NEW: art, retreat schedule, ideas…Sign-ups for Rosy Retreats start now!

Hi friends both near and far! How are you?  Did you celebrate the new year, whether in a big fashion or small?  I'll let you guess which way we rang in the new year.  Small to most, but BIG to us.  Reflecting some on the past year, but mostly saying goodbye to a lot we don't wish to revisit over and over.  Instead, enjoying our favorite memories of 2014 as conversation took us on a stroll down memory lane.  And then….letting our words drift into the new year, with hopes and wishes and prayers for all that 2015 has to offer. We are mighty and hopeful and STRONG in the strength only God can provide….rosy in our real life, thanks to a daily dose of God's word and His promises, that we know are true no matter what life may hand us.  I mentioned on Instagram that 2014 was "silently hard" and it was.  But you know what friend? Lean in real close for this one-We're still here, we're very much loved, our hearts and family intact.  And we're ready to see where God will take us in 2015.

Artistically speaking, I wavered easily between two strong points of view.  On the one hand I have prayed about, mulled over, and discussed with Brett the ideas deposited in my body and soul for the new year, especially as far as my schedule goes. On the other hand, the phrases "slow" and "I don't know"  have jumped into my thoughts often and easily as well.  So with that said, I don't know all the tiny details that will leap into place in my life story over the next year.  Really, does anyone?!  But, I do believe lining up my schedule with the biggest things God has placed on my heart is wise and exactly good to do, to keep the temptation to say "yes" to every opportunity at bay over the next year.

Here's what I know to be very, very true:

My inspiration and ideas…once thought about logistically and talked over with Brett, are worth holding onto.  If I acted on every idea I had life would be a jumbled mess.  BUT, when I weed out the time-wasters and ideas that just aren't smart for this season and stick to what could only come to mind with the explanation of God, I'm right where I'm supposed to be. 

I know that not everyone will "get" or even appreciate my ideas.  That's ok.  I matter, God made me "me" for a reason, and He is the ultimate one I choose to please. 

Teaching, art, and inspiring others is absolutely in my blood.   100%, without me even trying, I just see ideas leap into my thoughts!  I look at junk and see possibility.  I create and instantly want to gather a community of women together to pass the joy on.  

I, of course, am mama first. You know that, I know it too.  

So with all that said, I look forward to continuing the success of my Etsy art shop in the new year, as well as blogging my happy little heart away.  

I just added four new art prints to the shop, which you can see below.  I have ideas and sketches galore jotted in my art journal for the new year as well.  This isn't the last of new ideas from The Rosy Life art shop! 

 here.

 here.

 here.

here.

I'm also looking very much forward to fusing more creativity, energy, kindness, and community into my blogging.  I long to connect women.  

I have a whole list (quite a never-ending looking list, I'll admit) of new types of handiwork I want to try, projects to create, a handmade life to revel in and deeply enjoy.

And then there are Rosy Retreats, my one-evening or one-day retreats all about crafting and homemade living and this year, photography.  These retreats take place on the farm at the cabin.  This year I'm excited to go ahead and announce the ideas and concepts behind my three Rosy Retreats to give you and your calendar a head's up about what's to come. 

First, in April I'll be setting up my FIRST ever art booth at Vintage Market Days at the Bentonville, AR fairgrounds, Friday April 11th and Saturday, April 12th.  I am both nervous and excited! 

Then, throughout the months of May-July I'll be hosting three different Rosy Retreats.

1.) Craft Retreat: We'll make both crafts AND friends and eat delicious food!  We'll sit on the porch and relax, we'll unwind and connect with our creative selves.  All project supplies will be provided and I'll be ready to teach you how to create several different crafts, all within the comforts of the farm cabin!  

This is a one-evening retreat taking place Friday, July 17th from 7-10 p.m.  All craft supplies and appetizers are provided.  Cost $45.

2.) Photography Retreat:    When I pick up my camera, my focus shifts.  My eyes notice the tiny dimples in my daughter's hand, the moody light that seeps in each evening, the story the trail of toys on the floor tells.  I use my camera to truly capture the rosy that is tucked in among our routine.  Our lives are filled to the brim with deep emotions, memories worth saving, and joy worth capturing. Whether you shoot with a fancy DSLR in manual mode, stay in auto, or even use your phone as your main camera, this retreat will help you hone your eye on the magic and memories tucked among the mundane.

