A LITTLE ABOUT MELOD THE TOAD

A Creative Mystic

I am a native Idaho Spud, raised in the Treasure Valley. Five generations of my family have called Idaho home. I’m the youngest of five kids, with many nieces and nephews and one son. I graduated from Caldwell High School in 1996 and from Boise State University in 2012 with degrees in Literature and Creative Writing. I have completed the first year of the Spiritual Director program with Sustainable Faith with the hope to complete the second year soon. Most of my career has been in the graphic design and marketing fields with opportunities to work in non-profits.

About six years ago my life began to change. I went from an awkward, shy, introvert who was afraid of people to a joy filled, confident, people person who embraces the word "mystic." That change is all because of Jesus. The purpose of this site is so that I may share God's message. Through the written word, real stories can be told and real conversations can be had. I pray that happens here.

Additionally, this is an opportunity to share some of my other talents. I have created a portfolio as a chance to showcase some of my work, while also reflecting back on what I have done. It's fascinating to see how far I've come and that it puts a smile on my face.

​You may be asking, why Scarlet Toad. That is all thanks to my sister. When I was just a wee child, she had many nicknames for me. One of my nicknames was Melod the Toad. I embraced this nickname and utilized it when I wanted to start a business about fifteen years ago. The business is now in the past, but I still like the name and it's become a part of me. The "scarlet" of it all came about because I wanted a color in the name and I thought the word "scarlet" sounded classy. Twenty-six year old me had odd ideas.

My goals in life have changed over the years, but I have found that at my core I want to live in peace and joy. God has filled me and my life with His beautiful presence and that has inspired me to spread the love around.
O Jesus, my Love, at last I have found my vocation. My vocation is love!
--Thérèse of Lisieux
Picture
Melody A. K. Paris

"If we want our lives to have meaning
we must first understand what a life of meaning truly is."
PORTFOLIO

Recent Projects

Here are a few recent examples of my design work. For more, please click the button below.

THE LATEST TOPIC FOR THE WRITTEN WORD

My Ecumenical Journey
During my childhood I went to a lot of different churches. I wasn’t at them long enough to really understand each one and I was young enough not to dig deep. I want to understand how so many people can believe the same things and yet we have to divide ourselves. I want to understand denominations and their role in the church body. I have many questions, and it's time to go and see where the answers will take me. God and me exploring the modern-day church...my ecumenical journey.
Credit where credit is due. Most of the photography throughout this website was taken by Kaira Paris-McDade. To show her love, she can be reached by email.