The Scrapyard...

A new year

2012-01-01T20:53:00.000-06:00

Welcome 2012...

May it bring peace, love and joy. I have decided it shall bring understanding, love and spirit.

Welcome December....

2011-11-30T13:28:00.000-06:00

We are so very excited to have December finally here and it is time. Time to relax and enjoy the season...

I am creating a December Daily this year and just wanted to share...

I am really looking forward to documenting memories and creating with friends...

Thanks for checking it out. Can hardly wait to get started.

~L

thirteen...

2011-11-07T09:34:00.000-06:00

look who is having a Birthday....

the things...

2011-10-19T16:36:00.000-05:00

the things I know for sure:

1. fall has arrived
2. fall is leaving it never seemed to have enough time for us.
3. the sky is a overcast beautiful shade of white. I only wish I could paint chip it for the paint dude.
4. the house smells fabulous of apple crisp baking slow. I know I don't like apple crisp, just the smell.
5. this is my favorite time of year. Everything BIG happens to us in the fall months. Sometimes scary.
6. so many good things have come from our falls they outweigh the scary.
7. I love the smell of the air it is a smell you can wrap your arms around and embrace.
8. I have started Christmas shopping or creating is a better word.
9. I am in love with my husband, he doesn't always know it but I am. He is a man beyond any words.
10. He is love.
11. I create with no plan. I maybe need a plan. Plan might be good. I never let color hold on to tight.
12. I walk along the edge of life these days grateful. For my legs move forward, without much hesitation.
13. I know things, many days it is this pile messy information, without purpose.
14. I know that today I am grateful, for every breath, every smell, every crazy random moment.
15. I know life is once and it is short, it is to be lived. Lived how you choose, you choose life.
16. I know you choose your life, the path will lead you past many bends, but they are yours. No other...
17. I know to live the life you are given...

long time gone...

2011-10-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

it is a long time gone....

at some point one gets to, "what is there to fill in the blanks with?"....so much has happened
I am not sure where to turn and begin...so how about just in the midst of it all...

I was able to capture a few wonderful photos lately, enjoy....

fall is here and it is making it's way slowly to winter....time to start thinking about turkey, gravy, and pie. Lots and Lots of pie...

Hello again....

forever by lstudio at StudioCalico.com

2011-10-19T09:04:00.000-05:00

forever by lstudio at StudioCalico.com

long time gone....

2011-08-11T07:52:00.000-05:00

long time gone....when a computer goes down, what is left..well no way to blog..then once you walk away it is easier not to return and pick up, then to start again...
the summer has gone by quickly....with so much to share...
I will be returning in the next few days to share....good to see everyone....

the studio....

2011-05-13T13:29:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!!

I woke to this, an email from a friend....check out this blog...The first photo and my name are on there....yep that is me, how great is that!! That Rocks! Thanks for sharing with me. Little ole me.

My Space *****I'm here...**** (click on this...)
be sure to scroll down.... :)whoppa whoppa...

I love my space and I love that I could stay in there forever. The space is ever changing, furniture and supplies come and go. But it is mine and is like nothing else. I love it!!!

be creative everyday...L

challenge....

2011-05-12T06:58:00.000-05:00

All from a day ago....

The challenge: Create a layout from "outside" inspiration. This magazine articles design has been hanging in the lockers just waiting for a little reason to move. This was it. What I loved was the title first and then the design.

This is a fantastic photo taken of a one room school house that my Great Aunt Helen taught in. It is a wonderful photo and I will cherish it forever. She was an amazing lady all four feet something of her. She taught me many things one was love, and that sometimes it was ok to say that was a hell of a deal. In other words to speak your mind.

be creative everyday....L

texture

2011-05-11T08:12:00.000-05:00

National Scrapbook Day offered lots of challenges.....one was to create a layout working with wood accents.
Well as you might have guessed I didn't have any wood accents in my stash. I realize it is a great trend with many collections. But I am not a fast fan. I think it because I don't love the "feel" of the tiny wood bits. So when the challenges began, over the weekend...I when to work. I accomplished all the challenges for Studio Calico celebration, but "create with wood and create with typography" challenges were my stumpers.

At first I figured those would be the two I'd skip. Well as you can see, I didn't skip them and here is the wooden one. I began with a vanilla piece of card stock. Decided on an approximate size of paper and design I wanted to work with. I drew the design by hand, which isn't difficult considering the bark of a tree is forgiving and irregular, easily. I drew the design first with pencil and then outlined it with black ink. I then traced that with Super Glossy Accents. Used a heat gun to dry it caused waiting the recommend 30 minutes is not an option. I added a touch of dark ink. Embossed and inked again for the finishing touches.
Waaalllaahh! You have wood accents. Happy Scrapbooking....

Off the subject.....sometimes your man is a dork! Right you know it is true. Mine had this crazy brain fart yesterday. Goes like this: Him: "I tried all day to find this guys number, you know I have been trying for a while now." Me: " Honey, I can't believe that given his business he is not in the phone book?" Husband: " Oh, (long long pause) I never thought to look in the phone book? I only look on the net."
So that is what this world is coming to....not on the net...not to be reached....lost and not found.....

Be creative everyday~L...

one for the books

2011-05-05T09:18:00.001-05:00

Love the details.

I received a comment in a gallery the other day...which got me to thinking...

Finding a style....this is something often talked about. I have never had a style that maybe fit anywhere. It is not what magazines or design teams are made of. It is my own and I have just decided that it is ok. I often struggle with my differences from others in style. I mostly notice it when I have to share in public, say at a crop for example. I am not out spoken about style, I have always felt that to each is own. I'll attend a crop and there will be one "friendly" voice that expresses a tart tone about one's style. They can't see past the straight edges and cookie cutters, to see delightful style of everyone. I love to see every ones style and what they have created. It is personal and it is true, laid out on paper to be cherished and capturing the memory. I often feel that a layout opens you up and sometimes that is so difficult.

The many companies that create goods don't design products with only one thing in mind for them. If that was the case, everything would come pre-done for you. Paper would not be 12x12 flat. It would be cut and crinkle and stitched. Creativity has no limits, no boundaries. Creativity is so subjective. It is also forgiving, if you can't "see it", you can change it..

I have too many years of retail and fashion experience to speak of. The one thing about a visual design, you notice is the ones on the edge of wonderful. Not cookie cutter. I loved pushing the buttons you might say, like what is pleasing to the eye. Or surprising. The one that made you stop and take it in. Note it is also ever changing!! It never stays the same. I could be changing displays a number of times in one day, feeling frustrated because I had just gotten it done and perfect and there was someone tearing it apart.. Then I realized that was a compliment, and if I wanted it to sell. I had to show an item some love and put it out there. Be willing to step it outside the standard and imagine it...Be willing to do, what "I" may not do...but what created an imagination.
It is true I could display a rock and it would sell. Because it would be much more than just a rock. It was how you imagined it.

I received a comment the other day in one of my galleries that said "You have such a defined style, it's hard to lift"....I thought really? I hadn't seen it. Then I went back and I looked. I then realized "yeah" maybe I do. All of a sudden I felt a block in designing the next layout. It took me days to jump back in. I fly under the radar I often create a little something, without a comment ever. It is ok, because my style is for me. I am not in magazines often, nor do I submit. I am not on a design team nor do really I try. Not saying that wouldn't be nice, just saying that it is ok. My validation is my own...it is the smile and peace I have when it is done.

I am not a sketch follower, I usually don't even have a design in mind or photo when I sit down. I have products. That's it! The layout simply builds and evolves into a design.

I decided that my style is good for me. It is not meant to be duplicated, it is meant for me. That is, a very good thing. It is something that every time I am done with a design I love it as much or more than the last one. How awesome is that.

"If I can imagine it and believe in it, then I can see it"~L

Happy National Scrapbook Month!!

be creative everyday ~L

Moving forward...

2011-05-04T08:11:00.000-05:00

Recovery....it is the hardest thing I have had to do..in awhile. I am recovering two major surgeries in a row. I have decided recovery is so slow paced. It is lonely and it is hard. Mostly it is lonely. You have something big happen to you in life and you survive. Thank God for that, right? Life moves on, it doesn't wait for you to catch up, it doesn't pause with you and hope your feeling well. Life just moves, often times it will move away from you if you don't stay on track.

It moves forward and so does everything else. Life doesn't wait, it never takes a break, it moves always looking forward. Life never looks back, only people do. Sometimes we even get stuck and caught in the moment of pain or despair. Although we have to slow down and mend. Life keeps going, until finally you are left chasing it. Running behind hoping it will slow at a bend, so you can jump back on. Hoping that everyone around you just gets it. No one ever does. Only you get it-- you, the one slowed, the one in recovery. The one off track. Well wishes, and expectations.

Last Friday we celebrated in our house. The doctor's appointment went well. They said I could go back to work, I could live with few limitations. I could lift 20lbs and walk stairs and in a few weeks make my way around the block. I am thinking really? Where have you been? Not in my life. It has been 12 weeks. I am pretty sure I have been working for 9 weeks already and the rest well, enough said. Life moves without limitations, so how am I expected to do the same. The doctor's office is celebrating a medical victory for them. I am walking with little limitations. Visibly. I will walk, I will live without limitations. I will survive.

Someone said, you'll do well, your a fighter.....obviously they don't know me well at all....I am not a fighter...I am a survivor. Nothing more.

Moving forward is what humans do best. I think we adapt and adjust to what we are given.
I think what I am trying to share that if you or yours is recovering...be mindful. You have to understand that moving forward is the only choice, it is strength and it is powerful. Moving forward is moving to heal. Often times we are quietly stuck in what seems like forever and not everyday is a grateful one. Some days it is angry and just plain hurt. To heal and be part of this ever changing world we must move forward, and only glance back at the "maybes and what ifs". Don't allow yourself to be in one place, set your mind to get over it, life already has.

Recovery is lonely and seems to take forever. It is unforgiving, it is sometimes bigger than you are. That is OK, just look at each day one step at a time. Move forward and be strong, even when you are tired. You have only yourself to depend on, and be thankful for you. You can achieve recovery, you can survive....
We are sometimes lucky to have support of family and friends, but they can't do this for you. You do this for you. You are the one to move and take the first step.

Move forward....

~L

lucky...

2011-05-03T08:25:00.000-05:00

Just a little something to share....This dog Charlie...his spirit always shines in every photo....He has a new wrinkle which includes a "Smile Charlie" and you get a toothy grin. Nothing is better. He has officially been a part of our family for one year now and it seems like forever. In a good way, all he needed was a family to love. Love us is what he does best. What a sweet boy.

So waking up this morning, I found it to be 26.4 degrees outside. I can't imagine it to be warm ever again. It am afraid by the time it warms it will be soooo hot that we won't be able to be outside. One thing is for sure this weather certainly is changing the way we are spending our spring. Planting and camping are getting pushed back due to the freezing cold weather.

So today although it is cold I am grateful for the sunshine. It gives us hope that a warm tomorrow will come soon. I am hoping to get outside and walk a bit, last night walking was difficult and sleeping was impossible. I think I over did it yesterday. Life keeps moving, even when you are not. In some ways this makes me sad to think of all the things you'll never get done or get to do. For example, there is so much world out there and I'd love to see every bit of it. Places like Italy or Ireland... Oh the places one must see. A little place outside of this world, I am in. Let's just take a step out and dream. Life is short and you never know when....so if you can dream it and make that dream happen I say go for it....The only thing in this life you can have and take with you every where is a dream. Dreams make memories...memories are yours alone, you may share one or two...but they are the things that make life go around....

