Justified Journey

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T23:10:00.000-05:00

For my lovelies . . . Good thing Rachel snapped this picture as this pretty pink cake was practically devoured before I even got home from work today!! I'm so glad I picked up this heart shaped cake pan! I love it and I know it will get lots of use! I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day and that you were able to spend some time with your own lovelies. Such a sweet holiday!!

Freedom

2012-02-11T13:37:00.000-05:00

My beautiful baby girl is 18 today. She's been counting the days, anticipating some sort of magic that will occur and give her the golden ticket to becoming an adult as she greets the day. It's interesting how it goes for each person as they hit that amazing number. I am sad in a way, but also renewed. I have had so very much fun with Rachel for so many years of her life, but I need to step back and let her fly. So go ahead, my big little girl, follow your dreams.

W2 Stories

2012-02-07T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today at work I had to call a couple of people whose W2's were returned. Funny how everyone believes that their W2 will be forwarded if they move and forward their address. W2's are not forwarded. They are returned to the sender and they sit there until you remember to inquire about them or someone like me calls you to find out your new address.

I love people's stories. I think that is part of the reason why I love to interview people. I work in Human Resources and I interview nurses. Everyone has an interesting story. I always like to find out the motivation to become a nurse. I ask them to share with me their good stories and their bad and it's just amazing how nurses can tell you a story on a moment's notice and it's like they are reliving that moment in time, their passion is so raw.

Each nurse I called had moved out of the State of Florida. Being the inquisitive person I am, oh okay, the nosey person I am, I had to find out their story. One nurse moved to Key West. What fun is that? Have you ever been to Key West? I cannot ever imagine living there, but oh what fun that must be! Think Jimmy Buffett, flip flops and shorts everyday. She truly loves living there and is so glad she made the move. She said she feels so much calmer and is enjoying life so much more. I could hear it in her voice.

Another nurse moved back to New Jersey after having lived in Florida since she was 16. She reconnected with her high school sweetheart through Facebook and they are now planning on getting married. She absolutely loves being back on her old stomping ground, feels so content to be back home and is head over heels in love. She sounded fantastic.

I loved hearing their stories and the excitement in their voices. Our journey's are interesting. While we can be so connected with someone day in and day out, one day they could be gone, off exploring new territories, never to connect again. It's interesting how paths cross.

My Nephew

2012-02-06T23:51:00.001-05:00

Philip and his girlfriend, Shanna, joined us for dinner tonight. It was so very good to see them both. We all have interesting paths to travel in our lives and Philips journey is no exception. If you remember my sister that lived next door to me for a brief year or two about a year ago . . . Philip is my sister's son. They used to live in Florida, about an hour north of where we are. My brother-in-law, Philips dad, passed away in 2003 from end-stage renal disease. Philip was 15 and his brother, Kyle, 9. It was not a good time. Shortly after, Philip got in trouble for making a bad choice and he paid the price for it. Coupled with the family's heartache, a big price was paid by all.

Now, just about eight years later, Philip is amazing. He has matured into a fine young man and my heart was clenched just listening to him talk about making it on his own. Sometimes we need knocks along the way so we know which way to go. And sometimes having a pretty, encouraging friend share the journey, makes our travels a bit more exciting.

It was a fun, relaxed evening. The only way it could've been any better is if my sister still lived next door.

Powerful Words

2012-02-05T23:47:00.000-05:00

I had a superb day. It started with an amazing sermon at my church by John C. Maxwell. Have you heard of him? You must hear him. I don't remember the last time I was so excited to hear someone speak. I try to go to church on a regular basis, though I am not always good at it. I've been going faithfully for the last few weeks and I was so excited last week when they announced John C. Maxwell as this weeks speaker. The man is so eloquent, so funny, so inspiring, so real. I sat in church this morning, so excited, waiting for everything to start and thought to myself that this was going to be good, it always is.

He spoke about winning and habits and how, "if you develop the habits of winning, you will make winning a habit". "Winners are passionate about what they do". "Maturity doesn't always accompany age, sometimes age comes alone". He said he was once approached after a leadership conference he presented and someone came up to him at the end and said, "I know what I want to do! I want to do what you do"! John Maxwell looked at the young man, smiled and said, "Do you want to do what I did to do what I do?" Oh yes, it's all a process and the process itself is as important, if not more important, than the end result.

Are you passionate about what you do? Passion fills one with energy and is the catalyst of self-discipline. Want power precedes wil power.

Thank you John Maxwell for starting my week with a bang. I knew you would and it was so good.

Beautiful Words

2012-01-02T21:36:00.004-05:00

My Symphony

To live content with small means.... To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion.... To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich.... To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly.... To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart.... To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never.... In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common....

...........this is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing

On a recent blog hop, I visited Laura at 52 Flea and was instantly touched by "My Symphony" on her sidebar. I asked Laura if I could quote this poem on my blog and she was thrilled that it held special meaning to me also. Laura said she found this poem in her Nana's attic when she was a teenager in an old frame with watercolor morning glories painted on the frame. Hearing this little story makes me love this poem all the more.

Rita Coolidge once sang to Kris Kristofferson, "words are all I have to take your heart away". I always loved that line. I love words. I love to use them. I love to write them. I love when I find pieces that brand themselves upon me. May beautiful words be music to your ears.

Exploration

2012-01-01T03:47:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012!!! Exploration is my word for 2012. I love it! I want to explore as much as I can, whether it be art, books, friends, healthy living or life in general. I am looking forward to a big, bright, beautiful year and I hope it is the same for you!

Tom and I have been snapping some pictures the past few days, on my exploration journey. Here are some shots from the Arthur G. Marshall Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach, Florida.

This next photo was taken in the equestrian part of my town. I love going just a few minutes away, yet you feel as if you are miles from home.

I am so excited about all of the possibilities a new year holds. I love the feeling of newness. I love the feeling of optimism. Yes, I'm making resolutions. I love to make resolutions. Exploration is on the top of my list! Happy New Year!!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T02:00:00.000-05:00

A beautiful day was had by all . . .

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night . . .

Christmas Art

2011-12-18T11:53:00.000-05:00

I've been having such a fun time catching up on all the art I need to make for various swaps and groups I'm in. Here is a "stocking full of goodies", without the goodies, for my Yahoo group, Art for the Creative Mind.

A Christmas tag for the same Yahoo group.

ATC's for the local ATC Club I belong to.

The altered book for the local group I belong to. This was probably my least favorite theme - Op Art. I love working with black and white, but optical art is not my style. It is good to step out of our comfort zone, though, and I made this "my own" and I like it.

Two more tags to make, a postcard and a couple of journal pages. Thank goodness my shopping, decorating and baking is done! I love the hustle and bustle of this time of year!!

Christmas Banner

2011-12-13T00:07:00.000-05:00

Finished my banner for a swap I'm in with my Yahoo group, Art for the Creative Mind. I love it and am in the process of making one for myself because I think it is just the cutest.

What do you think?

Our Tree

2011-12-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

The tree is up! Yay!

What's that you say - no tree skirt? Hmmm. I'm thinking I got rid of my tree skirt last year. Must go find another. This is my first tree at home with white lights. I've been wanting white lights for years but my kids always wanted multi-colored lights. Fortunately I needed a new tree this year and chose what I like. What a novel idea!! Now on to the rest of the house!!

Ornaments

2011-12-04T00:37:00.000-05:00

I had to make two ornaments for a swap I joined with my Yahoo group, "Art for the Creative Mind". I was so late in getting these ornaments sent because I just could not come up with anything that looked good. Sometimes I have such a mental block with art - very frustrating!! Here is what I finally came up with.

Have you seen the tags Tim Holtz is presenting on his blog? They are divine. My scrapbooking store replicates tags in their own fashion and prepares little kits that we can purchase to make our own tags. Here is the tag for Day 1. I love just about anything Tim Holtz creates, so this is such incredible fun. Now I want to go make my own version.

Pretty much finished with my shopping, which is unusual for me. Now I have to decorate and bake. That was the plan for tonight but teenage daughters sometimes have a way of trashing best laid plans. This too shall pass, right?

Me and My Muse

2011-11-09T00:08:00.000-05:00

Great theme for an art journal, don't you think? This was my latest challenge with my Yahoo group, "Art for the Creative Mind". I just love making these journal pages. This one is one I'd like to keep for myself. I do hope the recipient likes it also. We all have a different taste and style in art journalling and I find that I must do what I like, not what I think someone else will like, especially when I do not even know the person it's being made for. I'm finding that the more art I make, the more comfortable I am with what I make. My daughter gets so angry with me when I doubt what I make. She's given me enough of a push to boost my confidence and not worry about if someone else will like it as I do. It's so much more fun to just let it flow. Here is what I came up with for "Me and My Muse".

My next art journal theme is "Asian". I bought some great additions for that page! Next I'll be starting a Round Robin Art Journal Exchange. I need to get my book started before we send it off in January. I'm really looking forward to this!!

Productivity is a Good Thing

2011-11-06T01:09:00.000-04:00

I had a very productive day today. I was up at the crack of dawn, out to Home Depot when they opened, bought red and white impatiens and some yellow marigolds, as well as some red mulch. Came home, planted and mulched. Once I recovered from that, I hand washed my car. Did about three loads of laundry, put Halloween decorations away, "winterized" my bathroom with my taupe and red accessories, put rope lights on my palm tree and am now getting ready to make art. I'm beat, but feeling good. How was your Saturday?

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T13:45:00.000-04:00

Such a fun day! We dressed up at work, had a fun lunch together and I'll be welcoming trick or treaters tonight if the rain lets up, which is the forecast. Today is my brother's 60th birthday. Can't believe I have a brother that's 60 - wasn't it just a couple years ago that he teased me incessantly? Hope everyone enjoys the magic of the day!

Fun Sunday

2011-10-23T23:29:00.000-04:00

I went to my company picnic today and had such a nice time. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and it was such fun to spend a few hours enjoying the glorious day. They had an artist there doing portraits of interested attendees. I've never done anything like that before and I was anxious to see me through her eyes. I don't quite think it looks like me, but I like the way it turned out.

