Let's peel back these layers!

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juliannlaw Here is a closeup of the endpapers in my debut picture book, THE WORKD’S LONGEST SOCK. I work digitally in Adobe Photoshop but the program doesn’t do it all for me! I knit all the pixels by hand! Haha! I do have things I do to help me work quickly and efficiently, though, like using layers. Here you get to see me take off those layers one by one till we are back at nothing but a background. The World's Longest Sock is now available on  Amazon ,  Barnes and Noble ,  Target , or wherever you  buy books !

what replenishes you?




So just when you thought you'd seen enough cute pictures of Lucy, you get to see more! Lucy got to be a model for the amazing Katherine of Wallin Photography who is organizing and putting on a spring photo shoot for April 26 in Salt Lake City. These are some sample pics to help get the idea across, think: bright, colorful, fun. Anyhow, check out her blog for pricing and details, she's even giving away a session to one lucky commenter, so spread the word and be sure to comment!

No segue, lets just jump to another subject. Yesterday in his conference talk, Elder Ballard advised young, busy mothers to "cultivate special interests. . . set aside time for what replenishes you." I almost applauded. I love hobbies! Sometimes its easy to feel like you don't have any time or money or energy to do things just for yourself, but then once you do, you realize how much better you feel, and "replenished" is really a good word for it. I decided that right now, what replenishes me is blogging and sewing. Both are so rewarding and relaxing to me. Thanks to all you bloggers out there that agree!

But I'd like to know, what replenishes you?

Comments

April said…
ok - that was my favorite talk to! I think I perked up when he said he wanted to talk especially to young mothers. Anyway, I totally agree because I think I would have had to turn to happy pills awhile ago if I didn't get into running and sewing (and blogging, except he did say not to surf the internet, but dang it - I can't be perfect).
I wish cupcake testing made me happy for longer than the 40 seconds it takes to eat them.
Kim said…
I loved that talk too, and especially the part about taking time for myself. I'm really bad about that (other than my obsession with blogging) because I am still learning how to juggle my new life. Things are starting to take shape and for me a five month old is so much easier than a two or three month old -- so here's to finding the creative self again.

P.S. Audrey gave me your blog address.

P.P.S Lucy is a delight!
Last year I joined the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir to give myself a night away from mommy-duty. It has awakened my passion for making good music, and has helped me make ad achieve some tough goals for myself. So, yes, I also loved and appreciated the talk.
Unknown said…
I told Kenyon that I need that day off to go to NYC. He pointed out that Elder Ballard only said one day. So, I will have to figure out something a little closer but hallelujah for a break and cultivating interests.
katherine said…
i loved that talk, it was inspiring and spoke right to my heart. simple things replenish me, like taking photos, or talking to a good friend, or ikea. and blogging too - although i know i need to spend less time i do on the internet. but conference as a whole was so good, that replenishes me, being inspired and feeling the spirit so strong! also, thanks for letting your sweet baby model for me, she is a dream and should be featured in the next big disney film! all my love friend!
missy said…
Good question! What replenishes me: watching Oprah, reading parenting magazines, and eating cheesecake. I'm scared to read anything other than magazines in fear that I won't be able to put it down. Are you sure that's my little Lucy!? She's getting so big... and is as cute as ever!!
Soooooo, so cute! Oh my word! I don't think words can say how cute this lil' one truly is.
hOLLIANN said…
first of all - cute Lucy. For me it goes in seasons...right now blogging, gardening and strawberry jam. When I had several tiny kids it was going to dinner without them. When I had no kids it was boating, snowmobiling and traveling. I have to say that I love to blog because when I post cute pics of the kids along with funny stories it gets me excited for the next day hanging out with them. It is so true that life has seasons and you have to love every one of them. They go too quickly.
The Kyles said…
Good Question! I think singing is what most replentishes me. When my voice is in good shape and I can sing some of my favorite pieces I feel renewed. Perhaps this will sound odd, but I feel nourished the most when I get to perform for others. I think it is the energy I get back from an audience. It is positively theriputic. I know, I'm nuts. Lucy is unbelieveably cute in those pictures by the way.
Audrey said…
hmmm I would say chips, diet coke, and swedish fish! jk
i would have to say... cleaning (when i actually get to it) love the feeling after it is complete, doing hair for sure! I truly think it is what keeps me sane or atleast somewhat in the world out yonder. I love love being a mom, but I think sometimes it is tricky to keep the balance in your life. Of being the type of mom you want to be and being an indivual. I need the interaction with other people and love to help people feel smoken HOT!
I must be pretty lazy cuz I can't think of much else that I do!
Adorable pics... love the colors!
Audrey said…
p.s. Lisa says to say hi! I told her I saw Mike downtown and she just thinks the world of you Julian. I am sure you know but she got married last month.... she is very happy!
TheFunYam said…
This is a such a great question. Blogging has really filled my journaling/writing need and i recently signed up for Karate to learn something new and get some excersise. Yay for an excellent conference talk!
Kristina Law said…
This is absolutely adorable! Lucy is SO BIG and CUTE now:)

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