manifesting inspiration

Time to say goodbye, for now.

2011-05-31T09:00:00.011-05:00

Friends, and few followers,

I've come to a fork in the road...although the direction I will take is pretty certain. It's just a matter of time. Within the past year or so I've found myself aiming and failing, dreaming and forgetting, thinking and finding myself dumbfounded in relation to blogging, and writing. It's this constant battle that has caused me to take some time to pause and think. What are my long-term goals, does this blog fit into that? Does this blog need to be about more than a forum of self-interest and self-expression? Should I be writing for an audience, or myself...can can this blog be fitting for both? How often should I be writing? If I can't write as much as I'd like to, is it worth doing at all? Will my readers (or prospective readers) lose interest if I don't meet their expectations? What are their expectations? Am I losing readers/followers/friends/etc. by being inconsistent with this blog? Do I enjoy this? Do I even enjoy writing? Do I continue this blog without knowing all of these questions?

I don't know the answer to all of these questions. But, I do know the answer to the last one. I know that I need to have at least some of these things figured out before I continue blogging. For me to continue, to spend time on, to enjoy writing...I need to know my audience better. I don't have a clear image of what audience this is because I haven't had a clear purpose for this blog, besides creative expression. I think (I repeat, 'I think') the people who stumble upon my blog are either friends (who just happen to like me), or people searching for a blog on a certain topic. If returning, both may continue to search/read/follow my blog, maybe anticipate certain content related to whatever they search for, but both may equally find themselves disappointed. This, simply because you won't find continuity here...not yet.

Until some of these questions have answers, I don't have a lot of motivation to continue writing in this format. I know I will again, someday. But, that may not be for a while.

I look forward to the day when there's a clear purpose behind every word, post, article, thought, comment in my writing. When a reader reads something on my blog and can return, expecting the same quality, consistent content they know to be there. Something better lies ahead.

Thank you for remaining, thank you for listening.

This blog may remain idle for a while, but will be removed in time. If you have any questions, or wish to be contacted if, and when, a new forum is published please comment here or email me @ sayre{dot}sheena{at}.gmail[dot]com.

Happy V-day!!

2011-02-14T16:06:00.001-06:00

I don't even get to see my dear D until late tonight...but, I just
received these! Shari's Berries!

Making my last resolution count

2011-01-24T09:39:00.000-06:00

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. Something I've been wanting to move myself to do since I got married. I've gradually seen myself get less in shape and 2011 is the year to change that. Unlike my other three resolutions that haven't panned out the way I've planned, this resolution is going to stick. I have gradually picked up exercising on a more routine basis, with the help of friends, my husband, and my freer schedule. More emphasis on the first two, less on that last one. I'm only slightly less crazy because graduate classes haven't picked up again for the spring semester.

However, I've found the key to my success (knock-knock): va-ri-e-ty. Variety. Not only am I exercising in the ajoining gym to my work a couple times a week with the hubby, but I'm mixing it up with volleyball, walking, exercise videos (P90X for your information) and even a one-time two hour cross country trek across a frigid lake with blistering winds (not going to do that again anytime soon).

Now, three weeks into January and I'm feeling as great as I did on my wedding day, with bikini season still over four months away. Ha.

Here's to a healthier 2011!

2011 resolutions, throwing in the towel...

2011-01-20T09:20:00.000-06:00

2011 resolutions...maybe not the best idea (or well thought out?). Although I've failed to update you immediately on my first and second resolutions, Make Bed More Often and Floss Teeth More Regularly, they both have flopped on their bellies. Or, at least I have at maintaining them. (My last two resolutions are still a work in progress...more on those later.)

I've realized that I'm a little happier in the morning when I don't feel stressed to make my bed in the morning. And, so far in 2011 I've almost always found running out the door in a hurry, and have forgotten to do it. So, make bed everyday to create peaceful atmosphere that I only see at night anyways, or retain sanity while getting ready for work? I think the later is more important for me, for now. Maybe making the bed on the weekends is a more realistic goal for the hubs and I, you know, since we can actually see our home in the daylight.

