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Maggie Whitley Designs

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / featured artist / {featured artist :: One Reverie}

{featured artist :: One Reverie}

January 7, 2011 ·
Filed Under: featured artist

This giveaway is now closed!

Here at Gussy Sews we love to look at all things beautiful. Beautiful items that reflect childhood, love, and a joyful spirit; beautiful items that we can share with others.

Today is week #34 of my series on Featured Artists, which is a bi-monthly event showcasing fun and sassy handmade shops! I love searching for new wares to show the Gussy community. You can read all back Featured Artist posts by clicking here.

This week’s Featured Artist is Annie from One Reverie, a shop specializing in wedding invitations and personalized prints ~

***

What inspires you?

Individuals who do what they LOVE and LOVE what they do.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I always find myself daydreaming and starting my own shop was one of those dreams. The word reverie means a dream or at least imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake. My One Reverie is my ‘one daydream’ come to fruition.

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?

Passionate, although some interpret it as being a bit neurotic or crazy!

What made you decide to open up shop?

I’ve always wanted to build a small business and have the experience of working for myself doing something that I love and enjoy outside of my everyday job. I love getting lost in the process of creating something, and Etsy provided the perfect venue.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.

There is no better feeling than knowing that the work that we’ve created is a part of someone’s special celebration – big or small. Our prints are created to commemorate an important day, and it is a great feeling to know that we are a small part of that. I love hearing stories of how our work fits into a couple’s story, whether they went on a hot air balloon ride on the their wedding day, they’re avid cyclists, or simply just want something whimsical.

*Hi, this is Gussy popping in :] I bought the above print from One Reverie last summer, it’s so darling and perfect — Annie’s work has my “seal of approval”. xoxo

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?

During the day I am absorbed full-time in nonprofit education, but transform into a small business owner during my lunch breaks, at night, on weekends, and holidays.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.

I have limited free-time, but when I get a chance I love to take naps (a luxury experienced on rare occasions), read and ride my yellow bicycle. I also love watching ALL the shows accumulated on my DVR. I can’t imagine life without TIVO. Of course my favorite thing to do is spend time with my best friend(s).

Read any good books lately?

I have a huge collection of cookbooks and also enjoy self-help books. I’m always looking to improve myself, but my neurotic tendencies remain since I haven’t quite mastered the application of the advise in most of those books. Maybe someday!

When I have the chance to pick up a book I *heart* books like: Someone Knows My Name – Lawrence Hill, A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini or The Glass Castle – Jeannette Walls. Otherwise, if I have a few minutes I love reading magazines and sometimes indulge in catching up with the latest celebrity gossip.

What is your most prized possession?

I don’t have a huge attachment to many material things, but I adore sentimental items in my life. Anything given to me by the people I treasure – handwritten cards, old photos, home-grown flowers etc. I was recently serenaded for the holidays by a friend dressed as an elf and I teared up. Silly – I know.

What are three of your favorite foods?

I should probably write something noble in the fruit or vegetable family, but if I’m being completely honest then I have a weakness for ALL things fried, sweet, or high in calorie. On days less favorable, chili cheese fries are my friend!

What would you like to learn to do?

I would love to learn to Paddle Surf which is a bit odd considering my fear of the ocean.

What are you listening to right now?

Jason Mraz, Norah Jones, Ella Fitzgerald with a little J-Boog dotted in.

***

The Giveaway Goods:

One Reverie is giving away one 8 x 10 print and one 5 x 7 print {winner selects both prints}.

Please note, this giveaway is open to US residents only.

To enter:

Leave a comment sharing something positive about your day.

For extra entries {leave a comment for each}:
  • blog or facebook it!
  • tweet this: i {heart} One Reverie and hope to win 2 custom prints from their shop via @GussySews’s blog >> http://bit.ly/flqAaW

EXTRA INFO:
  • The giveaway will close Sunday, January 9 at 10 pm CST,
    and the winner will be announced the following day

Come on back Friday, January 21 for another Featured Artist post!


