Cindy Adkins' Whimsical Musings

Welcome to Valley Meadows

2012-05-29T10:31:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the community of Valley Meadows~In this latest series of books, readers are taken on a journey through the lives of Hailey, Nellie, and Savannah. If you are looking for an entertaining summer read, Hailey's Heart--a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story--will capture your heart.

Nellie's husband is a youth pastor. The newlyweds embark on a new life together only to deepen their faith, hope, and love in the process.

Savannah is a determined young woman who reaches out to touch the lives of those around her in a meaningful way. She is a person who believes that dreams really can come true and affects a positive change in those around her. But, when a young child goes missing, Savannah is pivoted into a drama that she does not expect. These books were written for the young and young at heart as there is no age limit on the ability to love! Available on Amazon~ If you would like to see videos about these books, just go to: http://cindyadkinsyoungadultsbooks.blogspot.com xo Cindy

Awesome News!!!

2012-05-20T02:04:00.002-05:00

I've got some awesome news~Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion is #1 on the Bestseller's List for Mixed Media on Amazon! And, more exciting stuff--I just received a brand-new copy of Somerset Studio Gallery Magazine--Summer 2012--and I am featured in it! Doing the happy dance here! XO Cindy

The Valley Meadows Series--Christian Fiction

2012-05-18T14:33:00.000-05:00

A love story you won't forget! Hailey is a beautiful, high-spirited cheerleader has just entered her senior year of high school in Valley Meadows, Texas. She is the daughter of a pastor. Hailey meets the young, good-looking Josh in class and he immediately steals her heart. This is their story--a modern-day Romeo and Juliet...There is a mother who is gone to soon....A father who wants to keep the young couple apart...A friend who enlists in the military and finds faith...A mission trip to Mexico that brings hope to many. Will life ever be the same? Experience it all first-hand. Take the journey....into Hailey’s heart.

James and Nellie are newlyweds who have it all...moving from California to Texas to begin their new life together until a tornado appears that will change things forever. In the meantime, young love blossoms for Shane and Savannah. A non-profit foundation for children signifies a dream coming true...A home with a porch swing begins a shared hope...A trip to Rome is unforgettable bringing a New Year’s Eve of memories that will last a lifetime...A sailboat ride will change a couple’s life...An essay contest makes someone reveal the truth...while yet another secret emerges...Read their stories. Be part of their memories. There is one more in the series, Savannah's Wish, which was just released! Visit my new blog at http://cindyadkinsyoungadultsbooks.blogspot.com to see the professional videos!!! Ebooks available on Amazon~ Hailey's Heart Nellie's Gift Linking this to: Pink Saturday Spiritual Sunday

Fire and Ice: A Paranormal Romance

2012-05-16T02:50:00.002-05:00

Billy Alfonso is a young shrimper from Louisiana. His girlfriend, Jessie, was swept away in the Gulf of Mexico during a squall four years ago, or so he believes. Her body was never found. No matter what he does, he cannot erase her from his memory. Is she still out there alive somewhere? The beautiful Sarah appears from Texas. She knows more about Jessie than Billy can imagine and claims that the insights about the young woman come through her dreams. Should he believe the long-legged beauty or not? Soon, Billy and Sarah are catapulted into a world of intrigue that has them toggling between bayou country and the French Quarter to find the answers. The entire time, it is as if Fate is directing their steps. This is my newest book on Amazon! XO Cindy Linking this to Myric's Passion Parade!

Angels on the Radio!

2012-04-02T18:01:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone~

I have some exciting news I want to share with you. I just found out that I am going to be a featured guest on Twin Cities News Talks' program Darkness on the Edge of Town with host Dave Schrader. The show will be on this coming Tuesday, April 4, 2012. I will be talking about my book, Angels at My Door.

So, if you are anywhere within earshot, I hope you'll listen to it!

Isn't this the perfect week to be talking about having protection from angels?

Cindy

Angels at My Door eBook Promo

2012-04-01T12:11:00.008-05:00

Hi Everyone~

How have you been? Good, I hope! Wishing you all a Happy Spring~

I have a video promo for the book Angels at My Door and couldn't wait to show it to you~Enjoy! Angels at My Door is on the Amazon Bestseller List in both the U.S. and the U.K.!

