Hello Stranger

It’s been a minute...or like 5 years… but I started to receive notifications of comments being left and new followers on my little corner of the internet here. I started going through some old posts and getting nostalgic for the creative outlet and inspiration. I’d love to try to start posting semi-regularly again - she says, lacking confidence. I had started to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of direction and tutorial posts floating around and had felt like there was nothing of value that I could add. I still don’t know that I have much value to add but there’s always room for more encouragement and inspiration, especially in these crazy pandemic times.

A few things while I’ve been gone (A glimpse of things to come):

1. I got married

Jeff and I got hitched in October of 2017. We’ve been living in Wisconsin for the past few years but are preparing to move on to the next step for us in Georgia, or back to the warm Hint: the flowers in my bouquet pictured here are a few of over a hundred crocheted by yours truly.

2. We got a dog

Meet Pippy.

She’s a rescue so we don’t know exactly how old she is, maybe 5 or 6, but she’s a hot mess sweet girl. She and Smudge have a tolerant, occasionally sweet relationship. Pippy is completely in love with Jeff and just accepting of my presence. It’s fine, I'm fine *sniff*. Smudge is still my baby. Somehow she’s already 6!

3. Workin’ on my fitness

I’ve had some health challenges over the past few years that have encouraged me to be more thoughtful and careful about health and fitness. My diet had been okay, but I really struggled with exercising… okay, not so much struggling as just completely avoiding it. In the past 2 or 3 years in particular meal planning and regular exercise have been a big focus that I’m eager to share with others who may have similar feelings and challenges.

4. Back to school

Once upon a time I thought I had too much free time while Jeff was in residency and I should use the opportunity. Thanks to encouragement and support of the people around me, I decided to get an MBA while still working through the evening program at UW-Madison. I’m ⅔ of the way through the program now and have learned SO MUCH. I’m often the only person in class wearing pink, braids, and/or a cheery floral print and I've learned not to be self-conscious about that.

I think those are the big things! Many things haven’t changed and some things just keep getting better with time. I've got some updating to do around the site of course. It's tough out there right now and we all need a little extra thought-provoking material. What's new with you? What's been inspiring you? I'd love to know :)

Sheila

Life Day 2014!

Do you know what today is? Today is the second anniversary of my car accident. Last year on this day, I retold the story of the car rolling off the interstate and me walking out (through the windshield) with little more than bruises and scrapes, with lots of pictures and details, and declared August 5th to be Life Day. It seems unnecessary to relive those details this time around but very important to hold on to the ultimate feeling of blessing, joy, and love. Life Day is a reminder to celebrate all the little things around us that make life special that can be so easy to forget and take for granted. It's especially impactful after having spent last weekend with four of my closest friends in the world for our annual Girls Weekend trip.



We just got back yesterday from our long weekend trip in St. Augustine, FL. We had an amazing weekend full of lots of delicious food, amazing adventures, and plenty of laughs. There was one moment in particular that hit me; all four of us were back in the hotel room eating junk food and playing Cards Against Humanity and suddenly we were all laughing uncontrollably. It just got out of control. I laughed until my sides literally ached. What about you ask? Nothing in particular. Just a series of words that all of a sudden were the funniest thing we'd ever heard. At that moment in all the laugher I was crying. Part of it was because of laughing so hard, the other part was because I just felt so incredibly complete around these women and thankful to be there to share it with them. Of course, I said nothing at the time or I would have totally ruined an otherwise hysterical moment with my excessively emotional ramblings.

Since my last Life Day I've moved to Greenville and have become happily settled. I've found a job that I love and created career happiness. I've learned to deal with a lot of the feelings that we were still causing trouble last year. I adopted the sweetest, cutest kitten ever (even if she is nipping at my toe at the moment because she wants me to stop typing and cuddle).  I've met some lovely new people and grown even closer to some already in my life. One bestie is about to have her first baby! Another just got engaged! My family continues to be loving, wonderful, and close even from hundreds of miles away. Big things are happening and I'm so grateful, especially on Life Day, to have the opportunity to take it in. And also, I'm grateful to be able to share it with a group of small but loyal readers and internet friends. Update: Smudge has compromised by cuddling on my shoulder and still letting me type with one hand.

