BeckyCharms & Co.

These Words Ring True Try and Do: Artwork

2013-05-07T12:01:00.001-07:00

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Showing Kindness During Unkind Circumstances.

2013-05-05T19:35:00.001-07:00

Cupcakes :: packaging generously donated by Clearbags.com!

I guess it's time for a recap of the past two weeks of my life. Hold. Let me perform some due diligence and get my own facts straight before I share and expose everything worldwide.

Two weeks ago: I himmed and hawed about joining a bake sale for a great cause; America's hungry children. I prayed about it, discussed it with my family, thought about it for a while, received some encouragement. It made me nervous because I had neither participated in a bake sale before, nor participated in a local event. People would learn my name. My reputation was on the line. Plus, I had to be on time, yikes! {I tend to arrive after the ice-breakers.}

Final Decision: I was ready to sign up and go for the gold...or at least the bronze. I made a menu of what I would bake, giving myself leeway in case it had to be changed. The organizer of our event also let us know that the menu was tentative, so that relieved a bunch of pressure. But, there was only two weeks, and I had to get supplies, packaging, and make labels.

Once I signed up, the bake sale was only two weeks away. I had never met the majority of participants, nor had I ever met the leader. All correspondence was being made via social media.

Shocking Moments: There is much to be said about having face-to-face conversations and interactions with people. My tone fluctuates, and I make faces. Those actions give life to what I'm saying. Let it be known that while online chat is quick and easy, there is something lost in transcription. My words, while I'm still alive, should not be left up to you to decide how they were meant to be interpreted. But that's exactly what happened. Another point to be made is if you don't know me and I don't know you, I do not know what is going on in your life unless you tell me, and vice versa.

When I was trying to cheer up the leader, she was having some life-altering moments with family members. A member of her family was suffering, and a day or two later passed away. Did I know that was happening? No. Did she snap at me for minimizing the situation? Yes. Did I know I was minimizing the situation when I didn't even know what the situation was? No.

This made me question whether or not I should have even offered kind words {what I thought were "well-wishes"} in a situation I knew nothing about. I think some people would say to keep my mouth shut if I didn't have all the facts. I thought so too for a moment. But then I wondered, if a person is publicly posting things on a social media platform, then those little blurps and snippets are automatically subject to replies and remarks. By posting, you are subjecting yourself to any and all types of wanted/unwanted comments. Besides, what would Jesus do? {#WWJD}

Knowing this, I wanted to cheer her up, and by trying to do so, I upset her. A lot. Like, a ton. Which was shocking, and upsetting to me that I had upset her in such a way that she lashed out at me. By way of her public posts, I found out that she was going through a very difficult time in life, and was grieving. I prayed that I would be sympathetic to her situation. I understood part of where she was coming from. Her furry loved one was gone, and she was heartbroken. Ok. I got that. I understood that. I forgave her for that. I've experienced the loss of many pets/furry friends. I was still bothered, but there was no way I was going to send an email back trying to explain my point, my purpose, my thoughts. I replied via public forum with an apology and deleted the post-in-question {the misinterpreted one}, with which I received another email from the leader telling me more things that I did wrong and how wrong I was to be so wrong in such a wrong moment with the wrong words at the wrong time. Umm, Ok.

I said nothing.

I waited until she made the first move, until it was the right time for her to continue leading, and keep our interactions professional. This bake sale was personal, yet on a professional level.

She started posting things online, so I thought it was okay to resume dialogue. Wow, if she thought I was wrong before, I felt I was wrong now.

History: She mentioned that if anyone were interested in leading this sale for next year to let her know. Then a girl I know and her friend said they thought I should lead the sale next year. I thought they were serious, but maybe they were being sarcastic.

I posted asking whether or not anyone had signed up to lead next year's sale.

She replied with a laundry list of.. you guessed it, things I did wrong. But let me be a bit more specific.

She began her email with a subject line: "Look". Hostile much? Wow. I was seriously considering bailing out of this sale, and not dealing with individuals that lead in such a manner.. or rather, without manners. This sale was optional for me. No one was forcing me to participate. It was my first year. These reactions were unsolicited and undeserving, yet all I kept receiving were negative comments.

