Lake Region Woman Volume 5, Issue 1

COMPLIMENTARY

Volume 5, Issue 1 February | March | April 2014

BE

Inspired Brynna Estenson

Save the Date

FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL Please call ahead to confirm events. Promote your May, June, and July 2014 event in the next issue by sending information to lakeregionwoman@live.com by April 1, 2014.

February 14

March 13 through 16

May 10

February 14 through 16

Langdon Research Center 6:00 p.m.

Tickets for this event are $25. For tickets, call Farmers & Merchants State Bank at 701-256-5431.

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Burdick Arena Celebrate how important learning is in the life of young children with hands-on activity booths and the Kiwanis Bike Safety Clinic.

Valentine’s Day Shiverfest

Devils Lake For more information go to www.devilslakend.com.

February 15 Gun Show

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Memorial Building

February 15

Winter Wonderland Vendor Show 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ramsey County Events Building

February 16 Gun Show

9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Memorial Building

February 15 and 16

Devils Lake Pond Hockey Tournament 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Creel Bay

February 15 and 16

Mikal Wakefield Memorial Mite Hockey Tournament 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Northern Lights Arts Council Dinner Theater

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

March 21 through 23

Lake Region Skating Club Ice Show Burdick Arena 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

March 25, April 1, 8, and 15 Photography Class

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Lake Region State College The series of four classes will be held at Lake Region State College, taught by Lisa Swenson and Katie Escobar of The Loft Photography Studio. There will be a $100 participation fee. Please call Liz Bonney at 701-662-1600 to register.

April 1

April Fool’s Day

April 4

Lake Region Boat and RV Show Burdick Arena 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

February 16 through March 15

April 4 through 6

Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon Sponsored by Northern Lights Arts Council and North Dakota Council on the Arts.

Lake Region Curling Club

Art Exhibit: Sundogs and Sunflowers

February 22

Salute to Schwabby

Memorial Building 5:00 p.m.

Tickets for this event are $25 per person and can be purchased through the website: www.lrsc.edu.

March 10

Sign Language for Babies and Toddlers

5:30-6:30 p.m.

North Dakota School for the Deaf Contact Macine Lukach for more information by calling 701256-2560 or send an email to macine.lukach@ndsu.edu.

2 www.lakeregionwoman.com

Year End Bonspiel

April 10 through 12

Mrs. North Dakota America Pageant

Jamestown Learn more at www.mrsnd.com or contact Director Mary Schwartzkopf at (701)347-8744. Follow the Mrs. North Dakota America Pageant on Facebook for updates.

April 20 Easter

May 3

Devils Lake Just For Kix Spring Show 3:00 PM Devils Lake High School Sports Center

Children’s Safety and Learning Fair

May 11

Mother’s Day

Mrs. North Dakota America 2013 Encourages Women to Enter 2014 Competition North Dakota married women age 18 and older are invited to partake in the Mrs. North Dakota America Pageant to be held April 1012, 2014, in Jamestown. Current titleholder, Aly Downs from Bismarck stated, “Being involved in pageants is something I have grown to love: the people, rallying behind a cause, building confidence, being on stage…it’s Pictured: Mrs. North Dakota America an experience that Aly Downs. Photo by Paula Preston.

I hope more amazing women across our state come to embrace.

Give it a try!”

The state pageant weekend will be a memorable, fun-filled event. The woman selected as Mrs. North Dakota America will represent the Peace Garden State in the Mrs. America Pageant, which is in its 38th year. Applicants must be a North Dakota resident and a U.S. citizen.

Learn more at www.mrsnd.com or contact Director Mary Schwartzkopf at (701)347-8744. Follow the Mrs. North Dakota America Pageant on Facebook for updates.

{Contents} February | March | April 2014

2 Save the Date 4 Hot Spots to Shop 6 Realistic Expectations 8 Recipes 10 Gearing Up for Kindergarten 12 Relief for Cabin Fever 14 Child/Family Photo Gallery 16 This Day 18 Wedding Photography Gallery 20 Feature: Brynna Estenson COMPLIMENTARY

Volume 5, Issue 1 February | March | April 2014

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Sign up for our free digital subscription at www. lakeregionwoman.com and receive a digital copy of Lake Region Woman in your inbox a week before it hits the stands.

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Inspired Brynna Estenson www.lakeregionwoman.com 3

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Realistic Expectations Written by Macine Lukach

Recently, while I was out and about, I caught myself watching a young family’s interactions with one another. Yes, I should have been paying attention to what I was doing; however, their actions caught my eye and left me feeling contemplative.

