Without further ado, here it is... Cats Consuming Crunchies!
 |
| L to R: Osiris, Thor, Miri, Pebblesong and Iisis |
Friday, October 11, 2013
Starts With the Letter "C"
I've been quiet here in blogland for a few weeks. Though I have thought many times about the 52 Photos prompts and even took shots for one of them, I have not had time to put together a post. This week, however, I knew I could not miss. I knew what photo I wanted to take, and have been waiting all morning for the sun to come out to make the photo possible. (Even though it was taken indoors, sunlight was needed for any of the subjects to be seen, as none of them are fans of the flash)
Without further ado, here it is... Cats Consuming Crunchies!
Their assigned eating spots are too widely placed to fit in one frame, so everyone was very confused when I put the dishes all in a row. But as you can see they got there eventually.
Without further ado, here it is... Cats Consuming Crunchies!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Bright
As I was driving around this morning delivering papers, I came upon this fella riding his bike. Twice he was coming towards me, but most of the time I was following. Obviously he did not have anywhere to go as he was taking the same route as I: up one street, turn around and come back down, turn at the corner and repeat.
It was an overcast morning, with a thick fog just beginning to lift. My first thought upon seeing him was, "wow that shirt is bright".
It took several attempts, but I finally got him in the frame. Do you have any idea how hard it is to photograph a moving bicyclist while driving?? On the wrong side of the road no less.
Well, yes I was on
the wrong side of the road, but I did stop to take the photos, which
made it all the more difficult as he got further and further away. I
finally got this shot, and that was the last I saw of him.
It was an overcast morning, with a thick fog just beginning to lift. My first thought upon seeing him was, "wow that shirt is bright".
Light bulb!
Bright is the prompt for 52 Photos Project this week.
It took several attempts, but I finally got him in the frame. Do you have any idea how hard it is to photograph a moving bicyclist while driving?? On the wrong side of the road no less.
Okay, no, not really.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
At the End of the Day
Right smack in the middle of summer vacation, we had two young ladies (in addition to my own Princess A) come and stay with us for a week. The littlest went to camp all day and the two oldest who had time and opportunity to do whatever they wanted (day trips, hikes, mini golf, you name it!), decided they really just wanted to hang out and read.
At the end of a long day of camp and, um, reading, here they all are sitting by the fire, or in the case of Princess A, lying on the hammock.
At the end of a long day of camp and, um, reading, here they all are sitting by the fire, or in the case of Princess A, lying on the hammock.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
On the Line
Welcome to my first entry for 52 Photos Project! I became aware of this project originally through my sister, and most recently through my mother who informed me it was fine to jump in any time. So... here I am!
Last weeks prompt is "On the Line". Sure, I am jumping in last minute, but the gallery is still open, so why not?
I have spent the last several days thinking of lines, and looking for lines and just not feeling very creative about lines. Then I thought of Princess A's math class. She is taking Geometry; and what is Geometry, but non-stop LINES!
Here is a sample from tonight's homework:
Last weeks prompt is "On the Line". Sure, I am jumping in last minute, but the gallery is still open, so why not?
I have spent the last several days thinking of lines, and looking for lines and just not feeling very creative about lines. Then I thought of Princess A's math class. She is taking Geometry; and what is Geometry, but non-stop LINES!
Here is a sample from tonight's homework:
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Ranting Over Others' Reactions to a Tragedy
This article came up through my news feed on Facebook this afternoon. I am appalled at some of the comments:
One says that there is plenty of research that the majority of peanut allergies are psychological (!!)
Another suggested that instead of banning the foods, allergic people should just avoid places containing the allergen. Umm, school?!?
Yet another who says it is not his problem, and he is tired of having to change his life because of someone else's problem.
When Princess A was three she ate a cashew. As soon as she swallowed it she started screaming that her tongue hurt, that her throat hurt, that her chest hurt, that her belly hurt, then she started vomiting. Fortunately she missed the Christmas turkey that was just about to be served.
Two months later (Valentine's Day, to be exact), she took a bite of a peanut butter cup handed out at her (supposedly peanut-free) daycare. Again, she immediately started screaming. I had her spit it out, rinsed her mouth out, gave her Benadryl and all was well. Thankfully.
Less than a year after this, we went out to dinner. We told the hostess of her allergy before we even agreed to eat there. Told the server as we were handed our menus, and reiterated the information when we ordered. We were assured everything was safe. Turns out it wasn't, there was a walnut in the oatmeal cookie. Again, screaming in pain, and I could see her lips swell. Her words were slurred as her tongue swelled as well. Benadryl was given, an epi-pen was administered and paramedics were called.
Each of these events occurred before she was 4-1/2 years old, the final two at places that had assured us they were nut free.
If she so much as taps a peanut/treenut, she will get a rash. I have also known her to cough/wheeze if she gets too close to peanut butter.
These reactions are neither imagined nor psychosomatic. Do you really believe a three-year-old is that cunning? How could the four-year-old have known there was a walnut in the cookie when the shop who baked them didn't?
I know another little girl who, at age 2, was served a peanut butter sandwich. And by 'served' I mean it was placed on the table in front of her. The reaction was instantaneous. She did not touch it, she did not bite it, but her face and lips blew up.
Did you know that reactions can vary? That if you have a mild allergic reaction one time, does not mean you are mildly allergic, it just means you were lucky. Next time can be a whole different story. Allergies also can develop over time. I met a woman just a couple of weeks ago (Princess A and I took her Zentangle class) who said she had a horrible reaction in a Thai restaurant when she has never had one before. The culprit was peanuts.
I find the reaction of 'I should not have to change, it is your problem' absolutely horrifying. We are not talking about someone who does not like mushrooms and insists that no one else eat them either. Nor someone who chooses to eat vegan and expects all to accommodate. This is a matter of Life and Death.
I think all schools, daycare centers, kid gyms, etc. should ban peanuts and treenuts. I do not believe this will lead to the restriction of every food under the sun that has ever caused someone trouble. In fact, the only other allergy I have heard of that can have such a devastating effect just from being inhaled is latex. And I know of a school that did not hesitate to ban latex from the ENTIRE school for that ONE KID.
Most children of elementary school age and younger are not savvy enough to advocate for themselves, nor are the youngest ones able to read a label. Kids also have a tendency to spill things, leave messes and not wash hands, then touch everything. That peanut butter on his desk, or on his hand can spread throughout the entire room. Your kid will survive if he does not eat a peanut butter sandwich. My kid could die if he does. Is your child's immediate gratification more important than my daughters life??
Plus, sometimes it is your problem. Some years ago, Princess A and I flew to FL, to see my sister. I bought tickets with an airline whose policy was that while they were unable to forbid peanuts altogether, they would prepare a peanut free area, six rows in front, behind and across the aisle of an allergic person. The flight attendants made an announcement that "due to an allergy, rows blank through blank would not be served any peanuts and any that they had purchased needed to stay in their bags, or we would have to land in North Carolina and nobody wants that".
