Even though you come from completely different backgrounds your best friend's Mom can be just like your own. 

From afar she watched you grow up.  She sees all that you are and quietly guides you from her living room.  Even when you are at your home, you know that down the street there is this other place that smells differently, the contents of the refrigerator are completely different and the house is filled with brothers and sisters that aren't related to you by blood. 

I was lucky enough to have that type of second Mom and I see lots of how I go about my life nurtured and nudged by her.  When I think of fresh white buns sitting on a counter I can smell her home.  I remember the look on her face when all the kids in the house would get out of hand and all she had to do was say "Nah" in that tone and we knew ~ that was enough.  I can remember how she moved about her house methodically and when she picked up things for her kids at the store she would put them on their beds without a word about them.  Nothing ever seemed like it was a big deal it was what is was.

They say it takes a village to raise children and since having my own kids I see that.  To have extra eyes watching to ensure your kids are safe is always calming.  To know that your child has a place to go away from home where they feel safe, secure and loved is comforting.  I always knew, when in the care of Momma Harms I was loved like one of her own even though it was never expressed till much later in life.  I was always warm, well fed and knew certain lessons were being taught.  There was lots of laughter and my pseudo brothers and sisters and I created many fond memories that to this very day we can still laugh about.

It's funny, I can remember a pivotal moment realizing I had grown up and was no longer a little kid but a young adult.  My parents were in the midst of a divorce and my best friend was off in Germany and high school had just ended. Life was changing.  I missed going to the other end of my street and one day, felt the tug.  I rode my bike down the road to my best friend's house knowing she wasn't there.  Outside was her Mom and the way she looked at me I knew she knew what I was feeling.  She knew I missed her daughter.  She knew I was having a hard time and she looked at me with those mothering eyes and said, "You know you are one of my own.  You come by any time."   I have never forgotten that day or her words and knowing I had a place in a home that was not my own brought comfort and belonging at a time that was very scattered and unstable.  

Sometimes it is your best friend's mom that can give you that nudge of confidence or that different perspective or sometimes, its what she doesn't say that makes the world of difference.  So, for all those who have a "second" mom who made an impact in their lives, this Mother's Day let them know you are thankful for their guidance and love.  The above card was designed for just that and can be purchased by clicking HERE.

One needs only to turn on the news for 5 minutes before knowing how truly lucky they are.  Death, destruction and immense grief seem to fill each frame.  The newspapers are not much better.  Living here in my neighbourhood filled with beautiful flowering trees, tall tall evergreens, rich and lush soil I feel spoiled by its beauty.  I cannot even fathom life in some countries with the destruction and heart ache that seems to occur daily.  My gratitude upon reflection is immense.  

When speaking of gratitude we must remember to be grateful for all our difficult times too.  Aside from being difficult they shape our character and strengthen our soul.  During those difficult times we often only see all that is causing us stress and that un-ending feeling of will this ever end.  When it does give into good times we bask in joy for mere minutes before the dreaded uh oh this is too good, something bad must be on the horizon feeling creeps in.  Sometimes I like to reflect on those difficult times and really feel grateful they happened because I know from each mishap I grew and learned something.  Then, I turn on the news and really cherish that my difficult times are nothing compared to so many in different parts of the world.  From missing planes to sunken ferries, to famine and disease, to earthquakes and landslides we need to be grateful for each breath.  Whatever your beliefs our world need a positive light....

When I decided to switch from making my OOAK notebooks with original art on them to a more wholesale friendly notebook I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the process as much.  I was totally wrong.  Since making that switch so many amazing opportunities have come my way.  It was a tough decision as I loved making them but channelling that same creativity into creating my cards and other art has been equally as fulfilling ~ in fact, more so.  

I thought I would share some of the many designs now available in not only the lined paper format but my agenda format too.   There are 21 different covers for the notebooks and 13 for the agendas and they make fabulous gifts.  All notebooks and agendas can be found by clicking HERE

With the agenda style notebook space is broken into an open style calendar format.  You can use this as a journal with space for two years worth of entries.  It is a great place to keep track of all the fun and crazy things your kids say too!  If you are someone who likes to keep track of your workouts, food or create a space to record all the things you are grateful for in this world, this style notebook is awesome for all that.  

Below are all the different design covers available.  And, if you see a cover used for the lined notebooks that you would prefer in the agenda format, that cover can be used, just send me an email to art@kathleentennant.com.

I have been sitting on some big news.  Really exciting and big news.  You know the type, when you bite your tongue so you won't say anything before you know you can type of news. It's funny because once I knew that all was well and I could share my exciting and super big news, I held onto it.  I held it close and simply sat with it and reflected on all that has been and all that could be and the oh so many possibilities that lay ahead.   

Part of my process was creating a brand new line of congratulations cards.  With each design I was, in essence congratulating myself for all my hard work.  I was congratulating myself for listening to the whispers that told me to hang in there and to keep following my dreams.  It has been totally worth it.  I have learned so much on this fabulous and artistic journey and I can't wait to see what this next adventure of fun leads me to...perhaps a trip to the United Kingdom.    

Why the UK?  

Well..... I am super thrilled to be able to announce that I have signed my first license agreement allowing my designs to be produced and distributed throughout the UK and Europe ...well, actually, anywhere outside North America.  I am still trying to absorb it all.  My designs hanging out in shops on the other side of the globe.  Oh my word, it's beyond fun and something I have always wanted!  As I type this post I have a smile on my face.  I feel content and I am beyond proud of myself.  I feel the joy that hard work provides and I am banishing the gremlins that try to put the what ifs in my brain that rattle my cage.  I look forward to the adventure ahead and the art waiting to be created!  Oh the possibilities....