If your lucky enough to document in some form you must. Whether your a scrapper, a writer, or a photographer, be the story teller of life. It is too precious to miss. Nothing is to big or small to miss. So today make a memory and document. Anyway that makes you happy.

Be creative everyday ~L

Good Morning!!!

2011-05-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome this week with a delight of my dog Jorge when she was a puppy...thanks to a few vintage finds and October Afternoon papers. She was adorable. She loved the water and given the chance would jump in the tub and beg for a bath. Who does that? This dog was a fish...If there was a puddle she would pull to be wet.

We have a small victory to celebrate in this house today. No it is not political. It is my discharge from the neurosurgeons. Friday I had follow up and I am on a road to recovery. They had very positive things to say about my future. It is time to start over and get busy. I realize it will not be all at once, but in no time at all. It will be a distance memory!! Celebrate! I have a great deal of physical therapy to do...uughh... The discomfort of the spine missing will become common place for me. I can not imagine. I am hopeful that with time I will be stronger and I pray additional tumors do not return.

Time, for that I am grateful! I wasn't expected to walk again and I am walking, maybe a bit shorter and slower. But these legs work, if they work I will walk. Even though there was a few days of touch and go, and the experience very personal, I am so grateful to be here now....Thank you for all of your support and prayers. The amazing power of prayer...

Be creative everyday~L....

Blue Icee and Daddy....

2011-04-28T09:27:00.000-05:00

Life is simple and precious...it can be concluded into the simple need of a big blue icee. With the wrap of her "tiny blankie" and a big straw we have a delight that only Daddy knows how to buy...It is their treat and their time. This photo is hands down one of my hubby's favorite.

It is all about the big blue icee. It takes the world away and offers a hint of a treat and a whole lot of fun! Some days I have to wonder if we all started the day with a big blue icee, it just might be a better place. Really, just imagine it: at the intersection instead of the morning growl from the car beside you who is of course in more of a hurry than you, they'd be sipping on a big blue icee.... Or when you greeted your boss this morning she would have to smile a toothy grin at your big blue icee teeth. I'm sure she would be blue too.

So today I must say I am wishing for a big blue icee. It will be a tough day here, and I will work hard to find the good in this day. I have faith it will close with peace and joy. Only one more sleep to a day off and results we are so waiting for. We can't wait to start a three day weekend. Hopefully we are able to find some delightful treasures. Belle will probably start with a big blue icee and my will be Starbuck's love.. I can be sure that my day will include a big blue cotton candy--what a great start to the season!!!

Have something blue today, and I'll bet it will give you the smile your looking for.
~L

2 for Tuesday....

2011-04-25T16:45:00.000-05:00

Well, Say Hello to October Afternoon's, new "5 and dime" line, it is out and I will go broke trying to find all of it..... I am in love, love, love....It is delicious!!

4 4 Good Friday.....

2011-04-22T07:06:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday to you....

be creative everyday ~L

a cup of coffee

2011-04-20T08:20:00.002-05:00

Good Morning world....
It is a cup of hot coffee, vanilla creamer and a ton of big, fluffy flakes!!! Of snow!!
I am thinking really? I am beginning to think this weather world is turned upside down..
I am not one for Hot weather...but ultimately I'd love to win the weather lottery and have
the season jump into bloom. Welcome to this spring!

Lovelies...my girl...thank you to beautiful Prima Flowers, they made these flowers with this photo in mind I am just plain certain of it.

I am getting excited for next week I have a 12 week follow appointment at the neurosurgery. As many of you know I had a surgery in January to remove a tumor from my spinal cord. I am doing well and each day there is an improvement, it still has a long way to go. Most days we forget about it and I love that! I believe it is a good sign!! Once in awhile I am reminded of it, by doing something to BIG. That is evident the last couple of days. I am still trying to adjust to not having a section of spine with any support, I think sometimes it's more about mind over matter than anything. People close to me that have seen the photos are amazed and think I am a medical miracle. Some days I don't feel so lucky. Especially every time I open the mailbox. It is overwhelming and defeating at times. I will continue to be grateful and believe that All the doctors that were present during the surgery have the confidence I will move forward healthy.

Mostly I am excited for next week, because...my season's first flea market begins and it is fabulous!! It is not for the faint of heart, it is down and dirty! Each year the weather is demanding and unpredictable. We have attended this one in snow, sleet, wind, rain, dust storm, and heat. We have also been blessed with some of the first beautiful days. We will only wait to be surprised. With this swap meet 95% is outdoors and mostly a man's swap. It began as a farm, antique type of swap meet. Then the women have gotten involved and added a few other goods. I almost always find a delight, usually it is something big and dirty. Oh I can't wait!! Then it's about the food... that is oh so good and bad for you...delicious delights!!

More than anything else, we love the time we spend together just hanging out and exploring junk!!
It's a good life on this day..

be creative everyday~L

embossing love....

2011-04-14T09:32:00.000-05:00

Isn't it delightful....I love to play with the photos...You can get your Zing on at Studio Calico...The paper is my current love affair...Crate Paper my favorite line is Emma's Shoppe....

It is raining and pouring here, everything is turning green. It is a beautiful color!! Inspiring. I am thinking that you might need to add a touch of green to your next layout!
Be Creative Everyday..~L

layout love....

2011-04-12T09:32:00.001-05:00

There are some days that you just love a layout. This is not one of them. Yet so many friends have Loved this one, I figured I'd share.

The butterflies are from a Ek success borders punch, that I cut apart. I know cute huh? The title work is graph paper and the font is cut with my Slice...it is the Mix and Mingle cart. got it for a steal at Two Peas. It is then misted and inked to give it some dimension. The pretty papers are from Basic Grey and House of Three.... Stamp: Studio Calico and embossed. Finally, the flower. Yes, it is a zipper, a real zipper from my vintage stash. I simply cut a circle out of card stock, the size I wanted and covered it in super sticky adhesive, then gave the zipper a spin. Finish off with a fabric brad and whallllaaa. Love it!!!

Thanks to everyone who loved this layout. This is layout of the weekend that when it was finished "I said nah" It is always fun and encouraging to get such a positive response.

As many of you know I have been cleaning. Well slow but sure... So what could a metal vintage green box hold? Well........

How about lovely vintage Ric Rac......

Of course it is sized and colorized.....

My go to Ric Rac is almost always the tiny stuff, so that sits out in a sweet enamel bowl . Nearly every layout I create has a touch of Ric Rac and a button or two.....

A special thanks goes out to my mom and dad who seem to always have an eye for the good stuff for the studio. All of the treasures they find, never go untouched here!! Got love 'em!!

What's coming next? A love hate relationship with Thickers and great button storage ideas. The ideas are for the re purpose and the up cycle of goodies in your home. Without spending more than a dime or two....

Be creative everyday! ~L

studio organized!

2011-04-11T09:14:00.000-05:00

Studio is getting some spring cleaning....

I have had many questions of what is that?

So....

1. A vintage wire rack found item. A perfect fit.

2. A vintage bedside table.. used for the sewing machine.

3. A vintage heavy, very heavy, cattle waterer. I love it only hope I don't ever drop it on a toe!

Got a few layouts done this weekend! I am in love with Crate Paper and all their new lines. If you haven't checked them out you must they are delightful. I will be sad when they are gone!

Be creative...~L

cubbie love....

2011-04-08T09:20:00.000-05:00

I am thinking it is time to clean....

I have had requests to share the studio and all the storage ideas. Starting next I will be sharing

ideas of how I use storage in the studio...

Remember my thing is all about a vintage, re purposed way of storage.

Stay tuned for more updates next week..

Make it a great weekend!!

Be creative...~L

barn door is open!!

2011-04-06T10:14:00.001-05:00

A true sign of spring!! Yip the neighbors cows were out.

Keep in mind we live in town. Granted it is on the edge of town, next to a farm. I am walking into the front room, and there stood 2 black dark figures looking at the house, head on at a distance. It took me awhile to register, just what was standing in the grape vine fields.
As they made their way toward me I realized it was true....the cows are out! Dang they want to stay out. It is spring, it was time to make their break and run free through the park.
No worries the owner found them pretty quick and all is fine.

What a great way to start a day.~L

time goes by..

2011-04-05T09:25:00.001-05:00

It has been a year today..that heaven called your name and you followed. I believe that you have become earths most sacred angel..I believe you have become our guardian angel, just as you were on earth. I believe that although you are gone, your presence is everywhere.

Your material life has left us only missing you more. Sometimes we will tell people close to us that we couldn't go on with out them. It seems that many days, it is true about you. We are kind of, in the same spot we were a year ago. So much has changed and happened, but none of it really seems to matter. It is only part of lifes motions.

Your heart was pure, honest, and so giving....that your absence overwhelms us many days. I only can hope that you will be my daughters guardian angel for her life ahead of her. If I know you are watching over her I will always be at peace. She will then follow the path of strength, joy and love.

As I plant and pick out my flowers for spring I am reminded that this earth can never have enough flowers...each season Gramma planted soooo many flowers that often times people would think it was too many. Her only response would be "Did you see how beautiful they all are?" Many times we fail to "see" that true beauty of this life. She seen it so often and all we did was move along with her.

Gramma had seen, that it was to give, to this earth and life we were in. Not to take. May we all be more giving....Plant this earth with goodness and hope. Hope for a better day each morning we are allowed to rise and be a part of this earth.

We love and miss you everyday, of our lives and we will continue to miss you in all of the days to come. Love to you Gramma....

We are never so lost our angels cannot find us.
-Stephanie Powers

today I am blue.....~l

Crate for Thursday...

2011-03-31T08:24:00.005-05:00

Let's have a little Crate Paper for Thursday!

Anyone who knows me, knows I will list the manufactures that I LOVE and have followed from the start on one hand. I am so old school...I can remember when I first discovered them and I thought I had gone to heaven. They had just put out the first line, it was wonderful, I am fairly certain that if we looked hard enough in the studio we just might find a piece. Those were the wonderful days of the creative and inventive LSS. Sadly those days are gone from our area, and if only the world around me could support a LSS, I feel the creative women miss out when we don't have a place to be inventive in our areas. A Big Box just doesn't do it...if I only had the funds!

I will say though, I traveled 2 hours to an Archivers and they didn't quite, have what I was looking for. Then this gal asked if she could help.. I told her that I wished, they had this and this and Crate Paper. She smiled and said we have Crate, we just haven't put it out yet. "Would you like to see it?" I'm thinking really at Archivers...she not only offered to show me but she let me have one of everything!! From unopened packages in the back...She made my day and my trip..That's so some service! How wonderful. I think it helped she was just as excited about it as I was. To my Archivers girl I say "THANKYOU"

Got to love it...

Every once in awhile a layout appears and I am in love. I am in love....

The flowers are stamped and then white embossed. From there I love to machine stitch, I feel it is often times "the finish" to a layout. The title work is one of my favorite fonts from Sizzix, it is Curly Girlie, and it is cut out of craft foam.

