I love hearing people's stories, which is why, after I sent out the call for contributors for the Grateful Living blog, I was so excited that these wonderful ladies responded. For each of these women, I have either spent time with them in person or admired their work from afar, and am so excited they are on board with Grateful Living. I am certain you will enjoy reading their stories over the upcoming months:
Molly Alexander: Beautifully Broken Me (me)
Karen Baruth: Elderberry Street - I started following Karen on Instagram last year, and absolutely love her creativity, her style, and, most importantly, her faith. I know you will be blessed by the posts she writes for GL, and I am so grateful to have her on board!
Manon: Sisters of the Sun - this woman is a fantastic artist and (I just found out) is a fellow Arizonian! Her jewelry pieces are to die for, and her paintings are absolutely stunning. After following her on social media for a while, I can tell you that Manon is a woman full of love and compassion, and we are blessed to have her on our team!
Barbara Lewis: Painting With Fire Artwear - I fell in love with Barbara's artwork the minute I opened up Belle Armoire Jewelry to find her article on torch-fired enameling years ago. Since then, I have gotten to know her better through her blog, her books and the enameling Ning community she formed, and I am excited for you to get to know her as well.
Christie Murrow: Charis Designs - Christie is a woman whose work and faith I have admired through social media. She is transparent in sharing what she believes and what she stands for, and the posts she has submitted reflect the strength I've seen in her artwork. She has a lot to share, and I can't wait for you to read her story!
Alexa Nolte: Alexa is one of my girls, and a young woman who is rooted in her faith like few others I've met. She is smart, funny and gracious, and I can't wait for you to meet her!
Wendy Nolte: Wendy Nolte Photography - Wendy and I serve together in our church's high school ministry, and I had the privilege of co-mentoring our Goldfield, Nevada student missions team last summer with her. You will be blown away by her stunning photography, and her story is one I can't wait for her to share with you. She is also the amazing mom of Alexa!
Shawnee Penkacik: Blessed On The Bright Side - I met Shawnee through her son 4 years ago, as one of his mentors at church. This woman is the mom to 11 (yes, I said 11!) unbelievable kiddos, all the while building up her paper arts business. I have been a lucky recipient of her handmade cards, and even more lucky to be blessed by learning her family's story.
Teresa Roberts - Teresa is an art sister who has been a blessing to me through Facebook groups for a couple of online classes we both have taken. I have been able to see her story unfold through her artwork, and her writing, and I know you will be blessed by her posts.
Shelley Smith: Laughter, Lyrics and Life - I am so happy that Shelley agreed to be a part of Grateful Living! She is married to our Creative Arts Pastor, and is the mom to three beautiful girls. Her writing is funny and heartfelt, and I know you will relate to the everyday life stories she shares.
Samantha Tennant - I have known Samantha since Middle School - over 35 years - how crazy is that? Since reconnecting a few years ago through Facebook, I have loved developing a deeper friendship with her that I am excited to share with the rest of you. Her observations on her family and her life are generous and sweet, and I know you will enjoy the posts she shares with us.
Well, there you are - the newest contributors for Grateful Living! I hope you are as excited as I am to learn more about these amazing women!
The first post by one of our contributors is scheduled for tomorrow and is written by Samantha Tennant. I encourage you to spend time on Grateful Living tomorrow to read what she shares!