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!)