her hard working creative space soon ... she is our Inspired Reader Spotlight story for the quarter ... yes ... Inspired Studios Magazine is still in production but will publish ... soon and very soon as in Monday or Tuesday of this very week!

have an awesome Sunday ... love is a verb ... sonya la

The Art of Charley Davidson

2011-04-30T21:14:00.000-05:00

Please meet the sax man ... a life size work of art created by Charley Davidson ... a local artist from ... right here in the Boro ... Check Charlie out in the new issue of Inspired Studios Magazine ... so sorry for the super bad pic ...

studio sneak peak friday: a wondering week

2011-04-29T07:41:00.000-05:00

when I started to wonder ... what would happen if, I ... yes me ... was not their neighbor

you see ... they play their music loud

and I like it

you see ... they are always out & about

who cares ... cause I'm always here

then, the wind blew over my mail box

and they fixed it

then my lawn mowers broke again

and they mowed the grass

.............

you see ... there always some background chatter

and I am at home ... but never alone.

joining Jennifer today

for sneak peak Friday

love is a verb ...

sonya la

Where's The CLOSER

2011-04-28T05:59:00.000-05:00

This guy I worked with at the newspaper ...
a professor at MTSU
a doctor ... you know a PHD
gave me a nick name ...
yes ... he called me The Closer
cause ... no matter what
come what may
the daily news got out
the door
now ... with so many things
left undone ...
I'm wondering where she's at
Where's The CLOSER
now
it's seems as if I lost my
rhythm
or
maybe ...
I'm
just
finding
it

Wordless Wednesday: Tennessee Trees & Wind

2011-04-27T08:53:00.000-05:00

April Showers bring ...

2011-04-26T04:32:00.001-05:00

It's shower time in Tennessee ... a wedding shower, that is. While editing the April camera folder ... I came across this photo of a sweet & lovely shower table for a soon to be bride. I just love how my artwork often comes in handy for a more than sweet shower or wedding gift.

love is a verb ... sonya la

easter cans

2011-04-25T09:19:00.000-05:00

got a little crazy on Saturday ... making easter cans. After the pancake breakfast & egg hunt ... there was a bit too much candy around the house ... what to do ... make some random easter cans for a few neighbors & friends. We still have a basket full ... how about you. What do you do with all the candy?

Sunday Spaces: Your Invited

2011-04-24T04:45:00.001-05:00

below ... please find photos of my work space after the clean up for the Spring Issue of Studios Magazine 2011 ... these photos didn't make the cut ... so happy to share em.

paint attack

2011-04-23T08:19:00.004-05:00

sometimes yoU just gotta paint something, anything
it's like the call of the WILD & I was called
so I did not resist
I did not fight the urge.
After all
it had been more than a few weeks
since I had paint on my hands
under my nails
oh, my hair was in need of a paint touch up ... for sure.

It had been days ...
since I received compliments on the oh so pretty paint streaks in my hair.

no time to prime a canvas
or gesso some wood
but time did permit a
simple paint attack
& I so WON this round
to me the color of this paint is that of LIGHT & the LIGHT ... I always need

This ain't the cover ... just a MOCK up ... I was just playing .... cause you gotta start somewhere ... you see, I set the sub title type with some RANDOM words after ...

we lost the old fonts
we lost the old layout
we lost the old disc ...

HOW COULD THIS be, I save everything ... even egg cartons
so I decided GOD was TRYn to tell me something

Start anew and so I did & I just can't wait for you to see it ...

Sneak Peek Friday is Good Friday: so I might never forget

2011-04-22T04:45:00.018-05:00

I keep crosses all over the place, I keep little wooden ornament crosses in the most odd places ... like ... the junk drawer or when I had a car ... I threw one in the glove box. I hang em on door knobs of doors that never open or shut ... I just hang em there ... for me to see, to catch sight of ... as I wonder or dance through a room ... I just might see WHO is keeping me. A brief and subtle reminder of my redeemer ... every where I turn.

I glued the little green cross to the wooden cross ... to make one cross ... so I might never forget ... I keep this cross ... atop of a mosaic piece ... next to a bowl and in the bowl of little rocks sits my Jesus Rock, so if you stop by for a visit ... you might see ... what HE means to me ... this ALL sits right, next to a candle, I might light at any given moment in remembrance of what he did for you and for me. WE.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

Today, is Sneak Peak Friday, I'm linking up with Jennifer, over at Studio JRU, check em all out or join in.