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Filed Under: featured artist

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Comments

  1. Julie @ CalleLillyCafe says

    January 7, 2011 at 6:15 am

    My 9 y/o daughter’s MRI of her brain came back w/flying colors! I call that positive!
    Happy 2011 =)

    • gina says

      January 7, 2011 at 8:13 am

      WOO HOO! Julie, that gave me goose bumps!!!!

  2. Julie @ CalleLillyCafe says

    January 7, 2011 at 6:16 am

    Just tweeted! Enjoy your day!

    http://twitter.com/#!/CalleLillyCafe/statuses/23352136746139648

  3. Kara says

    January 7, 2011 at 6:31 am

    Hello charming prints!

    One thing positive about my day: It is friday–last work day of the week and meeting my sister for boutique shopping after work!

  4. Stefanie says

    January 7, 2011 at 6:33 am

    Positive: right off the bat I was able to wake up nice and early to get a jump start on the day. Normally I have the best intentions but it takes me much longer to get motivated to actually get the day started!

  5. Amanda says

    January 7, 2011 at 6:46 am

    It’s Friday! Wo ho! Poor hubs has been working his butt off this week and should be home early tonight and spend the whole weekend with us relaxing!

  6. Elisabeth says

    January 7, 2011 at 6:52 am

    Not only is it Friday which means the hubs is home for the whole weekend but he’s also on vacation next week so my daughter and I get 9 whole days with him!! He works in shipping and is just coming off peak time so we are thrilled!!

  7. Mara says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:18 am

    My daughter was really sick {ER} yesterday but today….TOTALLY healthy!!

  8. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:27 am

    I have a busy day ahead of me – but that’s positive because it keeps me motivated & feeling needed! :)

    P.S. I loooove these prints, they’re so sweet & cute!

  9. beth says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:32 am

    it’s Friday we’re getting some snow, lots of nothing planned for the weekend, so i’m looking forward to relaxing & crafting at home with my husband and pup. ahhh.

  10. beth says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:33 am

    Tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/bbgoad/status/23371141833826304

  11. Piper says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:37 am

    Something positive: Today I get to babysit my 8 month old niece, Ivy, so her mom can have some rest and alone time!
    (Btw, A Thousand Splendid Suns is one of my favorite books!)

  12. Sarah P. says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:45 am

    I get to spend the day cuddling and snuggling with my sick toddler watching “Belle movie” and “Buzz and Woody movie” and “Sleeping Booby movie” over and over and over… (how cute is my little girl? so cute.)

  13. Piper says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:46 am

    Tweeted! (@piperpost)

  14. Stephanie C. says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:47 am

    We have lots of people coming to help us work on our new house this weekend! Hopefully it will be ready to move in soon.

  15. Suzanne says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:03 am

    Thank you so much for sharing Gussy! The prints are adorable! As for my day, it’s going to include a nice long afternoon nap – definitely one of my favorite things!!

  16. gina says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:15 am

    Spending tonight with my sister, all of my daughters and two of their friends while my husband enjoys a night out with the guys at a Celtic’s game. i ♥ my friends and family. :)

  17. gina says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:27 am

    i posted it on facebook.

    http://www.facebook.com/GinaParker4PR/posts/116813281724065

  18. Christy says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:33 am

    I had asked my husband for a certain necklace for Christmas. He got me something else that I totally love instead. I entered a giveaway yesterday and won a gift certificate that will completely cover the cost of the necklace I really wanted. When my husband got home and I told him (I was SUPER excited) He smiled and said he wasn’t surprised. He had been praying that God would provide that necklace for me! Amazing how God (and my hubby) care about even the smallest details that make me happy.

  19. Christy says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:35 am

    I tweeted @devotionmama

  20. Sarah M says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:35 am

    I get to go take my two littles to a “free-play” at a local gymnastics building today with some friends. Free reign of trampolines, a foam bit, and many, many other fun things! The best type of ‘winter exercise’ for little kids.