The family included a mom, a dad, and three active, young children who appeared to be around 18 months, three and six years old. It seemed to me like the parents were always swatting the kids for one thing or another. It didn’t matter which child; they all got their share. The slaps were not forceful or severe; nevertheless, they were little hits on the arm, the head, or their bottoms.

In my eyes, the children were just behaving like typical kids; their behavior did not warrant the swats, in my opinion. Apparently, the parents felt differently.

When our sons were young, they were tall for their age. I felt like everyone was watching them and had

high expectations for their behavior whether at church, programs, or outings. I always thought people were thinking, “Those boys should be sitting perfectly still.” But who was I kidding— they were boys! I wanted to put a sign on our boys stating, “I’m only 2!” or “I’m only 3!”

As I watched this family, I started to think about realistic expectations and age appropriate behavior.

Most parents know that the trickiest part of any outing for young children is sitting still. We all know how difficult it is to sit still. Realistically—think about it— how long can you sit still?

The average attention span for a one to three year old is less than five minutes, for four to five year olds, it is 5-10 minutes, and for six to eight year olds, it is 10 - 20 minutes. These averages apply to children when they are engaged in activities that are designed to hold their interest.

Some parents might find that their child can sit longer (or not as long) depending on many factors. Parents need to consider whether their child is tired, stressed about an event, hungry, or ill. It is also important to consider if the program is geared to his or her age, and if the child can see what is happening, for example, if he or she can actually see who is talking or singing. Additionally, parents should consider the child’s normal activity level.

Macine Lukach | Writer

Macine is the coordinator for the Region 3 Parent Resource Center and the Family and Consumer Sciences extension agent for the NDSU Extension Service, Cavalier County office. To stay updated on events hosted by Region 3 Parent Resource Center, “like” them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ParentResourceCenterRegion3.

6 www.lakeregionwoman.com

Then, once determining the child’s demeanor, situation, and typical behavior, parents will be able to come up with a plan to help make services, programs, outings, and other events more enjoyable when children need to sit nicely for an hour or so.

When preparing to attend any event, try the following to help ease the situation for you and your children.

Getting Ready: • Pack a special bag with quiet toys and snacks that don’t rattle, ring, or crunch. Reserve special toys to keep the interest going longer.

Children might want a special blanket or stuffed animal for comfort.

• Avoid rushing in the morning. Leave plenty of time for the threeyear-old’s “I do it” syndrome.

• Prepare children for what you expect. (Saying, for example, “Here, we use our quiet voices.”) Play the “whisper and shout” game at home so young children clearly understand the difference.

• Make sure that children and parents are feeling well, are fed, and rested.

• Arrive early, which allows children to acclimate to the setting and gives parents a chance to choose a spot that best suits the family.

Some families sit near the front so children have a good view and can hear well. (We were watchful where we sat and who sat in the surrounding areas.)

During the Event: • Let children have some control by offering limited choices. For example, ask the children, “Would you like to sit on this side of Dad or on that side?” You can encourage quieter tones by saying, “Would you like to whisper in this ear, or in that ear?”

• Give your children quiet attention. Make eye contact, physical contact, or whisper something to your child, describing what you see every three to five minutes. This will reward your child’s positive behavior by having an adult so attentively notice him or her.

When Behavior Problems Appear: • Remain calm. Children will pick up on your emotions, and anger will only add “fuel to the fire.” Children are learning how to behave.

Teach them by showing them what to do instead of modeling the mistaken behavior.

• If your child runs out of patience and throws a tantrum, stay calm and leave the area. Find a place for the child to let off steam. Neither of you needs an audience at this time. When he or she is finished releasing that pent-up energy, talk about what specific behaviors need to change. Then, ask your child if he or she is ready to go back and try again.

Think about the day when your child grows out of this stage and sits quietly through the whole service, program, or event. When that happens, rest assured that you will be looking for other little ones to watch and enjoy, as well—much like those who watched your children and reminisced about their own busy times that threatened to never end. In truth, those moments pass by all too quickly.

It is important to not spank, hit, or slap a child of any age.