At a time when encouragement should have been given, all I was receiving was reasons for why I shouldn't continue, why I shouldn't even try.

She said that it was hurtful for me to even ask about who was leading next year's sale before this sale had even happened. She took that question personal, and I was simply asking a fact, with no hidden meaning behind it. She also included that she wasn't the only one who felt this way. Ok. I was almost laughing here, because I couldn't believe she wrote that.

At this point my mom, friends, and especially my husband were telling me to get out. Don't do the sale. "You don't need that". I prayed some more. I was searching, but not for an answer. I had made my decision. I was praying for strength, and the ability to brush that ___ off. I was reminding myself why I wanted to participate. It was for a great cause, Share Our Strength | No Kid Hungry. How appropriate. Share Our Strength was helping me gain strength to persevere and persist in my fight for their fight [against hunger].

I had to fight to stay in.

I seriously wanted to end this unnecessary drama that was happening. I was reminded of why it's difficult to keep ladies as friends. I hadn't experienced this kind of stuff since High School. Yeah, I said it. High School. {sigh}

Welcome back to girls crying in the bathroom over this guy and that class, whining about why he doesn't like you or how come your mom won't let you go to the dance.

It was awkward, but I kept it professional by keeping my thoughts and words to myself. {That like NEVER happens}

She was telling me how much work and effort she puts into this event, and so forth, and was mad at me for publicly criticizing her and her ideas. What? I mean, whaaaaaat? I was asking who was leading next year's bake sale because I had some ideas that I wanted to share and collaborate with next year's organizer. I was stepping out to help out, and was getting shot down and dismissed. I was informed that I had no need to worry, that next year's sale was in good hands. Then I was asked for my ideas, but hesitated because I knew that at just 2 or 3 days until the actual sale, it was too late to consider and implement my ideas, if they were even to be favored. I was right. I was met with opposition.

I have been shaking my head for two weeks.. out of confusion. At home, this is where I would normally open my mouth and not shut it until my head hit the pillow and my mind shut off my speech. Not even the sun going down would stop me from making my point. I had heard her point, but wasn't even going to explain my point. That part didn't matter that much. I knew that no matter what I said, or wrote, or how I said it, or how many times I said it, she would not understand. She would not accept my point of view.

Yesterday: I showed up to that bake sale, as promised, with my baked goods packaged and labeled appropriately {per leader's standards}. I was up until 5am that morning boxing up the cupcakes and wrapping them with baker's twine and paper labels, and arrived on-site at 9am. I set up my section, and stayed for the entire sale. I brought my daughter's chalkboard easel that I promised I would bring. I advertised the sale across Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and my own personal webpage {this one} to get the word out. I promoted, sold, charmed, and cheered on as many people as I could. It's one of my proudest moments and accomplishments in my recent years.. possibly ever.

After all, this is the year of faith and fruition. Thank you, God.

I didn't just participate in a bake sale. It was so much more. I learned how to overcome criticism {with prayer, prayer, and more prayer!!!}, persist, and persevere! I was going to do my best, and that was going to be good enough. I wasn't seeking for social acceptance. I was not looking to be welcomed into the clique. I was looking to bake and sell for the hungry children in America, and have the best time I could with the nice people I would meet. Thank you to the leader for organizing the event, my fellow blogger bakers for participating, and the super nice folks that I had a chance to meet and learn a little bit about. I had a nice time with you.

What I never told her was that while she was writing me, giving me a hard time about sending her "well-wishes", I was waiting for my dad to get out of surgery from having cancer removed from his body. Your dog was sick, and my dad has cancer. I just never used it as an excuse.

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Bake Sale Preparation and Procrastination

2013-05-03T01:22:00.002-07:00

The bad news: I don't have labels for my baked goods..yet! I tried to avoid this last-minute prep, but alas, I failed. Ehh, oh well. It'll happen. I'll get it done. I think. If I don't, I'll get chewed up, but at least my cupcakes won't get spit out!

The great news: Other than that being the name of the location of our bake sale {Great News!}, I managed to get some packaging donated, which saves an additional cost. We are a one-income family, {of course, everything that I contribute is PRICELESS}.. however, why not give a business/individual the opportunity to contribute in a very important way, especially if they can't actually be there. I mean, isn't that the point of things like Kickstarter and Project Travel? Solicit funds.. in this case, it was cupcake bags and boxes, and I am so impressed.