That flossing the teeth more regularly resolution? Probably not a good one to give up on, but I just think having a resolution to do it has made the whole thing that more daunting. I love my gums and teeth, and so does my dentist. That's the motivation to keep them healthy. With that, all I've needed to do was find a better time to maintain the routine. In the morning, on the way to work as the hubby drives, or at work. Done.

Floss teeth more regularly

2011-01-17T09:05:00.001-06:00

See this lowly image of my dental floss...and how almost all the lettering is worn off? Well, that's because resolution number 2 is really long over due - you can see how this dental floss has definitely out-lived its expected use date.

See my 2011 resolutions here.

Here's to brighter, cleaner teeth and a happier smile in 2011!

Anyone else forgo their good teeth cleaning techniques somewhere in 2010, and now trying to redeem them in 2011?

Sleeping more = a lesser need for coffee

2011-01-14T11:30:00.002-06:00

Okay, so even though I may need less coffee in the morning...that doesn't really mean I've lessened my intake. My relationship with Caribou coffee is still going strong. My sleeping habits are starting to improve...although not as ambitiously or as fast as I thought they might.

My third 2011 resolution: Sleep More.

Getting myself to bed earlier...harder than I thought it would be. I actually tried setting an alarm for myself at 10:30 p.m. to tell myself to go to bed at that time. How many times has that been successful? Zero. Instead, usually while far away from my phone, I can hear a little tune that ceases to stop playing until I get up and turn the sound off. Not only has it resulted in annoyance of the hubs, but it's become a little teaser that has consistently reminded me that I'm failing.

As of today, the little "Go To Bed" reminder I've listened to night after night...is no longer (Insert me cackling dr. evil like).

Although the alarm clock reminder didn't work for me, I have consistently gone to bed earlier than my old normal too-late-to-function-right bed time. And, I'm still planning on working gradually to obtain grandiose (okay, normal) amounts of sleep, and to make it happen consistently.

Getting to bed earlier in 2011, or not?

Resolution numero uno

2011-01-07T09:00:00.026-06:00

My first resolution for 2011 is to "make my bed ~~daily~~ more often." For more information on my 2011 resolutions, visit Resolution is the buzz word.

So far, so good...I've managed to make my bed almost every day this past week, minus one relapse on Monday. But who is all that motivated on the Monday after the holiday season? Nope, not me.

It went from looking like this every non-visitor day...

My picture quality is a little off due to our limited morning light. (See the sheets pulled all the way to one side? That's me. Oops!)

And the bed currently looks like this...

The coloring in this photo is more true to the actual colors of the IKEA bedspread (can't seem to find it online anymore) and pillows. (The rug is also from IKEA, but the camera didn't pick up enough light to illuminate it.)
My bed's not throuroughly straightened, or perfectly laid out in any way. But getting my pillows and blankets off the floor sure helps me feel better about walking around the room. And it makes me feel more at rest when crawling into my cold sheets.

How are you doing with your 2011 resolutions so far?

Resolution is the buzz word

2011-01-06T10:30:00.001-06:00

I’ve been planning on mentioning my resolutions to you since sometime late December, but have had a hard time getting to it. Almost every blog I read regularly has already had their take on resolutions; whether they are for or against, have one or many, or none at all. Reading all the buzz on everyone’s resolutions has kind of dampened my motivation and efforts toward them.

You see, I try to make resolutions every year. But every year, I end up forgetting what I aimed to be resolute on. With my frequent use of Google Docs, I decided I would type out my 2011 resolutions there to keep track of them. And, by putting them out here in the blogosphere, more accountability (I hope).

So…copy and paste, work your magic…Bam! Here they are:

1. Make Bed ~~Daily~~ More Often
Reward to Self: Peaceful Surrounding

2. Floss Teeth More Regularly

3. Sleep More
Preferably at least 7.5 to 8 hrs each night

4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Reward to Self: Wine/Ice Cream

I thought about tangible things that I could accomplish, instead of big lofty goals that would be too broad to truly reach. I also thought about my lazy tendencies, knowing that I would mess up at times, forgoing my resolutions all together for maybe a week, day or month. But, who says that the first day of 2011 means change needs to happen all at once? I look at it as a starting point; a day of rejuvenated energy and anticipation for what all may be possible in the year to come.