Inspired Studios Magazine: color story for spring 2011

2011-04-21T04:00:00.003-05:00

I'm working hard on the new issue of Inspired Studios ... but I thought I would stop and share the inspiration for the cover color story. A watering can and a place mat ... one never knows ... just what inspires ... but this is my inspiration for the cover and NOW yet another lighting strike at this very moment in Tennessee ... better power off the mac and pc.

Wordless Wednesday: Purple play

2011-04-20T04:45:00.002-05:00

find more Wordless Wednesday fun HERE

Around here ...

2011-04-19T04:45:00.001-05:00

Things are a bit crazy, around here. Both of my children are in the middle of TCAP's and in need of special snacks daily. Yesterday my son arrive home from school very sick and off to the ER we went. I'm really excited about the spring issue of Inspired Studios Magazine, there are a few surprises within.!

I'm also equally excited about the pending launch of my website and this new project social media ministries. I can hardly wait to see it all come together. But wait & work & work & wait is exactly what I must do.

Enjoy some spring ...

Multitudes on Mondays: Tennessee Country Gifts

2011-04-18T04:44:00.001-05:00

multitudes on Mondays ...

gifts of the moments ...

0011 ... the ability to say YES to a friend

0012 ... what a goat can do

0013 ... a pooch with the same name as my daughter ... Lilly

0014 ... the work ethic of a few

Sunday Spaces: Artist Alease Michelle

2011-04-17T00:40:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Spaces and please allow me to introduce to you artist Alease Michelle. A collage artist and instructor ... Creative Girl and CCO ... you know Chief Creative Officer . All content and photos of this Sunday Space are the property of Alease Michelle and have been republished here with permission & grace. You just gotta love this creative teacher Alease ... I'm Thankful to Alease for sharing her inspiring story here on Sunday Spaces ...

Welcome to my creative space. I am an collage artist and an instructor. And because I do both activities at home, I require two desk. One desk to work on collages and the other desk to create lecture presentations.

I tend to have lots of projects going on at one time. So my project board helps me stay on schedule.

I also collect images that inspire me and after collecting images for over 7 years, the collection can grow. So below is my way of organizing my images. I have a notebook for each category. It has really helped me stay focused.

I love to dream about the possibilities of life. So here is my creative visualization board. I paste any and everything on this board and hopes of them coming true.

Then I have an area where I showcase those I admire. It too keeps me focus on my dreams, and hopefully one day they might be a collector of my work.

Now for the 411 on Alease ...

Website

Studio Blog

School of Creative Business

I hope JOY & Inspiration Stalk yoU like the wind & Look for MORE Inspiring stories in the Spring Issue Of Inspired Studios Magazine, which is delayed a bit due to Friday night lighting strikes in Tennessee. Please e-mail me (sonyamacdesigns(dot)yahoo.com) to share your space on sunday spaces ...
love is a VERB sonya la

been digging

2011-04-16T11:13:00.001-05:00

side garden @ the little ranch

been digging & feeling so completely blessed.

And, today the digits in the ole bank accounts are down to only a few.

What about you?

Have you given our FATHER a chance to show up & show out on your behalf.

Yesterday ... I had this very opportunity

today I am still N complete & utter AWE of HIM.

I so wish I could share the details but for now I must hold my silence.

I've been on this depending on only HIM journey for thirty three months now ...

A few weeks ago I realized ... only boots grace my closet & now I know why.

Chronicles

2011-04-15T04:46:00.002-05:00

Today I'm linking up with Jennifer of Studio JRU (in-courage) (Sneak Peak Friday) & the Blogging from A to Z Challenge HERE . This post is for the letter C ... I'm so super behind on this. Get this one HERE ... if ya like!

Oh and then there is this I've been working on ....

Blogging From A TO Z April Challenge: Airplanes

2011-04-14T04:45:00.001-05:00

Airplanes

Boys

by my calculations, I'll have to do two a day to catch up ... so here goes it. the post will be short as I ponder the rest of the alphabet. Check out the Blogging from A to Z Challenge HERE ...

Wordless Wednesday: Patio N Pink

2011-04-13T04:45:00.000-05:00

A GOD wink from a puppy pile ... almost two years ago

2011-04-12T04:45:00.001-05:00

My second blog post ... dated 4/21/09 ... each year I revisit this post as a form of blogging celebration ....

I searched for my strongest words and spoke them with the greatest conviction to convince them that GOD had and would provide our pooch with everything she needed to take care of her eight pups.