My Rachel started her first job Friday night. She's a hostess at "On The Border". She wasn't too happy when she came home her first night, certain she was not going to like this job at all and "I just cannot believe everything a hostess has to do"! Where's the violin? Her second night proved to be a better night. She came home happy and bubbly, loving the job and confident that she smiled a lot, kept the cooks informed, was fair to the servers and ensured all the menu's sparkled. When I was a teenager, I could not wait to get a job. Rachel was perfectly content to let me continue to meet all of her financial needs - imagine that! Here's a picture of her on her first day, "Oh Mom"!!!

Ah the seasons of our life!

Art Journal

2011-10-20T22:33:00.000-04:00

I am participating in an art journal swap with my Yahoo group, "Art for the Creative Mind". There are nine participants in this group, who have each selected a theme for their journal. We use watercolor paper, 5x7, front and back in the designated theme to be mailed at specific intervals. My first page was Alice in Wonderland, which I shared back a post or two. My second page was "Art Quotes" and I foolishly forgot to take a picture before mailing. Ugh! My third page was "Magick". I had such a difficult time being inspired with this theme that I was unprepared at mailing time as I still had a blank page. The pressure was on and since I do work well under pressure, my muse kicked in and the following is the result.

On to the next journal page, "Me and My Muse". Gotta go put my thinking cap on and see what I come up with!

Amazing Tribute

2011-09-11T17:53:00.000-04:00

Each year on September 11th, the Fire Chief's Association of Palm Beach County, Florida presents a tribute to those that lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and to honor those that risked their lives on that fateful day. The ceremony this year was in my town and I was so touched by the day's events. Every Fire Department and Police Department throughout Palm Beach County was represented. Each unit had fire trucks parked along the main road in. A parade was held ending at our Ampitheatre where a beautiful ceremony was held. Here are some photo's to capture the day.

A plaque on the front of one of the trucks reads, "Look Busy Until We Get There"

The Flyover

A Flag That Was In The World Trade Center, Framed

Our Town's Memorial - steel from between the 69th and 71st floors of Tower 2 and the Fountain with an Eternal Flame. There is also a wall with the names of each person that perished etched in glass.

It was a typically hot, hot, hot Florida day, yet the Firefighters from throughout the County were gathered together to honor their own. They stood in the blazing hot sun, in full uniform, never showing any discomfort. As we were standing behind a group of Firefighters, I noticed that every 15 minutes or so, the person in the front of the line who was standing in the direct sun, would move to the back of the line where there was shade so each had a turn in the sun. Amazing.

After the ceremony was over, we were speaking with one of the Firefighters crediting him for withstanding the heat in full uniform. He commented that they were well hydrated, that they train for "conditions" like this and with a twinkle in his eye said, "even if we were dying, we'd never let you know it"! Not everyone could fill those shoes. Thank God for those that do!

An amazing day. The emotions are overflowing. I remember what I was doing ten years ago today. We all do. It was the day life changed forever.

What I Like About Me

2011-09-10T22:09:00.000-04:00

I am the type of person that sees the good in everything. I am pretty much happy all of the time and I don't let things get me down. I could be going through the worst of times, but life goes on and I don't let those things that I cannot control, control me. I always want everyone to be happy but realize that it is a choice we each have to make. I choose to be happy. I choose to not let things bother me. If something is going really horribly, I just plod on through and seek the fun, the happy the feel good stuff. I don't have to be like this. I choose to be like this. We're all on a journey and I'm liking my journey. Hey, it's my journey and I want to enjoy it, so I'm going to.

My travels today took me to my favorite scrapbooking store. I love the group of friends I've met there and truly enjoy being with them while we take some time to play. I participated in a 7 Gypsies Printers Tray class. It was relaxing and fun. Here is the finished product.

There were a couple pieces that did not come in yet so I'll have to add them when they arrive. The center on the top row should have two hooks on either side holding the clock with wings. There should be a hook on the top left holding that little banner; and there should be hooks on either side of the little photo album in the bottom right with an elastic holding it in place. I'm going to add some black and white photo's of my parents and perhaps some journaling where I can. I just love it! This was a very fun project.

I'm participating in an Art Journal swap with "Art for the Creative Mind", a Yahoo group I belong to. The theme for my journal is "Words", a theme I've used before and never tire of everyone's interpretation. I received my first page today, a beautiful creation by our group leader, Tolegranny.

Front

Back

The first page I had to create is for an Alice in Wonderland Art Journal. Here is what I came up with.

I also made a tag last week at the scrapbooking store to welcome Fall.

Tomorrow I need to bring out my Fall holiday decorations and pack away my patriotic things until next

smmer. Hope you are enjoying your weekend too.

What do you like about you?

I haven't posted in so long I see Blogger has changed. Why are things centered now? How can I change that? Hmmm. Must go figure this out. See what happens when you take a month to make a post?!! The world keeps turning, ready or not!!

Bird Song Tag Book

2011-08-06T01:30:00.005-04:00

I recently participated in a tag book swap, hosted by Karla Nathan. I love to create art with birds and music so I jumped at the opportunity to make tags for the Bird Song Tag Book swap. Blue was my color of choice. Here's what I came up with.

Karla always has the best swappers. I love my book and each tag in it.

I can't imagine hosting such a swap. Karla made the covers for each book, packaged them up nicely to send to us and impressed the heck out of me when I heard she had 150 swappers! It's so nice when someone takes on such a project that brings such happiness to so many.

Sullivan

2011-08-02T23:38:00.005-04:00

I think I am falling in love, though my heart breaks. Tonight I met Sullivan, a ten year old Weimaranan who was surrendered by his family because they are having their first baby and feel Sullivan is too energetic for their new lifestyle. Hmmmmm.

My friend, Hope, asked me to help with the fundraiser she's chairing for The Big Dog Ranch Rescue. We are coordinating a Howlin Hoedown to raise money for this amazing organization. Our committee meeting was held tonight at the Rescue so we could all get an opportunity to see exactly what our efforts will benefit. They currently have about 120 big dogs waiting for placement.

My heart went out to Sullivan. I cannot understand how someone can give up a ten year old dog. Do you know the average life expectancy of a Weimaranan is ten to twelve years? He just got to the Rescue today after a five hour drive from Jacksonville, Florida. I snapped this photo quick, Sullivan looking out the front door, waiting perhaps for his family to come? He probably doesn't know what's going on.

I never used to like dogs. What the heck? I already have two! How will I ever sleep tonight?!

"....and now that I am old and gray, Oh God, forsake me not" . . . .

Cruisin' The Mississippi

2011-07-10T23:11:00.000-04:00

For our final night in New Orleans, we took a two hour cruise on a steamboat on the Mississippi River. New friends from our art classes joined us and it was such fun. The sunset was beautiful and the New Orleans skyline at night was so pretty. It was a guided tour for the first 45 minutes, which is always interesting, and we enjoyed a very good jazz band for the rest of the cruise.

This was the perfect end to a great trip!

More New Orleans

2011-07-08T23:11:00.000-04:00

I didn't participate in the soldering class today so I cruised the French Quarter. Such fun!

New Orleans

2011-07-08T00:56:00.005-04:00

I am visiting New Orleans for the first time. I am with two of my girlfriends for an art retreat with the reknowned Thomas Mann.

The class we took Thursday was entitled, "Fastenation". It was amazing. When I was listening to Thomas lecture, I was pretty lost about half way through. My head was swimming with thoughts like, "what am I nuts"? "What the heck kind of class did I sign up for"? "Joyce, do you really think you can do what he is describing"? I went back to my workstation after the lecture, looked at my pile of nuts, bolts and other pieces of metal, plexiglass and other doodads and wondered how I would pull this one off. Well, here it is . . . my creation.

I sawed metal. I drilled little holes in metal. I sawed plexiglass. I drilled holes in plexiglass. I attached things with nuts and bolts. I sanded. I created. I love it! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever, or could ever enjoy making something like this. Just amazing the thrill of it all. And we still have to see New Orleans! I'm pretty much just beside myself in awe.

Art Show and Tell Part 1

2011-06-30T21:00:00.001-04:00

I had such fun this past weekend making the things I needed for my groups. I often wait until the last minute as I've often felt I worked better under pressure, but I'm starting to change that thinking pattern. I'm not liking it when I have to rush. I want to take my time and think things through and change it up if I'm not pleased with the results. I did have fun playing this weekend, though, even if it was last minute and wanted to share my projects. This is the two page spread I did for the "Lovely in Lace" altered book.

And here are some of inchies I did with the theme of "Faces".

The ATC's this month were, "Place You Would Like To Go". I did Disney, because it was quick and easy. Everyone's ATC's were amazing and I will share those in another post. One was really creative - a picture of Michelle, our scrapbook store owner. There was a little door at the top of Michelle's head with a replica of her brain inside. Michelle is full of incredible ideas that she always gets so excited to share with us, her groupies. Yep, inside her brain would be a great place to go!!

I really need to make a point of sitting at my art table more often because once I sit in that seat, my mind is on art and I love that thought process!

Change

2011-06-27T22:59:00.002-04:00

I changed my blog background. I haven't done that in years. I see many blogs that use the backgrounds on Hot Bliggity Blog so I had to check it out myself. There are lots of pretty ones and I'm not 100% sure about this one so I have to look at it for a few days. It doesn't look real summery, but I think it looks rich and elegant. Now I need to change my header and I don't know how to do that. I want to put all kinds of things that I love in my header. My current photo's are things I love but I don't think it looks good with this background. Well, it's summer and it's time to play around. This might be fun . . .

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-06-26T12:39:00.004-04:00

We're looking lush here in South Florida! Finally getting some much needed rain, which certainly helps with the flowers. I just love coming out my door and seeing a variety of pretties.

The blossoms just fell off this geranium, but lots of new buds will soon open.

I was going to discard this little palm as I didn't think it would survive with its badly burnt fronds, but all of a sudden new growth appeared and it's looking great!

My friend, Hope, gave me this Gardenia on the left this past Easter. It was so full and beautiful - I just loved it. I flew up to NJ shortly after Easter to visit my mom. When I came back, I realized I never asked Rachel to water it while I was gone as it was dried to a crisp. There were a couple of green leaves still hanging on so I tried to make up for my abandonment and watered it, talked to it and tried to nurture it back to life. It worked! It almost looks as pretty as the day I got it!! Hopefully it will flower for me one day!

So that's what's growing in my neck of the woods. How are things in your little corner of the world?

