Monday, February 24, 2014

The People Have Spoken: Winners From Challenge #10

It is time to announce the winners from Challenge #10.  So, without further ado, here they are...


Drum roll, please....BBBbbbrrrrrrrrr pish

The people have spoken and their choice for Challenge #10 is....
Donna you have won your choice of ten images from Creative Bug Digital Stamps.
Donna, you will also be getting a cool and awe inspiring personalized badge for your blog as the Voter's Choice for Challenge #10.
In the category of Most Inspiring, our winner is...
Judith, you have won your choice of three images from Ike's Art.
Judith, you will also be getting a lovely, one of a kind personalized badge for your blog as the Most Inspiring choice for Challenge #10.
  The Random Winner for this challenge (chosen by Random.com), based on all eligible participants is:
Edwina, you have won your choice of five images from DigiStamps4Joy.
Edwina, you will also be getting a neat and unique personalized badge for your blog as the Random Winner for Challenge #10.
We also have a prize available for a random voter who left a comment.

 The random winner for this challenge (chosen by Mini Web Tool), based on all eligible participants is:

Pumpy with her comment:
I came along and voted, hard decision they were all so awesome.
Pumpy, you have won a selection of digital designer papers from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles.

Big Congrats to...

Donna, Judith, Edwina & Pumpy

Please click HERE to send us an email with the subject, "WINNER PoP Challenge #10" to make arrangements to receive your prize and badge (where applicable).  Please note that it may take me a few days to get back to you.  Thank you for your patience. 

All entrant's in Challenge #10 are entitled to a special digital sentiment based on the theme for the upcoming challenge.  So, if you were one of the individuals who entered Challenge #10 and would like to receive a free sentiment based on the theme for Challenge #12, which starts Monday, March 3rd, please click HERE to send us an email with the subject line, "PoP Challenge #10 Entrant Quote Request".

Don't forget, there is still one week left to enter into this month's challenge on LOVE.  Click HERE for details.  If you haven't linked up already, I hope that you will consider coming over to play with us.  As always, we'd love to have you join our Path!

I hope that you will join us this Sunday for our DT Delights post.  Until then,

Monday, February 17, 2014

Challenge #11--Midway Reflection & Voting Reminder

Hello everyone! We have reached the midway point of Challenge #11. The theme for this challenge is all about LOVE. Today I am going to share a little introspection with you all that I am also presenting on my own personal blog in my "Motivational Monday" feature.

The Expression of Love


How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.  There are so many different ways for us to express the wellspring of love that sits within our hearts.

Physical expression is of course a very common one.  Kisses, hugs and touch are all important to our survival.  When I was in college there was a sweatshirt sale to raise money for a Deaf organization that our program supported.  Interestingly enough the sweatshirts were about promoting hugs and the fact that when you hug another individual, hemoglobin is released in the blood.  Hemoglobin is important because it carries oxygen to all the areas of the body and causes the body to make itself whole.  Other studies have shown that hugging can reduce pain, help lift depression and tiredness and reduce stress and anxiety.  All this for the low cost of wrapping your arms around another living being and giving a little squeeze.

There are also studies that show how important touch is to babies.  In fact, there are studies that show that touch therapy with babies can help to contribute towards a healthy weight gain, augment growth and social development.  Did you know that an infant can die without physical touch?   If babies do not receive any skin-to-skin contact within the first few days or weeks of being born, they are at a serious risk of developing health problems.  If a baby is completely deprived of any skin-to-skin contact, they will die from a condition know as marasmus.  In essence, marasmus is a grave form of malnutrition. The good news though is that in certain situations, doctors have been able to reverse the condition simply by moving the infant into a more nurturing environment.  Don't forget though that it isn't only babies who need touching.  We all do.  Even if it is a simple pat on the hand or shoulder to let someone know that you are there.

Then of course there are the emotional ways to express love for one another.  Think how it makes you feel to hear the words "I love you" said earnestly by your mate or another loved one.  Additionally, spending time with our mate, whether it is side-by-side doing the dishes, taking a walk, going dancing or simply in each other's company are all ways that increase the feelings of love between individuals.

