Never enough time ...

Come on over!

2009-10-25T18:41:00.004-04:00

I have indeed moved ... Please come visit @ www.whatsnextnancy.blogspot.com

See you there!

It's early, but....

2009-10-25T17:48:00.001-04:00

since I've had such an overwhelming response to a new blog name (lol) I'm going ahead now with the announcement of a new blog & name: Tammy, thank you! "What's Next, Nancy?" seems quite fitting for me! Anne & Kathy, thank you both for your suggestions!

Anne & Tammy, if you'd please email me your mailing addresses, I'll send your winnings to you.

Thanks again, everyone!

I'd appreciate your help

2009-10-25T12:01:00.000-04:00

I need to create a new blog. With my name & email address change, I can only post to my blog with my new info, so to give myself full access to my own blog, I have to start a new blog. I can import this blog into it, so my posts & comments come with me ... but, that's the extent of what I can do with my old name & old email address.

So ... are you feeling creative? I'm not. I now have a cold, along with cruise lag, and don't seem to be able to come up with anything for a new title. Please help? I'm leaving this post as my "first" post until Sunday, October 25, 2009, at noon. If you'd please leave me a comment with a suggested blog title (be nice, please! lol), I'll draw 2 names from the list of commenters & they will each receive one of the ATC's I created for the cruise (see earlier posts to see them). The person with the "winning" title will receive each of my cruise ATC's as well as a third ATC (also created by me). Please be sure to post your name & a blog title or email address for me to reach you. My plan is to draw the names before Sunday evening. One entry per person, please. I'd like my title to reflect "me" ... what you've learned of me here.

Thank you for helping this cold-addled tired blogger!

And the cruise memories continue...

2009-10-23T21:32:00.003-04:00

As we drove through Mazatlan, we went past the open air food markets, a full-block open air floral shop & fresh fish vendors, lined up on the sides of the streets. Our guide stepped off to get some shrimp to show us the beautifully HUGE shrimp that are caught in nearby. Bet they are yummy!

The drive along the beach is full of statuary ... Wish we could have just stopped & wandered along the beach.

Nothing like traveling to California & Mexico to meet 2 women from right here in central Ohio! Heidi & Terra own & operate an online store, Simon Says Stamp! Heidi & Terra are real sweethearts .. we had great fun traveling in the same group with them. Check out their store - it's a warehouse with thousands of goodies!

One of the projects I didn't get completed on the cruise was Tim's shadow box - so I finished it tonight. I love it! We collaged a 2" canvas with paper from an old book, then a ticket - then covered it all with wax. We also collaged the box's backboard with vintage ledger paper, then covered it with wax, too. It was my first encaustic piece - I liked it so much, I bought beeswax & Suze Weinberg's hot wax applicator from our Marketplace! Yep, I'll be playing lots more with wax! Tim supplied us with all of the pieces/parts - his Ideaology, birds he'd purchased just for us, Heidi Swapp rub-ons & bling, an Ikea shadow box ... then we each did our own thing. The little photo here in mine (on the left side, under Tim's filmstrip ribbon) is a picture of T's great-grandfather.

More to come....

More cruise photos...

2009-10-22T19:47:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Tim's fine business sense, I was able to purchase a 7Gypsies ATC rack from the Marketplace on the cruise - so today, I took it to my office and hung 80 of the cards I received in the cruise swap. I love it! It's so sweet to be able to look at all of these wonderful memories while I sit at my desk ... Can almost hear the laughter, feel the sun on my back...

The class I forgot to list earlier was Wendy's "Fragments" necklace, which I finished last night. What a fun piece of art to wear!

Sherry finished her necklace with adding pieces of Ideaology & making the Fragment pieces two-sided. I really like that - there were times I'd look down & some of mine would be turned around ... not the best look. (lol) So, yeah, I thought my necklace was done...

T's younger son's birthday is Saturday, so T asked me to make his card, which I did last night. I followed one of Wendy's creations from her book, doing my own thing when I didn't have one of her stamps. The GrungePaper pumpkin is such fun to make! The journal tag is one of Tim's, the background paper is Graphic45.

I'm sorry, Wendy!

2009-10-21T21:12:00.002-04:00

When I listed the cruise classes I'd taken, I forgot one ... then, this evening, when I sorted through all of my cruise stash, I couldn't find what I'd made in that class. Talk about panic! Fortunately, I found it -in with my pens - how weird!

Anyway, Wendy taught a Fragments necklace class - it was such fun! We were given Ideaology Fragment charms, a packet of Jenni Bowlin's mini papers & a lengthy piece of Tim's chain link. Oh, and a Sakura black Glaze pen - and bling from ... hmm .. ok, I'll get back to you on that vendor.

I cleaned my pieces up this evening, created a few more ... and here's a less than perfect picture of them, as they dry. When I get them made into the necklace, I'll post a new picture.

Let the pictures begin...

2009-10-19T19:18:00.002-04:00

We boarded The Mariner of the Seas on Sunday - absolutely no problems checking in, though finding our stateroom was an adventure. Our room was on Deck 2 - as in, the tendering deck is #1, then you go up. Since we were low in the ship, our deck was divided into 2 sections, with different sets of elevators feeding the sections. Yep, we went down the forward elevators first. That'd be fine if we wanted to go to the Conference Center (where our classes, the art room & the marketplace were) or the ice rink - but, not our rooms. We figured it out - go to Deck 5, walk across the Royal Promenade, take the Centrum Lift down and viola! our hallways!

After we settled into our room, went to the upper decks to watch us leave port & catch some sun, we had dinner, then a "welcome" party for we Artful voyagers. All of our "crew" was introduced by Jim West of ScrapMap - Wendy Vecchi & her husband Rick, Tim Holtz & Mario, Karen (aka Keychain) & Michelle - and, Jaci & Michele from ScrapMap.

We each had 3 classes with Tim & 2 with Wendy. This "collage" box was our mega class with Tim. The frames are from Ikea, the bling's from Heidi Swapp, the birds & Ideaology pieces were from Tim - and, we played with beeswax & Suze's hot was applicators. What FUN stuff! This is my box in process ... some pieces moved while coming home, so I'll open it back up & fix it, then post another photo.

Our first class with Wendy was making an art apron (mine's the next photo here). Each class we entered, we had all of our supplies were all set at each place, as shown here. The Ranger travel pack you see here was a gift to each of us & had an archival ink pad (black), a Distress Ink pad (brushed mahogany - Wendy's favorite), Rock Candy Stickles, a black Paint Dabber, Rock Candy Distress paint, a white ink pen. We each received our own Blending Tool & the small bottle of Claudine Hellmuth's matte medium - to keep!

I also stamped the pockets with 2 of Wendy's stamps - and "trimmed" the pockets with a "dash" roller stamp we each received from Glitz!

It was great fun seeing how we each finished our aprons - the diversity was cool!

To close, for tonight ... Cabo's beach in the early morning ...

I'm home!

2009-10-19T18:47:00.002-04:00

Was this hard to leave? Oh, yeah!

I had a wonderful time on The Artful Voyage to Mexico! We had classes with Tim & Wendy ... made beautiful pieces of art! We made a travel journal, 2 pieces of jewelry & a collage box with Tim, and an art apron & a bulletin board with Wendy - learned new techniques, played with encaustic (wax) art, worked with Claudine Hellmuth's "Sticky-Back Canvas" - and, yes, I'll share pictures.

We had glorious weather, except for the day Tropical Storm Patricia made us change our course. We were to stop in Cabo San Lucas on Tuesday, but Patricia wanted to be there more, so we went on to Mazatlan & Puerto Vallarta, then went back to Cabo. I was in Wendy's bulletin board class when the ship's pitching was at it's worst - and, yep, I got seasick. Dear, wonderful Mario shared his anti-seasickness pills with me, gave me some of his Coke to drink & crackers to eat - so I spent the class time in our stateroom, resting. The days in Mazatlan & Puerto were fun - hot, humid, lots of sightseeing, some shopping. Both cities were beautiful & our tour guides were great! I didn't go on land in Cabo - couldn't take anymore hot shops - but, that gave me a day of relaxation on deck at poolside & in the art room, working on my voyage journal.

We swapped ATC's - what wonderful pieces of art everyone created! I got a 7 Gypsies ATC rack to display them on in my office - what great memories they'll bring me as I sit at work! I made lots of new friends - even some from here in central Ohio. We received lots of freebies - whole packages of GrungeBoard, Cosmo Cricket papers, Heidi Swapp blings, Jenni Bowlin papers - lots of Ideaology, Hero Arts stamps (even one made just for us cruisers!) - it seemed endless! At our bon voyage party, I won a package of GrungeBoard & a packet of Halloween goodies from Cosmo Cricket. All of the vendors who donated to our party gave lots of product - thank you to all of them!

So, I'm home. Brought a cold home with me ... yuck! Anyone want to share? ;o)

Leaving on a jet plane!

2009-10-09T19:52:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow morning, I'll board the plane & head to LA, where I'll meet up with some of my cruisemates. Then, Sunday, we'll board the ship & cruise off to Mexico with Tim & Wendy. Am I excited? OH YEAH!!!

This is the cover of my travel journal. Don't know how much I'll get done in it while onboard, but .. I'll have it with me just in case...

At the last minute, I decided to make "door art" for our cabin door, as many of my cruisemates have made. Hope my roomie likes it!

And the ride continues....

2009-10-05T18:14:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a WONDERFUL day! Our wedding went off without a hitch - the weather cooperated, all we invited were able to attend - a good time was had by all.

Today's been a quiet day at home, catching up on laundry & all. When I'm done with this post, then it's time for CRUISE prep!!! 5 more sleeps!

Fog, anyone?