I hope you have your own life day but under much happier circumstances! Anything you're particularly grateful for when you take a minute to think about it? I'd love to know!

Sheila

"Oooh, You Make Me Live..."

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I sure did! 

I met up with some of my closest friends from childhood. I met these girls in elementary school when we were all doing children's theater. Now we're all approaching the big 2-5 and I'm the only one who isn't a professional actress! It's amazing to have friends that are inspirations. It's a special friendship that survives across vasts distances and times to create inspiration. The inspiration to create. To risk. To be the best version of myself. To be the friend they deserve. Being able to get all 4 of us in the same place (heck, in the same state!) was nothing short of a miracle. It was pretty much the greatest.





I've come to the realization that I won't have as much free time in the next few months. Many events are on the calendar in my professional and personal life. I've made the decision to enjoy writing the blog but not stress about posting regularly. I may be trying not to stress about it, but I will probably still be posting at least a few times a week. Learning how to balance is a fascinating lesson and so far I need a lot more practice!

Any recommendations on time management? If you write a blog, how did you find your happy medium? Any friends who are inspirations to you!? I'd love to know :)

Sheila

P.S. Aren't we just so stinkin' cute?

How to Fit Your Life Into Your Car

I'm not sure if I'm bragging, or confessing, to be an expert on this.

I spent the majority of my weekend packing again. And watching a "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" marathon on Amazon Prime . Most people only have to figure out how to do fit everything they own into a vehicle once, maybe twice. I've now done this 4 times and may end up doing it a 5th. I've learned a thing or two about how to do this as easy as possible. If you're planning a life change, like heading off to college or national service, this might be helpful to you.

1. Purge: This one is obvious. I won't even get into it. Don't need it? Donate it. Saving it because of a memory attached to it, but you don't really like it? Take a picture, give it a kiss, and give it to someone who will appreciate beyond the sentimental value. Recycle and trash if needed, but mostly, donate. Don't forget to prioritize when it comes down to the wire. In the past, I've prioritized my sewing machine over a cheap vacuum. Let's be real, I used one WAY more than the other.

2. Use rubber bands and garbage bags to pack your clothes: I learned this when packing to go to college all those years ago. You can leave clothes on the hanger and group with with a rubber band. Tear or cut a small hole in the center of the solid side of the bag. Put the hanger loops through the hole and tie the bag at the bottom a la a less classy garment bag. This way, when you get to your destination, all you have to do is remove the bag and untie the rubber band. Unpacked! Easier to unpack, takes up less space, easier to fit into random spaces or lay flat, AND reduces wrinkles. Just do it.

3. Use bags: Garbage bags and shopping bags should be just as valuable to you as boxes. Your clothes in drawers? Use a separate bag for socks, scarves, unmentionables...however you decide to separate them.  Extra linens, bag 'em. Towels, bag 'em. Also, try to push any extra air out before tying it. I would not recommend using this method for anything that's not soft or has corners though, as it would be easy to tear open the bag.

4. Use your stuff to pack your stuff: Your t-shirt collection is impressive and you hate to loose any of it. Also, your collection of Calico Kitten figurines is on the DO NOT PURGE list... Using the t's to wrap the figurines lets you save room for both. I use t's and towels or blankets to wrap dishes and other glassware. Another example is belts. If I can belt together a group of like items that don't need the protection of a box, I do it. These wire shelves have been all over the country with me since they pack down easily but set up sturdily (is that a word?). Also, baskets. Fill 'em and tie a bag around them.