I joined this bake sale late, and so I didn't have a ton of time to be resourceful. My ideas and gumption are fresh, but last-minute. I wrote to Clearbags.com asking for a discount code, if it were at all possible. They created one just for our group! Awesome! Then, when I went online to make my purchase, the shipping was going to be as much as the product. {super sad face}. I waited. I hesitated. Then I decided to be proactive, since I was going to need packaging. They told me to call Customer Service. When I called customer service they transferred me to someone who could actually help. But I didn't hear back. I corresponded back via Facebook. Then I got an email address, so I sent an email explaining the situation and what was going on; bake sale for No Kid Hungry, all proceeds go to the campaign, it's for charity..

They replied, I replied, they replied, and I got product! I am more than stoked at their generosity and willingness to participate and help out! Not only has Clearbags.com made my day, they've allowed me to save some money, which will help me apply it to more ingredients to bake more and sell, sell, sell! Plus, the presentation is going to be out of this world!

Clearbags.com, many blessings to you! Thanks for the miraculous donation. {-smile-} Just for that, I'm putting a link to your business on my blog!.. and in this email!

Clearbags.com

Wait, did I say "Thank You"?!

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Torani Signature Tasting Tour at CafeMoto

2013-04-26T13:45:00.002-07:00

Thank you for the tasting tour, +Cafe Moto . It was informative, inspiring, encouraging, and most of all, delicious! And one more special thanks to Torani for the samples!

It was another wonderful afternoon in San Diego with TinyBaker, BoxMixBubbe, and me, BeckyCharms! {*wink*}

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Torani New Product Signature Sample

2013-04-26T12:54:00.006-07:00

Torani.

Fragile YUM

Just for me.. but I'll share..a review!

LUCKY NO. 13

I'm so Happé for my Frappé! {eh, eh, get it, get it?}

Oh goody! My new Friends at Torani...

Check out Torani website for more quenching information and possibly even a sample. Thanks for mine, Torani! {-hearts-}

Torani Signature Syrups and New Products

I plan on having a party to share my sample.. It's good enough to drink all by myself, but once you open the container you have to drink it up within 7 days, and store in the fridge. I'd rather party!! It'll be gone and then we'll all hop in the car and go get some more.. from +Cafe Moto !! {or wherever they sell it in your town}

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Wait a Minute Mister Camera Man!!

2013-04-24T15:19:00.002-07:00

If you're always on this side of the camera, you'll never make it on TV. Such was our luck that day, that early evening at Butterfly Park. {National City | San Diego, CA}

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Butterfly Park in National City {San Diego} April 2013

2013-04-24T15:02:00.004-07:00

...and others!

...and I happened upon Joanna, from Cairns Manor!! {-smile-}{she's on the right}

Butterfly Park in National City {San Diego, CA}

Community Gathering Space Project Build

April 2013

For more local events and cool happenings, check out San Diego Events by BeckyCharms on Pinterest.

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Happy Earth Day Dig Down and Get Dirty 2013

2013-04-22T06:23:00.004-07:00

We celebrated Earth Day {Weekend} by playing in the Earth and digging in the dirt. Tiny Baker receives so much joy from the simplest pleasures in this world. They fulfill her life. I mean, have you seen that smile?

Apparently, she made a mud cake, and wanted me to eat it. She cut me a slice with her hands, and then fed it to me. Alright, "fed"it to me. {-smile-} It was so tasty.. and earthy!

Happy Earth Day to everyone.. even if we're a little late in saying.

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

San Diego Food Blogger Bake Sale Saturday May 4, 2013

2013-04-21T00:24:00.004-07:00

San Diego Food Blogger Bake Sale Saturday May 4, 2013..

...and I'M PARTICIPATING for the first time!!.. We shopped and ate last year, but this year is totally different! I'm so excited!!

Everything benefits the No Kid Hungry Campaign! {ending childhood hunger in America by 2015}

Come out and see what sweetness you can find.. and taste!

