tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365727592024-03-12T17:42:29.216-06:00Allison OrthnerAllison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.comBlogger259125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-38471842662815182172020-03-03T08:31:00.005-07:002020-03-03T08:31:54.901-07:00Allison Orthner Website<h2>
Please click <a href="https://www.allisonorthner.com/home" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">HERE</span></b></a> to go to my Allison Orthner Photography website.... </h2>
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<br />Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-74737655687217590632017-01-10T08:15:00.002-07:002017-01-10T08:15:59.181-07:00NEW!!! Creative Hearts Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So we're trying something NEW!!! </div>
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I've had this concept for many years actually... I recognize that not all creative people are "crafters" (ie. think paper crafters, scrapbookers, carmakers, etc.),</div>
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but I do believe all people are creative.</div>
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I believe that God created us in His image and because He is THE CREATOR,</div>
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it makes sense that we are also Creators then as well. I believe when we create, we are reflecting God's very nature... </div>
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Some do it through gardening or woodworking while others create music or knit or crochet and sew. I do photography, home decor and paper crafting and am dabbling in makeup and fashion as well and recently became aware of Bible Art Journaling... creatively portraying lessons from the Bible right inside my Bible (recognize the logo now?). </div>
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And I'm still passionate about Haiti and helping others so we are presenting an event that celebrates all things CREATIVE and supports some great causes (Haiti, Christy Riopel ART scholarship and Grace Youth summer Missions Trip)!! We have partnered with Grace Baptist Women's Ministry and the Grace Youth for a full day of opportunity for you to exercise your creative side... and classes to teach and guide you along in a variety of creative outlets!! </div>
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At our Creative Hearts event on Sat. Feb. 11, we have:</div>
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Paper Crafting</div>
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Jewelry Making</div>
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Bible Art Journaling</div>
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Photography</div>
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Card Making</div>
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and more!!</div>
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DROP-IN throughout the day to CREATE!!</div>
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or STAY and CREATE all day!!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Register <a href="https://gbcscrappers.wufoo.com/forms/z1ukequ81fcouzd/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></span></div>
<br />Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-25275220587138230922016-11-28T16:50:00.001-07:002016-11-28T16:50:31.242-07:00Learning from LossAnother dose of grief has come my way... this one different from Christy... but yet I know those close to him have joined the "Grief Club" (see previous post).<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Cole Brown</span></b> has been our "guy in Haiti" as I have coordinated with him and our <a href="http://allisonorthner.wixsite.com/hope-for-haiti" target="_blank">Hope for Haiti</a> fundraising efforts here in Canada over the past few years to build an ART room and teach art at the school there. Cole has been living in DR/Haiti for the past 10 years and passed away in a plane crash doing aid work following the recent hurricane in Haiti.</div>
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I think you can tell a lot about a person by how children react... and the children in Haiti were a testament to how passionate Cole was about them and helping their school and community. He was also an insanely amazing photographer that I may or may not have been jealous of and wanted to be just like when I grow up!!<br />
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So even though Cole was super private, I kinda forced him to get in front of the camera for me and video taped an interview I had with him while in Haiti... through some nerves, you can hear the passion and heart he had for this country and my prayer is that we can continue to help fulfill his visions for this community...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fallison.orthner%2Fvideos%2F10208486440653441%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>
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The lessons I am learning through loss lately are vast... but the bottom line is this...<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Life on earth is fleeting. I believe God prompts us in different ways to make the most of it by helping others. My prayer is that when it is my time, I will hear the words in Heaven, "Well done good and faithful servant." And so that is how I want to live out the rest of my life on earth, however long that may be.</b></span></blockquote>
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Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-38301654583422214662016-11-28T15:52:00.002-07:002017-01-10T17:14:12.515-07:00I've Joined a Secret ClubI feel like I have joined a secret club... a club I didn't realize existed.<br />
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I joined the day I lost my soul sista Christy Riopel... young moms are not supposed to suddenly pass away out of our lives forever...</div>
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I was sitting in church when I found out and it decimated me. I've never lost anyone before that was this close, this important, this young and I've been learning ever since just how GRIEF works it's way into your life and forces you to join this secret club... </div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">the GRIEF club.</span></div>
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Everyone who has lost someone near and dear knows of this secret club... everyone understands that there is nothing you can do about it either... you suddenly join one day and GRIEF has it's way with you... however it wants, whenever it wants and for as long as it wants. </div>
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This is what I wrote that day...</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">My heart is decimated...</span></i></span><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm not done doing life with you yet... I'm not done laughing with you till it hurts and tears are running down my legs and I'm not done crying with you till the tears dry up and the laughter returns...</span></i></span><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm not done learning all you still had to teach me...</span></i></span><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm not done being soul sistas who truly know and love one another through good and bad times...</span></i></span><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm not done eating </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">your amazing cooking (who knew you can BBQ a turkey?!?)...<br />I'm not done watching you create masterpieces of art out of thin air...<br />I'm not done with the dreams we had once we had the time and money and opportunity...<br />I'm not done travelling to hot tropical locations with you...<br />I'm not done having our long life perspective talks (who am I going to call now?!?)...<br />I'm simply not done and I don't know what to do...<br />My heart is not ready to be done...<br />I sat in church this morning before I knew... the Bible passage was Psalm 23 and specifically talking about walking through the valley and shadow of death... I had no idea that was coming into my life within hours...<br />I'm not ready to do that yet... but God is and always will be my comfort and my rock so I trust in Him to get me through and pray the same for all who knew and loved you... I love you my friend and forever soul sista...</span></i></span></blockquote>
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I created the above art in her honour for the Bible Art Journaling article in the Winter 2016 issue of <a href="http://www.creativescrapbooker.ca/" target="_blank">Creative Scrapbooker Magazine.</a>.. be sure to buy that issue as we have several amazing tributes to Christy within the pages...<br />
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Meanwhile, I'm still learning what it means to be a member of the GRIEF club... but this I know... I have a new appreciation for life. I always thought I already had good perspective on what is truly important, but the loss of Christy has taken it all to a whole new level yet again. I'm not exactly certain what it will all mean... but I'm open and ready to learn. I'm 50 years old and still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life... this I know... it's going to have to be meaningful. <br />
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PS. I am sooooo thankful I forced Christy to pose for a few portraits in my studio recently... I always say that one day your photos will be your most valuable possession... and there are never enough of them. Truth.</div>
Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-29945339157767241572016-11-26T12:11:00.000-07:002016-11-27T08:45:06.306-07:00Be Still My Heart!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a "be still my heart" video from Haiti... we were at the end of our trip and as always, we get to feed the children at the school. It quickly came to our attention, however, that some of the older children were stealing food from the younger ones... you can't really blame them I guess as when you are that hungry, you resort to a bit of a "survival of the fittest". </div>
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But once we were aware, we became the PROTECTORS of the younger and more vulnerable and amidst the utter chaos of 200+ students trying to eat and run around on the playground, I pointed my camera at my husband... this precious little girl was so utterly contentedly letting him feed her!! Each time she wanted a drink, she would just look at him and give a gentle nod...</div>
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One of the greatest needs this community has is food... and I've been brainstorming how we can help provide that for them. They had a kitchen generously donated to the school so that is now there and ready to go, but they need a source of food... and in Haiti, that is a huge challenge!!! But not impossible...<br />
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So even though we raised enough funds to build them the ART ROOM (which is AWESOME!!!!), I don't think I can stop there knowing that even their basic needs of food and water are still going unmet.. here is where we stand today on our fundraising...<br />
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I still believe that TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!!!Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-50785907240803147982016-11-26T11:50:00.002-07:002016-11-27T08:24:11.089-07:00Haiti in July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to know where to begin!! This was my third trip to Haiti to help build the school and teach art and it was probably one of the best yet hardest experiences... the children were again so very happy to see visitors and especially excited about getting to do more ART!!!</div>