2009-10-01T09:11:00.002-04:00

Yeah, I know ... you're not supposed to take pictures while you drive ... but, I did - one! This morning's drive was a fogfest - one minute, just under the layer - the next, no fog - then totally enclosed in fog. Sure made the drive interesting!

One week 'til I'm in California, meeting all of my cruisemates, then boarding the ship on the 11th! CANNOT WAIT!

But, before that .... this Sunday is my wedding day! Yep, T & I are taking that plunge, one more time (lol). It'll be a small ceremony with about 15 of our family members with us. The weather should be nice, so we'll stand out under the trees as we share our vows.

So, I won't be posting here again probably until after I'm back & recovered from the cruise. Everyone, behave! *lol*

Colors....

2009-09-24T08:31:00.002-04:00

I usually leave for work while the sun's still sleeping, but today, I overslept. One of the blessings of being about 1/2 hour later leaving for work was seeing the beautiful colors of the eastern sky this morning ... Can't wait to see the sun rising, from the deck of the cruise ship ... in 16 days!

And....

2009-09-20T10:20:00.002-04:00

The second half are ready for their backs!

One set done!

2009-09-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

Yea, me! One-half of my cruise ATC's are done - well, except for my info which needs to be printed then affixed to the backs. YEA!

Freedom of speech (vent alert!)

2009-09-16T14:08:00.002-04:00

I'm so behind here on my blog home ... I spend my evenings furiously working away on my 170 ATC's for the cruise and/or spending time with T. I've reconstructed most of our hospital time in a Google document, both for my own sanity (aka journaling) as well as to give T a replacement, if you will, for the memory he does not have from his heart attack on. He did indeed have a heart attack on or about August 1, then ventricular fibrillation ("sudden cardiac arrest") on the 13th. I just cannot ever express my gratitude to God for sparing T's life, as well as to all of the EMS & hospital personnel who went above & beyond with T.

Our "freedom of speech" has been on my mind a lot the last month or so. I'll spare you most of the gorey details, but today's experience here at work just makes me want to SCREAM! I firmly believe we each are allowed our own opinions & thoughts, no matter if we live in the USA or anywhere else. BUT, I also believe in a time & a place, a filter ... I do NOT believe one has the right to be nasty in said expression. Someone else's opinions do NOT have any more validity than my own. It's bad enough that more often than not, an employer uses the workplace as a soapbox. In my case, my office has a door & I can & do close it when the need arises. But today? Coworkers loudly expressed their disdain - to put it mildly - of a political office holder. What was said was rude, nasty - and, when I finally couldn't stay quiet & said "not everyone feels as you do", I was told, again nastily, rudely, that I was wrong. The ol' "I'm smarter/better/whatever-er than you, so shut up" attitude. *sigh* There are days - and this is one, apparently - where I wish I worked in the middle of a cornfield ....

See?

2009-09-09T19:36:00.001-04:00

Told ya I started them .... Yep, these are the 2 ATC's I'm making for the cruise swap. Slowly, but surely, they're coming together. Whoo hoo!

Thanks, Wendy!

2009-09-07T17:50:00.002-04:00

Last Thursday, I received my autographed copy of Wendy Vecchi's new book, Make Art, Studio 490 Style. It's an awesome book - great photos, lists of all materials, beautiful creations. Thank you, Wendy, for all you do for we who love your art!

I wanted to make Mom a birthday card, so of course, I turned to my new book. Decisions, decisions! T & I chose one & I went to work, creating it with what I had on hand. Her frame is from Maya Road, but I've not yet purchased any of their products, so I made my own, as well as my own circle & chipboard base. The rose is the one I made a month or so ago, again, following Wendy's instructions. I freehanded the stem & petals, the papers are Graphic45 (my favorite papers!).

And, guess what? I've finally begun making the zillion ATC's I want to have for the cruise! YES! I have 2 different ones & will share pictures once I get a few made. I got the backgrounds colored, the photo printed & inked today - and may get the lace cut yet tonight. I am SO glad I've finally gotten back into creating!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2009-09-05T16:20:00.001-04:00

Today's my mom's 83rd birthday - Happy Birthday, Mom! I love this picture of us, from 1953, taken at the back steps to my grandparents' house. Things have changed a lot since then, but we're still "us". I couldn't ask for a more loving, fun, courageous mother - she's the best!

The past week & a half...

2009-08-23T11:00:00.002-04:00

On August 13, my guy suffered a heart attack while we sat at home, watching tv, reading our respective books. Thank God it occurred while I was here, while I was awake - or, he'd be dead as it was a "v-tac" - one where the ventricles of the heart go haywire & more often than not, kill the person immediately. Thanks to T's stubbornness, the wonderful staff at our nearest hospital & the love & support of our friends & family, T survived! He had a heart cath on August 19, a defibrillator implanted on the 20th and was released to home on Friday. Last night, I think we both finally really rested & slept all night.

This picture shows were we lived, if we weren't in T's room in CCU. Looking at the picture now, I realize I was still shaking from it all, a week later. I hope none of you ever have our same experience. If you smoke, if someone you know smokes, stop NOW. Smoking didn't cause T's heart attacks (the doctors found earlier damage with the heart cath) - genetics caused T's more than anything - but his 30+ years of smoking didn't help anything.

Again - our extreme thanks go to all of the wonderful EMS squad and the hospital staff! They were, to a person, awesome! Thank you, too, to all of our friends & family who stood with us, minute by minute, as T suffered & survived!

A rose is a rose ...

2009-08-06T19:24:00.002-04:00

Since Tim Holtz introduced GrungePaper to the market, lots of people have been having fun, coming up with new items to create with it. It's very flexible & almost impossible to tear. Once it's shaped, it holds that shape. Tim made a rose with it a month or two ago ... then many started figuring out how to make them. Wendy Vecchi came up with her own version, using one of her flower stamps to create the shape. Ahhhh.... I can do that, too! So, I followed her directions & made my own first rose! What fun! I think I'm going to put a pinback on it, so I can wear it ... but, who knows for sure? Those of us going on The Artful Voyage in October are all going to wear GrungePaper roses when we arrive in LA so we know one another - cool idea, huh?

Have you played with GrungePaper yet? You should, if you've not! If you have, please let me know - I'd love to see what you create!

Happy August!

2009-08-01T09:02:00.003-04:00

Wow ... where did July go? I even missed my own blogiversary! My first blog was created on July 7, 2006 - I've been blogging for 3 years?!?!?! How did that happen? I was even going to have a giveaway to celebrate this year ... I'll work on that & get back to you.

A week ago, these woods along the Platte River brought us lots of laughter, love & good times. Today, T & I will be working in our gardens. A week of neglect & rain = lots of work to be done! The sun's shining wonderfully & the heat of the day's not arrived yet, so outside I go.

A bit of catching up...

2009-07-29T20:31:00.002-04:00

A week ago, we took off for Michigan to visit our sons & their families in northern Michigan (ok, they're actually T's sons, but that makes them mine, too! lol). We had a GREAT time, relaxing, getting away from it all... The guys & our oldest granddaughter went canoeing one day while the rest of us (DIL, K, grandkids) went into Traverse City to shop & eat. I bought a few beads (yes, a FEW) at Nobbins - a nice bead store in TC - though I've not created anything with them yet. Our DIL bought beads & began a hemp/bead necklace for herself, as her pregnancy keeps her from wearing anything with nickle remotely in it. Now I want to play with macrame, too! ;-)

Anyway ... didn't do any crafting beyond making button bracelets for the grandgirls. So, of course, I'd begun having withdrawal issues. Tonight, I sat and finally made a tag for the "Christmas in July" contest in AllThingsTim. We were to pick one of his 2007 or 2008 Christmas tag techniques & make a non-Christmas version. My fingers are crossed that I win - I'd win an autographed (Tim, of course!) denim tote bag!

Now I'm off to harvest on FarmTown ... Facebook games are way too addicting!

Bounty!

2009-07-20T20:32:00.002-04:00

Today's garden pictures, looking northeast, then southwest. The first shows our crookneck squash and miles (lol) of tomatoes. The second shows the potatoes, carrots, peppers & melons. MELONS are taking over everywhere!

I've canned 24 pints of beans & we've had dinner with freshly picked beans. I couldn't tell you how many zucchini we've shredded & frozen so far & they're still coming on. The cherry & grape tomatoes are going crazy & are super tasty!

And "my" sunflowers are growing beautifully! I planted our first packet - these blood red ones. Tom planted the second packet - about 4 plants are up, though not anywhere as far along as mine. Of course mine are better! (HA!)

Sometimes, I think I live & breathe Tim

2009-07-20T20:25:00.002-04:00

I buy, I create ... shoot, today I ordered a Tim Holtz sweatshirt! Am I addicted or what? Ahhh...but it's all good!

I want to participate in the swap with my cruisemates in October, so I've begun making ATC's. I think I shared some earlier. Regardless, here are the latest ones I've made.

Will I get them ALL made???

Besides the cruise swap, I'm also participating in a grungepaper swap in AllThingsTim. We were to make 7 of whatever we chose from grungepaper. 6 will be distributed amongst the participants, 1 goes to Tim.
I wanted to do something different - not a flower or notepad cover. Not to take from any of those things - but I've seen what others create & mine would not have been unique at all - the others are super talented! My first idea was a "fortune teller" - remember the paper toys we made as kids? I made a prototype - and I still like it - but I'd still be making them, long after the swap deadline. After a few other ideas, I decided on a pinwheel. I am very pleased with them!

When accidents happen...

2009-07-20T20:22:00.001-04:00

A week ago, 6 of us had tickets to see the stage play of "Mamma Mia". We met at one woman's house for an early lunch beforehand. As we left the house, one woman missed a step & fell, tearing the tendons in her ankle, badly. Her husband took her to the urgent care while we went on to the play. Of course the play was great, but we so missed our friend!