Also, I would like to thank Linda of Random Creativity for her beautiful card and to my secret blogging sister--thank you for the absolutely gorgeous surprises that I received for February and March!!!

Also, on my Whimsical Musings Magazine blog, I have a BRAND-NEW tutorial!

Cindy

Linking this to Inspire Me Monday!

Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion Giveaway Winner!!

2012-03-19T01:49:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone~

The winner of my eBook contest is Queenie of Queenie Believe--Congratulations! I will be purchasing the book on Amazon and emailing it to you~Thank you all for joining in the giveaway.

And also, a special thank you to Marcia of In Stillness and Simplicity for the gorgeous fleur de lis tags that you made and to Starr of Starr Timmons for the beautiful card that you sent to me...I appreciate them so much!!

Cindy

My Brand-New Book!!

2012-03-09T14:24:00.007-06:00

Hi Everyone~

Amazon just came out with my new eBook this week--and it is already a bestseller! It is called "Spirituality: Making God Personal--Finding Joy."

It is different than any other book I have ever written as it is about the direct connection that each of us has to Our Creator and how to reach out to Him in prayer and experience the joy that is promised in the Book of Psalms.

Here are some lines from the book:

"Faith is that invisible, intangible feeling that we can all hold onto no matter what is happening at any given moment in our lives."

"He promises us the fullness of joy and because we cannot see how He will make that manifest in us and through our lives, He supplies us with faith to know that He will do what He promised."

"There is no room for error as He promised fullness of joy to each and every person."

"God’s arms are open wide and He welcomes you to all the joy He has in store for you and your life."

"Remember that the Lord has assured you that He would give you fullness of joy and He keeps His promises."

"Do you have your spiritual bags packed ready to travel with Him?"

"Live each day with joyful intention."

If you know anyone who is going through a difficult time, please let them know about it as it can really make a difference. This book is for anyone who is looking to strengthen their connection to the Lord and make Him personal in his or her life. If you know any young people who are grappling with their faith, it can lift them up and let them realize that God is with them every step of the way--they just need to turn to Him no matter what is going on in their lives.

This is for anyone who wants to make God personal and experience the fullness of His JOY.

If you do not have a Kindle, you can read it on your computer. There is a free app. from Amazon for the software. It is listed at the top of my blog on the tab that says, "How to Read eBooks on Your Computer.

If you have Facebook or Twitter, please post this for me by clicking the buttons below--Thanks!

Cindy

P.S. To enter my giveaway that is still on, please go to the next post.

Linking this to Spiritual Sunday.

eBook Giveaway!

2012-03-04T23:14:00.006-06:00

Hi Everyone~ I have decided to host a rare giveaway of my eBook, Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion. If you would like to enter to win, just leave me a comment here. For 2 additional chances to win this Amazon bestseller, just "like" my Facebook page (the button is in the upper right corner of this blog.) And please post this giveaway to your Facebook page. For each additional thing you do, just leave a comment so you get more chances to win.

The winner will be announced on Monday, March 19, 2012. At that point, I will order a copy for the winner through Amazon, so I need to have an email address in order to email the eGift. Entrants must be 13 years or older.

Also, you don't need a Kindle to read this--There is a free app. at the top of my blog that you can put right on your computer to read it.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED--THANKS SO MUCH FOR ENTERING!!

Cindy

P.S. Thank you for all your "get well" wishes. I am hoping to get better soon!

Under the Weather

2012-03-01T07:52:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone~

Well, I was going to have my once-a-month post ready today, but I am very sick with the flu...

So, I will have to postpone it until I am feeling better. Check back next week and it should be up!!

I hope you're all having a happy day.

Cindy

Photo credit: Google

Collage Tutorial

2012-02-25T20:31:00.010-06:00

Hi Everyone~

I am on the Design Teams of Scrap for Help and Shabby Cottage Studio. For the month of March, we are asked to create something made from corrugated board for Scrap for Help...so, I made this collage using materials from Shabby Cottage Studio.

