yikes! how have 6 months gone by??

... I know how. I've been very happy learning the ropes and enjoying married life, diving into new career adventures, and exploring life with new eyes, a stronger heart, and a lighter spirit.

I promised my facebook friends I would update and blog more often now that I've left a few social media outlets. Its all for the good of this path I'm walking... I promise ;)

When six whole months go by, its very difficult to choose what I could possibly update anyone on. So I'm simply going to make a list of everything I can think of (without boring you...hopefully)

Here go:

1. We got a new puppy in May (yes I'm jumping ahead-I'll go back) and named her Penelope (Penny)! She was 10 weeks old when we picked her cute butt up and now she will be 6 months old on September 8th. If you follow me on instagram janesdaughters instagram, you've seen about 100 pictures of her already.

Penelope cuddling her big brother, Tyson

2. I started writing my first book. There's not much I want to say about it just yet (I know...why say anything at all) because first novels are...well...thrilling, difficult, all-consuming, frustrating, mind-blowing, brain-devouring, heart-exploding, emotional-rollercoasting, can't-wait-to-wake-up-the-next-day-and-do-it-again-ing ALL. At. The. Same. Time. When I am finished, I will start giving out tiny little excerpts to get your feedback.

(I do have character and scenic inspirations on my pinterest account for my book):

Characters for TAA

TAA Ideas

3. I have about 1, 2, 3...counting...9 other book ideas clouding my brain. Pray that I might be on to something, please. ;)

4. I still sing and write song lyrics every time I'm in the shower. Then I grab my phone with a wet hand and proceed to record the idea which I can never hear well when I listen back a month later. The most I can make out is the water running. 

5. I have had two of my best beautiful friends come to visit me since moving to PA, Karen (I call her Wifey) and Suz (I call her Sister). Having a little piece of Nashville each visit was just what I needed during this transition. 

 Karen (Wifey) and me in NYC

Suz (sister) and me at home in PA. Red solo cup style just like old times. 

6. I have gotten even closer to this one lady in particular who my husband likes to refer to as my "girlfriend". My dear friend, Ashlyne. Even though we have not seen each other since I moved, we talk almost daily and she has been such a blessing in my life and a big part of my new journey. 

-AHR to me

7. My cousin, Kate (I call her KDD, cousin, and more than most nowadays, Sister), has been my bestest friend and I am so very thankful that she is only one hour away now. It had been over 7 years since we lived that close (and she doesn't even mind driving the hour to my house! I've learned since moving that some people would rather get the flu than drive to my place of residence). She's opened my eyes to so much this year and has introduced me to my new favorite place, The Baker's Table in Lancaster, PA. Great coffee. Great energy. Gets my creative gears turnin'. I love it. 

The Baker's Table

 Kate (KDD, sister, cousin)

8. I appreciate those of my family members who HAVE come to visit. =)

9. I have come to appreciate my Mother, Brother, and Father so much since moving back to PA. I always want to be around them and can't get enough of them. My bro often stays with me and he's even gone with David and me on a short overnight trip to Boston on one of David's SWA overnights. He's the best guy to be around and learn from (after my hubby).

 Shot taken from the video Ain't Nobody Got Time For That 

 At the airport on our way to Boston

 Mama, Andy and me

 About to board the train in New Freedom, PA on Andy's birthday (July 14th)

 The train!

 Birthday goofiness (Andy's)

Such a handsome fella

Dad's birthday! (March 10th)

10. I am still creating burlap bouquets and roses in my etsy shop and locally (with my Mama). God has blessed me with more than one creative outlet and for that, I am so thankful. Stay tuned for a new department of our shop soon!
Jane's Daughters Etsy Shop

11. David and I have been getting our booties into shape! For the past almost 2 months, we have dramatically changed our health and lifestyle for the better. We feel amazing! There are days I wake up at 6AM like a spider monkey and I'm this ball of A.D.D. until about 7PM. Then I become old again. I love it.