Thank so much for stopping by and I love to hear from you...

If you didn't have a chance check out yesterday's entry, I am so sure you will agree with me that adhesive is nothing more than toilet paper...hahahaha

Be creative today!~L

adhesive vs toilet paper...

2011-03-30T07:10:00.006-05:00

Adhesive is just like toilet paper.....Face it! It is true..

You need it..
You have no choice..
Quality does matter..
We always use to much..
It is not fun to buy..
Your always running out..
It's always on the list..
You need coupons..
It is not fun to buy..
You toss it in the cart without love..
It gets no respect..
Cheap isn't better..
Bigger isn't always better..
You can't see it when your done..
We love to complain about the cost..
Yet we don't like to share..
It is always in a sticky situation..
It is not fun to buy..
We are always comparing..
We have yet to find the perfect one..
We debate the way it rolls..
We try to decorate it, like that makes it better..
We hoard it..
We often wish we could take more time..
It is not fun to buy..
It is to expensive..
We'd drive miles to get it..
You have no choice, you need it..
It never unrolls the way you want it..
We don't like to use other peoples..
We often use to much at a time..
We hide the supply it not get displayed with love..
Our men don't get the brand differences..
When it is empty it is a pain in the @$$..

It is not fun to buy.. It doesn't matter how cute we get it, it is still a thing that binds us.

We need it and sadly John Wayne hasn't made an adhesive yet..To make our hubbies happy..

I need adhesive can you tell....I am starting to twitch...Just like when the tp gets lows..~L.

(Oscar is in the back thinking Mom's nuts!)

welcome tuesday...

2011-03-29T07:45:00.001-05:00

well hello there Tuesday and how's it going....

for us sloooowwwww...we had a wonderful weekend.

Belle had Honor band all day Saturday. She had a great experience, she is still talking band. It couldn't make me happier. So we are working hard to catch up on her rest. Which leaves me plenty of scrappy time. Yum! I am however in need of new goods. So I am looking forward to the weekend, have to stock up. I know the week has barely started.

I love this one...of course it is of my sweet Jorgie when her health was good...I miss her everyday!!
The card stock is dark dark brown! Pattern papers are new from My Mind's Eye! I can't not get enough of that brand, I have yet to find a collection of theirs I am not in love with. I have had a couple of questions about the orange chipboard...Yep I made it! It began as a naked chipboard, I painted it mustard yellow and while it was wet I painted a layer of monarch color. Once dry I began the many layers of Ultra thick embossing enamel...before that final layer was fully set up I stamped Today is beautiful..then let it dry....isn't it delightful?
A little bit of machine stitching and a few vintages pieces, including a zipper. The font is painted foam I made from my big shot. This is the finished product.

Thanks for stopping by be sure to let me know your thoughts....
Be creative every moment~L.

light the path...

2011-03-25T10:26:00.026-05:00

Here it is!! I am so excited to share....I have been working on this little number and whallaaaahh...

I love dimension and texture. I love My Mind's Eye Stella Rose collection. It is just yummie.

I used a versamark and SC doilie stamp, with a bit of Zing Mustard embossing for the background. I started with the first layer and added some machine stitching. I made sure that every edge was finished somehow. I inked and painted most of them.

The photo is touched up with photoshop to give it a watercolor effect.

Finally I know my handwriting is tough to read so. "Light the path..it will lead to your hearts passion!"

Thanks so much for sharing today make it a great weekend!!~L

be sure to check back Monday with another yummie...I hope you'll like!!

2 4 thursday....

2011-03-24T07:14:00.000-05:00

the yuckies...

2011-03-24T06:50:00.001-05:00

This house has the crud.....the yuckies....the lay around....moaning kinda of yuck!!!

Well not me personally but I think even the dog has the ickies..Here's to bleaching the joint and opening all the windows and air out the bugs. Spring just can't arrive soon enough.. The last couple of days it was working its way there. Sunshine glorious sunshine. Yesterday thunderstroms, with down pours of rain, lightening and the crackling of the sky. The wind came and the people around thought for sure it was the start. Then old man winter knocked on the door of the neighborhoods and slowed the world down with more bus stopping snow. It is filled with the thickest, fluffiest beautiful white. A true wonder.

I have to tell you the water is a rising around us, it is cause for concern. All you can do is wait to see how far it will go or shall I say how high. We lost a MNdot worker in the area yesterday to the flooding waters. His backhoe slipped into the water and with the cold water and current they weren't able to save him.

They continued the search this morning, I pray for his family. News to note they found him late yesterday. Thank goodness, I don't know the family personally but I am so sad for this family. They just lost his brother a few weeks ago to cancer and he leaves behind 2 small children, his wife, and family and friends...May God be with them...

Life is on its own time. Be grateful for this day.

~L....

read.....

2011-03-23T08:17:00.000-05:00

This girl just reads.......and then she reads some more........She is like a sponge....which is just plain fabulous...

Now days though her reading is electronically. She was a lucky girl with a Nook for Christmas. I was surprised to find she read even more, we have to often at times we have to tell her it is time to do something else. If you are on the fence with this purchase, think about how much more "techie" our kids are and then decide if it would entice them. I do think if they are a reader they will read and more. But I am not sure that it would make them read more if they are not. I only wish I could find more age appropriate books that entice her to read. Once in a while her Nook will offer free books that are not appropriate and I wish I could turn off that feature.

She loves a little suspense and a bit of mystery. I think she is finding that I am the one who struggles mostly with types of books, than she does. I have often said that even though a Twilight series or to Kill a Mockingbird is an easy read, is it a appropriate or would she enjoy it now, compared to a few years from now?

Reading what a wonderful gift, what a joyous passion.

I loved preteen, young teen books recommends.

~L

it's all about the details....

2011-03-21T13:40:00.000-05:00

It is all about the details with one....Love it!!
Let's get to it-- First of all the "Grateful" title was cut with my big shot...really I found thin foam in the kids craft aisle of our local crafty store. For cheap! Then I die cut away and look it worked! Score! It is so pretty and I love the flow of the letters I reminded me of the breeze in the woods that day.
The white piece behind the photo is embossed with white and then inked to get the texture I was looking for.
The page is all about dimension I first created a portion of the layers, attached them to card stock and cut that out. Attached with foam adhesive and stitched down the bottom layers. No detail got left behind on this one. I hope you enjoy it and much as I do.
~L

Now there's 3!!

2011-03-17T12:38:00.000-05:00

Winter 2009 revisited....this is just something too good to miss....
Since I shared this originally we have adopted a third dog Charlie last spring so as you read this keep in mind that now days this is even a Bigger deal in our yard....

Blog Post Originally entered: Jan. 12, 2009.

We'll start with the first adorable smooocher
Tobon (Toby), a 5 yr old Golden Retriever weighing in at a healthy 90-95 lbs on a lite day...

Then we have 1yr Oscar Clement De Man De La Hoya (the golden boy) , a Yorkie, who we like to say weighs 5lbs but, some days that's giving him a pound or two......
So, I got 2 dogs--

Toby is the sweetest dog you'll ever meet, love love love....when he wags his tail his whole body wiggles.. His is so giving and tender hearted, to say I adore him is just a small statement.
But, don't let that sentiment kid you, he is still all puppy at heart and mouth, and the stories I could tell you would bring you to tears of laughter and frustration. This dog ate the bumper off my hubby's truck, the mud flaps and the tires on that truck, the siding off the house, every rug I own is a chew toy, the dog kennel, part of the deck and that's just a start. He is a moose, period!

The "new" guy in the house is the Yorkie a sock warmer, a dog smaller than my hubby's boots. A dog that believes he is bigger than Toby. A timid little man with a gentle heart who loves to be loved. A true lap dog, he is so tiny that his collar, outside rope and many of his toys are cat ones. The dog ones are just too big!!! ( don't tell anyone I told you that they are "cat toys" it's too embarrassing) besides, I wouldn't want to give him a complex or anything...Cause he IS a dog..

OK well, here's the most recent moment where I have to say ,"you never know what life throws at you"

We live in the frozen tundra....true, we currently have a sheet of ice with 6 to 8 inches of new snow on top. Blizzard conditions and -20 to -40, not so bad you may say....Back to the dogs, I got 2....
Toby might be all brute but he isn't a fan of weather (any kind of weather) so to get him to GO outside these days is a challenge... He would simply like to hold it until spring!! or at least until something greener comes along.
Frankly if he goes AT- ALL- ANYWHERE we are please as punch, because it's outside!! His leftovers are huge!!!
At about this time of the winter we don't always get the leftovers picked up right away. If you know what I mean(uggghhh) So when it gets above zero we'll scoop up the giant poopsicles, but in alot of cases with all the snow we're getting, the poopsicles are hidden before we can get to them. Imagine that..

We have a great "dog" backyard, lots of trees and buildings which are his domain to selectively place his leftovers properly in the back corners. Every dog needs a little privacy right?

Oscar Clement, on the other hand, tip toes his way out the front door on a properly sized, thin, long, catlike rope( 0f which I keep a good share of it in the house warm for him to tug). Mind you this rope with the snow tends to be a bit hard for him to manage...No kidding....So very often, this creature chooses to do his business on my front stoop. Saving himself the hard work of getting down 4 steps to a nicely shoveled area special for HIM....
Unfortunately this dog is a runner to the neighborhood hotties, so to clip him to the leash is the only option in the winter months. Cause I AM NOT CHASING HIM ANYWHERE....in below zero....

Finally did I mention I got 2 dogs......
The other afternoon it's like freezing, flippin' cold out and Oscar's got to go. Then in a moments notice, yep- he's done. Which was a little unusual because, that was fast and he usually doesn't ever bark ( for the first few months we didn't think he could) So here I am busy and I get "yip yip yip yipyipyipiypip yipyip"
He is caught just one step anyway from the door, ugggghhhh---So, I tiptoe on the snowy stoop to grab him quick, heaven knows he's going to fall all the way to the bottom...
He's stuck. He's stuck on something on the sidewalk, he is so darn tiny that now he is stuck on an icy mud chunk. How'd that get there?..

I give it a tug, no luck, man he's stuck hard! Jeez!!--did I mention my toes are freezing.... once again, I figure a tug and whip to the rope ought to do! Success!
The thin rope made its way to the stoop. In a spilt second I realize that so is the icy mud chunk he was stuck on!! But it is not an icy mud chunk it's Leftovers!!!!!
I however, duck just in time for the giant poopsicle that is hurdling right at me. At my head!! It is stuck on poop bigger than this dog!! The leftovers then are coming right at my head and it hits me square on the shoulder..only to bounce back and glide across a frozen front yard. Ouch that really hurt. Then it dawns on me....
Well, look who dropped a load on the front sidewalk. Score!!
At first I looked around to see who laughing at me and then realize it's me... I got 2 dogs and I just flung giant turds at myself!!
I think there's something to be said about this moment in the my life.

Maybe, I need to be careful what I tug for.. You never know what life will throw at you today... No matter what some days just add up to giant turds...

Morale of the story keep your eyes open you just might have to duck from what your loved ones leave behind. Always pick up your sh*#! Life's just better that way!!

Ohhhh, and did I mention I got 2 dogs....... -L.

I am thinking this ain't something for the scrapbook....................

dogalicious....

