Sweet is the Peace...

I love listening to General Conference. It's such a joy to soak in so many beautiful messages of hope and peace. Taking my questions and concerns to the Lord and listening for answers and encouragement. What a joy it is to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. What a blessing it is to know that the Lord hears and answers prayers. What a blessing to have modern day prophets in our day. Sweet is the peace the gospel brings. Hope you get to listen too...

With Love,
L

Scrapbooking A-Fair: Go Round

Sick of State Fair and city carnival pages yet? I hope not... cause I've got more to come. I love that these pages are all bright and cheerful with a vintage twist.. Something about a Merry-go-Round just makes me so happy! Perhaps because they remind me of carefree summer afternoons spent with my extended family at Lagoon; Perhaps because of the animals; Perhaps because of their vintage charm... I've just always loved them!

Miss M. also loves them... She thinks they are named after her--Mauri-go-Rounds. Last summer Brett and Jeni and I took Mauri to Summerfest during the day and the rides weren't up and going yet. I've never seen her so sincerely disappointed. Danny and Jeni and I took her back that night and she and I rode on the Mauri-go-round roosters. I made a journaling card telling the story of this particular day, but it didn't seem to fit on the page, so I just included it on the back.

Yesterday I was at Hobby Lobby and saw several of the books that I have artwork in for purchase. I've seen them there before, but for some reason yesterday I had a certain sense of accomplishment in it. Perhaps nobody else in the world knows or cares that those pages are mine, but it was a boost in confidence and a much needed reminder that I've had some great creative opportunities. I may just be a no-name scrapbooker now, but I can still develop and share my talents. Moments after seeing my artwork I happened to run into my good friend who I'm collaborating with on a new project. I got so excited for our project and for the opportunities it will bring. Good things ahead.

L

Hello Dolly

Miss Dolly got a haircut, so naturally she needed some new portraits. Poor baby can't stand going to the groomer, but she sure does look cute!!

These days she loves:
Playing in Nana and Papa's backyard
Begging for food.
Playing with her stuffed lion, Lionel Part 2 (as seen above)
Licking Lincoln's mouth whenever we aren't looking
Taking naps on my lap
Playing with her blue basketball
Looking out the window
Opening cabinets--scavenging for food and toys
Sleeping in our bed when Danny goes to Sunday morning meetings
Playing fetch
Shaking

Oh I love this little pup so much!

L

Scrapbooking A-Fair: Only at the Fair

This page documents this blog post, here, where I wrote about all the silly things we observed at the fair. Oh, the fair is a wonderful place for people watching! People do such amusing/embarrassing things in public! (ie: drunk wheel-chair races around the ferris wheel.) Somehow the state fair seems to attract many of the same characters who wander around Walmart for fun on a Saturday night--like the clever teenagers following us around the other night asking for a quarter or $90.00. Nevertheless, we like the fair, and Walmart too, for that matter. I like to think we're just spectators though. Perhaps my next page shall be entitled "Only at the Walmarts..." (They call it "the Walmarts" in the south.) Classy.

I'm quickly filling an album with pages about our adventures at the fair. More to come soon...

L

Life from the Passenger Seat: Timing

Thank you for your sweet comments on my last post. It is such a blessing to have supportive friends and family who can empathize with my struggles. It seems some of the very best people I know are the ones who endure the challenge of waiting.

Yesterday at church someone made a statement about how all our blessings come from our choices. Yes, I agree that our decisions certainly determine our destiny; I would just add to that statement that sometimes those blessings don't come immediately. Faith in God includes faith in his timing. As Elder Holland says in one of my favorite talks, "An High Priest of Good Things to Come,"


“Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead.” Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ,they come. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.


When life from the passenger seat looks a bit more like a construction zone, (ROAD CLOSED, DETOUR AHEAD) we can learn to embrace more fully the view along the way. I guess that's what this blog and the stories I tell through photography and scrapbooking are really about--my little way of seeking to recognize and appreciate the view from the passenger seat. 


With Hope,
L

Do You See Me?

The other day I saw this lovely little butterfly flitting all around happily enjoying the spring weather. He would pause on a branch long enough to allow me enough time to set up a nice photograph, then happily set of flying again.