To commemorate & day & share our memories with our missing friend, 3 of us got together Saturday night & created this "memory collage" (it grew mightily from a card! *lol*) for her. What a great fun evening we had!

A week???

2009-07-16T09:39:00.003-04:00

It's been a week since I've posted here? Wow ... I know it feels like I've been busy - guess I really have been! *lol* So, a quick update: I've canned 24 pints of green beans - beans harvested from our garden! They took longer than they should have as the first batch (Sunday) I apparently didn't set the lid/ring on the canner properly & about blew up 8 pint jars of beans. Didn't 'cause Tom smelled something burning ... yikes! I did get a few more ATC's made last weekend but haven't done any other "art" this week, yet. Durn! Yesterday, I had lunch with stitching friends Renee, Rita & Lauren (and Renee's 2 kids) at Cheesecake Factory at Easton. YUM! We always have such a wonderful time together - full of laughs & giggles - and yesterday was no exception. Thank you, ladies - I had a blast!

Pictures later ... maybe tonight. Maybe....

Fun times!

2009-07-07T20:22:00.003-04:00

Well, the photos haven't gone on here in order, but ... it works ...

I survived my reunion! Actually, I had a blast! So, to go backwards...

Sunday, one of my classmates hosted a brunch for us at his home in an area of my childhood 'burb that I'd never visited. His home is incredible! Warm, comfortable ... with walls covered in all sorts of glorious artwork. It was a wonderful background to a relaxed gathering of about half of the Friday night group. Thank you, Mike!

I love the smiles these 3 have! Delia - the one on the left - joined us in high school, as her family moved into the US from Ireland. Linda - the one in the middle - has been a friend since 4th grade. She hesitated about going Sunday, but ended up having fun (as I knew she would!) after all. Debbie - the one on the right - has also been a friend since 4th grade. Hers was the first home I ever visited that had it's own in-ground pool - very cool! Debbie & I have found, as adults, we have a joint interest in jewelry making - fun times ahead for us!

Had to include a photo of my mom, of course! Linda (above) invited us to watch the parade at her daughter's home, on the parade route - wonderful seats! (Thanks, Linda & family!) The 4th was my dad's birthday ... I'm glad we could make it into a fun, memorable day again. (Dad always said the parades & fireworks were just for him ... yeah, sure ... lol)

Part of our high school's traditions is the reunion-ing years ride floats of some sort in the parade. I chose to watch this year, rather than ride/walk ... This shows part of our group.

This, finally, is from Friday night ... me with Linda, a friend since junior high. Hmmm...guess I need to copy some of the photos Debbie took that night - hers were much better.

Sunday, after the brunch, we visited with a friend who'd not attended any of the festivities. I'd not seen Penny since high school, I think ... I am very glad we went to see her & look forward to seeing her again soon. As one of our group said as we left & talked about going out to dinner as a group, soon: we are one another's histories. There is no reason to wait another 5 or 10 years to see one another again, especially when many of us live in this area still. So, we won't! At the very least, we're planning to have a joint 60th birthday party in 2 years ... bring it on!

Chronologically....

2009-07-02T07:52:00.006-04:00

I'm old enough that my 40th high school reunion dinner/party is tomorrow night. But that still just doesn't seem right ... 40 years since my high school graduation? Me??? How'd that happen?!?

I'm really looking forward to seeing so many of my classmates! Many of us live near one another, but as often happens, we lose touch with one another, then reconnect at a reunion. Of course, I had plans to lose more weight, work out, undergo some huge miraculous physical morph ... and we know how that worked out! *lol*

Last week, while I was in 1StopBeadShop, 2 strands of "crystals" caught my eye. I'd already bought 2 strands of another color combination to use with the big round beads (which had been made into a bracelet last fall but I wanted to re-do) but these second strands reminded me much more of the colors in the focal beads - so, of course I bought them. Over the last couple of evenings, I've made this ... and I'll wear it tomorrow night (and the earrings I made, I think).

Today, it's work, then a haircut/manicure/pedicure ... I am just going to look so good! ;o)

Thank you!

2009-06-29T14:33:00.002-04:00

Hmm ... is her .gif working?

Well...regardless ... If not, she's supposed to be curtseying, so to set the "mood" ...

I'd like to do something I don't do often enough: say thanks to all of you who stop here .... and THANK YOU to all who leave comments! Earlier today I read a well-said blog post about the leaving of comments & remembering to thank those who do - a point made was if someone handed me a box of something, I'd say thank you. If someone complimented something about me or mine, I'd say thank you. Immediately. Yet, I rarely respond to comments left here ... no real reason, but I'd never considered it in this light. I will now try to do better because I very much appreciate the gift of you taking the time to say something to me here.

And, if I ever get to blog surf again (ok, we know I will, but I hope sooner rather than later!), I'm going to be better about leaving comments ... to remember my manners, to be more "polite" as I peruse the blogs I read.

Wonderful weekend!

2009-06-28T15:52:00.003-04:00

How can it be Sunday afternoon already?!?!

Friday evening, I relaxed with 2 friends, poolside at one's home. We chilled with frozen strawberry daiquiris & my pesto with breadsticks. The sun was shining, the company was awesome .. a wonderful way to end the work week!

Saturday, I weeded our gardens ... and, yep, my muscles are still screaming! A cousin & I have vowed to get back to working out at the rec center - not a moment too soon. When I'd recovered a bit, I set to finishing a few charm bracelets.

This one's for Sandy, made with Blue Moon's "Tokens" charms & Tim Holtz's "Fragments" - and a washer. Hope she likes it!

This one is for me Tim Holtz's "Ideaology" pieces & his "Fragments". I have such a thing for base metals anymore!

This one, too, is for me (I'm so good to me! lol) - made with Blue Moon's "Tokens" & Tim's "Fragments".

Today, I attended my first "Meetup". Rhonda invited 9 of us to her home for a jewelry/beading meetup, hoping to get a monthly gathering going. Lisa & I were the only attendees today, but that's better than none, right? We chatted, got to know one another a bit, shared some ideas - especially with Lisa's beautiful Swarovski stash! - then we each got to working on our own pieces. I'm redoing my watch band, so I got started on it. Thank you, Rhonda, for bringing us together! I'm looking forward to next month already!

What fun things did you do and/or create this weekend?

A sale!

2009-06-24T18:03:00.003-04:00

If you need supplies for altered art or ATC's or similar, AlteredArts is having an online yard sale that starts tomorrow ... My first order from them may arrive tomorrow - any bets that'll "enable" me to do more shopping??? (lol)

Info:
Artsy Online Yard Sale
Thurs. June 25 - Sat. June 27

www.mailboxmuse.com

Join us for our First ever Artsy Yard Sale.

We recently consolidated a couple warehouses and cleaned out our own personal stashes of great arts and crafts "stuff."

We will be listing numerous items never before posted on our site.
We will have only one or two of many of them, so check the sale often for new additions.
If we can combine your orders when we ship them, we will adjust/refund shipping.

The best thing is - everything will be at Yard Sale prices!

Early morning in the almost-country

2009-06-22T08:19:00.003-04:00

See that in the middle of the soccer field? It's one of our neighborhood deer population...

We used to see our deer family most every morning & evening in the fields to the left of this one. Then the city ran a bike path through the far side of the soccer field, through the field's parking lot, along the tree line to the creek - where the deer used to congregate (along the tree line).

So imagine my surprise this morning when I pulled up to our stop sign & saw this beautiful creature standing on the other side of the road! I was delighted! Part of why we live where we do is we are almost-in-the-country, we're almost rural. The area used to be all rural & has slowly developed, but our village is not anxious to become strung up with traffic or well-known businesses (no Starbucks for us!), so we still have the pleasure of seeing a lot of "nature". This morning certainly reminded me of the glory around us...

Yea! Finally!

2009-06-21T14:23:00.002-04:00

I've actually caught up a bit with journaling! After a month of nothing, I did!

My Blissfully Art Journaling Yahoo group posts daily prompts & I've finally done one! I've saved them practically every day with those good ol' good intentions ... but I finally completed one!

In the Journal Writing Yahoo group, a few members create monthly grids to at least record daily happenings, thoughts, whatever. I've talked & talked about starting the practice myself... Ha! I finally did it! It's nothing fancy, it was done quickly, but I did it! Yea, me! Now to maintain the focus... I will do it!

I was quite entertained this morning by our bunnies - and relieved to see they were more interested in sniffing & playing & not in nibbling our vegetables.

This reminds me, too, to prep more background pages. That helps so much!

I played ... and played ...

2009-06-21T10:36:00.002-04:00

Hmmm... guess I've not stored my jewelry pictures on my computer yet, so I won't be sharing them yet. Ahhh ... good intentions ...

In the meantime, my cruise roommate asked me recently if I'd done paper image transfers. Nope. I'd not. Of course, I was then curious! And I just happen to have Bernie Berlin's Artist Trading Card Workshop book here from the library - and guess what's in there! And this week, Claudia Hellmuth shared doing the transfers with her paints. Now, is this a sign I'm supposed to try this technique or what? Uh, yeah! lol

This morning, instead of being lost in Facebook's SmallWorlds, I've been focusing on creating. Time to get caught up making art (hey, I have to obey Wendy Vecchi, right???), so I've got Pandora playing Puddle of Mudd & Nickelback, got out my Golden gel medium, printed a picture and voila!

I tried paper to paper with just water first (not shown here ... didn't turn out so good), then I put gel medium on paper & brayered my photo on to it (right side sample). Love it!! Then, I had to try it on Tim Holtz's grungepaper (left side sample) - and it worked. It's not as clear, but the photo doesn't have much color - but this would work quite well with some color on the grungepaper as background, I'm sure. And, yes, I'll try it. Have you?