Saturday

2011-06-25T09:04:00.007-04:00

I am feeling great today! I had a miserable task to do that seemed to take forever, but I did it and it's done and it's time to move on. What I have learned over the past couple of months is that stuff is stuff and while it can hold many beautiful memories, our moments together and the memories we cultivate by sharing our time and space in this world, those are the things we will cherish and remember.

Today I am going to make art and I am so excited! I have several projects to do and not much time to complete them but that is my focus and it will be fun! I need to make Inchies with the theme of "faces". What an interesting theme!!

I spent time last night flipping through magazines I've saved for this purpose, cutting out interesting faces. I'm anxious to see the finished product.

I also have ATC's to do with the theme of "Place You Would Like To Go". I'm going to do something similar to one of the photo's in my header, a chair at the beach. Yep, that's where I need to spend some time.

Another project is the new altered book my group started. The book I need to work in is "Living with Lace". I'm so excited about this book as I love all things vintage and lace. I think I will do my page as "The Bride Wore Lace". That will be such fun to gussy up with some of the pretties from my stash.

Last, is a Birdsong Tag Book Swap I'm doing. I have to make seven tags and I will get a little book of seven tags back. I love birds in art and I have a nice little collection of dies that I could use so it will also be fun to sit and design a nice tag for this swap. I haven't done any swaps like this in quite some time so it will be fun to get my feet wet again with this project.

Tonight I'm going to see Bridesmaids with my girlfriend. Sounds like a fun day, so I'm off to enjoy it. Hope you enjoy your day too!!

Guilt

2011-06-13T23:17:00.005-04:00

So after my mother proceeds to make me feel guilty for moving away and leaving her . . . which I did over 20 years ago . . . and I tell her to not make me feel guilty, that I would never make my children feel guilty (would I?) . . . she tells me that she is not making me feel guilty, that I am allowing myself to feel guilty and I should not do that . . . I should never let anyone make me feel guilty.

I guess those words and tonights beautiful rainbow give me peace after an extremely stressful, emotional day. My brother tells me not to think about it, that if I dwell on it, the hurt will not go away. My sister tells me it was the only choice. My other sister tells me she is sorry she could not be with me.

Today's Bible verse was, "Lift up your eyes now and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward." Genesis 13:14 And Rachel ended an essay today with . . . "There's not always going to be someone to take you out of misery, sometimes you have to do that on your own." So I shall stand up, dry my tears, brush myself off and try to remember that life goes on . . .

That Peaceful, Easy Feeling

2011-06-05T22:47:00.008-04:00

The evenings are so cool and breezy here in South Florida now, which is such a welcome relief after the sweltering midday heat. It is so pleasureable sitting outside after dinner, relaxing, listening to the birds chirping away as they come home to sleep for the night, and watching my puppy try to catch lizards, unsuccessfully!

I've been busy cleaning out my mother's home and have acquired a few things in the process, one being this wooden swing. My brother bought this for my parents and they both always loved it. I've fixed it just the way my mom had it with an afghan she made on the back and some patriotic pillows to make it look very inviting.

When you get something new, it kinda makes you want to spruce everything else up too. I planted flowers along my sidewalk.

It's nice to light a fire in my little fire bowl.

And enjoy the beauty that surrounds me in my little space.

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

The Majestic Princess

2011-05-31T17:00:00.002-04:00

Had an awesome day on Sunday! We were invited to a 50th Anniversary Party aboard the Majestic Princess.

Not often I spend time on a yacht, so I made sure to enjoy every moment! The first level was the dining area. The second level had a bar area and this picture below is the third level, my favorite!

We had a yummy brunch as we traveled the intracoastal. The weather was gorgeous and it being Memorial Day weekend, many were out enjoying the day.

I grew up in New Jersey and while I loved living there for many reasons, I am perfectly content now living in the tropical paradise of Palm Beach county in South Florida . . . for many reasons. It's human nature to become accustomed to things and maybe even take things for granted, so sometimes it's good to be reminded of the beauty that surrounds us.

Now if I could cruise on a yacht every weekend, that just might be something fun to take for granted. Hope you all had a great weekend too!!

Bags of Life

2011-05-26T23:03:00.002-04:00

How many bags of trash, bags to Goodwill and packed boxes can one's life fill? I am in the process of packing up my mother's life and dispersing of it as best I can. I sold her house so I can continue to care for her in the assisted living facility where she's been living for the past four years. I have about three more weeks to get everything organized, sorted and gone before the closing.

My heart breaks as I go through each closet and drawer and see the things she so lovingly cherished and saved for us, things with little notes so we would know of their importance to her so we might also hold them dear. While this is a physically arduous task, the emotional toll is heart-wrenching. I'd like to think it would be easier if she were in Heaven as I would then be doing the job she chose me to do. Knowing, though, that she is living and breathing elsewhere and I am in her home dispersing her life's treasures, I just truly do not know that I will ever be able to get past this. Please be assured that I would not be doing this if it were not the last alternative. It does not make it easier. My friends who know the situation, offer many prophetic words of wisdom and while I love them for acknowledging and understanding my pain, I cry in remembrance of days gone by.

Sometimes I wish I were still a little girl, running through the house on a mission to get outside to play, careful not to knock into one of mom's treasures on my way..... rather than packing them up to send on their way, hoping that my mother would understand, if she could.

Tulips

2011-04-28T23:14:00.003-04:00

I have always loved tulips. When I was a young girl living home with my family, I planted hundreds of red and yellow tulip bulbs under our plum tree. Each year I loved when the catalog of tulips from Holland came in the mail. I would sit for hours, pouring over each page, taking the time to select just the right tulips for our area. I would have to plant many new bulbs each year as before the first frost, the squirrels would often dig up my prized possessions. I loved waiting for them to pop through the soil and then slowly and steadily reach for the sun. It was very sad when my parents sold our home after we all grew up and moved away. I often thought about my tulips under our plum tree and wondered if the new owners ever realized their beauty as I did.

I am in New Jersey, where I grew up, visiting my mother for her birthday this weekend. I snapped this picture of the tulips growing outside of my mom's assisted living facility. Living in Florida, the only tulips I see are in the flower buckets at the grocery store. I can't begin to explain how I felt when I saw these tulips today. While I love living in Florida, there are some things remembered from days gone by that just cannot be replaced. The lilacs, the daffodils, the buds on the trees, there is nothing like the renewal of Spring.

Inchies and ATC's

2011-04-17T20:57:00.015-04:00

Hope everyone had a great Easter! I thoroughly enjoyed the day relaxing with family and dear friends. Church was wonderful, dinner was yummy and the togetherness was special.

Last Sunday was Art Day for me. My monthly clubs met and we had a great time. We started something new for this month - Inchies. They are exactly that - a one inch piece of art. Our theme for this month was "The Color Pink". Here are mine . . .

We had to make eight sets of four different inchies. Here they are all together. Don't they look nice with all the sets together? I'm going to put them in a little book with removable adhesive dots so I can easily access if good for a project.

We also traded ATC's. Our theme this month was "Shaped ATC's". I made mine in a gothic arch shape.

Here are the others. It's such fun to see how everyone interprets the theme.

Look at this one. Isn't this an adorable little turtle?

Lift his shell and what do you find . . . How cute is that?

And how appropriate for today, Easter Sunday . . .

It's always such fun to see what the others have created. Next month's theme is "Children". I will enjoy making those.

I've been making art for a couple of years now and just cannot believe how much I enjoy it. I've learned a lot and am feeling more confident from when I first began. Makes life more fun!!

Rainbows

2011-04-15T07:07:00.000-04:00

Love this rainbow I saw on my drive to work this week! I was driving on a big, open, empty highway and snapped this with my phone so it's not the greatest, but still beautiful.

When I lived in New Jersey, I rarely saw rainbows. I was probably ninety minutes out of NYC and it was a heavily populated area, not offering numerous opportunities for rainbows to show their true colors. Since moving to Florida over twenty years ago, I have seen numerous rainbows and I am in awe each and every time.

And yes, if you look closely at this photo, you can see the reflection of my hand on the steering wheel. Thank goodness I didn't need to look closely at what I was doing as this rainbow was beaming in all its glory!

Cheryl's Hearts

2011-04-12T23:28:00.007-04:00

I have a blog friend named Cheryl. She lives in Maine and is a truly superb photographer. Living in South Florida, I find Cheryl's pictures quite different from mine and I savor each one of her beautiful photographs.

Cheryl has a real knack for finding hearts in many of her landscape photo's. It's really quite amazing to see where she finds them. Her posts often show the many hearts she finds. Now I have a heart to share as my tribute to Cheryl. This heart of mine can be found along the walkway to my home. I often think of Cheryl when I see it and had to post this for her.

You should take a moment and see how many hearts you can find along your daily travels. I think you'll be surprised.

Prom

2011-04-02T23:10:00.007-04:00

Not only is today Logan's official 21st birthday, it is also Rachel's prom. Though she is a junior, she chose to go to the prom this year with a group of friends.

The parents had fun snapping away at a pretty local park where we all gathered for Kodak moments and for the kids to hitch a ride.

I wonder how long those 5 inch stiletto's will stay on their feet.

And I wonder how I will survive waiting while Rachel dances the night away and Logan heads to Fort Lauderdale to play blackjack at the Hard Rock.

I think I'll go organize my rubber stamps . . .

April 1, 2011

2011-04-01T18:37:00.000-04:00

It's been two months since I've posted on my blog and I am missing it. About a week ago, a previous post came to mind so I spent some time going back through my blog to find it. I had such a fun time doing that as it brought back many memories of things I've done, places I've visited and some milestones too.

My word for 2011 was "determination" and I need to reel myself back in and focus on determination. We're through the first quarter of the year already and we've all had 90 days of living. I've enjoyed my 90 days and plan to reflect upon them right here.

My son, Logan, will be 21 years old tomorrow. Twenty one years ago today I went to the hospital to get prepped to be induced to give birth to my first child. All my life I looked forward to the day I would have my very own child. The anticipation I felt 21 years ago today is vivid still. I never thought I would physically be able to handle it, but I did and I have loved just about every moment since then.

We took Logan to his favorite restaurant last night as he has to work on his special day. It was so very nice for the four of us to sit together to celebrate Logan. It actually was a celebration of all of us . . . our immediate family unit. We've all been through so much these past 21 years, of course good and bad, but it was so nice to sit with Tom and look across the table at our children and feel pride in what they have both become.