    Sarah M

  21. Mandy Schotter says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:38 am

    Well, my day just started, but I’m looking forward to spending a quiet Friday night with my hubby and pup. :)

  22. Sydney S says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:38 am

    My husband’s grandma is going to teach me & my sister-in-law some of her secret family recipes this weekend. I feel so honored that she is including me in this! Hope everyone has an amazing weekend.

  23. Jesica says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:41 am

    My two year old slept in passed 7:00 AM! Hooray!

  24. dawn says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:43 am

    i love that i’m able to work from home, which allowed me to cuddle with my 3 year old son this morning while i drank my coffee.

  25. april c. says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:50 am

    while all the kids i nanny are at school, me and my little princess are at home playing!! i love spending my days with her <3

  26. april c. says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:50 am

    i tweeted this!

    http://twitter.com/taprilcrosier/statuses/23390702054412289

  27. Nicole says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:51 am

    My morning sickness went away long enough for me to eat a small bowl of cereal and some dried cranberries this morning! It’s the little things…..LOL (Shh! Friends and family don’t know yet!)

  28. Lauren says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:54 am

    I just started reading your blog, and I’m hooked!

    But, another positive thing: I JUST got up, and am about to indulge in a peppermint mocha on a chilly morning. Yes!

  29. Lauren says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:58 am

    Something great about today is that I am meeting with the volunteer coordinator at my local library to talk about helping them out with some display designs. I am super excited about this because I love design and I love love LOVE the library!

  30. Beth says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:01 am

    positive thing about my day, I am organizing my clothes and donating lots of them!

  31. Sarah Johnson says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:02 am

    Today begins the celebration of a best friend getting married! Here’s to them!

  32. Sarah Johnson says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:03 am

    I tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/SimplySarahJ/status/23394244832010240

  33. gina says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:03 am

    i tweeted this, but my comment isn’t showing up. third time is a charm perhaps?

    http://twitter.com/Gina_Parker/status/23382407369461761

  34. Sarah Johnson says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:05 am

    I facebooked!

  35. Jess says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Positive thing about my day: My 4 y.o. daughter walked outside this morning and *gasped* like something took her breath away. Then she declared in a breathless whisper, “Yay! It DID snow again!” (She’d been convinced that winter was over because all of our snow melted last week on a 65 degree day. She was so bummed thinking there would be no more chances for snow angels or sledding.) :)

  36. Lindsay says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:36 am

    A major positive today: after getting all four wisdom teeth removed yesterday afternoon, I’m only a little sore today! Praise the Lord!

  37. Mama Fisch says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:40 am

    Today is Friday and I have worked ridiculous hours this week. And tonight it is girls night and the rest of the weekend I plan on soaking up my boys and being a mom!

  38. Juliet says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:53 am

    My kids love each other and my hub comes home from a trip tonight!

    Cute giveaway!

  39. Natalie says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:00 am

    We had donuts for breakfast and that makes our whole family happy.

  40. Jenny K. says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:02 am

    I’m starting to see a bit more traffic on my blog. I love seeing the increase. Thanks for the opportunity to win some beautiful prints.

  41. Pamela says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Prayer time. Starting it and ending it with a little of that.

  42. Lindsey says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:26 am

    It’s Friday! Which is always great! And I get to spend lots of time with my hubby this weekend yay!

  43. Lisa says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:30 am

    I get to have lunch with a dear friend today. I’m very excited about that!

  44. Melissa B. says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:49 am

    I get to spend the day with my sweet baby girl which is always a good thing!

  45. Ann says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:53 am

    Today we get to hang out with good friends! What a treat!

  46. Natalie says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:08 am

    It is snowing so beautifully outside + it is friday!

    The prints are chic & modern — love it (& would love even more to win!!!)!