5. Pack a suitcase: You're probably thinking "I can't pack anything yet because I still need most of this stuff." Then you wait to the last minute and start panicking. A big way around this it to take a suitcase and pack up a selection of outfits, shoes, accessories, and toiletries you're going to need. It will make the the packing time a lot easier, plus you will already have necessities when you get to the new place and won't have to feel pressured to unpack right everything immediately. Another way to help with this issue is...

6. Pack the same room, not the same stuff: When I'm packing a room, I start with the things I use least often. Instead of all pots and pans in one box, all utensils in another, etc. I go backwards in order of everyday usefulness. Then I unpack in opposite number order so I can take my time putting things away rather than search through for everything I need to make 1 meal. How do I know which box is the last box?...

7. Keep lists: I'm a chronic lister in general but it especially works when it comes moving time. In a notebook, I label a room, then the number of the box, and a general summary of the contents. Not every tiny thing, but the "Greatest Hits" of the box, if you will. Maybe you won't find this necessary, but to me it cuts way down on the chaos of locating everything once you're in your new place.

8. Suitcases in general: If you have more than one suitcase available, don't waste it to pack more clothes! Clothes are light and can easily be stored otherwise (see above). Use that extra suitcase for the heaviest things you're moving, like books. They're much more solid, less awkward to carry, and you'll probably be able to roll it at least part of the way. Makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?



9. Keep out extra blankets: If you haven't used blankets as a padding or wrapping device as described earlier, don't worry about packing them up. Keep them out and lay them over top of everything once the car is all packed up. Makes it a bit harder to see all the stuff when you stop at rest stops along the way and helps protect from heat and sun damage.

10. Get a roof top bag: This is one moving investment that I have used frequently and never regretted buying. Mine is from here. It's great because you don't need a roof rack to put it on, and this one just happens to be soft so I can roll it up and stow it in my trunk between moves. I went through a horrible rainstorm in Wyoming with this on my roof. My stuff never got wet inside the bag. A tiny bit of water did come into my car, but I think that was user error of over-tightening the straps.  And the few drops weren't bad in comparison to the crazy storm. It did effect my mileage slightly in windy areas like Kansas where there were no trees to cut the gusts but I didn't notice a big difference on less open interstates. I haven't put boxes in it (because I'm small and lifting boxes on top of my car is hard) but I would imagine they would be fine. Also bought the non-slip mat to go underneath the bag since I didn't have a roof rack. I think that made a big difference.

All packed up and ready to go (in 2011) after I give my big sis a big hug :) See the bag up there?

There you have it! It does take a bit longer to pack this way, but it saves a ton of space and makes unpacking go twice as quickly. I play a serious game of Tetris when packing up the car and don't waste space, but it's also important to make sure you're driving safely. Do your best not to block your site lines. Also, I have very limited furniture. My wire shelves and suitcase coffee table are about the only things that come with me usually, and they both pack down or fit more stuff inside. If you're not going to a furnished place, an air mattress would also be smart to include.

Hopefully this helps someone, somewhere! Any adventures planned? Any packing tips of your own you'd like to share? I'd love to know :)

Sheila

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July!

I have this thing where everytime I hear the National Anthem, my eyes start watering. Every. Time. Some people would have a legitimate reason to cry at the inspiring song, but not myself. I just do. I think it has something to do with the idea of how many people have sung it and the many, many different situations. Have you seen Casablanca? My favorite scene is the anthem scene.  You would think I was Yvonne based on my routine reaction to the Star Spangled Banner. Maybe I'll better off today if I think of it like singing "Happy Birthday" to the land of the free and the home of the brave... Hope you have a wonderful day :)

Sheila

Honesty Alert: Dumb Days

Do you ever have days when you feel like everything you do is wrong?

I’m having one of those days today. I accidently said something that could be hurtful and didn’t realize it until way later. So much later that I hate to bring it up again and revive awkwardness. I’m spilling things and making messes all over the place. I’m running into clearly established pieces of furniture. I’m not going a good job focusing.