We'll learn about depth and perception in our photos, how shooting from different angles can tell a different story, and give ourselves time to simply be inspired and photograph what our hearts focus on.  We'll have instruction time in the cozy farm cabin, letting our conversation get to the heart of what we want our photography to be about.  We'll also have time to roam on the farm, stopping to practice and be inspired along the way. While my focus is mainly capturing your everyday just like it is, I'll also share some of my favorite photo props and styling tips. Last, we'll end by dining on appetizers on the porch, cameras in hand and equipped to capture a photo at the table that tells a story.  

This will be a one-day retreat, taking place Saturday, May 16th from 9:30-2:30.  Lunch, snacks, and retreat workbook are provided.  Cost $100. 

3.) Mama and Me Retreat-Instead of "bless this mess", does "stress and mess" enter your mind when you think of creating with your kiddos?  Do you feel overwhelmed by art supplies or knowing how to create engaging activities for your littles that will capture their imaginations?  This retreat is all about creating along-side your kids!  We'll visit several activity stations, each one set up with the supplies needed for a fun project!  I'll teach you and your child how to do the activity and then we'll let the fun begin!  As we learn and play together, I'll also share my best tips for painting with your children, everyday items that work great for projects, and my favorite free play activities for letting kids' explore AND learn.  We'll watch our kids' imaginations at work and you'll leave with plenty of ideas to let the fun continue in your own home. 

Parents: This retreat is best suited for children ages 2-6.  This isn't a drop-off retreat, but one you attend and participate in with your child. 

This will be a one-morning retreat, taking place Saturday, June 27th from 9:30-11:30.  All activity supplies and cold drinks are provided.  Cost $15 per child.

To sign-up email me at sunshinebysara@hotmail.com with your desired retreat(s) listed.  You will then receive an invoice via Paypal.  Due to the great amount of time I spend on each retreat, no refunds will be given.  

I hope to see you at a Rosy Retreat! 

I wasn't going to write this. BUT, my one word post is here.

Have you heard of the "One Word" posts for the new year? 

I read about the idea on Ali Edward's blog a few years back.  The concept was simple, but yet not really.  Pick one word to focus your intentions, life, goals, etc. on for the year.  A centering of sorts.   I didn't jump on the bandwagon until last year. 

Really even that came naturally, it wasn't necessarily intentional.  I wanted a bracelet from a friend's Etsy shop (who will be guest posting here soon!) with a word to remind me of my purpose.  Not just "mom" or "wife" but my unique purpose as Sara Torbett.  The word LIGHT kept showing up, everywhere.  It was practically written on every blank space on the walls around me, it was that evident.  

May your days be merry and BRIGHT.

Let your heart be light. 

This little LIGHT of mine. 

Your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight (Isaiah 58)

Light.  My one word that means so much more than just a strand of cheerful twinkle lights.  What people often don't realize about me and others around them is the darkness that goes hand in hand with the light.  I picked light (or rather it picked me) not because my life is void of darkness.  I picked it because my behind-the-scenes and real life minutes are ticking away at darkness.  It's God's light that stops the natural way of time and shows me a different way to live, see, photograph, and love.  It's as if God has invited me to throw back the curtains and let the sunshine in.  And on the days when I'm bathed in sunlight, share it.  On the days I've barely stepped my big toe into the sunlight, share God's love still.  By being authentic and real with no hidden agendas with people other than to show them the love of Jesus.  This is so much easier said than done. 

And I suppose that's another reason "light" means so much to me.  In the young mom and blogging world I often look at those with a spotlight and think they're doing something to be "successful" I'm not.  Did you know my happiest, most sun-drenched days are the ones where I let my actions speak volumes about God's story....and that's it?  I usually have it all backwards.  I think to live a life of light I need to do more, be more, be seen more.  The truth is when I arise and love my children well and say yes to the promptings of Jesus to ALL in my path (even the store clerks), I'm light-filled and light-filled opportunities come along and surprise me with buckets of sunshine. 

In the last month I've had TWO huge, enormous opportunities come my way,

but they came when the light wasn't so bright and warm in my everyday life. 

When I would have traded these great opportunities in a heartbeat if it meant I could keep those around me from hurting.   Light always has a dark side, a back story.  I wish to be like a story-teller leaving a trail of photos, words, and musings on a path for others to be inspired by.  To show what's behind the light-filled, celebratory creative opportunities.  To turn on the light for someone stuck in a very dark room.  To be the friend who will sit with a face toward the warm sunlight, a hand held.  