I love how his bright orange wings stand out against the rough grey bark and evergreen background. The contrast is striking, making no mistake about who or what the focal point is.

Lately I have felt a bit unseen and misunderstood. I guess I'm just still trying to find my place, and figure out what direction the Lord wants me to go. I'm doing good things and progressing, just not necessarily in the ways I thought I would be.

For some reason many people have recently decided that it's quite okay to inquire about our lack of children. It's so hard for me to know what to say and how to react politely to such personal inquiries. "Have you guys ever thought about having children?" How long have you been married?" "How old are you anyways?" "By the time I was thirty I had six children." and so on...

I could write a good long post about how deeply those questions hurt, but for right now I'm choosing to keep those thoughts and feelings private. I'll just say this... Like a caterpillar knows it was born to be a butterfly, I know what I was born to be... and I'm doing my best to reach my potential within God's timing. I wish they could see that.

L

Sweet Life

sweet sunshine.

sweet little girl.

sweet moments...

it's a sweet life.

Today I'm looking forward to a little scrapbooking, sunshine, and snapping photographs of the lovely moments along the way. 

L 

Scrapbooking A-Fair

I know I haven't posted any scrapbooking work lately... I've actually been rather busy working on a BIG project that I'm super excited to share with you soon!! I can say this much... I've been so excited to collaborate with some very talented people on a very exciting project! The BIG launch is coming soon, and it's going to be fantastic... so watch out for it!

I used this gorgeous vintage floral paper from Crate Paper for the project I've been working on. Since I had all the supplies out and handy, I decided to take advantage of the scraps and make some pages with photos from the State Fair. The soft and dreamy feeling of this photo went so well with the floral paper, aged carnival tickets, and vintage lace. I told Danny that I think we could have an entire album just of state and county fair pages. I just love taking pictures of Ferris wheels, ticket booths, and all the lovely sights at the fair... Consider this the first in the series of my Scrapbooking A-Fair Album. Much more to come.

Patterned Paper: Crate Paper, Pebbles Inc
Cardstock: CTMH
Transparency: My Mind's Eye
Chipboard elements: Crate Paper
Paper Lolli American Crafts
Journaling Stamp: Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday
Date Stamp: Dear Lizzy for American Crafts
Ink: CTMH and Tim Holtz
Pearls and Teal Ribbon: CTMH
Other: Carnival Tickets and Vintage Lace

L

Profiled

Sorry for profile photo overload, but these shots just make me too happy! This little girl has my heart completely. Just look at that face... she's adorable!

Miss Dolly and I were quite busy taking care of three other dogs last week. That's right, it was a regular three-ring-circus doggy daycare around here! Secretly, I think she and I are both rather happy to have a more quiet week ahead. Dolly is happy to have all her toys to herself and I'm happy not having to clean up so many messes.

L

Looks Like Spring...

Warm and Sunny.... Carefree and Happy... Looks like SPRING! 

Welcome back sunshine!! Welcome back shorts and flip flops! 

Pretty sure happiness is a Spring day!

L

Advice From Elder Busche

There has been so much on my mind lately. My heart is heavy with personal challenges and questions. I also feel the weight of deep concern and worry for many loved ones facing difficult trials too. It is in the quiet moments of prayer and pondering that the Lord reminds me to be still, trust in him, and press forward with faith and hope in my heart.  I am deeply grateful for the peace that comes when the Spirit testifies of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therein is peace, therein in hope, therein is joy.

This little video with the testimony of Elder Busche has brought me so much peace over recent months. It is so full of inspiration and truth. Hope you'll take the time to watch it and let it cheer your heart today.

With Love,
L

Little Leopard Riding Hood

Last week I made a little movie starring Miss M. and Miss Dolly. Miss M. played the part of Little Leopard Riding Hood, and Dolly was the Big Not-so-Bad Dolly Bear Wolf. (it was a loose adaptation) The premise was that Mauri and Dolly ate most of the snacks before they got to Nana and Papa's house... They had so much fun wandering around sharing snacks with each other. It was hilarious! Mauri was coming up with so many cute things to say, and Dolly was loving that we let her eat snacks without getting in trouble. It turned out to be a perfect gift for Papa's birthday. Cute little bugs. Not sure I'll share the video, but thought I'd share a few still shots of the two of them in their starring roles!  

