Real Women Scrap with Tasra Dawson

Lunchbox Love for Kids Giveaway

Did you ever get lunchbox notes from your mom when you were growing up? I did every once in a while. She'd write on a napkin and put it in my Strawberry Shortcake lunch pail. Then, when I opened up my lunchbox, I'd find that little note. Of course I'd have to get a new napkin because there was no way I was going to use the one with the note!

If you did get them or even if you didn't, think for a moment about how it made you feel. Words that come to my mind are loved, special, important, valuable. What an amazing effect from such a small gesture.

A great company has bottled up that great idea in a new package called Lunchbox Love. They are positive notes and fun trivia for your child's lunchbox, backpack or binder. Say Please is the company and they believe words are important (me too!). You can use Lunchbox Love to share love, encouragement, and fun with your kids (or nieces, nephews, even friends!).

Want 'em? I've got 3 sets of Lunchbox Love cards to give away. Leave a comment below letting me know who you would give them to... or tell me about what types of notes you've received... or both! You can pick up your own cards online or at any Michael's store across the country.

For the record... I love spending time with you! I think you are amazing! I know you can do anything!

Inspired by Melody Carlson, Camy Tang & Trish Perry

These women authors already hold a special place in my heart with their amazing books: Camy Tang with her Sushi series, Melody Carlson with her teen series, and Trish Perry with her chick lit.

With the addition of a transparent and gripping story in Pearl Girls, I'm a forever fan. Pearl Girls is a compilation of stories by women encountering grit and experiencing grace. More than that, it's about real women tackling real issues head on.

When I first opened the book, I immediately went through the amazing list of contributing authors, the likes of Debbie Macomber, Robin Jones Gunn, and Michelle McKinney Hammond. Not to mention the ones above. That barely scratches the surface of everyone who is included. 

The real value is in their stories. I'd like to highlight 3 that touched me...

Camy Tang—Good for Us
It's not until later that we recognize the value of our pain and trials. Racism, cruelty and tension typified Camy's college years. It wasn't until much later that she transformed her pain into a successful series of novels with a decidedly ethnic focus. What a turn of events!

Melody Carlson—Embrace Your Life
Like so many of us, Melody dreamt of the white picket fence and perfect family. What she got was two teenage boys struggling with drug addiction and mental issues. Not what she signed up for. But instead of losing it all, she embraced what she was given and drew strength from her struggle. Letting go of our idealistic ideas of life, love, and parenting is one powerful way to embrace the life we have.

Trish Perry—Bigger Than Fear
Trish was a victim of domestic violence, and so was her daughter. Their story is heartbreaking because I remember what that fear feels like. Despite the fear, Trish grabbed hold of God and mustered the courage to leave that dangerous relationship. Now she embraces her daughter and new life with strength she never knew before.

If you know someone who needs to be encouraged or inspired today, this is an amazing book of hope.

I'm Doing Something That Matters

That's a line that stuck with me from this short trailer for the Lemonade Movie. If you've ever felt discouraged or that life wasn't treating you fair, watch it. It'll change your perspective, give you some hope, and maybe even spark an idea that could change your life.

Finding this video is serendipitous as I just created my version of this concept last week. I'd love for you to take a look. 
Let me know how you're making lemonade in your life today!

Free Handmade Cards: Pass It On

You might remember I declared August a giving month. I felt challenged to do what I could to give to others. The response and my experience were both amazing. From giving away free books and prizes, to sending out copies of my book, to featuring real women, it was all worth it.

In fact, I'm still working through some of the list of emails I received. You wouldn't believe how many requests there were! I loved it and was humbled by it as well. If you're still waiting to be featured, feel free to send me an email reminder or leave me a gentle reminder in the comments. 

One more recent request came from Kathy Robinson. Kathy recently felt compelled to start a blog, Pass It On. Kathy gives away handmade cards at least twice a week so the winner can pass on some encouragement to someone they know who needs support and love. The image above is just one of her cards.

It's really that simple. She sprinkles in a bit of herself in her cards and in her blog posts. You'll be encouraged and be an encouragement. Would you take a minute to stop by and leave a comment to encourage her? Who knows? You just might be the next winner!