But of course we all know that person who insists her kid is allergic to milk, then proceeds to serve him yogurt as part of lunch and ice cream for dessert. Or that other one who says she is allergic to dairy and, when accidentally served cheese topping, just scrapes it off and eats it anyway. Or the one whose kid is allergic to dairy, eggs, peanuts, and treenuts, but the child does not bring her own snack to the amusement park and the epipen is purposely left (by the parents) in the car. Or yet another one who says he is so deathly allergic to fish that he expects everyone in his apartment complex(!) to no longer prepare fish in their own homes(!), yet does not even own an epipen. (Trust me, he was not allergic)
Please, please, please, do not say there is an allergy if it is only a dislike or disdain or totally grossed-outedness. Just say you find it repellant. Otherwise, you seriously undermine the safety of those with true allergies. I am certain the reason that so many believe that all of this allergy talk is just "hype" or made up is because of stories like those above. Allergies are very real and very dangerous. Those of us whose lives are ruled by them (you have to eat in order to survive) need to be believed and need to be respected.
Finally, never, ever serve an allergen to a guest with an allergy. Ask before preparing food if there are any allergies in the party. Be cognizant of the ingredients you use and warn people of what is not safe. Better yet, don't cook with those troublesome items at all. I am always willing to answer questions as to what exactly Princess A can and cannot eat, and how to prepare something to be absolutely sure it is safe. I also do not mind providing for her (I have baked her personal cupcakes for many a birthday party), but do appreciate if the majority of your menu is safe for her to eat. I know I am obnoxiously judgmental over how people prepare food for my daughter. It is not personal, I am just trying to keep her safe. She wants to be able to participate in the festivities as fully as the other kids do, after all. A trip to the ER is not fun for anyone.
One says that there is plenty of research that the majority of peanut allergies are psychological (!!)
Another suggested that instead of banning the foods, allergic people should just avoid places containing the allergen. Umm, school?!?
Yet another who says it is not his problem, and he is tired of having to change his life because of someone else's problem.
When Princess A was three she ate a cashew. As soon as she swallowed it she started screaming that her tongue hurt, that her throat hurt, that her chest hurt, that her belly hurt, then she started vomiting. Fortunately she missed the Christmas turkey that was just about to be served.
Two months later (Valentine's Day, to be exact), she took a bite of a peanut butter cup handed out at her (supposedly peanut-free) daycare. Again, she immediately started screaming. I had her spit it out, rinsed her mouth out, gave her Benadryl and all was well. Thankfully.
Less than a year after this, we went out to dinner. We told the hostess of her allergy before we even agreed to eat there. Told the server as we were handed our menus, and reiterated the information when we ordered. We were assured everything was safe. Turns out it wasn't, there was a walnut in the oatmeal cookie. Again, screaming in pain, and I could see her lips swell. Her words were slurred as her tongue swelled as well. Benadryl was given, an epi-pen was administered and paramedics were called.
Each of these events occurred before she was 4-1/2 years old, the final two at places that had assured us they were nut free.
If she so much as taps a peanut/treenut, she will get a rash. I have also known her to cough/wheeze if she gets too close to peanut butter.
These reactions are neither imagined nor psychosomatic. Do you really believe a three-year-old is that cunning? How could the four-year-old have known there was a walnut in the cookie when the shop who baked them didn't?
I know another little girl who, at age 2, was served a peanut butter sandwich. And by 'served' I mean it was placed on the table in front of her. The reaction was instantaneous. She did not touch it, she did not bite it, but her face and lips blew up.
Did you know that reactions can vary? That if you have a mild allergic reaction one time, does not mean you are mildly allergic, it just means you were lucky. Next time can be a whole different story. Allergies also can develop over time. I met a woman just a couple of weeks ago (Princess A and I took her Zentangle class) who said she had a horrible reaction in a Thai restaurant when she has never had one before. The culprit was peanuts.
I find the reaction of 'I should not have to change, it is your problem' absolutely horrifying. We are not talking about someone who does not like mushrooms and insists that no one else eat them either. Nor someone who chooses to eat vegan and expects all to accommodate. This is a matter of Life and Death.
I think all schools, daycare centers, kid gyms, etc. should ban peanuts and treenuts. I do not believe this will lead to the restriction of every food under the sun that has ever caused someone trouble. In fact, the only other allergy I have heard of that can have such a devastating effect just from being inhaled is latex. And I know of a school that did not hesitate to ban latex from the ENTIRE school for that ONE KID.
Most children of elementary school age and younger are not savvy enough to advocate for themselves, nor are the youngest ones able to read a label. Kids also have a tendency to spill things, leave messes and not wash hands, then touch everything. That peanut butter on his desk, or on his hand can spread throughout the entire room. Your kid will survive if he does not eat a peanut butter sandwich. My kid could die if he does. Is your child's immediate gratification more important than my daughters life??
Plus, sometimes it is your problem. Some years ago, Princess A and I flew to FL, to see my sister. I bought tickets with an airline whose policy was that while they were unable to forbid peanuts altogether, they would prepare a peanut free area, six rows in front, behind and across the aisle of an allergic person. The flight attendants made an announcement that "due to an allergy, rows blank through blank would not be served any peanuts and any that they had purchased needed to stay in their bags, or we would have to land in North Carolina and nobody wants that".
But of course we all know that person who insists her kid is allergic to milk, then proceeds to serve him yogurt as part of lunch and ice cream for dessert. Or that other one who says she is allergic to dairy and, when accidentally served cheese topping, just scrapes it off and eats it anyway. Or the one whose kid is allergic to dairy, eggs, peanuts, and treenuts, but the child does not bring her own snack to the amusement park and the epipen is purposely left (by the parents) in the car. Or yet another one who says he is so deathly allergic to fish that he expects everyone in his apartment complex(!) to no longer prepare fish in their own homes(!), yet does not even own an epipen. (Trust me, he was not allergic)
Please, please, please, do not say there is an allergy if it is only a dislike or disdain or totally grossed-outedness. Just say you find it repellant. Otherwise, you seriously undermine the safety of those with true allergies. I am certain the reason that so many believe that all of this allergy talk is just "hype" or made up is because of stories like those above. Allergies are very real and very dangerous. Those of us whose lives are ruled by them (you have to eat in order to survive) need to be believed and need to be respected.
Finally, never, ever serve an allergen to a guest with an allergy. Ask before preparing food if there are any allergies in the party. Be cognizant of the ingredients you use and warn people of what is not safe. Better yet, don't cook with those troublesome items at all. I am always willing to answer questions as to what exactly Princess A can and cannot eat, and how to prepare something to be absolutely sure it is safe. I also do not mind providing for her (I have baked her personal cupcakes for many a birthday party), but do appreciate if the majority of your menu is safe for her to eat. I know I am obnoxiously judgmental over how people prepare food for my daughter. It is not personal, I am just trying to keep her safe. She wants to be able to participate in the festivities as fully as the other kids do, after all. A trip to the ER is not fun for anyone.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Mini Melinas Twisted Tuesday
The owner of the Twisted Tuesdays Challenge blog (#2TC57)has a little girl who just had a birthday (happened after the challenge posted, but before I posted here). I do not know her name, however, so I will call her Mini Melina. In honor of her birthday, the challenge is to use the color pink (a favorite of Minis); The twist is to show something that is outdoors (Mini loves to play outside).
