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Missing 11

October 29, 2014 by April

So… I started out well with posting each day for 31 Days. Then life happened, and now I’m missing 11 days. I’m not going to try to catch up, it’s too overwhelming right now. I’m just going to carry on. As I’m sure you are well aware (if you live in the US) – elections are in just a few days!

In the last week I’ve started, completed & sent out for printing:

  • 4 newspaper ads (2 were half page, 2 were full page)
  • 4 direct mail mailers
  • 1 fundraiser invitation
  • 1 fundraiser invitation by email
  • 1 website redesign/add pages/edits (in Dreamweaver)
  • correcting candidate info on a second website (learning a new platform).

In case you aren’t aware – this was a whole lot of designing/re-designing, writing/re-writing, input/output, and edits of writing & layout – all coming out of my mind. I’ve been creatively spent dry. While I enjoy it – I had nothing left to give here. Not even text on a photo. Then the couple times I tried, I couldn’t log in – the internet has been annoying. Throw doing the latest OS X update to Yosemite on my laptop in there (it got stuck and I thought that would help). It did, but I didn’t realize how much would change and it put me in panic mode for a bit. In case you’ve missed it in the past – I’m visual & I STINK at reading directions and understanding them. Show me & I get it… So, when everything looks different – ugh!

Oh – and this was all in addition to taking my kids to their classes on 4 of the 5 school days too, and we’re planning our local Young Life Banquet right now too. So, there are more things being created :-D. On Monday night a friend and I made 100 wire picture holder thingies…doesn’t look like that many, does it? It is. wire picture holders

readingThe above photo is me sitting in my car last night during my daughter’s gymnastics class. That cookie bag would be dinner, coffee (duh!), and a good read. A wonderful way to spend an hour and a half… On the cookies – Ginger Molasses are the BEST! Snickerdoodles aren’t bad. Lemon Burst – I like lemon, but for me there was a weird after taste. No one else thought so though. Those are the three I’ve tasted – again, the Ginger Molasses….YUM!

Notice what I accomplished today (besides the 2nd round of website updates), all because I had an unexpected couple more hours at home <- LOVE that!!!…. In case you’re new here & don’t know it’s not normal – I have Amazon ads, these are affiliate links. If you are already looking to buy something and happen to think of it – I’d appreciate it if you use my link. I’m hoping this can help me get “my” camera sooner….

My daughter has basically taken over my D3100 and I reallllly miss a “real” camera, the iPhone just doesn’t hack it for me. I’m too much of a low light, macro & zoomer…..so, with all of that said… I now have Amazon affiliate links & banners all over :-).

sunset

and just because I can’t not have a pretty picture – look at tonight’s sunset! Sunsets are so pretty in the winter, remember -it’s the only time we get to see them. I am already thinking about how nice it would be to be WARM while enjoying a sunset – not a good thing considering it hasn’t even really snowed yet. We had a “dusting” less than an inch & basically all melted same day. once, several days ago.

I hope you are having a wonderful last couple days of October. I’m so ready for November 4th to be behind us and start the fall/holiday season!!! :-D

*All link are Amazon Affiliate links.

**All photos are iPhone pictures – not my favorite, but what I have right now.

31DaysTrust

Cleaning #2

October 18, 2014 by April

I’m on a roll! Cleaning #2 – it’s the second weekend in a row to get some deep cleaning & organization in, and I’m so thankful this weekend’s organizing isn’t ending in the flu. I didn’t realize how awful I felt last week through all the cleaning until I tried to get up for church on Sunday morning – I was beat! (& I didn’t make it. I actually slept most of the day and then took a 3 hour nap on Monday to get through – then Tues I was fine and have been ever since. Thank You, Lord!)

Today Christine and I tackled her room. It is once again a haven for her, a place she can enjoy. We’ve been trying to tackle this project for weeks – but we just couldn’t ever quite make it. Today we conquered!