Life's changes can sometimes be hard. Watching your child grow into an admirable man is bittersweet. It is nice to hear now how he handles some of life's challenges, but it was also such fun to hear years ago about driving those Hot Wheels cars and trucks through the pathways built in the sandbox.

Happy Birthday Logan!

Pride and Prejudice

2011-02-01T10:24:00.002-05:00

I should probably be ashamed to admit this but I have just watched the movie, "Pride and Prejudice" for the first time ever and absolutely loved it!!! After the movie last night, I started reading the book, which was free on my Nook, and yes, I must admit, I've never read the book either. Oh my! Cannot believe what I've been missing!

Clay Stamping

2011-01-26T15:26:00.004-05:00

It's such fun to try new techniques, things that I may never have tried before. One of my Yahoo groups, "Art For The Creative Mind", offered an opportunity to participate in a Technique Book. We were grouped into teams of eight and we needed to create one page for each member in our group describing a technique from a random assortment. I selected clay stamping. I chose a stamp that was deeply etched to get a good impression.

Since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, I felt a red heart was very appropriate.

This past weekend I sat outside and played with the clay, kneading it until it was soft and pliable. Firm pressure of the stamp onto the clay gave a nice result.

I cut the heart out with a craft knife and then baked it on a cookie sheet in the oven for about 15 minutes at a low temperature. The clay darkened significantly from the baking. I could've painted it or dusted it with Perfect Pearls, but I chose to leave it in its naked beauty.

This was a fun, new technique that I plan to experiment with for a variety of results. Gosh do I love to create!

A Day to Play

2011-01-08T19:37:00.007-05:00

What a great Saturday! I started the day with a cup of tea on the patio, enjoying the cool morning breezes. Had lots of fun at my favorite scrapbooking store making three more of the Tim Holtz Christmas tags that I mentioned in yesterday's post. Here are all four . . .

These tags were such fun to make. There are two more that I plan to make tomorrow. It actually was quite enjoyable to make a Christmas item now, after the fact. It was so much more relaxing to just sit and play without having to worry about getting it done in time. I must remember this.

I've been faithful about devoting ten minutes daily to the Art Journal Every Day project. It's all a work in progress, but that's the idea. Here are some of the pages I'm working on. Remember I'm no pro, but I am having fun.

I know I'm probably not supposed to use scrapbooking diecuts, but I really like this vintage-looking little boy.

Had to add some zentangles. They are such fun to do. I'm really liking pink and turquoise lately.

I find it interesting that I have so many different ideas floating around in my head of journal pages I'd like to do. When I was out walking my dogs this afternoon, I was thinking that I would like to look like my shadow when the sun is behind me. What an interesting journal page that thought would be. In light of that thought, I went for a nice, long bicycle ride today and enjoyed it immensely. It was a good day.

Holding On To Tim

2011-01-07T07:07:00.002-05:00

Tim Holtz, that is. Tim did his 12 Days of Christmas tags again this year - the fourth time. They are magnificent! I know Christmas is now a fading memory, but I went to my favorite scrapbooking store to make a variation of one of his tags before all of the supplies are shelved. Here's the result.

While I love all twelve of his tags, there are three more I plan to make on Saturday. I'll share the results then. There is something about creating that just fills me with such a sense of peace and contentment. I'm so happy that I'm finally in the space where I have time to do some of the things I enjoy doing.

Found a butterfly stamp to use for this month's ATC's. It's still a work in progress, but this is how it's coming along.

This picture gives a better glimpse of the shimmer from the Perfect Pearls Mist. I've also been faithful about the Art Journal Every Day project. The thought of spending ten minutes a day in my art journal is so appealing that I am eager to play in it and it's amazing the progress that can be made in a short period of time. Hope you're taking time to enjoy your leisure time!

In Living Color

2011-01-06T07:07:00.000-05:00

I am in love with Adirondack Color Wash and Perfect Pearls Mists. Oh my!

They are products that produce beauty. I don't really think these photo's can truly capture the shimmery sheen, but the color is fabulous!

This is the background for the ATC's I'm making for my Artists Trading Card Club. The theme this month is "Butterflies". I'm envisioning some vibrant blue, purple and red on this. Won't that look great?

I had to go back and buy 5 more shades. These are going to be such fun on so many things!! Now back to my butterflies . . .

Could It Be?

2011-01-05T07:07:00.000-05:00

There's a last time for everything, though many times we don't realize at the time that it could be the last time. I'm weird and sometimes I think about stuff like that. I did not know last Christmas in 2009 that it would be the last Christmas I would be spending with my sister living next door to me. How sad that would've been! Would we have cherished the moments more?

My son has a girlfriend that he really likes. He's not home much anymore, which is sad in a way. I know that is how life goes, but that doesn't make it less sad. I'm not ready for my chicks to leave the nest just yet but I guess I don't get to pick the time, do I? If I did, I probably would've picked age 16 or 17, but now that he's pushing 21, he's sweet again and I really like having him around.

So my point is . . . could this have been the last Christmas with him home with me? I surely hope not. But if it was, I had fun and I will cherish the moments . . . just in case.

Art Journal Every Day

2011-01-04T00:01:00.003-05:00

Just came across this blog that is motivating all interested to art journal every day. Who doesn't have ten minutes to add any little something to an art journal? It started January 1st, but I'll start today, because why not today?

I have the perfect little journal to use just for this project. My journal is tiny, only about 5X7, with a turquoise cover with baby blue and navy polka dots, spiral bound, full of watercolor paper!! The size will be perfect for a project such as this. I'm so excited! I can't wait to start. I have some new products I'm anxious to use as well . . .Perfect Pearls Mists in Heirloom Gold and Turquoise and Adirondack Color Wash in Denim and Cranberry. Amazing how the colors go perfectly with my journal and the button above. Sounds like this is meant to be. What fun!!

Grace

2011-01-03T07:07:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful word. It's something I say before my meals. It's innocence. It's beauty. When the monthly ATC swap came up in my Yahoo group, "Art For The Creative Mind", and the theme was "Grace", I knew just the look I wanted.

That's what grace is to me.

Determination

2011-01-02T13:02:00.000-05:00

That's my word for 2011. I love words. They have so many meanings and the interpretation is all in the ears of the beholder. Last years word turned out to be "adaptability". Lots of things went wrong in 2010 but you've got to adapt and keep on going or it will suck you up and spit you out and that's not gonna happen to me. So after making it through the trials and tribulations of 2010, I'm determined to reach some goals in 2011.

I was inspired by a fellow bloggers post stating that she achieved all three of the goals she set for herself in 2010. I did not achieve any because I had to adapt to the changing times . . . and yes, I know that's just an excuse.

In 2011 I plan to be determined in all that I do. I must, once and for all, lose weight. I used to be a cute, skinny little chickee. In my minds eye, I'm still that person. Everyone else needs to know that now. I want to ride my bike more often. I bought it for a reason. It's a beautiful bike. I need to lose weight so I need to add exercise to this list. I want to spend more time making art. I want to read more. I want to not be such a great procrastinator. There you have it. My goals for 2011. Determination. Remember it. Live it.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T23:11:00.001-05:00

We went to the beach on New Year's Eve to rejuvinate the soul. No sense living near the beach if you don't enjoy its beauty, right?

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the atmosphere.

The pier was renovated recently after the destruction from one of the many hurricanes we were hit with a couple years ago.

Got lucky with a couple of good shots of some of the locals.

A great way to start a new year. Happy 2011!!

Happy Birthday Tom!

2010-12-28T23:00:00.003-05:00

It was about this time of year when I first met my husband. I was 24 and he was 26. Could thirty years have passed since then? Happy Birthday Tom!

I remember when we found out that our first child was expected to be a boy. Tom was ecstatic. He always wanted a son.

He has spent many hours and dollars doting over his little girl.

Lots of memories can fill up thirty years.

Happy Birthday Tom!

Old Country Roses

2010-11-22T22:11:00.004-05:00

My favorite china pattern! A few years ago, my mother-in-law bought this china for herself. We both always liked roses.

After a few short months, she told me I could have the china when I wanted it as she was tired of it. I knew that was not the case at all, rather she knew how I loved them and wanted to bring me happiness.

My dear mother-in-law passed away on May 1, 2009 and I just recently acquired this set from her home. This past weekend I removed everything from my china cabinet, scruffed and buffed everything and lovingly placed Old Country Roses in their new home.

I can almost feel her peering over my shoulder, telling me they look nice. Thanks Denise!

Art Clubs

2010-11-21T23:24:00.009-05:00

If it's the third Sunday of the month, it's time for ATC and Altered Book Club. I had an incredibly difficult time coming up with something worth anything for the Altered Book Club this month. The book I had to work on was "Alice in Wonderland". I don't know why it was so difficult for me, but it was. I stressed and stressed all month long and just could not get inspired by any image I saw. My clubs met at 2pm today and I finally was inspired by something at 11am!!! Talk about cutting it close, huh? Well, I told the group that Alice helped me because that's how it looked. I'm so hard on myself sometimes, but rightfully so. When all else fails, add trims. They can spruce up anything!!

I had fun making my ATC's this month. I used alcohol inks on white glossy paper for a marbled effect. I like the way it turned out.

Here are some of the other ATC's for November.

It's always interesting to see the different ways we interpret a theme. I love getting together with this group of women. This is our seventh month together and we are really getting to know each other and have fun together. We only meet once a month and I think we were all nervous at first sharing our work, but we've learned so much from each other and there is nothing like getting like-minded souls together to share their creativity. It was fun!

Half Way There

2010-11-15T23:52:00.003-05:00

Today is the 15th which means I am at the halfway mark for NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month). For the most part, I've enjoyed being connected to my blog on a daily basis this month. For the other part, that is not part of the most part, I find it a challenge to come up with something interesting, exciting and/or thought-provoking on a daily basis. Part of me wants to bail out and the other part of me is saying that I'm halfway and it would be foolish to bail out now. So here I am, writing nonsense. Done. Time to keep on moving on.

My New Fire Bowl

2010-11-14T22:16:00.003-05:00

We built a fire tonight in my new fire bowl. We found it a couple weeks ago at Home Depot at a very reasonable "clearance" price. I've had a couple of chimineas, a wrought iron circular firepace last year and now I have this fire bowl. I think I like this fire bowl best of all! I love to have a fire on my little patio. It just makes it so cozy. The nights are a little cooler here now so the fire is a nice touch. A perfect ending to a great weekend!