2011-03-15T07:53:00.000-05:00

yep we are Dogalicious!!!

These sweets are a girls best friend......I love to scrap our pets, every photo is a delight and I love the spirit they bring to the layout. They make me smile....have a dogalicious kinda day!!!

John's Fault....

2011-03-13T06:53:00.005-05:00

It is all John's fault...

I am sure of this. It is most definitely, undoubtedly, absolutely John Travolta's fault. I can say with the utmost confidence. Now let's begin this, I love John Travolta..he is hot and the older he gets, well....enough said there..

However 3 days ago while he was on TV in some random program, not sure what because he was my background ~~noise~~ dance art while I read a good book. Something very bad happened, something that is beyond understanding and I can hardly breathe a word of.

Mr. C had just finished saying goodnight and tucking in our sweet bean, and was making his way to bed for the night. "She all set?", "Yep, are YOU watching this?" No, I answer. With that he snatches up the remote.

Oh the remote, one would have to think it was some "man made" power tool. The way "they" ( the men in the house) have, to have control over it during all TV time. I am fairly certain since the invention of the remote, is when programming meet its demise. Corporate TV people have struggled ever since. Trying hard to get our attention in a click of a button. We rarely watch one program from start to finish without jumping channels a dozen times during that show. The only time during the year we even see a commercial is during the Superbowl. On a side note I love how channels are now in cynic and most times every channel has their commercials all at the same time.

I can't help but wonder if we had less reality TV and more I Love Lucy, Gilligan's Island, and Little House on the Prairie, we would stick around on the channel longer. Something that truly took us away from 'reality' and the unpleasantness of "real TV". We spend most of our time either at the Discovery Channel or History Channel, mostly due to the content of sitcoms and family appropriate programming in my household. Let's face it ever since we changed ratings for movies TV has gone down hill, too. PG-13 is simply the new R half the time. (I can say it if I want this is my stop and no one really reads this anyway. )

So anyway off track, it's John Travolta's fault....with that dreadful night and the click of a button.........POOF...it was gone.....no more sitcoms of Charlie Sheen, no more reality TV of loggers and alligator hunters (uck!, they should be nice to one another, just saying) NO MORE (not that with those we're missing anything)NO MORE..........anything, unless you wanted to snuggle up and listen to the program. Frankly we tried this and it doesn't cut it. This TV of less than 3 years gone, toast, junk, big black box of ugly metal art on my wall. Sonofa #$^*!!!! No lie....No flippin' way? Whatever happened to things lasting until you wanted new. We have tried everything, including banging it on the wall a number of times....HARD!!!Stinking thing.

You know, a few years ago my parents got a new refrigerator, with that came the desire to have a stove to match. I am all with that, same thing going on in this house. She simply wanted them to match, but the problem with that is her avocado green was still perfectly fine. THE ONE SHE GOT 30 frickin' years ago!!!Needless to say she did get her stainless flat top stove. (Yay Mom) But, you can bet out there somewhere, right now a gal is perfectly happy with her "retro" avocado green stove.

Not me I have a newborn flat TV that I am not only going to have replace, but that I am going have to pay to stinking to recycle.

This is simply all John's fault....Had he been dancing in one of my favorite movies rather walking around with a gun in hand we would have stayed there. We wouldn't have clicked to the next better viewing moment. Or maybe if Mr C. hadn't found the remote and automatically changed the channel without looking first, we'd still be here with a "new" TV that actually produces a picture. I my camera fund wouldn't have to keep retitling itself...sadly it will soon be a doctor fund anyway so what's the difference. Any way you look at it Sony is still probably going get my monies, it'll just come in a different shape and size. It definitely won't fit in that cute bag and strap I have waiting for it. It won't get to go everywhere with me, it'll have to just hang there and hope it doesn't die in less than three years....or John's sure to hear about this.....

WE have a black picture and a number of vertical color lines at random on the screen. At least the volume still works right? What are you kidding me, my piece of junk will have to hang there until the cows come home. That will be how long it going to take to replace this job. I am sure, I jinxed myself talking about this sweet camera I have been saving for. I 'll never see that little number any time soon unless you take a picture with a big 39" flat screen TV..ugh I am not meant have a DSLR 16.2 mega pixel Sony camera....I am meant to let life get in the way again.

To John I say thanks alot, be more careful what movie you let them replay, make it a good one. Help conserve our resources and don't let another TV die under these conditions. Mama wants a new camera!!!

If any of you know me I have been raised to find good in this...sooo, this is for my Mom....I am so very grateful that John wasn't on a few weeks ago when I was on bed rest...cause having the TV blow then would have just plain sucked!!

We will now Resume regular programming.....(Maybe if I am lucky it'll come in avocado green) No Winner, Winner, Chicken dinner here....ugh!!!

5 4 friday

2011-03-11T06:11:00.001-06:00

five for Friday.....

1. Happy I have the day free....doctor appt.'s can't wait to see my spinal results

2. Happy to have lunch with my hubby, we never get to do that anymore.

3. Happy to do some shopping on my own, you'll find me at the yarn shop and scrap store.

4. Happy it's the weekend, can't wait to get in some girl time, tomorrow with my sweets.

5. Happy to just be, be healthy, be happy, be me...

Have a great weekend everyone! Keep our earth and Japan in all of your thoughts and prayers today many aren't as blessed with the weather. ~L

2011-03-10T08:17:00.000-06:00

Love is the greatest refreshment in life....

~Pablo Picasso

There's nothing finer, more delicate, than the love you hold in your hands. Yet if your lucky it is bold and strong. Whether it is love for someone, a pet, a job, or a passion. We can not possess love we can only be grateful for it. We can relish in it and rejoice. Today I love my scrappy stuff. I am relishing in all the goodness of supplies.

(Bet you wondered where I was going with this?)

With this love, I am throwing it all out. That's right I love this hobby so much that I am letting go. I am cleaning house on the old stuff that holds me back. I look at this paper and think "Oh there has to be something I can do with it" even thought I still loved it, but I realize I will probably never use it. Paper is like fashion it is ever changing and it always regenerates itself. But seriously will I ever want to cut it again. No. Lesson learned don't buy with the hopes you'll use it or "find" the photo. Buy smart, buy with the knowledge that paper is all but cut before it gets in the door. If you buy use it and when your done pitch it.

I think I have decided that in some ways we are scrap hoarders and--- I for one, fear the TV show. I envision this scrap room with stacks and stacks of scrap stuff still in the bags untouched. Untouched because it is just to pretty, it smells to good, or we just don't have that "photo" for that paper. Oh come on, let go and cut that smelly, shiny piece of paper today and set yourself free.

Can you guess what I plan to do this weekend, yep I plan to find the floor and that desk I once had....I am sure I have spring fever, it is spring cleaning time. I plan to let go and I will NOT try to think of a use for any of it....just let it go....be free, to get some new goods. Yep a 110 sheets waiting in my shopping cart, it is already cut once it's in the door!!! Nothing saying I won't take a moment to feel the texture and smell the paper. (What did you really think, I would not want some new goods with all that room.hehe {:0 So what have you cleaned today? ~L

gotta love a good dog...

2011-03-09T08:06:00.001-06:00

Got love love love your sweet smoochers......

another day....

2011-03-08T07:02:00.001-06:00

So. I spent a couple of minutes in the studio and whaala!

It is a deep, dark brown card stock. I love this choice of background because often times the color will "pop" off the page and the aqua then is delicious. I embossed the white accents in the corners. By stamping a Studio Calico and Tim Holtz Stamp. One hint to offer is brush lightly the excess after you have tapped the embossing powder, this will offer you a crisp clean definition of the stamp. Best thing also is take your time when your embossing it will be well spent, in the finished product.

Other details include wonderful vintage goodies from the map page from a dictionary to a bit of a zipper to buttons.. Machine stitching is always one of my favorite finishing touches and a dab of ink or paint to the edges. One wish I have is that you could see this in person it is difficult to enjoy the dimensions of the layout from a crazy camera.

Journaling reads: "in our world we don't have to go far for peace and simple beauty it's in our backyard...ahhhh...."

Looking at the photos I realize I Need a new camera, this one is just not doing it anymore. So I am saving my pennies, but life keeps getting in the way. Some day the images will better I promise.

Exciting news for this layout I posted it in one of my galleries yesterday and within the hour creativeinspiration, a creative little site grabbed it and added to their inspiration of the day. Thank you Thank you!! That really made my scrappy day!

Ok my friends, scrap on.~L

Gifts....

2011-03-07T07:15:00.001-06:00

"A true sign"...this sweet layout took only minutes to toss together. The background is a lovely, rich, deep charcoal. I love how it off sets this sweet pastel girlie layout. I have dugout the Zing and the heat gun to emboss accents for the delightful layers. I need to remember that felt MELTS...ooooops....

I love the dimensions of the layout and only wish that the camera could show you the 3D of this.

The journaling reads: "Your eyes are a true sign of God's love to me...God's gift to me"

So what makes a good gift? Is the size, the price, the quantity, or is it the thought...They say it's the thought that counts. Although I do truly agree the thought matters most, I have to say to me it's a wonderful gift one that is least expected. The surprises, the little ones, the simple ones, the ones filled with delightful moments to last a lifetime.

I have been given so many gifts in the last few weeks, to say "Thank you" doesn't seem enough. Good friends and strangers have offered support, gifts and prayers. I have to say that my family truly believe the unexpected support is what brought us to the other side of this surgery. I feel the Mr.C and Belle couldn't have do it without the help. The sentiments from people I haven't heard from for moons or ever were so very appreciated and sweet. The little things are what have mattered most.

So what I have to offer is "Thank you", and may God bless each of you for taking care of my family for me. One of God's greatest gifts. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers, I had a couple of days, during this time, that I am certain I survived only on prayer. The prayer of many. This week I have follow up testing to see how things are improving and I am praying for all good news.

It is time to welcome spring in good health and lots of planting bits of goodness to add to this earth and that will take bending and stretching both of which, I have yet to do well.

Old man winter needs to say goodbye and give us a break. Unless, he plans to drop green grass he ought to be done. I say, "See ya, good bye winter, don't let the sunshine hit you on the way out...~L

oooohhhhoooohhh...

2011-03-01T13:36:00.000-06:00

ok well today...I soooo have got to share.....

Although in the scheme of things this is small, I am pretty excited to celebrate!

I received an email from the CK blog that I was featured with this layout! That totally rocks!

I was pretty excited to wake up this morning and find this to be true. As my loving family continued to eat breakfast, with little to no emotion. "That's great honey" and "Cool Mom" slurp of cereal milk and what is that?

I ask you how could they not know! I am very excited and honored to have this layout featured. It is one of my all time favorite photos.

Thank you so much for sharing. I think the one thing to note is that I tend to fly under the radar in the scrap world, considering there is so much amazing talent out there. You know how that is, I'm a little fish in a big pond. I am swimming with joy today what a great way to start my day.

Now if I haven't bragged shamelessly enough I have to add that just before I went into surgery in Jan. Creating Keepsakes Magazine contacted me and requested a different sweet layout to be published in June/July issue. Soon to be on your bookshelves in the early summer, yeah that's really me. I am going to be published in one of the favorite scrapbook magazines. Although I have been published before something about this one is extra special. I think one reason is because they found me and asked. Second reason is because it is of my sweet Jorgie who we lost oh to soon...I can't wait for you to see...