When I was at the Rubber Stamp Expo this past June, I did a Make -n- Take which involved sponging and spritzing. I really loved the effect, and when SCS published that same technique recently in their weekly tutorial, I wanted to try it again.
The shades of pink (trust me, there are three) evolve from lightest on the right to darkest on the left. Most of the gallery photos, and even the Make -n- Take that I did, feature silhouettes, but I thought Mini was a bit young for that yet. Many stamps were considered and dismissed, but as soon as I saw this one, I knew it was right.
When I asked Princess A if the first thing that came to mind when she thought of the great outdoors was a unicorn, she hesitated, and in that moment, Main Squeeze pointed out, "well, I have never seen one inside"
Card Details:
When I was at the Rubber Stamp Expo this past June, I did a Make -n- Take which involved sponging and spritzing. I really loved the effect, and when SCS published that same technique recently in their weekly tutorial, I wanted to try it again.
The shades of pink (trust me, there are three) evolve from lightest on the right to darkest on the left. Most of the gallery photos, and even the Make -n- Take that I did, feature silhouettes, but I thought Mini was a bit young for that yet. Many stamps were considered and dismissed, but as soon as I saw this one, I knew it was right.
 |
| Happy Birthday Mini! |
When I asked Princess A if the first thing that came to mind when she thought of the great outdoors was a unicorn, she hesitated, and in that moment, Main Squeeze pointed out, "well, I have never seen one inside"
Card Details:
Image: Unknown
Sentiment: N/A
Cardstock: GP, SU
Ink: SU, Memento
Coloring: N/A
Coloring: N/A
Tools: Sponges, Spray bottle
Embellies: Gelly Roll Stardust glitter pen, unknown rhinestones
Friday, August 16, 2013
Quartet Coaching Part II - The Coach
A mentioned in a previous post, my quartet was privileged to be coached by one of the best known names in Sweet Adelines, Kim Vaughn! She was informative; She was funny; She was helpful; She was interesting; She was fabulous!
I wanted to make her a thank you card. Took me nearly a week to come up with anything more than the image I wanted to use. Sketch Saturday (#271) helped in this regard.
Internet has been off and on for a couple weeks, so here I am at the last minute finishing this post. Sadly, I missed the deadline for The Pink Elephant (#211), using texture. I think, perhaps, I need a new router. Darn thing keeps forgetting how to communicate with the modem. I am getting very tired of fixing it every day, some days more than once.
Anywho, back to my card. I stamped the background first with "Weathered" from SU. Next, I stamped the cover-a-card music notes. I crumpled it and crushed it, unfolded it, then crumpled and crushed it again. I used my distressing tool on the edges (all the while wishing I had done this step before the crumpling, etc) then inked the edges and the ridges. My goal was a look of old parchment. I think it came out pretty well.
Card Details:
I wanted to make her a thank you card. Took me nearly a week to come up with anything more than the image I wanted to use. Sketch Saturday (#271) helped in this regard.
Internet has been off and on for a couple weeks, so here I am at the last minute finishing this post. Sadly, I missed the deadline for The Pink Elephant (#211), using texture. I think, perhaps, I need a new router. Darn thing keeps forgetting how to communicate with the modem. I am getting very tired of fixing it every day, some days more than once.
Anywho, back to my card. I stamped the background first with "Weathered" from SU. Next, I stamped the cover-a-card music notes. I crumpled it and crushed it, unfolded it, then crumpled and crushed it again. I used my distressing tool on the edges (all the while wishing I had done this step before the crumpling, etc) then inked the edges and the ridges. My goal was a look of old parchment. I think it came out pretty well.
Card Details:
Image: Copper Leaf Creations, Cover-a-Card, SU
Sentiment: Computer generated
Cardstock: SU
Ink: SU, Memento
Coloring: Copics, Prismacolor markers
Coloring: Copics, Prismacolor markers
Tools: Nestabilities, Tim Holtz Distressing Tool
Embellies: unknown sequins, unknown rhinestone, Stickles |
| And here we are with Kim |
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Quartet Coaching Part I - The Outfit
This past Saturday, my quartet had the honor of coaching with Kim Vaughn (formerly Hulbert), Sweet Adelines International Faculty, International quartet champion (several times over), International Chorus Champion director and all around amazing singer and teacher. Though shaky in the week leading up to it, I had a blast on stage. Oh right, did I mention our coaching took place in front of many of the regions quartets? 
During our weekly rehearsal we discussed what to wear. Our chorus director (who happened to be there) said she was going shopping that afternoon and would keep her eye out for some tops. The following night at chorus rehearsal, she had a bag full! (Not to mention a perfect pair of earrings) We chose two sets (everything must be bought times four, remember) and sent one back. We wore the more casual (and slightly cooler; it is summer, all) top for our big day.
The lead and tenor went shopping later in the week and found necklaces, bracelets and bangles to match
Kim complimented us on our appearance and talked to the other attendees about how your impression on stage sets the judges to expect good (or not so good) things from you.
On Sunday while blurfing (I have been trying to do a better job with keeping up with everyone's blogs), I came upon The Deconstructed Sketch (#112). Immediately my "All Dressed Up" dies came to mind, and a card was born. This one will go to Marion (SONE director), our personal shopper.
Card Details:
During our weekly rehearsal we discussed what to wear. Our chorus director (who happened to be there) said she was going shopping that afternoon and would keep her eye out for some tops. The following night at chorus rehearsal, she had a bag full! (Not to mention a perfect pair of earrings) We chose two sets (everything must be bought times four, remember) and sent one back. We wore the more casual (and slightly cooler; it is summer, all) top for our big day.
The lead and tenor went shopping later in the week and found necklaces, bracelets and bangles to match
Kim complimented us on our appearance and talked to the other attendees about how your impression on stage sets the judges to expect good (or not so good) things from you.
On Sunday while blurfing (I have been trying to do a better job with keeping up with everyone's blogs), I came upon The Deconstructed Sketch (#112). Immediately my "All Dressed Up" dies came to mind, and a card was born. This one will go to Marion (SONE director), our personal shopper.
Card Details:
Image: N/A
Sentiment: SU
Cardstock: GP, SU
Ink: SU
Coloring: N/A
Coloring: N/A
Tools: SU Framelits die
Embellies: SU button, SU Bakers twine, SU Dimensionals
Monday, July 29, 2013
Happy (Humorous) Birthday, Barb!
I think of myself as a rather entertaining person; I can usually get a good guffaw out of ya at least once in a conversation. But I will admit, coming up with an idea for a humorous birthday card stumped me. Over the course of a few days, whenever it would cross my mind, I put in varying search terms in Google Images to find something funny that I could replicate. Nothing too difficult, as I was going to need to make multiples.