In fact, two days after I enacted my 2011 resolutions, I failed to follow the first one on my list…hence the wording change.

The second has to do more with what I have failed to do lately. I used to be that girl who flossed her teeth religiously every night. However, since I’ve been married, a lot of my good habits have been pushed aside, including the regularity of flossing.

And my lack of flossing regularly really is a result of the third resolution on my list…I don’t get as much sleep as I should. Again, since I’ve been married, I’ve conformed to my husband’s habit of going to bed late and waking up early. Which literally turns me into a walking zombie at night (okay, not really literally) I’m a girl who fully appreciates at least eight hours of beauty sleep. My morning person only reveals itself with this much sleep, seriously. Otherwise, stay clear until I get my morning brew.

My fourth resolution has been a work in progress. I really just want to exercise more routinely. When I’m in classes two nights a week and pressed for deadlines, the first thing that usually gets skipped in my schedule is exercising. It’s left me out of shape and tired, and I’m motivated to create some variety, get interested and push myself. And how will this be sustainable, since I’m so quick to opt out of exercising? My daily intake of vino (and possibly my favorite dessert…) go out the door instead. No vino or ice cream if I don’t stick with exercising.

There you have it; my 2011 resolutions. I’ll try to keep you updated as I work through these obsticles.Here’s to finding accountability and pushing ones goals into print.
Cheers!

Christmas Cheer!

2010-12-23T09:55:00.001-06:00

Have a wonderful Christmas! The hubs and I are going out to celebrate together tonight, with family gatherings up the waa-zoo over the weekend. Blessings to you and your families!

{Source}

Ribbon Wands!

2010-12-21T09:00:00.004-06:00

DIY project for my dear friend over at Colors of Honey, ribbon wands! After seeing these darling wands at Ruffled, Kirby couldn't possibly skip the opportunity of having these at her wedding. So, her sister who flew in for the holidays, came over and we went to town. Here are some of the pictures detailing the process. Directions can be found on Ruffled's site.

Here's Amanda with our super duper wands!

A few red, a few orange, a few gray and a whole lotta ivory/white!

Fun, right?

Phographer Alert - Amber Kvamme

2010-12-16T08:30:00.001-06:00

Hello you all's. When I was about eight years old I met a very dear friend, who I'm happy to say is still a close friend today. We grew up down the street from each other, made tree houses, went sledding, dressed up for school dances together...pretty much everything teenage girls do.

Anywho, I know her entire family...very well, and was so excited to invite them all to my wedding this past summer. Heck, my long-time friend even left work early to pick up my flowers and arrange my centerpieces at the last moment.

AND, her younger sister Amber, a budding photographer to say the least, took the liberty and pleasure of taking some snaps from her point-of-view as a guest at our wedding, without even being asked. Yes, this family is that sweet.

Here are a few of the beautiful shots she gathered that even our paid photographer didn't catch!

Isn't she fabulous? Thank you Amber for your candid participation at our wedding! For all of you in amazement, more of Amber's shots are on her site. You might even catch a few more glimpses from our wedding.

Not going anywhere today...

2010-12-11T12:55:00.001-06:00

Look at this snow. Ha.

Amalgamate: My Love for Trees and the Environment

2010-11-27T09:00:00.001-06:00

For Blog Action Day 2007, I wrote about my love of trees. To read about this year's post on water...go here.

My last ''Amalgamate'' post. A post from...a while ago:

So today is an e-reknown holiday, "Blog Action Day."

And here I sit thinking, 'what can I post today to help others become more environmentally aware?'

If I asked you what you do to help preserve, retain, up-keep, sustain, etc....our environment? What would you say?

I'd guess that a majority would say they recycle. A handful would say they reuse. And another few would find ways to reduce. (If you aren't familiar with the lingo, visit here.)