• IMG_3148This is the view as you walk into her room. The bathroom door is immediately on the left, that green dress is hanging on the outside. The bed is to the right and the rest of her room is further in. #1 is a large, double, porcelain sink that will be moving to the cabin. It has been the utility sink in this corner for 15 years though and it’s huge & heavy…so until the cabin is ready, the sink stays. #2 is the replacement sink, when #1 goes. We thought this would happen this summer – but it didn’t :-D. After today, it is holding all her empty backpacks/wallets/bags.  #3 is full of notebooks, drawing, miscellaneous stuff she doesn’t want to get rid of, but doesn’t know where to put and doesn’t want to look at.

• IMG_3149

Looking the rest of the way to the right. See the pretty sparkles over the window? Because there is so much darkness in the winter and the position of the window in the house – there is never direct sun into her room and the day light isn’t much to speak of in the winter….so, I have two tension rods up – the inside one is a white alternative down blanket to block cold (folded in half, then over the rod – so it’s four thicknesses of blanket) and the front one has the white sheer with sparkles (again folded over length wise since the window is short. She never has to feel as if someone can see in & it helps keep her room warmer. Because it’s not a window with darkness outside it helps her room be brighter too. In the spring/summer/early fall months it is just the sheer with sparkles in front of the glass.

The shelves are holding all her paper craft stuff, painting, sewing, clay, legos, Only Hearts Dolls, American Girl dolls/clothes, and a ton of books.

• IMG_3159A darker view, but the lights glare so much it’s hard to get a picture. The closet is behind the wall you see on the left. It is so hard for me to imagine how all of this used to fit into my room! She doesn’t have more stuff (except toilet & sink) CRAZY!!!

• IMG_3158She finally has a “vanity table”. We have tried many different configurations – but this is the one I came up with today. The other two tries have flopped, third time’s the charm – right? :-D When all the lights are on it’s very bright, so she’s going to try to put make up on down there. You can see her scarves and all the elastic headbands hanging on the wall. I think this set up might actually work for her. As much as she & I are alike…. when it comes to everything having a place and everything in it’s place – we are extreme opposites. I’m hoping this isn’t “so” organized she shuts down, but instead she’ll actually follow through with putting stuff where it belongs. Time will tell :-).

• IMG_3155When you turn around from the vanity area. Isn’t it cozy? (Please excuse the sheet hanging down.) I got the fun duvet cover from IKEA, when I got to go there this summer.

• IMG_3142And again with lights on and seeing the bedroom door shut.

Love. Time. Cherish.

October 17, 2014 by April

Oh, so many things to learn. so many adjustments to be made. This is life.

Did you know Jesus loves you?

 All the time. No matter what.

He cherishes you. (He doesn’t ever not cherish you. No one means more to Him than you.)

rose bud w verse

Two years ago – this month – a couple days from now – the last time I wrote in the 31 Days Challenge – I wrote 31 Days {Trusting}. I just saw this again today, I didn’t remember it until reading it today.

What I find really interesting: 1. I was evidently wrestling with something; 2. I knew all I could do was Trust Him. Lean on Him. Pray to Him.; and 3. I was making a conscience effort to not lean on my own understanding.

Now. Two years later, I don’t remember what was bothering me then.

But today:

  • Now I know that for the next two years I’d be unemployed.
  • Now I know I’d make it through two very dark winters – financially, emotionally & physically – but by His grace, spiritually strengthening.
  • Now, I know some things I wish I didn’t.
  • Also, at the time it was just a seed of a thought, within 6 months the kids and I were half way thru our two months of living in the Philippines! (What a crazy, awesome God  we serve – in my brokenness, He provided the experience of a lifetime!!!)

As a result of the hardships yet to come (2 years ago) … Now, I am wiser. I understand His love for me better. I am able to say I am thankful for the life lessons from the last two years. I pray two years from now I will be able to say this even more so.

I am loved, all the time.

I am cherished, by my Father who created me.

Love is patient, love is kind.

[Love] does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

[Love] does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 

[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (I Corinthians 13:4-8)

Do you notice how much fun the ‘love is’ part is:

  • Love is patient. (least fun, opportunity for most practice.)
  • Love is kind.
  • Love rejoices with the truth.
  • Love always protects.
  • Love always trusts.
  • Love always hops.
  • Love always perseveres. (you’re right, it may not always feel fun)

{sigh} Isn’t this is the love we are always seeking. There is no substitute.

