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Today, I'd love to tell you about our Sponsor Living Crafts Magazine. In editor Pardis' words:
"Living Crafts is a magazine devoted to crafters who practice a natural lifestyle."
SouleMama: How do you avoid burnout and keep yourself motivated?
Pardis: Solitude. I make time for getting things “out”. I wake up at dawn, and spend time in reflection, in the dark, or writing in a journal, and even hand-stitching patchwork or knitting, any handwork that can be continuous without going back and forth to instructions or keeping track of steps. I stay away from taking things “in”, including reading, watching, listening.
Pardis: Soon after I became a mother, to my own surprise I realized multi-tasking was not something I could do well, so I left Body+Soul magazine, although I loved my job and was able to work from home with flexible hours. Thinking this would be a temporary situation, I ended up being a stay-at-home mother for five years, until my daughter started kindergarten. Once I was ready to go back to work part-time, I ended up working for both Mothering and Natural Home magazines. At that time Natural Home was owned by Interweave Press, and here I was, working for two accomplished, self-assured moms who were both my mentors as well as clients: Peggy O’Mara, and Linda Ligon, and whom both I adored and loved dearly. However, as I started doing my “old job” I realized that becoming a mother had changed something in me, and my life purpose. This work [independent publisher’s representative] did not seem as exciting and fulfilling as in the past. This was a turning point in my life, and although a difficult decision, I left my work again, to risk, and to start a magazine that filled the need of mothers like me, who love crafting, but could not easily find sources for natural materials and patterns that fit a natural lifestyle and conscious parenting, for mothers who not just enjoyed doing crafts with their children, but wanted to sit down at the end of a hard day’s work and read, and create, within a community they belong to. What I’ve learned is once you listen to your own motherly instincts and do what is right for your child, then somehow the universe leads you to your life purpose, so giving up a job or a lifestyle you are used to for the sake of motherhood is not a sacrifice, but a gift you give to your whole family.
For today's giveaway, Living Crafts is offering TWO winners:
All 10 back issues, in addition to a two-year subscription starting with the Summer 2010 issue (one year for international subscribers). If you are already a subscriber, this winning subscription will be added to the end of your existing. If you already have all the back issues (most subscribers do), you could give it away to a special friend!
In addition, Living Crafts is offering a free Spring 2008 back issue with a subscription purchase. Offer valid until April 30th. Enter code SP08SM in the Offer Code section of the Subscribe page.
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Thank you, Living Crafts!
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in today's post. (One entry per person, please!) I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Sunday. Comments closed! The winners are:
I love this magazine!
Posted by: Jen CostiganI love this magazine! I have been receiving their subscription for a year now, and have wanted to share them with friends. How perfect!
Posted by: Amber Payet
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