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Below you see how they prepared for our arrival and on top of that rooftop is where we began building the new ART ROOM or ART DECK that will have a beautiful view overlooking the city of Cap Haitien below. </div>
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I got to personally deliver the hundreds of ART banners that Canadian crafters all made to help decorate the new art room!!! I took photos of each one with one of the students holding it so watch for those still coming if YOU are one of the generous souls that donated one!! We will still have to sew them together and deliver the final banner someday, but it's exciting to see them all!!</div>
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I also had the privilege of delivering this extra special piece of ART from the Seven Person's School in Alberta to the principal (it's now hanging in the "teachers room"!! Together this tiny little class of grade 5/6 students raised over $3000 for the school in Haiti AND sent sport supplies for them!!! The principal said he was going to pray many blessings come back to those who gave so much :)</div>
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So... guess how old this little boy in red is?!?!?!</div>
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Our team member standing with him is 16... this little boy is 15...</div>
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He comes from a family with a single mom and her 5 boys (the youngest 4 attend the school) and we had the privilege of helping build them a new home!!!! But it was so very hard to see how malnourished they all were... just utterly gut wrenching :( So many of the kids there are in similar situations and it is so very hard to know what to do... but long ago I learned that we help by helping one person, one family, one community, one school... and if everyone does a small part, it can make such a HUGE difference.<br />
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So much more to still share!!!Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-77533193871170733152016-11-26T11:30:00.001-07:002016-11-27T08:23:57.358-07:00Crops for Haiti Across Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMgn3toicAv4kXokwhvLEVEjPp271OX36CvBw7JMtVKEp0dUE19qP-xF2CKKhgSYM8QKdKActgVBvBDb1PjmdhG8nQhm7c_FfiMdj86go82TKLed12lvVs59neDLmoYgmuk5iwg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-26+at+10.35.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMgn3toicAv4kXokwhvLEVEjPp271OX36CvBw7JMtVKEp0dUE19qP-xF2CKKhgSYM8QKdKActgVBvBDb1PjmdhG8nQhm7c_FfiMdj86go82TKLed12lvVs59neDLmoYgmuk5iwg/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-26+at+10.35.14+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check it out!!! </div>
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If you haven't already seen this visual... here are all the locations that held similar Crop for Haiti events across Canada!!</div>
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I have to say it has been overwhelming for me to see how even complete strangers have joined in our project and I can't say thank you enough!!!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">THANK YOU!!!!</span></b></div>
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A special thank you to <a href="http://www.creativescrapbooker.ca/" target="_blank">Creative Scrapbooker magazine </a>for partnering with me to help make this happen and for their constant support and encouragement of my big hairy audacious ideas!!</div>
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Here are a few group photos from some of the events with more to come!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgTe45eSOP8XJo4Ldn5Q_R2rhd_2w1p8CNAGFyvDUfeAsou3Y8tP45GdHPz9WymyG80-aEwnyXpEUGYui9A12vipQfzDSKp0VHHsDpkA0y2lgqvm1Ok-EF6Oheya_Sa_q2n8OsQ/s1600/ComeCreateMB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgTe45eSOP8XJo4Ldn5Q_R2rhd_2w1p8CNAGFyvDUfeAsou3Y8tP45GdHPz9WymyG80-aEwnyXpEUGYui9A12vipQfzDSKp0VHHsDpkA0y2lgqvm1Ok-EF6Oheya_Sa_q2n8OsQ/s320/ComeCreateMB.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!!!</span></b></div>
Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-22525668847298977542016-02-05T15:53:00.000-07:002016-02-05T15:54:08.920-07:00Crop For Haiti - Calgary results!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Before I even begin, I need to say a</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">HUGE THANK YOU</span></b> </div>
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to everyone who made this event a success...</div>
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My team (Jennifer Reynard, Brenda Bedard, Marlene McCook) who so willingly jumped in to help out in so very many ways (and especially in the kitchen which is NOT my forte!). Michelle King, Heather Rambow and Jennifer Reynard for designing and teaching, and ALL my volunteers that helped out during the day including the "carriers", my hubby, sister-in-law Cindy and 84 year old parents!! And to all who donated Raffle Prizes, items for the Spin to Win, food and more!! And then of course, all our 54 attendees!!!</div>
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Our motto for the <a href="http://www.creativescrapbooker.ca/hope-for-haiti" target="_blank">Hope for Haiti</a> project to raise $20,000 for the school in Haiti with <a href="http://www.creativescrapbooker.ca/" target="_blank">Creative Scrapbooker magazine</a> and <a href="http://www.livedifferent.com/" target="_blank">Live Different</a> is</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">"Together we can do this!"</span></b></div>
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Although there are still some final receipts, etc. trickling in, TOGETHER we were able to raise</div>
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We spoke with <a href="http://www.livedifferent.com/" target="_blank">Live Different</a> this week and found out there are some immediate needs at the school they are currently working on (finishing the kitchen, obtaining a water supply, etc.) that might be part of the building project in July when Brad and I are planning to go (we also might start the art room too!!). So we will donate the majority ($4000) from our crop specifically to the Art Room fund and will reserve the remainder ($1779) for the immediate needs and building projects at the school during our trip in July (hopefully including some more ART supplies to teach ART again while there!!).</div>
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They also sent me a couple photos showing an update on the school and it was so very exciting to see and hear about some amazing progress since I was there last year... </div>
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On top of the roof of the first classroom (on the front left of the photo) is where the new "Art room/open area classroom" will eventually be built. The unfinished building on the right of the photo is the new kitchen/feeding area where they plan on feeding the children at least one meal each day so that they are better prepared to learn :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA2AEydKS-QihRD7GsFZC_aHigT4xM2bs1yCdGJLFim7yjP603qYSeertsjXEUWh3NfnO4I8E0BMDYhKWaCNVAMioRBUy3JVzRwLMGZbLE4aZ7jRenszNVLXWM7BCRbFldX9tAg/s1600/12695293_10153338543042747_1489211171_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7xEyYJVh30OOiWlXt8SJbuHP_aCiSKSUHirQj6aTo9tvRCDhEX0usVSh8UO8exR_8SRrFd9U-1YxQ9ANyTqI1u5qF_a6ZQ9p9xNjSqbycNlokLlqBxCTt_MeLONsayYTPwbuZQ/s1600/1*SNcCVpmBA3Kgh3EZclugcQ.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7xEyYJVh30OOiWlXt8SJbuHP_aCiSKSUHirQj6aTo9tvRCDhEX0usVSh8UO8exR_8SRrFd9U-1YxQ9ANyTqI1u5qF_a6ZQ9p9xNjSqbycNlokLlqBxCTt_MeLONsayYTPwbuZQ/s640/1*SNcCVpmBA3Kgh3EZclugcQ.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the view of the school from behind over looking the ocean and the city of Cap Haitien below. As you can see, there is still a LOT of work to be done, but such progress is so great to see!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_Jk84RXzS6dM3GPg8ULVzlAXF2JeOWX4A2l7qIZsgdHv0G1iA2XqoBBV_6I7e7u2-T9yjndx3CWPAOggzknjAEpxzemqoZWIHJBdzfnIdZq6kXZbjTTXv_8ZkhZclaHc1H3f3Q/s1600/Cole+in+Haiti.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_Jk84RXzS6dM3GPg8ULVzlAXF2JeOWX4A2l7qIZsgdHv0G1iA2XqoBBV_6I7e7u2-T9yjndx3CWPAOggzknjAEpxzemqoZWIHJBdzfnIdZq6kXZbjTTXv_8ZkhZclaHc1H3f3Q/s640/Cole+in+Haiti.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And one of my favourite photos of Cole who works for <a href="http://www.livedifferent.com/" target="_blank">Live Different</a> and lives in Haiti... sitting inside one of the finished classrooms surrounded by the students captivated by something on his computer :)</div>
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And finally, I leave you with a shorter version of the video we showed at the crop...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vQ6rEJMlkPA" width="560"></iframe>
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Again, from the bottom of my heart and overflowing out my eyes...<br />
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Thank you.<br />
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Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-64802109443108558132015-12-01T08:51:00.000-07:002016-11-27T08:23:37.184-07:00Crop for Haiti - Calgary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk0w0KDekpEeteI0qxbu5853I1_AFwwGXVojmBLI600r4sDQO39Y59PIelobjWgOPT2kj6KW5b2D9JC3YmafzajKujjLjl0XtnQq0nNsXVdjBx3GYGiVcH5WWxi00dHwrw_nnIQ/s1600/Crop+For+Haiti7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk0w0KDekpEeteI0qxbu5853I1_AFwwGXVojmBLI600r4sDQO39Y59PIelobjWgOPT2kj6KW5b2D9JC3YmafzajKujjLjl0XtnQq0nNsXVdjBx3GYGiVcH5WWxi00dHwrw_nnIQ/s640/Crop+For+Haiti7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://gbcscrappers.wufoo.com/forms/crop-for-haiti-calgary/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Click HERE to register!!</b></span></a></div>
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Join us for this year's annual "Crop for Haiti" event in Calgary on Saturday, January 30, 2016!!<br />
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Cost is $75 and includes a light breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks, a Crop and Cruise Tote Bag with special gift ($25+ value), "Hope for Haiti" flag to decorate including techniques ($35 value), volunteers to carry your supplies to and from your cars, start and sweep snow off your car (priceless!), raffle prizes, games and more!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiEURUwa-iKX0kiBTyvijOmXNCXhWE4BeiGhAYISiX33mQSbmL5FPSI6XTVSWRJbx3W23lNqFFVaG1hjDgjv3Bf94muxCRLjspO84qdrHy6FpIpzaSEpPQJnwKCxqz1_cMkOFxg/s1600/Tote+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiEURUwa-iKX0kiBTyvijOmXNCXhWE4BeiGhAYISiX33mQSbmL5FPSI6XTVSWRJbx3W23lNqFFVaG1hjDgjv3Bf94muxCRLjspO84qdrHy6FpIpzaSEpPQJnwKCxqz1_cMkOFxg/s400/Tote+Bag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Event will take place in the gymnasium at Grace Baptist Church located at 2670 Radcliffe Drive SE from 9am-9pm with plenty of space to crop! This crop is part of the "Crop for Haiti" events taking place across Canada to raise funds for the school in Haiti we are helping to build! Space is limited so register soon!!Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-38396301038419816292015-08-19T22:24:00.000-06:002015-08-20T09:43:16.942-06:00Bible Art Journaling - How to get started!!<b>Christy:</b> (while chatting on the phone) <i>I keep forgetting to tell you about Bible Art Journaling!</i><br />