First, I took a piece of corrugated board....

I painted it with gesso...

Then, I added burlap, as well as flowers and a chipboard design from Shabby Cottage Studio.

Next, I punched 2 holes at the top...

I tied black seam binding through it to use as a hanger....The seam binding is from Shabby Cottage Studio. I also added lace.

One pink feather--and all done!!!

If you need any art supplies or graphics, please visit Shabby Cottage Studio.

If you would like to create something from corrugated board in March, the challenge at Scrap for Help will be a month long event that you are invited to link up to in a few days.

I hope to see you on March 1 with a special giveaway!!!

Thank you for understanding my decision to become a "Once-a-Month" blogger, to blog less and embrace life more! I am so glad I got this post made in time as I will be offline Sunday so that I can spend the day with my family.

Cindy

A Promise is a Promise

2012-02-23T00:29:00.006-06:00

I have decided to become a "once-a-month blogger," however, prior to making that decision, 2 friends of mine--Marcia from In Stillness and Simplicity and Jenny from Jenny's Heart decided to have a one-time blog party and I promised that I would participate. The subject is friendship. So I made this digital piece with an angel image from Shabby Cottage Studio.

I included this sentiment--"Friends are like angels in life and through them we touch heaven."

Friday is not only a special day for this party, but also, it is Jenny from Jenny's Heart's birthday--Happy Birthday, Jenny! I hope it is a beautiful day.

I am linking this to: In Stillness and Simplicity and Jenny's Heart

If you would like to join me on my Facebook page, just click the button at the top of my right side bar.

I am no longer online on Sundays.

Cindy

Once-A-Month Blogger

2012-02-17T18:10:00.010-06:00

Thank you to everyone who linked up to my party --It was so fun! I want to congratulate everyone who is a Featured Guest from the link party. If you are featured here, you are invited to scroll down to the bottom of this blog (clear to the bottom) and grab my “Featured Guest” button to post on your blog!

Featured guests include:

Marcia at In Stillness and Simplicity

Barbara at 21 Rosemary Lane

Diane at 1 Card Creator

Debbie at Debbie Dabble

Daniella at Daniella Hayes

Brooke at Spruce Your Nest

Shannon at Rusty and Redone

Roselle at Seaside Rose Creations

Cindy at Crimson Heart Studios

IMPORTANT NEWS:

So many of you know that my spiritual life is very important to me. As I said in my blogging books, blogging should be PART of life, but never a substitute for it. So, what am I going to do? I am seeking “balance.” I am going to become a “Once-a-Month” blogger.

As much as I love having the Link Party, I will have to put it on hold for now.

I will create a regular post on the 1st of each month, so I hope you’ll come by for a visit. My free seminars and tutorials will continue to be posted here and are readily available to anyone who needs them. I am not available for personal blogging questions as my work has to take precedence. I also do graphic design and am available to create blog headers and buttons.

Last night, my book "Angels at My Door" hit Number 3 on Amazon's Bestseller List! I'm so excited!

I am on Facebook and if you would like to connect with me, just click HERE.

Cindy

Woman Thing--The Link Party 2!

2012-02-12T18:51:00.024-06:00

Guest Features

Hi Everyone~ Thank you for visiting my link party!

This week, I received some wonderful surprises in the mail. One was a fabulous gift from Maki at Maki's Little Red House with this beautiful card and the other was a beautiful tag from Michele at Art from the Well.

Then, I received this completely amazing handmade purse made by Pat Winter of Gatherings, and two beautiful tags made from Linda at Random Creativity and Marcia from at In Stillness and Simplicity. Thank you much for thinking of me!!

This week, I am featuring several bloggers who linked up last week and I thought it would give you a chance to see some of their beautiful creations!

Guest Features

They are:

Pink Wreath/Shannon of Cozy Home Scenes

Room Interiors/Angie of Knick of Time Interiors

Clock Creation/Ros of Mikey’s Mom

Red Valentine/Jill of Feathers and Flight

Hand-painted pink spoon and bird/Celeste of Celestina Marie Design

Paris Tag/June of Dezinaworld

Pink Heart/Carol of Scrappydayz

You are each welcome to scroll down to the very bottom of my blog and get a "Featured Guest" special button that I had made!