Don’t be confused with “love” as we too often experience it. Don’t forget to notice the list of what love is NOT…

  • When someone says they’re jealous because they love you so much;
  • when someone is constantly boasting about what they’ve done;
  • when someone’s pride is the third party in your friendship/relationship;
  • when someone dishonors you;
  • when someone is self-seeking in what they plan/suggest;
  • when someone is easily (or often) angered;
  • when someone is tracking what wrong things you do/have done;
  • when someone enjoys evil – whatever form it may be –

they don’t love you. They might think they do, they may try to say they do, but they don’t. Don’t settle.

Seek your Father, He loves you. (He promises to be found by you). Always.

There is only one Love. (Love from people will always fail, we are human.)

Oh, how the Father loves me. Oh, how slow I’ve been to understand this and receive His gifts of grace, love, and mercy. Oh how thankful I am for His forgiveness. Daily.

31DaysTrust

Day 17 of 31 Days

Filling Space

October 16, 2014 by April

Tonight I have a job that came up and had to be done. Right now. (of course – but I don’t expect to have this client past election day, so I’m doing all I can now.)

As I work my daughter is doing something I am soooo jealous about…

Cj macro

She is playing with my camera.

my lens.

practicing macro photography.

oh…to be 14 again. Not the 14 I lived, but 14 with what I know now would be nice :-). It’s nearing midnight and this is what our evening has looked like for several hours. I’m not getting a “real” post out because we were gone from the house for 7.5 hours today and now I’ve been working for the last 6 from here at home. It’s time to go to bed, but I still have a few edits ahead of me before my evening is done.

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Jeremiah 29:11

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I know I don't do social media well, so I do not have separate accounts for business & personal. This is my business Instagram feed. It's still me posting. Just not me strung out trying to keep up with two accounts. #limitsofanintrovert Thanks for being gracious & understanding! :-)

april.c.keller

Visual Communication = Graphic Design | Layout for Print & Web; Document Formatting; Copywriting.

April C Keller
The power is out. Now is when it’s REALLY conven The power is out. Now is when it’s REALLY convenient to read eBooks (& you have fully charged devices). The orange glow to the right is from the collection of candles I had handy. 
Super duper thankful for the gas fireplace!!! The temp was 43° earlier today, has dropped to 15° & supposed to continue dropping thru the night.
#thankfultonotreadbycandlelight
#gasfireplacesareawesome
#eveofchristmaseve2020 #decemberinwi
Dec 22, 2020 at 7:39am😍😍😍 No need to say Dec 22, 2020 at 7:39am😍😍😍
No need to say more.
#decembersunrise #wisconsin #wearegaininglightnow
December 21st is the shortest day of the year. As December 21st is the shortest day of the year. As a lifelong Alaskan my body & mind are very tuned to this date - we now gain daylight each day. Living WI has had many benefits & blessings - the least of which isn’t even how I will see the daylight before I get to work. 😍😍😍 I am not sad about this in the least!

I’m so thankful for this morning’s living/dining/kitchen views. I love the glow of Christmas lights & the way they immediately stop my thoughts in their tracks and cause me to remember to be thankful.
#christmas2020 #ak2co2wi #mondaymornings #thankful #blessed #christmaslights
😍😍😍 Como Park Conservatory = eye candy ev 😍😍😍 Como Park Conservatory = eye candy every time. {{sigh}}
We caught the sun low in the sky & it was simply beautiful! When we walked out it was the setting sun on the glass building & the flag blowing in a lazy breeze. #coldbutbeautiful #perfect 
#comoparkconservatory #midnovember #eyecandy #soulfilling #breathtaking #thankfulfortheopportunity #americanflaginthebreeze
Just a tiny note to share how much I am absolutely Just a tiny note to share how much I am absolutely LOVING the sunrise pink at 7am in mid-November! 😍😍😍
It’s a whole 25° & supposed to start snowing within the hour. (Do you see the neighbor’s pink window reflections?)
#happymonday #blessings #itsanewweek #wintersunrisebefore8
Hi guys! April’s daughter here. Due to an unkind Hi guys! April’s daughter here. Due to an unkind comment and a hard week behind the social media wall she deleted the post. After a good talk and encouragement I am here re-posting with permission. Remember that what’s seen on social media does not reflect what goes on behind the scenes. The intention of the post was to share a personal struggle and encourage others who may feel the same. A difference of opinion does not require a comment. 