Finally, FINALLY, I hit pay dirt. A sentiment made one of my stamps jump to the forefront of my mind. It would be complicated, as it would involve much detailed cutting and numerous maskings, but I have plenty of time (cards are not due until October, after all); I decided to go for it.
This time around, The Deconstructed Sketch (#111) provided inspiration for the layout.
About five minutes in, it became very clear, that the idea was beyond my abilities to produce once, never mind eight times. A quick search through my birthday drawer and I found another image that would work just fine; and a card was born.
I alternated between punches for the border. At first I had the candles dripping red wax (different punch than shown here), but Princess A stated that it looked more like blood, which had also crossed my mind. Not exactly festive.
I punched icicles, turned them upside down and put them along the top, and she agreed it could pass for flame. All those candles would produce a mighty blaze.
With the way Barb and Jeanette are always ragging each other, I think this card's message is perfect.
Card Details:
Finally, FINALLY, I hit pay dirt. A sentiment made one of my stamps jump to the forefront of my mind. It would be complicated, as it would involve much detailed cutting and numerous maskings, but I have plenty of time (cards are not due until October, after all); I decided to go for it.
This time around, The Deconstructed Sketch (#111) provided inspiration for the layout.
About five minutes in, it became very clear, that the idea was beyond my abilities to produce once, never mind eight times. A quick search through my birthday drawer and I found another image that would work just fine; and a card was born.
I punched icicles, turned them upside down and put them along the top, and she agreed it could pass for flame. All those candles would produce a mighty blaze.
With the way Barb and Jeanette are always ragging each other, I think this card's message is perfect.
Card Details:
Image: Hero Arts
Sentiment: American Art Stamps, computer generated
Cardstock: GP, SU
Ink: Memento
Coloring: Copic Markers
Coloring: Copic Markers
Tools: Martha Stewart punch, SU punch, Nestabilities, Embossing folder
Embellies: Unknown bradSaturday, July 27, 2013
Aprils 15th Anniversary
The hostess for July/August in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Cards is April. She has requested, in honor of her 15th...
UGH, April, not my forte. An anniversary is not something I have ever celebrated, and is not really on my radar of occasions for which to make cards. But, I searched and searched and searched and searched and searched (you get the picture) and finally came up with an idea. Fortunately, Tuesday Morning Sketches (#208) had a sketch that fit my image and sentiment perfectly.
Happy Anniversary, April and Michael!!!
Card Details:
Anniversary cards.
UGH, April, not my forte. An anniversary is not something I have ever celebrated, and is not really on my radar of occasions for which to make cards. But, I searched and searched and searched and searched and searched (you get the picture) and finally came up with an idea. Fortunately, Tuesday Morning Sketches (#208) had a sketch that fit my image and sentiment perfectly.
Happy Anniversary, April and Michael!!!
Card Details:
Image: Elzybells
Sentiment: Elzybells
Cardstock: GP, SU
Ink: Memento
Coloring: Copic Markers
Coloring: Copic Markers
Tools: Martha Stewart punch, Nestabilities
Embellies: Stickles, generic dimensionalsSunday, July 7, 2013
What Happened to Flopsey?
Some weeks ago, LJ opened a swap for a stamp company I do not own and have no desire to acquire. I checked out Linda's stash, but nothing jumped out at me. She and I discussed it and decided to request LJ host a My Favorite Things swap so I could join it. (Sure, I could have hosted it myself, but I really wanted to join an LJ swap.)
Here we are more than 30 days later, and I have just finished my cards. But, since they are not due for 20 more days, I am actually ON TIME!!!
Back to MFT... What happened to Flopsey?? I went on the site to see if there were any new Flopseys I needed for this swap and there was not a single one! I read a little further only to find out Flopsey was discontinued?! WHAT?!? How could they do that to this bunny that reminds me so very much of Princess A's own special Mel??
[This was Mel on Princess A's first First Day of Fifth Grade (I say first First because she had a second First Day when we moved). He is sitting on the front steps waiting for her to come home from school so he can present her with the gift we made for her while she was away.]
I cannot believe that my six sets of Flopsey are all I am ever going to have of him. I guess Mel will have to live vicariously through the critters of some of my other stamp sets instead...
I found the sketch for this card on Sketch Saturday (#266) after reading Kelly's post about it. I had never heard of this blog before, but it is now bookmarked and I hope to continue to find inspiration there.
Card Details:
Here we are more than 30 days later, and I have just finished my cards. But, since they are not due for 20 more days, I am actually ON TIME!!!
Back to MFT... What happened to Flopsey?? I went on the site to see if there were any new Flopseys I needed for this swap and there was not a single one! I read a little further only to find out Flopsey was discontinued?! WHAT?!? How could they do that to this bunny that reminds me so very much of Princess A's own special Mel??
[This was Mel on Princess A's first First Day of Fifth Grade (I say first First because she had a second First Day when we moved). He is sitting on the front steps waiting for her to come home from school so he can present her with the gift we made for her while she was away.]
I cannot believe that my six sets of Flopsey are all I am ever going to have of him. I guess Mel will have to live vicariously through the critters of some of my other stamp sets instead...
I found the sketch for this card on Sketch Saturday (#266) after reading Kelly's post about it. I had never heard of this blog before, but it is now bookmarked and I hope to continue to find inspiration there.
Card Details:
Image: MFT, Artful Inkables, Cover-a-Card
Sentiment: N/A
Cardstock: GP, SU
Ink: Memento, SU
Tools: Embossing Folder, Nestabilities, IO Mega Mount, SU punch
Coloring: Copic markers, Prismacolor markers
Embellies: Unknown dimensionalsTuesday, June 25, 2013
Barb's Fabulous Flowers
I was doing so well earlier in the year with getting my swaps in on time, that I signed up for not one, but two spots in Barb's Fabulous Flowers before my cards were finished. Here we are at the last minute and I just finished the second set. Technically set #2 was finished over the weekend, but since I was making extras for another occasion, I did not consider the entire set finished until just now.
The first card I made, featured Tuesday Morning Sketches (#203) and was actually finished on that same Tuesday. Sadly I did not have time to scan it until this morning so I missed the entry deadline
Can I just mention how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE
the Cover-a-Card stamps by Impression Obsession? I may never buy designer paper again!
Card Details:
Card #2 features Sweet Sketch Wednesday (#211). Unfortunately, there is not title on that particular blog post so I cannot link directly to it. If they should fix this, I will adjust the link accordingly.
Card Details:
The first card I made, featured Tuesday Morning Sketches (#203) and was actually finished on that same Tuesday. Sadly I did not have time to scan it until this morning so I missed the entry deadline
Can I just mention how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE
the Cover-a-Card stamps by Impression Obsession? I may never buy designer paper again! 