Kids learn by watching adults, particularly their parents. Therefore, it is important for parents to ensure that their behavior is role-model material. [LRW]

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Recipes Written by Sheri Hatten

As I sit and write this article, it is 20 degrees below zero. My hope is that by the time this article comes out in print in February, it won’t be quite as cold; but, I am sure winter will still be here. Nothing sounds better to me on a cold day than a hot bowl of soup with some fresh bread on the side. For that reason, I like to make a couple of different soups on Sunday so that I can enjoy them later in the week for lunch or supper. If a recipe makes a large

amount, I will freeze some to use over the next month or so. Recently, I made white chili by using the leftover Thanksgiving turkey from my freezer. The chili turned out just as wonderfully as it does when I use chicken. Both soups are easy to make and delicious.

The bread recipe that I typically use is for a bread machine because it is quick and easy; it is also one of my family’s favorites. Don’t let the cottage cheese de-

1 Tbsp. olive oil or canola oil 2 – 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed (about 3 – 4 cups); or leftover chicken or turkey that you have already cooked and cubed 1 small onion 4 cups chicken broth 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. ground cumin ½ tsp. dried oregano 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ½ tsp. dried cilantro (optional) 1 (15 oz.) can navy beans (rinsed and drained) 1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans (white kidney beans) rinsed and drained Chopped green onions for garnish on top of soup when served (optional) 8 oz. Pepper Jack cheese (shredded if sprinkling on top) 1.

Heat oil in a large pan over medium–high heat.

Cook chicken in oil until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear; about 20 minutes.

2.

In a large pot, add the chicken broth, green chilies, onion, seasonings, and cooked chicken/turkey.

3.

Simmer for 20 minutes.

4.

Stir in the beans and simmer another 15 minutes. Then, add the cheese to the soup and stir continuously until the cheese melts into the soup. Another option: sprinkle cheese on top of each bowl prior to serving.

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ter you from trying the recipe; it makes the bread remarkably moist, while not altering the flavor. The bread contains no preservatives; therefore, if you don’t plan on eating it for a couple of days, refrigerate or freeze half of the loaf because it spoils quickly.

I hope the soups keep you warm during these cold winter days. Until then, let’s hope that spring is just around the corner.

(This recipe makes a large batch, which is perfect for leftovers or freezing for later.)

1 cup wild rice, uncooked, rinsed thoroughly ½ c. onion, finely chopped 1 c. carrots, chopped 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped 3 stalks celery, finely chopped ½ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. celery salt (optional) 3 Tbsp. chicken bouillon ½ c. instant potato flakes 1 (12 oz.) can low-fat evaporated milk 2 c. chicken or turkey, cooked and chopped 12 cups water 1. Put 12 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the carrots, onion, cut-up potatoes, and celery to the water. (For a thick soup, add more veggies than the recipe calls for.)

2. Add the rice; turn the heat down and simmer, covered, until the rice is tender, about 1 hour.

3. Add garlic powder, chicken bouillon, potato flakes, and cooked chicken.

4. Stir in evaporated milk. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What’s on your horizon?

(For bread machine)

½ c. warm water 1 c. cottage cheese (1% or 2%) at room temperature (You can put the cottage cheese in the microwave on low for a couple of minutes to take the chill off.)

2 Tbsp. butter, melted 1 egg, beaten Place the above ingredients in the bottom of your bread machine.

Mix the following ingredients in a bowl, and then add on top of wet ingredients: 1 Tbsp. sugar ¼ tsp. baking soda 3 c. bread flour 1 ½ tsp. yeast ½ tsp. salt (*do not omit)

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Set your machine to regular loaf and start the program.

When the bread is done, remove it from the bread machine when done; let cool for 15 minutes and then cut into slices.

(Note: On my bread machine, I use the 1.5 pound regular white loaf option, which takes about 2.5 hours.)

Writer | Sheri Hatten, Licensed, Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor Sheri graduated from NDSU with a BS in Food and Nutrition and a BS in Corporate/Community Fitness.

Sheri has been a Licensed Registered Dietitian for 20 years. She is married to Bob Hatten and has two children: Stephanie and Kendall. Sheri loves to be outdoors walking, biking, and fishing. She also enjoys baking, cooking, and scrapbooking.

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TrainND to Launch New Program Gearing Up for Kindergarten Program Offered to Parents and Children

TrainND Northeast recently entered into a partnership with a state-wide program that offers parents and their 4-year-old children an opportunity to learn how to prepare for kindergarten. When Edith Armey, TrainND Director, and Liz Bonney were first introduced to the program, they couldn’t wait to implement it into their continuing education program. “The exciting thing about this program is that it combines pre-school preparation and learning activities for children, as well as a unique educational opportunity for the parents,” said Liz Bonney, Lake Region State College Public Relations Assistant.