AND, the winner of the beautiful pink earrings is Starr of The Paper Chase!

Thank you all for visiting! This link will be up until 6 p.m. Friday!!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: I have guests at my home for a week, so I will visit all blogs. I just will not be able to make comments on them--but, I will visit, for sure!!!

ONE MORE THING: If you look down in the link-ups, you'll see a picture of George Clooney! You've gotta see this post, ladies! It's amazing and it's from Diane at Cozy Canadian Cottage--You'll LOVE it!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

XO
Cindy

Linking this to:

Inspire Me Monday

A New Book on Amazon!

2012-02-11T01:44:00.012-06:00

Hi Everyone~
I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend! Our Mardi Gras Parade is today, so it will be fun! I have a brand-new book on Amazon that is called "Spirituality: Are You Hard-Wired for Happiness?" For those of you who know Holly from 2911 Jeremiah Avenue , she is featured in the book. She has a wonderful monthly post on her blog called "Woman of Hope" in which she features women who are an inspiration. And Holly is a true inspiration herself! This is an eBook that is $2.99.

If you would like to receive my newsletter, just email me at: Cindylou_20@hotmail.com and I will be happy to email it to you!

My eBook, "Do You Need a Hug from Heaven?" is an Amazon Bestseller and I am so happy to hear from so many of you that have told me about your "hugs from heaven" that you have received....It really warms my heart. It's an eBook that is $2.99.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!!

Monday will be my link party and you're welcome to link up anything you love!
XO
Cindy

Linking this to:

Pink Saturday

Spiritual Sundays

Inspire Me Monday

Market Your Biz and Giveaway
Blogger's Bodega

Woman Thing: The Link Party!

2012-02-05T18:34:00.019-06:00

Hi Everyone~

Many of you have read my book, Blogging: It’s a “Woman” Thing--Well, now I’m having Woman Thing: The Link Party! You can link up through Friday.

I am starting this party with a GIVEAWAY for these earrings...So, if you’d like to be in the random drawing to win them, just link up! (I will pick a winner and announce it during next week’s party!)

I have a special announcement to make: "Women: Blogging Can Give You Wings" just made the FIRST page of Amazon!!! (That's the brand-new book with amazing super-bloggers!) I'm surprised that you didn't hear me shout "hooray" from a distance!

I want to share some beautiful treasures with you by some very special women:

(If you have been a featured guest this week, please scroll down to the very bottom of my blog to receive your special blog button!

Kewpie Doll with Heart-shaped tin: Lynn
http://trashtotreasureart.blogspot.com

Heart-Shaped "Cherish" Pillow; Suzy
http://suziqusthreadworks.blogspot.com

Valentine Vignettes: Debbie
http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com

Blouse-shaped card with flower: Donna
http://grandma4five.blogspot.com

Heart-shaped pillows: Gina
http://randomthoughtsfromanincoherentmind.blogspot.com

Linking this to: What's It Wednesday

You've Got Mail!

2012-02-05T12:44:00.002-06:00

Over at the City Crafter Challenge, the theme is "You've Got Mail." I created this envelope and tag...and it has a cute story behind it...

The other day, my husband and I went to the lake and I saw seagull feathers strewn on the lakefront...so, he started collecting them from me. Well, I think they look like angel wings,

so I wanted to use them for this tag!

Hope you're having a beautiful Sunday~

And Nana Diana, I'm sorry your Packers aren't in the game!

Cindy

Linking this to:

City Crafter Challenge

Happy Weekend Everyone!

2012-02-03T02:12:00.012-06:00

Hi Everyone~

I am a designer for Scrap for Help, which has a fun monthly challenge. This month, our instructions are to produce a piece of art using either a surgical bandage or muslin. Well, I happen to have a surgical bandage, so I let my imagination go to work~

This is the collage that I designed~I used the bandage to create flowers. I hope you'll join us for the challenge~

The following items are from Shabby Cottage Studio. You can reach each item by clicking on the name of it.

