Christmas Candle and Snowflakd

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia

This is a super fast post as we are on our way out the door. I completely forgot about the Digi Stamps 4 Joy Christmas Challenge that ends later today. if you use the free image you get another image next month to play along.

I'll be back later to add all of the details. :)

I'm back..... we needed to take Mick his 'new to him' car, and while we were there also took he & Tyler out to dinner. unfortunately I got really sick as we were driving home. boo hiss on that....

here are the details for the card:
image is from Digi Stamps 4 Joy, papers are from the Basic Grey Aspen Frost collection. the snowflake behind the image is actually a glitter ornament I picked up at Michaels for about 25 cents. it's more sparkly gold irl. shimmerz paint accents the candle flame and stars, while the holly berries are dotted with stickles. frosted stickles outline the entire main image.

Challenges:
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - monthly Christmas challenge
Fab 'n Funky - Christmas
Creative Moments - anything goes/add some sparkle
Penny's Paper Crafty - spots and dots
Sisterhood of Crafters - winter snowflakes
Craft Your Passion - spots and stripes
Christmas Card Challenge - anything goes
Glitter 'n Sparkle - bling it up
Robyn's Fetish - lots of glitter
12 Months of Christmas - monthly Christmas challenge

Be the Reason Someone Smiles

Coffee of the Day - Marzipan

I came across this fun store called From the Heart that has a neat challenge - if you play along with the free image one month, they will send you a new  image the next month for free to use in another challenge. I thought I would try it out. ends up I'm cutting it close getting my entry submitted since our printer had been out of ink for so long.

image is 'Kitten and Heart,' papers are from the Basic Grey Serendipity collection, chevron & bow dies are from MFT, sentiment is Create with TLC. everything else is from my stash. the bg is sprayed with glimmer mist. a simple card, but glad I could play along! :)

Challenges:
From the Heart - monthly image challenge
Going Grey With Scrap Creations - fave embellies: buttons
Outlawz Greeting - anything goes
TTCRD - anything goes
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes/animals
Created With Love - anything goes
Eureka - anything goes
Through the Purple Haze - digi and a die (Spellbinders & MFT)
Simply Create Too - Valentine's Day or hearts
Moving Along with the Times - cats

King of the Mountain by Max Lucado....

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Nut

My friend, Joan, had a really good post the other day. you might remember me mentioning Joan. she is the one who is so slap dash amazing at CAS. and she's a pretty insightful person in her own right, I must say. plus she's just so NICE! :)

anyhow, her post was about a person who left a comment about being discouraged with rejection in her crafty life. (hey, we crafters ALL know how that feels, don't we?) I was reading this devotional this morning and it really spoke to me about this dilemma. what is inspiring our drive?

here is the devotional:

King of the Mountain

King of the Mountain!  Remember playing that game as a kid? The object is to push, claw, and climb until you get to the top. Once there, you fight to hold your position. Don’t even think about sitting down. Forget enjoying the view. Slack up and you’ll be slapped down. And then you’ll have to start all over again.

As grown-ups we still play King of the Mountain, but now the stakes are higher.  The push for power has come to shove. And most of us are either pushing or being pushed.

I might point out the difference between a passion for excellence and a passion for power. The desire for excellence is a gift of God.  It’s characterized by respect for quality, a yearning to use God’s gifts in a way that pleases him. The quest for excellence is a mark of maturity. But the quest for power— it’s childish!

By the way, you don’t have to play King of the Mountain.

From The Applause of Heaven

you can find Max Lucado on both Facebook and Twitter. I have long been an avid reader of his books. have just recently signed on as a follower of his daily devotions. his down to earth, plain and simple way of putting things, is pretty inspiring.

and today's devotional is what I aspire to with my crafting - I just want to do my best to serve Him using the gifts He has given me. it's not about the competition. I WANT to be able to encourage my fellow crafters with whole hearted joy, no competition, but instead focusing on what is best for each of us in our own personal journey. that word 'respect' really jumped out at me. not just in crafting, but all areas of my life. I need to work on it, believe you me. I'm not there yet, but I'm baby stepping.....

in the spirit of sharing, the UK Sizzix site has some fabulous digital Valentine papers for free today. head over to download to your compy! :)

Best Wishes Penguin Prezzie

Here is one more card for the Bugaboo Birthday Challenges. I am so happy to be adding to my birthday card stash! not sure if I'll get any more made before deadline, but I'm glad to have done 4. now to get going on some Valentine cards next.....

