Nobody or Somebody

I have been in the process of organizing our office the past couple of days (a huge undertaking, let me tell you). Today, I stumbled upon a slightly tattered paper containing a poem that means a lot to me.

This poem was written by an elderly lady named Loudean Lamb. I met Loudean when some of my friends and I went to an elderly home to visit with the people who lived there. We had a nice evening of meeting new people, and listening to stories. Loudean was very welcoming, she invited us into her room and shared several verses of poetry she had written herself.

I was especially touched by the poem below, and told her so. Loudean then presented me with my very own copy. It is a poem I have shared with many other people along the way. Its message is especially powerful coming from a sweet old lady, whose hands were so crippled with arthritis that she couldn’t even unclench them.

Nobody or Somebody

Sometimes I feel like a nobody.
Do you sometimes feel that way too?
Like no one would know if I wasn’t here.
Does that ever happen to you?
When you walk in a room no one sees you,
You speak and no one seems to hear.
Did you ever feel like this happened,
More than one or two times this past year?
Well, the very next time that it happens,
Go somewhere and look in a mirror,
Then talk to yourself and say,
“Listen! You’re somebody! Do you hear!?”

Who would sit in your chair at the table?
Who would sleep in your bed every night?
Who would comfort a friend, who was troubled,
Telling them, things would soon be alright?
So you see you really are needed.
There is nobody exactly like you.
You are the only somebody,
That can do the things that you do.
So when you feel like a nobody,
Go and look at yourself in a mirror.
And say to the image you see there,
“You’re really somebody, my dear.”
- Loudean Lamb

Emily

Meet my dear friend, Emily. Emily and I have been friends since our sophomore year of college. We were neighbors in the same apartment complex, and became such good friends that we decided to be roommates the next year. We have been the best of friends ever since. In fact, even after we were both married, we lived in the same apartment complex and enjoyed getting together with our husbands to play games, eat dinner, or just spend time together.

Emily is one of my greatest examples of faith. She graciously agreed to let me write an post about her to share with you. Emily and her husband, Richard, received the devastating news that they would likely never be able to have children of their own. I think you would probably have to experience a similar situation yourself to fully understand what a trial infertility can be. It is hard to wait for something you want so much. It is hard to watch those around you obtain what you want so desperately. But, you would never know the heartbreak Emily and her husband carry around from their actions. They are some of the kindest people on earth.

The best way to illustrate my admiration for Emily is through sharing a story.

Emily and I attended the baby shower of a common friend together. We ate some yummy food, and played a few games before the time arrived to open presents. Our friend sat in the center of a semi circle and began to open her gifts. She received many thoughtful items. After each gift was opened, it was passed around for everyone to admire. Little dresses, shoes, toys, and bottles made their way around the circle. The time came for our friend to open Emily’s gift. Inside the wrapping paper was the most beautiful baby blanket. Made by Emily in a sweet shade of pink. I don’t know how long it took her to crochet that blanket, but I’m certain that she spent more time on her present than I had on mine. I think it would be hard to stitch that blanket, row by row, while wondering when your time will come. Which is why, to me, that blanket stands in my memory as a symbol of selflessness. It takes the most courage to celebrate with someone when you would like to be in their situation.

I feel sad that Emily and Richard have to face such a trial. But I know that someday (hopefully soon) they will make the most wonderful adoptive parents.

To quote Emily herself:

“I can't start my family now or ever the way I wanted and planned to, but because of the times we live in now (as compared to when medical advances weren't as good or adoption wasn't something people did), we can have a family. And I have a wonderful family now with my husband.

So, I am and will try to be the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles. Because nothing is just coincidence. God is over all.”

My Dad

I know that many girls consider their dad to be their hero. I know mine is. But my respect and love for him deepens each day as I watch him battle against Parkinson’s disease. It is difficult to describe the anguish of watching an illness slowly strip away at a person’s health. It is especially difficult to watch this happen to someone you dearly love. I’m sure it is a hundred times worse for the person afflicted with the disease themselves. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease when he was only forty-five years old, when I was just a freshman in college. But my dad does not focus on his problems, because he chooses instead to help those around him. I have never met a more generous person.



The first summer after Spencer and I were married, Dad came out to visit us. We were house sitting for my cousin that summer, and were excited to host a guest in a little place of our own. Saturday was the day reserved for housework and yard work. Spencer and I were so busy during the week that we had to put off the more intensive chores until our day off. Saturday morning we woke up to realize that we didn’t know where Dad was.We found him outside, mowing our lawn. The lines in the grass were a little crooked, because his balance was not as good as it once was. But I have never seen a more beautifully manicured lawn.