But how much of this is more here-say than actually doing? I'll be the first to admit that I talk a lot more than I act, especially when it comes to talking pro-environment.

But imagine a world without trees? I find it quite impossible. But someday...who knows what our detriment might look like?

Visit the Alliance for Sustainability to see more ways that you can help leave a smaller footprint.

"What better gift can we give this precarious earth than a generation of children [And adults] who have learned to know and love the natural world?"

-Robert Rockwell

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T08:00:00.002-06:00

My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year? The fact that I get to sleep in with my husband on our first turkey day as a married couple, wake up easy, drink some coffee, read the paper, and have the time to reflect on how blessed we are.

Of course the moment noon strikes we’ll be rushing out the door, hoping from family to family, socializing and eating. We probably won’t sit and relax most of the day.

But, without even realizing it, I’ve gotten my wish for Thanksgiving – to be home for at least part of the holiday with just my family (just D and I).

I’ve been a little irked lately that it’s nearly impossible for us to start any new holiday traditions as a newly married couple since we have ALL our family within driving distance. It’s something many people long for, and something for which we’re equally thankful for. But we spend half the day driving from place to place. Part of me wants to stay home on this blistering blessed day (the weather is pretty much deathly). And, up until this week I thought we would be running around all day. But…dot dot dot…I’ve been pleasantly informed that we actually don’t need to be ANYWHERE in the morning. Which is, bliss.

Anyways, for all of you traveling to see loved ones today, count all your blessings (and your frozen toes if you’re in MN). For those of you without loved ones today, be comforted and thankful. There’s so much to be thankful for. Fresh water, a warm shelter, loving friends and family, and a generous Savior.

"[Jesus] said, 'This is how you should pray: Father, may your name be honored. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us our food day by day.’” Luke 11:2-3 NLT

Amalgamate: It is Fair to Be Crossing

2010-11-24T09:00:00.001-06:00

A post from July 2007,

Over the weekend (in July, 2007) I had the pleasure of stolling about the Walker Art Center's Lawn, Loring Park and over the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge that connects the two.

As a friend and I strolled along, enjoying the moments of our day, we noticed a running poem in bronze across the top of the bridge. The poem begins on each end of the bridge on opposite sides, ending about the middle of the bridge.

A poem by John Ashbery commissioned specifically for this bridge:

And now I cannot remember
How I would have had it.
It is not a conduit (confluence?)
But a place.
The place, of movement and an order.
The place of old order.
But the tail end of the movement is new,
Driving us to say what we are thinking.
It is so much like a beach after all
Where you stand and think of going no further.
And it is good when you get to no further.
It is like a reason that picks you up
And places you where you always wanted
To be.
This far.
It is fair to be crossing, to have crossed.
Then there is no promise in the other.
Here it is.
Steel and air, a mottled presence,
Small panacea and lucky for us.
And then it got very cool.

As my friend and I finished reading the poem aloud with one another, a sigh of refreshness rested upon us. Exactly what we needed to hear, to be, to see.

Beauty Defined

2010-11-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

Wikipedia reads: "Judgments of beauty are sensory, emotional, and intellectual all at once."

Amalgamate: Beautiful Snow

2010-11-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

In September I announced that I would be working on decluttering the blogosphere, and shutting down my former blog, It's Miller Time. With this, I'm reposting some of my former material on manifesting inspiration to save and preserve my thoughts of yore.

Enjoy a post from November 2007, Beautiful Snow:

A beautiful friend shared this beautiful poem with me. Enjoy.

http://www.christian-truth-ministry.com/beautiful_snow.htm

Midwest Home Show: Nov. 19-21, 2010

2010-11-19T09:00:00.008-06:00

Yippee! I'm going to the 20th Annual Midwest Home Show this weekend! Over 200 remodelers, landscapers, designers and home improvement people to ~~steal~~ learn home improvement tricks from.

Come join me and experience the Room&Board's Midwest Home Lounge & Design Center, learn how to green your home with MNGreenStar, or score amazing savings on NKBA's kitchen and bath sale!

Anybody else get giddy about attending home shows?