L

California Dreaming

Just a couple of self-timer shots I took over the weekend. The sunshine these days is glorious! I'm soaking in as much of it as possible, as I'm sure there are still a few sneaky snowstorms ahead. That's just the way Utah is...

Danny and I are both such warm-weather people. We love the beach, tropical fruit, and pretty much all things sunny. We're planning a little escape to California soon. Driving along the coast with my Danny and snapping pictures of the scenery along the way, why it just sounds perfectly wonderful! I'm just dreaming about that moment when we'll finally see the ocean in the horizon and I'll hardly be able to stand waiting to get out and feel the sand between my toes... Oh I hope the vacation is as lovely as the daydreams are!

L

A Little Noise Never Hurt

I rather like this photo of Mr Lincoln! It's a bit "noisy," but I quite like the effect. Noise in a photo refers to the visible film grain that occurs when you shoot at a high ISO. One thing I remember learning early on in my study of photography was that a little noise in a photo is generally preferable to using a harsh flash. It's a much more interesting and softer image of Lincoln than if I had kept the ISO low and shot with a flash. (Does any of this make sense? Sorry if I'm speaking in another language here...)

Everything I've learned about photography came from a one hour crash course class,  lots of reading and and studying, and three years of daily practice. I must say, three years later, I'm rather proud of myself! I look at my early pictures and see so many things I'd do differently now, but I still love them... they remind me of my eagerness to learn and my passion for composition. I've come a long way, and continue to learn new things all the time.

Lucky for me, I recently found a $100 bill that I had tucked away and forgotten from a Christmas bonus several years ago! That little bonus bought me a nice new prime 55 mm 1.8 lens! Can't wait to see what this little lens and I will do together!

With Love,
L

Back in Full Swing

Dear Body,


Please stop doing crazy things! Enough with the rare allergies and infections already! I would love to get back into the full swing of things, but it's awfully difficult when you choose not to cooperate. I'm grateful for you and all the things you can do. Let's be friends okay?! No more fighting. 


Sincerely,
L

I really am grateful for all that my body can do. I know it could be so much worse. Today as I was leaving the doctors office I saw a young woman leaving another office in tears. I don't know her or her story, but I felt so sad for her. I wondered what sad news she had just received. It broke my heart. I said a little silent prayer for her in that moment, and I hope she will be okay. One thing I'll say for suffering, it increases your empathy in a way nothing else can. Your heart hurts when you see others in pain.

Dear Body,


Thank you for teaching me to be patient. Thank you for teaching me to empathize with others and recognize when they are in pain. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to develop greater faith and hope. Thank you for all the things that you can do so well! Thank you for carrying me through many difficult challenges. Thank you for not giving up on me, even when you are tired. I am grateful for you. One of these days you and I are going to be back in the full swing of things, and won't it be so wonderful?! Until then, thanks for enduring so many challenges with so much strength. 


Love,
L

To Dad On His Birthday

Happy Birthday today to my dear dad! I couldn't ask for a better father! I just can't even put into words how wonderful he is. In honor of 68 remarkable years, here are 68 words that describe him. (I could go on and on!)