<b>Allison:</b> <i>What's that?? Sounds interesting!!</i><br />
<b>Christy:</b> <i>People are doing art journaling right inside their Bibles. Google it.</i><br />
<b>Allison:</b> (Googling) <i>This is soooo cool!! This is so me!!</i><br />
<b>Christy:</b> <i>I thought you'd like it! And I thought we could do it together... you know the Bible and I know art!!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Zgbrg4FUca2TM8KdaPyY23QZdYd4zYksHe1n2SkX6Kv_XNWujif0H-S1iSyirXWnm4NZf3329v3F26NmryPo05kP1s3VNyWjqgUCmsANzMpYrC_ZupygFvK06xXEc3ob1kmNRQ/s1600/BAJ%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Zgbrg4FUca2TM8KdaPyY23QZdYd4zYksHe1n2SkX6Kv_XNWujif0H-S1iSyirXWnm4NZf3329v3F26NmryPo05kP1s3VNyWjqgUCmsANzMpYrC_ZupygFvK06xXEc3ob1kmNRQ/s640/BAJ%25231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that's how it began.<br />
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We (<a href="http://www.christyriopel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christy Riopel</a> and I) bought journaling Bibles from Amazon (<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Single-Column-Journaling-trutone-Chestnut/dp/1433544407/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1440043599&sr=8-3&keywords=esv+journaling+bible" target="_blank">ESV Journaling Bible</a> published by Crossway) and did our very first pages together (above)... Proverbs 3:5... "Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and do NOT lean on your own understanding." I can't begin to explain how many times this verse has helped me through my life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinen5Ts5ZqMXxChyu_-rXijqRrLNkZmlgblK4NsxzKGpedS2m_7NM2kXb2Zbx6HYUAv11CJAJmxJ5gBRiAP-rXs01FZ99RTJmnCZz5hJ9IU_0Zqx6ioC4OLSZrJxEytMaB9D9Spw/s1600/Allison_Orthner_Prov+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinen5Ts5ZqMXxChyu_-rXijqRrLNkZmlgblK4NsxzKGpedS2m_7NM2kXb2Zbx6HYUAv11CJAJmxJ5gBRiAP-rXs01FZ99RTJmnCZz5hJ9IU_0Zqx6ioC4OLSZrJxEytMaB9D9Spw/s640/Allison_Orthner_Prov+21.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Prima Bloom Girl stamp designed by <a href="http://www.jamiedoughertydesigns.com/" target="_blank">Jaime Dougherty</a> who is also an avid Bible Art journaler!!!)</span></div>
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And I can't begin to explain how my heart is captivated by this new obsession!! Imagine... I can combine my faith with my art and recording my thoughts and life lessons all within the pages of one precious Bible!!! And I can even add photos!!!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>It's like my entire heart all in one place!!!</b></span></div>
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And Bible Art Journaling is growing around the world!! Some call it "<a href="http://www.illustratedfaith.com/" target="_blank">illustrated faith</a>" or "documented faith" or "creating in faith" (google those!!) and they can't seem to keep the Journaling Bibles in stock!! I think it's because so many of us are finding ourselves driven back into our Bibles in a new and creative way with this!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhixYTw5j7rpVPdcvkpJX5WCe_6h3dNIEHWSycYrhfwwWWFtykViBH470BXGZGUtlmLF_OyaYdMcWN5tVukZz1e6A2NBTA3ytJa3lJT7bIuaXyF7K2WW9hfA3AklZGnUkCEoezQ/s1600/Allison_Orthner_Psalm+148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhixYTw5j7rpVPdcvkpJX5WCe_6h3dNIEHWSycYrhfwwWWFtykViBH470BXGZGUtlmLF_OyaYdMcWN5tVukZz1e6A2NBTA3ytJa3lJT7bIuaXyF7K2WW9hfA3AklZGnUkCEoezQ/s640/Allison_Orthner_Psalm+148.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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So tons of you are asking a TON of questions so I thought I'd answer a few here :)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Q&A about Bible Art Journaling</span></b></div>
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<b>Q. What sort of Bible do you use for Bible Art Journaling?</b><br />
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Ideally you want a Bible that has "margins" down the side of each page (mine are 2") and slightly thicker pages. The translation is up to you. I bought an <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Single-Column-Journaling-trutone-Chestnut/dp/1433544407/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1440043840&sr=8-3&keywords=esv+journaling+bible" target="_blank">ESV Journaling Bible published by Crossway from Amazon</a>. You can also order direct from <a href="https://www.crossway.org/search/?q=journaling+bibles" target="_blank">Crossway</a> or other online Christian book stores. Here is the one I use...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WOyvMUiZWGCUny3EAInEOWjj-MIh4VNVGc60ugXwRsHoF0Mj7SpkctCp-7U9uWSWj0ZehLw2nkNM7cJEPEwIXL-5hctZrkSthiLWxjWk3OwHyOUjpvck1uC4wha3thlOCbOzNg/s1600/ESV+Journaling+Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WOyvMUiZWGCUny3EAInEOWjj-MIh4VNVGc60ugXwRsHoF0Mj7SpkctCp-7U9uWSWj0ZehLw2nkNM7cJEPEwIXL-5hctZrkSthiLWxjWk3OwHyOUjpvck1uC4wha3thlOCbOzNg/s640/ESV+Journaling+Bible.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Q. What supplies do you need to get started?</b><br />
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Once you have your Bible, you can honestly begin with just a pencil!! Most also use pencil crayons and gel highlighters and journaling pens that don't bleed through (I like Faber Castell Pitt Pens best and bought a set at Michaels). For this page I took a photo of myself, changed it into a drawing on the computer then replicated it in my Bible using pencils, added the tears (and fake eyelashes cuz I can!) and then journaled. I LOVE it!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPde6gi5y79o4R-KRJO7plRRFPc9yMF-h2VdtAvndZLabjbxDEr3pxh1nPn-z7SGRZx1nJvcjqa0a1Pj1wTeI3mrXRlmHpF7-weMDilP1bCkICRBTLlJM71l-AWOzMjPLhWMyEfA/s1600/Allison_Orthner_Psalm+56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPde6gi5y79o4R-KRJO7plRRFPc9yMF-h2VdtAvndZLabjbxDEr3pxh1nPn-z7SGRZx1nJvcjqa0a1Pj1wTeI3mrXRlmHpF7-weMDilP1bCkICRBTLlJM71l-AWOzMjPLhWMyEfA/s640/Allison_Orthner_Psalm+56.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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For scrapbookers like me, I'm finding a TON of use from my scrapbooking supplies (stamps, inks, gelatos, stickers, rub-ons, stickles, glitter, stencils, etc.) and have developed a new fetish for stamps!! Because I can't usually draw super well, I find stamps are puurrrrfect!!!! Some companies are now even creating stamps just for Bible Art Journaling or illustrating your faith like <a href="http://www.unitystampco.com/?s=stephanie+ackerman&post_type=product" target="_blank">Stephanie Ackerman's from Unity Stamps </a>:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pyo2Um1q5FV0HHGELm4f2NoV378TlbbiUFzrmdJI_0zJtWHe0SdXiQaHm76ciXs1I-sMPHFyEYSDlMDNsmR-oa3qXDWM8u8Zl6wPxu_hyphenhyphennrotOsMYqnQOFn3EN-bbk5r_7ihtw/s1600/supplies+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pyo2Um1q5FV0HHGELm4f2NoV378TlbbiUFzrmdJI_0zJtWHe0SdXiQaHm76ciXs1I-sMPHFyEYSDlMDNsmR-oa3qXDWM8u8Zl6wPxu_hyphenhyphennrotOsMYqnQOFn3EN-bbk5r_7ihtw/s640/supplies+photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Q. Don't paints, inks, colours and pens bleed through to the other side of the thin pages?</b><br />
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Depending on what you are wanting to do with your page, you might want to prep the page with gesso or a clear matte gel first (buy at any art store). This not only seals the page and prevents bleed, but it also allows certain mediums to be better applied, blended and worked with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKW6tzFqz-65TedcL_spqMsOdsY0fixwDoQTvH6tNNtXDkoKtb_YgVqOhp-yecWOPAWPXh4FBdFbWuOkM2gZCTlb73eadBR2Zcr_kH9VWZ1YOgtGAtc3SopJQiPU94U6vrA6yDg/s1600/BAJ%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKW6tzFqz-65TedcL_spqMsOdsY0fixwDoQTvH6tNNtXDkoKtb_YgVqOhp-yecWOPAWPXh4FBdFbWuOkM2gZCTlb73eadBR2Zcr_kH9VWZ1YOgtGAtc3SopJQiPU94U6vrA6yDg/s400/BAJ%25236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I did a video of Christy demonstrating how to use gesso to prepare a page so I will be sure to post that real soon!! It's always better to be able to watch someone else do it and learn that way especially someone as talented as Christy :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDd8HNAYOiuwITf_7HbBpFaQFQFcn6DhyAz8YJEPdY0O7DSou5QO0hoHl5L3UBquO1cULZycW3AURBwqbqTP8Ljs5MJBaFw0UWaLmXswVpebCT_bfAawLhd91US7vEdyPxM1MSbA/s1600/BAJ%252311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDd8HNAYOiuwITf_7HbBpFaQFQFcn6DhyAz8YJEPdY0O7DSou5QO0hoHl5L3UBquO1cULZycW3AURBwqbqTP8Ljs5MJBaFw0UWaLmXswVpebCT_bfAawLhd91US7vEdyPxM1MSbA/s640/BAJ%252311.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well I think that's enough for today, but you HAVE TO get the Fall 2015 issue of <a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/" target="_blank">Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine</a> where Christy and I wrote an entire article that has 20 different page samples and explains in even more details how to get started with Bible Art Journaling and illustrating your faith right inside your Bibles!!! You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allison.orthner" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and Instagram (click button on top of page) to see more work!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr-ESVhSonuj0e0rHiZGyD24p8MWQwFVuN-R4eeAp9k-i12t-eURxeU4Q2hzQ276kE07T2biuIPB-x1xykAagJTQEb4WaORVGveRge0gAx3WrZOqvZZ7lNEAHCx0TXhvSFBM97A/s1600/BAJ+article+CS+Fall+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr-ESVhSonuj0e0rHiZGyD24p8MWQwFVuN-R4eeAp9k-i12t-eURxeU4Q2hzQ276kE07T2biuIPB-x1xykAagJTQEb4WaORVGveRge0gAx3WrZOqvZZ7lNEAHCx0TXhvSFBM97A/s640/BAJ+article+CS+Fall+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And if you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!!Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-77025391866678673522015-04-14T10:36:00.000-06:002015-04-14T10:36:59.663-06:00Save the Date - Sat. May 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoYTo7lLoB8kPYA0PNrtxLDJkJkUIK24S_nINEszTh44TLQTsMEyQnvpU4v-mKtNsRk5D2ReiSD_LsC859-i7xh3vzZIigPzcwUTfpuyAGtnfb5Nk_zh3xXkwh54Vff_T1dq-9g/s1600/art+from+the+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoYTo7lLoB8kPYA0PNrtxLDJkJkUIK24S_nINEszTh44TLQTsMEyQnvpU4v-mKtNsRk5D2ReiSD_LsC859-i7xh3vzZIigPzcwUTfpuyAGtnfb5Nk_zh3xXkwh54Vff_T1dq-9g/s1600/art+from+the+heart.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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I am excited to announce that I will be involved in an ART SHOW AND SALE on </div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Saturday, May 9th!!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/artfromtheheartsale?fref=ts" target="_blank"><b>"Art from the Heart"</b></a> will feature several local artists with a wide variety of products that will be perfect additions to your home or gifts for Mother's Day!!! These include:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Mixed Media</li>
<li>Glass Fusion Jewelry</li>
<li>Oil Paintings</li>
<li>Metal Art</li>
<li>Photography</li>
<li>and more!!</li>
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AND... you will have the opportunity to support a great cause... Hope for Haiti ART ROOM Building Project through a Silent Auction of items and the purchase of ART made by the actual students attending the school in Haiti! Come to the show to pick your own custom piece of ART!!!</div>
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Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-47290322773646966482015-03-18T13:17:00.002-06:002015-03-18T13:28:11.255-06:00What I want for my 49th birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I've been celebrating turning 49 for at least a week and I don't want it to stop. In fact, I think I'll just go all year in anticipation of a SUPER BIG celebration next year when I turn 50!!</div>