Seam Binding

Flowers

Graphics

IMPORTANT NEWS:

Right now, my books are in "promo mode," and that takes a great deal of work on my part, so my husband will be handling all of my email at this time.

LINK PARTY ON MONDAY--My brand-new "Woman Thing--The Link Party" will begin on Monday and will run Mon.-Fri. of each week. So, there's plenty of time to link up anything you would like to share.

If you do not know how to link up to a party, if you go to Debbie's blog at Debbie-doos, look at her tutorials at the top of her blog and there is one that shows how to link up to a link party. I hope that helps!

Have a great weekend!!!

Cindy

Linking this to Blogger's Bodega!!
and Time Travel Thursday!!!

Google Adsense

2012-02-02T15:15:00.007-06:00

Blogging Tip:

If you have ever considered making money from home, put Google Adsense to work on your blog. It's quick and easy--and you do not have to do much to start hearing the sound of "Ka-ching!" Simply go to your template designer and click "Monetize" and go through the easy, peasy steps.

So, how does it work? Each time someone clicks on one of your ads, you will earn money--How cool is that? (Mine are actually underneath each post.)

Savvy bloggers know that this can add up to "big bucks," so why not run ads?

You can seriously "get paid to blog!"

Google Adsense totally makes sense for all of us!!!

Cindy

Women: Blogging Can Give You Wings

2012-01-30T00:07:00.025-06:00

I am proud to announce the release of my newest book, Women: Blogging Can Give You Wings.

Welcome to the Launch Party! Through this book, you will be able read the stories of some powerful women in the blogging community to see first-hand how they “grew their blogs.” Their stories will astound you and warm your heart.

This is what is written about the book on Amazon:

Blogging is one of THE most powerful networking tools available today. Learn from bestselling author and blogging expert Cindy Adkins why having an online presence is essential. Increase traffic to your blog and learn from “super-bloggers” who have already mastered success. They include Sonia Crouse, Editor-In-Chief of Creating Vintage Charm magazine; Pat Winter, Editor-in-Chief of Crazy Quilt Gatherings magazine (Gatherings); Karen Valentine (My Desert Cottage) custom blog designer for Valentine Design and creator of the yearly studio event Where Bloggers Create; Sharon Hughes (My Life at Pansy Cottage and Garden) and creator of Launch Your Creativity; Liz Perry (The Brambleberry Cottage); Soraya Julian (Homemaker on a Dime); Debbie Manno (Debbiedoos,) as well as Debra Germain and Nicole Germain-Perez (Capers of the Vintage Vixens.) These are all women who know first-hand how blogging can impact women’s lives and are willing to share their knowledge with others to help them “grow their blogs,” increase traffic, and make their online spaces profitable, as well as enjoyable.

~ ~ ~

You will be seeing this beautiful button throughout blogland, and it was especially designed by Karen Valentine, who is a very talented blog designer and owner of Valentine Design—Thank you, Karen!

If you would like to read this book, but don't have a Kindle, you can download a free app. HERE from Amazon so that you can read it on your desktop--easy, peasy!

Once again, here are the women of Women: Blogging Can Give You Wings. I hope that their stories will touch your lives as much as they have touched mine.

Sonia Crouse

Pat Winter

Karen Valentine

Debbie Manno

Soraya Julian (S.J.)

Debra Germain

Nicole Germain-Perez

Sharon Hughes

Liz Perry

I also have a special post for a hand-crafted journal. If you would like to see it, click HERE.

Linking this to:

Creative Bloggers' Party and Hop

Inspire Me Monday

Market Your Biz and Giveaways

Bloggers' Bodega

What's It Wednesday

Time Travel Thursday

Show and Tell Friday

Wishing You a Blessed Sunday

2012-01-29T04:24:00.006-06:00

I am on the design team of Dezinaworld....and when I saw the sweet graphic of this little girl, I wanted to make a special digital art piece...

My sweet friend Lynne from Adorn is a member of the design team, so when this beautiful tag and tablet arrived in the mail, I was so surprised!