Happy Father's Day to dads everywhere!
I miss my dad every day, but especially on "his" days like today. His birthday was the 4th of July & he always declared all of the celebrations as HIS celebrations, thanking everyone for partying with him. He worked hard, sometimes at 3 jobs at a time, so my mom could stay home with us. He knew how to relax, how to enjoy life - some of my favorite memories are our times on picnics, the beach times in Florida & him teaching me how to take care of my car. I hope you are as blessed with your father as I was with mine.

House of 3

2009-06-19T08:09:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite blogs/websites belongs to House of 3. My blog background & header is one of theirs & I so love it! Well, I am thinking of changing it as I'm one of those who can't stand everything to be the same for any length of time (lol), but I will be changing it to another from House of 3.

Anyway ... have you seen their blog lately? They've got a wonderful "summer project" going on - beautiful creations that have my brain kicking into gear with ideas & plans! They have a giveaway posted today, which is always fun when blog surfing - but more than that, please go check out their project. Great inspiration on a rainy Friday!

Seed beads, anyone?

2009-06-18T08:24:00.002-04:00

My original thought was to use 3 strands of different sized beads for this, but after stringing them, I decided I didn't like how it looked after all, so I ended up with 2 strands of #11's & one smaller (#14's? - the container wasn't marked). The "donut" was purchased when I was in Nashville. I bought 2 since I didn't know what I was going to make with them .. now what do I do with the second one? Maybe I'll make a bracelet with it ... maybe I'll make something to give away here. Decisions, decisions!

3 months 3 weeks 3 days!

2009-06-16T14:30:00.002-04:00

Oh, yeah! Counting down the days to Mexico!! And how could I not commemorate 3 months 3 weeks 3 days? ;-) (Are we there yet???)

Have been doing a bit of blog surfing today (yep, bored at work - ssshhh!). So my question for you is, how do you get those wonderful images onto ATC's & collages & such - looking so wonderfully "clean"? Do you use a paper transfer technique? If so, what's your favorite way to do the transfer? Any suggestions, recommendations for me? I think it's time I try this - I have seen some great digital images, but the thought of cutting them out stopped me cold. (Boy, can you tell I'm a newbie at techniques??? ) So, after I get a few more pieces of jewelry made this week, I'm going back to my ATC's ... time to get messy!

I did it!

2009-06-14T10:35:00.002-04:00

I finally broke out of my slump a bit! I went to Need2Bead yesterday to pick up a few things - yeah, we all know how that goes!

But, first, my finished bracelet - created while in Kentucky last week.

The instructions Shar had were to wrap 14 gauge silver with 18 gauge silver, but we're both more into other metals, so we used what we could find & liked - which was 16 gauge steel wire for the form & 18 gauge copper for the wrap. As you wrap, every 1/2" or so, you form figure 8's with the wire to create loops for hanging. I'd bought the chevron beads late last fall at AllyBeads but then couldn't figure out how to use them. Ta-da! They worked beautifully here! Most of the other beads are from "flowers" that Mitz made we sistahs a few years ago, sprinkled through with some of Shar's "grab bag" stash from FireMountainGems. I am so pleased with this bracelet! (Thank you, Shar, for sharing your stash!) I'm going to add steel wire to my stash, heavier brass, too - I'm wondering how this would look with beads or pearls or something, with Tim Holtz' Ideology pieces. Yep, I'll be trying it...

As I strolled through BeadingDaily the other day, I downloaded instructions for peyote stitched pieces - something new to try, right? Friday night, I played, using seed beads & beading thread. It worked enough to let me experiment, but the thread doesn't hold any form - so yesterday, I got a roll of Fireline. Last night, as T & I watched "Lonesome Dove" (for the zillionth time, but this time, celebrating its 20 year anniversary), I created. This ring was to be for my ring finger but ... well, live & learn, right? (Wish the camera had focused on the ring better & less on my hand, but that's what happens when you're trying to shoot with your less-dominant hand)

I bought these green round beads in Nashville, then #8 & #4 beads at Need2Bead - then put them together last night.

Yesterday I also bought beads to (1) finish another pair of earrings, (2) make a band for a watch face, (3) re-do a bracelet I made last fall and (4) make a 3 strand necklace for a focal piece (donut shaped) I got in Nashville. I think those will keep me busy this week...

Boredom

2009-06-13T07:57:00.003-04:00

Do you ever get hit by the boredom bug? You're surrounded by supplies, inspiration ... you have time available ... but, still, you sit. You read, stare out the window, watch tv ... wanting to "do" but ... you don't.

Maybe this has never happened to you, but it certainly has to me. It's frustrating, even as I sit & read another book. Even as I examine what I'm doing & try to analyze the "why", still I sit... I'd hoped to move past the sitting/reading I've been mired in by going to Kentucky, spending time with my sistahs, creating jewelry. You know, get the creative juices flowing again. It happened, but it didn't. Getting sick & other necessary distractions ate at our time.

I'm not swamped at work, so my "couch potato-ness" can't even be blamed there.

So, what's up with this?

This morning, I read in DailyOM about boredom & the proverbial light bulb flipped on. This really hit home: "When we are troubled by boredom, it is not that there is nothing to do but rather that we are not stimulated by the options before us. A bored mind can be the canvas upon which innovation is painted and the womb in which novelty is nourished. When you identify boredom as a signal that you need to test your boundaries, it can be the force that presses you to strive for opportunities you thought were beyond your reach and to indulge your desire for adventure."

Ahhhhhh....!

So, today, I'm going to use my lackadaisical brain. I'm going to "do". I'm going to clear my "canvas" - rearrange some things here in my space. Move some scrapbooking supplies onto shelves that are less handy, move in art supplies. Maybe buy a small drawer unit to better use other space. Do you find if your supplies are more handy, you use them better? Instead of looking at others' creations & admiring their beauty, I'm going to DO. I'm going to push a boundary or two ... I am!

What are you creating today?

Allie's blog candy

2009-06-12T20:25:00.002-04:00

Allie, a member of the AllThingsTim yahoo group is offering blog candy on her blog ... who doesn't like blog candy??? Allie's got a great shop, too - there's a link on her blog to it.

2009-06-12T13:00:00.003-04:00

"Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake...” (Francis Bacon)

Rights Info: No known restrictions on publication.
Repository: Thomas Lennon Photographic Collection, Powerhouse Museum www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/collection=Thomas_Lennon_Photographic
Part Of: Powerhouse Museum Collection

Cool - a free class!

2009-06-12T10:00:00.003-04:00

This past winter, I took an online "story" class with Jessica Sprague - loved it! Now she's offering a free online photo editing class - and, yes, I will be signing up for it on June 22! You?

Pictures

2009-06-08T20:21:00.002-04:00

As promised ... pictures of jewelry made while with my sistahs...

Debs made this set on Saturday ... so pretty!!

The set Debs made Thursday with pieces purchased in Nashville

My pieces - all supplies bought in Nashville

Sharli's 3 earrings .. yes, 3. She always loses one ... lol

home again, home again, jiggidty jig

2009-06-08T16:28:00.003-04:00

How wonderful, having 5 days with 2 of my sistahs!! I will share pictures soon of the jewelry we made. We didn't get to our metalworking class though ... 2 of us got VERY sick Thursday night, so spent Friday sleeping & recuperating. Shar & I aren't sure if we shared a virus or just both happened to get sick at the same time, but ... it was downright ugly in her house for hours. Fortunately, Debs didn't get sick - which we think ruled out food poisoning - and very thankfully, she got us ginger ale & saltines & such.

Today's been spent at home, sleeping & further recuperating. Whatever the bug was - it was nasty & stubborn & I hope none of you get it!

More atc's

2009-05-29T21:22:00.000-04:00

I got 4 more done tonight! Yea, me! lol

One down...

2009-05-29T19:15:00.002-04:00

209 to go ...

for the Tim Holtz/Mexico cruise. Yeah, only 209 to go...

I inked the background with Distress Inks, the verbage stamp is one of Tim's, the face is one I picked up at JoAnn's sometime back & the postage stamp is from a packet I bought at European Papers. And though you can't see it in this fuzzy poor photo, the verbage is stamped and glittered with Perfect Pearls, using the technique Tim posted on a recent blog post.

Let's hope my creativity kicks it up some - I made a number of backgrounds for ATC's this week & stamped a few that I don't consider done yet. And that's it. I've read two James Patterson books though ... yep, I'm addicted. My heart's been wrestling with "letting go" of my 19 year old now that she's home & has a boyfriend, so the books have been my refuge, I guess. Time to accept & move on, huh?

Let's go to Maine!

2009-05-26T12:00:00.002-04:00

Ok, I can't go 'cause I'll be in Kentucky, but ... who wouldn't want to be in Maine feasting on this lobster roll??? Hmm ... do they have lobster in Kentucky?

I'm one of the lucky ones....

2009-05-25T23:59:00.000-04:00

In the early 1970's, my guy (though I didn't know him then) came home from Vietnam, physically all in one piece. There was no parade, no welcome home party, no recognition of the hell he'd survived ... but, he came home.

Six years ago, I met T online. He tried to warn me about his PTSD but, my heart just didn't care & still doesn't. I know Memorial Day is supposed to be about remembering those who have fallen for our country in times of battle & I do - but I also hold dear T & all like him, those who gave of themselves for us. T & those who came home from WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, etc. did indeed survive, but they are permanently scared by the horrific experiences - they gave for us.

When you next see a veteran - of Vietnam, Afghanistan, D Day - please, welcome them home, give them a hug, let them know you appreciate what they gave, for you.

Thank you, T, Charlie, Joey, Tom & Tom, Jim & Jim ...

Hurry & grow!

2009-05-23T20:51:00.003-04:00

I finally got outside today & planted all I'd bought the other evening - yea! And I even finally planted the dahlias & gladiolas Mom & I bought a month or so ago. Great progress! I spread the new topsoil last night, tilled it in a bit, then was out at 8:30am today, planting. This picture's a peak of the perennials & annuals I planted at the front of the house - and, where the white shavings are, the spot where I planted 2 Stargazer lily bulbs. (Thus, hurry & grow!)