He saw something simple he could do to help us, and he did it. That’s the kind of person he is. That’s the kind of person I want to be.

Potpourri Pie

My sister and I made a couple of Potpourri pies while watching a movie one night. I just got the salt dough recipe for the crust online. I'm pretty sure it's 1 cup salt mixed with 1 cup flour and enough water to make it the right consistency. We may have doubled or tripled the recipe. The "pie tin" is just the water catcher part of a terracotta pot. We lined the "pie tin" with salt dough and baked it in the oven until dry. We filled them with potpourri and did a cute lattice top with the remaining dough and let that air dry. I want to embellish it a little more with some cinnamon sticks and little flowers, but here's what I have so far. I'm pretty sure my mom did this same project in the 80's, so it made me feel kind of old. But, I think they turned out really cute.

Cookbook

This is the cookbook we made for my parents for Christmas. I had to put it on here because: A. I think the title is funny (we borrowed it from a family cooking blog) and B. I think the cover is cute.

Love Birds

I made this cute pair to give to my friends daughter for Christmas. I didn't use a pattern or anything, just some felt and a little bit of patterned fabric stitched together with fat messy stitches. Doesn't the expression on their faces and the placement of their little wings make you feel like they're on an awkward first date! Hee hee.

Guest Book

Admittedly, these photos are QUITE old, but I wanted to post them anyways. I made this guest book for my cousin several months ago, but just recently got the photos. I really liked the colors I got to work with!

About Me Books

I made these little hardbound books for my nieces for Christmas. I got these cute books at a local bookstore. They are just, plain, unmarked, hardbound books. I decorated them with scrapbook paper, and then covered them with contact paper to protect them. I typed up a bunch of "about me" phrases on envelope labels. I stuck one on each page for my nieces to write about/ draw a picture.


Here's a couple detail shots. I bet you remember those hedgehogs huh?

Golden Book Journal

I am so excited about this project! I have a whole stack of vintage children's books that I've collected from DI and garage sales. I turned this one into a cute little journal. I just took the book apart (they're only stapled together), and mixed the pages inside with my own paper. I actually kept most of the existing pages. This one's pretty simple, but you can embellish as much or as little as you like. I had it spiral bound at a local copy center. I think this could be a really cute gift idea. Especially for baby showers and such.

As Promised

These are the flowers I made for my nieces to wear in their hair. I'm so excited to give these to them for Christmas.

These ones are my favorite! I think they turned out so cute! I just kind of sculpted these out of fabric squares using an iron and hot glue.

Yet Another Rose Neclace

I purchased the chain from Target, and embellished it with pearls. I also attached some cute little charms beneath the flower: a bird, a leaf, and a key. I sculpted the flower and just glued it to the chain.

Isn't Autumn Just Lovely?

Flower Hairpin

This flower hairpin was super easy to make. I just downloaded a six petaled flower template off the Internet. Then, I cut it out five times. I folded four of those flowers in fourths. I laid the four folded pieces on top of the unfolded one. I stuck the whole thing together with hot glue and used a covered button for the center. That's it! I'm going to make several more for my cute nieces, so I will post them here when they're finished.

New Wall Art

I had this 12x12 frame just itching to be filled with something lovely. This collage is some of my favorite things! My cute husband, Eiffel Tower, key... I love keys, especially old ones. Now if I can just find a place in my itsy bitsy apartment to display it.

What to do with 1,500 clear buttons:

Make a cute bracelet! Why did I purchase so many buttons you may ask? Well, they were only a dollar a pack, and you can never have too many clear buttons if you ask me. I just backed them with my favorite Sassafras paper and laced them with elastic. I wish I could photograph it cuter. I admit my bony writs looks a little creepy, but there wasn't any way to lay it flat. Hopefully, you get the general idea.

Neighbors Step In

I saw this story on the news, and it made me quite sad. I felt bad for George who seemed so lonely and forlorn. I was pleased that KSL did a follow up story on George just one week later (here). His neighbors saw a need, and quickly stepped in to fill it. Many people see a problem, and pause to think, "that's too bad," before going on with life. Others see a problem, and pause to think, "what can I do," and then they do it.

Here Comes...

I FINALLY got some pictures developed from my wedding and have been so excited to scrapbook some of them! It's quite refreshing to scrapbook for myself every once in a while.