This card is for the first of the challenges, a bingo/tic-tac-toe board. I think I spent most of today looking for a card template. I have one for a stack of gifts, but only wanted to make a single present. ended up having to improvise, as everything I found required an electronic cutting machine. I don't have one of those gizmos, but am truly content with my Big Shot. :) boy howdy, does it ever get a workout in my craft room!

image is from Bugaboo, papers are from the Echo Park Birthday Girl collection, bow die is MFT, flower is WOC, sentiment is SU!, and everything else is from my stash. distress stickles were added to the cupcake and other items on main image. a little rhinestone tops the cupcake.

the present top portion is actually a pull out card. didn't get an extra photo since I was doing good to get my scanner to co-operate for one piccy! :)

Challenges:
Bugaboo - bingo: bugaboo image, cupcake, scallop
Crafty Hands - add a tag
Sister Act - anything goes
Animal Friends - punches (tag) and dies (main image & bow)
The Crafting Cafe - anything goes
Die Cuttin' Divas - penguin appreciation day (dies - Spellbinder & MFT)
Emerald Faeries - things with wings
Paper Shelter - digi image with senti
TTCRD - anything goes
{Pin}spirational - photo: penguin, stripes, watercolor (that's how my image is colored)

Celebrate Your Birthday with a Flying Ellie! :)

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

Hello and happy, happy Friday to ya! I'm adding another Bugaboo Birthday challenge card. This is for their color challenge. these are sometimes hard for me, as I never know if it's okay to add another color or if I HAVE to use every single color. y'all know I'm not always real good with rules. ;)

The cutey image is from Bugaboo, papers are from the Basic Grey Lemonade and Knee High collections, flowers are Prima, ribbon is May Arts, metal 'celebrate' charm is from JoAnn's. I don't normally go in for bold colors like this, but I do think it turned out pretty cute.

will try to get one or two more done before the deadline. these have been fun!
enjoy your weekend, whatever you might have planned. :)

Challenges:
Bugaboo - color
Mojo Monday - sketch
Delicious Doodles - ribbon
Stempelsonne - animal
Cards Galore Encore - anything goes
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper - anything goes
Inky Impressions - ribbon
Artistic Inspirations - anything goes/ribbon
Card Mania - anything goes
Eureka - fave 3 embellies: buttons, ribbon, flowers
Love to Create - buttons
My Sheri Crafts - use a digi

Happy Birthday Sketch

Here is part 2 for today's Bugaboo Birthday Challenge cards....
we'll see how many I am actually able to finish.

This card is for the sketch challenge. I did take a few liberties with the sketch, as I am wont to do, but I think you can still see the main sketch fairly well.

image is from Bugaboo, papers are from the Basic Grey Sweet Threads collection, buttons & fabby hot pink doily were sent to me by my friend Joan. that lady knows trendy like nobody's business. she is also the master of CAS, which y'all know I can't do to dig myself out of a hole.
candle flame and stars were painted with shimmerz.

Challenges:
Bugaboo - birthday sketch
A Little Bit Crafty - celebrate
Paper Pretties - anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - birthday
Deep Ocean - birthday
Eureka - fave 3 embellies: buttons, linen thread, doilies
Sentimental Sundays - more than 3 layers
Crafty Calendar - celebrate
Stampin' for the Weekend - Happy Birthday
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper - anything goes

Collecting Wrinkles

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

I swear, for a fairly intelligent person, I can be quite the goober sometimes.... over at Bugaboo they are celebrating their 4th birthday with all kinds of fun challenges. silly me thought that each challenge had to be completed within 24 hours. I did not realize we had until Friday to get them done. THAT makes me one VERY happy camper, as I have spent the  majority of this week in bed.

so hold on to your horses as I try to get a few of these challenges done before the deadline. I'll be posting as I get each project finished if all goes well..... I do hope you will play along, too! :)

This card is for the 'Humor Me' challenge. it's a bit on the plain side for me, but then again, it's for a guy, so I have to be careful to not over-embellish these. otherwise I catch so much grief from my guys! grins!

image is from Bugaboo, papers are from the Basic Grey Cupcake collection, dies are Spellbinders, and all of the other embellies are from my stash. the sketch comes from the i {heart} card sketches challenge. the orange strip along the left side is a piece of washi tape. balloons are covered in stickles, and eyeglasses & clock face are covered in crystal effects. the image bg is a pale blue, but my scanner is truly on its last leg and not doing so well..... need to try to find someone who can repair it, as our other printer doesn't scan worth beans.