And then the tears came, as I spoke the last convicted words... Did I think my GOD would do any less for me?

love is a verb ... sonya la

The COURAGE TO FLY BLOG HOP continues ...

2011-04-11T04:45:00.002-05:00

In the Courage to Fly Blog Hop ... I’m writing to share ...

Have you ever taken a risk on yourself? Pushed off the branch & flew into uncharted territory w/nothing but inspiration fueling you? I'm one of many ... check em out ... HERE ... Thanks Stephey!

single mom of two working for HIM to inspire yoU

In order to have what you have never had -

you must be willing to do what you have never done.

- Les Brown

the cup broke ... it fell from a secret basket ... hit the concrete floor and just broke. as i went to clean it up i reconigized it as my own. my knees hit the concrete just like the cup. only they didn't break cause my spirit was broken enough ... enough not to want to be broken any more.

so i stood from my knees, cleaned up the tears and bent once again to pick up the broken pieces of this cup. my cup. where did it come from? did I buy it? was it a gift? ... i fear i don't remember, nor am i able to recall how this rebel of a cup came into my possession. But ... i just had to admit to myself and to my GOD, that yes this cup was mine.

so I decided right then and there to Risk it all ... our home, our life, our everything ... to work for HIM, my FATHER, our provider ... my everything

talk about some uncharted territory ... working for GOD, well that's just downright crazy & this daughter of the KING is just that crazy about Jesus.

The cup was my evidence of shame ... and now it too ... was as broken as i was. Yes, that was me ... everyday ...

I can do what ever I want.

My brokenness gave me the courage to fly ... to take the leap ... on one hand i have everything to lose ... but on the other hand i had so much more to gain.

to me ... faith is a form of humble confidence. Paul wrote of this confidence in Philippines 1:6. and, then an unknown writer coined this quote. "Faith is daring the soul beyond what the eye can see."

every single time I have stepped out on Faith to do something just crazy ... something, from a whisper in my heart. I have discovered that ... that something was always something better ... something more ... something that only TIME would revel.

So many times we just need to Stand & discover then have the patience to Sit & wait.

sonya mac designs ... love is a VERB

Sunday Spaces: Linda Thiltgen

2011-04-10T07:39:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Spaces and please allow me to introduce to you artist Linda Thiltgen. A wife, Mother & Grandmother ... Creative Girl and CCO ... you know Chief Creative Officer. Yes, I say that all the time ... cause this is who we are and I want us to own it like we own the skin we are in. All content and photos of this Sunday Space are the property of Linda Thiltgen and have been republished here with permission & grace. You just gotta love this creative Minnesota girl ... I'm Thankful to Linda for sharing her inspiring story here on Sunday Spaces ...

I am fortunate to have a dedicated space in my home to create. It is a lovely room that overlooks our backyard garden. My studio is my work room, my creative space and my retreat. Because I am a collage artist I have a lot of "stuff". A couple years ago at the Junk Bonanza (www.junkbonanza.com) I found a collage artist's dream cabinet; a twenty-eight drawer beauty from a school mail room! Thus began the start of the "organization" in my current studio which, as most of you artists know, is an on-going process and a challenge. I would like to say that it is always tidy with everything in it's place, but I would be lying. Hey, a cabinet can only do "so" much.

My art is inspired by nature and the beauty that surrounds us in simple everyday objects and sights. Using leaves, feathers, stamps and other ephemera I create art that usually hints of my love for Asian treasures and icons. (In fact my logo is a chop of my name I had made while visiting Hong Kong) I enjoy combining textures and objects and stitching them into place.

I have always loved quotes and include a message; visible, invisible or simply wished to every piece I create. I hope my art and it’s message will be a blessing, encouragement or inspiration to the person who receives it.

I enjoy creating print and pattern, doing collage, dying fabrics, stitching, making jewelry, taking photos, gardening and making art and fun with my little granddaughters.

Find out more about Linda on her website & follow her blog HERE!

I hope JOY & Inspiration Stalk yoU like the wind & Look for Linda's Story in the Fall (2010) Issue Of Inspired Studios Magazine.

Please e-mail me (sonyamacdesigns(dot)yahoo.com) to share your space on sunday spaces.

love is a VERB sonya la

Courage 2 fly blog hop: my question for Monday

2011-04-09T06:43:00.000-05:00

Courage to Fly Blog Hop ... my turn is Monday, April 11. I've been blogging every single day for awhile now. The question I choose is:

Have you ever taken a risk on yourself? pushed off the branch and flew into uncharted territory w/nothing but inspiration fueling you? If so, please share what gave you the COURAGE to do so and briefly share what courage means to you. Also, briefly share a lesson, or piece of wisdom, you learned along the way and how the situation turned out. (was it different than you originally imagine? better?)