There are also more subtle ways we can express our affection.  Whether it is doing your own chores before being asked, or better yet, doing a chore normally reserved for your partner; watching the children and allowing your mate a much needed break; or simply sitting next to your loved one while they watch a television show you could care less about.  These are also all ways we can let the people we love most, know how important they are to us.

There are many more ways we can express our love.  These are simply a few.  The most important thing is to ensure that the people we love most in the world know it.  We are not guaranteed a lifetime together so it is imperative to make every single moment count.
To help inspire you down the path of love, check out the wonderful projects a few of my Design Team had the opportunity to create...

patacakespages.blogspot.com/
Pat has taken a humourous side with her midway project.  It certainly gives new meaning to the phrase "until death do we part"!  Pat has used a dark humour image, called Skellie Gossip, from one of our amazing regular sponsors, Ike's Art.  If you are interested in purchasing this funny image, click on the watermark to head over to its location in Ike's store.  It is located within the 'Gothic' section.
http://www.ikesart.com/#!__digi-gothic/productsstackergalleryv21=34
Next up, we have two projects from...

http://taylormadecards4u.blogspot.ca/
In the first, Monica has chosen to use an image from our second regular sponsor, Creative Bug Digis.  This adorable little frog is called Unfrogettable.  If you are interested in purchasing this cute image, click on the watermark to head over to the Special Occasions page in Naomi's store, then scroll down until you get to the Misc. section.
 http://creativebugdigis.com/Main%20Pages/Inside%20Collection%20_pages/specialoccasions.html

Here is Monica's second project...
For this one, Monica has chosen to use this precious image called Mother's Day 1, from Ike's Art.  There is nothing like the expression of love between a mother and her child.  If you are interested in purchasing this precious image, click on the watermark to head over to its location in Ike's store.  It is located within the 'People' section.
http://www.ikesart.com/#!__digi-people/productsstackergalleryv21=3
 Here is a closer view of that beautiful baby and the lovely sentiment that Monica used.  Additionally, here is an overall view of Monica's first project...

Vicky has chosen to use Google Eyes Duck with Heart, which is also from Creative Bug Digis.  This sweet little duck is one of my favourite images from Naomi.  I'm not sure what it is, but it touches my heart for some reason.  This image is also on the Special Occasions page, only this time you'll need to scroll down until you get to the Valentine's section.  Clicking on the watermark will bring you to the proper page in the store.
http://creativebugdigis.com/Main%20Pages/Inside%20Collection%20_pages/specialoccasions.html

http://positive-force.blogspot.com/
Lynda has chosen to use the beautiful image called Muse 5, also from Ike's Art.  This is such an expressive image.  If you are interested in purchasing this precious image, click on the watermark to head over to its location in Ike's store.  It is also located within the 'People' section.
http://www.ikesart.com/#!__digi-people/productsstackergalleryv21=15

  Finally, that leaves our...
Helene a.k.a. Nick, from Nick's Scrap Shack, who is our guest designer this month, created this precious project...
As you can see, Nick also chose to use the Mother's Day 1 image from Ike's Art.  Another simply beautiful creation showcasing this image.

 Clicking on the team members name (or in the case of our GDT, the blog name) will take you to their blog where you can check out the details for their inspirational creations!
So if you haven't entered already, what are you waiting for?  Create a project and/or post that is positive AND relates to love, provide an explanation of how your project and/or post relates to the theme somewhere in your post or come over and leave a comment with the explanation.  Easy, peasy!  You can enter our latest challenge by clicking HERE.

Also, I know that the participants would love for you to go and pay them a visit.  Remember we're creating a Path of Positivity to follow one project at a time and we'd love to see you somewhere on that route even if it just by leaving a comment on an entry from someone who has touched you somehow with their project and/or post!

If you are new to this unique challenge, you can find out the impetus behind why I started it under the 'Introductions' tab and all the details you need to know in order to participate, in the 'Challenge Details' tab (both tabs located at the top of the blog).

Don't Forget...

You still have until 11:55 p.m. tonight, to vote on your favourite entry for Challenge #10.  Voting is quick, easy and painless so I hope you will consider casting your vote if you haven't already.  Don't forget, if you leave a comment after voting, you have the opportunity to walk away with a selection of digital papers created especially with your interests in mind. To check out the Top Seven and cast your vote, click HERE.  Winners for challenge #10 will be posted next Monday.