Beautiful Today

2010-11-13T22:03:00.007-05:00

We had a great day today! The weather was gorgeous so we went to downtown West Palm Beach to the Green Market. They just relocated it by the intracoastal so the atmosphere was superb!

There were lots of people enjoying the laziness of a gorgeous day.

There were people being artsy.

Tranquil places to sit and relax . . .

A really cool tree . . .

Rachel . . .

Tom and Rachel . . .

Pretty boats on the intracoastal . . .

Pretty palm trees . . .

A beautiful day was had by all . . .

Hope you enjoyed your day too!

Do What You Love

2010-11-12T23:11:00.000-05:00

Had a nice time tonight celebrating a friends birthday. A group of us met at a small restaurant for some good conversation and good food. It was a great way to end a busy week. It's nice talking to different people, finding out what they do and how well they like it. You can find out a lot in just a few minutes with people. I love that. It's so interesting.

It's funny how our careers come to be. I got lucky by getting into the human resources field. Someone encouraged me and someone gave me a chance. I worked hard to prove myself. I've always been good with people. I can talk to strangers and depart as good friends. We all have talents. I wonder how many people are spending their time doing what they are best at. You can certainly tell by talking to people if they are happy in their shoes. Peace and contentment comes from within and jumps out for all to see. Make it worth it.

Vermont

2010-11-11T23:11:00.000-05:00

Wanted to share some random Vermont pictures. Blogger photo upload isn't working well for me tonight. I'll have more another time, but enjoy the beauty.

Don't these turkey's know it's November 11th???? Better get a move on now.

Isn't Vermont pretty?

Notable Books

2010-11-10T23:10:00.000-05:00

I belong to a Book Club. I've been participating for several years now, but unfortunately do not always read the monthly selection. I buy it, but I don't always get around to reading it. I know that is not a fine attribute of a book club member, but I really despise taking my precious time to read a book that I detest. I know, a poor book club member.

A couple of months ago we had a book to read that was superb. Girl In Translation, by Jean Kwok, was excellent. It is about a mother and her young daughter immigrating to the United States and the trials and tribulations they endure. Please take a moment to check out this book because it was an excellent read and it offered great opportunities for discussion.

Our book for this month is, "The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption". So far, so good. I would imagine that book will offer some interesting discussions.

What are you reading?

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2010-11-09T23:34:00.003-05:00

At least around my house! I'm busy getting things together for swaps and having such a blast! I had a wonderful time creating tonight while watching Dancing With The Stars and Parenthood. It was a quiet, peaceful evening doing what I love best. Often I create with the idea of making what I think the recipient would like. Since I do not know the recipient of the card I made tonight, I made what I like.

There are a couple of really good online classes going on right now and I would so much like to participate but I just know I would not be able to find the time to do them. Why is there always more to do than time to do it? It drives me nuts when someone says they are bored. I just cannot understand it. I could fill up a week's worth of activities in a day if I could squeeze the time. Sleep, you say? What a waste of time, but work tomorrow. I'm getting old and need my beauty sleep. Sweet dreams.

White On White

2010-11-08T22:46:00.003-05:00

I had to create two white on white bookmarks for a swap with one of my Yahoo groups, Art For The Creative Mind. I jumped on the bandwagon for this swap as I thought it would be such fun and easy. Oh was I wrong! First of all, I love texture. You cannot texture a bookmark or it won't fit well in your book. And white on white? Oh boy. Not as easy as I thought. I always like to personalize my swaps as best I can so this is for Linda.

That one was fun to make. When I ventured on to bookmark two, I was stumped! Silver counts as white kinda doesn't it? Yep, she says.

Now I have 12 calendar pages to do for the month of July. I had my pages all set until I realized Canadians don't celebrate the 4th of July. But they do have Canada Day on July 1st so perhaps I can incorporate that in some way. I think four or five in my group are Canadian. I also have my ATC and Altered Book Clubs this weekend. ATC's are a Fall theme - easy. The book this month is Alice in Wonderland. That should be fun also. I love when I have creative commitments. It's a wonderful excuse to just sit and be creative. Hmmm, do I have to have an excuse?

Dexter Mountain Road

2010-11-07T23:11:00.000-05:00

This is the street my brother lives on. This is the view coming down the mountain, going into town.

There is a spring house where you can get fresh mountain water. It's always cold. It's always running. It's always clean, clear and fresh.

Right after the spring house, there is French Cemetery. This is a very old cemetery.

This is the view from my brother's front porch.

And this is my brother's log cabin and the shop he had built to work out of.

It is so peaceful and serene. Vermont is a beautiful state.

Fall In Vermont

2010-11-06T23:11:00.000-04:00

I visited my brother in Vermont in early October. It was the peak of the Fall foliage and I loved every minute of my trip. My brother was a spectacular host, the weather was crisp and clear and I just cannot remember the last time I had such a wonderful vacation. I have lots and lots of pictures to share, but will first share some colorful clips from our visit to The Vermont Country Store, located in Weston, Vermont, a three hour ride from my brothers home in Glover, Vermont. They do a superb job of decorating for the season.

Living in South Florida, I don't get to see the vibrant colors of the Fall season. I really enjoyed the trees and the whole atmosphere. The people were very nice, peaceful and content. I came away with an inner peace and a new appreciation for the life my brother leads. I can't explain it, but it was such a different feeling from my tropical paradise.

While the Fall is beautiful, this is what he has ready for the cold winter ahead.

He feels comfortable that this will be enough wood for his wood burning stove. Oh my! I cannot imagine. South Florida colors aren't too bad either. This is more my style . . .

But I do think Fall in Vermont would be a great annual tradition!

Roy G. Biv

2010-11-05T11:11:00.001-04:00

I recently participated in a fun swap entitled, "Roy G. Biv" - which is a rainbow swap. We could use any theme we wanted with the only criteria being that each piece predominately reflect one of each color of the rainbow, a.k.a., Roy G. Biv - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. I felt like I wanted my seven pieces to all be the same size, so I cut 4x4 squares from nice watercolor paper. The theme I chose was Mona Lisa. I love that painting and I wanted to show how different she could look when highlighted by distinctive colors.

The background of each card was a super-fun process I learned from my art buddy, Suzanne. We put several sheets of crumpled-up white tissue paper on white plastic kitchen garbage bags on the patio. We spritzed each with water to dampen the tissue. We filled little paper cups with some Golden Fluid Acryllic paints in various colors and splattered two or three colors randomly over the tissue. We let dry overnight. This is the result.

I've been dying to use these papers and I was thrilled with the way my Mona Lisa cards came out.

Red Hot . . .

Orange you glad I didn't say banana . . .

Walkin' on sunshine . . .

Green with envy . . .

The deep blue sea . . .

Her eyes were as blue as the sea . . .

Purple with a purpose . . .

I wish I could've kept them. I love the way they turned out. Guess I have to make more!!

Hope

2010-11-04T11:11:00.003-04:00

When I first started blogging in April 2008, I had a long summation "About Me". I love to read the words others use to define themselves. How do we see ourselves? What makes us happy? Sad? What are we good at, or bad at?

I work in Human Resources. I have seen many different types of people, some at their best, some at their worst. I have learned through the years that we are ingrained to be a certain type of person - not that we are incapable of change, as anything is possible with determination, motivation and hope. I think it all goes hand-in-hand. When we are determined, we are motivated and we have hope. We can never lose hope, lest we lose our motivation and determination.

My "About Me" now reads, "By the grace of God, I am what I am". When I was in high school, when it was time to prepare the yearbooks, all seniors were given a form to complete for what they wanted written about them. Many were so prolific, listing all of their activities and accomplishments during their four year high school tenure. One girl, named Beth, was short, sweet and concise. She wrote, "By the grace of God, I am what I am". Those words made such an impression on me so many years ago and continue to this day.

I have learned that I cannot make myself into what someone may want me to be. I can only fulfill my own expectations. We walk our path alone, but I cherish the moments I spend with those I hold close to my heart. I try to always look at the positive because I like it better that way. I always believe the best in anyone I come into contact with because they deserve it.

I have hope. I believe that everything will have an outcome amd whether we like it or not, it is the path we were meant to follow. Our destiny. A beautiful place to be.

How would you define yourself?

Treasures

2010-11-03T11:11:00.004-04:00

When I was a little girl, I couldn't wait to grow up and have a house of my own. I always loved all of my mother's treasures and started at an early age to collect treasures of my own. I couldn't wait to buy furniture, dishes, pots and pans and all of the other items necessary to make up a home.

When I was in high school, my best friend, Nancy, and I could go on for hours about the apartment we would get when high school was over. We would decorate it in our favorite colors, hers in shades of green, mine in sunshine yellow. Nancy got married right out of high school and I was so envious when I visited the home she set up with her new husband.

At 25, I finally moved out of my parents house, much to their dismay, and got my own apartment. I had hand-me-downs from wherever I could get them and slowly replaced things with items of my own choosing as money allowed. I got married shortly thereafter and was so happy to finally set up a real home with all of my own things. I spent years accumulating the treasures that made my heart sing. I would always love to just sit in one of my rooms and look around at all of my beautiful things and how nice something looked here or there. Through the years, it was such a sense of accomplishment to be able to acquire things that I had spent years longing for.

I've always had a penchant for dishes. I love changing out the dishes in my china cabinet for the seasons. I love my sets of dishes for Spring, Halloween and Christmas and other assorted patterns thrown in between. I love my placemats, chargers and napkin rings. I love my collections of Santa's, books and bric-a-brac. I am now content with all that I have and am more selective about the things I choose to acquire. Never thought I'd see the day!

My mother no longer lives in her own home, though it is still there, fully stocked. My mother-in-law passed away in May 2009. Both of these influential women in my life spent many years of their lives acquiring their own treasures. When life goes on, our treasures remain as somewhat of a memorable part of what we loved and held dear. Treasures are just objects and certainly not worthy of fretting over, but they are what they are and I am overwhelmed with the treasures of lives well-lived and loved but now these treasures are distant traces of days gone by.