now off to make some more cards! :)

Challenges:
Bugaboo - Humor Me birthday
i {heart} card sketches - sketch #50
A Little Bit Crafty - celebrate
Crafty Girls - anything goes
Aud Sentiments - pick your own
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - ribbon
Inky Impressions - ribbon
Deep Ocean - birthday
Artistic Inspirations - ribbon/anything goes
Digi Sketch - one for the men
Love To Create - buttons
Crafter's Cafe - ha ha ha very funny

You've Been On My Mind

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia Nut

Hello and happy Friday! it's snowing like crazy here. We got the news last night that both Tyler and Ryan are coming in this evening to spend the long weekend with us. you know that makes me a very happy mom! :)

I did manage to get another card made to share with you. We needed a sympathy card for a gentleman in the Church District Office who's mother passed away last week. Since I am still out of ink in my printer, I'm a bit limited as to what I can use. I thought these stamps from Unity worked out pretty well.

Stamps are from the sets 'Cherish Your Dreams' and 'Debby Girl'. papers are from the Basic Grey Hopscotch collection, washi tape is Tim Holtz (I think), baker's twine is from The Twinery. flower centers are dotted with antique linen distress stickles. oh yes, the little kraft reinforcement sticker comes from The Kraft Outlet. it's a fairly simple card, but I wasn't sure if it was going in the mail or if Dave was going to deliver it the next time he goes to the District Office.

I hope all of you have a most wonderful weekend!

Challenges:
Unity - friends with flair
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Frosted Designs - polka dots
Sister Act - anything goes with cards
Aud Sentiments - any sentiments
Crafting Cafe - anything goes
WAW - anything goes with encouraging senti
TTCRD - anything goes
Card Mania - anything goes

A Thankful Kangaroo

Coffee of the Day - Holiday Blend (I think it's cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel...)

Hello! I have quite a few cards I need to make, so am trying to slowly but surely get into my craft room to get them done. biggest problem is that my printer is out of black ink and we have to wait a bit to get more. so I'm trying to use images I had already printed out, but had not had the chance to color. who know what y'all are going to end up seeing! grins!

Our next door neighbor, (they are just the most amazing, sweet couple!!!) gave me a gorgeous piece of pottery that she had made herself for Christmas. it truly brought tears to my eyes when I opened it. so I knew I wanted to make a special thank you card for her. I usually get the cards made for people, but am horrid at getting them mailed. all of mine need special envies and lots of postage, so have to wait until we have the money to take them to the post office. this one can just get walked next door! woo hooooo! one down out of a bajillion I owe everyone!

The sweetie little kangaroo is from A Day for Daisies, papers are from the Basic Grey Picadilly collection, little rose is Wild Orchid Crafts, 'thanks' is a new to me coolio SRM sticker. shimmerz paint was added to the wings and flowers, Mr. Huey's white spray was misted onto card base. everything else is from my stash.

I hope to be posting a bit more often.... thanks for sticking with me! :)

oh yes, Tammy at ADFD let me know that she sent in a card I had made using one of her images to 'Quick Cards Made Easy' for publication!!! so the magazine will be coming out the end of this month. it is the Feb. issue. thanks, Tammy! you are so good to me!

Challenges:
ADFD - add yellow
Emerald Faeries - things with wings
Animal Friends - punches or dies
Die Cut Divas - make it glitter (shimmerz paint)
Crafty Girls - anything goes
Ladybug Crafts - thanks
Creative Moments - anything goes/buttons & pearls (the shimmerz paint on the wings is actually a pearl tone)
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - glitter & sparkle (shimmerz paint)
Sisterhood of Crafters - use something new ('thanks' sticker)
TTCRD - anything goes
Whimsy - something new ('thanks' sticker)
WAW - anything goes that is encouraging
Loves Rubberstamps - metal (paperclip)
Word Play Saturday - yellow
One Crazy Stamper - anything goes

Miracles Big and Small

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

every single day is filled with miracles - sometimes big, sometimes small.

received a call from hubby this morning about 10am. he was getting ready to deliver the message at church when he had a call from Mick. Mick had been in a car accident that has evidently totalled his car. God's angels were working overtime. Mick is okay!!! his most amazing girlfriend, Jocelyn, was on her way to pick him up. I don't care about the car. my son is alright. no one is injured. 

