Blogging

Sometimes in life, the people who you cross paths with in the virtual world become very important and inspirational people in your life.  And I know I’m not alone in this.  So, I’m going to introduce you to one of those people….Sheila Atchley!

Let me start by telling you how I ‘met’ Sheila.  Do you remember me telling you about sending earrings down to Jeanne Oliver for her first ever workshop at their new home? { You can read about it HERE }  Sheila was there.  She was one of the ladies who received a pair and she reached out to thank me for them.  I got some beautiful messages from some of those ladies.

So, I started following Sheila’s art page on Facebook, which you can do HERE.  Her work spoke to me.  The women created on her easel touched my heart.  I saw myself, my friends, every woman on those canvases. I saw our hurts, our hopes and our potential.  And Sheila’s written words that accommodated her work truly struck a chord with me.

I think once you get to see the soul of the artist through their art and appreciate how much heart they put into it, the potential to be smitten with the artist is quite possible.  And from there, becoming friends is easy.

Sheila’s art would show up in my FB feed regularly and one day, there popped up the most amazing painting of rose, done in shades of cream and grey { See above photo, which doesn’t do it justice at all! }  And the price was fantastic, so I quickly snatched that painting up.   And then I waited for it to arrive…..and I waited and I waited.  Finally, in my impatience, I sent a message to Sheila to see if she had heard anything about it.  Nope, nothing.  So she looked into it, and sure enough, the US Postal system lost it.  I’m not sure who was more broken-hearted over the lost painting, myself or Sheila.

And then, one day I got a slip in the mailbox that I had a parcel in at the post office.  I messaged Sheila right away – nope, she hadn’t heard anything but I promised to message her as soon as I picked up my package.  And lo and behold, it WAS the painting!  Arrived safe and sound and about 3 months after I ordered it.  And all wrapped up so beautifully, too!

Let me tell you it was well worth the wait – it was even more stunning in person than the picture I saw on FB.  Presently, the painting is hanging in my kitchen.  I’m not sure if that’s where it’ll stay or not, but I love getting to see it everyday. { She sells originals and prints of her work, the link to the giclee of this one is HERE }

Following Sheila’s journey means getting to see what she is creating and is involved in, geography alone makes it interesting but she’s at a different stage of life than I am, too.  And frankly, that’s so interesting to see, too.  She is passionate and creative and that combination can manifest itself into amazing things….like, say, a self-published book!  But it isn’t just any book.  It’s a book filled with her art, it’s a book filled with stories of women from the bible who are linked to Jesus.  It is a book for advent, about advent, about the journey of these women.  { You can order a copy HERE }

I wish I had unlimited funds, I would buy you all copy.  I would place it in your hands, I know you would enjoy it and soak up the words written between the covers.  I know the art would move you.  I know you would see the faces of the women in your lives, maybe you’ll find your face among the pages, hear your story told.  Maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a tiny baby who would come into this world, helpless.  But who would do miracles, touch lives, save us from ourselves.

This is the advent season.  This is the time to quiet our hearts.  This is the time of connecting.  I’m thankful for the people in my life, who I have crossed paths with, even if they are virtual paths, who inspire me and urge me along in my own journey.  Sheila is definitely one of these people.  This advent, I hope you find some friendly strangers along the way who encourage you, inspire you and connect with you.  Be open, be willing and be present.

To be continued,

Lori

Well, I’m back today to tell you that sometimes, and  maybe just sometimes, Facebook contests are real.  And guess what else – real people win!  I’m sure you doubt me.  How ever would I know?  Well, because I won a year’s supply of coffee from a Facebook contest.  But – not any coffee….Aroma Maya coffee.

Now, I didn’t know anything about Aroma Maya coffee, I drove past a sign on my drive to work but that was really all.  Then I noticed something on Facebook about them, read a little to learn more, and decided to start to follow them on Facebook.  A couple days later, they posted a contest to win a year’s supply of coffee, so I entered, of course…..who doesn’t want free coffee?

Let me tell you more about this company.  Aroma Maya is run by Sergio, a twenty-something from Guatemala in the search of good coffee.  He brings in fresh Arabica beans from Guatemala and roasts them right on site at the River Run Golf Course in North River.  They sell the freshly roasted beans on site, as well as other tasty treats in their cafe, which is in the clubhouse at River Run.  They also offer Bistro lunches, yoga classes and snowshoe passes for the winter. All in all, great coffee, great activities and a great place to hang out.

I was pretty pumped when I found out I won a year’s worth of this yummy coffee – as you can imagine if you’re a coffee lover.  I’m a huge fan of companies like this, ones who are doing something worthwhile and giving back to the community, as well.  It’s an easy spot for me to swing in on my way to work to pick up coffee and grab another bag, if I’m out at home { which equates a crisis, just so you know…. }

I’ve tried a few different roasts now, and I have to say that the Huehuetenago Highlands is my favourite.  I’m still exploring the difference of the light, medium and dark roasts.  Currently, I’m drinking their Morning Blend, which is quite enjoyable, too.  Now, please be aware I am by no means a coffee connoisseur, I just enjoy drinking it.  Don’t ask me about subtle notes or however coffee people talk about coffee.  I just love coffee.

So, I thought I’d share the love!  Comment on this blog post to be entered in a draw for one bag of coffee beans from Aroma Maya, be sure to include your name so I know who you are!  Yes, I’m willing to share my years supply with YOU!!  Open to Canadian residents only….not sure if I really want to deal with customs and coffee beans….  I’ll make a draw on November 27th and announce it on my social media platforms.

I’m writing this solely because I love their product and want to support them and this is one way I know how….getting everyone to try it and fell in love with it, too….. 🙂

Be sure to comment here, share the post with your friends and maybe you’ll get some free coffee, too!

***UPDATE – Contest is now closed – Eleanor has won a bag of Aroma Maya!!  Eleanor, I’ll email you!***

To be continued,

Lori