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Yes 50!!! WOW!!! When did THAT happen?!?!?! Well it hasn't yet, but it's coming God willing! And I am going to PARTY!!!! But perhaps not how you might think...</div>
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Sure I'd love to have a huge celebration with family and friends, but on my wish list of things I'd most want to receive is another experience like Haiti again... there is nothing else that comes close to feeding my soul to the depths...</div>
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You see, going to Haiti puts ALL of life into perspective... and as I'm aging, I'm finding real clarity in what I want to do with my life and how I wish to spend my time, my energy, my strengths and talents, and my money. </div>
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And high up on that list is continuing to help these precious children and the entire community in Haiti by continuing to build their school and bring water and food and healthcare and ART to them!!</div>
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I've got some ideas for this next year and I CAN. NOT. WAIT.<br />
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Meanwhile, know that my birthday plans involve YOU!!! Because together we can change our world.Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-25395633713844846602015-02-25T11:42:00.000-07:002015-02-25T11:51:38.719-07:00Short Haiti Story - "The Tarantula" We are home from another trip to Haiti building a school there for some of the neediest people in our world. I have so many stories and photos to share so I'm going to break them into "short stories" from Haiti over the next several weeks. Enjoy!!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"The Tarantula"</b></span></div>
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Last year in Haiti we worked with a group of construction workers at the school who didn't speak our language which made it difficult for us to connect. It wasn't until the end of our trip last year when they challenged us to a soccer game that we finally felt we made inroads into relationships with them... and then we left.<br />
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Well this year, many of the same construction workers were there and we recognized each other and right from the get-go, there was a much warmer reception! So the very first day we were working, I had tried to speak some Creole with a few of them while working and was moving a pile of rocks (there were a TON of rocks to move!!!) when we uncovered a TARANTULA!!!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">A big hairy live tarantula!!!</span></b></div>
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Well despite being terrified of ANY spider-type creature, the photographer in me jumped immediately into action as I ran to grab my camera and returned to take a photo of this super creepy specimen!! So as with all photos of creepy things, I started further off capturing photos and then slowly moved closer as I felt safe to do so. So I was getting in nice and close when one of the construction workers reached in, grabbed the tarantula and</div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">THREW IT AT ME!!!!!!</span></b></div>
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What happened next is quite the blur, but I remember leaping in the opposite direction to where I thought the tarantula landed and have been told there was some screaming involved and I apparently hit the construction worker a few times!!! Oh and all the while I was desperately reminding myself to NOT DROP MY CAMERA as I jumped on top of loose rocks especially as I had NOT taken the time to put the strap around my neck.<br />
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And you know what??? </div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">This was the highlight of my day and one of the best moments of my trip this year!!!</span></b></div>
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You see, it was such a sure sign to me that the local Haitian construction workers welcomed us foreigners with open arms... what you need to understand is Haitians are used to being exploited by foreigners and strangers... they don't trust easily... they don't understand why "rich white people" would come to their country to work and pay to do it!! But because we had come last year and returned to do it again this year, they trust that we really do care... and they trusted us enough to have some fun and throw a tarantula at us (or me... but I like to think of it as "taking one for the team").</div>
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And that incident set the tone for the rest of the week... their acceptance of us was evident and it was pure joy to work along-side these men who work so very hard building this school for this community (part of our trip expenses goes towards paying their wages to work on the project with us). </div>
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And for those wondering, the construction worker insured that we would be safe from the tarantula. After analyzing it (check out this photo of the underside of a tarantula!!!), he safely removed it far away from our construction site (ok he smashed it a couple times with his shovel and then drop-kicked it down the mountain!!). And for those of you on Facebook who were more worried about the tarantula than me... sorry to say he did NOT survive... (but I did :)</div>
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Stay tuned for more stories!!!!Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-52534051511303276662014-12-02T15:57:00.000-07:002014-12-02T15:57:37.635-07:00So much HOPE!!I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face because I am just so full of HOPE right now.<br />
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HOPE is something that I don't always feel… I watch the news and lose hope. I see so many of my friends suffering struggling and I lose hope. I see disease taking away loved ones and I lose hope. I walk into my laundry room and see mountains of clothing and lose hope (yup some days it is sadly just that simple).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But this week I am full of <span style="color: #990000;">HOPE</span>.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.livedifferent.com/" target="_blank"><b>Live Different</b></a> is the organization that I use to go to Mexico, Dominican and Haiti to build with and help change lives. I love them. They are Canadian. They are determined to help meet the most basic needs of some of the neediest in our world. WestJet is one of their biggest sponsors and this week a video has been flying around the internet… WestJet's "Blue Santa" went to the Dominican to the same community I was there building with and I recognize so many of the children!!!<br />
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And WestJet has definitely built a LOT of homes in this community and now a playground I plan on playing on in February when I go back to visit… but I need to give a special call-out to <a href="http://www.livedifferent.com/" target="_blank"><b>Live Different</b></a> and the people who have dedicated their lives to helping those in our world struggling to even have the basics in life… they along with companies like WestJet give me hope.<br />
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So I am heading back to Haiti in February (we fly into Dominican so that is why we get to visit the above community again). And because I am NOT a large organization like WestJet, my "offerings" are smaller, but having been there and seen first hand, I fully understand the difference even $1 makes…. sadly it is shocking… but seeing how many are willing to get involved gives me hope :)<br />
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There are 3 ways you can help me "multiply my offerings"…<br />
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1. My good friend Jennifer Reynard (who has a heart of gold), is hosting one of her infamous crops here in Calgary and donating the proceeds to the trip in February where we will continue to help build a school there. This fills me with hope as this crop fills up. There are limited spots available so register ASAP if you would like to join us Jan. 24.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/buildingHopeforHaiti?ref=hl" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypbbXu_ipU15ryUQDuv8_E2dKtKbdDIlt9iGk1DMsccIc9MkqCRaV25FzAc3noASWbOWHR_1dhUOGEfbLSUi_j8r5a2WjJfHddEpJyyn45mCILPDgvwm32C2a-n_orIHyitQUoA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-02+at+2.26.06+PM.png" height="168" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. I am also doing an <b><span style="font-size: large;">ONLINE AUCTION</span></b> of mostly scrapbooking and crafting items, but also a few other goodies thrown in!! It started this past week and will pretty much run until it is either all gone or the Jan. 24 crop… whichever comes first!! 100% of all proceeds will go towards the Haiti trip and school so build generously and please SHARE!!! It is on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/buildingHopeforHaiti?ref=hl" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">HERE</span></b></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/school-in-haiti/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbwmady-ozwig2BCjfMp9Tr2J3CBKvJs0B_T-yG-tJmss0cV3OqYr-gSM8Pzqsi306HfMuLbPjv8iJyQoOlYudVMqk6ZsvTYGxArO-saBZvAzeRy3MeVvaIdVIDLB7i0FoCFrIw/s1600/donate-button.jpg" /></a> </div>
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3. If you would just like to donate money, you can do that too!!! Anything over $20 is tax receiptable and the link to do that is <a href="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/school-in-haiti/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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And one more thing that just put a smile on my face this week and HOPE in my heart… I photographed a special lady… she wants to give her children the gift of a legacy portrait this Christmas… her and her husband have been married over 55 years… she understands that one day these photos will be precious… we had so much fun!! We added eyelashes and lip gloss and dressed her up in beautiful lace and sparkly jewels and we talked for hours about everything from marriage and how she met her husband to her favourite perogy recipe and fashion. I know her children will see the beauty of this portrait and now I just pray that she will also see it as she is truly a beautiful lady inside and out. <br />
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In case it isn't already obvious… I love what I do.</div>
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And because my heart for photography and helping others go hand in hand, I have another way you can help support the school in Haiti… 100% of proceeds from my photography this Christmas is going towards the funds for this trip AND I created a Christmas Special...</div>
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So with the purchase of a Deluxe Photo Session ($175), you receive a BONUS GIFT worth over $175 ($350+ value for only $175). And it all goes towards the Haiti school building trip in February. But HURRY as there are only 5 left!!!<br />