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE ON LOVE?
If you need some motivation to get you started, I've provided another sentiment, free for you to download:
Credit Notes For This Creation:
© 2014, Lisa L. Décosse.  PUO.  However, you are allowed to use the sentiment on handmade projects that you intend to sell on a small scale basis provided credit is given. You also need to include a credit note and a link to this blog should you use any of my images in your creations and post them on your blog. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with my full terms of use found in the 'Download Instructions & T.O.U.' tab at the top of this page.  Of important note:  Please do not share my images with family, friends, etc. Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc. Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the image for themselves. If you would like to post a watermarked version of the image, please contact me to obtain one. 

You will notice that the sentiment may appear huge depending on what software program you download it into.  You can always reduce the size without distorting the overall look. 


Font and Image Information:

Click on the font name to take you to a download location.  Both of these fonts are free for commercial use.

SUMMARY
Whether you are new and need to familiarize yourself with all the details,  or a returning participant and just need to refresh yourself, you can always find out everything you need to know in order to enter this challenge in the 'Challenge Details' tab at the top of the page. You can enter the challenge by clicking HERE to take you to the current challenge post where you can also find a quick summary of the details related to this challenge, towards the bottom of the post. 

GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY...
Please show your support to our fabulous sponsors by going over and checking out their work and saying hi if you have the chance.  In addition to Scribbles Designs, our guest sponsor for the month...
http://buyscribblesdesigns.blogspot.ca/
 
...we also have our regular sponsors:
 
 









That is me and I'd love for you to visit me
on my personal blog.

If you ever have any questions be sure to EMAIL ME or just leave me a comment.

We look forward to seeing you participate!


References
Author Unknown. (1998-2013). Bonding with Baby: The Importance of Touch. Available: http://www.johnsonsbaby.com/bonding-with-your-baby/the-importance-of-touch. Last accessed 17th Feb 2014.
Bauer, Mary . (2014 ). Importance of Human Touch. Available: http://www.livestrong.com/article/186495-importance-of-human-touch/. Last accessed 17th Feb 2014.
Bullock, Monica . (2008). How Hugging Can Help You Live Longer. Available: http://voices.yahoo.com/how-hugging-help-live-longer-2312571.html?cat=5. Last accessed 17th Feb 2014.
Chillot, Rick . (2013). The Power of Touch. Available: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201302/the-power-touch. Last accessed 17th Feb 2014.
Servo, Tom . (2011). Infants Die If They Are Not Touched. Available: http://voices.yahoo.com/infants-die-if-they-not-touched-10343551.html?cat=25. Last accessed 17th Feb 2014.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Ponderings Along the Pathway...LOVE

Welcome to Ponderings Along the Pathway, a new feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

Since today is Valentine's Day it is the perfect day to have PAT share her thoughts on the concept of LOVE...

 
 Love Is…

There are hundreds of ways to finish the line “Love is…,” depending on where you are in your life.

Love is family.
Love is your pets.
Love is your job, your music, your art.
As you grow, the objects of your love can change.  But what will never change is what love does for you.
Love picks you up when you’re down.
Love is the reason you wake in the morning with a smile on your face.
Love colors your life like a rainbow.
Love inspires us to be better than we ever thought to be.
Love gives us strength to survive life’s hazards.
Love is timeless, and no matter what you love, who you love, it will always be the bridge between you and everything.
 
So celebrate love with your whole heart and soul, and know how blessed you are that you have love in your life.

 
Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday for our midway post.  
 
May you all have a wonderful day surrounded by the people that you love most in this world.  Happy Valentine's Day!
 

 

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Voting Instructions

Inlinkz has changed things to become more social media friendly but forget to tell us how to adapt to the new system.  Since I have to add the Inlinkz feature after the post has been published, in order to add the cards eligible for voting, I didn't know about the changes until afterwards.  Therefore I had to go in and add an 'EDIT' at the bottom of the post.  Unfortunately, it appears that some people have missed this edit, or it is taking them awhile to notice it is there.  Therefore on the recommendation of one of the voter's, I have also added the instructions right in the Inlinkz instructions area.  This will hopefully assist people in the new voting process.  I also thought that it might bear repeating in a separate post.