Card Details:
Image: PSX, Impression Obsession Cover-a-Card, Denami Design
Sentiment: N/A
Cardstock: GP, SU
Ink: Memento, SU
Tools: Embossing Folder, Nestabilities, IO Mega Mount
Coloring: SU Watercolor Crayons, Aqua Painter
Embellies: Unknown ribbonCard #2 features Sweet Sketch Wednesday (#211). Unfortunately, there is not title on that particular blog post so I cannot link directly to it. If they should fix this, I will adjust the link accordingly.
Card Details:
Image: Riley
Sentiment: SU
Cardstock: GP, SU
Ink: Memento
Tools: N/A
Coloring: Copic Sketch Markers
Embellies: Unknown rhinestonesSaturday, May 18, 2013
5K Diary - Week Five
W5D1 - First five = gravy. Second five, a little harder, but I made it through with some energy to spare. Last five, I swear, that which was a cooling breeze during the first two runs felt like a blustery wind that was trying to push me backwards. Reality check: was in fact a cooling breeze the entire time.
W5D2 - I misread the plan for today. I saw that the first run was eight minutes, but then thought the second was less. Imagine my surprise when it did not tell me to walk, and I looked and there was still four minutes to go! But I did it; I finished two 8-minute blocks of running. Phew!
W5D3 - Twenty Minutes. In a row. Without a walk break (and without peeking). On the Road - Translation: Hills!
W5D2 - I misread the plan for today. I saw that the first run was eight minutes, but then thought the second was less. Imagine my surprise when it did not tell me to walk, and I looked and there was still four minutes to go! But I did it; I finished two 8-minute blocks of running. Phew!
W5D3 - Twenty Minutes. In a row. Without a walk break (and without peeking). On the Road - Translation: Hills!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
5K Diary - Week Four
W4D1 - You may remember that I was questioning my abilities to graduate to Week 4 since there was such a huge gap in Week Three, but today I went for it. The first three-minute run was gravy, but that first five-minute, OMG! I knew I should not, but I did - I checked the timer; 1:45 left, UGH. About 20 seconds later a dog came barking across a yard (don't worry, I have walked this route with my dogs many times and he never leaves the yard; I think they have an invisible fence), which gave me something else to focus on. Before I knew it, the leg was over! I think it was knowing that after this five section, I had to do the series again that made it so difficult. The final five, where finishing meant the workout was done, was no problem at all.
W4D2 - Back to the track this morning. I went on the road near home for Day One, but today is a weekday (therefore commuters), and the first day of finals to boot. Running on the road while sleep-deprived, anxious college students are getting a late start to their first exam and driving faster and riskier than usual did not seem like a smart idea. It went pretty well today, with occasionally reminding myself that I did it on Saturday so I can do it again.
W4D3 - Overcast today, which is good for me. Sun did not come out at all until I was on my cool down. Hopefully that will mean no new rashes today. Was rather warm and humid though, so I had my jacket sleeves rolled up. I need to start using some other sort of pocket for my phone cuz it is getting too hot for an extra layer. My knee started hurting on the cool down so I am spending a little extra time under Peas before I start my day.
W4D2 - Back to the track this morning. I went on the road near home for Day One, but today is a weekday (therefore commuters), and the first day of finals to boot. Running on the road while sleep-deprived, anxious college students are getting a late start to their first exam and driving faster and riskier than usual did not seem like a smart idea. It went pretty well today, with occasionally reminding myself that I did it on Saturday so I can do it again.
W4D3 - Overcast today, which is good for me. Sun did not come out at all until I was on my cool down. Hopefully that will mean no new rashes today. Was rather warm and humid though, so I had my jacket sleeves rolled up. I need to start using some other sort of pocket for my phone cuz it is getting too hot for an extra layer. My knee started hurting on the cool down so I am spending a little extra time under Peas before I start my day.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Hooray For The Winners
As I mentioned in my last post, I volunteered to make cards for my friend Yoda to send to the winning choruses and quartets from our recent regional competition. As usual, my first stop was Tuesday Morning Sketches. I stared at this weeks design (196) for a few minutes, then went looking for an image.
Originally, I was thinking of a congratulations stamp along the bottom, but since the image I decided upon already has a sentiment, I had to use something else. Sweet Adelines are all about the bling (after the singing, of course), so rhinestones were the obvious choice. Pink in this case (believe it or not).
A scan of the cards have been sent to Yoda for approval. If, for whatever reason, she does not like them, I will be back with my next design.
Card Details:
Originally, I was thinking of a congratulations stamp along the bottom, but since the image I decided upon already has a sentiment, I had to use something else. Sweet Adelines are all about the bling (after the singing, of course), so rhinestones were the obvious choice. Pink in this case (believe it or not).
A scan of the cards have been sent to Yoda for approval. If, for whatever reason, she does not like them, I will be back with my next design.
Card Details:
Image: Stampin Up!
Sentiment: (SU)
Cardstock: SU, GP
Ink: Memento
Tools: Nestabilities
Coloring: Prismacolor Markers
Embellies: Unknown ribbon, unknown rhinestones
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Thank You to Yoda
When Princess A was just barely three, she liked to sing into the microphone on my computer and have me play it back for her. I decided to use this opportunity to my advantage and had her sing Happy Birthday to various people and then I would email them the track. One of them was to Laura, but Princess A, being just three did not pronounce Ls or Rs very well. The resulting line was, "Happy Birthday Dear Yoda". Laura has been Yoda ever since.
Fast forward to 2013. Yoda is now on the Management Team of my Chorus; her position being Corresponding Secretary or Communications Manager or something like that. Anyway, she was talking after Contest about needing to send cards, and I jumped in and said, "What kind of cards do you need? I will make them for you".
She said she needed three congratulations and one thank you and that she would need more in a few weeks to send a "love gift" to the chorus and quartet competing in Hawaii. When I got home, I remembered this as she needed multiple thank yous and one of something else, whose theme I could not recall. Oops! What can I say it was a long, busy weekend and I was tired. (But I won some pretty medals
)
As soon as I realized that the thank you image was flowers, I decided to make lots (16 to be exact) so I could send them for a swap as well. (Soon after I had signed up for two spots in Barb's Fabulous Flowers swap, the hostess for May/June in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Cards picked flowers as her theme as well. That is a lot of flowers!) It is hard to tell in the scan, but the center of eight of the falling flowers is a pearl. Without further ado, here are the cards that Yoda will be sending and will also go to the SOTC swap:
Card Details:
Fast forward to 2013. Yoda is now on the Management Team of my Chorus; her position being Corresponding Secretary or Communications Manager or something like that. Anyway, she was talking after Contest about needing to send cards, and I jumped in and said, "What kind of cards do you need? I will make them for you".