Parents can attend Gearing Up for Kindergarten, a ten week program that meet once a week, with their 4-year-old one year before he or she enters kindergarten. When parents attend the class with their child, the first forty-five minutes are spent in the classroom at literacy, science, math, and sensory motor centers. “What we really want to do is co-create at a developmental level,” said Judith Konerza, Gearing Up for Kindergarten

Coordinator. The parents are encouraged to explore and discover new things with their children and learn different ways to learn in happy and safe environments. Parents come to realize that learning doesn’t happen just at the table. You can take opportunities to learn while driving down the street by asking your child to find certain letters on billboards and street signs you pass. “There are so many ‘ah-ha’ moments,” said Judith. “My motto is learning is every day in every way.”

“

Research shows that when a parent knows what to do, they are more likely to work with their children at home.

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”

The Gearing Up for Kindergarten program began as a response from NDSU Extension because North Dakota is one of 10 states without pre-kindergarten funding from the state. Children, whose parents might not be able to afford to place their children in preschool or Head Start, will be among a group of children that will enter school not ready to learn. “Research shows that when a parent knows what to do, they are more likely to work with their children at home.” If parents aren’t engaging their child at home, it isn’t because they are too busy or disinterested.

“When I was doing my doctoral research, one of the key things that emerged is that parents want to help their kids, but they need to know what to do. We need to put those tools into parent’s hands.”

“We’ve created a ground swell and people want it,” she said.

Some of the sites Judith has set up in North Dakota are in Grand Forks, Fargo, Minot, Bismarck, Williston, Langdon, Fort Totten, and now Devils Lake. There is a 10 percent participation rate state-wide among the students. “That is why I love this job. I get to empower people to succeed.”

Pictured: Judith Konerza, Gearing Up for Kindergarten state coordinator

Times have changed; kindergarten was different 20 years ago.

It’s not just up to teachers to educate our children anymore. The educational process must begin at home. “Change has been exponential—look at our technology,” Judith said. “It takes society time to catch up. I know kids are capable, but without the proper journey, then it becomes a speed race and kids can’t speed race.”

If you have a child who will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2014 and would like to participate in the Gearing Up for Kindergarten program, call Liz Bonney, Public Relations Assistant at Lake Region at (701) 662-1598 or send an email to bettyann.bonney@lrsc.edu. [LRW]

www.lakeregionwoman.com 11

Relief for Cabin Fever Indoor Activities for Kids Written by Christy Remmick

Inclement weather forces most of us to spend more time inside then we would like. Accordingly, the following are some easy (and fun) activities to keep those little ones occupied in a pinch by using items that you might already have around your house.

Indoor Hopscotch

Bring a favorite summer outdoor activity inside this winter with indoor hopscotch. Using painter’s tape or masking tape, you can create a hopscotch course on your floor. Use coins or small trinkets as the stones to throw on the numbers. Your kids will have fun while getting rid of some excess energy with this quick and easy activity.

Around the House Scavenger Hunt You don’t need to get fancy to create a scavenger hunt for your kids; just grab a pad of paper or use a computer to create a checklist of items that can already be found around your house. Give your kids a pen and something like a box or bag to put their items in, and then send them on a scavenger hunt around your house. You can have them repeat the game multiple times throughout the day, if you want.

For older kids, you can make the hunt more complex with items that require finding through reading and creative thinking.

For the little kids, draw lots of pictures for their scavenger hunt.

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Scavenger hunt items for older children can include: •A toy that is green •A book that has the word “the” in the title •Two toys that are the same •Two items that are opposites •A toy that starts with the letter T •A blue article of clothing Scavenger hunt items for smaller children can include: •A toy car •A doll •A bear •A book

Super Spies

Turn your kids into super spies and send them on a top-secret mission to find missing items for you. Take five of any of the same items, like toy coins, and hide them strategically around one room or your entire house, depending on your children’s age. Tell your spies how important the items are and how many they need to find. Your little ones will have so much fun helping to find the important missing items. Once they are done, have them hide the items for you while you go around and look for them.

Theme Party

If your kids are getting really antsy, throw them an on-the-spot theme party. Pick a theme of items you already have in your house, for example, swim suits and towels for a beach party, sports gear for a sportsthemed party, or dress-up clothes for a rock star party.

