inspiration

Perhaps it's because I have three pretty awesome kids that I haven't managed to totally screw up yet. Or perhaps it's because I often look frazzled and harried and desperate for positive reinforcement. Whatever the reason, my kind-hearted friends and family members frequently compliment my various mom-related activities and abilities. And, God love 'em, some even toss around the loaded term "SuperMom." And my response, always, is to promptly laugh in their faces before spewing out a mile-long list of my weaknesses and failures as a mother, teacher, homemaker, and wife.  Read more >

I saw an article today that was all about "vision boards" and how they can be used to motivate and inspire you - keeping you focused on your goals and dreams.  OK, so I admit that I only got about two lines into the article before it lost me because it involved being crafty...and seeing how I'm more at home with power tools than I am arts & crafts, I figured the only way I'm getting a vision board is if someone else envisions and makes it for me.  HAH!  Read more >

[Editor's note: Swelldesigner's tips. They're awesome. My favorite is #10. No, wait, #5. My favorite for photography is definitely #1, which I am constantly reminding myself to do. -- Julie] I would consider myself a creative person, but I wholeheartedly will admit that sometimes it is hard to keep your energy up. Seems like there's work, family, and other stresses that can sometimes break our creative spirit. Here's a few tips fog getting your mojo back and letting that creative juice flow!  Read more >

I think it’s also true that being a mother really doesn’t change you all that much. Somewhere underneath all that meal-making and scraped-knee kissing we do, we are still the same 14-, 23- or 37-year-old we’ve always been, trying to find our way and our place in life, to become who we really are, the concentrated orange-juice version of ourselves: rich, potent, bright, and more satisfying.  Read more >