She said she needed three congratulations and one thank you and that she would need more in a few weeks to send a "love gift" to the chorus and quartet competing in Hawaii. When I got home, I remembered this as she needed multiple thank yous and one of something else, whose theme I could not recall. Oops! What can I say it was a long, busy weekend and I was tired. (But I won some pretty medals
)
As soon as I realized that the thank you image was flowers, I decided to make lots (16 to be exact) so I could send them for a swap as well. (Soon after I had signed up for two spots in Barb's Fabulous Flowers swap, the hostess for May/June in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Cards picked flowers as her theme as well. That is a lot of flowers!) It is hard to tell in the scan, but the center of eight of the falling flowers is a pearl. Without further ado, here are the cards that Yoda will be sending and will also go to the SOTC swap:
Card Details:
Image: Stampin Up!
Sentiment: (SU)
Cardstock: SU, GP
Ink: SU
Tools: Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page (Corner)
Coloring: N/A
Embellies: Viva Pearl Pen
On a related note, I posted this to Yoda's Facebook Wall this morning:
On a related note, I posted this to Yoda's Facebook Wall this morning:
Thursday, May 2, 2013
5K Diary - Week Three
W3D1: Late start today, but that was more due to the fact that my mother called, than lack of motivation on my part. The first jog started rough and uncomfortable; I was just getting into my stride when it was time to walk. Everything was much smoother after that. I even got a small chuckle when Pandora started playing I Ran by Flock of Seagulls. Finished this day feeling like Day Three and it is only Day One! 
I realized last night and then again when talking to my mother this morning, that I need to give kudos to my sister. She, who can break a leg stepping off a welcome mat, and was never a fan of such activity, started running last year; she got the flu (the real diagnosed influenza not a bad cold which people often refer to as the flu - 'tis a pet peeve, sorry) in December which knocked her for six, but she started right back up again once she was well. If she can do it, I can do it. Thanks Mb for the inspiration!
W3D2: Greetings from Vermont; though by the time you read this I will be home again. This morning was a bit earlier than usual. (I do not sleep well at home; I sleep even less well at others'.) I brought the wrong gloves, but I should have worn them anyway, despite their heaviness. Instead I ended up wrapping my sleeves around my hands. It kept the wind off anyway. All in all a successful outing.
W3D3: After more than a week off, I finally got out this morning. Between school vacation, chorus contest weekend and recovering from chorus contest weekend, 
I have not had a morning. (Have to do morning cuz of that whole Lupus-can-not-be-out-in-the-sun thing). Despite the long stretch of nothing, today's run was not too bad; though I am wondering if I should repeat Week Three just to be safe.
I realized last night and then again when talking to my mother this morning, that I need to give kudos to my sister. She, who can break a leg stepping off a welcome mat, and was never a fan of such activity, started running last year; she got the flu (the real diagnosed influenza not a bad cold which people often refer to as the flu - 'tis a pet peeve, sorry) in December which knocked her for six, but she started right back up again once she was well. If she can do it, I can do it. Thanks Mb for the inspiration!
W3D2: Greetings from Vermont; though by the time you read this I will be home again. This morning was a bit earlier than usual. (I do not sleep well at home; I sleep even less well at others'.) I brought the wrong gloves, but I should have worn them anyway, despite their heaviness. Instead I ended up wrapping my sleeves around my hands. It kept the wind off anyway. All in all a successful outing.
 |
| The view on my run in VT |
I have not had a morning. (Have to do morning cuz of that whole Lupus-can-not-be-out-in-the-sun thing). Despite the long stretch of nothing, today's run was not too bad; though I am wondering if I should repeat Week Three just to be safe.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
5K Diary - Week Two
W2D1: My baby is in the hospital. We spent all day yesterday in the Emergency Room and she was transferred and admitted to a hospital closer to home at 7PM. This morning I did not want to do anything, but then I thought, "what am I going to do, sit home and wallow in my depression? I cannot visit her until this evening, so I may as well get out there." Main Squeeze was on his way to grocery (as no one was able to get there yesterday) so I asked him to bring me to the track. Not ready to start my day alone I guess. Roxy came along for the ride and on the way I said she was wishing she had longer legs. Gemini meanwhile was wishing she had a brain. For some reason everyone this morning chose to go the opposite direction from us, so for every lap I passed them twice. Sometimes
I wonder if the running part would go easier if Gemini was not pulling
out to the side whenever someone else came along on the track.
W2D2: This week just gets harder and harder to get going. Probably does not help that I forgot to Peas my knee after Curves yesterday. I decided at the last minute to go to the Success Assembly at school, even though Princess A would not be there. One of the teachers asked if I had another kid at the school. She gave me a funny look when I said no, it is just that I have never missed one. Then there is the jogging itself. I cannot imagine next weeks assignment when I feel like I am barely getting through this week. Main Squeeze thinks that it will be fine; each day as I push myself to the end, I am building up strength for the next week when I will have to do more.
And, yes Tami, your comments did help me to get started and they keep me going every time. April now, too. Thank you both!
BTW, I think the dogs would be very happy if my Knee Peas were to spring a leak
W2D3: Memories of Day 2 made it even harder to get going this morning; what a lucky surprise that I was not struggling at all! In fact, I missed the first walking cue and ended up jogging for an extra thirty seconds and felt fine! By the time she said to cool down, I was happy to be done, but at the same time I know I could have done another jogging leg (no pun intended). The big question is, was it so easy because I am getting stronger, or because I left Gemini at home? Without the many corrections she requires I was able to focus on an even stride; but then again, how even would that stride have been without days one and two?
W2D2: This week just gets harder and harder to get going. Probably does not help that I forgot to Peas my knee after Curves yesterday. I decided at the last minute to go to the Success Assembly at school, even though Princess A would not be there. One of the teachers asked if I had another kid at the school. She gave me a funny look when I said no, it is just that I have never missed one. Then there is the jogging itself. I cannot imagine next weeks assignment when I feel like I am barely getting through this week. Main Squeeze thinks that it will be fine; each day as I push myself to the end, I am building up strength for the next week when I will have to do more.
And, yes Tami, your comments did help me to get started and they keep me going every time. April now, too. Thank you both!
BTW, I think the dogs would be very happy if my Knee Peas were to spring a leak
W2D3: Memories of Day 2 made it even harder to get going this morning; what a lucky surprise that I was not struggling at all! In fact, I missed the first walking cue and ended up jogging for an extra thirty seconds and felt fine! By the time she said to cool down, I was happy to be done, but at the same time I know I could have done another jogging leg (no pun intended). The big question is, was it so easy because I am getting stronger, or because I left Gemini at home? Without the many corrections she requires I was able to focus on an even stride; but then again, how even would that stride have been without days one and two?
Monday, April 8, 2013
5K Diary - Week One
4/1-3/13: Having a very difficult time getting outside! Too many requests for my time, cold or wet weather, and just the fear that I won't be able to do it, has kept me inside. How is it possible that I cannot motivate myself and do that which I so desperately want to do?
What finally got me out there? A comment on my first 5K Diary post. I imagined Tami asking me how things are going and me having to say I had not started yet. I definitely did not want to have to give that answer! So, thank you Tami, for helping me get over the motivational hump.
Week 1 Day 1 (W1D1): This is it! I am going out there today, no matter what!
