Inspire Me Series. . . with a Twist!

Hello Friends! Today I wanted to add to the "Inspire Me" series, but I wanted do something just a bit different. There's a little reading to do, but at the end I'll show you why and how I made this shadow box art.

Weeks ago, I received this e-mail (I have changed the name) . .

Kara,
Today I read your blog post, "Become a Dreamer". It was inspiring to me in that you took the time to share your feelings with your readers and that you seem to truly care about others. I'm 47 and a very optimistic and passionate person, but lately I'm having some tough times. I wasn't blessed to have parents that supported me. My dad has always been very distant and my mother is extremely critical of everything I do, even at my age. My hair is too long or too short, my new outfit doesn't look good on me, why on earth did you paint it that color? You get the picture, she enjoys complaining.
As if I didn't hear enough criticism growing up, I married someone worse than my mom! My husband, of 28 years, is very pessimistic and critical.
About me: I'm creative and constantly have numerous projects going on. In my twenties, I owned a new construction painting business and it was very successful. When I told my husband what I wanted to open, he said "its just a pipe dream Anna, you will never make it". At any given time I would be working on 8-10 new homes, in different phases of construction. My parents didn't live close at that time but I did try to talk to them about my life and business. Neither one showed any interest at all and I actually believe they thought it was just a silly past time for me, lol.
I have owned an antique mall and a home decor shop since then. I started both all three of these businesses with under 500 and no savings anywhere. Looking back, I guess I was lucky to keep them open for two years each. I learned that you truly do need a little money to make money, lol, but I tried.
Now, I stay home and work on my projects, and I live across the street from mom!
We really need the income, so I'm looking for a job and putting my passions on the back burner for awhile. I truly believe God gave me my creative talents to use for his good, I just haven't found my little "niche" in this world yet.
Please pray for me Kara. I'm not ready to take off my rose colored glasses. My husband has always told me to take them off. If there is only one thing that I do well, it is create pretty things. Even after all the negative influence I've received, I'm still convinced that my time will come!

Thanks for listening, I hope it makes sense and please forgive spelling errors, I've been crying and trying to write too.
Anna

P.S. just so you know, I AM a proud, bragging, supportive mom, lol
My daughter has one year of college left and she will graduate in graphic design. She takes after me.

Of course I wanted to respond to "Anna." Here's what I wrote. . .

Anna,

Although it has taken me a while to respond, I have been thinking about you since I read your e-mail almost 2 weeks ago. The reason it has taken me a while to respond is because I wanted to be able to really encourage you and I felt I needed a good chunk of time to sit down and write to you.

As I read your words, I also was moved to tears. I think of myself as a strong, passionate person. . . but I have tons of support. I can't imagine having dreams and goals that are constantly questioned or discouraged by those who are supposed to love me the most. How hard that must be! I think one thing you have to remember is that when people are constantly pessimistic and degrading, it is probably because they themselves are unhappy. For whatever reason, they have no hope in their lives and if is obvious by their attitude and the way they live. This is where I have to get a little spiritual on you.

I wouldn't mention it if I hadn't experienced the change it brought in my own life. I have always been a dreamer, however I used to want to accomplish things so people would love/accept me. After learning about and seeking out Jesus for a few months in high school, I realized He had all the love for me that I would ever need. I realized His acceptance was all I needed and best of all, it was freely given. After I decided to trust the Lord with my life, my goals/dreams were not for me anymore but everything I accomplished was for God's glory! When you realize the love that Jesus has for you, that's when the negative comments from loved ones don't matter as much. You may already know Jesus and maybe just need to remember/discover how much love He really has for you. And whereas you need more love and acceptance in your life that can only be provided by Jesus, it seems maybe your mom and husband need the hope that only Jesus can provide. You can't change them or force them to find hope, but you can continue to live out your life with a joyful and optimistic attitude. When they begin to see their disbelief and harsh words no longer effect you, they will wonder why and maybe find their hope in Jesus as well, which will effect their whole outlook on life. This may never happen, but you must not stop dreaming or believing because of the nay sayers in your life. Like I said, I have to mention Jesus to you, because it is the place that I found love, hope, and acceptance. I would feel disingenuous and awful if I failed to mention Jesus in all this.

This post gives a little insight to own spiritual journey if you are interested in reading it. :) http://karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com/2010/01/mini-makeover-redeemed-rocker.html

I encourage you to keep searching and especially praying for God to reveal the "niche" he has in this world especially for you! I am convinced that He will reveal his plan in His perfect timing if you don't give up! You must keep the faith and you must keep "knocking on doors" until God opens one to your perfect path!

I hope something I have said has helped or made a difference, but if nothing else just know there is someone out here who believes in you! You have two cheerleaders here in Kara and Tim Paslay. Never take off those rose colored glasses, just make sure your working hard while you're wearing them! :)

I am so glad to hear your daughter has an amazing, supportive mother to encourage her on her own journey!

PS- could I have your address? I want to send you something. :)

Much love, Anna. And please keep us updated on your journey!

So, are you wondering what I wanted to send to Ms. Anna? Well, Anna's words "I'm not ready to take off my rose colored glasses yet," kept ringing in my ears and so I wanted to make something for Anna that would encourage her to keep her positive outlook on life. This is what I came up with.

I tried really hard to find some vintage rose colored glasses, but I had no luck. So, I picked up these somewhat vintage looking pair at Anthro and decided I would create my own rose lenses.

I used the same method that I used when I made my mason jars blue.

Just a bit of Mod Podge, red food coloring, and a tiny bit of water. A couple of red food coloring drops mixed in with the white Mod Podge made a lovely rose/pink color. Then a few minutes in the oven at 225 degrees and we had some rose colored glasses!

PS- These glasses are only $10 on clearance at Anthro if you're into them!

I decided that I wanted to create a piece of art in which I would sew a pocket and then hang the glasses from the pocket. Well, since sewing is not one of my favorite things to do, I decided to cut up this sweet little vintage apron and use the pocket that was already built into it.

Then I grabbed a polka dot hanky and felt like I had a winning combination!

I used adhesive and attached the hanky to the back of a shadow box. Then I attached the pocket I cut from the apron. Last, I put the glasses in place and added a little note to make sure Anna got the message I was trying to convey. :)

I hope the art will serve to encourage "Anna" everyday. I hope when she looks at it that she will remember that there are people out there who believe in her. So, today's "Inspire Me" post is a little less about inspiring you and a little more about inspiring "Anna." Won't you leave some kind words for "Anna" and let her feel the love from our little community of dreamers and believers?"

Let's create a community of encouragement and hope!