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.