I thought for sure there was going to be one more jog, but the app said "cool down" so I did, even though I know I could have done another round. My right knee has started slipping (it kinda bends all sorts of directions ie sideways/backwards, which does not feel very good and often makes me lose balance), so I may need to think about wrapping it until the surrounding muscles get stronger. Other than that, I feel great! Gemini enjoyed it too. Only took her about 1.5 times around the track to get the idea that she needed to stay next to me, no matter what her nose was telling her. Roxy was not happy about being left home. Poor Poochie, but those short little legs are just not going to go the distance.
W1D2: My knee has been uncomfortable since that first run. Not because of the first run, cuz this is something I have had for quite some time, though admittedly running did not help. Before going out this morning I scoped out the fridge (freezer actually), discovered several bags of frozen veggies. Am going to commandeer a bag of "Knee Peas" when I get home. Also, I took an extra green pill before leaving and will take my regular dose when I get home. (Don't worry, I know what I am doing.) Hopefully that will keep everything copacetic. Amazingly my knee felt absolutely fine while jogging! I am very happy it was not a painful experience today. However, the back of my ankle had some trouble.
W1D3: The thermometer said 37F when I left this morning; by the time I came home (just about an hour later) it read 50F. So glad I removed that extra layer before heading out. Finished up with a bloody ankle again, though not as bad as before (there was less to rinse out of my shoe anyway). The Moleskin did not stay on; maybe a bigger piece next time? Strangely, I noticed that it hurt less when jogging (barely noticeable, in fact) than it did during the walking phases. Gemini was obsessed with the man at the track, who ended up about 20 feet behind us for the last lap. My left arm got a bit of a workout trying to keep her focused on me.
Next week the jogging sections are going to be 50% longer. I really need to find a solution for this ankle, and maybe some strong smelling treats to carry in my pockets to keep Gemini's attention.
What finally got me out there? A comment on my first 5K Diary post. I imagined Tami asking me how things are going and me having to say I had not started yet. I definitely did not want to have to give that answer! So, thank you Tami, for helping me get over the motivational hump.
Week 1 Day 1 (W1D1): This is it! I am going out there today, no matter what!
I thought for sure there was going to be one more jog, but the app said "cool down" so I did, even though I know I could have done another round. My right knee has started slipping (it kinda bends all sorts of directions ie sideways/backwards, which does not feel very good and often makes me lose balance), so I may need to think about wrapping it until the surrounding muscles get stronger. Other than that, I feel great! Gemini enjoyed it too. Only took her about 1.5 times around the track to get the idea that she needed to stay next to me, no matter what her nose was telling her. Roxy was not happy about being left home. Poor Poochie, but those short little legs are just not going to go the distance.
W1D2: My knee has been uncomfortable since that first run. Not because of the first run, cuz this is something I have had for quite some time, though admittedly running did not help. Before going out this morning I scoped out the fridge (freezer actually), discovered several bags of frozen veggies. Am going to commandeer a bag of "Knee Peas" when I get home. Also, I took an extra green pill before leaving and will take my regular dose when I get home. (Don't worry, I know what I am doing.) Hopefully that will keep everything copacetic. Amazingly my knee felt absolutely fine while jogging! I am very happy it was not a painful experience today. However, the back of my ankle had some trouble.
 |
| Looks like I am officially committed; I certainly cannot return the shoes after this |
W1D3: The thermometer said 37F when I left this morning; by the time I came home (just about an hour later) it read 50F. So glad I removed that extra layer before heading out. Finished up with a bloody ankle again, though not as bad as before (there was less to rinse out of my shoe anyway). The Moleskin did not stay on; maybe a bigger piece next time? Strangely, I noticed that it hurt less when jogging (barely noticeable, in fact) than it did during the walking phases. Gemini was obsessed with the man at the track, who ended up about 20 feet behind us for the last lap. My left arm got a bit of a workout trying to keep her focused on me.
Next week the jogging sections are going to be 50% longer. I really need to find a solution for this ankle, and maybe some strong smelling treats to carry in my pockets to keep Gemini's attention.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
5K Diary - Gearing Up
2/10/13 - Looked into Couch to 5K app
that friends have raved about. (OK, maybe not 'raved' per se, but they used and liked it and are regularly running 5Ks now, so it has to be
good, right?) Reading the reviews, I discovered some comments regarding
difficulty playing downloaded music while using app. Immediately I searched for and
downloaded the Pandora app
(works out for me since I do not want to add music to my phone anyway,
but I really did not want to be out without any) (And honestly, it was
not that quickly. First I read the reviews, then did the math of
GB usage; I don't want to go over my limit! It seemed to me that at 30
minutes a day 3x per week, I would not be in danger, so I went ahead and
installed it)
2/22/13 - Met with Nick (also known as my rheumatologist) for my regular 8-week appt, and ask about running. He said no problem, just start very slowly and get good cushiony shoes.
(If things seem a bit out of order to you, you are right. But I knew I was going to run regardless; asking Nick was just a formality. How fortunate that he was so supportive of the idea)
3/21/13 - Went to Bob's with my multitudes of coupons and Verizon wireless rebate cards (those things just pile up around here, but we really don't buy new phones all that often). Tried on at least one pair from every brand I respect (NOT Sketchers, cuz Princess A had a pair of those and they wore out in 4 months. Did I mention that Princess A ONLY wears sneakers for gym class? What a waste of money those were; I am never buying that brand again.) Had a moment of silence because I did not fall for any Saucony. All my old running shoes were Saucony, but not this time. Today I fell in love with a pair of Nike. I tried very hard not to (hence the trying on of just about every other brand in the store), but the Nikes grabbed me and would not let go. Nearly an hour later, my new sneakers and I were heading to the car. (disclaimer: new sneakers are similar, but not identical to the pic in the link)
(Why is this all taking so long, you ask? Because this is New England in winter; I am not planning to start running before April. Why rush?)
3/22/13 - At Curves this morning they were talking about a rumor that it is going to be a cool Spring. Not going to get warmer til mid April. UGH. I do not want to wait that long before I start. Looks like I may be starting in the chill after all.
3/25/13 - Got home late yesterday evening after SONE retreat. (Had to hit the rubber stamp store that was down near there. I figure if I am going to drive for 90 minutes to get to retreat, I am not leaving without a rubber stamp fix.) Oh. My. Goodness. Am I tired. So happy the quartet decided not to rehearse today.
3/27/13 - Finally feeling somewhat human again after Retreat. Cannot decide, am I that seriously deconditioned from not being able to function for two days, or am I just still over-tired? Gonna chill the rest of this week, and hope to start with the exercise regimen next week.
3/29/13 - Downloaded Couch to 5K app. I am sure you are wondering why I cannot time myself. But I know that if I focus on my own timing, I will also be focused on every footfall, and every breath and every... well, you get the picture. For $2.99, I can zone out and enjoy my run.
2/22/13 - Met with Nick (also known as my rheumatologist) for my regular 8-week appt, and ask about running. He said no problem, just start very slowly and get good cushiony shoes.