Thank you, Lynne! What a precious surprise, indeed!!!

I will have a special post on Monday, so I hope that you will all come and see it...

Wishing you all a blessed Sunday!

Cindy

"Group Hug!"

2012-01-28T01:58:00.018-06:00

Sometimes I stand in awe of God's perfect timing in our lives....My newest book, "Do You Need a Hug from Heaven?" was published last week...If you know me well, then you know that being in touch with spiritual gifts is truly where my heart is....

I want to thank all of you who have written me emails and shared your miraculous angel stories with me....and I would like to introduce you to some of the people whose stories are in the book...

David DeWitt, whose miraculous story shows how there is help when we least expect it. David's blog is The Errol Flynn Blog.

Celeste who is the owner of Celestina Marie Design and who played an integral part in a miracle that transpired recently in my life.

Daniella Hayes of Daniella Hayes whose story is evidence that we are watched over by heavenly angels....

Donna of GG's Creative Corner who played a major part in my being able to complete this book...

Cindy Adkins of Art, Books, Tea whose story of love is in the pages of this book...

There are more, of course, including my good friends Jim and Velma, my life-long friend Gayla Claes, my Uncle Lee and Aunt Nancy...

Yes, there are stories of true-life interventions that happened to everyday people...and it is my prayer that miracles touch all of your lives.

Cindy

I have just heard about a link up party at Create With Joy and since the people in my book inspire me, I wanted to share this post with others.

Linking this to:

Friendship Friday

Pink Saturday.

Spiritual Sundays

Blue Velvet

2012-01-26T00:04:00.013-06:00

I would like to thank you for the numerous letters I have received regarding Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion....I know that so many of you are getting your creative groove on--and this is very exciting!

On my birthday, I received a vintage bottle from my good friend, Velma. I adore cobalt blue and she knows it and surprised me with this treasure....Thank you, Velma!

Well, I just created a bracelet for a dear friend of mine and I wanted to show you the pictures...

I have always wanted to make a bracelet with buttons....This was my chance.

I received an amazing surprise in the mail yesterday from Sharon of Plumrose Lane!!! Not only does Sharon create awesome blog designs, but she made this treasure!!!

I wish you could see it in person--it would take your breath away. Thank you so much, Sharon!

PLEASE NOTE: At the moment, I am in the midst of a major project--and "the reveal" will be next week! In the meantime, I will not be available for comments or emails. I hope you all understand.

Wishing you a wonderful end of the week and fabulous weekend!!!

Cindy

Linking this to

Wow Us Wednesday

What's It Wednesday

Cozy Home Scenes

Show & Tell Friday

Potpourri Friday

City Crafter Challenge Blog

2012-01-25T01:05:00.012-06:00

Last night, I happened to go over to visit Kirsty Vittetoe's blog who sponsors the City Crafter Challenge....

I design for Shabby Cottage Studio. I saw this sketch and started creating 3 cards with this design in mind....

This card is embellished with a flower, tea pot, and seam binding from Shabby Cottage Studio.

This next card was created using a torso, graphics, seam binding, and blue tag from Shabby Cottage Studio.

And lastly, is this pink fairy card that I decorated with some items from my stash, as well as flowers from Shabby Cottage Studio.

Kirsty, Ros, Linda, and Cheryl, thank you for letting me play along!!!! If you would like to see their gorgeous creations and also Liz who is the Guest Designer this week, I know you will love what you see there!!!

Cindy

Elegant Decorator Tags

2012-01-23T21:46:00.014-06:00

I design for Shabby Cottage Studio. I think that decorator tags add a touch of elegance to the many rooms and I created these tags because I think they have such charm....

I love German glitter glass and these tags were sprinkled with glittery goodness. If you would like to know how to make them, I have a complete tutorial HERE!

Gingersnap Creations is having a 2-color challenge that I am linking these up to, having used shades of blue and sepia as my colors.

To enter the challenge, go here: Gingersnap Creations.

Also, linking this to:

YOUR COZY HOME PARTY

Linking this to the following parties which are on my sidebar!!!

WOW Us Wednesday

White Wednesday

What's It Wednesday