The dahlias & glads went primarily down the side of the house. The front bed has a new Mexican sage (seen in this picture), a columbine (mystery color: there were 2 tags in the pot), a new yellow coreopsis (to go with a wonderfully performing older one I've had a few years), 3 "abutilon" flowers, 2 "liatris", 2 dianthus, pink bee balm, allysum & white begonias. I'm putting 12 photos in my Flickr (see sidebar for the link) if you'd like to see it all & I'm finally going to record everything in my journal - especially since a number of the newbies are perennials. Oh! I spread Sweet William seeds across the front & will be spreading my Blackberry Lily seeds tomorrow.

I also purchased another hosta & cleared out the flower bed along the garage - planted the new hosta with my others. I have one huge dark green hosta growing beautifully & 3 smaller white/green hostas, working hard to survive. I got that bed cleared out better today & will spread mulch all along, then take photos.

If you've not yet purused the Cards for Heroes blog/event, please click on the link up in the right corner & participate in the blog hop. Beautiful cards are being created for our troops - maybe you'll join along? I know I am!

Tomatoes!

2009-05-19T18:40:00.002-04:00

Ok ... A tomato!! But at least now, T can't stand at the back door, sighing "no tomatoes yet"!

See this beautiful lettuce plant? Not long ago, something (aka bunny) had eaten all of our lettuce plants down to almost nothing. T didn't pull them - he waited to see if they'd come back. And, they are! Fingers are crossed that they'll continue unscathed (or, unmunched).

And the little whirlygig? T plants those throughout the garden to distract animals & to catch the wind direction. Yeah ... cute, huh?

What's blooming in your garden now?

Sunny but chilly

2009-05-17T13:31:00.002-04:00

The rain's finally gone (fingers crossed) & the sun's shining, but whoa, is it cool!

I did get my basil planted yesterday, before the rain - can you taste the pesto it'll make?

I got my fairy garden planted, too, this year, in my grandfather's wheelbarrow. It's all herbs - rosemary, thyme, basil. I hope it gets enough sun here - if not, the wheelbarrow does still "wheel".

One peony bush is blooming beautifully. I so love peonies! My grandmother always grew them, as did my mom - and the tradition continues in my own garden. I have a second bush but it's struggling this year for whatever reason. Oh, well, one's better than none.

Now to get to the nursery to buy my annuals & to till some space & plant the dahlia & gladiola bulbs we bought a few weeks ago. It's to be sunny all week, so it might actually all get done!

What's in your garden this year?

I finally made one!

2009-05-13T21:38:00.002-04:00

An ATC ... artist trading card ... yea!!

So, be honest, please ... what do you think? (Sorry the quality's not any better - was too lazy to put batteries in the camera) The background is Tim Holtz's grungepaper - the ABC paper is Graphic 45 - the photo is Artchix Studio - the metal flower is Tim Holtz's as well & the little heart's cut from grungepaper. Oh, the background's one of Tim's stamps & all colors are from Tim's distress inks. Please .. any comments, criticisms, whatever would be most welcome!

Gratitude revisited

2009-05-13T17:36:00.001-04:00

As I was blog surfing today (shhhhh) & trying to catch up with those who follow my blog (thank you all!), I *met* a new-to-me blogger - Alfie of "Coffee & Stilettos". (What a wonderful blog title!) She had today a list of things to remember that you don't want to miss ... see it here. Thank you, Alfie, for your list ... it's awesome!

A beautiful day

2009-05-13T13:15:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a storybook gorgeous day! Even the ice cream man thought so, as you can see him passing by on the street behind us. I have to admit, with so many things disappearing or changing from when I was a child, it's sweet to hear the ice cream man driving around our neighborhood. What memories!

You also have a peak here at our vegetable garden. T replaced the zucchini & cucumber plants yesterday - something was eating at them & it wasn't us! I weeded & thinned out the radishes after work. (Weeding is very therapeutic, you know!) And whatever was eating the lettuce has stopped, so 3 plants are working hard to produce for us. I'm still not sure what my lavender thinks of being transplanted - I'm keeping an eye on it & my fingers crossed. Now to have more sunny days so the tomatoes will perk up! And T's rhubarb is going crazy! I'll have to get pictures of it to share.

Does the ice cream man still drive through your neighborhood? I'd love to hear one of your childhood memories...

One page

2009-05-11T20:44:00.000-04:00

Think this just says it all ...

Grungepaper

2009-05-10T10:25:00.002-04:00

I've completed all the 'twinchies' for the AllThingsTim swap! They are wicked fun! Now to put them in the mail tomorrow & wait to receive my goodies. Can't wait to see what others create...

Mine have all been made using primarily products from Tim Holtz - most importantly for the swap, with his new GrungePaper. The possibilities with it are endless ... I may do flowers or ATC's for the swap, too - just depends on if I work up the energy. (hahaha)

Yesterday, we braved our high winds & went to 2 soccer games. The little boys who used to live next door had invited us, so we grabbed the chance to see them. They are so darn cute! I think we'll borrow them one day this summer to come play with T, like they used to do when they lived next door.

I'm heading out to play in the garden just a bit. It's sunny & cool ... very tempting to rush to the plant nursery & start the flower garden, but we're to get rain again mid-week, so I will wait. One evening this week, I'll go crazy buying flowers & herbs, then next weekend, play in the dirt in force.

Happy Mother's Day to mothers everywhere!

Happy Friday!

2009-05-08T08:22:00.003-04:00

The sun's almost shining ... coworkers are arguing politics ... IT'S FRIDAY!

Almost too late, I made a Mother's Day card for my Mom .. now, let's hope the post office wings it to her quickly! :o)

The knee's healing well - most of the time, there's just a very mild twinge left. Phew! I'm still babying it ... but it's getting better. Thank you all for your thoughts!

The little boys who used to live next door called the other night & invited us to their soccer games tomorrow morning - of course we're going! Can't wait to see them!! I hope to steer clear of injuries, cleaning .. and get some crafting done this weekend. I've pretty much been a slug all week ... have things I want to do!

If I don't get back here before Sunday, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend & a beautifully Happy Mother's Day!

Judy Blume

2009-05-07T07:42:00.002-04:00

You may be pro-life, you may be pro-choice ... that is totally your own "business". Especially if you live in the USA, it's purportedly your right to make that decision for yourself.

Yet, this morning, I read this:

"Judy Blume has done so much for so many of us. The wisdom, compassion, and understanding that shine through her writing have helped countless young people grow up and grow strong.

That's why we were so shocked at the response to her latest act of compassion. When Judy honored the Planned Parenthood Action Fund by writing a special Mother's Day message on our behalf, the reaction from anti-choice extremists was swift and vicious. They flooded her office with harassing phone calls and hate mail, including death threats."

Many of us have read Ms. Blume's books ... What outrages me is that we live here, in the USA. We are here, where one's ability to express an opinion is a "right" - yet, sadly, people still think it's ok to dispense hatred and physical threats because they disagree with someone.

Regardless of your personal thoughts about Planned Parenthood, pro-choice, pro-life ... please visit PP's site to show your support of Ms. Blume. Read her letter for PP's Action Fund (I am not asking you to donate ... I am asking you to read, to educate yourself about this, period). Please, if you've ever enjoyed one of her books, if you agree or disagree with her but think we should be allowed to speak our minds without such horrible retribution ... show your support.

ooouuuucccchhhhhh

2009-05-05T13:32:00.003-04:00

Ah, the joys of having joints & muscles & pieces parts that don't work quite as they used to ...

Last week, I re-tweaked my knee. Ok, no big deal. Just wait for it to go back to normal.

But, noooooo .... Sunday, I stepped down onto a step & POP! Then I sat down on said step & cried, as much because it physically hurt (and it DID) as because my body's slowly but surely getting older. *hands on hips* I swear, I didn't think it'd happen to ME! Yeah, uh huh ... right ...

So, Sunday was spent with my leg elevated, ice packs, muscle relaxants ... and thank heaven, K & I had stopped at Barnes & Noble on Saturday! Yesterday, I still had trouble putting any weight on my leg but I didn't need Mom's walker to get around ... went to the doctor, had an x-ray done. He doesn't see "anything" right now, but if the swelling & all doesn't improve markedly in a couple of weeks, I'll be getting an MRI.

Today, I'm at work ... limping around ... but being a good employee. (Aren't you impressed? *lol*)

Pretties

2009-05-02T08:29:00.002-04:00

Jamie of Inspired Mess had a contest a week or so ago & I WON! Aren't my winnings awesome??? I love the framed creation she made just for me! Isn't the personalization great? And, yep, it's going to my office on Monday to be hung for all to see! The little blue creature holds a sewing cute - too cute! THANK YOU, Jamie!!

We have a pretty sunny morning today ... very sweet, especially after last evening's tornado warning. Yeah, that was interesting! K & I watched the clouds swirling by for about 15 minutes - some sure looked like they were trying hard to form into something more. Thankfully, they didn't. Her boyfriend was on his way home on one of the roadways the weather folks were warning about so Mom here (me) was telling him, through K, to get off the road. Yep, we never stop being mom's, do we?

T gets home this afternoon from his Texas adventure - yea!!

And the Bruins won last night - great game!! Anne, hope the 'Canes do well in this round! And, again, thank you to the BlueJackets for an incredible season! Which reminds me ... the CBJ had a fan who was fighting cancer. Ryan was a great guy & the Jackets included him in activities, visited him a lot (particularly Jason Chimera, one of my fav guys). Yesterday, Ryan lost his battle with cancer. I'm sure he & Mr. Mac are up there watching replays of our games & enjoying the playoff games. Rest in peace, Ryan.

Happy May Day!