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Oh my and ONE more way to help with Haiti… I am now a Mary Kay consultant and am also donating all my proceeds towards the trip from now until I leave in February so if you would like a catalogue or would like to put in an order, please let me know!!Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-40921606107936875672014-10-23T14:29:00.000-06:002014-10-23T14:29:26.631-06:00Killing Creativity<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://embed-ssl.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
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So as my teenaged kids are exploring assorted options for their future lives (especially Justin who is graduating this year), so I am re-visiting what I know to be true in life in attempts to help them make some important decisions on their journey… and I came across one of my favourite TED talks ever!!! I had seen this years ago, but it is worth rewatching (over and over again).<br />
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AND… it just so happens to also reinforce why I am so passionate about helping the school in Haiti build an ART CLASSROOM!!! "ART" encompasses actual art, but also music, dance and all things creative… which we know to be vital to for so many children, but so poorly understood or encouraged. Anyways, I love one of his final quotes in his talk...<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">"We need to see our children for the HOPE that they are… our task is to educate the WHOLE being so they can face the future and make something of it."</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">So despite our world screaming that academics, education, money and status is what "success" looks like, I'm trying to be the voice in the wilderness proclaiming something different… and the most critical piece of advice is an ancient piece of wisdom and truth</span>… spoken by a really wise man centuries ago who knows even more about the future than Ken Robinson… Jesus said...</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>"Love the Lord your God with all your heart,</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>and with all your soul,</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>and with all your strength,</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>and with all your mind;</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>and love your neighbour as yourself.</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Do this and you will live."</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Luke 10:27-28</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">So what do I REALLY want for my children on this earth? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oQwllH4ZYUY5UpLMGYGn2uS69hX9oRf18KTBakmwHiHJZDR70BtzTxUwjnZF50MRKmX4sNOqqVQKBi4FcC2fYTHhHNLVhaj0hwmit_yFVCx7nZVuLsebsBNvtfDKvcg0HEGMTg/s1600/Justin_Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oQwllH4ZYUY5UpLMGYGn2uS69hX9oRf18KTBakmwHiHJZDR70BtzTxUwjnZF50MRKmX4sNOqqVQKBi4FcC2fYTHhHNLVhaj0hwmit_yFVCx7nZVuLsebsBNvtfDKvcg0HEGMTg/s1600/Justin_Mom.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">1. I want them to love God with all their heart.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">2. I want them to love themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">3. I want them to love others with as much passion.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">4. I want them to find joy in a life of service to God and themselves and others.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="text-align: start;">And so with that base firmly established, now the task is to discern how this will play out in the specifics of what they choose to do! Justin is graduating and Lindsey is in Grade 11 so some HUGE decisions are being made over the next short while!! </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Both have strong academics (especially in the maths and sciences… clearly not MY genetics!), but both also have strong creative sides (I will lay claim to these genetics however) and strong athletic interests (from both Brad and I)!! So they could each go in so very many different directions!! </span>But I'm excited to see where they end up and the last thing I want to do is kill their creativity in any way!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKqPurnEXoKLo2lZ24SGydqNjGlTUKSnLvhBOgCkVcOMAM9_nobatGNM52t-HO7UVOSPtkIpoU2jjDTUPpQgnw6mWwTCYzQ1ixlaAkmlgiLxkISXrcVZOpqF1zpl7RbCG4X3d1Q/s1600/Bible+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKqPurnEXoKLo2lZ24SGydqNjGlTUKSnLvhBOgCkVcOMAM9_nobatGNM52t-HO7UVOSPtkIpoU2jjDTUPpQgnw6mWwTCYzQ1ixlaAkmlgiLxkISXrcVZOpqF1zpl7RbCG4X3d1Q/s1600/Bible+Art.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;">And speaking of creativity, I have some other exciting news!!! I found a NEW creative passion!!! Well, it's not a passion yet, but I sense it will become one!!! More later on that, but meanwhile here is a hint!!!</span></div>
Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-88924528884592204802014-09-24T11:33:00.000-06:002014-09-24T11:33:43.593-06:00NEW Photography Class!! Join me this Saturday!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/shop/allison-orthner-photo-field-trip_edm-sat-230-400-copy/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nYSjkw_um0hNcVNEr9rpRvb7rit8JRw_AWrUrce4v8nYOY3uEpF3hFW-oK-6r276uGq7TKUSjJKR0eXe84Gk5_ri5WtUCaRA0Wjqc1E67Jrf49YqyWuaLj9bJf8wiVpWGQ5dIg/s1600/PhotoClass+copy.jpg" height="640" width="410" /></a></div>
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So if you've ever been intimidated by your camera, THIS is the class for you!!!<br />
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It is a new class that is based on the concept that we learn BEST through PLAY!! And so I have a bag of "tricks and toys" that we will use to learn how to move off auto mode and into a little bit of creative play with our photos!!<br />
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At this point, this Saturday is the only scheduled class, but if you can't make it and there is enough interest, I will consider teaching it again :)<br />
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Meanwhile, click <a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/shop/allison-orthner-photo-field-trip_edm-sat-230-400-copy/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>HERE</b></span></a> to register for Saturday!!! I would LOVE to play with you!!<br />
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And while you are there, you may as well join us at the Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival!!! There is shopping and creating and sooooo much fun to be had with our <a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/" target="_blank">Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine</a> team and readers!!!! Wooooo hoooooo!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://creativestitchesshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Calgary_brochure2014_WEB_Aug-13.pdf" style="border: 0px; color: #42afb3; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img alt="CS14 - cover" height="400" src="http://creativestitchesshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/CS14-cover-194x300.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em; max-width: 97.5%;" width="258" /></a></div>
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />September 26-27, 2014</strong>Friday 9am – 6pm<br />Saturday 9am – 5pm<br />**NEW VENUE SPRUCE MEADOWS EQUIPLEX!<br />
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Admission Tickets:</strong></div>
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2 Day Adult Pass: $18<br />1 Day Adult Pass: $12<br />2 Day Senior/Student Pass: $15<br />1 Day Senior/Student Pass: $10<br />Children 6yrs – 12yrs: $2<br /><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(under 6 no charge)</em></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FREE</strong> Shuttle from Somerset-Bridlewood Station</div>
Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-80151898423304457632014-09-11T22:16:00.003-06:002014-09-11T22:19:42.411-06:00Announcing: Hope For Haiti Project!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/hope-for-haiti/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfhU4VZo1RpJQdG1K19OaRFc98TrxpRlcX5ApsilvZCGX-ons4hpQFbeEMJKSeA4RkIFyubsNr0lyD_Df-vgOxbKQNgZdLOCMAAqOD5kveCJ2_-TyAZP05RmhQ3gpRLiOv2kuKw/s1600/HopeforHaitiCSad_copy.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></div>
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Okay so THIS has been on my heart since standing in Haiti at the school after helping to finish the 5th classroom and talking about the vast needs still to be met for these precious children…<br />
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As we stood looking across the rugged property of this school built on the side of the mountain, they mentioned that one day they hoped for an outdoor Art Room to be built on the rooftop overlooking the city of Cap Haitien below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfpAgSu3Ud0Ur-GX2WcL47Za8BCALFgNzNENCT366Y4VxfHXqbzgzu5ilxuU4kUHH3Q-2wunZ_3WV9_6KRQ0psYeOlMpYRRsRvBewXRgR_UaP-F4s8LHh9AGSxfvhG07G_gb8NQ/s1600/Future+Outdoor+Art+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfpAgSu3Ud0Ur-GX2WcL47Za8BCALFgNzNENCT366Y4VxfHXqbzgzu5ilxuU4kUHH3Q-2wunZ_3WV9_6KRQ0psYeOlMpYRRsRvBewXRgR_UaP-F4s8LHh9AGSxfvhG07G_gb8NQ/s1600/Future+Outdoor+Art+Room.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I smiled as I could so easily envision the students creating beautiful art and music in such an inspiring space… perhaps for just a small part of their day while at school, they could forget the difficult conditions that come with living in the slums at the base of the mountain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rSe-PPT9noJfyq0ubTLrJ3TuTyr-_DG35z4VircfTFL9AOwLlcqKgu5d-W0UsQs80TprioRlWPDOc0bmgiXyJ8ckIeB1oEVbfCVhjw4NWYxUzSiWtHAlxkl89fOg3tsiKKXjPw/s1600/DSC_4026b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rSe-PPT9noJfyq0ubTLrJ3TuTyr-_DG35z4VircfTFL9AOwLlcqKgu5d-W0UsQs80TprioRlWPDOc0bmgiXyJ8ckIeB1oEVbfCVhjw4NWYxUzSiWtHAlxkl89fOg3tsiKKXjPw/s1600/DSC_4026b.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I got to spend part of the day with the family of one of the students and help them cook a meal and clean their home… this is the mom in her kitchen (I vowed I would never again complain about anything in my own home!)<br />
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What really hit me is it takes so little to do so much for their lives in Haiti… and I'm not just talking money (although that helps too!). I will never forget the look on this little girl's face as I indicated that I wanted to pick her up… it was like she won the lottery that I chose her to hold in that moment…<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiePX-0wves_dSJmzFXhiR_28RnSd4fBguepZSA9P25irasImlXtoKeDwHRHFqxrT13laDPkvvQZDrcEk5lbNkctK0FAhK7LsicTBR_2qLOWjldFQ_qwX1omKEQGfEdVE3y3Ifg/s1600/DSC_4187b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiePX-0wves_dSJmzFXhiR_28RnSd4fBguepZSA9P25irasImlXtoKeDwHRHFqxrT13laDPkvvQZDrcEk5lbNkctK0FAhK7LsicTBR_2qLOWjldFQ_qwX1omKEQGfEdVE3y3Ifg/s1600/DSC_4187b.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Anyways, back to the Art Room… I informed Frantzo, one of the many who has dedicated his life to helping those in need in both Haiti and Dominican, that I would see if all my Canadian artist friends back in Canada would be willing to help make this dream a reality. BTW… Canadians are mostly the ones who have helped build the school from the start so they LOVE us!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQZTmR2GdhiaoF2o4Uc-Qf4JaLv_M2rbc-aRQ8iX6FmLROlEWZPBOeK7vu5-nrmXtjiGxfC0ajaS_pRB7YOITN0vOiRjZdx8u73vrRarDiTlAJu7SD-TctUjfLBw43VPGJ_rd2g/s1600/0V7A1355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQZTmR2GdhiaoF2o4Uc-Qf4JaLv_M2rbc-aRQ8iX6FmLROlEWZPBOeK7vu5-nrmXtjiGxfC0ajaS_pRB7YOITN0vOiRjZdx8u73vrRarDiTlAJu7SD-TctUjfLBw43VPGJ_rd2g/s1600/0V7A1355.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once home, I emailed <a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/" target="_blank"><b>Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine</b></a> whom I have worked with for almost 10 years to see if they wanted to join forces and within minutes I received a resounding YES!!! So we are partnering with <a href="http://www.livedifferent.com/" target="_blank"><b>Live Different</b></a> who hosts trips to Haiti (and other locations to do humanitarian work).<br />