San Diego Food Blogger Bake Sale Event on Facebook

Can't make it to the sale: Donate NOW

SDFB Bake Sale
Saturday, May 4, 2013
10am-2pm
at Great News!
1788 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109

directions to Great News! in San Diego

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Little Birdie Video Newest by Tigirlily

2013-04-17T22:31:00.003-07:00

I love the animation with the birdie and the fishy..great work on the song and the video Tigirlily, Chris Harvey, and ÍmagÍne recordings.

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Stay UP to Date and FollowUP with BeckyCharms on Bloglovin'

2013-04-17T22:05:00.003-07:00

Hey foodies, art fans, Snail Trail followers, Etsy fanatics, and lovers of all things local, international, cultural, artful, quality, handmade, travel, StumbledUpon, and FOOD.. Follow UP with me over on Bloglovin'. Never miss another post.. I welcome your comments anytime.

BeckyCharms on Bloglovin .. it's better than McLovin'!

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Happy Birthday Mister I Believe You're Turning Forty

2013-04-16T00:26:00.002-07:00

I want to throw/host the best birthday party my husband has ever had! Mr. Google turns the big 4-0 this year {August}.. 4 decades of life experience, and I'm looking into an amazing venue in San Diego on the strictest humble teacher's salary ever! He works for Cajon Valley, he's a Special Ed. teacher and works with at-risk kids.. he's a pioneer in his district for introducing and implementing technology in the classroom, he was the first in his district to discover the CUE conference, he looks up to Sir Ken Robinson, and is passionate about his career and calling. He has overcome the most obstacles in life, yet continues to pursue his dreams. I've never thrown him a party. This must be the year. Who will help me, San Diego? How much to rent San Diego Public Market or something similar? Maybe a coffee shop, or something.. if you have any info/leads, please pass them along to me! #gratitude #appreciation #partytime I really want to "WOW" him.. he's not easily "WOW"ed.

Please message me/comment with any ideas, suggestions, helpful information!

I will happily accept donations, rental space free of charge, party decorations, etc. You get the idea.

Let's plan this party.. together! I have tons of ideas, but they all depend on the party space.. Am I right, or am I right?

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

In West Philadelphia Born and Raised I Lived Never but I Sing the Song

2013-04-14T22:49:00.002-07:00

{To the tune of Fresh Prince of Bel Air TV theme song..}
[original lyrics by BeckyCharms]

In West Philadelphia, Mourned and Hazed
On the blacktop is where I soaked in most of my rays
Pilling out, Jack'd in, Relaxing with drool
Shooting up while the cool kids played outside the school

When a couple of flies they were buzzing my dude
Made him get so mad and a' super rude

I looked in one little eye and my dog's teeth bared
He growled and immediately I thought I better bounce, I'm scared.

.....

Thanks for the fresh beats and lyrical magic from which to be inspired. You' so fresh, Fresh Prince of Bel Air{Will Smith}.

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Monsanto GMO FLOTUS POTUS is Feeding us Lies

2013-04-14T22:17:00.003-07:00

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{-sad face-} Monsanto {GMO's} makes Jesus cry.. Wahhhhhhhhhh

Eat local. Eat fresh. Do research.

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Faith & Fruition,

BeckyCharms

Vegas BABY With My Little Buddy My Lucky Winner

2013-04-14T21:40:00.002-07:00

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You're so money and you don't even know it!

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Faith & Fruition,

BeckyCharms

Miss Haul Away, Yes, Mr. Gray Won't You Be My Love With Some As You Wish FarmBoy

2013-04-14T21:22:00.003-07:00

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She looks a bit like Maggie Gyllenhaal, doesn't she? Do you watch movies? I do. Did you see this one? Secretary. Yes, Mr. Gray(sic).

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Faith & Fruition,

BeckyCharms

After Four or Five or Six or 10 years You're Finally Graduating

2013-04-14T17:04:00.002-07:00

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You've spent YEARS studying, cramming, eating poorly, gaining pounds, drinking cheap booze, and copying notes, all so it would lead you up to this one benchmark moment: GRADUATION. You've worked so hard so that for the rest of your life you can, work hard. Huh?! Yep, that's right.

Happy Graduation!

Leave happy thoughts below {comments}.

