It's a New Day and I'm Feeling Good! TastyLinks Saturday!

I can not control the world around me. I can not control the people whom I encounter. I can not control chaos.

The only thing I can control is the manner in which I react to these things.

Some days the tough stuff just rolls off of my back like water on a duck. Some days I could give a flying flip through a rolling donut if people aren't nice to me. Then there are those days when it just plain hurts.

Yesterday was one of those days. Today...I'm back to feeling good about the world and the people around me and the chaos I'm currently experiencing. Everything in life is about perspective. I'd rather feel it deeply and then release it than shove it down inside where it festers and bubbles. No matter what we do, there will always be those who don't like us, feel threatened, try to undermine us, try to steal our sparkle and we can either implode under the weight of these things or we can rise up and sparkle anyway. The more you put yourself out there, the more opposition you will find. The only way to thrive is to see that opposition as a thin sheet of tissue paper through which you can easily pass.

Sometimes I want to just confront these people and ask them straight up, "Why are you so afraid of me?" But I don't, because I know they don't have an answer to that question. That kind of insecurity is so deeply embedded that even the person moving from it doesn't fully understand it.

So today, I say, you can't hurt me. I wish you joy. I wish you love. I wish you the peace that comes from knowing that you are an infinitely beautiful creation, as am I. As are all of us, even those who have completely forgotten.

And on that note I shall share the infinitely beautiful creations of some of the most creative folks I know:

Firstly my dear friend Andrew Thornton is having a wonderful giveaway on his blog of Kate McKinnon's fabulous new book! Everyone needs a copy of this book, trust me.

The Crochet Dude
Drew reviews the new book "Crochet Prayer Shawls" and reveals the design that he contributed to the project.

The Artful Crafter
Look how easy it is to personalize a canvas tote bag with Quick Fuse fabric sheets.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See 2 fun mixed-media altered book techniques I tried from the new book Collage Playground by Kimberly Santiago.

Mixed Media Artist
Want to get your feet wet with altered books?

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge gets some much needed inspiration from the divine Cecil Beaton and Gigi.

Crafty Princess Diaries
There's more, more, more to do on the jewelry making book! When will this process end?

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got the cutest retro style fawn softie pattern and how-to, a free pop-up staircase template download, a bunch of beaded bling inspirations and throw in a bit of fashion with a redo spin all for your crafty pleasure.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi coats some paper with resin to make these pretty wired pendants.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen shows you how to create a faux aged metal look on Anaglypta wallpaper.

About Family Crafts
Are you planning a trip that will keep the family confined to the car or airplane for a long amount of time? If so, these travel games and crafts might be just what you need!