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And we are now calling on all our readers and all artists from across Canada to participate in this project!!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">There are 3 ways you can participate!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. Hope for Haiti Flags: </span></b>for donations $35+ if you would like, we will send you a blank canvas flag that you can decorate and send back to us. We will then join them all together to create a beautiful banner for the new Art Room in Haiti!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. Hope for Haiti Events:</span></b> Host an art day, hold a garage sale or dinner or come up with another creative way to raise funds! Be sure to take a picture at your event and send it to us so we can share it with others! Every dollar and every gesture is precious to us!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. Hope for Haiti Donations:</span></b> We have set up a link where you can donate directly to the building of the Art Room!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/hope-for-haiti/" target="_blank">Just click HERE!!</a></b></span></div>
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Thank you in advance for your support and we invite you to watch closely how artists from across Canada can come together to make a difference in the lives of these deserving children in Haiti… what a beautiful picture of artists in Canada helping to bring art and hope and support to so many in Haiti.Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-34466270612406234982014-09-02T08:58:00.001-06:002014-09-02T08:58:22.126-06:00Finally sharingOk… finally time to open up my gut and share about my trip to Haiti…<br />
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I wrote the below the week I returned (I was supposed to share in church, but had lost my voice)…</div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every time I visit a new country, it seems I leave a little bit of my heart there.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This time, I left a huge chunk of my heart in Haiti.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not exactly sure why… I've been processing to figure it out.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe it was the blatant poverty that is apparent as soon as you cross the border into Haiti.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe it was the sea of yellow ribbons on all the students I finally got to meet in real life after watching so many videos of them from my comfortable home in Canada. Those kids were almost like celebrities in my mind!</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-i04ejUQwok81W9M2sJq-ge7P5YinNRwO6tyZmlB_jKbWUYfqDOrUc4f8mpCfypneYcqk22lY32wHkfDo0XKEt_kFIbzQR154l8bdIYXPrKOx03B5-2Nxt6oJsZPIQL6Ck7Fp6Q/s1600/0V7A1744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-i04ejUQwok81W9M2sJq-ge7P5YinNRwO6tyZmlB_jKbWUYfqDOrUc4f8mpCfypneYcqk22lY32wHkfDo0XKEt_kFIbzQR154l8bdIYXPrKOx03B5-2Nxt6oJsZPIQL6Ck7Fp6Q/s1600/0V7A1744.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I do know that God pretty clearly showed me how my teacher's heart, my passion for photography and my involvement in the art industry could all come together to help some of the most needy I've ever seen.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the final day in Haiti, the school had a farewell party for us… this is something they only do a few times each year as there are sadly not a lot of Live Different groups that go to Haiti… it is expensive and far more physically demanding than other trips.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we arrived to the party, the Christian principal and teachers led the students in singing "How Great Thou Art" in English for us… it took everything in me to not go into ugly cry while listening and knowing how harsh their lives really are living in the slums of Haiti.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Following a bit of a presentation (they LOVE Canadians by the way!), we were given the opportunity to serve the children a huge plateful of rice, beans and a small piece of chicken. As each child ate, I walked around taking a good look (and some photos) of each and every student… saying a silent prayer for each one that God would somehow help them meet their daily needs of shelter, clothing, food and yes, even education.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will never forget those beautiful children, their smiles and their hugs… nor do I want to. So now I'm figuring out what is my "do something" that I can still do for this vast need in Haiti.</span></i></div>
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So since writing the above, I have processed even more and am excited to say I have come up with some ways to further to help this school in Haiti as they struggle to continue building their school (we helped build the 5th classroom while there) and offer education to more and more needy students!!! So be sure to watch for the details for that and see how YOU can also get involved :)</div>
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Meanwhile, here is a short video of our trip to both Dominican to build a home and Haiti to build the school. While watching, I challenge YOU to think about… "What is YOUR do-something"???<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6WIs0mdQO2s?list=UUJY5fT87O_vJ-pfxYpRgVMA" width="640"></iframe></div>
Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-26037095337284881122014-05-21T10:47:00.002-06:002014-05-21T10:47:16.673-06:00Going to Haiti!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
It's finally arrived!!! </div>
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We leave this week for our trip to Haiti and Dominican to help build a school in Haiti and a home for a deserving family in the Dominican and we were just introduced to the family!!!!</div>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #363636; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">This family of four consists of husband and wife, Jose (33) and Juanemilia (21), and their two children, Luis (3) and Wisnalyn (6 months). Jose has been living in the community for 25 years, and his wife recently relocated there 2 years ago. Jose works at a local car wash, and Juanemilia, who was only able to complete elementary school, stays home to care for the two young children. They are excited to be receiving a new home, as the one they are living in currently is unsafe, with mold problems, and rain that comes through the walls and roof.</span><br />
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Check out the baby girl and little boy!!!! Better go empty my camera memory card cuz I've got a feeling it will be FULL of these two by the end!!!</div>
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Then we get to go help build this school in Haiti… </div>
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it's up on a mountain… </div>
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I should have worked out more to prepare!!!</div>
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I have to say this whole trip has somewhat snuck up on me!!! Even though I've done a fairly good job of planning ahead and started gathering things for the trip months ago, I'm still finding myself suddenly frantically packing and creating last minute shopping and "to-do" lists!! </div>
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I blame it on this past long weekend… it took away my Monday and I was counting on that day!! But it was sooo worth it!!! I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE watching my kids play soccer and I LOVE LOVE LOVE taking photos of the action (outdoors especially)…</div>
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Justin is in his last year of "regular" soccer and will need to play on a men's team next year if he wishes to continue (ACK!!! My baby boy is growing up!!!!) so I'm desperate to not only watch every one of his final games, but to capture the memories as well in photos… </div>
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it's a happy sad sort of thing… </div>
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I envision myself scrapbooking after my kids have left home and laughing and crying as I relive it all. But I'm going to stop now, because if I continue with this line of thought, I will end up in tears as I type!</div>
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Back to Haiti… I cannot wait.</div>
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I cannot wait to experience again the deep inner joy of making a difference in our world.</div>
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I cannot wait to experience it with so many close family and friends.</div>
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I cannot wait to capture images that will forever preserve it all.</div>
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And I cannot wait to come back and share with you all I learn and see and do.</div>
Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-54561741970422492752014-05-06T09:35:00.001-06:002014-05-06T10:03:26.846-06:00What Moms REALLY want...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBldCmM0C77Ln8RH8uAhnjk5wzgPIfw9jnSYLUmW6CBSlp-97pnF0VdKPnjtyQq-kBhKOh2l-UgZQw4GBP-pQzvoet8JgmeUeV5MVVXIXUPOzsiJSiGI3kkeiIaGlPmz-9UTjV2w/s1600/Allison_Orthner_newborn_nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBldCmM0C77Ln8RH8uAhnjk5wzgPIfw9jnSYLUmW6CBSlp-97pnF0VdKPnjtyQq-kBhKOh2l-UgZQw4GBP-pQzvoet8JgmeUeV5MVVXIXUPOzsiJSiGI3kkeiIaGlPmz-9UTjV2w/s1600/Allison_Orthner_newborn_nest.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mother's Day is this weekend...</div>
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I'm the first to admit that I love and eat chocolate and thoroughly enjoy beautiful flowers… but if you asked me what I REALLY want for Mother's Day, those things would be so far down the list (in fact I really DON'T want them on "expected days")!!</div>
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So when my son asked me awhile ago what I'd like as a gift "that wasn't too expensive" as he doesn't have a lot of money right now… I knew immediately…</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"There is nothing I want more right now than a beautiful photo of me and you".</i></b></span></div>
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"I think I can do that", he replied. "I'm beginning to see why they are important".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEFODrtNC0a8UBgY9Sgx1IAwu-X0zZI2nz_RZ4ZpGA9JYegsHZzbnxY-k75o1zC0ZhB0DkdlTLBsriwlvT2J3b3kTpxHMMHDQztwIfx33KDgyPgQk0EQbTSHnSBfVlBJCpQkBDw/s1600/DSC_0675b+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEFODrtNC0a8UBgY9Sgx1IAwu-X0zZI2nz_RZ4ZpGA9JYegsHZzbnxY-k75o1zC0ZhB0DkdlTLBsriwlvT2J3b3kTpxHMMHDQztwIfx33KDgyPgQk0EQbTSHnSBfVlBJCpQkBDw/s1600/DSC_0675b+copy.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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You'd think as a photographer I'd have thousands of me and my kids… but I don't. I'm usually the one behind the camera so I have to be more intentional with this.</div>