There I feel better I got that off my bouncy self, I figure this was a good place, no one is reading anyway. It was one of the first things I said to my hubby this morning " I am sooooo excited but I have no one to tell" So now I have told my blog buddy I think I'll call him "Buddy" ( original I know, what can I say)

So I say this Buddy I rocked it today!!!!Wooottt!!...~L

2 for the road....

2011-02-27T13:12:00.001-06:00

two for the road....a delightful creative weekend....this morning, I had a hubby that made the most delicious cup of coffee and french toast, then sent me to the studio to relax and create.

So I came up with two this morning..I love them both!!! Mostly I made a huge giant mess!! You should see the studio I am pretty sure a tornado hit, not me! Pictures of the disaster tomorrow....

Thank you for sharing!~L.

when all else fails....

2011-02-25T08:18:00.001-06:00

make a great hat....It still amazes me that a little bit of yarn and one little hook can make something delightful...

It is so great to have a finished product that you can wear in public...hehehe

The first one I originally made a tiny little one for a sweet friend's baby. I then adjust the pattern for Belle. It is adorable, just not any to big. She said also that it isn't very warm. You know how it is to look good, you got to give up for fashion.

Then came the second one it is chunky, heavy, big and warm warm warm. This is one that a girl should wear here with all our cold weather. She loves this one. I reserve comment I am thinking it is to big, I can barely see her eyes. She thinks that rocks, go figure.

I love to make them! They work up fast and instant satisfaction.
Thanks for stopping...~L

it's a love hate hate kinda thing.....

2011-02-24T11:28:00.000-06:00

The yellow elephant in the room......

okay well hate is a strong word..........I disliked this enormously!!!

It is a most basic crocheted throw...it is of the sweetest yellow and it is just the right size for a girl to pull on and cozy up to a great big book. I am done with this number and I have no plans to cozy with it ever...

I started this little number LAST winter when I was under the weather I must have been out of mind. I know I was out of my mind!!!! I have not enjoyed this project one single ounce, even when it was done I want to pack it up and hide it away.

For starters I had put it away and started something new. Then 18 inches from the end I run out of yarn! Really. I have a search team looking for this cheap, scratchy yarn that I am not loving. No luck. the project again gets put away. Only to find in my stash one last skein hidden in the depths of the miles of yarn that live here. Then the excuse was no more I must finish this number. There you have it, done done done.

Rule #1: Never start a creative project and not finish it in a timely matter. You'll have a hard time going back to it. I have created so many delightful things since this has been in the cardboard, growling at me.
Rule #2: It is ok to let the project go. I can't just give up, I had to finish. I needed a "clean plate" if you will.
Rule #3: Your not going to "love" everything you create. That's okay!
Rule #4: Admit and move on.
Rule #5: Don't gift it away either.

Today, life is about this crazy project, It may not always be pretty, you may not always love it, but in the end you need finish what you start. You need to face it and realize it isn't magically going to go far away. You'll be happier with yourself. You'll be able to look at it with a sense of accomplishment.

This is my little yellow elephant: now my yellow piece of mind. I climbed the yellow yarn mountain and I have won!!

Yay for me!!

In the end it is not so bad, kinda springy and kinda done. I am fairly sure that the next time you stop to visit you probably won't find it, it will be on that estate sale when I am dead!!

Have a great yellowy, scratchy day! A day of a finished project!!

~L.

a dreamy field....

2011-02-23T10:35:00.000-06:00

of delightful layouts.....

days gone by....

2011-02-23T07:56:00.000-06:00

dreaming of days gone by.....I woke this morning trying so hard to touch and smell the dream I was floating in.

I walked in the backdoor of my Gramma's house and as I looked up at her, I realized I was small again. She greets me with a hug and waits to see if I remembered my verse for Sunday school that day..She seemed pleased and moves quickly back to her business in the kitchen.

Today I am especially lucky because the laundry is going and she has been ironing. Oh how wonderful the house smells. The oven is full of baked goodness and on the stove top waits lunch. I could only hope that we are staying for dinner. It looks like fried chicken...but right now I smell something divine and fresh coffee.

The dinning room is already full of life my aunts are laughing and passing around magazines. One is sewing and another is knitting. Their chatter is almost overwhelming. I want them to slow down and breathe in this moment with me. It's Gramma's she is here!!I see her apron and she keeps moving in the kitchen. Her little dog is eating and not overly happy we are here.

Look she made us chocolate milk (old school) nothing is more delicious.

She never comes to sit with us, she is just busy cooking and shuffling throughout the kitchen. I heard the pans and her laughter as she chimes in the conversation. I only wish I knew what they were talking about.

I wake only wanting her to come in the dining room with us, I can feel her with me, I can seeing her moving, I can smell her. It's not enough, I want to embrace her and I want her to stop for just a moment and tell me something, everything....I want to hold her tight and never let go of the moment. I want her to know I remembered my verse, today.

Missing Gramma....

scrappin' goodness

2011-02-21T09:32:00.001-06:00

This started with a dab of mist that lead to machine stitching, and painting the edges.

Well that only got carried away from there and each of the patterned papers are machine stitched together, seamed open and stitched to the card stock. The patterned papers are bits and pieces of things I should have tossed long ago. But I often can't help myself, some of those bits are perfect for just this, finishing touches of goodness....

Progress report: I am up and around slowly, my spine feels like a giant thing growing out of my body. I described it this morning to feel like the size of a giant couple of cans of vegetables in my back. I was thinking of the diameter of that can. I can feel where the bones of my spine are missing, that's icky!

It is simple the process is moving forward, and we are happy with that. Some days I am at a stand still, but everyday I am always grateful. I can feel the days will come that I will not only walk but I will dance with joy for this life. This years surgery is bigger than last years I guess but it is easier, maybe because I could plan for this one. Unless it is just because I am getting good at this!

In the end of this I am wanting it to be all better now, I have never been known for my patience.

yumies yumies yumies.....

2011-02-20T15:26:00.000-06:00

back to busy.........lovelies

evening in the midwest....

2011-02-16T17:41:00.000-06:00

I could imagine what this poor, poor snowman must have felt like.....losing his head.... It is wonderful to live here and be negative negative negative something something for days and then boom!!

Here it is above zero and 50* plus and everything is melting away!! Yay!! They keep reminding us that snow is coming and the snowy months are still coming but, I say it is melting and that is a happy dance kinda thing!!

I have seen a good share of walkers and joggers today. Even in shorts! Love it!

The recovery is going well, and I am back to work a bit. Walked outside yesterday to the mailbox with a little help, but we still got there and back in one piece. Joy!! Crazy to think three weeks ago even happened and here we are today. Another happy dance moment. I realize things are going take time, but I couldn't ask for more. This is good.

Man it is down right tropical here!!! It is 6 pm and not even dark yet!!

Come on spring!

my path....

2011-02-11T07:16:00.000-06:00

I am sharing a favorite photo today....It is my path...well I guess it's not mine, exactly...it belongs to the family and to the woods. But I claim it! This path has seen many years of farming, hunting, walking, flooding, snowmobiler's, outdoors men, and creatures. But for me this path is worth so much more than anything one could give or take.

Each year it is forever changing, adjusting to the climate and new growth. yet, it remains open and quietly waiting for you take it and embrace its destination. Which, usually will grant and Bald eagle or maybe a deer or two... But the one thing it saves for each visit, isn't something you can always see, hear, smell, or touch...

It is peace....when you reach the path in the woods, the world stops. It never gets in. This path holds all the secrets, the dreams and wishes for a good life...Today I want to thank this path, for also taking on my burdens.

While I was at the edge of a critical point in the hospital, and in extreme pain. A sweet nurse walked this path with me and talked me down this path and away from my pain. We listened, to the birds and the crackle of the sticks below our feet. We could smell the breeze and feel the peace. I was there and as the pain intensified this path engulfed me and pulled me away, it shut out the world.

I was gone. I was at peace. I was pain free. I was soft. I was unseen. I was happy.

When I woke, my life had rested, and was ready to try again. To survive..

Welcome to my heaven......... ~L

journal..

2011-02-09T01:48:00.000-06:00

It's been 2 1/2 weeks since my surgery. Welcome to the pity party.....

Yesterday started out so good, then boom migraine and hot shiver shakes. I can't get rid of them. I am so tired....I want to cry, scream, and run away from this body that is failing me.
I only wish that I could keep moving forward and no longer have to continue to take those steps backward every few days. This body is no longer my own it is broken and doesn't wish to be strong. I feel as if my limbs are attached only by a thin string dangling them to the sides of me unable to fall into rhythm and just work.

Maybe the reason I say it like that is because when the surgery took place in order to get to the tumor they had to remove sections in my back of spine and those sections were not replaced with anything. I can feel the empty section in my back. They plan to have scar tissue grow and replace the missing bone structure. Really? I only wonder how it will do this, I get the process. But think about it for now there's nothing....and no brace or anything to keep me in line. I have had to learn to move again, the simple task of walking down a hall. I had to learn to move my arms and offer my body strength I didn't have. To get out of bed is so hard...for many days I cried. I'm still crying.. To sit in a chair...to get up from that chair. To reach, to touch, to move, every detail has to be thought about. I have to plan how I'm simply going to get to the bathroom and more importantly how I'm going to get out on my own. To brush my teeth is a task that is painful. The doctors I am confident know what they are asking of me, but I imagine if it were them it might be different.

It is so frustrating to be depend on every movement, every detail, every second of every day the pain is there. It moves with me and keeps me from moving any inch. To think of the task of getting into bed and just resting is a two man job. We won't even discuss getting up. My body had become a sack of potatoes, it is all enclosed together but each potato or part moves loosely and out of order.

They had to remove a large section of the filum which in cases the spinal cord, because the tumor had grown larger than last recorded. That also means the nerve was attached, and is now gone. The feeling in my hip and leg is no longer, it is dead, they suggest in 18 months that feeling may return but there are no promises. Only if the nerve grows back and mends its self. The sheering pain that does come, down each leg is overwhelming, it stops me in my tracks and knocks me down each time.

I remember having to pull myself up less than a year ago from the last major surgery. This is harder physically than last time.

I know I will live thorough this, but for today I want to give up and just lie down. I am tired and I have only just begun.....

The pain is often times overwhelming. I can't believe I am doing this.....

5 days ....
Come Monday I have to be at my best.

~L

time heals all.....

2011-02-08T03:54:00.000-06:00

As many have said...Time is an amazing thing....

I am working my way back too the start line...where you must pick yourself up, dust yourself off and plunge forward.
It is amazing how such a short time could take so long, and seem so big.

As l climb back from this surgery I am reminded of how life is filled little blessings. My surgery went well, with few complications. The tumor had grown and therefore with some nerve damage. We are hopeful that it is something that's not permanent but only time will tell.
I will hopefully move quickly from bed rest and walking with an aid, to back to my Independence.

Each night was a challenge and each day was a struggle. But during my time in the hospital I was so lucky to have amazing nurses that walked me through the pain to the other side. I woke in the night to find them praying with me and for me. Granting me strength to survive and offering me hope for a better tomorrow.