David and I prayed on the phone, not just for Mick, but also for Dave and the message to be delivered. 

Tyler was working out at Camp cooking breakfast for the group that was there for the weekend. Ryan is at school in Indiana. I was reminded of the phone call I received almost 12 years ago when Tyler was hit by a car. our family was scattered in all different directions then, too. 

we might not always be together physically, but we come together in adversity. God knows that. He put the 5 of us in this crazy wacky thing we call a family for a specific reason. and sometimes we lose sight of it, but we are a miracle. we stick together through thick and thin, laughter and tears. we are here for each other and always will be. no matter what.

A Few Sites To Share With You...

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

Hello and Happy Friday!
I want to share a few sites with you today.  I know that after the holidays money tends to be on the tight side for many of us. at my house with sons in college and all of our HUGE medical bills, every single penny counts every day of the year. so I appreciate all of the wonderful people all over cyberspace who provide freebies to us crafty sorts...

thought I would pass along several great places I have come across lately:

first up is Far Far Hill, a wonderful site for digital papers and kits. there is also a store attached to the site. I will tell you that downloads do take a bit of time if you don't pay for the advanced service, but if you start the download at the beginning of your time online, you will hardly notice how long it takes. papers and vintage items are absolutely lovely!

next up is Ginger's House, a fun place for sentiments. she has some that are deep and thought provoking while others just crack me up.

The Graphics Fairy is just one of the many sites I visit for fantastic vintage clip art and images.

of course Create With TLC will always and forever be one of my ab fab fave places to go for sentiments and vintage images. Paulette is so very generous with her freebies every day.  I don't get by as often as I would like, but I am always in for a treat when I drop by. :)

Enjoy your weekend!

A New Year with Old Friends

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

Hello and Happy Thursday! the weekend is just around the corner!
Mick made a surprise visit home today, so that has been a real treat! it has been snowing like crazy for the past few days. we have SO MUCH SNOW! you know I'm a happy camper! bad news is that we still have no heat in the house and the plow truck is broken down. good thing we aren't going anywhere! hopefully the part for the heater will get here the first part of next week. it's been a lonnnnng few weeks. thank goodness we have a few space heaters that have helped. temps are to be down below 0* tonight, so we are going to be bundled up.....

my craft room has a gas heater, so I was in there toasty warm today! ooooh it was so nice to be both warm AND crafty! grins!

image is from Sassy Studios Designs from their Facebook Challenge, sentiment is Create with TLC for their Show it Off Sunday, papers are from the Basic Grey Aspen  Frost collection, fabric brads are Martha Stewart, rhinestones and roses are Wild Orchid Crafts. stickles were used to accent the folds of her dress as well as the tree inside the card.

I couldn't get a very good photo of the inside of the card, but this is a twisted easel card. I hadn't tried this particular technique before. I've made standard easel cards, but not the twisted variety. the inside of the card has not only the die cut tree, but also a portion of a doily and some washi tape. a button helps hold the front easel open.

Challenges:
Scrapbook Blessings - twisted easel from Ch #4
Desert Island Crafters - glitter (stickles), die cut, snowflakes (bg paper), 3 layers, distressing
CRAFT - anything goes
Creatalicious - 2014 wishes
Oozak - anything goes/blue tones (mine is more aqua and teal. hope that it will count)
Natalie and Amy's - one for the girlies
Crazy Challenge - celebrate the new year
Red Carpet Studio - New Year's Eve: new fabric brads

A Most Beautiful and Blessed 2014 to You!

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Butter Rum

Just a quick pop in to send thoughts to each and every one of you for a most beautiful and blessed 2014! thank you for all you have meant to me in the past..... I look forward to what the future holds! it is what we make it - in our choices to what life brings our way. look for joy, and you will find it. I look for joy, and I see YOU! :)

Finally Got My Crafty On!

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

It is snowing like crazy here, which is great since most of it had melted off in the past few days. I just LOVE the Winter Winderland I call home! :)

while my family was away this past weekend working at Winter Camp, I was actually able to do a bit of crafting for the first time in over a month! gosh, did it ever feel GREAT! of course it took me almost an entire day to make one card, and my poor scanner is on it's very last leg, sad to say. but I hope to get back to my craftroom again in the next day or so. wooohoooo!

