enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

give life.

Annapolis
Home again for the next three days until the Annapolis Paper Source Grand Opening. Looking forward to a few days of rest/craft.
Kal1
Kal2
TODAY I am excited to GIVEAWAY a LoveLife book by the artist herself – Kal Barteski. No doubt you have already seen her blog and paint magic, but you may not have this book which is sort of a history of her art for over 150 weeks. I am lucky to own copy and cannot wait to give one away. Leave a comment on this post and I'll pick a winner tomorrow morning. Kal will be giving away a set of my letterpress stationery on her blog today as well.

I wish I had a photo to go with this next story : Yesterday, I got home pretty late and Paul was about to fall asleep. He had been up early at the hospital. When I asked him what he was doing he said he saw some pretty little babies. "How little?" I asked, "like a week?"

"Well – we were assisting in cesareans. So they were tiny."

My boy held brand new two second old little people. He was the guy standing with the blanket waiting to clean up and check over a little new life. I still cannot get over that. I keep fluctuating between pride and jealousy. (But mostly just pride.)

Posted in

163 responses to “give life.”

  1. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    Happy Tuesday!
    I am new to your blog, love all your fun ideas. I think I found another blog that will be a part of my morning routine 🙂 I must admit I read Kal’s blog religiously every morning. I would love to own a copy of her book, I love all her work. I was going to purchase a copy of it when she was offering them at half price but with the exchange ( I live in the states) it really wasn’t that great of a deal 😦 Hope you have a wonderful day!
    p.s. I can’t imagine the emotions Paul must have felt holding a tiny new life in his hands.

    Like

    Reply
  2. Jessica (Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!) Avatar
    Jessica (Kids Napping? I’m Scrapping!)

    Lucky Paul, and lucky you to have a great guy. 😉
    Oh, and I’d be the next lucky one in this series if I win your giveaway. 😉

    Like

    Reply
  3. Dee Avatar
    Dee

    elise, i am hyperventilating in the morning trying to make sure i can look at your blog before work. It’s inspiring and funny and starts my day off right.
    you have to know that to the people delivering the premeies via c section paul is an angel sent from heaven. i can speak first hand of the way i felt about the people that were there with me those first few frightening moments many, many, years ago.

    Like

    Reply
  4. lee Avatar
    lee

    I love Kal, and would love to win her book
    I have already entered to win your letterpress

    Like

    Reply
  5. LynnY Avatar
    LynnY

    Thanks for the inspiration!
    I would love Kal’s book!!
    LynnY

    Like

    Reply
  6. Abby Wagner Avatar
    Abby Wagner

    I would love to win! Hope I do! PS…love your blog, love your humor (and crafty stuff!)

    Like

    Reply
  7. Bettina Avatar
    Bettina

    Love all the creativity here! Thank you for sharing and inspiring some holiday goodness.

    Like

    Reply
  8. Francine Avatar
    Francine

    That’s so awesome about the babies 🙂 Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity!

    Like

    Reply
  9. Paige Avatar
    Paige

    Hello! New to your blog via [i] Love Life. Your stationary is beautiful and I love the little cardboard wreath idea. I think I have to make that now.
    I’d love to win Kal’s book! And I’d love to win your stationary on her blog!

    Like

    Reply
  10. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    Holding a brand new baby is an experience quite unlike anything else. Especially when it is your own.
    It is FABulous that you are giving away a book of Kal’s. And it is also FABulous that she is giving away some of your gorgeous letterpress stuff. I also love the handmade holiday. So creative!

    Like

    Reply
  11. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    I would love to have Kal’s book, I’ve been a long time reader of her blog! 🙂
    I can relate to Paul’s experience… my passion in Nursing school was Labour and Delivery and I heart babies. Birth is exquisite pain that bring such precious gifts.
    Have a great day!

    Like

    Reply
  12. Suzzi Avatar
    Suzzi

    This would be perfect for my ds 9 year birthday. Thanks for the opportunity.
    This is soo him (and my style…) I’m sure he would share it!
    Love your site. Just discovered it via Ali’s.

    Like

    Reply
  13. Melanie K. Avatar
    Melanie K.

    I just signed up at Kal’s for your stationary … and now here to sign up for her book – it would be GREAT to win both!

    Like

    Reply
  14. {vicki} Avatar
    {vicki}

    thanks for the chance to win.
    KAL ROCKS!!!!!!
    {vicki}

    Like

    Reply
  15. Britiney Avatar
    Britiney

    What a great book! Pick me!! smile

    Like

    Reply
  16. Annie Patrick Avatar
    Annie Patrick

    I hope I’m not too late. I’ve been loving the holiday gift ideas!

    Like

    Reply
  17. Natasha F Avatar
    Natasha F

    Thanks for sharing your creativity and inspiring my creative jucies. Count me in for the giveaway.

    Like

    Reply
  18. Star Avatar
    Star

    Can’t get better than Love Life. Sign me up!

    Like

    Reply
  19. Cindy Avatar
    Cindy

    Kudos to both yourself and Kal for pairing up for this little givewaway, I’d love to win either items. Very cool!! Thanks!

    Like

    Reply
  20. leni Avatar
    leni

    i came across Kal’s blog via your blog … i just love the two of you! i feel so blessed to be able to get up and read your bloggings on a daily basis. i just wish lauren had introduced us to each other before you moved cross country!

    Like

    Reply
  21. suzanne Avatar
    suzanne

    What a terrific giveaway! I’ll be crossing my fingers!