I have little things that need to mend but time heals all wounds. Yet the tumor was cancer free and for that we are celebrating. And giving thanks!

I am looking forward to getting back in the studio and creating with a whole lot of goodness....

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, we are so very grateful!!!

xxoo~L

on the outside...

2011-01-22T07:03:00.000-06:00

On the outside we go day to day uneventful...
The greetings of pleasantries, "How you doing?" Answer for me is always "good, good..."
I have never been one of many things to say. We were raised to be seen and not heard.
It is not a bad thing necessarily, it taught us to be private when we needed to be. It taught us humility, respect, privacy, and that sometimes things are just better unsaid.

With that came a man who wants it all on the table. Everyday to tell me how he feels and look me in the eye. To share the ups and downs together. With that I have often stumbled. Often times having to tell me to say it, and say it like you mean it. For a quiet man he is honestly open about many things that I was not raised to say or do. Honestly, I think that it has been an extraordinary experience, to live in this outspoken life and it has brought me full circle in some ways. I have always been one, "to buck the wind" as it were, that hasn't changed. Tell me left I'll go right out of my way to differ. But what it has taught me is to raise this awesome human being in a whole another world of positive thinking. To talk to her, love her out loud and praise her everyday. The most I raise is my voice to her. Not saying that is not somewhat powerful in it's self. But it has also taught me to soften and reflect.

I am a mere few hours now away from this tumor coming out. It is time. last night I went to bed my body begging to lay still and rest. Falling asleep isn't hard the pain awakes within about 4 hours now. It is currently winning all of my limbs and my mind. It is all I think about, when I am awake or when I am asleep. This morning I awoke dreaming I still had my hair ( which is another story in itself) and dreaming that I was taking pills to feel better. Trying to choose a color. Okay so that can't be good. I'm dreaming the discomfort and the pain wins no matter how hard I try.

It has become larger than itself and within me but on the outside of me. I hurt every moment of every day with all of my being. It is time. It is time to face this evil and let it go. It has changed me, I am again the little girl that didn't speak of her pain. The tumor is winning and I must find the strength to brave another scar in the face of this pain.

I am so tired of not just, feeling great. Great about all the things that I do and want to do. I no longer wish to feel the burden, that wears on me. I am tired of not being free of the doctors mercy and their forever running tab of bills. My sweet husband and I talked and talked about what to do and when to do it. The doctor said you have a little time, but that time is filled with this agony of pain that I take everywhere with me. My decision came to do it as soon possible, when my husband said, "we just want the old you back, before this tumor."

I can't remember her, she will have to be anew. It a time for letting go. I cut off all my hair, I donated. It was the fourth time or so...but this time I sat there and let go, and I seen the pain I have weathered in my face. I am so happy to have donated the hair. I made the mistake and someone asked why I did that and I said it out loud.."I didn't want to take it with me." In many ways I am being honest and honesty is often not wanted to be heard..."good, good" would have been better. Maybe what I meant, was that I didn't want it on this journey, and if my long crazy hair could do some good elsewhere it was time to let go. To let go of the weight of this and cut fresh. Make a new scar and be the survivor that I am.

I am more than a number, I am a strong survivor. Yet, I am still that little girl afraid to say it out loud. So lets just not, and lets move onward without this pain. I am hoping our mornings of 1:30 and 3:00 am are numbered and I will soon sleep. I will look in the mirror and see the pain leave my face. I will be, who I have lost, who they miss...because who are we, without the ones around us we treasure most. Don't they deserve a happy me.

Good day world and carry on ~L

faith....

2011-01-21T09:30:00.000-06:00

faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.....Martin Luther king Jr...

Have a little faith and ye shall walk again.....

Faith is about doing and taking a chance. Being willing to step without caution. I am not a risk taker. I am a planner.. My hubby tells me all the time, life is about taking a risk, a chance you'll never know unless you just jump. He says that I shouldn't be so afraid of everything. That I ought to step forward and leap into the unknown. Well, to my sweet man--I say, I am a risk taker, just a small jumper. I walk to the destination I don't run.

When I met you I took a chance to be loved.

For you, I jumped...

For you, I ran...

For you, I didn't think...

For you, I loved...

For you, I have faith...

My faith in your love opened my heart and I let go....

Love you forever....~L

create.....

2011-01-19T14:26:00.000-06:00

Create....define how?

To be creative? To do something fancy, unique or filled with design?

We all work hard to create a life that is designed for ourselves....one that is uniquely our own. It may not be fancy but it will be filled with our own design.
A design that hopefully is suited just for you.

Many of us create with pen and paper. Some create with food, or paint. Maybe you create with your children, or your time. Whatever it is, it is "your" mark on this earth. What have you created with?
I have worked hard to create with a life that is good for my husband and daughter. It is not a big fancy life. It is simple and it is good.

My sweet girl gave us a Christmas card this year and she wrote"Mom+Dad, You make me feel like the greatest girl on earth!" Those simple words will be with me always....

So, I have created the best thing there is on this earth for me---it is her. It's that simple. We are not fancy, wealthy, our lives are day to day things. We get by with the basics and today that is the greatest gift I can give her. Family of love.

If it were up to me, I'd probably write this story a bit differently. Who knows, maybe in a lot of ways I already have. I'd make things a little easier, filled with less burdens. Then I thought about it and decided... Maybe you don't want to be the one to create the story or change it, because you don't want to know the ending yet..

Maybe....I think, it is just accepting there are just things, we don't get to create or understand. We all believe that we'll keep going forever, that is what drives us to survive. To work hard to be better, to create goodness. To fully live, to live full in the beauty and grace of life eternal. It is possible.

Well, so I guess this is going to be my story. One that is filled with "How do you do this" My answer is I don't know. I have faith in all that can be good. Even in the midst of all the worries and the what if's, there is this "I know". "I believe"

Today is hard. Tomorrow won't be easy. But it will appear and it will be a new creation of beauty. Though this is hard, I really want to rise above it. I will be willing to change, to be stronger. I am not strong, I am not a fighter...I am a survivor....

I think.....

If you can walk.....walk.

If you can sing.....sing.

If you can write....write.

If you can believe....believe.

If you can.....then do....

I wish I knew what I had to do, I wish I could create a good, to strengthen my heart. It's a new way of living and looking at this world. This world I created, or shall we say this life that was created for me.

I will have to do something. I will have to take this dare and create a new path. Sometimes you don't even know when you have taken your first step until your already there. Monday I'll be there. Looking forward to seeing the Tuesday, God gives us...... I will be grateful.

Be sure to name your gifts, even if they are ones you have created. Remember to list a good life.
~L

nothing is better

2011-01-18T13:23:00.000-06:00

when you find a great big note......

things to love....

Love my family...
Love my girl....
Love my man...
Love my dogs...
Love my friends...
Love spring and fall....
Love Christmas....
Love Margaritas...
Love real Christmas trees....
Love chips, any kind....
Love caf free dt coke...
Love it on ice with a straw...
Love vintage goodies...
Love a good book...
Love to be in bed by 6...
Love fabric...
Love early mornings...
Love a good fire...
Love to walk...
Love quiet...
Love simple...
Love bunnies...
Love my scrappin'...
Love olives...
Love my studio....
Love picket fences...
Love sandwiches...
Love cows...
Love the woods...
Love front porches...
Love quilting...
Love to goo places...
Love to wear black...
Love the birds...
Love my yoga...
Love my sewing machine...
Love all my can do's...
Love to talk to mom at 8...
Love beef jerky...
Love color...
Love Hardwood floors...
Love lots of cute pillows...
Love yummie jewelry...
Love flowers...
Love clean...
Love good yarn...
Love blue cotton candy....
Love a good breeze...
Love pattern books...
Love a great smile...
Love sweetarts...
Love to knit...
Love popcorn...
Love valentines...
Love to read...
Love slippers...
Love my backyard..
Love loons....
Love good hair products...
Love to get good mail...
Love the movies...
Love the smell of babies...
Love the phone...
Love old brick buildings...
Love to talk...
Love to listen...
Love Belle's piano playing...
Love junk....
Love to be lost...
Love Mr.C's voice...
Love Starbucks....
Love the bookstore...
Love when it rains and snows...
Love sweatshirts...
Love a good photo...
Love light blue with brown...
Love my time...
Love to Believe...
Love a ride in the woods...
Love award shows...
Love strawberries...
Love to collect goodies...
Love good music...
Love my ipod...
Love paper...
Love antique shopping...
Love to go for a ride....
Love Sundays...
Love you and me and Belle...
Love my girlfriends...
Love to make lists...

Finally this love list could go on forever....may this life add many more loves in my life...~L

verna...

2011-01-18T09:19:00.000-06:00

Meet Verna.....she is our sweet farm girl....

This is the dog that gives every once of love...every single time your with her...

If Verna could talk she would tell us how to better this world....

She would inspire and offer hope for all occasions....

Verna is "that" dog, one that sticks with you and makes you want more love and gives you the undeniable desire to pet her just one more time. To never let go, and kiss her every single day. Verna is that dog. She is the one who could teach the world to be a kinder, better place. She brings peace and understanding to every visit. She can make a snarly man smile and quiet any voice..

We love you with all our heart Verna and we are so grateful that you choose us to be a part of your dog days....

pet layouts

2011-01-17T09:05:00.000-06:00

one of my favorites here, are to do layouts of my sweet pets.

they are such an important part of our lives and our family....

that we must include them in our scrapping days....

we have so many "moments" with our pets that we need to document them.

Our pets leave such a lasting legacy in our lives and we are often better people because of them. I love to share our blessings and remember them always.

In our house the pets have their own books and are fabulous to scrap..

It seems they always have good hair!!

There's never a bad side, or lack of a smile....

Each layout shows the love.....you can't get that wrong :-))!!

journey....

2011-01-14T10:42:00.000-06:00

what is a journey....

it is not a trip...

it is not a vacation...

it is a process, a discovery....

it is a process of self discovery....

a journey brings us face to face with ourselves...

a journey shows us not only the world....

but how we fit in it.

does the person create the journey

or does ..

the journey create the person?

the journey is life itself...

where will life take you....

countdown begins....

2011-01-13T15:14:00.001-06:00

well it's time.....time to get all my bowls in a row...
I have been nesting now for days, weeks perhaps....but now all that doesn't matter any longer...

It's my last few days to cook, clean, pay bills, smooth out a schedule, there are so many things to take care of. How do you just drop off the map for weeks? Mom's just don't do that....
Time to let go....to talk about all the "what ifs", to talk about my wishes, my hopes, and worries..
Time to say it all out loud....Time to pray.....

It's time to let go....it's time to jump...to take a leap of faith...
the days are numbered and I am counting....

I have put all my eggs in this basket...in the hands of a stranger...

It is a basket filled with a girls biggest fears and hopes of a "quick fix"...

I am however willing to fight for this...I am just a girl....and these days I feel small....

I feel without power....I feel sad, mad, and glad....

Sad to have this happen to my family....

Mad to have this happen to me....

Glad to have a chance to fight.....

Time to be selfish and concentrate on this failing body...Time to test my strength and to prove to myself I am still that 17 yr old girl...That girl fighting to survive and be a part of this living world....

To do this thing on my own....and to not fail.....