Look for it ... right here on Monday!

love is a verb ... sonya la

What would you love to outsource?

2011-04-08T04:45:00.004-05:00

I've been playing with Quark again. Working on the design of a sales letter to send or take to artist type places in my local community. I'm no sales person, that's why I love doing business on the web. The second issue of Inspired Studios Magazine is so completely inspiring what with an outdoor creative space from Amy and this uniquely local creative guy ... oh and then there's Laura's amazing story. And, a few more!

A sales person for this magazine ... is my outsource dream. What would you love to outsource?

Linking up today with Jennifer at Studio JRU for Sneak Peak Friday ... oh ... oh... Jennifer is sharing sneak peeks over on in(courage) today. Thank You Jennifer.

love is a verb ... sonya la

this post edited from original

Harness the power of patience to GROW your blog

2011-04-07T04:47:00.001-05:00

While shopping the other day, I happened by some orchids, that didn't stop me and my allergies in our tracks. A large display of some very pretty orchids. But NO fragrance. NO sweet scent. I had to step back and put my nose ... right into the petals and nothing. NO smell ... Then it dawned on me ... these orchids were produce by force and the unNATURAL conditions, in which they were produced ... caused the fragence to shrink to the point of zero.

What does this have to do with blogging ... I know your wondering.
Organic growth is the key to the
sweet smell of your blog's success.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T04:46:00.001-05:00

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, YOU WILL see the glory of God?” John 11:40

2011-04-05T13:06:00.001-05:00

sonya, freda, wayne, scott, & our Mother Eula ... England ... 1968 ... daddy the photog (not pictured)

Today, I took this photo of a photo with Thanksgiving in my heart. I am so Thankful for this space called the World Wide Web ... Thankful to this crazy community of like minded women who love as deeply as I do.

Thankful for your prayers for my brother. He is no longer on the ventilator!

He was admitted as an outpatient yesterday for a routine procedure ... which somehow turned into a seizure & cardiac arrest. Yes ... he flat lined.

But now he too lives & breaths on his own.

This brings us back to Lazarus and how we quickly forget the many miracles of our lives ... How many people we each know ... with a Lazarus story.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, yoU will see the glory of God?” John 11:40

My brother Wayne

2011-04-04T19:06:00.000-05:00

The 4 of US ... Sept 19 2009

Please PRAY for my brother ... the shorter brother ... his name is Jimmie Dwayne McCllough ... He is a husband of one wife, and Dad to five children. He is on a ventilator ... this very hour.

My sister's name is Freda and my other brother's name is Scott. Our parents are with the Father. They had an awesome marriage, & dreamed of two boys and two girls ... as you can see dreams do come true.

Thank yoU

love is a VERB ... sonya la

Multitudes on Mondays: One thousand gifts

2011-04-04T04:45:00.001-05:00

multitudes on mondays ...
gifts of the moments ...

0008 ... bare feet in Tennessee

0009 ... trees

0010 ... some awesome Tennessee wind

Sunday Spaces: Bailey's pond

2011-04-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome once again to Sunday Spaces ... It's a warm Spring day in Tennessee and our Sunday Spaces feature story was inspired on a vacation to Tennessee by this extraordinary, Michigan based artist AmyJO. Creative Girl Amy Jo & family call this Sunday Space Bailey's Pond. All content and photos of this Sunday Space are the property of Amyjo and have been republished here with permission & grace. Once again ... you just gotta love this all around creative Golden Retriever lover Amyjo. I'm Thankful to Amy for sharing her inspiring story here on Sunday Spaces.

We call this Bailey's pond,he was our first Golden retriever. we took him on vacation to Tn. and stayed in a cabin on a creek. it was love at first site and we couldn't keep him and his tennis balls out of the water! We loved it too.

So we decided we needed a pond for all of us.

It's a thousand gallon pond which was built by a local company. We have some large Koi,some goldfish and now and then a frog.

The pond is about 8 years old now and our beloved Bailey has his wings.

Our new 2 year old Golden is

Willy and we still hang a sign out every spring that my daughter made for us. It says Bailey's Pond and we enjoy many hours sitting out there ,watching the fish,birds and enjoying the flowers.

