Tomorrow is not Promised ~ by Shannon Binegar-Foster

Just 5 days into the new year our community suffered a tragic loss. One firefighter died in the line of duty. He was fighting a fire in a grain bin when it exploded causing him to fall 80 feet. Another firefighter was critically injured and has a long road to recovery ahead of him. 

To see the outpouring of love and support from our community has been overwhelming. The day after the explosion, I found myself overcome with great sadness. I can’t imagine what the families were feeling at that moment. It is times like these that I am reminded how important it is to tell those you love how much they mean to you. 

In today’s world we are all so busy, so much so that we often forget to tell our family we love them. We don’t spend enough quality time with friends or family. So this is my gentle reminder for you to stop and make time for those important to you. Say what you feel and reach out to those you have lost touch with for tomorrow is not promised.

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Get to Know Our Members Shannon Binegar-Foster

Creative Shannon Binegar-Foster

Shannon and her husband, Steven, and their 20 lb cat, Gizmo live in Eastern Iowa. She is a 10+ year cancer survivor and loves all things purple and teal, paisley, and elephants. When she isn’t creating beautiful artwork and coloring books, she teaches swim classes at the local YWCA and spends time with friends…oh yeah and reads over 200 books a year.

Foster's Creations began in 2001, as a means for Shannon to create unique gifts of love for family and friends. As her thirst for perfection grew, so did the popularity of her ever-evolving products.

In September 2015, she stumbled across hand lettering and fell in love. Her passion for art was reborn. Her favorite is watercolor/pointed pen modern calligraphy. This is a way for her to relax and express herself.

Her first book, Prayer Journal with Coloring Pages, was published July 6, 2017.

Check out Shannon's Member Page by clicking the link below.

SHANNON BINEGAR-FOSTER

Looking Forward to 2019 ~ by Shannon Binegar-Foster

   
In my last post I talked about my “word” of the year. It took me several weeks to decide on my word for 2019. I didn’t feel like I chose wisely for 2018 as it was anything but “Limitless." 

I feel like I completely missed the mark on that one. Even though I published my second book and launched several new items to my product line, the sales were not there. 

I have been in a creative funk since the first part of November. Thankfully, I started creating again last week. I refuse to give up, 

so once again I chose very boldly. My word for 2019 is…

Something about that word empowers me and gets me excited about what great things are ahead in the new year. I am going to do my best to live up to my chosen word for 2019. 

I am close to finishing my 3rd Coloring Journal. In my personal life I began my wellness journey in January of 2008. There have been so many ups and downs in the past 10 years. I am armed with much more knowledge than I had then. 

I truly feel that 2019 is my year. I will be 49 on 4/19 so I just feel that 2019 holds great things for me. If you haven’t picked your word for the year take the next few days and reflect on 2018. Then chose your word and share it in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you pick. 


On that note I wish you all a very Happy New Year. 

What Are You Thankful For? ~ by Shannon Binegar-Foster

As I begin to reflect on the year, I find myself reminiscing on the things I am thankful for. Many people do this daily and often list 3-5 things each day. I am just not good at that. I might come up with a different list for a couple of days but by the 3rd day, I most often have run out of things to list. 

I am sure I am not alone in saying how much easier this task is when things are going well for us. I find that when things are not going well, or we are struggling financially I have a very hard time completing that list. 

Each year I pick a word for the year. For 2018 I chose “Limitless." I was so excited and hopeful. I launched some new products in February which were not as successful as I had hoped. I published my second book in April. I am currently finishing my third book. I have begun the time of a craft/vendor show every weekend from 11/11 through 12/15. Has my year been “Limitless,” not exactly. I had so many hopes for this year that were squashed by dismal sales. 

So when I sat down to begin to think of what I was thankful for this year the list is very short. As a 12-year Uterine Cancer survivor, I am always thankful for my health, even though arthritis keeps me from doing so many things. I know I could have it far worse. First and foremost I am thankful for my husband. He does so much for me I can’t even begin to put into words my gratitude for him. I have a great family and wonderful friends. I am grateful that I am able to brighten someone’s day with my art. My art is my happy place. That and the pool at the YW. 

So, there it is my very short list for the year. Five things. I encourage you to take the next few weeks and reflect on what you are thankful for. I will be taking the next few weeks to pick my word for 2019 and hoping I find many more things to be thankful for next year.