Time to get all the bowls in order and clean this joint....

Pack a bag girls, put on some big girl panties, this is going to be one hell of a ride.....

daddy...

2011-01-13T10:29:00.000-06:00

remember to always.....

tell her you love her....and your proud of her....everyday love her with everything you have.
hold her hand..hug her..kiss her...no matter how old she gets...never let her leave 'til you say it
take her picture for all the moments: and the everyday stuff put them in a box and save them
do homework with her each day, remember to stay on her grades you'll be happy you did
be sure you say "no" when you should, it is ok to say it and hold to it
always know where she is, and who her friends are.
always wait up for her
keep rules! make rules and follow them
always ask the questions..say "it" out loud you'll both be happy you did
always forgive her and let her forgive you
always answer all her questions...be honest and look her in the eye
talk to her everyday, no matter where she is
never let friends become more important than family
take her places no matter how old she gets, take her camping, fishing, the zoo. find the time
Love her everyday and every moment
tell her you love her every time don't miss it.
always tell her and be proud of her
be her Dad, be her best friend, be her rock, be her home. be "Dad" first!
Love her and shower her with kisses
walk her down the aisle graduations and a wedding ..

Don't miss a thing and be proud of yourself, because your a great Dad and there is no greater love than her love. Love her everyday the way you did the moment you held her in your arms.

You'll both be ok stick together and love one another....

Love ~L

retreat goodies....

2011-01-13T08:44:00.000-06:00

SO we took so scrappy time away for me....and the girls...what a great weekend!!!

I got a few two pagers done...and aren't they delightful!!!! One of things that I love is a dark background!!It allows the artwork and the photos to jump out of the layout or the page.

One of the great things about packing for a weekend of scrapping, is that I am able to clean the studio. I love walking back in the studio everything is crisp and clean and in its place. Delightful!! A clean space that welcomes me back in and begs me to mess it up!!!

This little space my be a bit lonely for awhile. As the countdown is on for the big surgery.

The weekend away was perfect timing. I have a few more days of freedom left and on a girls weekend anything goes. I even took time to donate my hair. I have been working hard to growing it again and this was donation number 4 or 5 for me! It is so rewarding and I am happy to have it put to good use before I move forward.

We spent the weekend laughing, creating, crying and enjoying each others company. We catch up and just enjoy all the creativity that's flying....life's good when your scrapping with your peeps

snow days snow days

2011-01-11T08:27:00.000-06:00

The prairie is covered with another blanket of snow once again....the earth rests and it is peaceful.

10 of my fav's for 2010

2010-12-31T08:17:00.000-06:00

out with the old in with the new!!!! I can't let this year go without enjoying 10 of my fav's. Thanks for stopping. I must say welcome 2011!! Happy New Year!!

My your new year be creative and filled with my joyous photographed moments....

packing my bags....

2010-12-29T16:03:00.000-06:00

Yep...I'm packing my bags and I'm outta here....Just a few more days to go...It takes awhile to pack. HAHAHA!! I gotta get my scrappin' on....This is the second time my girls have a joined a group of friends for a fabulous weekend. We book it a year in advance and it is so totally worth it. Heck, just check out my bed!! Doesn't it just call you in and beg you to stay and hang awhile.

Even though it isn't bright and sunny out, with our snowy weather it is just as nice inside for all the scrappin' we'll be doing..It isn't far from home just a couple of hours, but seems a world away.

We are so very excited we get away from the world around us. We jump into all our paper goodness and don't come up for air for 4 days.

Last year this weekend turned out to be a snow storm with blocked off roads....women have been known to drive through just to get there. No, not me, but I know women.

This weekend is so important that I schedule surgeries around it. That's no kidding.

I am not much of a "crop" scrapper. I don't know why I'm just not. That's me. I scrap almost everyday, my life schedule allows that. For some of my friends they pack it and unpack it at each crop. I am obsessed. I touch the goods as often as I can.

One thing I have learned is it not about the amount of work I get done, or where I am at, or the number of pages. It has become time with my dear sweet friends.

Over the last couple of years I have had a few things that make me say, "Oh that's important" Our time away makes us better people, better at our jobs, better moms, wives and friends. I often feel a little like I did when I would go on a trip in college.

Scrappin' has brought me true friendships that I shall cherish forever. It has given me a chance to just be. Be creative, stay up late and just plain laugh. The laugh, that when one hears you, makes them want to chuckle also. The laugh that makes you want to know. When I tell you, I won't remember what started it and I am sure it won't make sense.

It is only a long weekend away, it is not a trip around the world. It doesn't have to be. It is the time of my life. It means so much, that life get put on hold and it waits until Monday. Then programming can continue.

If you've never done a crop, you must! Plan and enjoy the reward is priceless and the memories are ones for the scrap book.

Counting the days.....7days to go, to pack, to wait, to look forward to.....~L

tis....the season....

2010-12-29T08:02:00.001-06:00

it is the season for happiness.... and family and laughter....joy with giving and joy with time well spent. We at, my little house filled it with everything. From cakes to cookies, to parties, gifts and decorations. The smells of the holidays were fantastic. Mostly we just laughed alot.

A few years ago we cut back and had to face the reality that it wasn't about the gifts we bought , or keeping up with the rest of the world. It was about the time we spent carefully choosing the one gift that meant the most to us. It was for us about the time we spent.

I am somewhat crafty and more that anything it is my favorite part of the holiday. I love to create something and I love for my family to have those things. Sometimes I feel weird giving them, but yet I can't help myself. This year was no exception. I made so many goodies for all that are close to me, I can only hope they loved a few of them as much as I did making them.

Now the wrap is cleaned up, the poor trees are down and the Christmas decorations are slowly making their way back into the boxes. Only to wait for a new year of treasured moments.

It was one year ago these days I was in surgery with faith that I would come out stronger and healthier. That I did, it wasn't easy and it almost took me out, but at that moment... I believed. It has taken all year to feel better,but then.....

It's time for a reality check, time to face this New Year head on and make it better. It is time to begin my count down to surgery day. A day that will change my life and my families life forever. I can only hope and pray to is for the best. I truly believe that I can only feel better and I will get my life back, for me. This holiday was tough, just trying to stay focused on the good of it. To not talk alot about what is in store for this little house. To celebrate our time together. To celebrate life's joys...

I believe this is the right decision to step of faith and strength. It is a step of focus and determination. It is a step that I need to talk about, even if it is here to just me.

I will be strong, I will walk through this storm....I will believe......
~L

since sliced bread....

2010-12-23T06:56:00.001-06:00

The cutest little bag since sliced bread....I am in love with a gift...I just finished this up in the dark of the night and I am in love..

I am giving this little gem to a very dear friend of mine whom I scrapbook with. I am hoping she uses it as her catch-all while she scraps. Her dear sweet hubby has been working hard on a delightful little space for her to create loveliness. I am hoping this bag makes a sweet addition to her new space.

I even added a hard plastic bottom inside and unseen for stability when all those goodies get dropped inside.

The little bag measures only 5"x7". The flower is created with a rayon blend fiber so it is very soft, and the final touch includes a vintage button of course.. A special note the lining I stitched in is a fabric from Moda and BasicGrey, a forever favorite....

Isn't just the sweetest thing....Season's Greetings....~L

paper crafty.....

2010-12-22T10:30:00.000-06:00

Ornaments ornaments.....paper goodies.....

gifts gifts gifts....

2010-12-21T14:39:00.001-06:00

admit one or two for a wonderful decoration. these vintage tickets made for yummie little holiday decorations.

with just days to go I am on my way to knitting my heart out, and my fingers to the bone....ughhh...I can't wait to be done....hohohohohoooooo....

Studio Calico...

2010-12-21T11:09:00.000-06:00

Wish list....for Studio Calico...oh how this list could be a world long...I wish for add ons kits...I am madly in love with all and any of their stamps...They are the bomb!

I'd wish for the days of the week stamp set...and some Jenni Bowlin inks to work these lovely stamps. I'd wish for Mr. Huey mists I never have enough money left over each month and they are some of the sweetest colors.... in the end if I were to ask the elves in my life, I'd have to ask for the modern albums in black. Because the SC boxes are what I am currently using to store all my layouts hundreds of them...

with Christmas days away, I plan to have Studio Calico plums fairies dancing in my head.....What yummie scrap supplies do you dream of??

do you believe...

2010-12-18T06:44:00.001-06:00

"Do you Believe, Mommy?"

At the sweet age of 6 or 7, Belle came home from school, with heartache. Asking me this question. The little boy sitting next my sweet girl, took it upon himself to proclaim that the children's parents weren't being honest with them. He did this one day during the class story time. Needless to say the poor teacher was put out fires. At the time I was so upset. I understood the family's thoughts behind it with a strong sense of faith. Yet at that moment I too was heartbroken.

She is my one and only, the little one I get to have this excitement with and I get to do it only once in my lifetime. So for me I took this personally, how could they take this from me I was thinking. I have only one first and one set of once in a lifetime moments all at the same time. I don't get to see their first steps, I only get to see hers. My Belle is my once in a lifetime moments.

It was the year her Santa list asked for only one thing. "Dear Santa, are you real", "does Momma tell the truth?" and if he was real could he leave something to prove it. Something she could share with the class to show them the reason to believe. She asked for nothing else that year, except to Believe.....

As the holiday came closer my sweet girl became more and more anxious, should she have asked for something else.

That Christmas morning she awoke to find this very old, very wore, very heavy bell. It was a bell from the sleigh.

Santa knew that in life all it takes is one to believe in the pure heart. The goodness of a spirit, a spirit filled with anticipation and joy...

In our home we believe in all that is good and we have faith that binds us in strength and forgiveness...

With the holiday break over that year Belle wanted to take the bell for sharing. As her parents it was a decision that didn't come lightly. First we didn't want to lose this treasure, and we wanted everyone in her class to continue to believe. To believe in a spirit of the season. After visiting with the teacher and special travel arrangement's the bell travelled to school.

It was as if a national treasure came to sharing that day, and even though the little boy thought better of it. He too found a spirit and respect for a sense of joy that holiday.

Since that year the bell rests front and center in the beautiful decorations. It is admired and it is treasured, because it reminds us that to have faith in something doesn't always have be something that is tangible.

Belle has now doubled in age and the other day I found her in the front room admiring her bell and with a tear in her eye she looked at me and asked "Mom, do you Believe still?".... With truth and conviction I simply said yes. Her answer was, " Good Me too..."

I believe in every first moment and that was another of "ours" toward a growing young woman. One that will always understand a spirit in her heart.

It just takes one......to Believe..... In the spirit of the holidays....I wish you many blessings...~L

here i stand...

2010-12-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

I stood today and watched the snow falling with charm and grace...

I wondered if it knew I was here watching. I am here praying to find the strength to move forward. Out of the blinding foggy snow and make a new mark on my journey.

It is so easy for everyone to say make the call, you have to do it you have no choice. You know, life has kinda been this way, not letting me decide. doing things to make sure others are ok. I didn't want to make the call. I didn't want to hear the words I wanted this to been a bad dream. The kind you wake up from knowing you had it but gratefully unable to remember no matter how hard you try.

