Today I am blessed

Lots of random topics to cover. I took this vintage Christmas card and made a little carrying card on watercolor paper for my Navy niece. I took out the Joyeaux Noel and added Rachel's Angel and then some Lil Davies glitter glaze (blue) and stickles (gold). That glitter glaze is one of my favorites - I have 4 different colors and use it alot. I just noticed some of the blue background didn't transfer so I will chalk it...

I totally forgot to mention this about my Cayman trip - long story short (too late already), we pool our interests for insurance and one of the companies in our pool is Anthropologie. YES. I about died when I heard the guy stand up and say he was with Urban Outfitters/Anthro. Can you believe. and yes, I did make a fool and go over and tell him I'm a fan. Dude doesn't know he has a new BFF... (probably doesn't know what a BFF is... so there!)

Right after Christmas I stopped in at Barnes & Noble and found this book in the bargain bin. I loved the illustrations and for $5 - I think the photos will be great for collage.

Did you know that Goodwill has an online store? Crazy, huh. I didn't find anything I couldn't live without, but its always another source, other than ebay.

We had a fantastic time in Canton this weekend - absolutely gorgeous weather and very few crowds. I haven't photographed any of our purchases yet. I wish I could photograph like Heather Bullard - she just makes it look so beautiful. Oh well, it's good to have a goal, right?

I found some beautiful vintage linens (all with stains but great to cut up for projects), watch faces and small white knobs (for feet), a 6 pane window for $10 (yeah!). Oh and a french book with some music and about 8 vintage cards. I love how the old ones have beautiful embossing. My plan is to scan them and post them so you can use them. That's the plan, anyhow. My hubby was thrilled about our trip because he found not one but TWO goodies that he's been hunting for. Some shotgun that has been sitting on the shelf for 4 years at this store and it goes for MUCH more on gunbroker blah blah blah. It's a Ruger 257 Roberts - whatever that means! But it makes him so happy and that's all that matters. It really is cool to see him blissful. He's on a search for a library card catalog for me... Still haven't found one.

Oh wait, back to the weekend story. So we took a little drive to Rockwall and visited Gotta Scrap. I met Duan and Patti at Silver Bella and enjoyed hanging out with them so it was fun to see their store. Good stuff abounds and I found some different ribbon there. There was a crop going on and lots of laughter. Sat morning we headed over to Waxahachie and I spent several hours at the Craft Scrapper. It's a huge store and lots of choices - I had a great time. They even had the new Graphic 45 papers in and yes, I did get some! Of course, Ten Seconds Studio metal was available so I picked up purple and red. And I definitely HAVE to make this dachshund. Is he not THE CUTEST... I really like the style and everything. The girl who created it - Mary Jo is some kinda talented.

Do you know about Spellbinders Nestabilities to use with your Cuttlebug? If you don't have many punches, that would definitely be the way to go - storage-wise. (tip from Jeanne). Of course, the scallops are my favorite!

It's a good thing airfares are low again. I check St. Louis and Charlotte for the spring and I can get both fares around $225. That's one positive for the economy! (My "word" for 2009 is Focus on the Positives - it has been good to repeat over and over!) I also see that ScrapMap has reduced the price for Italy with Debby Schuh. I wish it was in the cards for me to go but I already have a work trip to Italy this summer...

Back in 2006 I heard about this great Genesis trimmers and thought, what the heck - I'll sign up! Well, lo and behold I got an email last week from Bonnie telling me that mine is ready! IT'S READY! So I paid my pound of flesh and shipped it quick and I can't wait to use it...

Okay, lunch is over and I think I've hit every random thought tumbling around. Enjoy your day

The ship of my life may or may not be sailing on calm and amiable seas.
The challenging days of my existence may or may not be bright and promising.
Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude.
If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow.
Today I am blessed.""
— Maya Angelou

(she was in Houston over the weekend - I hope she enjoyed it!)

Sunday

The weather was cold and overcast all weekend. Dull. Gloomy. Only appropriate that my mood would follow suit, no? If it was crappy, it was happening in the Lucas household, folks. I spent 4 days in Grand Cayman Islands and it was astonishingly beautiful. Amazing. See. I got to snorkel for the 2nd time in my life and we went to Stingray City! I have trouble putting my full face in the water (used to wear contacts - all my life), so I was really proud that I pushed through the fear and saw some beautiful fish... It really was a great trip. For some silly reason, my husband can't wrap his brain around the fact that it was a business trip. The boat trip is a great way to meet the other members of the group. Just like hunting but less farting and chewing tobacco. It's the same, really.

So, every morning I google "craigslist library card file" or some variation of that. And at 4 am I hit pay dirt in my own town... Lord knows, I've found these suckers all over - for others. I get an email that says - c'mon, drive down (about an hour away) - I'm home all day. Okay - you know what's next, right? The b*tch sells it. I was trying to be decent and call at 10:30 am on a Sunday morning and she says, Ooops. Sorry. I am going to sell it in the next hour. Well, fuck me.

So, I guess I can cuss on my own blog. A breakthrough... I know, I know - it wasn't meant for me and I should have jumped on it - I get that lesson. I just don't have to like it.

Our neighbor had a baby boy earlier this month and I finally found some cute clothes but couldn't find a cute gift bag so I made my own. I'm too lazy to download the pic, but I do like it. Devil is in the details... Very simple - some strips of baby paper and his name on scallop circles of vellum and a vellum diaper. I have the cutest pattern from years ago. I think I'll buy a few more kraft bags (large) and have them available to decorate. I should have added some paint to it...