 Nike Free feet!

 FITBIT!! We're obsessed!

 Avocado toast on ezekiel bread. 

 Quinoa pasta, steak, avocado, and tomato

 grilled chicken, quinoa, organic veggies and side salad

 POWER BREAKFAST! Steak, eggs (1 egg-1 egg white), tomato slices, and avocado

Broccoli, spinach, and basil omelet

12. My husband...MY Husband! I love saying that. I can't stop saying that. Marriage is good. I like it. I think I'll keep him and the title of Wife. Scripture has helped me so much to appreciate our union and to love it and take care of it the way it deserves.

13. I changed my hair! Twice! Long blonde, then short blonde. I think it's gonna stay for awhile.

14. I'm going back to school! More on that soon.

15. The highlights of my typical every day are walking and cuddling my pups, going for my run and bleacher weave, writing my book, reading my bible, reading someone else's novel, working on Jane's Daughters with Mom, most likely talking to my "girlfriend", hobby lobby errand, and dreaming and making plans with my husband.

Last, but most importantly... My Lord and Savior. Whew, what times I have put you through. I'm in awe of your love and your patience. The relationship I have grown gets me through each day with ease. I know who I am now. And I like me better now. Thank you, Lord, for changing my heart so I can be the woman you created me to be.

More thoughts and updates to come! Promise! If anyone has any questions, feel free to comment.

Much Love,

Lindsey

Wednesday Walk - Working Hard for God

We're all there or have been there... We're in a job that is not ideal. We feel its getting us by financially and that's what matters OR its a temporary placement until we land our dream job/promotion.

I'd like to change your mentality a bit. Is it going to make you like your job more? Maybe not and most likely not right away, but it will change your way of thinking and how you view your worth in the work place. That is the goal.

Presence. Passion. Prayer. Purpose.

Before, after, and during your shifts practice being present and in the moment at all times. Bring passion into every single detail of your job description no matter what and I mean NO matter what the task is. Pray that God gives you strength and peace to get through the work day. To give off positive energy to your coworkers and clients. Give gratitude to God for having the job to begin with and you will really start to appreciate subtle and small parts of your job that you might be overlooking. Through your positive outlook and energy, you might help a coworker get through a difficult task with your help and encouragement or make a client's day with your uplifting attitude. It will give you purpose for your hard day of work.

You can also look at your job as work for the Lord. In EVERYTHING you do, do it for God. That's the ultimate goal in this life anyway.

2 Timothy 15 & 20-21

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 

---

In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are used for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

What this new outlook will do is empower you on a daily basis. You'll be surprised how your entire life changes with this shift. All of a sudden, new ideas will pop into your head that will expand your wallet. You'll think of great suggestions to present to your boss and you will be heard because you have the confidence to back it up.

Take the first step. Practice being present in each moment. Every little thing you do. Do it with purpose and passion. Watch your life change and be thankful.

My Creative Work

I finally have some new items in my shop that I'm PUMPED about! I have started to work not just with burlap fabrics to make roses, but regular cotton fabrics to incorporate more color and patterns into my work.

My first creation outside of my burlap box is my Tiffany Something Blue Bouquet. -->
Tiffany Something Blue Bouquet

I also added my rosette headbands that I LOVE wearing. I can't believe I didn't add them sooner. You can find 8 or 9 listings in my shop (link below). MANY more to come! -->
Jane's Daughters Etsy Shop

I will soon have pillows, garters, other intricate beading hair pieces, and many more fabric bouquets!!!! I'm praying that God blesses my shop because I can't contain how much I love love love making every single item. I love customizing orders for clients as well. Its the greatest feeling giving someone a product that will never be duplicated. My mother has had her home decor business since the early 90s but has never taken it to the interwebs!!! Can you believe it?! Its time, Mama! I can't wait to share more of her items in the shop!

