HOPE.

AMANDA CHURCHILL

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JAN 30

busy busy.

new blogsite.  new blog.  new images.  just in time.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm so easily distracted with the amazingness out there.  And I'm constantly comparing myself - hard on my work and my art - until the point that I don't even try.  So I'm practicing right now...  being me.  And being proud of what I've accomplished.

It will take some work.  So thank you - in advance - for allowing me the time to busy myself with authenticity.  And taking care of my family.  We have a lot of making up to do.  

Eventually I'd love to get to a place where we are writing here, regularly.  Shooting personal adventures, as well as professional.  And sharing our story as often as we can.  

Til then...

P.S.  Isn't my husband wonderful?  So thankful that he is always able to capture his love for me in such a tangible way.  And so thankful that I am blessed to work with someone who shares my same passion for imagery as a gift.  xoxo.

Leave a love note.Categories beloved. personal.

JAN 20

HOPE.

for 2012 - my new word is HOPE.  

It has to be.

2011 was - in every capacity - the most difficult year of my life.  It started in January and knocked the breath out of me completely.  It was a daily struggle with battles so big that you can't even imagine.  It was a struggle - just to be - from day to day.  The kind of struggle that you know, in a very surreal way, that when it's over - you'll be different.  Stronger.  And more.  The slow motion kind of recovery that leaves you in a glass bubble for the world to see every piece of your transformation.  The kind of path that separates - everything.  Those who love you from those who don't;  the treasure from the excess; the needs from the wants; and most painfully - reality from your memories.  If I told you the details you would think I was lying.  But it was continuous.  Without ceasing.  A true test of my human capacity.  I couldn't write it.  That would make it all real.  I couldn't talk about it.  I couldn't escape it.  My ability to process something new every single day became ALL I could do.  Every choice I made was so very difficult and had so many reprecussions - each it's own sacrifice. It was a year of trauma - death, loss, heartache.  We bearly made it.  Homeschooling had to include lessons on death, strokes, heart attacks, balloon pumps and ventilators; living in 2 states, eating whatever we could find, working hard - and still not having enough;divorce, responsibility, drugs and suicide.  They know more than I care to tell you.  They are changed, too.

It wasn't until recently that I was strong enough to break out of that bubble and start making choices without the chains.  I don't know if I'm really stronger yet - but I'm aching to find out.  

What I've learned over the past year is a very shocking truth...  we aren't the only ones.  There are so many families struggling.  So many families that are suffering.  So many families who don't have enough. You wouldn't know it by looking, but they're just like us - and as their hearts are breaking wide open from one battle or another, they don't know how in the world they will be able to buy enough groceries this week.  Take care of each other, sweet friends.  Take care of your communities.  Do here, right in your own cities - what you would do for the people in need in other countries.  Share your knowledge, lend a hand, share a meal.  Just be present.  Give them HOPE.  I don't know what we would've done without those of you who merely just stayed in our lives when things got tough, who brought groceries, or had us over for dinner & distraction...  you've blessed us and honored us.  Thank you, with all our hearts.

So here we are, with humble hearts - being present and accounted for.  Asking you to celebrate with us - a bright new year.  A new start.  An alternate path to the one we just travelled...  A gift from a loving God, made possible by the ultimate sacrifice.  A year of grace, and blessings, and HOPE.  If you see us this year - we're determined to share that with you.  To be a channel, and a tool, and a mirror.  To give you HOPE.

much love,

amanda + james.

food.

For me, cooking is like the reward after a long day.  First things first - I kick off my shoes, and open the back door.  With the swiss dots blowing in the wind, and the chimes singing their sweet, slow song - I begin creating something new.  It is fulfilling work, nurturing your family.  A fresh meal says "I care for you enough to prepare something that gives you strength."  And the chatter around the table - recounting the day - connects us even when we've been apart.  We go to bed feeling whole again - with full hearts and full bellies.

If your lives are anything like ours, the circus can take over sometimes. Time gets away from you, and you do one of two things ...  you head for the restaurants, or you revert back to what the previous generation has taught you - processed food.  I know, I know - it's so easy when you're in a hurry!  But the results are so terrible!  You know, deep down in your heart - there must be a better way.  But there's just no time to change it all, and to learn the differences.  Please don't be discouraged.  There are so many of us who are taking the time to figure it all out.  And it is so worth it!  

Food is one of my passions, and I'd love to share it with you.  I'm learning, and working on my own way of doing things, but I'd love to share my knowledge, my trials, my menus, and my stumbles along the way.  I live in a townhouse - and have the smallest kitchen ever.  If I can do it - so can you.

Here is the best way to get started:

1.  Start shopping at a different grocery store.  Period.  You are already programmed to be on auto-pilot at your usual store, so it will be harder to change your shopping habits there.  So find somewhere new - and make new habits.

2.  Buy local - every chance possible.  Farmer's markets are popping up everywhere, and are even open during the week.  

3.  Start with one new thing each week.  There are so many exciting fruits and vegetables out there that you've probably never tried.  Start easy - and prepare them a couple of different ways to see what your family prefers.

4.  Tell your friends about your changes.  Let them hold you accountable. 

5.  Keep a food journal.  What you've tried - how you liked it - if you'd try it again - and how you'd like to try it next time.  

And let's not forget Pinterest.  Here's my inspiration board - recipes I've tried and love, and ones on my list.

Please share with me - your ideas, your questions, your successes!  My husband gets bored with all my food chatter - so I'd love it if we could talk :)

til then,

amanda

hello, beautiful new year.

a new place.  a new beginning.  a fresh clean slate.

last year, well - it left me speechless.  it took me along a journey that prepared me to be my best.  here.  in this newness.  it unlocked doors, laid down boundaries, and removed any doubts I had about the excess in my life.  I'm still unsure about how I'll get there, but I just know I have to get going.  on new adventures, on new paths, in new ways.  time to stop being scared.  time to move forward.

here's to new things - in this beautiful new year.