Willy just like Bailey is allowed to stand in the middle pond on

hot summer days with his tennis ball.

See & read more of Amy's awesome story in the Spring Issue of Inspired Studios ... April 15th. Amy Blogs about her art & life at Art from the Heart.

Tennessee Woods: Artist 2 artist: Sneak Peak

2011-04-02T12:28:00.002-05:00

Man, what a beautiful day it is in Tennessee, I'm busy editing photos for the next issue of Inspired Studios Magazine. When this one (photo) stopped me dead in my tracks & I just had to stop and share it with you. This artist is passionate about all things Abraham Lincoln and has created a collection of thirty-seven pointiliism portraits. Today, I was honored to photograph this most creative man standing among ten of his specialty frames Lincolns ... more to follow ... in the Magazine ... coming soon!

It's a good thing I was wearing my cowboy boots! Cause sonya la does not like snakes.

In the Studio Sneak Peak Friday: All the women of the Bible

2011-04-01T04:45:00.002-05:00

photo credit

A new very old book for me to read. And, I started reading this book somewhere in the middle. Then I read the preface. I just love the copy I'm reading, It's old & tattered with a many a frayed edges. Edith Deen's style of writing transcends time and space. Although, written in 1955 ... for the most part ... it reads as if it were just written yesterday.

This week I focused my study on Lydia for she was a business woman. And according to DEEN the first Christian Convert in Europe. Deen's describes Lydia as radiant.

We are studying Acts in our Bible fellowship group at church. So when we get to this chapter ... it should be most interesting.

Acts 16:14 (KJV)

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

NOTE: This verse confirms that the Lord is in charge of opening hearts. Lydia's heart was opened & Lydia took action ... attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Find more about Lydia in Acts 16:15 ...

Deen describes Lydia as a Spiritual Leader!

THE COURAGE TO FLY BLOG HOP: Stephey Baker ask some tough questions ... gets answers

2011-03-31T04:45:00.001-05:00

THE COURAGE TO FLY BLOG HOP

Stephey Baker ask questions ... gets answers ...

The questions?

A) What do u feel keeps (or would keep) a heart light? As light as a feather & ready 2 fly!

B) What's 1 thing u need now in ur life, that upon receiving it would take U to the skies?!

C) Ever had anyone push U "out of ur comfort zone" & in so doing Made U fly?

D) Ever taken a risk on urself? Pushed off the branch flying only w/inspiration fueling u?

E) What do you love? and why? (Name at least one thing or cherished moment)

F) What message is your heart eager to share?

VOTE

The answers in blog hop fashion ... thirty nine women sharing inspiration ...

blog after blog, week after week. Meet the courageous flock

week one week two

I know what your thinking. You ask yourself one question, then two and before you know it,

you've answered all six and threw in one or two of your own ... you just created a movement

within yourself ... well, right here and right now ... I'm giving you permission to believe

and permission to act ...I'm giving you permission to FLY ... love is a VERB ... sonya la

Designer Secrets: page design tools

2011-03-30T15:50:00.000-05:00

Designer Secrets ... this is a list of some must have tools for some awesome page design ... you might be some what surprised ... any way ... here we go ...

1. lots and lots of paper ... regular, legal & Tabloid

2. An extreme supply of rulers

3. An extreme supply of Scissors

4. Brown craft paper

5. A bone folder

6. An extreme supply of kraft knives

7. An extra long stapler

8. A proportion wheel

9. Pencils & Markers

A well designed multiple page booklet ... has to flow ... from page to page. From cover to cover. A rhythm is established. That's why it pays dividends to create an actual size mock up ... before one flips on the Apple.

love is a VERB ... sonya la

Portrait: Sneak Peek

2011-03-29T04:45:00.000-05:00

Meet Ms Williams ... she loves all things FASHION!

Catch-UP

2011-03-28T22:47:00.001-05:00

And the winners are ...
Last night my little muffin man pulled the name of the winner of my first blog book give away ... The Millionaire Messenger by Brendon Buchard and the winner is Angle Fraley!
And, Robin Norgren was the only one to comment and thus the winner of The Sweet Talk of Success ... Congratulations and Thank yoU for your comments ... Please e-mail me your address and I will send your book to ya ... right away.

One Thousand Gifts by Anne Voskamp

I'm on Chapter 8 of this gripping book. Anne paints grief with words so vividly ...It's super hard for me to read as I have not fully recovered from the loss of my sweet Mother ... I still think 33 is too young to suddenly be Motherless.

