Inspiration Workshop {Week 9}:The Beach

Welcome to another Inspiration Workshop with Gussy Sews!

To see the past prompts please click here.

Here is this week's prompt from the fabulous Maggie of Gussy Sews:

THE PROMPT 

In honor of my little vacay, this week's prompt is THE BEACH. I love spending time at THE BEACH... Here are some of my favorite beach "things": watching Bauer splash in the water, digging my toes in the sand, catching some rays. A visit to the beach is one way I recharge my batteries after a long week at work, and fortunately here in Minnesota {the land of 10,000 lakes} beaches are aplenty. Yeow! What inspires you about THE BEACH? Have you recently taken a beach vacation? Or do you dream of a day on THE BEACH? Or maybe you enjoy "coastal" {beach} decor?

I am a Kansas girl,

a land-locked,

field surrounded,

sun a blazing,

Kansas girl.

Which translates into...

I haven't been very many places outside of the four-corner states.

That is until,

these past few years where God has opened some big doors for travel.

That is where this week's prompt, the beach, comes in.

My best friend from college invited me to travel with her and her family a

few years ago to North Carolina. {They were headed to see family.}

I was so excited to travel with my bestie and share new experiences with them!

This trip was my first "real" beach trip and some other firsts you'll see soon.

There were many laughs, my detours, many hours of hanging out with others.

I have left out pictures of us out of respect for her and her family {she's got little ones}.

Our destination:

  The first part of the trip:

Fly out of Kansas City.

This was my first commercial airplane ride ever!

I was so nervous but giddy.

Seems the lady next to me picked up on it and preceeded to give me tips the entire way,

make me look out the window {which I did love}, and squeezed my hand w/out permission.

{That would be where I learned quickly why people brought books to read.}

~snort~

We stayed with my friend's relatives.

They were so gracious and welcoming.

It was like talking to friends I hadn't seen in a long time.

We also visited Myrtle beach and this was my first time standing in the Ocean.

The waters of this beach may or may not have kicked my behind 3 times in a row and several people in the group may or may not have lost sunglasses in the waves. 

{I call it roll w/out the tuck while trying to hold your breath and fighting currents.}

Second Part of the Trip:

We traveled to Wilmington, North Carolina.

I Loved it!

It was so beautiful and nice.

We spent several of our beach days on the Wrightsville Beach.

The waters here were so much calmer and the sand was beautiful.

We spent our time playing in the ocean, collecting shells, and chatting about life.

This trip was full of memories and those that make life special.

To me when I hear the word "beach," I always think of this trip.

{P.S. I really hope I can make it back someday!}

I am so thankful to my friend for asking me to be apart of 

her and her familys' life. 

Have you ever been to the beach?

If so, I'd love to hear your story.

Thank You Gussy for hosting and helping me to share these wonderful memories!

Have a Beautiful Day,

Cole

Inspiration Workshop {Week 8}

Less than a month...

until school,

until the kiddos come back,

until the freedom days of summer are gone.

I actually went into my classroom today and got really excited when I saw some books

that I had ordered came in.

Let the planning begin!

{I'm already making my lists of what needs to be done. Of course, in cute colors and paper.}

;)

Today's Inspiration Workshop is all about what inspires us.

Here is the prompt from Gussy.

THE PROMPT
OK, so it's time for you to strut your stuff. This week's prompt is YOUR INSPIRATION. That's right... A "readers choice", if you will. Tell me what inspires you! Has there been a topic you've been hoping I'd make into a prompt? Have you done something inspiring recently that you want to share? Or is there something you are inspired to do that you haven't had the opportunity to do so? This week is all about YOUR INSPIRATION. Be creative. Go wild! Show us what you can do! ;D

This is a great prompt because there are so many things that bring me inspiration.

It was hard narrowing it down.

But, here are a few that always inspire {in no particular order}.

1. The outdoors, especially flowers.

I love me some roses, sunflowers, and anything pink or yellow!

2. Coffee shops/ Book Stores.

When-ever I just need to get away or unwind, I head to a fave coffee shop.

From everythingfab.com via Simply Created by Cole on Pinterest

3. Blogs

This has been the most amazing past year. I have met some awesome bloggers that I can call friends and God has opened some awesome opportunities to serve in this way. I am thankful for the kindred friendships HE has provided through this. I am excited and humbled to see what He brings next in this Journey of Creations, Life, and the Hope of God.

