Are you Reading this?

So a quick, Are you reading this? Can you see it?
I decided a couple weeks ago to change my domain name... BAD IDEA! I think it blocked people and caused a bunch of problems! So. . . I have changed the domain name back to the original and am hoping that will solve the problem.
If you could do me a HUGE FAVOR and leave me a comment letting me know that my blog is functioning properly that would be great!

Thank you so much!

PS... I just want to share with you that I did get the Solo part for Stake Conference on the 24th of this month. Woo hoo! I am so excited to share the Talents I have with others.

How will you be remembered?

I wanted to share with you all something that is very near and dear to my heart... That is Journaling. I have been keeping a journal since I turned eight years old. I cannot find most of them, (which is a scary thought) but the journals I do have are my prized possession.

What else are we here on Earth for, but to Gain Experience? My Journals are a record of my Experiences. My Deep, personal, intimate thoughts, feelings and experiences.

I love Journaling and here are just a few reasons why...

* They help me REMEMBER

* I Find that writing in a journal is SOO Therapeutic. I write out any frustrations and trials I am going through so that I can take a step back and read my own words and work things out.

* Writing in a journal can be a very spiritual experience. I receive revelation for myself as I write things down. A Revelation unrecorded is a Revelation Lost.

* I want my Children and Grandchildren to know who I was, what I stand for, and the things I believe in.

There are so many different reasons for keeping a journal. Start small. If you have never been a journal keeper, there is no time like the present. Take it one day at a time.

I would give a general overview of who you are, where you live, major facts about yourself, things you like/dislike. I usually do an introduction on the first page, just so those reading know right off who the Author of the journal is.

Before I left on my mission, I made a pact with myself that I would write in my Journal EVERYDAY! I wanted to forever remember the experiences I had. The things I learned not only about myself, but about other people are priceless. A mission was the best thing I could have ever done for MY life. I am such a better person now because of it. Here are the four journals from my Mission. This is the sum of a year and a half of my life... All down on paper.

Some general things that I look for when picking a journal...

* I like Big pages so that I can fit a whole day on one page. I like to insert keepsakes in my journals. Like programs, or talks or cards that made my day, or little momentos. (those things that you hate to throw away, but have no idea where to put them. I like this because then it is right there on the day that you are actually writing the experience down and telling the story. It is like a book with Pictures!! hahaha

* I like to use different colored pens. I love Color and nothing screams boring to me like a whole book of black ink, it is great when reading a novel, but my life is definately not a novel.  

* You can use any bound book that you want, as long as it has blank lined paper on the inside. I was buying pre-made journals as you can see up above, but then I ran out of new options so I just bought this book and recovered it myself.

I put "My Journey" on the side binding. I liked the idea of personalizing the title and making it mean something to me. I want to Enjoy the walk, not just the destination. Personalize the title of your journal too.

I used Clear Duck Laminate which works perfectly for this project. This roll will last you forever too, I highly recommend it.

I put my journey on the side binding with stickers. It is fun to put a different title on yours to make it your own. I try to live for Each and Every Moment, to enjoy not only the destination, but the journey to get there as well. Enjoying the Journey!

One final tip that I use:

I keep a set of sticky notes in the back of my journal so that if I do not have time to write in my journal I can jot a note down of the day and what I want to include so that I can go back to it later and write about it.

Here is an example:

This is an example of one that I included while on the mission. See how messy, yet colorful my journal pages can be! Haha I love it!

I hope that this will inspire you to get writing in your own journal. I am goingt to give a tutorial tomorrow on how I cover them, little tips and tricks that I use. Also I have another story that will hopefully inspire you to get writing. I know it inspired me!

A new Year, a New Beginning!

I have been gone a while... but NOW is the time to make changes and goals.
I had a lovely Christmas at home in Salt Lake with Family. I had a good New Years and now I am ready to tackle another year. I am so grateful for the New Year. A time to reflect on the year previous and set goals that will make the coming year a wonderful memory.

I have set some goals for myself that will help me grow and become a better, more talented woman. I hope that I can improve and share what I have to offer to the world.

I take inspiration in my goal setting from this quote...
"Use what talents you possess. The world would be silent if no birds sang except those who sang best."

I refrain from calling my Goals "Resolutions" because I believe that resolutions are always broken, whereas a goal is set and planned and executed. I know I am funny!!

My goals for this year...

* Focus more and dedicate more of my attention to my blog. This year was a startup and I am still learning every day how to improve the design and look of my blog. I am still learning the basics of the blogging world. I am working toward getting a mini laptop that will be my "blogging computer." I think it will help!

* Improve my singing voice. Put myself out there and gain confidence in the talent that I already have. I tried out for a solo for a Stake Conference we are having. Elder Scott will be in attendance and that is nerve wracking... Not to mention, singing in front of EVERYONE I know. Eek!

* CRAFT BLOG CRAFT BLOG CRAFT BLOG!

These are my two main focuses... At least for the first couple months of this year!

Please Bear with me! I can promise that you will like what I have coming! It will just take some time and money to get where I want to be!!

Here is to a Great Year! 2010
Holly