31 Days Creativity Challenge

Day 28 over at Leslie's has been ironically designated as Let's play catch up day and since I'm already behind, that's great

Reading with Robin ... Chapter 11 & 12
Due to my blog redesign ... The reading of these chapters was some O so perfect timing as I needed to really decide for once and for all what direction this little blog of mine going in ... Chapter 11 is all about self employment and Chapter 12 deals with business start-up and more.

sonya mac designs legacy N lace & Editorial Calendar for this week

2011-03-28T04:45:00.003-05:00

My niece allowed me to create dedication dresses for my Great nieces and I was over joyed yesterday after the service when she informed me she had added them to their Legacy Boxes already.

I super love the way Design Sponge has set up their Editorial Calendar. WE plan
on using one ... once we migrate to our new home.

Yes, I'm preparing myself for more responsibility and .. for some help by using

the word WE.

Editorial Calendar for this week ... Monday March 27, 2011

Monday (Today): Catch up on Leslie's Creative Challenge/Reading with Robin &

one Thousand gifts ... Book Winners Announced!

Tuesday:Photo Shoot

Wednesday: Designer Secrets

Thursday: Reading with Robin & MANley Notes

Friday: Studio Sneak Peek with Jennifer

Saturday: Wondering Words

Sunday: Sunday Spaces

love is a VERB ... sonya la

Sunday Spaces: Artist Laura Ludwig Hamor

2011-03-27T07:46:00.002-05:00

Artist Laura Ludwig Hamor

Welcome to Sunday Spaces and please allow me to introduce to you artist Laura Ludwig Hamor. A wife, Mother of four ... Creative Girl and CCO ... you know Chief Creative Officer . All content and photos of this Sunday Space are the property of LLHamor and have been republished here with permission & grace. You just gotta love this creative go getter Laura ... I'm Thankful to Laura for sharing her inspiring story here on Sunday Spaces ...

The story of my studio is tied in to my cancer. Good things and not so good things somethings come together.

In 2003 I was finally diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I say finally because I was sick for 10 months, constant choking and coughing all night long before I found my cancer.
~ okay, side-bar for a quick cancer story.... I was sick, and first we thought it was a virus, then maybe bronchitis, then maybe an allergy, I coughed and coughed, I couldn't sleep. I coughed so hard, I broke two ribs. I was exhausted.
I had just starting seeing a therapist, my mother had died and I was struggling with my grief and my family's grief. It was Dr. M. who first noticed how long I had been coughing.

"You have had a cough since you first started coming here." I had not really realized how long it had been.

"I have been feeling exhausted like I am trying to push through water. I am so tired."
Then he said the most obvious thing that I never considered, "Have you thought of listening to your body?"
No. I had not.

I had not thought of listening to my body, I was too busy pushing myself.

You know how it is when you have so much to do, you don't stop to listen.

Two days later, I woke up and felt a tiny pressure in my neck.

I was listening.
I opened my medical book (that I first had for taking care of the kids) and found an article about thyroids.

It said: Take a drink of water. Lean your head back and swallow it while looking in the mirror. Is your neck symmetrical?
No, it was not. I had nodules on my thyroid.
Most nodules are NOT cancer.

Thyroid nodules are very common.
But, I was sick.

I fractured two ribs coughing! I was sick. I knew.

Okay, that is it. I found the nodules, called my doctor, had an ultrasound, had a biopsy, had surgery.

Now, back to the studio.

I was recovering from the surgery. I was tired and they had to find my balance of synthroid (thyroid hormone replacement) and that took some time to get right.
So I had a lot of time to think.
What do I want to do?

Really do with this life, with this one life that I have been given?
Of course my first priority was our family and raising our sons.
But what about me?

What do I want?
I wanted this life changing experience to change something in my life. Hopefully for the better. Isn't that what a life-changing experience is for?

My studio was in a small spare bedroom. It had actually moved around the house. First in a larger room off the playroom, then we moved the older boys into that room, so I moved into the kitchen, then to the smaller bedroom.
So what do I want?

Asking myself this over and over.

I had an idea.

The preschool was a small building nearby. What if I called my son's preschool teacher and asked if I could rent the preschool space for the summer when they are closed. Then I could work more in the coming summer--away from the boys and their friends and I could leave projects set up instead of cleaning everything up each day.

I called her and asked if I could rent her space. She owned the little building and said she would talk to her husband and call me back.

The next day she called, "Here is an address, you can meet our property manager and he will show you a space."
I did not know this, but they owned a series of buildings on a warehouse street.
I did not have a lot of money, since I had not worked in months.