2009-05-01T10:20:00.000-04:00

It's not exactly a sunshine-y day here in central Ohio but ... the birds are beautifully singing outside, it's not pouring down rain, the seeds in our vegetable garden are all popping up ... it's all good!

May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.
And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.

p.s.

2009-05-01T10:09:00.004-04:00

I'm soooo behind in my blog reading ... as I shared earlier this week, it's been a crazy week! So, maybe I shouldn't ask this, since I'm a delinquent one, but when has that stopped me? ;-)

As you breeze through the blogs you follow - or the new ones you discover - how often do you leave comments? I often see the same locations showing up on my traffic follower here, but many don't leave comments. I'd love to know who you are, so even if it's just a "hi! I've been here" comment, please speak up? And, please do the same on other blogs you read. Most bloggers share as we do because we just want to, because we want to share our days in some form with anyone who will listen & I know we all appreciate knowing someone's stopped by. As an example, "Grove City Ohio" comes through here ... that's a suburb near me. Are you someone I follow, someone I've met ... someone I might share local stash stores with?
(Saturday update: the joke's on me! "Grove City" was me!! Guess I should pay more attention, huh? *lol* Just goes to show technology needs tending sometimes ... the traffic follower had changed my location & I hadn't noticed! Sheesh ... ) (And, thank you to those who've left comments!)

Anyway ... take a few minutes, please, here and/or at other blogs you read, say "hi" so we bloggers can have "faces" to go with places/names. Thanks!

2009-04-30T08:43:00.003-04:00

Today's vocabulary & office behavior lesson:

immaturity

Pronunciation:: \ˌi-mə-ˈtu̇r, -ˈtyu̇r, -ˈchu̇r\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Latin immaturus, from in- + maturus mature
Date:: 1548

1archaic : premature2 a: lacking complete growth, differentiation, or development <immature fruits> b: having the potential capacity to attain a definitive form or state : crude, unfinished immature school of art> c: exhibiting less than an expected degree of maturity immature adults>

— immature noun

— im·ma·ture·ly adverb

— im·ma·tu·ri·ty \-ˈtu̇r-ə-tē, -ˈtyu̇r-, -ˈchu̇r-\ noun

professionalism

Pronunciation:: \-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm, -ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌli-\
Function:: noun
Date:: 1856

1 : the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person 2 : the following of a profession (as athletics) for gain or livelihood

Family

2009-04-27T18:30:00.003-04:00

The last 4 days have flown by ... and I'm beat! Friday & Saturday, I cleaned house - feels so good to get rid of winter's dust & dirt. Yesterday, I got a bit of crafting in - picture below - but early afternoon, we learned an almost-family-member had fallen on Thursday & wasn't able to get out of bed, so, T, Mom & I packed up & headed to Portsmouth. R wouldn't allow my aunt to call a squad for her because my aunt can't stay alone - but no one else had thought to just get in the car & drive there to find out what was going on. So, off to the rescue we went (did you see our red capes? lol). Walked in their apartment, realized how injured R was, called the squad, then followed it to the hospital. R has compression lumbar fractures & is still in the hospital. Mom's staying with my aunt until my cousin shows up to take over. T & I checked on R before we headed home this afternoon, then stopped to visit my dad & grandparents at the cemetery. We're pooped!

I'm glad we went, I'm glad we had a chance to talk with the social worker at the hospital. My aunt has Alzheimer's that's very obviously progressing - so I hope my cousins take steps now to create a safe, healthy remaining lifetime for my aunt & R. I know it's easy to think everything's ok, but R's not a young woman & taking care of my aunt will only get more difficult.

Tomorrow, T's nephew & his family arrive as they travel back to Texas. They'll be here until Wed evening - Mom may get a ride home with my cousin on Wednesday - then Thursday, I pick K up from college. Yep, Friday .. I'm collapsing at home!

More twinchies!

2009-04-22T21:26:00.003-04:00

I've sat tonight & gone through more GrungePaper ... I'm having trouble stamping words ... grrr!!! I got a second set of "twinchies" made for the swap - yea!

And, today being Earth Day, I took a few photos as I drove home this afternoon. Beautiful cloud coverage!

So I was driving home from work yesterday ...

2009-04-22T11:55:00.003-04:00

and pulled up behind this Mini-Cooper ..

Certainly had me laughing! Hope it brings you one, too!

And, Happy Earth Day! Do something, one thing, today to help preserve our planet ... turn off a light, recycle craft supplies, whatever ... please?

Oops ...

2009-04-20T19:44:00.002-04:00

I almost forgot to share this picture!

Lisa (see previous post) made this & gave it to me Friday night. I so love it as well as her message!! I wore it today ... it was a much-needed reminder all day.

Thank you, Lisa!

Sunshine & an award

2009-04-20T19:13:00.003-04:00

After a day of rain today, the sun is shining spectacularly! YEA!

Lisa, whom I met face-to-face Friday night at my class, has graciously awarded me the "Kreative Blog" award. She's so sweet!! Thank you, Lisa! If you've not visited Lisa's blog, please do - she shares such beautiful creations as well as individual beads & such to spur your imagination.

Of course, I'm passing the award on, too. The rules of the Kreative blog award are:
1. The winner may put this award on their blog.
2. Please put a link to the person that presented you for this award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to all their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.
Since this award is all about creativity, these are some of my favorite blogs, for their inspirational and highly creative posts:

Sandy @ Sandy's Spot on the Web
Roberta @ http://rcscreations.wordpress.com/
Lydia @ http://lydiaohlydiaart.blogspot.com/
Jamie @ http://inspiredmess.blogspot.com/
Vanessa @ http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/
Susan @ http://theartfulmama.blogspot.com/

And, because I've become quite addicted, I'd also like to mention 2 other blogs I follow religiously - I so admire their creativity & wonderful sharing of their craft:

Tim Holtz @ http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/
Wendy Vecchi @ http://studio490art.blogspot.com/

Yes, there will more shameless praising of Tim & Wendy, the closer we get to October & the cruise! *lol* Check out Susan's entry about the classes she had with Tim this past weekend & you'll see why I'm so looking forward to the cruise.

To all of the bloggers I follow: Thank you! Your continuing sharing of yourselves & your creative souls inspires me daily!!

Before the rain moved in ...

2009-04-19T19:45:00.002-04:00

I got a picture of our pretty crabapple tree, blooming. Spring must really be here!

We also got pictures of the beginnings of the year's vegetable garden - they'll be in my Flickr in a few minutes. Come see! [link's over in the right hand column]

And now the rain's moving in ... oh, well, it was a beautiful weekend!

Twinchies

2009-04-19T19:42:00.003-04:00

For this swap, we're to use Tim's GrungePaper & we can do sets of flowers/ATC's/whatever or "twinchies" (2" x 2" pieces). I'm beginning with the 2" pieces - we'll see if I get brave enough to stretch to ATC's.

A new venture

2009-04-18T10:13:00.002-04:00

I did it! I made a heart from plexiglass - thanks to Tonia!

We had so much fun - and learned so much. The class that was supposed to last 1 hour ran well over into 2 hours, everyone was playing so much. (ok, can I say "so much" enough?) Tonia's a great instructor & everyone worked together, sharing ideas, opinions, etc. Tonia showed us pieces from her Etsy shop as well as from the classes she'll be teaching at the bead show in Milwaukee next month - oh, would I like to be in those classes!

Did I think to take pictures of us all? Heck, no ... Or pictures of others' creations? Again ... heck, no! I do need to take a picture of the wonderful bracelet Lisa made for me - THANK YOU, Lisa! I love it! (And it was great meeting you & Mary!)

I've not yet decided if I'm heading back to Artiscape today for the Marketplace. There were so many outstanding pieces brought in for the silent auction tonight ... I'm afraid of how tempted I'd be by what I'm sure are awesome pieces at the Marketplace. We'll see ... it may be a day for working in the garden, which would, with rain coming in tomorrow, take precedence ...

Hope you have a beautiful Saturday!

Tonight's the night

2009-04-17T08:18:00.002-04:00

This weekend is Artiscape here in Columbus & this evening, I'll be in Tonia Davenport's class, making a plexiglass heart. It's going to be so much fun!!

Unlocking Inspiration- A Collaborative Art Project is one of the weekend's events. Attendees of the weekend received "a vintage skeleton key to inspire a work of art. Anything goes here- jewelry, mixed media canvas, bound books, etc. as long as a key is somehow included in your artwork. Pieces are ... displayed en masse to make one large art showing, unveiled at Saturday’s dinner party. A silent auction follows to benefit programs of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio " How cool is that? So, I made this bracelet - hope someone loves it!

Stavros Flatly

2009-04-17T08:12:00.003-04:00

You have heard about the 47 year old woman who did so well in Britain's Got Talent, right? Now, please check these 2 guys out - they are wonderfully entertaining!

I'm learning..

2009-04-16T07:59:00.002-04:00

If you're a frequent visitor here, you know I've become a huge fan of Tim Holtz - and my stash increases mightily, often. I'd gotten a package of his "ornate frames" and sat the other evening & put these necklaces together. Both use Artchix collage images - and the one on the right sports a thin layer of Diamond Glaze over it since I spilled the stuff all over my craft sheet (don't have one? get one! they are wonderful Teflon sheets to put under whatever you're working on).

Next I want to make one using Suze's creations as inspiration .. Aren't her necklaces beautiful???

If you, too, like Tim Holtz's style & creations, he's posted his latest workshop samples on his blog - check 'em out! If you are lucky enough to attend any of his workshops - have a wonderful time! I am really looking forward to October & cruisin' with Tim & Wendy ... oh, yeah!

Can't end today's post without saying: GO BLUEJACKETS! Beat Detroit! Yep, the playoffs (for us) begin TONIGHT!

Happy April 15th!