1. Kind

2. Generous

3. Thoughtful

4. Fun

6. Father

7. Papa (grandpa)

8. Husband

9. Loyal

10. Understanding

11. Sincere

12. Worthy

13. Gentle

14. Devoted

15. Teacher

16. Friend to all

17. Advocate

18. Intelligent

19. Gentleman

20. Humble

21. Principal

22. Honest

23. Pepsi

24. Humor

25. Patient

26. Classy

27. Faithful

28. Forgiving

29. Capable

30. Provider

31. Hard working

32. Early-to-rise

33. Cultured

34. Well-read

35. Dignified

36. Wise

37. Outgoing

38. Caring

39. Hong Kong

40. Turtle Bay, Hawaii

41. Loving-1.2.3.

42. Orem 

43. Son

44. Brother

45. Uncle

46. Green Thumb

47. Service

48. Mauri's Buddy

49. Dolly's Buddy

50. Squeeze Cheese

51. Hard Rock Shirts

52. Button Downs

53. Polos

54. Loafers

55. Hats

56. Glasses

57. Dockers, blue and tan

58. Reading the newspaper

59. CREST fountain drinks

60. Standing at the door

61. Calls to say I Love You

62. Listener

63. Honors Priesthood

64. Example

65. Fair

66. Sacrifices for faith and family

67. Truly Christlike

68. Hero to many: My Dad, My Hero.

I count it as one of the greatest blessings in my life to have such a remarkable father (and mother for that matter). Happy Birthday Dad Dowdle, I love you! 1.2.3. 

Love,

Lynley Jill Pill

El Salvador Restaurant

Little did I know that when Danny took me to the El Salvador Restaurant on our second date (nearly five years ago) it would become one of my favorite (and only) places to eat out. (It's very GF friendly as everything is made with corn instead or wheat.) Honestly, I was not impressed with that first taste of El Salvador, but fast forward five years and now I can't get enough of this place! They make pupusas like the ones we ate every single day in El Salvador. Pupusas are basically thick homemade corn tortillas filled with beans and cheese. Because I can't have dairy, I just get mine with beans. They are so delicious and filling! We also enjoy ordering the fried bananas and beans--it may sound odd, but they are really good!

The El Salvador Restaurant is anything but fancy, but the food is very delicious and satisfying! I guess it just goes to show that sometimes you have to try something more than once before you can really make any opinions about it. The food, decor, and ambiance are all a little taste of El Salvador, and now I see why Danny loves it so much!

The El Salvador Restaurant is located on Center Street in Provo across from the Covey Center for the Arts. You should give it a try sometime... maybe twice;)

L

Lessons in Confidence

My little face and eyes are finally starting to look more normal. Every day they are slightly better, but the reduction in swelling and redness has been very gradual. What a strange thing it has been to have had such a noticable "condition" this week. It would be easy to hide away from the world, but life doesn't work that way. I had things that needed to be done--and they weren't waiting for me to feel or look better.

The other day I had to go to the mall to pick up a stamp at the scrapbooking store... If going to the doctors office had been embarassing, how could I face the mall?! All those trendy people, and teenagers?! I tried to think of a way of out of it, but in order to meet my deadline, I had no other choice. There wasn't going to be time to wait until I felt more presentable. I told myself, "Lynley, this is a lesson in confidence!" Silly, I know, but for me this was a brave thing to do. I knew that my swollen face and red rash all around my eyes was very noticable, and I wondered what people would think. I had a few strange looks, like one young man who seemed to strain to take a closer look, I presume he was trying to see what was wrong with me--and really I can't blame him, it was kind of fascinating. Overall, though, I was really impressed with how "normal" my trip to the mall actually was. Nobody said anything mean, the store clerk was pleasant and helpful, and other than MY OWN insecurities, it was as if nothing about me was actually different. I held my head high as I walked back through the mall and out to the parking lot.

Cute little Mauri was a bit frightened when she first saw me, but after I explained that my eyes were "sick," she shrugged her shoulders and asked if I wanted to go "play school" with her. She wanted to know if Dolly and Danny had sick eyes too and has insisted on calling to check on me throughout the week. She was quick to see past outward appearances and treat me like normal.

Funny how I keep going back the word "normal." Perhaps normal=accepted. I think there's more to that for me to ponder and learn...

Lessons learned:

• Confidence and beauty come from within.
• Most people are truly kind-hearted and aren't going to poke fun of others.
• Most people are understanding and can recognize when someone is sick or struggling. 
• Hold your head high, even when you feel like your weaknesses are on display--other's don't notice or worry about them as much as you do
• When you see someone who looks different, it's not your job to analyze them or take a closer look. Just smile and treat them normally. 
• Recognize that others are naturally curious, and don't take offense if they do take a closer look. (I'm certain I have been the one to look a little closer on many occassions

L