I have to admit, I'm jealous of all the lucky girls going to CHA. I went 2 years ago and it is so much fun... maybe next year. We're going to Canton on Friday, so I will enjoy that. We're also taking time out to go to the Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie and Gotta Scrap in Rockwall. I'm so excited to check out these stores. I met the sisters from Gotta Scrap at Silver Bella and thoroughly enjoyed taking classes with Patti.

If anyone has heard from Heidi Woodred, of Everyday Cookies at Sweet Woodruff Acres - can you let me know? I sat with Heidi at Silver Bella dinners and she was such a joy and inspiration. That girl can create! Her blog, flickr and etsy shop are all closed. How can that be? If someone knows, please drop me a line. I'm worried about her.

I'm also disappointed because some "friends" had a weekend retreat and there wasn't room for me. Its always a fun time and I hated missing out. The list of Creative Escape teachers was posted this week - terrific line up but wow, what a price $749. As Ronda says, that'll separate the men from the boys... I don't exactly like being in that category though - that's a tough price in a tough economy. What were they thinking?

I finished Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed. Interesting - I didn't love it but it was an easy read and some good writing when he switched to the character's grandmother etal. Alot of research was done, that's for sure. The very last part of the book provided an incredibly inspiring quote for me.

Also that there is love, still after a life is over.

I love the way that is written and I love the sentiment. I had never thought of it that way. Interesting.

Here's to a better week.

ETA: I spoke with Heidi and she is okay. She is stepping back from the online world for awhile.

Needle and Thread Sings for Me

I couldn't stop thinking about Pam Garrison's stitching yesterday. All day long. Take a look at the project and story with it - I love it. It even made me make a Border's run yesterday at lunch - one of my favorite extravagances. The Border's on Kirby has the best magazine selection, and magazines are (one of) my addictions so I indulge and after several therapy sessions, I can do so guilt-free! Voila! I made the run because of Pam's blog yesterday, to get the new Somerset Life, which I knew I wanted. But the magazine doesn't do the pillowcase cover justice, her blog does. Just great imagination and love the stitching. I've been crazy about embroidery for the past couple of months, ever since Silver Bella. A week before, both Rebecca Sower and Pam showed some handy work, too cool for me. Makes me drool. Prior to that, Heather Bullard showed a beautiful piece of artwork and so now I want to learn how to embroider. And isn't it interesting what came in the door - the thread I found at MAM. No coincidence! Anyone have any tips? Start with just a plaything like Pam & Rebecca or a real project like the p/c? I couldn't stop thinking about the pillowcase yesterday - what do I want on mine? A bird yes, a heart, I love owls (fat ones) and it was so great that she included the pattern. Plays nice with others.

I forgot to mention I took my Mom to Celine Dion on Friday night. I was doing it as an obligation, nice thing to do and since we now have the transport chair, why not give that a whirl. My 85 year old mom gets around well but not long distances. I've always thought Dion was a bit fake and well, you know, just cheesy. Well, let me tell you, folks, I cried. Her music and performance was so moving I had tears and lots of them during the concert. Great stage set up with a people mover on it and good dancing and some amazing vocals (of course). I was really surprised but I thoroughly enjoyed it, maybe more than Mom. Who knew!

No pics. Wait, that can't happen. Let's see what I can scurry up. Since I'm leaving on a jet plane, here's the last one, going to Chicago as the sun set. through the window... And here is a picture of a great display at Anthropologie last month. Interesting, no? I learned the last time I was there that they move displays from one store to another - rotating and there isn't a great AP warehouse somewhere with all this amazing stash. Too bad, so sad. Anyhow, hope you have a great weekend!

Prayer Card

Long time, no speak. We're still rocking and rolling here on Northampton. Getting ready to go to Cayman Islands next week for work. Tough. I know. With the first of the year, been making lots of TO DO lists and checking off quite a few items. Finished a prayer card for my aunt. This is the front of it with St. Francis prayer. And this is the back of it - its more elaborate than usual. I use pages from a child's board book for these. My favorite prayer is St. Teresa. Sometimes I seem to forget the second line: May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. Exactly.

I've sticking with my avoidance of Mike's and HL although I had one slip and fall right after Christmas. $68. Yep. Good stuff but still... All on sale - I used the coupon on a 99 cent item.

I did go to one of my favorite junk places - MAM or Memorial Assistance Ministries. They have good stuff at cheap prices. Found two large glass knobs (4") for $1 each and two boxes of embroidery thread for $5 and $3. And two jars of buttons $1 each. I love that I have some grandma's stash and that it will be put to good use. I'll bet she likes it too. Oh and on Sunday we made a major find after breakfast at the Egg & I. (it's on Memorial and a fantastic breakfast place). We stopped in at an old antique mall that's pretty much empty and found some nice oak cabinets but all too expensive. At the second mall (at Wilcrest) we found one of my China doll vases - yes - amazing, I know. $3. These vases are rare, and mean nothing to anyone else - they're just sentimental to me because I got my first one from a co-worker 30 years ago. I was a puppy and she was retiring and it just brings back great memories.

What I haven't been doing is practicing with my camera and it shows. I wish I could commit to Karen's 52 weeks of photos but no can do. My lighting is dark and dull and way off even with the ISO 800 - I need to look at my notes. And practice.

I did clean up my scrap room and emptied not one but TWO tables of kits and stuff from Silver Bella. Felt really good. Picked up two pretty white boxes with a gift card at Container store. Yum-o.

So what's your one word for 2009? I have been contemplating mine for several days now and I vacillate between bloom and finish. I never seem to finish projects and I'd like to spend this year focusing on that. I'd also like to find/fulfill my potential with creating - I couldn't find the right word for it so I gravitated toward bloom. I'll decide by the 15th, how's that?