Muster Up Some "Perseverance"

Here's how. An age old remedy to feeling down and discouraged is to get outside yourself and your world to see things from a different perspective. Particularly lately, I've had many emails and messages with busy women feeling overwhelmed and frustrated for numerous reasons. I can relate.

I particularly like when I can find a book, movie or story that engages me in a way that reminds me of what I do have, as well as the strength of the human spirit. A new book, Perseverance: True Voices of Cancer Survivors, does just that. The publisher was kind enough to send me an advance reader copy. Since it's targeted to youth and teens, I let my daughter read it first.

Here are her initial thoughts and an inspiring video...

Guinness World Record Caught On Camera

That's right! I was at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta for the last two days. Today I got to witness a world record broken. It's a first for the world record AND for me. You can read the whole story at tasra365. Here are three of my favorites...

If you're looking for more inspiration and reasons to keep dreaming, check out my article "Don't Stop Believing." It's a series for women only for the photography company Pictage. Just went live today and already got some heartfelt comments. Would love to get your feedback too!

Enjoy the Moments That Matter

Sometimes in your life you are confronted or presented with something that will forever change your view, your outlook, your life. Books and movies are likely places this can happen. I was presented with such a book just a month ago and it has forever changed the way I look at myself, my marriage, and my life.

It's titled Halfway to Each Other: How a Year in Italy Brought Our Family Home by an amazing new author, Susan Pohlman. It's the true story of Susan and her husband, along with their two children leaving the comfort of their home and friends in the United States to live for a year in a small rented apartment in Italy... all to save their marriage.

After falling absolutely in love with her book, I was honored to interview her for Real Women Scrap. Special thanks to Susan for taking the time to share with us. Here's the interview...

An obvious question, how are things now? How did you adjust to getting back into "real" life?

It took us awhile to readjust to life in Southern California.  We rented a house in an LA suburb close to where we had previously lived and enrolled the kids in new schools.  Both Tim and I began to look for work, and we all supported each other through the ups and downs of settling into new routines.  Eventually, Tim started his own business, and I was hired as a school administrator.  Though it was a bumpy year, I felt very peaceful and centered.

Two years ago we relocated to Scottsdale for both business and family reasons. We are enjoying life in the desert and are happier than we have ever been. 

Keep reading to find out Susan's Top Three Tips for busy women...

The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life

You know it sounds almost impossible. We want something simple. We crave a minimalist life. But when the rubber meets the road, making it happen seems complicated...and overwhelming. I know. I've been there. Right there with you.

That's the reason I read the Zen Habits blog by Leo Babauta every day. It's also why I listen to his book, The Power of Less when I take long road trips. Something about his simple writing style and timeless message of slowing down, eliminating, and focusing brings me back to purpose.

I'm thrilled that he's written a new book, The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life. And he's offering it as an e-book for less than $10. For me that's just two trips to Starbucks.

You can preview the first couple chapters and get a sense of the message and heart of the book. Even if that's all you do, give yourself the gift of a few minutes to find your focus again and remember what's important. I know it worked for me. If you're sold after that, you can get your own copy too. Click here to view more details.

Here's to living a more inspired, fulfilled, and minimalist life that gives you time and energy for creativity and pursuing your passion.

Wordless Wednesday: Nurturing the Creative Spirit

I am frequently in awe of the creative spirit of children...particularly my own since those are the children I spend most of my time with. The way their minds are open to possibility, the fervor with which they pursue their dreams, the way they engage with the world around them. It's inspiring and motivating at the same time. 

Are you nurturing your own creative spirit? Do you take time to do those things that fill you up and strengthen you? If not, why not plan some time today to make that happen.

Friday Twitter Roundup

Throughout the week I find so many interesting links, articles, giveaways, and other great stuff on Twitter that I thought I'd share some of the highlights. Enjoy!

1—The world says, "Seeing is believing." God says, "Believing is seeing." My thought: What do you need to believe today so that you can see it tomorrow. 

2—Inspiration revealed. Chris Brogan shares where he gets inspiration and offers resources for finding yours.

3—Win a new Canon 5DMKII (or $2500 Gift Cert) from @OPGear & Scott Bourne. Find out more.

4—“Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they’re looking for ideas.” - Paula Poundstone

5—In case you missed it: 10 Traits You Should Possess if You Want to be a Good Photographer - Scott Bourne