    Like

    Reply
  22. Ronda JT Avatar
    Ronda JT

    I have been reading your blog for quite some time now…LOVE it!
    You do amazing work! Keep it up!
    Thanks for sharing with all of us out here is blog world!
    May Paul never lose his wonderment of the life he holds in his hands…be it newborn babies, children, teenagers or adults. The world needs more “Pauls”.

    Like

    Reply
  23. Tara Avatar
    Tara

    Your stationary is just beautiful, I am so glad I found your blog through Kal’s… and what a nice treat for you to give away her book… you both rock in the spirit of generosity… thank you.

    Like

    Reply
  24. Teresa Avatar
    Teresa

    Wow, this is super-cool! I love your blog, and I love Kal’s too! Thanks for the chance to play!

    Like

    Reply
  25. mary Avatar
    mary

    what a sweet story about your boy. 🙂
    and what a great giveaway! pick me! pick me! 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  26. jen Avatar
    jen

    To hold a brand new life is such a blessed thing! How absolutely wonderful and life affirming.

    Like

    Reply
  27. carol Avatar
    carol

    That would be the perfect gift for me! Talk about a fun and inspiring way to start the holiday season!!
    Heres to the blog circle- Kal/Ali/Elise – thank you all 😉

    Like

    Reply
  28. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    Love your blog. Read it everyday. I also love Kal’s blog and read it everyday. I tried to win the book last week and didn’t so I’ll try again. I love her artwork!

    Like

    Reply
  29. Breanne Crawford Avatar
    Breanne Crawford

    i have this thing against commenting on give away posts, but id love that book. and besides, i’d comment anyways :-p
    what a cool experience for paul! and yay for the shoutout on ali’s blog.

    Like

    Reply
  30. Jennifer Walker Avatar
    Jennifer Walker

    I love Kal’s stuff! I’d love to share “her” with a friend and give this book as a gift.

    Like

    Reply
  31. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    ooo two people’s blogs i can read. Kal directed me to yours. adore your handmade goodies , you two are keeping me happy and inspired. would die and go to heaven to win a book !!!

    Like

    Reply
  32. mjmiller Avatar
    mjmiller

    Oh, I’d just LOVE Kal’s book. I think it’s super great that you two are giving away each other’s goods – a fabulous way to get some cross-flow with your admirers!!

    Like

    Reply
  33. emilie Avatar
    emilie

    i just had to say, tears filled my eyes when reading your story… i just had a baby 2 weeks ago… and it is one of the most greatest accompishments in my life.. thank you for making me smile. my child calls… have a good day

    Like

    Reply
  34. jennifer anne Avatar
    jennifer anne

    All this GIVING is making me all warm & fuzzy! Pick me! Pick me!

    Like

    Reply
  35. indigorchid Avatar
    indigorchid

    Hmm… I must be missing something, not being familiar with Kal. This will change!

    Like

    Reply
  36. Verna G. Avatar
    Verna G.

    Kal is such an inspiration, I would love a chance to have her book!
    Found you via Ali’s blog and loving what I see!

    Like

    Reply
  37. Julie Pfeiffer Avatar
    Julie Pfeiffer

    love your blog and Kal’s too. have been wishing for her book for a while now.

    Like

    Reply
  38. Whitney Avatar
    Whitney

    I’ve been following both yours and Kal’s blog for about a year now and I’d love a copy of Kal’s book!

    Like

    Reply
  39. Melissa Mac. Avatar
    Melissa Mac.

    Loved your e+p love story the other day.

    Like

    Reply
  40. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    I have been a fan of your blog and your letterpress cards for awhile now and am so happy that Ali and Kal are sharing your talents/ideas on their blogs.

    Like

    Reply
  41. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    Congrats to Paul! What an honor that must be.

    Like

    Reply
  42. Tracy D Avatar
    Tracy D

    I have been reading Kal’s blog for over a year now. I will be adding yours to my list as well!

    Like

    Reply
  43. ConnieC Avatar
    ConnieC

    That’s a nice giveaway. I love seeing Kal’s art on her blog. And she has the cutest baby.

    Like

    Reply
  44. Peggy Avatar
    Peggy

    Oh, pick me! Pick me!

    Like

    Reply
  45. Caity Avatar
    Caity

    yay! i love Kal’s blog – I read hers and yours every morning when i get to work.

    Like

    Reply
  46. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    I would love the opportunity that Paul has had. The book looks fab!!

    Like

    Reply
  47. Laura Reaux Avatar
    Laura Reaux

    Yet another reader popping over from Kal’s blog. 😉 You have some adorable projects on your blog that I see so far! Love the recycled wreath and your letterpress cards. I’ll check your blog out a bit more. 😉

    Like

    Reply
  48. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    Love your cards! Love the giveaway.I love Annapolis, I live in Frederick so it’s a hop, skip and a jump!
    My baby was 4 lbs. 10 oz. when I brought her home from the hospital,she is my youngest child, and it was scary to have this little person in my care. She thrived and now she is a mom herself.

    Like

    Reply
  49. Jenn Zahavich Avatar
    Jenn Zahavich

    Hey,
    My morning ritual includes checking out Kal’s blog, her attitude has made a lasting impression on me. I would love to win a copy of her book for my mom, she was diagnosed with breast cancer a month before I was and she could use a little Kal in her life.
    Thanks

    Like

    Reply
  50. mandy Avatar
    mandy

    Kal is great. Paul is amazing, as well as you. Hugs to you both.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to dawn Cancel reply