2009-04-15T08:19:00.002-04:00

We've made it! Tax season 2009 is done! (Ok, technically, not for a few more hours ... but, close enough!)

Now, everyone celebrate! Go pick some flowers like this sweet little girl .. dance in the streets ... have a glass of wine .. get a good night's sleep ... celebrate!

ONE more day!

2009-04-14T12:20:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is APRIL 15th! Do you know where your tax returns are? Please ... do not ask your local accountant today to have your returns done tomorrow!

Yep, that's my public service message for the day. It never fails to astound me, the people who call & request immediate service - any day of the week. Excuse me? "You" should be taken care of before all of the others because ... uh, why?

Anyway ... it's almost over .... relative sanity will return soon. You'll hear my sigh of relief wherever you are!

I know I've often vented about coworkers, etc - but today, I have to thank "my" boss. He's already chillin' in Florida but he had lunch delivered today to us! It's horribly rainy & dark here - ok, inside & out (lol) - so what a sweet gesture on J's part!

Let's all party tomorrow!!

Sisterhood Award

2009-04-11T08:55:00.004-04:00

Marilyn, aka Summer Gypsy, commented here the other day that she had a Sisterhood award for me & all who read her blog - so I finally picked it up today. Thank you, Marilyn!

Like Marilyn, I'm not passing it on to specific readers here - but to all of you who share my days with me by visiting my blog. Thank each & everyone one of you! Now, grab the avatar and let the world know that you are a treasured "sister."

If I may quote you, Marilyn: "I love so many blogs!!! But, I feel like I follow "friends" not just blogs. When I discover a new "home away from home" that tugs at my soul, it's like finding an oasis that will continue to refresh and inspire my spirit through the upcoming days of the journey. I appreciate your creativity more than words can say! For those "non-bloggers" who are reading this post, you are very much appreciated for your visit. Hopefully, the posts found here will blend with your life's experience!!" [So much for my creativity this morning - copying her words! *lol*] Those of you whom I follow - thank you for sharing all you do! You give me laughter, inspiration, hope - you open my eyes to places & people outside my daily world. Thank you!

Do you have $10?

2009-04-09T18:28:00.002-04:00

If so, please check out "A Place to Bark" - donate your $10 to Bernie's efforts. Then spread the word ... we crafters/artists can help in a big way!

Carry the Flag!

2009-04-09T10:04:00.002-04:00

THANK YOU, Columbus BlueJackets, for clinching a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs!!!

After beating Chicago in a shootout last night (WHAT a shot, Tyutin!) CBJ now has 92 points & WILL be in the playoffs!

CBJ is a relatively young professional hockey team, having been around only 8 years. Being in central Ohio means most, if not all, fans wanted & expected a #1 team from the get-go. We've changed personnel from top to bottom over the years, with the owner, "Mr. Mac", continuing to have faith, continuing to support the team as they worked through everything. Mr. Mac & crew got us Ken Hitchcock - the most excellent coach! - and Scott Howson - what a wicked general manager he is! We've lost players we thought we couldn't do without, we've suffered through terrible injuries - and all along, the team continued to build, to become who and what they are today. It's been a wonderful growth to watch and now, CBJ has given us a chance in the playoffs.

THANK YOU, CBJ! You ROCK!

2009-04-08T08:48:00.003-04:00

a long time ago, in a land far far away ...

well, ok, not that far away - just another suburb .... but, a long time ago ...

someone special introduced me to ee cummings and his poetry.

today, the sun is shining, the threat of snow is gone, spring does indeed seem to be on it's way. one of ee cummings' poems was emailed out as a journal prompt in one of my onlne groups - what timing! and, of course, i'd like to share it with you:

in Just-
spring when the world is mud-
luscious the little
lame balloonman

whistles far and wee

and eddieandbill come
running from marbles and
piracies and it's
spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer
old balloonman whistles
far and wee
and bettyandisbel come dancing

from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it's
spring
and
the
goat-footed

balloonMan whistles
far
and
wee

May today bring you sunshine, warm breezes, the joy of spring .... 1x1

the one & only

2009-04-05T19:51:00.002-04:00

Somehow, we have ONE tulip in our yard. Not sure "who" dropped it here a couple of years ago, but I'm sure glad to see it come back this year!

We did a lot of garden work today. I got all of the flower gardens cleaned out, things cut back, started planning what I want to plant where this year. I love seeing my perennials greening up - peonies, bleeding heart, daylilies, lemon balm ...

T got the vegetable garden tilled again, the grasses cut down & bundled for the trash pickup - and the onion sets planted. The rhubarb's looking great!

Now .. if the predicted snow for the next couple of days would just stay away ...

Party!

2009-04-05T14:12:00.002-04:00

Last night, K & 15 of her friends celebrated her birthday here. I can't believe she'll be 19 tomorrow!!

Happy Birthday, my dear wonderful intelligent beautiful daughter!

Happy April 1st!

2009-04-01T11:32:00.003-04:00

The next couple of days will be busy ... see you soon!

More....

2009-03-29T20:54:00.003-04:00

Almost to the day, two years ago, I joined in a cross-stitch round robin with friends in PALs (an online stitching/chatting site). Last night, I put my last finishing stitch in it - and I love it as much today as I did 2 years ago! To all who stitched on this, THANK YOU! It will be made into an accordion book, once I remember to order the book.

This is a necklace I bought recently from Tonia's Etsy shop, the "It's All Good" section - as I mentioned a few days ago. I love it!

Sharing pictures

2009-03-29T20:43:00.002-04:00

As I shared earlier today, yesterday I met Wendy Vecchi ... so of course, I was inspired to make my first tag using some of my newly-acquired stash. I did background pages for my journal today, too, using some of Wendy's stamps - but I'll share those once I finish the pages.

This tag uses 2 of Tim Holtz' stamps, the heart is his Grungeboard & the circle tag is one of his. Oh, and the color is all TH Distress Ink! I sprayed the tag with a water/glitter (the exact name escapes me!)/alcohol ink similar to what Wendy was using yesterday. I love the effect, though it doesn't show well here.

Wendy was so sweet & made this tag for me yesterday. I was such a geek, as I stood there, blabbering with excitement! Oh well ... hopefully she doesn't think I'm some weirdo stalker & realizes I'm just a fan.

And these are 2 pages I've done recently for APAD. The "metro" one is colored with Twinkling H20 - my first project using it & I love it! Guess I'm going to have to stop by European Papers soon to buy some more!

Will our garden ever get tilled again?

2009-03-29T09:22:00.002-04:00

T has tilled our garden space once, early this past week. Since then, we've been busy or it's rained. It was supposed to rain yesterday - but it didn't - and, as it was, other things kept T from getting out there anyway. But guess was it was doing at 4:43am today? Raining! A lot! The sun was shining when I got up at 8am, but ... the clouds are moving back in. *sigh*

The clouds & rain are rather apropos anyway ... Yesterday morning we got a phone call that one of T's best friends, a man he's known since high school, was in a local hospital in critical condition, he'd been in an accident. T went to the hospital, only to find out our friend had just passed. M went to school with T's older sister, then when they were all on their 'southeast vacation' (in Vietnam), the 2 of them & 3 other guys from their neighborhood all happened upon one another. Of the 5, my T is now the last surviving man.

Last night, another of T's friends called to let us know his mother, too, had passed away yesterday. She'd been very ill & it was not unexpected, but, still ...

And we've all heard of deaths coming in 3's, so of course we were wondering who else ... then this morning's paper reported the death of the ex-husband of one of my mom's best friends, the father of my grade/high school best friend.

To top it all off, I received a jury duty summons yesterday. *sigh* I'm not adverse to doing my civic duty, but it asks I report at a time that's not good with my work schedule, so we'll see what happens.

Yep, a day that won't soon be forgotten....

On a good note for the day, K & I went to the scrapbooking expo yesterday morning - and I got to meet Wendy Vecchi of Studio 490! I acted like a total geek (OMG! You're Wendy!!)! I did get my picture taken with her, so I'll share that & a few other photos later.

If you are so inclined, please add my T to your prayers or whatever ... this is going to be a hard week for him. Thank you.

Happy dance!

2009-03-27T11:29:00.002-04:00

PHEW!

All of the W-2's & 1099's I had to transmit to SSA & the IRS are ..... DONE! GONE! TRANSMITTED!!

So far, only one's bounced back & my coworker has to repair it. I don't think I've missed anyone ... again, my coworkers will need to review their lists & let me know if I did - but I don't think I did.

Regardless, the big huge files of info are GONE!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

A MASE ING at Nash-in-wide

2009-03-26T21:55:00.003-04:00

CBJ STONED the Flames! WHOO HOO!!!

So for those who don't understand, our hockey team - the Columbus BlueJackets - just shut out the Calgary Flames, 5-0!! We are SOOOO playoff-bound! Awesome, awesome game! As for "a mase ing" our goalie is Steve Mason - a 19 year old INCREDIBLE goalie! He will be rookie of the year! You may not be a hockey fan, but I can tell you, having a winning 8-year-old hockey team is incredible! My guy is a former hockey player, a major hockey geek ... and he's so pulled me into it. I am sooooo hooked! Yep, I'm one of those who jumps out of her seat when a fight starts, screaming for our player throwing punches. The first time I went to a game, I knew I'd not do that ... yeah, that lasted until the first fight began & I was up, yelling with everyone else. And I'm up there, pumping my fists into the air, high-fiving with T when a goal's scored. The energy at a hockey game - at a good hockey game - is such a high.

CBJ - you rock!

Ack!

2009-03-24T21:30:00.002-04:00

Do you ever wish you'd win the lottery you don't play?