    Tweeted (@missnmiller)

  47. Alison says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:09 am

    Just spent some time browsing Annie’s shop, and I love her work! It’s unique and absolutely adorable!
    Something positive about my day…my husband has the day off, so that means we get a three day weekend. I love long weekends.

  48. Alison says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:10 am

    I Tweeted about this giveaway!

  49. Rebekah says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:16 am

    woke up early and am perusing the internet with a hot mug of peppermint green tea before I’m off to run errands…yay!

  50. Cassie C says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:26 am

    Today, I get to pick up my engagement ring from the jewelers, it was being resized and has been there since Monday! I’m so excited to have it back!!!!!

  51. Cristy says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:36 am

    I’m having a pretty good day and I’m ahead on my work schedule! Yay!

  52. Hannah says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:41 am

    A day home with my husband and two little girls… taking down Christmas decorations is top priority today (it took more than a week to convince the girls we couldn’t leave them up until next Christmas!)

  53. Christine Gough says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:42 am

    I just got to spend 5 minutes gazing into the eyes of my 3 mos. old, watching him smile and coo. Seriously. THE BEST. I have a 3.5 year old (who’s at preschool this morning) and so these moments with baby #2 seem all too rare. Love these prints!

  54. Erika says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:50 am

    The most positive thing I can remember every day of my life is that I have a God who loves me more, cares for me better, knows me greater, and forgives me abundantly more than anyone else I will ever know.

  55. Rebecca G says

    January 7, 2011 at 11:55 am

    The sun is shining–it’s a beautiful day!

  56. Erin H. says

    January 7, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    I just got a good job in my field where my boyfriend lives so now we don’t have to commute 5+ hours to see each other any more!!! It’s been a LONG time doing that.

  57. Evienlizzie says

    January 7, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    It’ snowing outside and it’s beautiful!!!
    My kids are all healthy and happy!

  58. Heather B. says

    January 7, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    I’m in love with her shop! So sweet!
    My hubs got called in to work later than planned, so we get a few extra hours together this morning. :]

  59. crystal says

    January 7, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    The highlight of my day was watching my boss get pelted with a snowball by one of our vendors :) Nearly tied with the amazing quesadilla I just ate for lunch..mmm….

    :)

  60. Maggie says

    January 7, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    We’re allowed to bring our dogs in at my office, and I got to see three puppies playing in the gorgeous fuffy, white snow a few minutes ago. Can’t stop smiling! :)

  61. Shandell says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    my 18 month-old son + his little friend that I watch, started dancing together to U2’s “Beautiful Day” this morning. It was incredibly cute!

  62. Christy Stout says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    I got to take today off :]

  63. Lauren says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    32 weeks pregnant today – only 8 weeks to go until we get to meet our little one!

  64. Kristi King says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    it’s friday and i have nothing on the calendar. yipee!

  65. crystal says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    Tweeted it :) (@CrystalStine)

  66. coasterkim says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    It’s Friday and I get to see my honey today! He’s coming to visit this evening.

  67. coasterkim says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I tweeted!

  68. AlaskanAlison says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    The tree print has been in my favorites tab for a loooooong time. I would love to win! :)

    1. It’s Friday and I get to sleep in with my husband tomorrow.
    2. My apple that I just cut into is aboslutely perfectly crisp and sweet.
    3. I get leftover fried rice for lunch. Yum!
    4. Did I mention it’s Friday?

  69. Shauna Lobre says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    JUST tweeted a nocnurse12

    Positive is I get to put my 2 feet on the floor every morning, say Good Morning to my 3 boys, FABULOUS husband, 3 cats, 1 dog and take in all that I am grateful for EVERY day.
    It is a BIG positive and one that I do not take for granted.
    I work with critically ill children who are facing challenges and I am blessed to care for them and their families and come home to my four walls filled with LOVE!!!