(If things seem a bit out of order to you, you are right. But I knew I was going to run regardless; asking Nick was just a formality. How fortunate that he was so supportive of the idea)
3/21/13 - Went to Bob's with my multitudes of coupons and Verizon wireless rebate cards (those things just pile up around here, but we really don't buy new phones all that often). Tried on at least one pair from every brand I respect (NOT Sketchers, cuz Princess A had a pair of those and they wore out in 4 months. Did I mention that Princess A ONLY wears sneakers for gym class? What a waste of money those were; I am never buying that brand again.) Had a moment of silence because I did not fall for any Saucony. All my old running shoes were Saucony, but not this time. Today I fell in love with a pair of Nike. I tried very hard not to (hence the trying on of just about every other brand in the store), but the Nikes grabbed me and would not let go. Nearly an hour later, my new sneakers and I were heading to the car. (disclaimer: new sneakers are similar, but not identical to the pic in the link)
(Why is this all taking so long, you ask? Because this is New England in winter; I am not planning to start running before April. Why rush?)
3/22/13 - At Curves this morning they were talking about a rumor that it is going to be a cool Spring. Not going to get warmer til mid April. UGH. I do not want to wait that long before I start. Looks like I may be starting in the chill after all.
3/25/13 - Got home late yesterday evening after SONE retreat. (Had to hit the rubber stamp store that was down near there. I figure if I am going to drive for 90 minutes to get to retreat, I am not leaving without a rubber stamp fix.) Oh. My. Goodness. Am I tired. So happy the quartet decided not to rehearse today.
3/27/13 - Finally feeling somewhat human again after Retreat. Cannot decide, am I that seriously deconditioned from not being able to function for two days, or am I just still over-tired? Gonna chill the rest of this week, and hope to start with the exercise regimen next week.
3/29/13 - Downloaded Couch to 5K app. I am sure you are wondering why I cannot time myself. But I know that if I focus on my own timing, I will also be focused on every footfall, and every breath and every... well, you get the picture. For $2.99, I can zone out and enjoy my run.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
I have always liked the saying, "In like a Lion, out like a Lamb" when it comes to March. It reminds me that Spring will soon be here. When it is a snowy winter, I love the season, but when just dark and gray and the ground is brown, not so much.
Way back in elementary school (first grade maybe?) Princess A made a lion face and a lamb face. Around the first of March these are hung; one on the door going in (the lion) and the other going out (lamb). These little guys always make me smile and are one of my absolute favorites of her art projects over the years.
Yesterday was been a mixed bag. Woke up to several inches of snow on the ground, but by school bus time it was sleeting. Changed to rain and freezing rain for a while, then suddenly snowing fast and furiously again. Two hours later what was covering the driveway from that second snowfall was gone. The lion is losing her roar. The lamb is edging her way in.
I was not sure what to do with this weeks sketch(#190) over at Tuesday Morning Sketches until I saw the challenge this week at Twisted Tuesday Challenges(#46). The sketch could not have been any more perfect!
Therefore, I made two.
Where are the pearls on this first card, you are wondering? Look closely at the flowers behind Riley's and the lamb's ears, and also the one still growing on the left.
The lamb is made wooly with Liquid Applique. I don't think it is physically possible for me to make a sheep and not puff it out with that stuff.
While perusing Facebook last night, I discovered a lucky coincidence; this card also qualifies for the Riley and Company challenge(#0613) this week. Oh happy day!
On the second card, the little rim of 'metal' between the handle and bristles of the paintbrushes is colored with a Gelly Roll Stardust clear glitter pen. The pearls here follow the sketch more closely.
Happy First Day of Spring!
Card Details:
Way back in elementary school (first grade maybe?) Princess A made a lion face and a lamb face. Around the first of March these are hung; one on the door going in (the lion) and the other going out (lamb). These little guys always make me smile and are one of my absolute favorites of her art projects over the years.
Yesterday was been a mixed bag. Woke up to several inches of snow on the ground, but by school bus time it was sleeting. Changed to rain and freezing rain for a while, then suddenly snowing fast and furiously again. Two hours later what was covering the driveway from that second snowfall was gone. The lion is losing her roar. The lamb is edging her way in.
I was not sure what to do with this weeks sketch(#190) over at Tuesday Morning Sketches until I saw the challenge this week at Twisted Tuesday Challenges(#46). The sketch could not have been any more perfect!
Therefore, I made two.
The lamb is made wooly with Liquid Applique. I don't think it is physically possible for me to make a sheep and not puff it out with that stuff.
While perusing Facebook last night, I discovered a lucky coincidence; this card also qualifies for the Riley and Company challenge(#0613) this week. Oh happy day!
Happy First Day of Spring!
Card Details:
Image: Riley & Co
Sentiment: N/A
Cardstock: SU, GP, unknown dp
Ink: Memento
Tools: SU square punch
Coloring: Prismacolor markers
Embellies: Viva Pearl Pen, Liquid Applique, SU buttons, SU bakers twine, Gelly Roll Stardust glitter pen
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Green With Envy Over Your Recent Make-Over
I spent some time the other day perusing SCS, but I could not find another swap that interested me; Hence another "What Women Want" card was born.
I knew immediately what stamp set I wanted to use, so off to Tuesday Morning Sketches I went. The sketch(#189) was perfect!
Oh, but wait, there's a catch. A color scheme is attached. I know I have been out of it for a while, but I do not remember ever seeing that before. Oh well, who says a make-over card has to be pink anyway?! After all, my favorite color is green...
You may notice in the original sketch there is a little swirl around the image, or in the case of this card the sentiment - I know, I know, I said I was not a fan of sentiments, but in this case I made an exception. Anywho, back to the swirl. I do not have anything like that and am too cheap (not to mention lazy) to go out and purchase, especially as I would need not just one, but eight. (I almost always make swap cards in sets of eight. Six to send, two to keep.) To compensate for my lack of funds/desire/energy I used a swirly embossing folder. I think it worked just fine.
After my card was made, I remembered I needed to check Loves Rubberstamps Challenge blog to see if I won anything last week (I didn't). While I was there, I discovered this weeks challenge(#43) is "Shades of Green" so this card will be entered there as well. BONUS!
I knew immediately what stamp set I wanted to use, so off to Tuesday Morning Sketches I went. The sketch(#189) was perfect!
Oh, but wait, there's a catch. A color scheme is attached. I know I have been out of it for a while, but I do not remember ever seeing that before. Oh well, who says a make-over card has to be pink anyway?! After all, my favorite color is green...
After my card was made, I remembered I needed to check Loves Rubberstamps Challenge blog to see if I won anything last week (I didn't). While I was there, I discovered this weeks challenge(#43) is "Shades of Green" so this card will be entered there as well. BONUS!
Card Details:
Image: Stampin Up
Sentiment: SU
Cardstock: SU, GP
Ink: SU
Tools: Cuttlebug, embossing folder
Coloring: N/A
Embellies: Prima - Iced Got Flowers, unknown rhinestone brad
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