What's Your Story?

I had a package waiting for me when I got home today and inside I found this adorable Origami Owl lanyard from my friend, Korin Hardt. First of all, it could've just been a note that said, "I love you face" and I'd be happy but then the lanyard made it even better. On top of all that I'm on a hexagon kick right now, so the boxes were totally a happy bonus!!

As soon as I got my son an afternoon snack, I rushed to my bedroom to find the charms I'd been collecting for my lanyard. Since I wear a Media Badge a lot at TEAinTEXAS Magazine, I knew I wanted it to reflect the journey that had led me  to this place, which qualifies as my dream job (that or book editor).

So I'd been thinking about it and eventually, got these charms, one or two at a time ...

Army Charm: Starting the day I got married, I spent 7 years working with military and military families. I started out as a journalist and photographer with a base newspaper and eventually became the Family Readiness Support Manager for a Military Police Battalion. TO this day I still have treasured friends I met at both of these positions and those 7 years played a pivotal role in making me the person I am today, both personally and professionally.

Blog Charm: It was while I was at the Army newspaper that a co-worker and fellow troublmaker (TC), talked me into starting a blog about my daily life and the adventures of military life. Though that blog is currently inactive, it did serve as the stepping stone for this one ... which is why you are reading this post.

Flower Charm: During the time I was working for the newspaper and for a few years after I left, I was a freelance photographer both in nature and landscape and for family portraits in natural settings such as parks and gardens. It is a reminder to always look for the beauty in life. Even when the blooms are dormant, the rustling leaves across the ground have thier own charms over us, if you just take the time to watch them.

Purple Ribbon: The purple ribbon serves as a reminder by giving of my time, I can help make a difference even if it is one day, in one person's life. The purple ribbon serves as reminders of Adoption, Anti-Gay Bullying, Domestic Violence, and Pancreatic Cancer - all elements that has touched my life. Everyone has a story and by serving others, we may be the weight that tips the scales giving them a better life.

Teacup Charm: That's easy. That one is the reminder of how something I loved in daily life, led to my work at TEAinTEXAS.

Love Charm: A reminder to always love what you do. I am the one who choses to love or hate what I am doing.

Pink Charm: A reminder to always be myself. From an accidental PrettyPinkPrincess login to being named "Viper Princess", the best person I can be is me. Holding true to myself is the best path I can take.

If you don't have an O2 rep, I'd definitely say contact Korin. She'll definitely help you find your happiness!! 

 

When Writing Inspires ...

Last week I gave you a preview to the Fall Quilt Issue of TEAinTEXAS. You may have read the stories and looked through the calendars and advertisements, but did you read the Letter from the Editor?

Well, in short, I concluded that often times I feel inspired to explore myself when I work with advertisers or write stories, and this issue the inspiration was instantious. 

Often times, writers and journalists write about something they may not necessarily expereinced first-hand, but by taking with those who have and subject matter experts they can still write an accurate and informative feature. When it comes to quilt shop hops, I was in that catagory.

Now, I have watched my mother and grandmother quilt for years and even started quilting myself, though it was slow at first. But I still am learning and experiencing things. Remember, this past year I participated in my first Round Robin? 

Well, one of the features for this Quilt Issue was shop hops ... what are they, what do you get out of them, etc. Well, once I finished my research, spoke with quilters and interviewed shop hop coordinators I was hooked. Using it as an incentive to get all my features written and sent to the publisher, I vowed to participate in my first shop hop before the issue hit the newsstands!

Well, here is a sneak peek of the article, but feel free to find the digital magazine here and see how you can be inspired! Come back tomorrow, to hear about my shop hop experience and what I plan to do in the future!

Until our next cup of tea ...