  70. Kelaine Haas says

    January 7, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    These prints are amazing. We just got married in October, and something like this would be perfect in our new home.

    It’s Friday! and I am going on a date with the hubby tonight.

  71. EFY says

    January 7, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    Today, I am cleaning my bathroom walls with TSP to prepare them for paint before my darling lays the new tile floor and installs the new shower, commode and vanity. YEAH!!! Long awaited progress! Blessings.

  72. Katie says

    January 7, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    I just found a scientific article with information that I have been searching for for months now. That is so nerdy, but true (and exciting!). I love these prints. They are simple but eclectic, and just my style.

  73. Brooke says

    January 7, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    There is a beautiful snowfall outside!

  74. Kathleen says

    January 7, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    These are really neat! One positive thing from today- a friend watched my boys for me so that I could get my hair done. My husband and I are going out tomorrow to celebrate my birthday. =)

  75. kelly says

    January 7, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    snow…all acitives are cancelled…a night home with my kids!!

  76. kelly says

    January 7, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    i tweeted (irishstepmom)

  77. Tobi d says

    January 7, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    The Gussy sale!

  78. April in CT says

    January 7, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    Such cute stuff!! A very positive thing about my day was when my hubby got in from work safe and sound. We’ve got some nasty snow going on and people are driving like maniacs. A hug and smooch were definitely smile inducing moments of my day. :o)

  79. Valerie says

    January 7, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    Today I am looking forward to a weekend trip with my husband!

  80. Bianca says

    January 7, 2011 at 5:38 pm

    Dance party to “Just the way you are” by Bruno Mars with my daughter (5–her fave song) and 19 month old son….singing included. :) Too much fun!

  81. susan R says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    A good cup of coffee

  82. Emma says

    January 7, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    It’s Friday and I get to spend the whole weekend with my husband and 8 month old son!!!

  83. Allison says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    My 17-month old son moved to the big boy (toddler) class at “school” today. Even though I shed tears about my baby growing up, I was happy to hear that he had a great day and his new teacher was impressed with him! YAY!!! I’m am grateful that he is cared for by loving and kind ladies! :)

  84. Marissa says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    What a sweet/non-cheesy way to commemorate that special day!

  85. Jennifer says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    both of my kids finally took a nap at the same time today! that meant I got to take a nap too, yay me.

  86. Jennifer says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:05 pm

    I tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/alwaysnwonder/status/23590813686566913

  87. jenelle hatzung says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    today i totally re-organized my kitchen and have so much more space! it was a productive morning…

  88. carrie koehmstedt says

    January 8, 2011 at 10:04 am

    The mixed tape print is soooo cute! Let’s see, positive… Today’s going to be GREAT!

  89. carrie koehmstedt says

    January 8, 2011 at 10:05 am

    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/koehmstedt/status/23772153807638528

  90. Brooke says

    January 8, 2011 at 10:40 am

    With the help of my dear Lord, I’m learning to love my precious husband more & more each & everyday . . . . Just when I thought I couldn’t love him more! :)

    Love the giveaway! Very cute stuff!

  91. Kate says

    January 8, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    We have a Saturday at home (the 5 of us) and my sister-in-law just called and said they’re bringing over pizza for supper. SCORE!

  92. Emily says

    January 8, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    I have two sweet kitties curled up on my lap as I play on my computer!

  93. Emily says

    January 8, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    I also tweeted. I’m @Fettbot

  94. Katie says

    January 8, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    Please don’t say cliche here! But honestly a really great thing about my day was just reading this interview and letting it all soak in. Beautiful and inspiring!

  95. kim davis says

    January 8, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    i have a lot of positive going on today! :) i got a new sewing table and am getting organized…all because i was inspired by you to GET IT TOGETHER ;)

  96. Teri says

    January 8, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    My 10 month old has been taking independent steps all day today!!