So I stopped. I took a minute to go for a short walk. I made a fresh pot of coffee. This is my attempt to “restart.” I know I’m not dumb. I know my co-workers don’t think that. I’m just doing silly things and I need to move on.

It’s okay that that happens. Otherwise, how would I understand when someone else is having the same type of day? I need to remember to give myself the same patience and forgiveness I would give to others. Also, it’s almost insulting to not assume those around me are forgiving people. Oops. 

Let’s just all agree that dumb days happen. And we’re allowed to forgive ourselves. Let’s just restart, shall we?

How do you turn your day around when it’s headed down to frustration town?  I’d love to know.

Sheila

PS. The look on my little friend’s face is exactly how I feel right now but it’s much cuter on her. After two years, I still miss working with kids.  Also, being able to wear a scarf to work to hide unwashed hair. I miss that too.

P.S.S. Is dumb an offensive term? Didn't think about it until I was getting ready to post. What do you think? Hope not!! There I go again...

Honesty Alert: Taking Risks

It takes a lot of confidence to accomplish just about anything these days.

In a world driven by social media, our lives are on display. Even if we don't post, our friends will, or families, or jobs, or sometimes even a stranger who happened to catch you in the background.We are on display. It's nerve-wrecking be so exposed.

It's hard to go out on a limb. There's an acute risk of failure and an even greater risk of failing publicly, since everything is public now. If you try and it doesn't work suddenly the WORLD has access to your defeat.

I'm terribly afraid of failure.

This is going to be a ridiculous story to explain the inspiration for this post. But it's true, and this is how my brain works. So don't judge me. 

Last week, there was a loud thud on the window in a co-worker's office. Driven by equal parts sincerity and nosiness I went to investigate. It turns out a little bird didn't see the window and flew right in to it at top speed (the thud) then fell to the ledge just below. Mind you, this window was not Windex commercial clean or anything, the bird probably just wasn't paying attention. I get it little guy, I get it. Suddenly half the second floor was worried for the well-being of this bird that was now hiding in the corner of the ledge. We checked on it regularly to make sure it looked like it was breathing. A few of us even volunteered to climb up a ladder to the second story window and rescue it. Google told us to leave it alone and give it time to recover (did you know it's actually a crime to take care of wild birds?).

It hit the window around 11 AM. We spent the rest of the day worried about this bird. Making an action plan of what we would do if it didn't fly away on it's own. Planning a small, respectful bird funeral if necessary (maybe that way just me). Making calls to those who might know more. We were invested. All the while, this song was stuck in my head.

Are you ready for how this ties in?

It was the bird's own fault, but we all wanted it to succeed anyway. It made me think about how much people want to support other's in their success. We give advice from our hearts. We give encouragement. We express our concerns. We watch from afar as others need time to brace themselves before taking flight. Very few people wish ill on others. Instead, knowing you tried against all odds and pursued your goal is commendable. Some people may even be jealous that they haven't been brave enough to do the same.

It's scary. Getting to the ledge and knowing you have to make a choice. Around 2 PM the bird started pacing around the platform a bit. We were worried he wasn't ready and if he tried to fly away he might fall to the ground. But then he went back to his safe corner to wait a little while longer. We were happy. By 4 PM, the bird had flown away. I checked on the ground as I left to make sure he had actually recovered. He was gone. Congratulations, little guy.

You may have to wait for your time. You may have to approach the jumping off point a few times before you're ready. People may look down expecting you to fall, but only because they want to make sure you're not hurt. Only you know what is worth the risk and when you're ready to take it.

I'm not sure what's next for me after my service year that will end in less that 2 months, but it's time to step up to the ledge and get ready to fly.

Are you facing any challenges or risks in the near future? Are you scared of what others will say or think about your choices? I'd love to know. Maybe we can all take the leap together.

Sheila :)

Honesty Alert: Alone Time

I always enjoy long drives. Audio books, car singing, and pretend conversations. After the eight hours to Florida and back, it makes me wonder if anyone else loves this type of alone time as much as I do.

Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Test? The real one is long, and you have to pay for it but there are plenty of free shorted versions online. I took one this year and was a little surprised with the results. I am an INFJ, which I may seem to be extroverted but after too much time spent around others I have to shut myself away for a time to recharge. This is SO TRUE. I love people, but I love being alone too. Maybe it's all the moving around, or maybe it's just closed social recluse in me, but I crave alone time like chocolate and naps. It's energizing, enlightening, and invigorating. It's just amazing to me, how everyone can be so uniquely human. Some people need someone around them at all times. They will go to a place they don't want to be so they can be around others. They thrive in large social settings. They don't have to be the center of attention, but they have to be near the center of the action.Some people enjoy the company of their close friends but prefer to spend time in small, intimate groups. They are interested in a deep connection and are far less concerned with the lives of others outside that circle. Some people avoid others if at all possible. They are more than happy to be alone. A large party sounds like a punishment. The thrive on quiet and calmness.

So, essentially, someone can be lonely for people around them or lonely for the company of solitude. Where are you on that scale? Do you think your Myers-Briggs type is accurate? I'd love to know.

Sheila :)  

Necessities for the Beginner Craft Kit

There are many different types of crafts: paper crafts, sewing, crocheting or knitting, painting, scrapbooking, jewelry making, sculpting... the list goes on and on. Some people have one interest and they stick with it. Some people are great at all of it. Some, like me, try all of it, learn just enough to get by, and then try to remember whatever skill is needed to birth the crafty love child of your imagination and creativity. Too vivid? Sorry. 

Craft stores are overwhelming. I've heard from many friends throughout the years that they would love to work on more projects but don't want to buy a bunch of expensive craft stuff if they don't end up liking it. Or they don't know where to start. Or they might not even know what some things are. That's okay. All you need to craft is an idea and a little time.

Over years of accumulated craft supplies I've learned a thing or two about what is worth a bigger investment and what are absolute basics that are used in almost every project. In hopes of removing some of the intimidation that comes with beginning to craft, I created this short list of what should go in a beginner's crafting kit. Mind you, this is based on what I use most, so if it doesn't reflect everything... then I'm sorry I failed you.

Some tips to help you get the most from your beginner kit:

These items won't be used in every project, and may not be enough to complete every endeavor, but they're a good start. Most of these things are used for general crafting. Specialized projects require specific tools.

So next time you find yourself in a craft store, you walk through those aisles like a boss.

Did I forget anything? Is there a particular tool or supplies you use all the time or something you'd like to learn how to use? I'd love to know.

Sheila :)

P.S. This is my first time trying to use graphics for parts of a written post. Does it work? I'm not sure I like it.

Honesty Alert: Being a Good Friend

Part of the attempt to live "beyond the cookie cutter" is not accepting the mundane. Not settling for the everyday, and not accepting the average. Sometimes that means evaluating your surroundings, sometimes it's evaluating yourself.

I like to think that I'm a good friend. I love friends. I think about them often and say a little prayer for their well-being. But it gets harder the more a person moves around and the older you become. It's way too easy for me to go a significant amount of time without seeing someone and still consider them to be a close friend. Not everyone works that way.

Some friends are so good at keeping in touch and reaching out. They need constant or consistent nourishment to keep a blossomed friendship strong.

Some friends are good sharers. They will reveal what's in their hearts and on their minds and trust you to do the same. They have no concerns of being judged or misunderstood.

Some friends are selfless. If they know a major event or big day is happening, they find an opportunity to say "Good luck!" or "Congrats!" or "It just wasn't the right thing for you this time."

Some friends just like to have fun. They know how to liven up any situation and it doesn't matter what happened earlier that day, or week, or month.

Some friends can always make you feel better. They let you be upset and cry. They let you dwell in it for just long enough before telling you to pull yourself together and move on. Then, they lock up the sadness and keep it away from you as best as possible.