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And when I think about what if something happened to them or to me, I fear I don't have enough photos!!!</div>
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Yup, even my son is starting to recognize that life as we know it today won't be the same as tomorrow and isn't what it was yesterday… </div>
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we grow, we change, and sadly…</div>
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we lose loved ones sometimes unexpectedly… far before "their time"…</div>
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like the 5 university students here in Calgary recently…</div>
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like the niece my friend lost this week...</div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>and suddenly photos are immensely meaningful, and precious, and coveted.</i></span></b> </div>
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And so that is what I as a Mom REALLY want for Mother's Day this year… some beautiful photos of me with my kids.</div>
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And I'm guessing many other moms out there would say the very same thing and so I have a special gift offer to give you what I want for myself… buy it for yourself or for your mom or a new mom or show it to someone who will buy it for you!!! </div>
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And I've committed to giving 25% of the certificates bought towards helping moms and kids and families in Haiti when I go in 3 weeks… what could be more special this Mother's Day?!?!?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_ObxRqqJ-N70xY8xXuHi_aptLupSSZ6NdOqKS5rIdwsBCzoV5MYqD5BS-_jFPRyAUsVRaul0IXYY4JLhO5Qmlsf7-zICckxllXPOBNhKGGFSKE4ikEaWdWaeiWifbqXfjbTAkw/s1600/Mothers+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_ObxRqqJ-N70xY8xXuHi_aptLupSSZ6NdOqKS5rIdwsBCzoV5MYqD5BS-_jFPRyAUsVRaul0IXYY4JLhO5Qmlsf7-zICckxllXPOBNhKGGFSKE4ikEaWdWaeiWifbqXfjbTAkw/s1600/Mothers+Day.jpg" height="514" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh and meanwhile go hug your loved ones and let them know you love them.</div>
Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-80594926004050044062014-03-27T22:20:00.000-06:002014-03-27T22:46:40.712-06:00Mixed Media for Photography?!?!?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVDOW81Dx-gpXoPyT8lY0SPLZtBXG_kmKvyeBY9VCSlIh_9QO3qofOqmSPlLPtIWmbmiFAnz3gOLZocyWK4BgUuyOMvo-kUVX7v9kLwtaMI3lXwdMmk5FMLZNalJpPJFsji-kHg/s1600/Allison_Orthner_pregnancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVDOW81Dx-gpXoPyT8lY0SPLZtBXG_kmKvyeBY9VCSlIh_9QO3qofOqmSPlLPtIWmbmiFAnz3gOLZocyWK4BgUuyOMvo-kUVX7v9kLwtaMI3lXwdMmk5FMLZNalJpPJFsji-kHg/s1600/Allison_Orthner_pregnancy.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
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So suffice it to say… I am just having WAY TOO MUCH FUN!!!</div>
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Not only am I LOVE LOVE LOVING playing in my new studio with beautiful everyday women (like Carlyn seen above who is expecting her first baby soon!!)… but I am also LOVING learning and playing with computer editing on my portraits!!!</div>
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As an artist who has been active in the scrapbooking world for decades and a photographer for even longer, it pleases me to no end to be able to create art with my photography!!! Starting with beautiful props, gorgeous fabrics and a plethora of flowers and creative photo sessions with hair and makeup perfect for portraits and posing women just right to look their best and editing with artistic filters and colours and effects on the computer and finally presentation of professionally printed images in a beautiful frame or folio box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLug_8EFMC01xF401gD_3nPtPYg7gccsMmNPk0K-MfBkQAQMb5N-YDldm6ulQvQXn0yhtORBnMO6-y9KpoEx8a0LAJKjiwWPnnELP0yi-uVv6o5lxJp93-gZWWi_3iwzLl0nnixg/s1600/Folio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLug_8EFMC01xF401gD_3nPtPYg7gccsMmNPk0K-MfBkQAQMb5N-YDldm6ulQvQXn0yhtORBnMO6-y9KpoEx8a0LAJKjiwWPnnELP0yi-uVv6o5lxJp93-gZWWi_3iwzLl0nnixg/s1600/Folio.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">And it IS ALL ART!!! </span></b></div>
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In the crafting world, we call combining artistic methods "Mixed Media" (and may I just say that my soul sista <a href="http://christyriopel.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><b>Christy Riopel</b></a> is the Queen of Mixed Media?!?!?! Check out this piece she did recently… I am in love… and she's going to help me do my own art canvas for my home!!! Be sure to watch for that reveal!!!)</div>
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Anyways, I'm not sure what the equivalent of "Mixed Media" would be in the world of photography, but I am having fun exploring it and pushing the boundaries… </div>
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all while helping everyday women get to experience something fun where they get to look and feel gorgeous and have a beautiful artistic portrait of themselves that they can be proud of…<br />
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Like Sammi (below) who bravely shaved her head for a friend going through cancer…<br />
who is graduating this year…<br />
and deserves to have a beautiful portrait in her stunning grad dress.<br />
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Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-54171828463967266642014-03-11T12:22:00.001-06:002014-03-11T12:55:58.505-06:00Calgary GRAD Portraits<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems like the entire year of Grade 12 is dedicated to graduating!!!
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In between studying and making sure you actually pass and get into the college or university you would like, it is also a fun time of... </div>
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finding a dress</div>
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choosing a hairstyle</div>
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securing a limo...</div>
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but please don't forget about the <b><span style="color: #990000;">PORTRAITS</span></b>… especially those beyond the typical cap and gown!! </div>
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After all, portraits preserve the memories of this wonderful milestone in life so be sure to save some time and money to invest in this extra fun part of graduation that will truly last a lifetime :)</div>
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And gathering a group of friends makes it extra special!!</div>
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I have a NEW GRAD PACKAGE ready to go for 2014 GRADS so be sure to contact me soon if you are interested. I want to capture the true YOU!!!<br />
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Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-66565818589171223872014-03-04T22:07:00.001-07:002014-03-04T22:07:11.099-07:00Brazil… my own personal Soap Opera<div style="text-align: center;">
I admit that back in my college days, I watched Days of Our Lives… it wasn't my fault though.</div>
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My roommate and I had one of the only TVs in the dorm and after lunch, all the girls would gather on our waterbed (yes, this was the 80s) and watch Days of Our Lives. Despite my initial mocking of this ritual, I found myself gradually enthralled in a few story lines (ok… anything with Bo Brady) and before I knew it, I was fully hooked and joined in watching the ups and downs, tears and rejoicing and crazy plot twists!!</div>
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So what does this have to do with my recent trip to Brazil?? Well, the weeks leading up to leaving and the actual trip had a somewhat "Soap Opera" feel for me… ups and downs and crazy plot twists… and lots of tears!! Let me explain…</div>
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I've sponsored children in Brazil for many years… and I've met each one of my "children". That alone has ups and downs because 2 of them I currently have no idea where they are now… each time I go to Brazil, I pray I find them or see them, but to date, I have never heard again from Alexandre or Carina :(<br />
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Then two years ago while in Brazil, our family chose to sponsor Taira Patrick Machado Rodrigues…<br />
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It was easy to love Patrick (he preferred we call him this as we struggled to pronounce his first name!) He was a soccer player on his way to possibly play for a professional team (he spent hours playing soccer with Justin and Lindsey)</div>
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And he was always full of joy and happiness and fun… and he spoke fairly good English which really helped!! And when we returned to Canada, we continued to talk on Skype and Facebook and he slipped into my heart like he was one of my own children. </div>
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So I had been anxiously waiting for 2 years to return to Brazil to see Patrick and all the other kids at Chain of Love. Patrick's birthday was Feb. 6 (he turned 18) and I was so excited as I was arriving the next week on Feb. 14 and had both Christmas and Birthday gifts ready to deliver along with two years of missed hugs. We talked online the morning of his birthday and I thought all was well...</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">But I was devastated later that day to learn that he left Chain of Love that afternoon.</span></b></div>
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And all the worries and thoughts about not ever seeing him again flooded my heart… my friends consoled me as best they could, but I was so very sad and desperately prayed that I would still get to see him. And thankfully I did… and it was wonderful. I heard that he had moved in with a brother I had never met. Well, let me introduce you to Bruno…<br />
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Here's where the classic Soap Opera twist comes in… a few months ago, this guy Bruno came looking for Patrick at Chain of Love and introduced himself as his biological older brother. They had no idea each other existed… and to meet Bruno was like seeing double!!! They are freakishly similar in so many ways!!! And along with Bruno, came an extended family that is now part of Patrick's life outside of Chain of Love. </div>
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It was soooo sweet as we jumped on a bus and he took me on a whirlwind trip to meet his grandparents (who he and Bruno currently live with), his biological father, his uncle and cousins. I got to see Patrick several times over the week and would have loved more time with him, but I'm just thankful for what we did have together.</div>
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He still calls me "Mommy" and I love that, but I feel so much better knowing he has real family now in Brazil who also care about him. I still worry about him… he is trying to finish school this year, but it is difficult for him and education just doesn't hold the same importance there sadly. But I pray each day for him and just trust that God has a wonderful plan for his life… and I have to just love him from a distance again… and it's so very hard, but it's all so very good.</div>
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SCENE 2 from my Brazilian Soap Opera: </div>