Lay your theme items out for your kids so they can pick their own outfits for the party, play music that relates to your theme, eat snacks or lunch that goes with the theme, and even do crafts or draw pictures related to the theme. If you want coloring activities for your theme, simply search the Internet for an endless amount of possibilities for you to print out.

You don’t have to put a ton of planning into a theme party for the kids, and they will have so much fun doing out-of-the-ordinary activities— no matter what you plan. [LRW] Christy Remmick | Writer

Christy is a stay-at-home mom with three children: Hunter (6) and twin daughters Riley and Emersyn (3). Christy also runs a blog and online shop called Rilos & MiMi (rilosandmimi.com), which are the nicknames that her son Hunter gave her twins daughters when they were babies.

Christy graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. She grew up in Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada and first came to Devils Lake to play volleyball at Lake Region State College. Christy married Robert, who grew up in Devils Lake, and 11 years after meeting each other, they moved back to Devils Lake to raise their family.

Christy keeps busy by thinking of fun, creative ways to spend time with the kids and with sewing and writing for her online shop and blog. To keep sane, she also enjoys gardening, running, and travelling.

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This Day

Better Today Written by Shannon Teigen

They hang on the walls throughout the cozy sanctuary my family of five calls home. There is one on the bathroom counter nestled in the corner.

They are along the edges of my desk and are even on my computer! No, I am not describing the dusty, gray cobwebs that will be scrubbed away with spring cleaning. These are places I find treasures of motivation and inspiration.

Over the years, I have unintentionally developed a collection of quotations, phrases, and words of wisdom. These meaningful words come from a variety of people: renowned philosophers, humorous celebrities, and people I see every day or run into occasionally.

These powerful words not only grace my space, but they lift up my spirits, tickle my insides until I burst with laughter, and occasionally reach deep into my being to push out a tear or two. They have inspired me to continue pushing through whatever struggle that challenged me at the time, and regardless of my situation or the day’s hurdles, I somehow received these meaningful words at the precise time I needed them. They are little gifts. It’s like not knowing there is a celebration and then being surprised with one; like receiving a treasured present, or experiencing the thrilling adventure of a scavenger hunt. But, you have to be alert and watch for these words or, sadly, you will miss them.

While reading a past issue of Central Middle School’s newsletter, I was captivated by the words written by Principal Jared Schlenker. In his effort to describe why he is not one to make New Year’s resolutions, Schlenker wrote, “I believe every day holds an opportunity for improvement, and we needn’t wait for an arbitrary day to decide that we want to get better in some way.”

Shannon Teigen | Writer

Shannon writes from her rural Devils Lake hobby ranch that is nestled in the peace and quiet of the North Dakota countryside. Her family, consisting of her husband, two daughters, and one son, is the farthest thing from being peaceful and quiet, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything. After graduating from UND, Shannon established her career with foundation blocks of marketing, sales, customer service, human relations, and communications.

When Shannon’s not focusing on family or roasting coffee for Little Coyote Coffee—a hobby turned small business—she is passionate about sharing her life’s experiences and motivating others. Whether writing an article for Lake Region Woman or conducting a training session on marketing, Shannon truly believes that you should do what you love and love what you do. You can reach Shannon at thisdaylrw@yahoo.com.

16 www.lakeregionwoman.com

New Years—past or future—doesn’t have to be about making resolutions. Why can’t we treat every single day like the day we want to get better at...something? The meaning behind Mr. Schlenker’s words resonates with me. The words are liberating; they offer freedom from the social convention of scrounging for a resolution, merely to wait to implement it until the magical day of January 1. But wait! The words also imply daily accountability for putting forth the effort and striving to be better than we were the day before. Thank you, Mr. Schlenker, for sharing those words!

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I will leave you with one last powerful quote by Christian D. Larson, American New Thought leader/teacher and prolific author.

We don’t need a New Year’s resolution to apply these words; we can simply use them as inspiration today, and every day of the year, if we so choose. So as I shut down my computer, and with bucket and rag in hand to battle those dreary wintery cobwebs, I hope you find that you really are better on this day than you were yesterday. [LRW]

“Promise Yourself ” To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

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To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words but great deeds.

To live in faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.” ― Christian D. Larson, “Your Forces and How to Use Them”

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Inspired Brynna Estenson Written by Autumn Graber

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Love what you do. True happiness in our adult lives can be attributed to a fulfilling career, the ability to spend time with our loved ones, and feeling like what we do makes a difference in our lives and the lives of others. “I’m very passionate about doing what you love to do,” said Brynna Estenson. She smiled as we shared a conversation over a cup of coffee.

