Why do I like dragonflies???

When faced with the challenge of having to do a fantasy layout for the Aussie Dares blog 'How Dare You?'.....I dug deep....and thought about what fantasy meant to me....harry potter, dragons, unicorns, fairies, wizards, and somehow I was drawn...compelled to do a dragonfly layout. why? because the dragonfly invokes a feeling inside me...almost mystical, magical, surreal....
So I came up with my journalling first and then came up with the layout.

Journalling:

I am really unsure how it began or if there was a defining moment, but I have always been fascinated by dragonflies. Even as a little girl, I’ve preferred them to the pretty colourful butterflies that most little girls prefer. In the past 5 years, something in me has changed, this fascination has evolved into something more. I started seeking out dragonfly jewelry, seemed there was a calling, a need to wear it…have it on me, near me but I didn’t know why. The results of my online research into the symbolism of the dragonfly were astonishing .

Wikipedia: Dragonflies are mystical, magical creatures, sophisticated & alluring yet somewhat ethereal. Exquisitely beautiful, steeped in mythology & rich in symbolism. The dragonfly’s shell is designed with special facets that reflect and refract their beautiful colors in the light of the sun. This almost sparkling appearance has leant added meaning to the dragonfly’s form. They’ve taken on a mystical and magical symbolism. The dragonfly’s magic is its light magic, and all of the wonderful similes, metaphors and cliché’s that light has inspired. In Japan, the Japanese people have chosen to honor the dragonfly as a symbol of joy and new light. Thus, the dragonfly has come to be an image that inspires us to not only learn to practice the shedding and mirroring of light in our own lives, but to learn to see when others are doing it, too! Additionally, dragonflies certainly aren’t limited to women! In Native American astrology, there is a strong belief that each person has a totem animal spirit which serves as their guardians and guides through certain phases of life. Often, an individual would have many different totems throughout life, some for just a time, and some for their entire lives. And one of these totem spirits was the spirit of the dragonfly. It would adopt men and women, young and old. The dragonfly spirit means you must consciously make an effort to express your hopes, dreams, needs and wishes. The dragonfly spirit is the essence of the winds of change, the messages of wisdom and enlightenment; and the communication from the elemental world. Its medicine beckons you to seek out the parts of your habits which need changing. You can turn to the dragonfly to guide you through the mists of illusion to the pathway of transformation.

So maybe that’s it, the dragonfly is my totem animal spirit, my spirit guide, the symbol that my spirit chose to guide me through life. For certainly there have been many aspects of change in my life, of spiritual growth, emotional turmoil, challenges of life and of learning through my mistakes. It’s certainly comforting to find that my spirit has chosen the dragonfly as my guide. For this creature is not only beautiful but it is the link to the past, a promise for the future and a reminder of the magic of the moment.

I hope you enjoy that journalling...it's very analytical, revealing and from the heart. There aren't many dragonfly lovers that I know of, but I know that Michelle Grant and Kim Arnold are. In fact, Kim gave me the beautiful beaded dragonfly that I have on my layout. I've been saving it for a special layout...and this is it.

My next layout is a Becky Fleck sketch challenge layout for the Fireside Crafts competition. Go check out the competition. You have the chance to win a $25 voucher to spend with Fireside Crafts.

And lastly.....to continue on the dragonfly theme.....a card made with my new stampendous stamps and the Stampin' Up! crayons....beautiful intense colours!! I couldn't cut out the feelers...so instead I made some beaded feelers. Totally love this card. I gave it to Jane and will be making more soon!!!

Asides from that....it has been a good weekend....relaxing....because I didn't have to cook all weekend...and .....I've watched 2 movies...Transformers and Sentinel...plus an episode of Fallen. And very productive.....in about 10 days.....I've scrapped 10 layouts and 4 cards. That's a pretty good effort for me. Plus there is a half done layout on my scrap table. I told Mich that no shopping for me until I've done 10 layouts......and can't believe that I made it. Maybe I can do a few more before caving into the urge!!

What do I want to shop for? Let me know if you find them online and on sale!!!

1. Heidi Swapp large blooms - some how I lost my flowers. I have them all in a large blister pack....and I can't find them at all....truly can't find them.

2. Fancy Pants biggest chipboards...boho swirls - anyone seen any around? come find me if you do.

3. Pins.....like vintage pins....long with something decorative on the top of it.