From etsy.com via Simply Created by Cole on Pinterest

4. The Bible

I can only hope that someday, by the Grace of God, I will leave a legacy that is clearly shown in the worn pages of this Bible. To God be the Glory!

From notdepthnorheight.tumblr.com via Simply Created by Cole on Pinterest

5. Time spent with friends and family

This is my main love language. Time spent together with those I love and care about speaks volumes to me and fills me heart. It doesn't have to be fancy, just real.

I'd love to know...

What inspires you and are you ready for the school season to start back up?

Have a Beautiful Day,

Cole

Inspiration Workshop {Week 7}

Hello!

It is time for another Inspiration Workshop with the lovely Maggie of Gussy Sews.

Here is this week's prompt:

THE PROMPT
This week's prompt is SUNSHINE. Can I share something silly with you? One of my favorite summer smells is the smell of SUNSHINE. You know what I'm talking about -- it's in your hair, on your puppy's fur, on your baby's skin. It smells refreshing and warm, and it's a great reminder of the super fun day you just had outside. SUNSHINE always reminds me of family & friend time, too. Chatting, playing, enjoying a meal together outside in the sun. -Gussy

This week's prompt was perfect because I just finished spending 5 days in...

the beautiful Colorado mountains with my family.

It had been at least 14 years since all of us have been able to go together, at the same time.

I love being outside!

And on this trip I couldn't get enough of the sunshine.

Sunshine without the 105+ degree temperatures.

Wa-Hoo!

Here is a peek...

Time spent at a beautiful lake.
{See that tall mountain in the background? We're headed there.}

A drive up Pike's Peak

An hour later...we reached the summit.

A cog rail you could take, but we drove. Much better views in my opinion.

It was a cool 45 degrees at the top.

My brother, sister, and I didn't mind.

View from the summit. 

{Right behind me was a straight drop down. Yikes!}

14,110 feet up.

It was B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.

Sunshine, amazing.

The green and blue, un-real.

You were in the clouds.

A peace was everywhere.

Have you traveled lately?
If so, where?

Have a Beautiful Day,

Cole

Linking up with:

Inspiration Workshop {Week 4}

 Welcome to another Inspiration Workshop hosted by Maggie Whitley of Gussy Sews!

Here is this week's prompt:

 "This week's prompt is SPEND THE DAY PLAYING. Playing isn't just for the wee ones, but is important for us adults, too! If you had a day free, what would you do? Or, if you had the opportunity recently, what did you do? Maybe this is a great excuse to get out and do something fun one day this week :] I encourage you to share photos you've taken, or photos of things you'd like to do {remember to include proper photo credit}. I challenge you to put together a playful photo collage of how you SPENT THE DAY PLAYING! I can't wait to get started on this one...!" ---Gussy

There are so many different ways I love to spend a free day playing...

Here are just a few.

 {Photo credits by Simply Created by Cole}

1. This combines two of my "loves."

Sewing and Coffee Shops.

2. I love to travel and see new places with family and friends.

This was a recent hike.

3. I absolutely love concerts and music in general.

4. On days where I need to unwind or find inspiration.

I pick up a book or in this case, "Summer with Matthew Meade."

Thank You Gussy for hosting the Inspiration Workshop!

What Inspires You?

Have a Beautiful Day,

Cole

Inspiration Workshop {Week 3}

"This week's prompt is GREEN . I know, I know... GREEN is a very broad term, but really it can be interpreted in a lot of ways. For example, the most obvious is the color... Do you have a favorite clothing item or room that is comprised of shades of GREEN? Or a favorite plant or outdoor space? But also, GREEN implies being earth friendly! Do you create or admire upcycle or repurpose items? What do you you do to be friendlier to Mother Earth? The possibilities are endless... When you think of GREEN, what do you think of?"---Gussy

I love the prompt this week because...

my favorite color is...

GREEN!

It finds its way onto the color of my comfy couch,
a favorite pillow,
this here blog... ;0)

But...
When I think of green I think of the outdoors and

the beauty of a sunflower field against the blue, Kansas sky.