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So before leaving for Brazil when I was being consoled by my soul sista Christy about Patrick leaving Chain of Love, she said to me, </div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">"Maybe God is just making room in your heart for the next child"</span></b>. </div>
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And I didn't want to consider it because I was hurting so bad… </div>
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But then while doing a photo shoot (we also sponsor this beautiful girl named Jana… I had sooo much fun doing portraits with her!!! She is such a special and talented girl… she's artistic too!!)</div>
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So while taking portraits, along came the sweetest boy I think I have ever met. He said to me, "Excuse me, but would it be possible for you to also take a photo of my sister? She is shy and does not think she is beautiful, but I think she is very beautiful." </div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">And my heart melted.</span></b> </div>
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Meet Matheus and his sister Yasmin…</div>
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And now I sponsor Matheus (who likes to be called Mat because it sounds more Canadian)… his birthday is the day before mine and he will turn 16 in March. And we talk every day (his English is excellent) and he is quickly slipping into my heart… you were right Christy. Patrick is still very much in my heart and always will be, but there is always room for more… God gives us infinite space for love… and for that I am thankful.</div>
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So my Brazilian Soap Opera still continues… it has ups and downs and plot twists and changing characters… but it is mine and it adds so very much to my life and I can NOT WAIT to see what all happens next!!!</div>
Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-8312044793270753822014-02-06T09:26:00.001-07:002014-02-06T13:33:18.586-07:00And the WINNER IS...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>And the WINNER IS...</b></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">The Children in Haiti!!!!!</span></div>
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This past weekend we did our <b>Crop For Haiti</b> scrapbooking and crafting event and it just always makes me giddy that that we can have <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">THAT MUCH FUN</span></b> and raise <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">THAT MUCH MONEY</span></b> that is going to change <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">THAT MANY LIVES</span></b>!!!!</div>
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So our total raised was (insert drum roll here)...</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>$7607.25</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo5kE3r2BwMOHk5t0wfWgU00GqOp2cMyy1dtsQcT-X6YPmDwzXweGmvc-ofSj1h9RLYTgqx2QCBj6K9wl1rxkHZMXKIHxhlqaQpgt465Px882q6u7l-Y6TdK7okte-eIui6MWpg/s1600/Crop+For+Haiti+Ladies+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo5kE3r2BwMOHk5t0wfWgU00GqOp2cMyy1dtsQcT-X6YPmDwzXweGmvc-ofSj1h9RLYTgqx2QCBj6K9wl1rxkHZMXKIHxhlqaQpgt465Px882q6u7l-Y6TdK7okte-eIui6MWpg/s1600/Crop+For+Haiti+Ladies+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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During the event, I had a "moment"... </div>
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I looked across the room at all the women laughing, crafting, eating and chatting away...</div>
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and I just had such a heart full of gratitude (my word of the year)...</div>
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I am still in awe how a few posts on facebook and my blog results in this event each year...</div>
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with the absolute BEST women ever!!!!!</div>
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And the best instructors EVER (seriously talented ones that give so generously of their heart, soul and creative giftedness without hesitation)...</div>
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and the best team of helpers (who take control of everything non-crafty for me!!)</div>
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and a church that enables all of it...</div>
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and an organization <a href="http://www.livedifferent.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Live Different</b></span></a> who is changing our world!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBSZX-F5jC2Lv2BnYm8s_eDxXicN7LyMZhXymB_R3aTrZFGngS8WDIOEbsxEeLBPwBAU_5BdlPzF0KLfpYb_GNVuEljtfFNN13MqLsRuH980EW440vu0VAQz5Wz6Nlti1v4535w/s1600/1069975_500450846692036_511706908_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBSZX-F5jC2Lv2BnYm8s_eDxXicN7LyMZhXymB_R3aTrZFGngS8WDIOEbsxEeLBPwBAU_5BdlPzF0KLfpYb_GNVuEljtfFNN13MqLsRuH980EW440vu0VAQz5Wz6Nlti1v4535w/s1600/1069975_500450846692036_511706908_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoI7FachG0-IJfxoVgPxSP1_QV0OXSuaUkSQLfS8_kXC-sZsKvVzKCtFJ5XEJlrc5iYjX0rwIR09gUPYJKCYndcHuP0mruv_Y_6l9AQfRJF8AY6Z1WrIvhEMAIHUvxp6qqRa5_A/s1600/527070_516187285118392_87740251_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoI7FachG0-IJfxoVgPxSP1_QV0OXSuaUkSQLfS8_kXC-sZsKvVzKCtFJ5XEJlrc5iYjX0rwIR09gUPYJKCYndcHuP0mruv_Y_6l9AQfRJF8AY6Z1WrIvhEMAIHUvxp6qqRa5_A/s1600/527070_516187285118392_87740251_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We don't yet know exactly how much building the school in Haiti is going to cost or how much building a home in Dominican will be... but it is ALL GOOD!!! I will keep you posted once I know, but in the meantime...</div>
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My heartfelt THANK YOU to those who joined in. </div>
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I have no more words... just gratitude for you.</div>
Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572759.post-86530672582629349052014-01-28T21:20:00.002-07:002014-01-28T21:21:21.168-07:00Crop For Haiti this Saturday, Feb. 1!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Woooo hooooo!!! This Saturday, February 1, 2014 is the BEST event EVER for a great cause!!! And I can hardly wait!!! We still have about 5 spots left should you still wish to join us for the entire day, but note:<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EVERYON</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>E IS WELCOME </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>to come shop our onsite Crafting Garage Sale </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(from 10am-4pm) </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>or even sign up for o</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ne of the below classes. </b></span></span></div>
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And once you see these amazing classes, you might want to rearrange your schedule!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneVA5hi93Q4YVgrGH33QBHG2-mQiPft-ws8X7X6PT0BYR7ByRGbKzZh5TF1b6N7vuifPoCJDBvP5hxtFI3O7V0c7TWLyXUyWfxyFDW21J6P18NELI2tjmMg35QlzQkVjUnEyDhA/s1600/Enjoy+the+Journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneVA5hi93Q4YVgrGH33QBHG2-mQiPft-ws8X7X6PT0BYR7ByRGbKzZh5TF1b6N7vuifPoCJDBvP5hxtFI3O7V0c7TWLyXUyWfxyFDW21J6P18NELI2tjmMg35QlzQkVjUnEyDhA/s1600/Enjoy+the+Journey.jpg" height="640" width="382" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Enjoy the Journey"</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> layout by Christy Riopel (10:30am - $30) Let Christy guide you through the creation of a lusciously layered layout designed to showcase a special photo of someone enjoying this journey called "life" (hopefully it's YOU!!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPRLKXkWxTAiCRCOENpnqIcSD1uTImCe921W6WYmcmTke824qyRS-u9BsVySKGgWgYQ9g5ESPXZu3ebJ5VV3M4g3UawKaqKgoZk4Co_KbEeN_K17tHfg8URmKj4i1WL76XKtOAg/s1600/Flutterbies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPRLKXkWxTAiCRCOENpnqIcSD1uTImCe921W6WYmcmTke824qyRS-u9BsVySKGgWgYQ9g5ESPXZu3ebJ5VV3M4g3UawKaqKgoZk4Co_KbEeN_K17tHfg8URmKj4i1WL76XKtOAg/s1600/Flutterbies.jpg" height="400" width="386" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Flutterbies and Friendship"</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> cards designed by Jennifer Reynard and taught by Sharon Reinhart (1:30pm - $20) Any day is a great day to give a special card, but with Valentine's Day just around the corner these beauties will give you 4 great reasons to share some loving words with someone special!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qqk96cj1fXzDu2ncjF5-W5z6wffNMob-Txb1GAfpAolWmNolb-6NkU7zIjdNzVy6y52isZGZ008vDqfQ8zljAhsRL00LaZRVToQjpmKNyRJPlcIMDve8TAnAQBH17nqt0nk_pQ/s1600/Creative+Canvas+Play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qqk96cj1fXzDu2ncjF5-W5z6wffNMob-Txb1GAfpAolWmNolb-6NkU7zIjdNzVy6y52isZGZ008vDqfQ8zljAhsRL00LaZRVToQjpmKNyRJPlcIMDve8TAnAQBH17nqt0nk_pQ/s1600/Creative+Canvas+Play.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Creative Canvas Play"</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> mixed media canvas with Christy Riopel (4pm - $30) We don't call her the "Queen of Mixed Media" for nothing!!! Learn how to play with sprays, stencils and simple drawing to create your very own unique masterpiece!!</span></div>
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Now that you've seen the awesome classes, let me introduce our talented instructors...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtjypkf0HFzkpjEnMcRAootJ8gcZlNH_xYXzQX_iW37hIV4hwiR0k8PxFftioWA4cyOzuvlyKg_Mq8IqY-l6GG17V7FG7_rPA7lw6-OSET8fvjVMUGtLa0Y-BRSfMXaZU4lm7UA/s1600/Sharon+Reinhart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtjypkf0HFzkpjEnMcRAootJ8gcZlNH_xYXzQX_iW37hIV4hwiR0k8PxFftioWA4cyOzuvlyKg_Mq8IqY-l6GG17V7FG7_rPA7lw6-OSET8fvjVMUGtLa0Y-BRSfMXaZU4lm7UA/s1600/Sharon+Reinhart.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Sharon Reinhart</b></div>
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Sharon is a multi-media designer, teacher, consultant and author who has been widely published and has taught at countless events including CHA. We are so very fortunate to have this local Calgary girl join us for this event for a cause.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyRv2VKkskHaYFkD08A3dWlBn_nB614-TXS7Z6_2-wPt3RMTaJqUohte04e1c7SqH-UMU60m3Z_KXra9JfXlZuiERK90m1ZGsDhJdN_p_BIQrWZygUQL91F6WIYa9MoRynUU3tw/s1600/Christy+Riopel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyRv2VKkskHaYFkD08A3dWlBn_nB614-TXS7Z6_2-wPt3RMTaJqUohte04e1c7SqH-UMU60m3Z_KXra9JfXlZuiERK90m1ZGsDhJdN_p_BIQrWZygUQL91F6WIYa9MoRynUU3tw/s1600/Christy+Riopel.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.christyriopel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Christy Riopel</b></a></div>
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Christy is our local "Queen of Mixed Media" and teaches us great new techniques each and every time she blesses us with her projects!! She writes for Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine and has also taught around the world including at CHA and Crop and Cruise and at countless other events.</div>
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I cannot wait for Saturday!!! And most importantly, I cannot wait for May when I will get to go to Haiti to help build a school and a home in Dominican for some very deserving families and children!!! I couldn't do it without you!!!!Allison Orthnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556901142956461065noreply@blogger.com0