  97. Suz BB says

    January 8, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    It was both snowy & sunny tonight! I slept in & enjoyed banana pancakes with the hubby for brunch. I call that a positive day! :)

  98. danielle says

    January 8, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    we have 8 inches of snow and are loving it! :)

  99. Amy says

    January 8, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    We had an excellent lunch with a huge group of friends. It was great!

  100. taylor says

    January 8, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    the best part of my day was thrift shopping ALL day with my fiance for wedding decor! getting great deals and spending time with the love of my life is the perfect recipe for a perfect day!

  101. Jessica H. says

    January 8, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    I spent the entire day reading! I can’t remember the last time I had excess time to sit and read! It was glorious! Thanks!

  102. Sara says

    January 8, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    I got all my housework done today so tomorrow can be a relaxing, fun, family Sabbath day!! Thanks for the giveaway, the prints are awesome!

  103. Kiki_Dawn says

    January 9, 2011 at 12:34 am

    So awesome!! My day has been great – a wonderfully lazy day :)

  104. Kiki_Dawn says

    January 9, 2011 at 12:35 am

    Tweeted :)
    http://twitter.com/#!/Kiki_Dawn/status/23991085319593984

Trackbacks

  1. {and the winners are…} says:
    January 11, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    […] The One Reverie featured artist winner is Julie […]

  2. {and the winners are…} says:
    January 11, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    […] The One Reverie featured artist winner is Julie […]

ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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recent posts:

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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

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seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
We’re driving home in the dark of the winter nig We’re driving home in the dark of the winter night after a beautiful, hard & intentional couple of days working on a project ✨I’m committed to work on this this year; 2021 is already great. 🤩🤐😘
Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

Seriously. Thank you lord. Thank you for music and for rest and for the words in your book. I need them. I need You. I need Your freedom. I trust you’ll deliver me.
Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” challenge. Many stayed in Michigan, but mail was also sent to Colorado, Texas, California, Indiana, and Arizona. I loved this personal exercise! I have just one question: who will be my pen-pal for 2021? ✏️💌
We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk. When I finally walked out and sat down, they shouted, “THE QUEEN! EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE QUEEN!” (yes, they really call me that...☺️💓☺️)

I brought our basket of mittens and gloves and hats. The older two brought RC cars. Bauer the dog came along; we had a wonderful time on our walk.

The afternoon was harder, but overall the day was sandwiched between two really sweet time slots.

Bedtime tonight was wonderful. We read two chapters from our read aloud and Max lost another baby tooth.

This job I have, it really wears me down AND fills me up. It’s a constant take away AND fill up. Even when the moments feel so fitful, I know the story is rich. 

🕯🌙 Hello, sweet slumber. You’re carrying my babies away to a peaceful land. Goodnight, my children. Goodnight.

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodissanctifying #naturewalk #michigan
There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every co There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every couple of weeks because she is so sparkly & cheerful. She shares little pep talks, she wears fuchsia lipstick. She says, “like so, like that” when she’s explaining something. She’s a hoot. I love the joy that bursts from her eyes when she talks. In her own unique ways, her perspectives pull back the fog I often find myself in. I’m a weary mama, and her energy and gentleness feels nurturing, though I haven’t met her... I would love to meet her. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼I’m inspired by the snippets of life she shares online. Thank you, Tabitha for sharing your light. 🕯💓💄🌿@iamtabithabrown
What has kept you and your home busy as of late? F What has kept you and your home busy as of late? For us, it’s this…

The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of books that shape our minds, of anticipation, of creative projects that mar our kiddos clothing (but morph our memories into beauty). Oh right! There are cookies cooling on the counter — gotta go! ✌🏻
Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland for our tree; link posted to Stories) and my mind inspired (watching HGTV). I really enjoy the quiet of the evening after a full, rich day. God is so kind to give this to me today. What have you received today? 🎄💫📿
This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
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devotionals written by Maggie:

the (in)courage Devotional Bible:
Proverbs 14:1 and Lamentations 5
31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and Doer:
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