But I had asked her, so I decided I had to meet him and I would just turn down the space.

The next day I met Mark, the building manager, who was a really nice guy.
He opened the door to this long narrow room with only a small path to walk through pile of old, crumbly, smelly boxes from floor to ceiling.
The space was being rented by the local movie theatre and they were using it for storage. It looked like long abandoned storage. The boxes were old and falling all over each other.

We walked through the first long room, down the hall into a small second room, still filled with boxes.

Mark turned to me and said, "Which room would you want?"
I said, "Well, I guess the first room so I wouldn't have to walk through that mess to get to the second room," knowing I was probably not taking it anyway.
I asked him,"So how much is it?"
This is the question that was going to lead me to say I couldn't take it, or so I thought.

Mark turned around and made a phone call.
"My uncle must like you, he said I should empty the whole space, and give it to you."
I didn't know what to say.
"Um, well, how much is the rent?"
"Well since the space needs cleaning and painting, nothing for the first months, then 100 a month after that. No lease, just month to month."
WHAT? 100 a month? I could do that. I could figure out 25. per week!
It was too good not to do it.

I sent the landlord/preschool teacher's husband a heartfelt thank you letter. I went from recovering on the couch to opening my studio!

My whole focus changed. I was looking to my future.

It turns out my landlord wanted to help someone else who was starting a new business! He was prepared to help someone, just when I had called to ask.

How many times do we want something, and we don't ask?
He is definitely one of my angels.

For the next months, after the boxes were removed, we cleaned and scrubbed and primed the walls. We pulled the smelly carpet off the floors and scrubbed them over and over.
When they were finally clean, I primed them and painted them with floor paint in a soft grey.
And then I painted that block wall red. "Million Dollar Red" was the paint name.
(that's the wall I just repainted "Startling Blue"!)

That is how my studio found me. One phone call.

Doesn't that make you wonder what yoU should ask for?

Find Laura's pretties HERE, follow her creative biz journey HERE and join the e-pprenticeship program HERE.

I hope JOY & Inspiration Stalk yoU like the wind & Look for MORE of Laura's Story in the Spring Issue Of Inspired Studios Magazine. Please e-mail me (sonyamacdesigns(dot)yahoo.com) to share your space on sunday spaces. love is a VERB sonya la

Text Message Shorthand ... designs on fabric

2011-03-26T19:25:00.000-05:00

I'm still plotting & planning the redesign of my video girl's bedroom ... while she is away at Church camp this summer. I'm sure, I'll have no trouble working this fabric in ... a body pillow or just some toss pillows would be nice.

While on Spring Break ... this week, I ask some children to help me break the code and WEll ... now I can't read their code ... but you can find definitions HERE & HERE ...

Have a great weekend ... sonya la

God's cake....

2011-03-25T04:45:00.003-05:00

I've been busy this week spring break week ... working with 3/5 of my new student ... they are learning to blog with some HELP from me. I'm so very thankful. It's Sneak Peak Friday over at Jennifer's studio and I'm joining in ... why don't yoU?

So my neighbor ... Ms Judy sent me this e-mail (below) which made me think of one of my most favorite Bible verses (on my calendar ... above) and I just had to share it with you!

God's cake....
This is about the best thing
I've ever read as an explanation.

Sometimes we wonder,
'What did I do to deserve this?' or
'Why did God have to do this to me?'
Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything
is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend
broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and
asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the
daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'
'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers.
'Yuck' says her daughter.
'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'
'Would you like some flour then?
Or maybe baking soda?'
'Mom, those are all yucky!'
To which the mother replies:
'Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves.
But when they are put together in the
right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why
He would let us go through such bad and difficult
times. But God knows that when HE puts these things
all in HIS order, they always work for good! We just
have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all
make something wonderful!

love is a verb ... sonya la

The power of a press release ...

2011-03-24T12:22:00.001-05:00

Greg Lyon All Rights Reserved March 2011 Middle TN

Yesterday I worked with local artist Greg Lyon on issues in reference to the reproduction of the above illustration for the forth coming issue of Inspired Studios Magazine. Greg is also a cartoonist and now one with a political homework assignment due August 1, 2011. I can not wait to see what he will create!

Greg contacted me after our local daily newspaper published a business bite about the studio.

The power of a press release. Are you using this FREE form of advertising for your business?