So, what to do with all of these treasures? Women's treasures. Can you just imagine? I am sentimental, but I have my own treasures. My children will want their own treasures. We are all distinct human beings with our own thought processes, wants, desires and treasures that are significant of the road we each have travelled. It's somewhat difficult to discard some things that were so important to the most special women in my life.

Why can some people just toss and others treasure?

Altered Book Club

2010-11-02T11:11:00.001-04:00

Any opportunity to do something fun and creative is just up my alley. I am having a ball with the local Altered Book Club I'm doing now. We have just completed the six month mark which means we are half way through. It has been such fun. Each participant selected a theme for their book and each book goes around the group, giving each of us an opportunity to do our interpretation in a two-page spread.

In September, the book I worked on was Mythical Creatures. I had a really hard time with that book because I am not into mythical creatures. I fretted practically the whole month and was really agitated the night before pouring over the internet trying to find an image that moved me. Finally the morning of our meeting I found an image I could work with and this is what I did.

My husband and children are Irish, so once I found this image, I was thrilled that I could create something that reflected their heritage. I liked that the image was black and white and an Olde World-type image, rather than some of the cuter leprachaun's we often see for St. Patrick's Day.

In October, the book I had to work on was "Recipes". I knew right from the day I got this book, exactly which recipe I would include to capture a Fall theme. I have the best recipe for Caramel Dip. I never knew anyone that did not like this dip. It's great this time of year with all of the yummy apples available. Pretzels would be a good choice also. Doesn't this look good?

Well, you may not think it looks too good, but you really must try it. Easy peasy! All you need is an 8oz package of cream cheese, one cup of light brown sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy and serve with tart apples. Trust me. You will love it!

This is the spread I did for the book.

For an added treat, I brought Caramel Dip and apple slices with me to our Altered Book Club meeting. Everyone loved it and I know you will too. Try it. It's a great Thanksgiving appetizer. Can't wait for you to try it!!

NaBloPoMo

2010-11-01T11:11:00.000-04:00

Huh? That's short for "National Blog Posting Month". On a whim, I've decided to join Sandy for NaBloPoMo. I've tried this before, unsuccessfully. I'm not even sure I have the right attitude now, but I'm up for a challenge so I'm going for it!

The idea of NaBloPoMo is to post something every day for a month. Only bloggers can participate. Generally each month there is a theme, but I think November is the big annual event and this year there is no theme. I think I like that. So today, Day One of NaBloPoMo, I am writing about participation. Will I be successful? Will I be able to think of enlightening, riveting snippets of information to keep myself going? Will anyone read what I am writing?

This is for me. This is to spark my creativity in the written form. I love my artistic creativity. I've always loved my written creativity. I just love expressing myself in ways other than talking. Anyone that knows me, knows I've got that down pat! Here goes. NaBloPoMo for November 2010.

Halloween Fat Book

2010-10-31T22:31:00.000-04:00

I recently participated in one of the most wonderful swaps. I belong to a Yahoo group called, "Altered stART". They had a Halloween Fat Book swap where each participant had to make 15 Halloween fat book pages, send them all to the swap hostess in California, who then took took the pages and made them into a wonderful book for each of us. Another member made tombstone name tags for each of us and the books were bound with fun, colorful ribbons and sent back to us. I was amazed at the creativity and had to share. Aren't these pages amazing?

This was such a fun project! It was a great conversation piece!

Today is my brother's 59th birthday. What a treat for my mother!! I recently spent a nice long weekend with my brother at his home in Vermont. I have some incredible pictures to share, as I was there at the peak for Fall Foliage. It was amazing. Happy Birthday Dan!

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween!!

Torso Tags

2010-10-26T00:07:00.000-04:00

I belong to a great group on Yahoo, "Art For The Creative Mind". There are such fun challenges that I just cannot resist. I did over-commit myself recently and had to get all hands on deck to help me meet deadlines, but it was still fun. We have a sassy woman as our leader of this group and she continually comes up with many great swaps for us to participate in. The torso tag was to be a Halloween theme and we needed to create two tags for our partner. I was really pleased with my tags and my partner was too. Yay!

Here is the front of my favorite torso tag.

The back . . .

My second favorite torso tag front . . .

And the back . . .

They were fun to make.

In another Yahoo group I belong to, "Altered stART", I participated in two Halloween swaps. I must share the finished products with you. Fantastic. Superb. Amazing. That will be another post, probably right before Halloween. The talented group of people in this world inspire me so!

How Sweet It Is

2010-10-24T22:54:00.003-04:00

In my neighborhood, there are many Gardenia bushes. I love the smell of Gardenias and I love walking past these bushes and smelling their sweet aroma. On Friday I noticed yellow "caution" tape surrounding one of the bushes. Upon closer inspection, this is what I found.

What's that? You can't really make out what I'm trying to show you. Here, let me give you a closer look . . .

Or, how about this . . .

When I was a little girl, my next door neighbor used to raise bees. He would look like a martian in his beekeeping garb. I remember getting my share of bee stings as a little girl. All the neighborhood kids did. We learned to stay away when the bees were being tended to. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like this, though. Definitely a unique photo opportunity that I had to share. Amazing.

One To Go

2010-10-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

Rachel came home with school pictures. We are pleased with the way they turned out. She selected the purple background. I like the way it looks.

Rachel is a junior in high school this year. I can't believe her school years are almost over. She can't wait. It's been such fun raising my children. It has truly been the most rewarding experience of my life. I must admit, though, I'm a little sad it's almost over. I've had such fun . . . most of the time. But what really threw me for a loop was the pleasure Rachel got out of closing the circle of her school pictures. Only one more picture to go.

She stood back with pride to look at her photo frame next to Logan's.

Such a sense of accomplishment she had to see how far she's come.

Yes, I guess I feel that way too.

Flowers for Boss' Day

2010-10-20T22:09:00.004-04:00

I was pleasantly surprised last Friday with this pretty flower arrangement.

Karen, my Human Resources Coordinator, gave me these flowers for Boss' Day. I'm not real into these newly fabricated holidays, but I was so very touched to receive these flowers. They still look beautiful, almost a week later. Thanks Karen!!

The Twists and Turns of Life

2010-10-16T00:43:00.005-04:00

A little over two years ago, I posted about my sister moving right next door to me. It has been an amazing time having my baby sister so close. We shared many dinners together with our children. She talked me into joining the gym. We enjoyed many moments at the glorious beach talking as when we were children sharing our hopes and dreams. But life happens and things change and what we once thought could be so special, so righteous, so endless, actually does come to a close.

My dear baby sister got married. She was swept off her feet by a man from Tennessee. I resented him at first, taking my sister away from me. But the love in her eyes, the peace in her soul, the contentment in her heart is all I could ever want for her. They are moving back to Tennessee before the sun goes down again.

When I think of the overwhelming excitement I felt as I watched the truck pull down the street with all of my sisters worldly possessions in June of 2008, I could barely contain myself. I knew we had so much fun ahead of us, so much time to bond and rekindle the closeness we always had. How many sisters get the opportunity to live right next door to each other, to share as adults all of life's moments, to sit and while away the hours as we watch and listen to our children growing up together. These are life's precious moments. These are the times we will always remember. These are the memories that we etch deep into our soul, never to be abandoned.

While I know that my sisters move back to Tennessee is the best move for her, and while I will forever cherish the times we were blessed with, and while time and distance will never sever our bond, my tears fall and my heart breaks.

No Excuses

2010-08-08T02:07:00.011-04:00

I'm not even going to make any excuses for why I haven't posted anything in over a month. I've been having a wonderful time living my life and I do my absolute best to enjoy every minute I'm blessed with. So, no excuses.

Art has been so much fun for me lately. I am totally enjoying many of the swaps on one of my Yahoo groups, Art for the Creative Mind. Here is a black and white tag I recently made.

Embossed ATC's with the theme, "Dots, Dots, Dots"

Dragonfiles and Butterflies Card of the Month Swap

Local Altered Book Club - theme "Botanicals"

Local ATC Club - theme "Flowers"

We went to visit my dear Mother in New Jersey last month. When she lived near me, we always used to enjoy making things together. I brought some Magnolia stamps with me and we colored little pictures with my Copic markers. It was such fun and I know she really enjoyed it. I certainly did!! I only wish I took pictures of our finished products, though my Mother has them displayed around her room at her assisted living facility.

Our visits were over too fast. Parting is such sweet sorrow, but a pretty picture until next time.

School starts here in south Florida on August 17th. Next week we'll try to get in every last minute thing we can, working around life's commitments. Rachel is going into 11th grade. Geesh, I remember when I was going into 11th grade. Logan's taking five courses this semester in college, trying to make up for the year he took off after high school when he was an unmotivated blob. He's now an admirable member of society, trying to get ahead the best way he can. Life's lessons . . . we can't teach them, try as we may. We all have to walk in our own shoes.

Well, at least my little Bella worships every word that comes out of my mouth, sweet little puppy!

No excuses! Enjoy your life!!

Little House on the Prairie

2010-07-05T15:44:00.004-04:00

Yep, that's what it's been like in my house! I have been without a refrigerator since last Wednesday. That's right. June 30, 2010. Why, you ask? Because my beautiful GE Profile refrigerator, a mere six years old, kicked the bucket!! Incredible. Craftsmanship these days really leaves much to be desired. I had the ice maker fixed about three months ago . . . to the tune of $250.00. I refused to invest another penny. So, out with the old . . .

Good bye sweet refrigerator. You served us well . . . for six years . . .

In with the new . . . Samsung . . . number one in customer satisfaction for the past four years in a row . . .

Isn't she pretty?

Not too fancy. With a life expectancy of six to nine years, this is good. Now to fill it again. Looks kinda spacious just like this . . .

It really was not much fun going through a holiday weekend living like Laura Ingalls, much as I loved that show in its day. But we survived, with a couple bags of ice. Makes you appreciate the comforts so much more. Happy 4th of July!!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2010-07-01T09:55:00.003-04:00

Rachel went on her first solo flight today to visit family and friends in Connecticut and New Jersey. I know she's 16 years old, but this old mother's heart was flipping out while waiting for that text message telling me she landed. She did! I'm so proud of her for handling this on her own. And I'm proud of me also!! She is very mature and very responsible, but still, I've always been with her whenever she flew anywhere. It's really hard to watch those baby birds spread their wings!!