The image is by Simply Betty and is called 'Angel Elizabete'. she cracks me up! back when I was in Jr. High, we had to draw pictures of what our friends thought of us, what our parents thought of us, and then what we thought of ourselves. this image is pretty close to the one I drew of myself! yes, I've always had that sassy, rebellious side to me! tee hee!

The sentiment is from Ginger's House, papers are from the Echo Park Winter Park collection, ribbons from rose are May Arts, white trim is Prima, accents to main image are done with stickles, spica glitter gel pen, and shimmerz paint. washi tape, buttons, and rhinestones finish the card.

Challenges:
Simply Betty Facebook Ch - add snowflakes
Sketch Saturday - sketch
Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes
Party Time Tuesday - Anything Goes
Pile it On - 'P' is for.... pink, patterned paper, punches, Prima :)
Sentimental Sundays - pick one of the fave challenges (#160 for the girls)
That Craft Place - anything goes
Stampin' for the Weekend - anything goes
YNS - photo inspiration
4 Crafty Girls - anything goes
DRS Designs - frosted flakes
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - anything goes
Paper Shelter - anything goes

Merry Merry Christmas!

Coffee of the Day - Eggnog

I want to wish each and every one of you a most merry Christmas! I hope you are filled to the top with love and all you could possibly want & need in your life. :)

"8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 
Luke 2:8-14

as I was thinking about this post and writing to each of you, God really laid something upon my heart. so often our first question after the usual greetings of Christmas is 'so what did you get?'

my question for myself this year is a bit different - 'what did I give?' did I give love to each person I met? did I share peace with each person I encountered? did I leave joy under the tree and in the hearts of those who passed my way? did I share even  a brief smile with anyone who dared cross my path?

or more likely, did they wonder at the scowl on my face or the distant way I treated them....was I just another person in line or in the car beside them (or wherever) who brushed them aside as if they didn't matter. did I treat each person with respect? did I give more respect to the birds and trees I enjoy than the man who delivers my mail or reads my electric meter?

today we celebrate God gifting the world with His only son. God knew that Easter was around the corner. we didn't, but He did. He knew the road that cute little baby born in a manger was going to have to walk. but God gave the gift of His son to us nonetheless. man. I am not worth it. that is a huge sacrifice. do I respect that gift? not one tiny bit. but I'm going to try to do better. I am so thankful for grace.

all of you know about my cancer battle. I want to make sure that when I am called home, the people I care about know that I love them, without a doubt. they are going to get so tired of not only hearing me say it, but seeing it in action.   that's the key. I could say it 'til the cows come home, but if they don't see it, it doesn't matter.

so maybe things will change a bit here on my blog, and maybe they won't. but I am going to try to do better about getting around to all of your blogs and leaving comments. remember I said 'try'!!!
love and Merry Christmas to each and every one of you! new friends or old friends, you are special to me! :)

My Thoughts on the Entire Duck Dynasty Article/Issue....

Coffee of the Day - Eggnog

my thoughts in light of the entire Duck Dynasty article/issue~
(also shared on Facebook)

one day I will stand in front of God and have to answer many questions about how I lived my life. one of these, I'm sure, will be "did you love my people?" how will I be able to look Him in the eyes and say, "well, I chose to love only certain ones, God. some had different opinions than I did, some looked different than I did, some well, they just weren't really that clean or smelled kinda funky, so they weren't all that easy to love. and gosh, God, some just weren't very nice. some were down right mean to me."

and I have a feeling God will shake his head in sadness and reply to me, "and what about those times when you were mean and outspoken and said things in anger you didn't really intend to come out the way they did? or that time back in the 80's (and 90's) when you were just kind of a pain and thought you knew everything, but in fact still had a lot to learn about kindness? how lovable were you then? and didn't someone still wipe your brow and soothe your soul and tell you how beautiful you were?"

and He will remind me of the people who dropped off food at our back door when David didn't have a job or sent cards or texts when I was going through chemo or built a front porch as I went through more treatments for my cancer or the outpouring of cards when Tyler was hit by a car or the multitudes of other blessings that happen each and every day.

He will let me know that no matter what my sin, I was loved always and there were people who let me know.
so by following in HIS footsteps, I have to pass along that same love to others - regardless of their life choices. I am to love others unconditionally. understand that I am not asked to love the sin, but instead to love the sinner, for that is what each and every one of us is. we are all on a journey and can only do this with the help of one another and God's grace.

