Castle High School Lacrosse Team

Can you believe I got all these young men to pose for a picture for me?  Nice looking group--don't you think?  This is (Newburgh, IN) the lacrosse team from Castle High School.  According to one of the founders of the sport in our area, lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the United States.

Poem: Don't Quit

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When you're feeling low and the stress is high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh.

When worries are getting you down a bit...

By all means pray--and don't you quit.

Success is failure turned inside out.

God's hidden gift in the clouds of doubt.

You never can tell how close you are--

It may be near when it seems so far.

So trust in the lord when you're hardest hit...

It's when things go wrong that you must not quit!

author unknown

Birthday Party Themes

Do you have some birthdays coming up in your family. If so perhaps you’ll be hosting a birthday party for one of your children or a spouse or maybe a parent. They can be a lot of fun to put together especially if you turn it into a theme birthday. There are so many fun themes to do for a kids birthday. For boys there is the pirate party, bowling party or sports party theme. For girls you could host a princess party, spa party or dance party theme. There are of course lots of themes that would work for boys and girls as well as for a mix of ages. One could have a cupcake theme party, a pool or swimming party, garden party or barbeque theme party. Pick your theme and tie all of the decorations, food, cake and games to that theme. Here you’ll find some cute invitations that I’ve designed in a variety of different themes. To see more visit my store Designs by Shell.

Technorati Tags: birthdays,themes,invitations,cupcakes,pirate+party,princess+party,cute

These white blossoms are little bits of beauty peeking out from the green leaves on our holly bush. 

Creating Cartoon Animals

Well, it’s no secret that one of my favourite things to create and draw are cartoon animals. I love to come up with interesting positions and funny expressions for them. Then I like to add humorous sayings or messages to them. This last week I’ve designed the cutest teddy bears in spring dresses ( what… teddy bears aren’t animals) for birthday party invitations. I’ve also drawn some cool cats and redesigned a beaver that I created a while back. It’s great that there is no right or wrong when creating your own characters they just are what they are! I’ll share some of them with you here. Hope you enjoy them and to see more come by my store Designs by Shell.

Maintaining Your Fitness Motivation

Some days it is definitely harder than others to stay motivated and inspired to do a good workout. Whether you choose to go to a gym and lift weights and do cardio machines or you prefer to exercise outdoors, one still needs motivation. A few of the ways that work for me are : 1) Set small goals… like today I’m going to do two sets of lunges or add an extra 8 squats to my routine. 2) Think of something healthy that you love to eat like fresh strawberries or a juicy peach and remind yourself how good that will taste when you finish your workout. 3) Wear something stylish or cute (ladies) it really does put you in a better mood than if you just throw on an old t-shirt.  4) Find a workout partner that can motivate you for at least one of your workouts during the week. For me I work out with my husband on the weekend and we help motivate each other. We always have a delicious breakfast after our workout too! So try to make it fun and you’ll stay motivated. Here are some designs from my store that might inspire you too! Designs by Shell

Technorati Tags: fitness,exercise,motivation,t-shirts,workingout,weights

A Golden Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

  This was my neighborhood as I saw it yesterday. 

A Golden Day

The subtle beauty of this day

Hangs o'er me like a fairy spell,

And care and grief have flown away,

And every breeze sings, "all is well."

I ask, "Holds earth or sin, or woe?"

My heart replies, "I do not know."

Nay! all we know, or feel, my heart,

Today is joy undimmed, complete;

In tears or pain we have no part;

The act of breathing is so sweet,

We care no higher joy to name.

What reck we now of wealth or fame?

The past--what matters it to me?

The pain it gave has passed away.

The future--that I cannot see!

I care for nothing save today--

This is a respite from all care,

          And trouble flies--I know not where.

Go on, oh noisy, restless life!

Pass by, oh, feet that seek for heights!

I have no part in aught of strife;

I do not want your vain delights.

The day wraps round me like a spell

And every breeze sings, "All is well."

                                              Ella Wheeler Wilcox