My strength as a friend lies in finding the most gentle way to say what needs to be said instead of just what one might want to hear. Or so I'm told. If a friend takes it to heart, great. If not, I love you regardless.

When you're really lucky, you find friends who are good at all of the above.

As I write this, I think of the ways I fall short as a friend and what a blessing it is to have friends much better than myself. These are the things I'd like to work on to be a better friend:

1. Send mail. Actual mail, with stamps. Real birthday cards even...
2. Call for no reason. No crisis. No big news. Just because I miss them and want to say hello. The call needn't be more than 5 minutes, unless there is time for more. Commenting/liking/stalking on Facebook does not substitute communicating. 
3. Ask more open questions. 
4. Ask someone how they're really doing. 
5. Let someone know when I'm thinking of them, instead of just enjoying the memory.

What makes you a good friend? Are there qualities you see in other friends you admire? I'd love to know.

Sheila :) 

One Month Later

Normally, when someone is celebrating a month-iversary, I say "Congratulations!" out loud and quietly think to myself, "Do normal people think that's a big deal?" I always found it a little silly, but not today my friends, not today...

Beyond the Cookie Cutter is officially 1 month old and has close to 1,000 views already!

A lot happens in the first month of a new blog. It can be incredibly encouraging or discouraging, depending on which way the wind blows. I can't believe all the people who have made time in their busy lives to visit this tiny corner of the internet world.

In one month:

 One of my best friends got married.

We celebrated Mother's Day.

I revealed my secret bad habit.

Spread some Birthday love to a fairly new friend.

We did some fun reusing, and repurposing. 

And ate. And ate. And don't feel bad about it!

I'm so excited for what the future holds and I can't thank you enough for following along so far! If you're not following just yet, but think you might want to, there are a few ways to do so. You can have new posts delivered right to your email (NO spam-promise) by using the box labeled "Follow by Email." Or the blue boxes labeled "Friends Stay in Touch. Here's How!" to connect on places like facebook or Bloglovin'.

Do you have a blog of your own? Any advice you'd like to share with this newbie? I'd love to know!

Sheila :) 

Confessions of a Recycling Hoarder

Like many crafty people, it's sometimes a challenge to let go of things that others would consider trash. As least most people. It's not an emotional challenge, so much as a crafting separation anxiety: What if I need those toilet paper rolls or wine bottles or plastic containers-- all of it. Inspiration may strike! I'm confessing to the internet world in the hopes other recycling hoarders (sometimes called crafters) may be able to sympathize.

1. The amount of  recyclable goods in the apartment has to reach an obscene level before it will be addressed. A tiny bit out of laziness, a lotta bit because they MIGHT be useful soon.

2. I am strongly opposed to the purchase of wrapping paper and will save things specifically for the use of wrapping gifts: newspaper, magazine pages, brown paper grocery bags...

3. Magazines are saved rarely for content, regularly for the variety of pictures and colors.

4. Wine is purchased less for taste, more for the bottle. There are documented episodes of standing in the store too long trying to remember, "Do I have this one yet?"

5. Plastic grocery bags have a home of their own in the closet. I prefer reusable clothe bags for groceries but occasionally will get plastic just to renew the stash. If we don't use them around the apartment, eventually they'll be turned turn into plarn. Or baskets. Or a painting drop clothe.

6. Corks and Bottle caps. They're just pretty.

7. Empty plastic yogurt containers are reused and referred to as "Tupperware." 'Cause that's classier.

8. Tiny containers are worth their weight in gold. NO baby food jar, spice shaker, or medicine bottle shall die in vain on my watch!



9. Cardboard has magical transformational properties and should be saved at all costs. Especially the good stuff. You know what I mean.

10. Friends have been known to save glass jars as gifts. They are prized and displayed.

Basically, it's a good thing I've moved across the country a few times and had to purge or this could become obscene. But it's free and eco-friendly! 

What is your favorite recyclable to hold on to? Do you have any go-to crafts using things from around the house? I'd love to hear your ideas :)

Sheila