The repost:

Are you an American? If so, voting is your civic duty. 
🇺🇸To not vote is the same as voting against your freedom.
🇺🇸To not vote is the same as voting against your right of citizenship. 
🇺🇸To not vote is the same as disregarding every American soldier and his/her family’s sacrifice for you. 
I promise – no matter what you think – YOU ARE NOT TOO BUSY to vote! This year especially, they have made it so easy (not interested in debating the right/wrongness of this, just stating fact) and it’s not as if the deadline has been a surprise date. If you choose to not vote, there is no excuse other than being lulled into apathy by the privilege you take for granted. Don’t be lazy.

For those who think I’m being too harsh – these are the things I had to remind myself of in the not so distant past as I was overwhelmed by figuring out the simple-yet-not-so-simple-process of how to register as a new resident, where to vote, and who to vote for. And then again today as anxiety joined me when I’d parked at my polling place & it was time to actually stand in line with all the others.

Side note, 2020 brought yet another first for me: I’ve never voted on a non-Alaskan ballot. Instead of boroughs & districts, I navigated counties & wards. 
Even so, the ballot looked the same. 😊 

And then I went for a beautiful country drive through harvested fields and looked at barns. Feeling thankful & blessed for the freedom and ability to do so.
A little crisp & foggy outside, but perfectly cozy A little crisp & foggy outside, but perfectly cozy inside.🍂🍁

#september2020 #fall #thankful
So...not exactly a surprise!😊 Take your own qu So...not exactly a surprise!😊

Take your own quiz at holleygerth.com/introvertquiz
 
You definitely should go check out more about The Powerful Purpose if Introverts by @holleygerth 
#introvertpurpose #introvert #godmadeuseachunique
🍂Fall is coming! 🍂 This change of the season 🍂Fall is coming! 🍂
This change of the seasons is the first one I’ve felt alert for since moving here 🍁🍂 & it’s all so pretty (the 5 trees I’ve seen starting to change)! But I’m not in the least ready for it, it’s the 1st time in 18 years I haven’t needed school supplies of some sort - for either of the kids (homeschooling) or myself (college). Now, I just get to enjoy all the school supplies simply because I love them!😊

The first pic is just for enjoyment because I know the majority if you can’t possibly understand what the 2nd & 3rd photos mean to me. 😊

As an introvert who has been transitioning from work-from-home to working-at-the-office-everyday, on a team & working on a variety of projects, I often feel as if I’m majorly failing at simply being nice. 

I’m too often in my head, processing all I’m trying to remember to do/get done & short of smiling in passing, there isn’t a ton of other interaction. BUT the 2nd photo is evidence of while not having more than a handful of non-work related conversations, I have a co-worker who knows me incredible well! On Tues, she brought me one Pantone color book & yesterday she brought me SEVEN more!😍 
I never dreamed I’d get to touch one of these little color charts in real-life, let alone have a set of them living at my desk!!! 

2020 will never be forgotten, for so many reasons. Big & small.
#seen&known #itsthelittlethings #littlethingsadduptobigthings #blessed #thankful
It’s no small secret I’m a hard-core introvert It’s no small secret I’m a hard-core introvert & not by just a little bit. Social distancing has always been my norm. I can’t say I’ve seen this as a blessing in life 🥴. 

Ironically, while 2020 has required so many social appreciators (extroverts) to stay at/work from home, life in 2020 has required me to learn how to work out of the home full-time. After working from home for the last 20 years, this has not been a small adjustment!

I have lived in WI for 8 months now, and I’m just starting to feel semi-human in daily life. I totally & completely underestimated the toll an unexpected 2nd large move, traveling over Christmas, wrapping up my senior year of college/degree, having my oldest graduate college, and working on a team of people out of the house full-time would have on me. #notenoughhourstorecovereachday

You will likely see me in this space more as I’m on the book launch team for The Powerful Purpose of Introverts, the latest book by @holleygerth. I’m really looking forward to learning how being an introvert can be a blessing & strength.

 #introvertpurpose #createdinhisimage #lovedasiam #nothingtoprove #introvert
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