I am not the judge. I do not sit in judgement upon anyone. I can't. it's not my job. I am only called to love my neighbor. and I am working on it. it's not easy. it's one of the hardest commandments in the Bible. but it's worth it. we have to help each other out, not push each other down. that is what it means to be a follower of Christ, in my opinion.

I'm not here to debate the Bible - just stating my thoughts and opinions. each of us is entitled to our own. I'm weary of the hate and mud slinging from both sides. A & E has a right to suspend whomever they want as far as I am concerned. it's their network, they can do what they want. The Robertsons can say what they want when they are away from the series. they have that right as well. I just don't necessarily agree with them.

A Gal without a Team....and it's okay

Coffee of the Day - Moon Pie

Well it is now official. I have left every one of my Design Teams. yikes. I'll be honest - it's kinda scary. wandering out here all by myself. but it's kinda freeing, too. a bit like the time when I was in my early 20's and heading off to Oxford, not knowing anyone at all, alone in another country, a new school. but excited. new opportunities, new things to learn. a chance to find out more about who I really am.

this time off has let me know that I need more of this.... I need to get back to the roots of my crafting. creating for the joy of it. creating to pass along that joy (hopefully anyhow!).

I was inspired by a post I read a little while ago on Jennifer McGuire's blog. she said that she isn't on any Design Teams and creates only with products she really truly loves. that is pretty cool.

so for a little while, I'm going to be playing. playing in my craftroom. organizing my craftroom. (eek!) finding new artists to experience. and finding myself creatively again. I do think I stay fairly true to myself with what I make, but I want to be sure. I want to be away from the timetables and deadlines and just play. I want to come out from behind my walls and not worry about making the top 3 or 5 in a challenge or contest.

and I thank all of you for your patience and kindness. you mean so much to me! :)  I'll try to do better at getting around and leaving comments. I've been horrid at that. I really want to stop by and let you know I've been around. right now I stop by as more of a gallery watcher.

I want to do better, be better. be a better me. well, as good a 'me' as I can be. with God's help. and I want to honor Him. I haven't done a whole lot of that lately either. thank goodness I am a work in progress!

If you enjoy music and singing....

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

Hello! I have several little things to share today. if you are a fan of fabulous music, then this is the post for you.

Today here in the States, a wonderful t.v. show starts back up for the holiday season. It is called 'The Sing Off' and features only a capella music groups. it is absolutely amazing the talent this program showcases! sadly, it wasn't on last year, but enough fans helped bring it back again. I hope you will pop in for a peek!

next, you know what LOTR fans we are in my family. well Tyler hooked my on this GORGEOUS song that is in the upcoming 'Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug' movie that premiers on Friday. every time I hear it my soul just cries at the beauty of it. I'm sharing the youtube video with all of you here. enjoy! :)

 

Two Dogs Go Out for a Walk......

Coffee of the Day - Oatmeal Cookie Crumble (I have GOT to get some new coffee flavors..... but a BIG thank you to Kathy C who sent us some for Thanksgiving! yum yum!)

okay, so the story goes like this..... 2 dogs go out for a walk in the snow.  a crazy lady goes out with them. (yep, you see where this is going, I bet!) no, she is not wearing a tiara this time. ;) the dogs sniff in the snow for squirrels, chipmunks, and other various friends and then decide it's time to go back inside where it is nice and toasty warm. crazy lady in her slippers starts to walk back in with them. suddenly dog #1 decides, 'hey, I think I want to race down the hill one last time!', but doesn't bother to inform either dog #2 or crazy lady in slippers. dog #2 goes toward warm toasty house, dog #1 goes back down hill, crazy lady in slippers lands on her face in snow.

so that was several days ago. I've been stuck in bed ever since. my poor knee is swollen bigger than a bowling ball where I landed on it prior to crashing on my face. I have bruises on my legs, torso, and shoulders. was bleeding out my ears for the first few days. that was an interesting development I've not had happen before. needless to say I missed the majority of the visit with all of my sons home because I was in bed unable to move. boo hiss blech.

never let it be said that cancer is the most interesting thing that goes on in this house! grins! of course no one was the least bit surprised that it happened...... bet y'all aren't either! tee hee!
good news is that I am getting a LOT of reading done. and sleeping.

hope all of you had a fabulous Thanksgiving! take a bit of time over the holidays to remember the reason we celebrate. don't get so caught up in the 'doing' that you forget the 'loving' part! :) hugs to ya!