So now she's off having fun. That's what summer is all about. While we often catch a Broadway show when we visit New Jersey, we won't make it to one this year when I join Rachel. Our alternative is a Bon Jovi concert. That man with the golden locks will rock our socks off on my birthday in none other than our home state. A wonderful birthday treat for me!! I cannot wait!!

Let's Play Tag

2010-06-29T22:37:00.005-04:00

My Charmsters group on Yahoo had a swap entitled, "Let's Play Tag". We had to alter a tag (zipper pull) and add whatever we wanted to it. I decided on a red, white and blue theme in honor of the 4th of July. In my Art Techniques class we learned many different ways to use alcohol inks so that is the method I chose to alter my tags.

I have signed up for a number of swaps and if I really sat and thought about what I have to do, I would be overwhelmed. So, I don't think about it. I just keep on moving on. This swap is crossed off my list now. Next in line is an altered acrylic flower keychain and zentangles. I probably have about 12 projects after that, provided I don't sign up for any more, which is unlikely. I'm having too much fun. We have to do something fun every day. I'm making that my motto.

Blooming Gardenia's!!

2010-06-22T22:08:00.004-04:00

I planted a gardenia bush a while ago. I imagine it didn't like where I planted it. It's still hanging on, but it does not look too prosperous. I'm trying to give it lots of tender loving care to hopefully make up for any indescretions I may have unknowingly bestowed upon it, um, like its place in this world, so we'll see what happens.

Impatient and eager for the beautiful aroma of gardenia's, I bought another bush and kept it in a pot on my patio. Today I was blessed with a beautiful, fragrant, creamy white gardenia. It is gorgeous and I love it!

There are about six additional buds just waiting their turn. If I can keep my thumb green enough, my gardenia will flourish. Mary, Mary, quite contrary. How does your garden grow?

Pretty in pink.

Pretty at night.

A pretty place to chill at the end of the day.

Well, okay, I guess I have to spread the mulch and powerwash, but tomorrow's another day . . .

Art Doll

2010-06-21T23:15:00.005-04:00

My first attempt at an art doll was lots of fun. I belong to a Yahoo group that has lots of fun swaps I have begun to participate in and enjoy immensely. I had such fun making this doll and I plan to make more and more as the possibilities are endless.

I was so excited to see what my partner thought as I copied her photo to use for my doll's face as I thought it made it a little more personal. She loved it!! It's so great when someone loves what we create!!

A New Driver Hits The Road

2010-06-20T21:06:00.000-04:00

Yep, Rachel got her drivers license on Friday. There she goes. On her own. In my car. Of course I wouldn't let her go if I didn't think she could handle it. But it sure is hard to watch those baby birds try out their new wings.

Time

2010-05-29T00:24:00.014-04:00

Where does it go? May disappeared in the blink of an eye! All I can say is that it has been a full month and a fun month. Let's see. What have I been up to???

May's Artists Trading Cards . . . The theme was "texture".

The theme for the May edition of my Altered Book Club was "The Letter A".

Here is my two page spread . . .

I picked my favorite number seven for the "Numbers Charm Swap" . . . The 7 colors of the rainbow . . .

A tussie mussie for my mother . . .

A Mail Art swap . . .

There are four more swaps coming . . . a Bird card exchange, a Dolls, Dolls, Dolls paper doll swap, an embellished acrylic flower keychain swap, a zipper pull charm swap and I have a Halloween Fat Book swap. Ongoing I have my ATC Club - June theme - "things that fly", my June Altered Book Club - June theme - "The Art of Happiness" and my Basic Grey Scrapbooking Club. Can you tell I'm enjoying this?

School is out June 3rd here in south Florida. Yay! It will be nice to only worry about getting me out in the morning for awhile.

I finally got a new front door! Mine had a crack in it for about, oh maybe ten years!! Love this door! Why did I wait so long???

And yes, you do see a pumpkin sitting on my plant stand right there by the door. Do you believe that in this tropical paradise we live in, I still have a pumpkin outside that has not turned to mush yet? I'm in awe. Can't wait to see how long it lasts! I'll keep you posted on that one!

Thrill upon thrill for me is that for the first time in my life . . . drumroll please . . . my orchid bloomed! I've never had an orchid and this pretty little orchid was one of five, but the only one to survive. And she bloomed!!! She is beautiful!!!

Just about every day now I am blessed with a new pink hibiscus in bloom. I shall never take them for granted.

That's what I've been up to in this month that sped on by. Well, that and all the season finale's that have been monopolizing my time. Thank goodness it's summertime!

A wonderful Memorial Day weekend to all!!

A huge thank you to all those that serve our great country so that we may be free.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-07T13:24:00.002-04:00

My twenty year old son, Logan, just did something I will cherish all the days of my life. He sent me a dozen roses for Mother's Day. I am so touched that he called my office to find out from Karen where I would be today, as I am covering a vacation in one of our offices an hour from home. He got the address, went online to order, wrote a beautifully touching card to accompany, and made my day by this act of kindness, love and gratitude. Being a mother is truly the best, most fulfilling blessing. Happy Mother's Day to all!

Enjoying Life

2010-04-12T00:01:00.001-04:00

On Saturday I had the superb opportunity to take a class offered by Cheryl Mezzetti, a designer for Creative Imaginations. The class was an absolute blast. Cheryl came from Boston to my local scrapbooking store, "Everything Scrapbook and Stamps" to teach three classes before heading up to Orlando for a family vacation. The class I took was entitled, "The Great Escape". Here is my completed photo book.

There are many more pages just waiting for photo's and embellishments. Cheryl did a great job of making the class easy and interesting and the finished product was just magnificent. I hope to have the opportunity once again to be inspired by Cheryl's creativity. I'm amazed at her thought process and the time she spent covering every detail to make this a rewarding experience for all.

If I didn't have enough creativity in the morning, I worked diligently on perfecting an acceptable tussie mussie in the evening. I'm in a tussie mussie swap and had to resort to making my own as I didn't order online early enough and can't find any locally. My oh my did I find this to be quite the challenge. Once I got the hang of it, I made several - I think I'm up to ten now!! Thank goodness for Google! I found a great tutorial and discovered a fun new blog also, "My Little Piece of That Azure Sky".

I'm looking forward to embellishing them. That will be the fun part. I have lots of ribbons and laces, some great images, beads, pearls and flowers. Can't wait to show you the finished product after I foof them up. Foof? Is that a word? Hope you had a great weekend also!

Thursday in Miami

2010-04-01T23:48:00.008-04:00

Spent Thursday in Miami. What a great day!! First stop was Dash, the Kardashian's store.

It's such a cute store. Of course, we can barely afford anything in there, but did come away with a cute little candle, Rhubarb Pear, which smells luscious.

And was packaged nicely too.

We couldn't leave without taking advantage of a wonderful photo opportunity. As our dear blogging friend, Glenda, commented on my Facebook page . . . "I'm sure one of their butts sat in that exact chair!!" How true!!

The beach was next on the list. How beautiful is this? The color of the water was just breathtaking!

I sat for awhile in the little park area by the beach and read Somerset Life while enjoying the cool breezes. The view was spectacular to my left . . .

and spectacular to my right . . .

We then did some shopping on Lincoln Road, a beautiful shopping district with tons of stores and more sidewalk cafes than you could imagine.

There was a store with a very interesting decor. I couldn't resist snapping this shot of a wall of old Singer sewing machines. They told me there were 262 machines on display. Isn't this unique?

This is my favorite . . .

Here is the wall behind the cash registers. I loved the window in the midst of it all.

We left the house at 8:30am and returned home at 10:30pm. It was a superb day, filled with many happy memories. And now I must go rest my weary bones. Miami was a blast. Can't wait to go again!!

Bonus Buys

2010-03-29T00:07:00.000-04:00

I love bonus buys! You know the kind I mean . . . when you go to somewhere like Macy's to pick up Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (which is to die for if you've never used it) because you're running low and you find that they have a bonus buy if you spend a certain amount. They entice you with a really cute little bag, like this one . . .

and they fill it with all kinds of really neat Clinque stuff, like this . . .

And they throw in something like this that you've never tried before . . .

to get you hooked on yet another really cool Clinique product. Their facial cleansing system is magnificent. It's a three-step process which leaves your skin feeling amazing. In my neck of the woods, the luscious moisturizer is about $24 and then all the wonderful things pictured above for free as my bonus buy . . . two eye shadows, a new moisturizer, a mascara, a lipstick and two really cute little bags. Clinique . . . I love you and I love my bonus buy!!

Here Comes The Sun

2010-03-23T07:07:00.003-04:00

What a view on my way to work! I love to see the sun peeking over the horizon. A glorious new day, full of possibilities. Enjoy the moment - every single one of them!!

Creativity 101

2010-03-22T00:01:00.002-04:00

Sunday is my favorite day of the week and I totally enjoyed myself. I had both my ATC Club meeting and the first gathering of our Altered Book Club. Life has been a bit crazy for my family for the past two months and I found myself scurrying to pull the creativity out of my brain and get it onto paper.

The theme this month for our ATC's was "Owls". I used twinkling H2o's for the first time and truly loved working with them!

For our Altered Book Club, we each had to select a theme for our book. I chose "Words". We all have words that hold meaning to us, whether it be a quote, a Bible verse or perhaps even a single word like family, memories or love. I have several quotes that hold special meaning to me, one which I made as part of my two page spread.

When I graduated 8th grade, my mom wrote in my yearbook, "To Thine Own Self Be True". Those words did not hold a lot of meaning to me at 13 years of age, but as I travelled further along life's byways, those words have become my motto. My spread included a picture of my childhood home with the words "Message to my Daughter" and my favorite quote from my mother on the right.

We needed to include a page introducing our theme along with a brief description of our rules, wants and desires.

I also included little pockets with blank tags for contributors to leave their "calling card".

I had so much fun putting this together and was a little disappointed today when more than half of the participants weren't prepared and the actual exchange had to be put off until next month. I will spend these next weeks redoing my cover as it wasn't just quite right. I also plan to do another two page spread with more of my favorite words as it brings me great pleasure to work in this book.

Next month's ATC theme is "Time". I will certainly enjoy creating my vision of time . . . something there never seems to be enough of, yet something such fun to fill. Enjoy your time.