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Faith & Fruition,

BeckyCharms

Have a Taste of My Delicious.. BBQ Party Invitation and More

2013-04-14T16:03:00.003-07:00

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I created this under "BBQ / Pool Party Invitations"! Appropriate, don't you think? {*wink*}

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Faith & Fruition,

BeckyCharms

Happy Sarcastic Anniversary, Here's to a Lifetime of Forever Together, For-ev-er!

2013-04-10T16:39:00.006-07:00

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Faith & Fruition,

BeckyCharms

San Diego Food Bloggers Bake Sale 2013 is Coming!!

2013-04-10T16:30:00.003-07:00

Last year was such a success, raising over $3,000 dollars, $2,500 being from the day of the sale! Wow! This year's goal has been set to $3500, with all proceeds benefiting Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign. Let's help surpass the goal!!

If you would like to participate, email: marie {at} meanderingeats {dot} com

SAVE THE DATE:: MAY 4, 2013 {time unknown - last year's sale began around noon}

Check out the Fundraising Page for San Diego's Food Blogger's Bake Sale.

This was a fun event, knowing that your purchase helps out hungry kids.. together we will end childhood hunger in America {United States} by 2015!! Won't we? Yes! Not to mention have a blast eating yummy goodies!

Look out for my friend, Joanna from Cairns Manor!

Go Like Cairns Manor on Facebook! Tell her BeckyCharms sent you..

Check out some delicious baked goodies from last year's San Diego Food Bloggers Bake Sale 2012!

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Dear wife, Congratulations! | Greeting Card

2013-04-10T14:45:00.002-07:00

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Faith & Fruition,

BeckyCharms

Stout Snout Oink Oink Greeting | Card

2013-04-09T23:19:00.001-07:00

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

CA California Initials for the Typography ART Lover

2013-04-03T23:13:00.002-07:00

"CA" by BeckyCharms on Instacanvas

Born and raised in San Diego, California.. my love runs deep for CA.. maybe CA are your initials, your friend's, your loved one's.. if no other reason than because this framed would look freaking amazing on the walls of your apartment, your downtown loft, in your living quarters, your office, your houseboat, your library, and most definitely will make the most amazing gift for the typography lover in your life!! You won't find this at Urban Outfitters or Z Gallerie.. this is original by BeckyCharms {Becky Gomez}.

You can buy a copy of "CA" in a variety of art mediums, from canvas to iphone cover.

Check this out and many other photographic art at my Instacanvas Gallery, BeckyCharms.

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Dummberry in Disguise as Hippity Hoppity Easter Eggs 2013

2013-03-31T23:16:00.004-07:00

Look who was hiding in the yard this morning! We woke up excited to look for Easter Eggs in the yard and received a double bonus. Dummberry sure has a way to cheer up any day, especially this Spring Easter day. Thank you, dummberry. .. .. . . . He did give away his hiding places by leaving a snail trail behind.

{made with +Sharpie #sharpies markers}

We wish you all a special bright and cheery Easter day!

Don't forget to follow dummberry on the snail trail:

Twitter searchable hashtags {that's when you put the "#" and then a word/phrase} {-smile-}

#dummberry
#dummberrythesnail
#dummberryindisguise

To read more about dummberry the snail, please visit his About.Me page http://about.me/dummberry.

Did you like dummberry's newest disguises? Leave a comment. {-smile-}

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Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms

Easter Sunday 2013 and Jesus Is Risen Indeed!

2013-03-31T22:24:00.002-07:00

The point of Easter: Jesus rises from the dead after dying on the cross, battling Satan in Hell, winning {because he ALWAYS triumphs.. ALWAYS}, and we are forgiven.

Here are some catchy song lyrics to the tune of "Michael Finnegan" that I just made up.. really, just now. {-smile-} I hope you enjoy!

"Satan Sin-Again" by Becky Gomez 3-31-2013
{To the tune of "Michael Finnegan/Finnigan" example of video here

-->

There was an old man named “Satan Sin-again”

He said go and kick his shin-again

He fell from Heaven into the pit again

Boo Hoo Satan Sin-again

I win again..

Satan’s verse, worse than the curse..

{to repeat over and over and over again until you just can't stand it!}

Happy Easter, everyone!

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Leave an encouraging word or two.

Faith & Fruition,
BeckyCharms