Linking up with Gussy today and the Inspiration Workshop.

Have a Lovely Day,

Cole

{Spring Love...}

I love Spring...

the colors,

the cool, crisp mornings,

the way the light plays off the sunsets.

Here is some {Spring Love...}

in some pretty pictures.

Hope you are inspired!

Source

{My favorite mix of colors....pink and green.}

Source

{I love how the ice cream on top looks kind of like a heart.}

Source

{Bright, pink roses are my favorite. And, in the mason jar....perfection.}

Source

{Yum!}

Source

{Love hearing the song of the bird early in the morning.}

Source

{It speaks for itself.}

What do you love about Spring?

Have a Beautiful Day,

Cole

See you tomorrow for {Weekend Thoughts}.

"You had me at..."

Nope, this isn't a throw back to Jerry McGuire...

Although, that line is quite iconic...

When I hear that line what comes to mind is the endless Sterling Roses...

'cuz I am a flower girl...
 

I plant them, I put them in vases, I even wear cute flower pins...*Sigh*

The idea of this phrase all came about this morning...

while catching up on some favorite Blog Peeps...

Gussy  (you've got to check out her AH-MAZING blog and handmade shop)posted an awesome video, In The Name of Love...

then she asked what our favorite verses are... 

Well...God had me at...

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. 

and...

Proverbs 3:5-6 (you can find this posted in the footer of my blog...keep scrolling down)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Enjoy this great video...(I just love the inspiration that comes from great blogs)

Thanks Gussy!

In The Name of Love from Bianca Juarez on Vimeo.

What flower inspires you...

Watching HGTV Design Star this weekend they posed this question to their two teams...
What flower inspires or speaks to you?

Each team member went into the flower shop, picked the flower that inspires them the most...
from there they "took off" on their design challenge...
if you want to know how it went, I'll let you check it out...;)

Anywhoo...I loved that question, "What flower inspires you?"...
So, I decided to answer that for you...so you can get to know me better...
AND...
I'd love to hear what flower inspires you the most...
Here goes...


First of all, I love the timing of this question! Just today, after picking up a few groceries at the local store, I was oh so tempted to pick up some flowers... *sigh*
Sadly...I did not...
But, happy for my checkbook! :)

Secondly, I love flowers so much I honestly can not choose just one!
There are actually three that speak to me, inspire me the most!

HERE...

THEY...

ARE...

 ~White Roses~
Simple...
Elegant...
Timeless...
Classic...
 (these beauties will someday make it into a very *special* bouquet)

~ (Bright) Pink Roses~
Elegant...
Classic...
Fun...
Vibrant..
(never would've thought myself as a pink girl, but Yep, oh...how I swoon over these)

~Sunflowers~
Vivid...
Bright...
Fun...
Simple...
(these speak to the country girl heart...so many memories...so many pictures...
I've got 8X10's of these lovelies in my home)

I'd love to hear...
What flower speaks to, inspires you???

I'd love to read your comments!!

Keep checking in this week for some more...
Fruit for your Soul...

and...

Heart Creations...

Photo credits courtesy of weheartit

Chris Tomlin - Indescribable

Hope your day is going great!

Enjoy some great worship...

Coming Soon...

Coffee Shop Life...

and...

Fruits of the Spirit...

"Only You"

I'm loving Adie Camps' new album, "Just You and Me." So much so, I want to share it with you. It is very worshipful, uplifting, and praising. These past two weeks through crazy, busy teaching, sinus infection, jaw/muscle problems (not being able to open my mouth at all), and just the stress of having to get so much done in so little time the songs on her album are resonating. Here are the lyrics to one of those songs, that have become a worshipful time for me in worshiping my Creator of Heaven and Earth. I wouldn't stop just here at these lyrics, but check out her album.

Inspire

What inspires you?

Meet the talented Lindsey at the Pleated Poppy

Lindsey, over at The Pleated Poppy, has created a fun, colorful, cheerful bag covered in her signature fabric posy pins. And she is giving one away...free!

Lindsey is the creator of many wonderful items ranging from checkbook covers to fabric covered posy headbands for sweet little baby girls. Check out her shop here: or her blog here where you will find pictures of ADORABLE bags :

Trust me...you won't be able to resist!