Read This: Place Your Bids

2010-11-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love online auctions, contests, or give aways? Well, I always do. Kirby at Colors of Honey posted a sweet post on her friend's auction, the proceeds go to help a family start their family. The listing for the action is at 32 Auctions. And Kirby's pieces are this beautiful hair clip and these fun cross-stitch wall hangings!

If you didn't notice, the hair piece is the one Kirby made me for my wedding!

morning routine in the works

2010-11-17T09:00:00.001-06:00

I sit here and smile with a cup of warm coffee. My first daily Star Tribune,

found lying in the driveway this morning.

Iris and Lily

2010-11-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

So this picture was originally tiny, so it might be a bit fuzzy. But this is a photo of my beautiful bouquet my Dustin sent to work for me. Gawww embarrasing. Since my buds are not yet bloomed, this is a marketing photo. I can't wait to see them in full bloom like this!

Deck the Yard with...bounds of Hallow

2010-10-29T09:00:00.002-05:00

Just a breezy day, driving back home from the inlaws' cabin...I spotted this:

Oh yes, that's a house with its ENTIRE lawn flaunted with Halloween decor. I'm guessing they probably rocked $1000 or more on these animated, lit, and blown up figures. It made my evening. In fact, I couldn't resist pulling a U-ey and taking a few more shots.

This is my efforts of trying to get as close as possible while stile trying to be inconspicuous with my phone sticking up in the air out the car window.

Dilemma: choosing your bridesmaid dresses

2010-10-27T09:00:00.006-05:00

Nope, this isn't becoming a bridal blog (at least as far as I can see). But, I do have soo many talented, creative friends -- and my bestest friend happens to be in the industry. So, when she posts something sweet, cool or relevant I tend to enjoy reposting her (and others') material.

A reader asked Kirby for some advice when it comes to picking bridesmaid dresses, whether to stay with a single dress option, give her girls color options, or provide style options. Me -- I chose to pick a single color/dress but with multiple style options for my six bridesmaids to choose from.

My lovely ladies here~

And although I loved loved loved my bm dresses (search Cotton Cady) from JCrew, there are soo many more fun alternatives you could do if this isn't your cup of tea. For some more great ideas visit

Kirby Margaret @ Colors of Honey.

Read This: Fab Freebie: IKEA, IKEA, IKEA!

2010-10-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

Gosh, you may have already gathered that I'm in love with Young House Love (YHL for future reference) and their amazingly cute blog life. Their post today has me yipping with excitement though! I can't stop smiling.

Some days I wonder how super it'd be to stop working so that I can do so many of the things I long to do. But practicality always steps in, I need the money. I need to pay my bills, la-ti-da.

Our wonderful furniture friend -- IKEA started up this amazing thing called "The Life Improvement Project." Purpose something like...simply to improve the world of others. Wonderful, right? Well, IKEA contacted YHL to do a little give-away...a $350 gift card to IKEA, and a little promo on their new program.

Sherry and John write it well, so I'll just share their explanation: "'...The Life Improvement Project' where {IKEA will} award one philanthropic individual $100,000 to take a one year sabbatical to help others (start a non-profit, volunteer for a year, etc). Plus they’re hosting free seminars in their stores about improving your life through your living space."

So spread a little blog love, go visit Sherry and John at YHL for the possibility to win at IKEA, or write up the ways you long to help others over at The Life Improvement Project.

For Drier for Poorer: Wedding Highlight Video

2010-10-18T08:45:00.009-05:00

So opened my reader this morning to discover my MOH beat me to the punch at posting my wedding highlight video on her blog, Colors of Honey, so I figure I better get on the ball also. :)

Out of all the things I paid for on my special day, hiring a videographer was by far one of the best investments I made. They were with Dustin and I ALL day, and captured every single moment. Thank you Capture Studios for all your hard work and fun!

Readers, enjoy!

Dustin + Sheena // For Drier For Poorer from capture studios on Vimeo.

To spot some photos of us getting ready, visit my girl's blog at Colors of Honey. Our amazing photographer was Chloe of Chloe Photography!