What's your one word and why? 

How can the Rosy Life bring you more "light" in the upcoming year?

I'd love to hear.

Before and After: Winter and Walls.

This winter sure has been.....well, wintery.  I suppose I should have expected it, but I didn't.  The last few years we've penciled in a few extra cold days between the months of November and February and called it good.  It's as if Winter arrived this year saying "It's my turn at last."

I've whispered thanks to God for the warmth of the bright sun that continues to permeate even the darkest and coldest of nights.  Usually on the days when I need it most. 

Winter has captured my heart and attention this year.  It's taught me to slow down and love well.  Days spent inside will do that or make you climb the walls instead. 

It's taught me to have nothing on the agenda but filling up every hour with playing.  Dress-up, blocks, baking, sewing, and art.  So much art. 

The hard parts of winter for me are the voids.  Color in the outside world, healthy food right out our back door, natural ways to exercise (instead of pounding it out on the treadmill each night), outings with friends....all pretty void this winter.  It can seem lonely sometimes, these winter days being in with little ones.  But I'm reminded time and again that if we never had the winter, I might always rely on all those other instant joys instead of my Heavenly Father.  A deep, settling, warmth....a joy that's only a whisper away, even on the coldest of nights. 

And so, this week of snow days is another week I determine that winter memories will be made, tucked in warm and cozy with my two little gals. We'll spread our wings into spring soon enough.

With all this tucking in, I decided I wanted to make a change in the room we spend the most time in-our dining room.  There have been many looks for the dining room over the last few years when we built the house. 

This is one look from the past,

as is this one.  I liked both, but something was still missing.

Remember how I told you a blank slate hit me over the head around New Years?

This was the result!  Wall-clearing.

......and the happily ever "After".

I'd say we wiped the slate clean and wrote the story of our dining room back better than ever before.  We took the blinds down and hung linen drapes instead.  Light and airy and perfect for closing up at night.  The shelves were my answer to the constant changing of decor I like to do.  

Styled with things I already had on hand, they are my favorite. I just can't stop looking at them! 

A rather inexpensive project also.  The brackets were $2.50 each (found on half-off at Hobby Lobby), and we already had the wood from the house in town that Brett grew up in.  Sentimental AND inexpensive.  One of my favorite combinations.

Our centerpiece is a little ode to January/February.  I adore how the little girl in the illustration is throwing her hands wide open, as if to welcome the new year whole-heartedly. 

Both our walls and our winter are getting better over time. 

And that's really what it's about to me. 

Better at being honest, real, giving, truthful, wise, Godly. 

Better at showing myself grace and treating myself with kindness (like when it's been 4 days since I last ran).  Better at loving Jesus.  

What are you learning this winter?

And a happy new year to you!

 Hi everybody! 

How are you,

and how was your new years?

I stole a few photos off Brett's phone I wanted to share.  And remember for myself. 

My gals and I were waiting for Brett to load up rocks for our yard and Anna Ruth kept saying "I am cooooold", like we were really torturing her.  (It wasn't that cold, she's just a bit dramatic sometimes).  So I decided we'd go on a little walk and I'd show them we can have fun anywhere, with next to nothing.   We looked at the rocks and found triangles, hearts, and squares.  

Cold complaints gone, magic found.  

 I was wallowing in sadness about taking down the Christmas decor and then New Year's Eve came and I realized I needed to either get on board with the new year or continue to wallow.  Get on board I did.  So we got ourselves ready to celebrate and have little family party. Complete with Smarties (Anna's specific request), party hats, and noisemakers.  Oh, and the verse "See, I am doing a new thing!" and 20 balloons I blew up. 

The next day I woke up and suddenly a clean slate had smacked me over the head. 

I was ready to take down Christmas and meet the new year, head on. 

I'm excited to show you our de-cluttered home decor soon. 

After Brett helps me with a few projects...

And this is my proof I did get to sled once when we had a big snow.  Betsy Grace hates to be away from her mama, as long as I'm in sight, so she wailed the entire time I went down.  But I screamed real loud and had a blast. :) 

How did you ring in your new year? 

Did you make a concrete list of resolutions?

I didn't.  I have more of a heart change resolution instead.

And more on that later.

(If you're interested in a copy of this picture let me know and I can add it to my Etsy Shop!)