I am so there right now! Tim Holtz has so many wonderful new offerings - Graphic45 has cool new papers - and then there are all of the creations I see on everyone's blogs - and I want to play and I want to play NOW! I want to buy it all & make it all - NOW. For all of the stash you all have seen me share here, there are so many cool things I don't have. Of course, if I had all I'd like to have, I'd have to get another house to store it all in ... but ... but ... I want stamps & papers & Twinkling H20's & Ideologies & 7Gypsies & mica & beads .... well, you know ... all of it. Did I say I want it all now?

What out there calls to you?

Ok, I feel marginally better ... *lol*

April 15th is getting closer ... talk about something to be thankful for! First quarter payroll returns happen in April, too, but they're no big deal. But April 15? OH YEAH!

OH! I almost forgot ... Tonia has a new section on her Etsy shop "It's All Good". Proceeds from items within that section benefit charities she's chosen - how cool is that? Check it out...

I'll be taking a class with Tonia in April at Artiscape - what fun it'll be!

K's counting down the days to the end of her 2nd semester of college. She's transferring to a local university & is very "done" with where she is now. It'll be great to have her local again!

Earth Hour

2009-03-23T12:23:00.002-04:00

As I ate my lunch today, I purused blogs & was alerted by Dawn's about Earth Hour 2009 - thus, the YouTube over there on the right. I know I get so buried in tax season that things like this often pass me by, unnoticed ... but maybe now that I've shared this with you, we'll both participate!

ahhhh... hear the quiet?

2009-03-22T21:59:00.002-04:00

We had a crazy fun busy weekend ...

Friday, I celebrated a friend's 48th birthday with her - dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, then went to another friend's house to chat & laugh. We had wonderful waitstaff at CPK as well as great food - fun times! I finally had a mojito - a raspberry one (ok, two) at that - very yummy!

Saturday, family came to stay until today - but I managed to get my APAD journal cover totally finished! WHOO HOO! And tonight, I finally did a few pages of the journaling. I'm still behind but that's a no-sweat thing. I tweaked my knee Friday (ah, the joys of getting older!) so I won't be going to aerobics tomorrow night - so maybe I'll get more pages done. *fingers crossed*

Last weekend at European Papers, I picked up 2 of these tin hearts & 2 that are stars. Friday, I played with this one, using a new glaze I got at EP. I like this but want to play with something different ... maybe some bigger beads, maybe some paper ... who knows?

Last night, T made a boiled dinner - ham, potatoes, cabbage, carrots - that was scrumptious as always. We were 6 for dinner - T's cousin & his girlfriend, T's "brother" & his ex-wife. We had a blast, swapping stories, watching CBJ beat the Panthers (YEA!), sharing a wonderful white cherry wine I got in Michigan last summer ... wonderful, wonderful evening.

This morning was a lazy breakfast, newspaper reading, coffee drinking ... K got rescued from college this weekend by her dad (her boyfriend's car died Friday, so he wasn't able to visit her at college - horror!), so L & I went over to see her for a bit - then M&L headed home. T's brother came over for the afternoon - we planned out our gardens, then I snuck up here, worked in my journal, caught up with Sandy. Now ... it's soooooo nice & quiet.

How the heck did tomorrow loom on the horizon so fast???

A bit different....

2009-03-19T13:32:00.003-04:00

Ordinarily, I don't comment on the lives of "stars" but I just read a beautiful tribute to Natasha Richardson on Summer Gypsy's blog & I guess felt moved to add my own thoughts here.

I didn't know - or had forgotten, in my advanced age - that Natasha was related to the Redgraves. Did you? Guess that explains, somewhat, her fine acting ability. And she's married to Liam Neeson*sigh* ... But, the reason I've been more aware of Natasha's death is her role in the second "Parent Trap" movie. My daughter & I have loved the movie since the moment it was released - and, like me, K's addicted to the original PTrap movie as well (one of my childhood fav movies, too). The second version was such fun & a wonderful retake of the first, thanks to mostly (in my opinion) the adult cast - Natasha, Dennis Quaid, et al. So, to Natasha: thank you for the gift of laughter & shared memories you gave K & I.

What do you think?

2009-03-18T19:47:00.002-04:00

I made these a couple of weeks ago but finally remembered to grab the pictures.

The purple framed pendant is made with collage pieces from Artchix - the clover glass is colored with Tim Holtz' alcohol ink as is the frame. I had it done once, wore it & discovered I needed to do something more to get the ink to stay. I then put Glossy Accents over it, which has helped - but it's still not quite the finish I want.

The second pendant is Artchix again (front image), the back is a silver alcohol-inked overlay from 7Gypsies.

So ... your thoughts? opinions? suggestions for improvement?

Hmmm....

2009-03-18T12:06:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite Nickelback songs is "If Everyone Cared". They played it at last week's concert with an amazing selection of photos & words playing behind them on the big screen. Then, this week, in one of my journaling groups, being ostracized has been a major topic of discussion. Yep, this song has run through my head throughout the discussion. How sweet if it could be true ...

From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died

And I'm singing Amen

Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
(I'm alive)

And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
When nobody died...

Top o' the morning to ya!

2009-03-17T08:04:00.003-04:00

'Tis a fine day for the wearin' of the green! And might you have something in your attire today that 'tis green?

One of the joys of working in the accounting field is the inability to have time off during tax season ... but, there have been years when my boss would grant me the day off so I could be with my then-family, watching the St. Patrick's Day parade, partying at The Family Reunion - and what fun times they were! Since this year, I'm here, chained to my desk (lol), I'll watch "The Quiet Man" tonight while sipping an Irish coffee. John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara - what a wonderful combination! Of course, I've always said John's character was a relative of mine ... do you know John's name in The Quiet Man? His last name is my maiden name. (Shoot .. I should have had some sort of giveaway for that question! Talk about being brain-addled! Ok ... if I can think of something to give, I'll draw names tomorrow morning ...)

Have a blessed St. Patrick's Day!

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

And....

2009-03-15T19:05:00.002-04:00

I also received this sweet award from Lydia this past week - thank you!!!

It is an award for Attitude and /or Gratitude! Lydia likes my quotes - I'm glad to know others enjoy my obsession. Lydia's blog is so beautifully artistic! She recently attended a Soiree - check it out!

So, in doing my part of passing the award on, here are the rules:

1)Put the logo on your blog or post (just right click and save to the desktop).

2)Nominate 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude.(If you don't have 10, it's OK).

3)Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4)Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5)Share the love & link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Now, I beg your indulgence here ... my life is indeed very crazy right now. You've read about much of it here (and ask poor Sandy, whom I've neglected badly with all going on!) ... my nominees for this award are the same as listed in the post just below here. All of you, please know how much I appreciate you & your blogs ...

2009-03-15T18:31:00.004-04:00

First, I apologize for being so lax in posting this ...

Terri at Blooming Ideas

extended this award to me at the beginning of last week & I've just been so busy & forgetful, I am just now sharing this. Thank you, Terri, for your kind words & the award!

The award is accompanied by the following words:

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. "

Please give more attention to these 8 writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

1. Sandy

2. Jamie

3. Lisa

4. Elaine

5. Lydia

6. Lisa Lectura

7. Lisa - A Bead a Day

8.Jen

As the person who gave the award to Terri said:

"With so many creative artists out there in blogland, it is an incredible honor to be

recognized as having a noteworthy blog!"

I really appreciate this award ... a nice bit of validation, I guess.

There are so many awesome bloggers in this world - the lists of those I follow in Google Reader & Blogger grow almost daily. I hope you have a moment to check out some of my fav bloggers, as listed above - and share your favs with me, if you'd like.

Again - thank you, Terri!

Saturday night

2009-03-14T23:15:00.002-04:00

It's past my bedtime ... but, a friend is visiting, K's out at her dad's ... no bed, yet.

K & I went to European Papers today - oh, my! I'll get pictures of my purchases tomorrow ... but what fun we had! They don't carry the amount of paper I expected, but charms, inks, ATC supplies, paints, collage pages ... oh, yes! I bought microscope slides - can't wait to play! But, I forgot to get bales, so I guess I'll "have" to go to OneStop this week. I want to check out their brass & copper linking anyway ... I still haven't stopped at a Michael's to see if any here are stocking Tim Holtz's stuff, yet ... oh, the temptation! I got a bit of APAD journaling done today, but not as much as I'd hoped. Oh well ... all in due time, right?

Mmmmmm ....

2009-03-13T10:17:00.001-04:00

THIS is where I want to be!!!

I survived!

2009-03-12T12:37:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am here to tell you I survived last night's Saving Abel/Seether/Nickelback concert! (not Saving Jane, as I typed the other day - sorry, Jamie!) The music was AWESOME, from all 3 groups! Of course, Nickelback was best but they were all well worth standing in general admission. Hopefully, I'll upload pictures tonight to share.

We went to Buca di Beppo first for dinner - good food, incredibly bad service. Walked across to Nationwide for the concert, stood in the frigid wind with all of the other general admission people, got searched, tagged, allowed to go in. (So how did the people smoking pot near us get that in? *lol*) Standing with a mass of other people wasn't terrible, some of the time. Some of the time, I wanted to claw my way out & not look back. I might have expected to see some of the younger (i.e., late teens, 20's) people being wild in one way or another - but last night, it was far more the older adults (especially those 40-ish & up) who were just stupid. Drinking too much. Shoving their way through anyone to get where they wanted to be 'cause we all know they were more important than those of us who'd gotten there earlier & gotten our spots. And then there was the white supremist-tude guy I was standing next to - in his full regalia of piercings everywhere, black clothing, etc .. yeah, what a sweetheart. He was bragging about throwing rocks at the people in Columbus' gay rights parade. Oh, how I wanted to say "and what do I get to do since you have all of these piercings & therefore YOU are different?". I don't care about the piercings - anymore than I care about if someone's gay or green or whatever. I cared about what he said. And there was the woman who'd driven from New York for this concert, because she "got free tickets". Yeah. Whatever ....

I'm so glad we went .... wonderful music, great entertainment...