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

2010-03-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

The whole world smiles with you!! I love St. Patty's Day! I will be cooking our traditional Irish dinner and look forward to the delicious aroma wafting its way from the slowcooker to greet us when we get home. We'll be wearing our green and are prepared for a yummy dinner and festively decorated green cupcakes and mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. Everyone can celebrate with the Irish on St. Patrick's Day!!

I participated in the Alice Tag Swap hosted by Karla of Karla's Cottage. My entries are pictured below. I just love to join in on some of the swaps online. It's so interesting to see what others have created. I'm anxious to get my book of six that Karla will put together from the 80 participants that jumped on her Alice bandwagon. I can only imagine the coordination required for this "little" project. Rachel was a first-time swap participant also. We had fun creating together.

Hope you enjoy St. Patrick's Day!!

Through The Ringer

2010-02-26T14:32:00.007-05:00

Found this quote on Photobucket today and felt it was an appropriate depiction of my life lately. While February is generally a favored month in our house, due to my Rachel's birthday and Valentine's Day, this year, February was a month full of trials and tribulations.

Anyone that is a regular reader of mine knows that I never talk about my husband. We will be married 27 years this June, but have been separated for the past four years, yet still very connected emotionally. The dear man I married many years ago, that has often been a rosey thorn in my side, has been very sick this past month and it just breaks my heart. I'm sure in time he will be fine, but as many of you know, it's the time from here to there that's the hard part.

I am good about stealing moments for myself, learned how to do that during my heavy mothering years. I'm involved in so many things right now - my regular ATC Club, current cards pictured, an Altered Book Club, Alice Tag Swap, A Life Made by Hand online journal class, Art Journal Love Letters online class and I just joined a May Day tussie mussie swap. Not overextending myself too much, right? I guess when we feel overwhelmed with the guises of life, we have to grab and hold onto whatever we can to guide us through.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Will try to visit and comment here and there. I certainly need a blogland fix!

Sweet Sixteen

2010-02-03T00:01:00.002-05:00

Rachel will be 16 on February 11th. We're having her party next Saturday. We made up these invitations for her to distribute to her friends. I love the paper she picked. It's such fun!

We're going to have dinner and then see the movie, "Valentine's Day", which opens the night before. I brought Rachel home from the hospital on Valentine's Day so I've always considered her my little Valentine. Her birthday parties have always had a Valentine theme, but we're sweet sixteen now and little goody bags with heart rings, stickers, pencils and candies won't cut it anymore.

City Place is a fun place on a Saturday night with a band in the center court and lots of tables and chairs set under palm trees aglow with tiny white lights. There's a cute little trolley that takes you from City Place to Clematis Street where there are lots of fun restaurants and quaint little shops. And it's a great place to people watch. We get many visitors this time of year and you never know who you might see there! Should be fun. I'll keep you posted!!

Magazines, Books And More Books

2010-02-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

I had such fun browsing through Barnes and Noble on Sunday. I couldn't hold out any longer and finally used the gift card I received for Christmas. It was hard to choose as there were many items that captured my heart and stirred my soul.

Artful Blogging is always a favorite. I love to find new blogs and this gives such great snippets to pique your curiosity. I'm only about the third blog in and am trying to savor the inspiration for as long as possible.

This is a "keep dreaming" magazine for sure. The studio spaces that some women have are simply to die for. A bit drastic of a measure, but you could definitely do some serious drooling. Not sure what I like more . . . all of the art supplies or all of the space to keep all of the art supplies.

I have a definite weakness for books . . .

There always seems to be one I do not have . . .

And sure enough, the following week there's another one I do not have . . .

Whether it's inspirational art or gorgeous spaces, I love them all.

So of course I had to buy another one!!

And now I've got lots of reading to do and I'm loving it!!

January ATC's - Family

2010-02-01T00:11:00.002-05:00

The theme for January's Artists Trading Card Club was "Family". Here is my ATC. I think I was 3 in this photo and Carol was 5.

We always do a "make and take" which is such fun because we learn new techniques. For this card, we used Glimmer Mist which is truly phenomenal. I bought three different colors and am having such fun experimenting with them.

I love this frame from 7 Gypsies. It's great to display the current month's ATC's. When I get the next month's cards, I transfer these to a binder with plastic sleeves.

It's always such fun to see what everyone comes up with. The theme for February is metal. I'm envisioning a copper heart and copper Stickles. Can't wait to sit and play!!

Rebel

2010-01-30T18:09:00.004-05:00

Did I tell you I got a new camera for Christmas? It's a Canon Rebel EOS xsi and I LOVE it. I'm still trying to figure out how to use it and it would be very easy to just ask Rachel to give me a down and dirty tutorial, but I want to figure it out myself . . . so it's taking some time. The pictures are great.

My day started with a cup of tea . . .

and homemade banana mini muffins . . .

I then sat outside and read the paper and thought I'd snap some of my flowers . . .

These marigolds are looking pretty this morning . . .

I love this little planter . . .

The day would not be complete if Rachel didn't feed the neighborhood ducks . . .

And now I'm off to a Symphony at the Kravis Center. Hope you're having a good day too!

Will Wonders Ever Cease??

2010-01-29T00:32:00.003-05:00

Logan got a job! Finally!! He is now going to college full time and working practically full time. He will be 20 years old in April and I have made his life way too comfy for way too long so I must say that it is a true pleasure to see him emerge. He feels good, is having fun at work and making new friends and he's enjoying school. And now I've gone from being sometimes annoyed at him for not doing his share around the house and sleeping till all hours of the afternoon, to missing him because he's never around anymore. Next he'll want to go off on his own. I'll never be able to handle that!! Gosh, we want them to grow up and then when they do, we want them back. This parenting thing can be quite challenging at times!!

What A Deal

2010-01-11T13:21:00.004-05:00

I got such a great deal this past weekend and need to share my jubilation!! I went to JC Penney on Saturday to check out a comforter set I saw in their flyer. It was a black floral and looked like it would work well in my bedroom. The set was on sale for $139.99. When I got there, it was pretty, but not as pretty as I thought. It was an American Living set, you know, the "economical" Ralph Lauren brand.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed another set. This set was $161.99 and I liked it so much better, but I was hemming and hawing about spending an additional $20. Then, on the bottom of this pretty set, what do I see but a green sticker with the reduced price of $81.99. I was sold, but that's not the end. I got in line and waited my turn. The cashier was so sweet in that she gave me a discount coupon that another customer hadn't needed.

So, this pretty set was originally $335.00 and with all sales and discounted coupons . . . I paid $41.97!!!! What a deal! Here is the reverse side and it came with a striped bedskirt.

I slept like a queen last night!!

Hooked On A Feeling

2010-01-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

The New Year brings wonderful things to a wonderful state of mind. I am so pumped about this New Year. I have lots of things I want to accomplish and I'm off to a good start. I enrolled in an online art journalling class that runs from January 1st through June 30th. It's called "A Life Made By Hand" and it has been such an inspiration for me. I'll share creations as I go along.

I'm trying to make a sincere effort to make time for the things I enjoy doing, with creating being high on the list. I've been having fun with the local ATC club I'm in. The ATC below was for the November meeting. The theme was "Fall". I didn't want to do the traditional fall leaves or anything like that and was quite pleased with myself when I came upon the idea of time and how it changes in the Fall.

Our theme for January is "Family". I haven't come up with anything yet, but I think this will be a fun one. It's always great to see the variations from each club member.

I got a luscious new camera for Christmas and am having such fun trying to figure it out. Couldn't resist this cute little face on my Bella. I never thought I'd turn into a goofy dog person, but I'm totally in love with that little pooch.

Hope everyone is savoring the motivation a New Year brings. I want to hold onto this feeling for as long as I can. It's a glorious feeling!!

Where On Earth Did It Go?

2009-12-29T16:15:00.004-05:00

Christmas, that is! All of the preparations. All of the shopping. All of the planning, fixing, baking, all of the anticipation - where on earth did it go????? Gone in a flash!

It was a beautiful Christmas this year. I loved every minute of it and am so sorry to see it go, but it's gone and we're off to a New Year. I have a list a mile long of things I want to see, do, experience, enjoy, learn, create, read, and on and on and on. So, let's get going. Time waits for no one!!!

Happy New Year one and all!!

Christmas All Round The House

2009-12-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas Eve!!! The day of much anticipation is almost here!! The tree is ready . . .

Bella waits patiently . . .

Stockings the kids made when they were 8 and 4 (19 and 15 currently!!) are displayed by their school pictures - not for filling, but fulfilling to mom . . .

Snowmen keeping watch over our Florida home . . .

Red and green M&M's in my Star of David candy dish, next to a little tree and wooden soldier, yep, we're multi-cultural!!

Christmas all round the house. From our home to yours . . . Merry Christmas to all. May peace and joy overflow and fill your heart with contentment!!

Precious Moments Houses

2009-12-15T00:01:00.002-05:00

I bought these Precious Moments houses several years ago.

I haven't put them out for a few years.

I'm so glad I did this year. I love them all over again.

I need to check ebay to see if there are any others floating around. I bought these from The Hawthorne Village and I believe they are discontinued. I must check that out. I could probably fit one more on that little table by the front door.

Oh so pretty!!

Christmas Cookies

2009-12-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

I love to bake! I can make some pretty good cookies, especially at Christmas. Today I was a busy baker. I made Oatmeal Pecan cookies with cinnamon chips.

I also made Greek cookies.

And I made Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies with walnuts.

And last, but not least, Snickerdoodles!

Tomorrow I will make Fudge Balls and then we'll package everything up to send to my mother, brother and sister up north, as well as a few neighbors I like to give something to. Rachel has two cookie exchanges at the end of this week, so we're not done yet!!

Christmas Flamingo's

2009-12-07T23:07:00.005-05:00

I love Christmas! I think I love Christmas more this year than any other year - only because I have my act much more together this year than in years past. I have already accomplished so much and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

My little white feather tree is a flamingo tree this year. I love flamingo's, probably because they are pink. Isn't this tree adorable?

Rachel talked me into a real tree this year after the lights died last year on the artificial one we had for the past seven years. We always used the multi-colored lights because the kids liked those best. This year we will be using white lights and I am so excited to see how it looks. That will be the mission for Tuesday night. We still have baking to do, cards to send out and gifts to wrap, but it's Christmastime and the events leading up to the special day are half the fun!

Aren't those little flamingo's divine?!