“I’ve watched my mom who teaches preschool and she absolutely loves it.” Brynna’s mom, Tracy Christie, who is the director and teacher at Kiddie Kampus in Devils Lake, has inspired her daughter to love her career choice. Not only has Brynna’s mom had an effect on Brynna’s career choice, but so has her father, Robert.

“My father is an amazing photographer,” she writes on her Etsy biography. “It has always been an interest to me as well.” Brynna’s interest in photography and graphic design followed her after graduating from Devils Lake High School. She attended Lake Region State College from 2007 to 2009 and then continued on to Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M|State) for graphic design. That was when it all started. “I was in the Christian bookstore in the Fargo mall, and there was this huge framed picture,” she said. The photo was of a beautiful sunset with a bible verse intricately placed in the photo. “I swear [that ] my dad took the photo. He has millions of beautiful photos that should be showcased in people’s homes.” Brynna looked at the price tag showing the wall hanging’s expensive cost and swallowed hard. Not everyone can afford to pay for a $300 wall hanging. She thought to herself, “I can do this. Wait a minute, I could do this,” she realized.

Brynna quickly concluded that she wanted to try her hand at creating artwork similar to what she saw in the Christian bookstore that day.

Brynna finished her education at M|State in 2012 and then returned home to Devils Lake. During the summer of 2011, she had an internship at Creative Impressions, returning to work there full-time in May, 2012 as a graphic designer. Soon after returning to Devils Lake, she married Seth Estenson, whom she met through his sister while working at the Liquid Bean.

She continued to work on her mixed media arts to build her portfolio of pieces, and then decided to offer them on a national level through the Etsy website. “It could be huge,” she smiled. “Now days, with the Internet, the possibilities are endless.”

Her products consist of photographs that either she or her father has taken along with bible verses or inspirational quotes that fit well with the photograph. “I’ll look at the photo and think of a quote or bible verse, or even go searching for a quote that fits. The inspiration comes from the photos themselves.”

Nature is the most inspiring for Brynna. She would love to be able to photograph mountains someday. She laughs as she reminisces about family trips to Montana with her family. Like a true photographer, her father always had his camera at the ready. “We’d be coming back from a trip in Montana and we would have to stop for three hours so he could take a picture of horses,” she laughed.

“It got really annoying when we were little and just wanted to be out of the car.” When asked what her father thinks about her career choice, she smiles meekly, “He is a man of small words.” Without a doubt he is proud of his creative and artistic daughter. “That is where I get it from. He has a natural eye for photography. He sees things other people wouldn’t see.”

Her products aren’t limited to what she offers in her Esty shop. She loves to customize pieces for people who might have a special family motto or quote that they want to feature in their home.

Brynna has also made a commitment to donating 10 percent of her profits to the Show Hope organization. “I already donate to it, and I’ve always had a passion for orphans and I hope to one day adopt.”

According to their website, Show Hope was established in 2003 as Shaohannah’s Hope. Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, initially founded Show Hope out of their desire to see more children find their way into forever families.

Though many families they talked to were willing to adopt, the financial costs of adoption were simply too high. Originally named after the Chapman’s first adopted daughter, Shaohannah Hope Chapman, Shaohannah’s Hope has grown far beyond the initial vision of helping a few orphans find homes. In 2009, after changing the name to Show Hope, this organization has seen an amazing explosion in growth.

From a six-story caring facility in China, equipped to provide surgeries and medical care to special needs orphans, to multiplying the effects of the adoption grant program by assisting churches in setting up their own adoption funds, Show Hope continues to expand its remarkable worldwide impact.

Brynna understands that her artwork will most likely be given in the form of gifts.

“People love gifts that also give back.”

In addition to the inspiration Brynna acquired from her parents, she credits her husband for his support. “My husband is the one who has always pushed me to dream big and reach for goals I think aren’t within my grasp. He is a huge inspiration and motivation behind what I do.” Support we receive from loved ones can fuel our spirit and make us all believe that we can accomplish our wildest dreams. They might not realize it, but they change our lives just by smiling and letting us know that they are there for us, no matter how high our mountain. [LRW] If you are interested in viewing more of Brynna’s artwork, you can find her products in her Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/ people/BEInspiredDecor. You can also find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ BEInspiredDecor.

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