Pretties

Some of my latest creations. Lately I have been making tons of rose necklaces in dozens of pretty colors. They will be coming soon to a boutique near you!

See the Good: Pass it on

On my way to work I pass a couple of billboards that always make my day. This is one of them:

Sometimes, I will be driving to work wound up in my own schedule, or maybe even a little weary from the day-to-day of life when I will look up and see one of these billboards. They instantly remind me how many opportunities we have each day to make a contribution to the lives of those around us. I love that The Foundation for a Better Life sends messages of hope and optimism out into a world that so often focuses on the negative. There is good in this world, and lots of it. We just have to look to find it. You should check out their website here to see more of their awesome billboards. Be sure to check out the "good news" link. It's filled with inspirational stories from around the world that are happening every day.

Talk About Courage

Whenever I feel overwhelmed by life's struggles, it helps to remember this courageous lady: Stephanie Nielson. This sweet woman was in a near fatal plane crash, the aftermath of which she struggles with daily. Yet, every time I read her blog (here) I am touched by her relish for life, her bravery, her optimism, her perspective, and her insights. It is beautiful to see people who share hope in the face of adversity.

What does your closet say about you?

I have a very particular way of organizing my closet. First of all, all of my hangers have to be white; I really dislike mismatching hangers. I think this means that I enjoy predictability in life. I don't particularly enjoy change, I'm always most comfortable in familiar circumstances. Second, I organize my shirts in rainbow color order, which I think means that I may be a little obsessive about organization. Third, all but four of my shirts are solid colors. Perhaps this means that I am just a solid person. I know who I am and what I want from life. Or maybe this means that I'm just kind of a boring person who doesn't prefer to stand out in a crowd. But, then again, there are some pretty bright and vibrant colors in there. Maybe these represent my happy-seeking personality. On the other hand, you may have noticed that about 30% of my wardrobe is black. Maybe this is an allusion to about 30% of my personality. Perhaps I have a darker, undiscovered, more melancholy side. Or maybe I am sitting at home on a random Thursday evening, waiting for Spencer to get home so we can play, and analyzing my closet because I'm avoiding actually folding and putting away the dang laundry.

A Happy Story

I love this video. How inspiring to see someone who has a gift for finding happiness in life. The best part about the story is that right after this feature aired, a viewer called KSL to ask them how to reach David Matson. This man, a dentist by profession, had been touched by David's story, and desired to offer him free dental work as a personal gift. How wonderful that there are good people in this world that will offer aid to a fellow human being in need.

McCupcakes!

I bet you thought these were hamburgers didn't you? Didn't you? Just admit it. I had you fooled. Hee hee.

Special Occasions

There once was a lady who saved everything for a special occasion. Any gift she received or item she purchased was carefully tucked away in the back of her closet. She had a beautiful china cabinet full of pretty dishes, which never left their shelf. She didn't want them to get broken or worn from day-to-day use, and no ordinary dinner at home seemed fancy or special enough to merit their presence at the dining table. She had a vanity table lined with lotions and perfumes in pretty bottles. None of these were open. This lady didn't want to waste her expensive fragrances, so she saved them for a nice event. her closet was lined with blouses and dresses all still bearing price tags. She didn't ever dress up because she didn't see the value in looking her best if she wasn't going anywhere she considered to be of memorable importance.
Well, eventually the lady grew old and passed away. As her children were cleaning out her house, they marveled at how many of their mothers possessions had never even been used. She spent her whole life waiting for that, "special occasion."
I have always loved to save things. I loved picking out a new outfit and saving it for the first day of school, saving half of a candy bar to enjoy at a later time, or saving a good book for a long car ride. But, if you go through life waiting and saving for special occasions, you might forget to relish the present time. Looking back on my own life, I have found that some of the most special occasions I ever enjoyed were in the everyday moments. Eating dinner with my family, running errands with my mom, enjoying a walk outside, or any number of ordinary activities have been sealed into my memory as treasured times. How wonderful an opportunity to create within each day a special occasion.

Sunshine

You can't keep doing this to me. You disappear for months and then decide to grace me with your presence for a few blessed weeks. Just when I get attached again, just when I think that you might actually be here to stay, you vanish again. Can't you see what this does to me? Can't you see how gloomy I am when you're absent and how much I miss you while you're away. Perhaps you could settle down for a while. Maybe you could actually make a commitment to stop being so fickle. Come back. Even though I'm angry with you for leaving, I don't want you to be gone forever.