In order to vote in the new Inlinkz system: 
  1. Look for the little grey heart in the top right hand corner. 
  2. If you hover your mouse over it, the colour will change to red and it will say 'Love this link!!'. 
  3. Click on the heart to place your vote. 
  4. Once you have clicked the heart, a pop up box will appear stating, 'Vote registered. You have 0 vote(s) remaining." 

If you still have issues, you can simply let me know that you couldn't get it to work and just let me know who your vote is for, in a comment. If you are uncomfortable leaving the name in a comment, please email me at pathofpositivitychallenge {at} gmail {dot} com.
Thank you for your patience while we adapt to this new system. I will continue to add these instructions in the actual link up, each time a vote takes place in the future.  This will ensure that anyone new, has the opportunity to see it.


Monday, February 10, 2014

Challenge #10 Top Seven: Voting Open February 10th to February 17th, 2014

Welcome to the Challenge #10 PoP ToP!

Hello everyone and welcome to this month's edition of the PoP ToP.  Last month we had a total of 20 participants.  I was thrilled that we had that many because I knew that the concept of generosity might trip some people up when it came to making a project.  However, the concept is so broad and many of you really thought outside the box which was simply fabulous to see.

So, it is time to get on with showcasing the seven projects that the team feels were the best of the bunch.  In case you are new and wondering why seven and not the typical three, four or even five?  Well, we strive to be different over here on the Path of Positivity.  Additionally, seven is a spiritual number and thus right in the wheelhouse of the vibe we are looking to project; so, seven it is.  Thus, without further ado, please let me introduce you to the Top Seven for Challenge #10 (in no particular order)...





 

 Congrats Ladies...

As a participant who has been chosen in our Top Seven, each of you is entitled to a special Top Seven badge. Please email me by clicking HERE, with the subject "Challenge #10 Top Seven" and I'll email your badge to you.  Please note that it may take me several days to get back to you so I appreciate your patience.

Have Your Say!

Now the really hard work starts.  It is time for you, our readers, to vote for your favourite entry.  Which participant most inspires you?  Remember, you are not necessarily voting on a creation that was made.  You might simply find what the person had to say in their post to be inspiring and optimistic and in line with the concept of generosity.  Therefore, please be sure to go and check out the entries first and not just make your choices off of the thumbnails.  Once you have checked all the entries out,  let us know who your favourite choice is by placing your vote below using the Inlinkz feature. 

Voting open for 7 days:
February 10th to February 17th
Come have your say in determining the Voter's Choice for Challenge #10!  Don't forget to leave a comment after you have voted.  There will be a prize for one lucky voter who leaves a comment (chosen randomly).  If you haven't had the opportunity to visit each of the top seven choices already, please go and check them out a little more closely before placing your vote.  Once you have made your decision, why not go back and let them know how they inspired you.

Good luck everyone!

Important Note:

Please note that in order for this to work, I must add all the entries but I can only do this AFTER I have published this post.  So there will be some overlap time between when this post is published and when you will be able to vote.  Once I have uploaded the entries there will be a total of seven images below on which to vote.  As soon as all seven are uploaded, I'll enable voting to begin. If there are less than seven, it means that I am still in the process of adding the images and you should come back in a little while to make your vote.  Thank you for your patience!

EDIT:  Inlinkz has changed things to become more social media friendly but forget to tell us how to adapt to the new system.  To Vote:  Look for the little grey heart in the top right hand corner.  If you hover your mouse over it, the colour will change to red and it will say 'Love this link!!'.  Click on the heart to place your vote.  Once you have clicked the heart it will say, 'Vote registered.  You have 0 vote(s) remaining."  If you still have issues, you can simply let me know that you couldn't get it to work, like a commenter already has, and just let me know who your vote is for in a comment.  If you are uncomfortable leaving the name in a comment, please email me at pathofpositivitychallenge {at} gmail {dot} com.   Thank you for your patience while we adapt to this new system.  The instructions are repeated below to ensure that everyone sees them.