The Sweet Talk of Success ... another book give away

2011-03-24T04:45:00.001-05:00

The Sweet Talk of Success ... I have two copies of this book as well and I would love to give one away.

If you would like my extra copy of this book ... let me know the main color of my new blog in the comments (leave a comment below) ... I'll use the random generator or some paper to select the winner. I'll send it book rate to the winner on Monday March 27, 2011. Give-A-WAY ends Sunday night 6PM (26 of March) Central time.

Love is a VERB ... sonya la

The Millionaire Messenger ... a give away

2011-03-23T04:45:00.004-05:00

I have an extra copy of The Millionaire Messenger by Brendon Buchard ...

It's the number one paperback book on the NY times
I have yet to read it ... but
I love Brendon's videos

and I really dig this three part question of his

Did I live?

Did I love?

Did I matter?”

Love is a VERB ... sonya la

a few of my students

2011-03-22T04:45:00.000-05:00

LaDonna & Hillary

Boy oh boy ... did we work hard today

LaDonna ... researching biz names

I now have five students enrolled in three of my classes. I love the small size of the groups as it allows me time to inspire & work out kinks in the writing, design, structure & presentation of the classes prior to launching any large or online versions. LaDonna & Hillary will soon be launching their own small businesses and this Flip your Passion Class will give them a super head start.

the Fashion designer N me

2011-03-21T04:45:00.001-05:00

photo credit

the Fashion designer N me ... would really like to

own
have
obtain
so I'm dreaming of cardboard over here

Vintage Adjust-O-Matic Dress Form please be mine

love is a verb sonya la

Shed to Studio Conversion: And then there was RED

2011-03-20T19:29:00.001-05:00

Inspired by the red of a single tulip from my yard ... I painted this wall

and then the concrete floor ...

caught a can of my favorite shade of turquoise ...

then the budget ran dry ...

and there was no money left for brand new french doors

then one day in mid May ...
my neighbor arrived with these doors
and how beautiful they are ...

and now my little shed to studio conversion is among
the lovely Vignettes of the Spring Issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Studios Magizine

Have you seen it ... my little studio is
on page 120 & 121

Next Sunday ... I'll feature your studio in a new weekly column titled
Your Creative Space Sunday ... e-mail me if you would like to share
& celebrate Your Creative Space sonyamacdesigns(at) yahoo (.) com

Love is a VERB ... sonya la

A complete LOVE package: from down under: The third Great Big Stitched Postcard swap

2011-03-19T07:44:00.000-05:00

How did she know ... I was in need of so much love ...

How did she know ... her labor ... would touch me so ...

How did she know ... I needed a love song

to remind me ... true love never dies.

Many Thanks to Beth Nicholls for creating the postcard swaps. Thank yoU Christina McQueen. I will forever love & cherish this entire LOVE package.

love is a VERB ... sonya la

this broadcast will be interrupted

2011-03-17T18:28:00.000-05:00

for a bloggers day of silence (Friday March 18, 2011) ... please join in ... if you like

Shed to Studio Conversion: part two

2011-03-17T13:45:00.001-05:00

Shed to Studio Conversion: part two ... part one can be found HERE

My little studio space measures 24 X 10.
I worked really, really hard the winter of 2009, prepping & painting

As with most things ... it took a lot more paint,

then planned and a whole lot more time.

but with the grace of GOD, I finally finished around the middle of April.

Yes, this little project started in February

then ... this one tulip ... inspired ... a red wall

Check out tomorrow's post ... to see a blank slate of
two super charged colors ...

love is a VERB ... sonya la

yesterDAY

2011-03-17T04:45:00.000-05:00

my work day was interrupted by a runaway pooch
it's hard to produce a magazine withOUT a cover artist
super behind on Leslie's Challenge
reading Creative Girl with Robin
reading One thousand Gifts
can't bring myself to watch ANY tv since Japan
just finished reading Facing your Giants
a beautiful spring day in Tennessee
It's day 13 or so of my cleanse
5:00 - coffee ... so much for the cleanse
pushing the pause button
getting ready for
spring break
scheduled
a post
for
later
today
and
tomorrow ... I'll be back on Saturday with my Challenge UPdates!

Love is a VERB ... sonya la

Not all at once ...

2011-03-16T04:45:00.001-05:00

At some point, maybe one week ago or so
there was but one bloom on this tree
then there were two blooms
then three blooms
and before we knew it
this trees
was full of blooms

this tree
that inspired
my very
own
quote

"The Bloom comes before the green"

- sonya la mccllough

do you get it?