Happy 50th Birthday, Doctor!

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice (the very last of it..... sigh....)

Today we celebrate 50 years of Doctor Who. not everyone knows The Doctor. if you haven't met him yet, I hope he lands in your backyard one day soon. your life will never be the same. truly. and you will forever look to the skies in a much different way. you will see a statue of an angel in a different light. a gas mask will not bring a feeling of security. and you will understand that fish fingers and custard belong together.

I first met The Doctor when I was in high school. yes, it was THAT long ago. ;) we met again off and on while I was in college. I introduced him to David, although I must say my soon-to-be husband wasn't all that impressed at the time. that would one day change.....

A few years ago The Doctor came back into my life. and what a delight it has been! I was able to introduce him to my sons, and they love him as much, if not more, than I do. David and he became reacquainted. They took adventures together while I slept.

now, when our family sees the Tardis appear, we joyfully go wherever The Doctor wants to take us. The years apart just melted away as if only seconds had passed.

So, dear Doctor, I say to you, Happy 50th Birthday! Allons-y!

Most Extraordinary Computer

Coffee of the Day - Pecan Buttered Rum

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you are doing well.

not a whole lot is going on around here. I'm getting excited about Thanksgiving next week. all of my guys will be home, so I'm thrilled to have my entire family together again for a full house! :)

the other day, David and I went out driving into Cleveland. had lunch in Little Italy at our fave bakery/deli and then decided to pop into the most beautiful cemetery as we were driving back home. it was the Lake View Cemetery and truly one of the most lovely places I have seen in a long time. we spent well over an hour there, while I could easily spend several days roaming the grounds.

over on Facebook, I've been trying to do a month of thankfulness, with a post each day if I'm able. Today I am thankful for my computer. it might sound crazy, but I really am thankful for all I am able to do with my computer and the places it takes me. most especially, I am thankful for the people I have come to know. that includes each of YOU!!!!! :)

this quote seems especially poignant today.

have a great weekend! Jennifer

Just a Hello for the Weekend...

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Hello! I hope all of you are doing well! have big plans for the weekend?

not much is going on around here.... I'm spending a bit more time in bed these days. had some stuff come up that has knocked me down, so into bed I've gone. thought I had better do a little post before someone comes along and hacks into my blog... that seems to be happening more and more these days to blogs I've been following. one day it's crafty stuff and the next you're seeing posts about computers for sale or even more.... ummmmm.... 'interesting things! ;)  would hate to startle any of you with that! I'm sassy enough all on my own. grins!

on that note:

love and hugs to ya!
Jennifer

A Toast to the Best and Finest Mo....

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

I wanted to try to play along in this month's Crafty Secrets linky party, so made this card in celebration of 'No Shave November' and 'Mo-vember'. their 'Mustache Men' stamp set is by far one of my fave masculine sets. I think I've made quite a few cards with it. although I must say this advertising image sorta reminds me of the Wizard's floating head in 'The Wizard of Oz'..... tee hee! add a little green smoke and mirrors, and voila! :)

anyway, papers are Basic Grey Clippings (how appropriate!), ribbon is May Arts, linen thread is SU!, and the sentiment circle is edged in barn door distress stickles. also used my SU! ink squirty tool.

Going to try to get a bit further into Cath's blog hop today as well as begin the HUGE chore of getting all of my digital items onto an external hard drive. thank goodness for a computer that plays music while I sit here.... I'd go batty bonkers otherwise....

enjoy your day to its fullest! hugs to each and every one of ya! :)

Challenges:
Craftitude - anything goes with twine or string
Crafty Hands - vintage
Sister Act - anything goes
4 Krafty Girlz - anything goes
Divas by Design - use a digi (actually used 4 of them!)
WAW - anything goes with encouraging senti
Crafty Sentiments - for the guys
Charisma Cardz - anything goes
That Craft Place - sentiment

Cath, You Are Moxie Fab! :)

Coffee of the Day - Oatmeal Cookie Crumble

Today is a very VERY special day. a few friends, oh almost 300 or so of us, have gathered together to let Cath Edvalson know just how REALLY amazing we all think she is! :) some might even say she is pretty MOXIE FAB!

You may have come to know Cath from her time as the Trends Editor at Paper Crafts Magazine, as well as the author of the Moxie Fab World blog. I happen to know from person experience that she is also just a pretty fantabulous friend.

