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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

finding my way

One step will always lead to another.
You don't realize it till you are there, and then you look back over your shoulder only to notice the path on which you've traveled.

Almost two years to the date, I scanned some of my family cabinet cards, this one being one of my favorites. Yes, the sisters.
I loved everything about this picture, from the freshly ironed cotton dresses they were wearing, to the ribbons in their hair, to the tiny necklaces around their necks. Not to mention their dark stockings and black shoes.

But it was the way they were holding hands that really captured my heart.
I don't remember when it happened, earlier last year, I decided to crop a portion of it.

It was their hands I focused on....holding softly together.

Now I could see the embroidery on the front of one's dress, and the delicate piping around their sleeves and waistband. I adore the crisp pleats and simple tucks.
I began using the picture on my return address labels.
Then, I used it last Christmas on the Christmas cards I sent to my art friends.
Next I used it on the front of my class handouts.

It states the way I feel, and the way I strive to teach.
I am convinced that I learn as much from the students in my class, as they do from me.

Fast forward to almost a month ago, while following another blog,
I found my way.

No, not that way....I found it over 20 years ago, praise God!
But, I did find Susie.
I first fell in love with the baby on the header of her Etsy shop. Then, I found out she does custom blog makeovers.
But, she also does beautiful design work.

She helped develop my logo (which I have had made into a beautiful banner~the sign people in town were very impressed), hang tags, and several postcards.
She designed my blog button =)
And, she is a dream to work with.
I would love for you to meet Susie Hibdon, of vintagesusie & wings.
Her design blog is VCB.
One more note of interest about Susie is that she is having a Hundred Friends Give Away,
so you better go see her, as it ends on April 25th.
I will leave you with a quote from her blog, and

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
"For what it's worth, it's never too late, or in my case, ever too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."
I could not have said it better.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

what wonderful ways to use the photo.
i totally loved the movie ...benjamin button; great quote.

VS said...

You made me cry my friend...that is the sweetest post I have ever read & I too adore that quote from BB. It reminds me to be brave & to remember just how amazing life is every day.
I am so grateful you took my hand & lead me on this creative journey...I couldn't be more honored!
Big Hugs,
Susie

Riki Schumacher said...

These are beautiful Diane, they really work. I'm so glad you got what you wanted. that is fabulous. Hugs, Riki

stregata said...

Awesome - it is so beautiful!!!! Love your postcard - what a look!! So perfect!!!

Chris said...

Beautiful exploration of a poignant photo~~beautiful appreciation of another artist~~Beautiful quote!
Thank you and bless you dear one!

Daryl said...

Love those two sisters and how you've evolved them ..

Cindy said...

Diane, I just LOVE how you have incorporated something personal, your own family photo in to part of your jewelry business identity. As you had already done with your blog banner. Do you know your relation to these sisters? This picture is truly striking... and yes, those details are heartwarming (the bows, the embroidery, holding hands)...I simply adore this picture too. Thank you for introducing us to a talented designer...she has doen a fantastic job with your blog button and I'll definitely visit her blog/shop too!

Deborah Truesdell said...

Diane,

I have not been by for awhile, but loved that when I came by today, this is what I saw posted on your blog! I loved the images, your words, the quote, it all added to my day in a very heartfelt way! Good to see you again!

Hugs,
Deborah

The Joy of Nesting said...

What a wonderful photo you have chosen to express all that is important to you Lady D!!! I always find it amazing how a photo can magically express soooooo much more then words can!!!

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

Jen Crossley said...

This is really so beautiful It really is very personal I love Take my hand

A bird in the hand said...

I've always loved this photo...it's nice to see the original. xoxo

Sandra L. said...

Beautiful photo! And very creative ways of using it. I need to think more like you do.

May I ask what font you used for the Merry Christmas greeting?

Kateyed said...

Susie is a dear. When I am able, she is who I would hire. I love what she did with my friend, Lynn's blog, Blue Skies.

Suz

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Found you at Crescendoh....beautiful post...wonderful photograph!
So glad to meet you!
:)

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Ohhh I just love love that photo and your story about it ~
It is as precious as can be ~
xoxo
Lori