One of my dearest girlfriends is a military wife. We’ve known each other since we found ourselves in the same class in elementary school. We became fast friends – treating each other’s pencil box as if it were our own. We clicked. It was like Anne and Diana. (Though I’m sure that we each secretly thought ourselves Anne of Green Gables and not drunken-off-homemade-wine Diana Barry)

We grew up together – faced the trials and tribulations of being teenagers together – and then we graduated from high school. And since I was 19, we haven’t lived in the same town. I went to school, fell in love with a boy who lived five hours away from my hometown, and I moved to HIS hometown. She fell in love with a boy who was in the military, and she moved across the country. And then back again. And then to a different country. And now she lives four provinces away from the town where we used to live.

I have nothing but undue respect for Leona and her family. To move every three years (or sometimes less) is a feat that I cannot imagine. To pack up a life that you’ve had to grow from seed – to move to a brand new place with brand new people and to recreate that life – it requires an incredible amount of tenacity and strength. And it also requires a likeable personality. I am amazed at how Leona is able to make friends with ease in each place that she moves to. This life-in-flux can also bring frustration, and sometimes loneliness. Moving is emotional, and I don’t know that anyone could ever be blasé about packing up her life and moving it to another neighbourhood, or city, or even another country.

Leona was in my thoughts when the idea for this project came to me. It has been bumping around in my brain for a few weeks now, and when I learned of Lauren’s Silhouette Challenge, I knew that I had to make it right away. I hopped onto my computer and started printing out maps. I printed out a map of the town where Leona and her hubby got hitched. I printed out another map of where they started their family. I printed the map of the town where they had their second babe. And then I printed out a map of the town where they currently live.

I picked out a corresponding scrapbooking paper (I just love trellis – I can’t get enough of it!) and then started working on my design. I cut the word “HOME” out of the fancy paper, and then the phrase “is wherever we are” from white vinyl. Behind each cut out letter is a map. It’s the story of their home-making.

 It’s simple, but I love it. It really reminds me of all of the work and effort that Leona and her husband have put into this life, and most importantly, their children’s lives. They make a home wherever they find themselves.

And I know that she will continue making a home, because she’s good at it. She’s a strong woman, and an amazing friend.

And to Leona:  SURPRISE! I’m terrible at planning and I haven’t put this in the mail yet. Sooo…. I hope you like it! Also, this is to make up for my absolutely unintelligible Maid-of-Honour speech at your wedding. It rivals how many tears I shed at my OWN wedding!

This month I am participating in The Sihouette Challenge

Get inspired! Check out these other amazing projects happening in the Challenge:

DIY Business Cards {Silhouette Tutorial} by Create & Babble

Make Your Own “Rubber” Stamps by Coley’s Corner

This Month’s Facebook Silhouette Challenge by Tanya’s Creative Space

3D Tea Gift Box Download by Creative Turn

File Cabinet Makeover by Super Sweet Life

Jewelry Box Creation by Joy & Gladness of Heart

Retro Chair Silhouette by Tried & True

Toddler Train T-Shirt by The Thinking Closet

First Silhouette Project! 3-2-1 Blastoff Shirt by de Jong Dream House

Placecard & Card Medley by An Elegant Touch

Using my Silhouette in the Shower (Bathroom Organization) by Whole New Leaf

Pretty & Personal Birthday Bundle by The House on Hillbrook

 Interested in joining us for our group posting event next month?  We’d love to have you.  

Simply contact Lauren from The Thinking Closet by email.