If you have just started the blog hop, you can find the entire list on the Moxie Fab blog. if you are in the midst of hopping, you should have arrived here from: Veronica Zalis

While you are here, top off your coffee and then we'll get going! if you enjoy a bit of music, both Cath and I share a fondness for the composer Claude Debussy. 

I remember the first time Cath ever stopped by my blog. it felt as if the Queen of England herself had popped by for tea, crumpets, and a chat with the girls! you coulda knocked me over with a feather! but when I received my cancer diagnosis is when I got to know the 'real' Cath. she left not only blog comments, but sent personal emails to make sure I was doing okay. she took off her 'business' hat and let me know that she really cared about what was going on. she wanted to make sure that my family was handling things as well as possible. and when we thought I had gone into remission, well, she jumped for joy with us. when we discovered otherwise, she felt the shock as deeply as the rest of us.

Cath would tell me how excited she was to be back out in her garden again. we share a love of nature and the outdoors. so it seemed only fitting that I create a card that celebrates those passions. if you would like any supply details, just let me know either in the comments or send me an email. I've already rambled long enough. ;) the front is actually a modified stair step, so you really get a 3D effect irl.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Your next stop is: Lizzie Sanchez

Challenges:
365 Cards - create a shadow effect
4 Crafty Girls - anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - seeing dots
Crafting By Designs - anything goes
Inky Impressions - dies and punches
Lady Anne's - anything goes
Penny's Paper Crafty - lots of layers
Whimsy - anything goes
Bearly Mine - anything goes
Loves Rubberstamps - anything goes
Twisted Tuesday - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - more than 1 fold (grass is on 1 fold, fence on another, cottage & trees on card front)

Chalkboard Boy on Sled

Coffee of the Day - Moon Pie (found a little bit left. wooo hoooo!)

To help get you ready for tomorrow's HUGE post, I am sneaking in my last card made for Hope You Can Cling To. I actually made several others that never showed up here on the blog. will possibly add them some day. but goofball me thought the deadline for adding cards to the HYCCT galleries was tomorrow instead of yesterday. somedays I don't have any idea how in the world I survive moment to moment without my head falling right off of my shoulders.... so I quickly put this one together. well, not THAT quick. it still takes me a while.

anyway - this was for the last challenge, 'Pick a Team' in honor of "Breaking Bad". I have never seen this show, but it is on my list of things to watch. the idea for the challenge was to create a black & white card, but then add one other color depending upon which 'team' you chose. Since I knew I was making a Christmas card, I went with green, since red is not really one of my fave colors, although I craft with it all the time.

All stamps are from Flonz. they have the greatest vintage stamps. they take well to Versamark, too, even though they are clear. these stamps come from 3 different sets. I thought the chalkboard technique was a great one to use for a black & white challenge. other touches were added with white craft ink and my white gel pen. btw - Tim Holtz made a fab tag using real chalk on his. will have to try that sometime.

Papers are Basic Grey 25th and Pine, button is vintage, big die is Spellbinders while holly leaves are a Basic Grey die. little red holly dots are stickles that I added after uploading to SCS 'cause I felt it really needed a pop of red. a little doily piece, baker's twine, beaded poinsettia, washi tape, tickets, and rhinestones complete the card.

Hope you have a great weekend! See you tomorrow! :)

Challenges:
Flonz - traditional Christmas
Alphabet Challenge - T is for twine
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Chocolate, Coffee, and Cards - monochromatic (hopefully the neutrals are ok)
Craftitude - anything goes with twine or string
Crafts 2 Challenge You - monochromatic vintage Christmas
Jingle Belles - holiday traditions (my father & I used to go sledding every winter when I was a little girl. we took our sons and they kept going even as they became teenagers. it is great fun no matter what age!)
Art Impressions - Holly Jolly Christmas
CRAFT - Christmas
Paper Shelter - winter fun
TTCRD - anything goes
Top Tip Tuesday - seasons (winter) waving hi to all of my former teamies!!!! :)
Crafty Bloggers - Christmas
Created with Love - Christmas reds and greens
Incy Wincy - ribbon, twine, or fibers
Sparkle and Sprinkle - anything goes with embossing powder, glitter, and/or flocking
Crazy Challenge - 'B' is for: boy, bow, button, bling, berries, black
Crafty Calendar - all things Christmas
Christmas Cards All Year Round - Winter Wonderland
Card and Scrap - Christmas card
Papertake Weekly - anything goes Christmas