**PROMO TIME!**
1st Promo - If you share my etsy shop link on your facebook, twitter or instagram accounts, snap a screen shot or send me a link to your account and I will message you a code to receive $5 off any purchase of $15 or more for Jane's Daughters items.

2nd Promo - If you either HAVE a blog or have a friend who writes a blog with more than 1,000 followers/readers, inquire/write a blog about my shop and receive a burlap rose bunch of 6 roses of your color choice (white, ivory, natural, sage, brown, or red - you can also mix colors) FOR FREE (including free shipping)!!!!! If one of your best buds is the blogger, he/she would receive the same FREE gift as well!!

3rd Promo - Get 20 of your friends to LIKE my Jane's Daughters Facebook Page, and I will send you one burlap rose of your color choice, FOR FREE (including free shipping). All you would need to do is send me the list of names of your friends that liked the page.

Thank you for all of the support and I hope you enjoy my shop!

Filled with LOVE,

Lindsey

We Got Married!

In about eight hours it will be exactly 1 week ago that we decided to go ahead and tie that knot! We had talked about getting married before our actual wedding/reception/party later this year but had no plans yet. David's Mom, Sylvia, was coming into town and we thought, "Why not?"

Come Tuesday morning we were at the courthouse in Lancaster, PA getting our marriage license. The license became valid on Friday February 1st and we wanted to find a magistrate/officiant to marry us that day! This was surprisingly difficult. I guess, long gone are the days of just showing up to the courthouse and getting hitched (at least in PA)! You have to make appointments. After many phone calls, we made one with Robert Green, the "Marrying Mayor" of York County Pennsylvania.

Robb recommended getting hitched at Chickies Rock Park under a pretty white gazebo at noon that Friday. It was almost 60 degrees the day we planned this so naturally we loved the idea and went there to check it out. What we didn't do was check the weather for Friday... Cold. Very cold. And windy. Very very windy. With a dusting of snow.

Luckily the ceremony was short and sweet and 10 minutes long. Perfect for us. Robb was great. I would highly recommend him if you're located in southern PA and looking to do what David and I did. He doesn't charge a specific fee. Just a donation (so cool)!

My Mom, brother Andy, Dad, my Grandparents Geemaw and Pappy, David's Mom Sylvia, Katie, Michele, and TYSON were in attendance. To our family members and friends that we would have loved to be there, we apologize for not keeping all of you informed. It was planned quickly and we didn't want to take away from the celebration we are still having later this year by trying to get everyone to town and making it a bigger production. That being said, in hindsight, I would have at least made it known to all of our loved ones BEFORE putting it out to the facebook/instagram/twitter world. I just couldn't contain myself and in the moment, I was only thinking of David... My HUSBAND... And wanted to shout it to the universe!

After the short and cold ceremony, we went to JB Dawson's in Lancaster for a small celebration dinner. Champagne toast, pics (because it was way too cold do take any more at Chickies Rock), and our first dance as a married couple.

I feel blessed beyond what I ever thought I deserved. I feel a sense of peace that I've never felt before. God gave me everything and more. The love of my life, David.

Our good boy, Tyson. Yes, Dad (David) put a tie on him.

Ceremony.

Freezing. You can see my poor Geemaw shivering in the background.

The kiss.

My bouquet I made (www.etsy.com/shop/janes2daughters) and the "champagne" bubbles that our sweet Katie brought.

Bride.

Groom.

Love.

Champagne.

First dance.

I love this man.

Husband and wife.

Twirl it.

Happily Ever After...

Wednesday Walk - He knows

God knows exactly what you need. He knows way before you do.
To anyone who feels a bit lost...
To anyone who is in a very tough situation...
To anyone who feels hopeless
To anyone who feels like there is nothing than can make their situation better...
Take a day. Just one day... And put all of your trust in the Lord. Just like you would an earthly superior. Trust that He will make everything better. It might not be an instant change, but God's timing is perfect.
It will change your mood and therefore change the outcome of your day.

... Remember... When you're down, just pray.