Tuesday, January 18, 2011: GUEST BLOGGER: 'Mo' from Rose Petals from Heaven

See this charming angel design above?  How about the one in the sidebar that says, "Angels Are Everywhere?" Or the one that says "Always Keep the Faith and Believe in Miracles?"

They are all creations of a very talented blogger from Arizona.  Her name is Mo and her blog is Rose Petals from Heaven.

Her blog has been enchanting since first glance. Not only is she a talented artist and designer, she offers her special graphics, also called blog buttons,  free-of-charge, for other bloggers to use. Now how many people do that?



We share a love of cranberry glass and both have collections of it.

For quite some time now, I've wanted to invite Mo to be a guest blogger on Writing Straight from the Heart. Of course, quite typically, she wanted to keep out of the limelight. She opted to have the emphasis to be on her blog, rather than on herself.

She agreed to answer some questions. This way, you can get to know her better.

So, here we go:

1. How did you decide to do a blog?

I learned about blogging through the movie, "Jules and Julia".

2.When was that?

I had no idea what blogging was until the Summer 2010.

3. How long does it take for you to design a button?

It is really hard to say. I get so "lost" (in a good way) in the creation process. If I had to say, I would probably say an average of an hour or two.

 4. Why do you offer your beautiful buttons free-of-charge?


I call our blogs, "Blog Worlds". They are a little world we create made up of things we think are beautiful. As such, we need to be able to decorate them with things we each can relate to and inspire us. It's fun to be able to change our "Blog World's" as our moods and our seasons change. I wanted to share this with those that do not have the time to create their own blog graphics.


5. Do you like to get comments from readers? Does it matter if you do or not ?

Comments are precious and I have received some of the warmest and kindest I think are possible for someone to write. Comments inspire. But, I also realize there is life outside of blogging. Everyone is busy and time dances by so fast. It just makes the comments I do get even more treasured by me.

6. How do you decide what to write about and photograph?

This is a very interesting question, Susan. I am inspired by thoughts that present themselves so easily to me. I feel fortunate to be able to ask for help (to expand on a subject) and the answers unfold. I am amused and amazed on the congruency some of my posts, photos, and designs.
 7. Do you like to take photos?

I never knew how much I would enjoy photography. Now in the digital age...it's cake. Yes, I absolutely love it.

 8. Did you get a special camera just to photograph things for your blog?

Yes, I did buy a new camera after posting for a few months. I was so inspired by Cindy's "My Romantic Home" Blog. I asked her what camera she used and she was kind enough to share it with me. So, I ended up buying a Canon Rebel XSI. It is amazing.




 9. How did you determine the name of your blog?

The name of my blog "Rose Petals from Heaven" is one of those "things" that presented itself to me when I was searching for a blog name. I have always loved the phrase, so it was perfect.


10. Since rose petals are in the title of your blog, what are your favorite kinds of roses?

 I live in such a "visual" world that the answer to this would be in colors. I absolutely love vivid hot pink roses and snow white roses.

11. How did you decide to start collecting cranberry glass?

I was attracted to cranberry glass years ago by a picture on the cover of "Traditional Home" magazine. (You can read about this in my blog posted on, Wednesday, July 7, 2010.)

12. What are any future plans, if any, for your blog?

I hope to continue to create, photograph, and bring beauty and inspiration to fellow bloggers as they have brought to me.

13. Do you write at specific times of the day or night or anytime the desire strikes you?

Any time I am not at work. Creating for my blog is one of my outlets and ways I de-stress .
 
NOTE:I want to express my deep gratitude to Mo for agreeing to be a guest blogger. It's great, not to mention kind of rare, to meet a person who is kind, generous, and willing to share her talents  freely with others. So, THANKS, MO.


This post will conclude with one of Mo's own graphics. This time the words  which are soooo true apply to her!

Noelle Horsfield, Today's Guest Blogger

Noelle Horsfield

Thank you to Susan for asking me to write a guest posting for “Writing Straight from the Heart.” I truly appreciate the opportunity and hope that I don’t disappoint all her devoted followers! 

First, let me tell you a little bit about my work in general. I create lovely cut paper collages using a wonderful palette of papers in a myriad of colors, textures, and patterns. I am interested in presenting my viewer with images that both celebrate our unique diversity and unite us in our humanity. I approach each new subject as an exciting opportunity to unite these beautiful colors, patterns and textures with my own sense of wonder at the world, creating a meaningful piece of art that will delight and inspire my audience.

For this particular collage, entitled “The Littlest Birds Have the Bravest Hearts,” I wanted to celebrate the idea that those who seem to be the weakest are actually the ones who, when called upon to do so, are able to make the bravest choices, beat the steepest odds, and overcome the greatest hardships.

When asked to choose someone or something that represents bravery, most people would probably opt for a classic example of a noble beast like a lion or a heroic soldier or firefighter…all wonderful examples of brave and fearless individuals.

However, I am always inspired by those beings among us, be they humans, animals, or even the odd flower blooming and growing in a sidewalk crack, that are able to survive and even thrive in the face of adversity.

In short, I believe that, because of what is often required of them, the “Littlest Birds” really do have the bravest hearts.

NOTE FROM SUSAN:  Many thanks, Noelle, for being today's guest blogger.  I hope all readers will check out Noelle's website, read her blog, and look at her wonderful art at http://www.noellehorsfield.com/