It isn't going to be this simple. I have a spinal cord tumor and it has got to go..The surgery is scheduled and everyone is breathing more easily today. Except me. One of my symptoms is the loss of balance...and I am without balance everywhere not only where I stand. In this life as it swirls around me, waiting for me to move onward. But I am fixed to this one spot, fearing the next step forward, for I know to move onward I must step backward.

Strong willed, they say about me. I am known as, determined. Strong is not how I would define myself most days. I am a survivor not a fighter. This is going to take a fight.

As I share the news with the ones around me, they shake their heads in disbelief, and then they go home and are grateful today they don't need the strength to carry on. They offer words they truly don't understand or are even sure of. They get to be weak, they get to pass by in life and continue free. Free of the worry , the pain.

I am to move forward grateful that each of them don't have to understand, have to feel the pain, or worry. I am grateful I am allowed to carry this burden with me, because this I do not wish for anyone to bear.

I admire this tree often, it stands alone in a field along a highway we travel. It is rooted and strong. Although it is small in the world as trees may go, it is rooted. It has made its claim on this earth for its time. The winds blow past, life passes this tree quickly and it is rooted.

Rooted with the strength to endure, it is strong willed.

I am rooted with gratitude, and will. I believe I can overcome. I just sometimes don't understand why I have to always be the forgiver, the survivor, the rooted one.

I Believe that I am rooted in this world to continue to grow, I Believe I am a survivor. I Believe in my will. ( I also Believe this sucks...)Carry on world....

home made gooodies

2010-12-16T13:54:00.001-06:00

just a couple more homemade happiness.....

A girl can never go wrong with a splendid little wreath for your front door. Better yet how about a sweet Santa to find a chair right up next to the Charlie Brown tree....Santa is made of felt and why yes it is hand stitched every solid once of the sweet man. I am a jack of all crafts, if I see it and if I love, I have to make it.

Ho ho ho...

knit knit bowl.....

2010-12-15T14:49:00.000-06:00

Isn't it delightful.....one of the few treasures, one of my lovelies that will soon part from me. It will go to live at a different home and I hope she loves and treasures my delightful knit felted bowl. I am wishing a very merry holiday this year with a touch of handmade goddies.

Thanks for letting me share....

Isn't it just delightful.....

xxoo ~L

the storm is here.....

2010-12-13T10:30:00.000-06:00

So the storm is here, making sure that I am not Christmas shopping.. Well what do I say to that!

I say let it rain, snow and blow. It is blowing with all its force. I am grateful today for my family and the fun we have had being stranded in our home. I am grateful for our snacks and mostly I am grateful for the warmth of our shelter on this prairie.

I am grateful for my glue, adhesive, my paper, and my creativity....I am grateful for my studio because it is warm today and messy. That is a good thing!!!

I am grateful to the Spice girls and Just Dance......life is blessed when you can be a part of your hubby and daughter dancing to the Spice girls. I hear him say "Who won, no way I was doing that!!, Let's go again I know I can do the jiggle."
Stay warm....

Be sure to check back this week I have lots of creative goodness to share. I am so excited to be finishing up with delightful Christmas treasures!!!

~L

who's got the button?

2010-12-11T04:47:00.000-06:00

Button button, who's got the button??

I do this season. I have taken a few of my favorite buttons and came up with these lovelies...

I think I got a little carried away what started out as one or two became this assembly line of a dozen. Each one is unique, although at a glance they are similar. There are no two alike and very cool, never to be repeated..

I was hoping to create a great detail of dimension. That I did with lots of fill in between layers. It is amazing what a little "pop" can bring to your layouts.

I pulled out all the vintage goodies and went to town. With not single detail left untouched.

the little treasures are delightful 8x8 layouts, that will fit into the a shadowbox nicely.

It had a little help from Martha and my slice. They provided me with a ton of decoupage glue and the little tag shapes you might see here or there. Truly there wasn't a technique that I didn't throw out there.

The trees and stars are hand made. I just sat down and drew each one. Another delightful touch, is once finished I misted ever single one. This gives it a sparkly finish that really catches the eye..

It's just a little pop to say Merry Christmas...

homemade goodness.....

2010-12-10T09:58:00.000-06:00

Tis the season....to create holiday goodness......

This year I have created 8x8 3D holiday decorations for my family and friends.....

Walmart has these great 8x8 shadow box frames for small amount. What I loved about these creations was they will be able to put them away each year and just have a little holiday decoration.

I made 12 of the little goodies. They are created with all the vintage goodies I love. Vintage zippers, buttons, ribbon, lace and many more treasures for the eye to find. I love to machine stitch everywhere I can, and these are definitely not short on stitching.

I also believe that something beautiful can come from the scraps at the bottom of the desk and lots of foam..

The holiday of homemade traditions as taken on so much more, than all the other gifts I give, it sort of makes me nervous and I can only hope that each year I can come up with something wonderful. I say this because few have already began to hint at what I might be up to. I hope they won't be disappointed. I think they are lovely.....

my homemade clock.....

2010-12-09T10:49:00.001-06:00

It is the time of year....my homemade clock is ticking....the only problem with this is, that as I create along the delightful path of all things creative....I keep getting side tracked!! So I find this delightful little pattern for a infant hat. Which of course, I had to whip up and never took a stinking picture. Then mailed it off.... Kicking my self now. To the sweet girl it is on the way to, I hope you take a picture for me..

Well with that hat, I thought hey you can make it bigger!! I was right. We are so loving this little number...
Isn't Belle so very cute.

OK back to the regular schedule of homemade goodies. I am on the down swing of most things hand made. It is feeling good. I think I might even have time to get in a few more things!!!!

off to knit, crochet, paint, glue, cut, bake and burn these fingers to the bone. I can't wait to share all the lovely goodness. Eat, Sleep (not), and Create!!!!

happy nesting.....

today is the day....

2010-12-06T14:56:00.000-06:00

It was a year ago today I was told I had to have a simple 1-2 hr procedure. I was told with confidence and assurance. It was 2 days after Christmas I had the surgery and six hours later, I lay unaware of how my life had changed. How it was to go on. It was the moment my life frozen and everything around me continue to move.

It was at 8:45 today I was told I have to have a not so simple surgery done. I have to have at least two major surgeries in the next year. Really? I have been told with confidence and assurance. This one isn't so small and it will not be the last one. It will not be easy, it will be another fork in my journey. I today became part of a group that statistically
is less than 1.1% of 100,000. Normally on the flip side of things that'd be a number to be proud, not today...today it is a number only to fear.

Today I have a spinal cord tumor. Really who has that?

Today was a day that my Gramma would have told me to "Put some lips on and pull up my big girl panties" Today I am feeling sorry for me. It's my official pity party. Because tomorrow the decision will come, it will be for my family.

I'd give anything to be on the shoreline away from the world. Listening to only the water, the birds and the bugs.
Listening to my Belle share all of her wisdom with me, and my hubby's never ending lessons in fishing. Listening to to trees and the air. Listening to the earth keep moving.

bye 4 now.....l

numbers??

2010-10-12T08:27:00.000-05:00

Are you more than just a number?

I decided awhile ago that I am, more than my number. 2010 can't become history anywhere fast enough.
They say that one's journey in life is not straight and narrow. But it is filled with peaks and valleys, curves and hills. Mountains! I respect that life takes one on its chosen journey, but I also believe that a person will make choices at the fork in the road, that are landmarks in our journey.

In this 2010 I am about have another major surgery. Two in one year, there ought to be a rule. It is hard to believe. But here I am. A friend said to me the other day that I was a fighter. I beg to differ- I think if anything in this life I am a survivor.

I am really scared.... last time I didn't have a chance to wrap my mind around it, but here now this time it is so big that it is taking them forever. Test after test, doctor after doctor, consult after consult. Only to find that it must take time. Here I am waiting, wondering, surviving. Wondering where will this path, this fork in the road take me? Will I choose right? So much is riding on this.

I spend alot of my efforts, to not talk about it. To not worry the ones around me. To not talk about it that...........I can't even cry. I work to continue "life" life as normal, only hoping that what the doctors are not telling me and what I am trying so hard not to talk about will just go away.

When I was little a good child was seen and not heard, and hopefully when I was seen I was being good. I spend so much of my time being good, that I miss the "life" right in front of me.

I will say this I am Lori and I am a survivor. I am survivor of most things, including this.

This has taken me from so many things in my life and I am sad and tired. Monday I pray for the words that offer me hope and relief. I am not done. I am not even half way down my path, not even half way up! I am here and now. I have hope, I have faith, I have love.

I am a survivor.....I am more than just a number.....I believe......

(note if anyone is out there...this is finished 12-5-10.....it's been awhile)

days go by

2010-10-11T08:40:00.001-05:00

the days go by so fast....I can remember when Belles was born people would say she'll grow fast. "You'll look and it'll be ten years" To who ever told me this, thank you . You were so right wow....I am so glad to have been here for all the moments. I sometimes feel that I didn't get to photos enough of it and mark in my mind forever.

I am so ready for these next ten years and I am filled with an array of emotions, I only can hope they go well...(the teen age years--I'm talking) they scare the hell out of me. I plan to hold on tight and gracefully let her grow. My only wish is that I don't cry at every moment, and that I don't miss a thing.

This girl, I couldn't be prouder of her she works hard and loves to play. She is her own person and has her mind set for great things. I am looking forward to watching her fulfill these goals. I am looking forward to watching her smile, laugh, cry, play and grow.

I am looking forward to the next ten years....only to move toward the following ten years. May life continue to bless us...

I couldn't be more in love, than I am right now....

something to make you smile

2010-09-29T08:20:00.000-05:00

something to make you smile.... With this time of year here and now....Fall in the US means...Homecoming weeks at local schools.

I love this pep fest....it is worth the watch..there's is just something about it that will make you smile. Stick with it to the end.

I think it is about the joy the teachers shared and the excitement in the gym. It is amazing how a group of teachers can make such a great difference, even in being silly. The willingness to get out there and just dance.

I could only wish that every teacher that would touch my daughters life would be willing to put themselves out there and just dance. Show the spirit of life, to be happy. Sometimes it isn't all about a test score, or Math...it is about the joy of life....

Happy Homecoming People....Be Sure to Dance....

-L

then the rain came and came

2010-09-24T08:07:00.000-05:00

Then it decided to rain...within 18 hours we got 15.5 inches (that is my rain gauge) there's no way in or out...sadly we are a farming community and the crops are floating...they are a total loss. It is amazing how in such a short few hours all is gone. School out early and many schools closed. As the river rises we wait....

Yet in the mist of it all our came the rainbow, in the pouring rain and darkness setting, it grew a beautiful rainbow. This too shall pass. Welcome to fall...

"Build a bridge and get over it!!" That's what my dove chocolate treat total me today.

I'm am cleaning, organizing and purging goods in the studio this weekend. Getting ready for a big weekend next week. SCRAPPIN'!!!!!

So many old goods are off to recycle or scrap heaven. This will be so good for the studio it is about to explode. I kid you not. I started to get worried with the flooding and all I could think about was where would all the supplies go....if the water rose into my home. I would be so sad.....All is good, no water for my house yet. Cross your fingers and thank the scrappin' gods, these supplies will be saved.

Be good and scrap a ton. Maybe next week I'll share a clean studio photo with you...

then it was done....

2010-09-21T00:31:00.000-05:00

We have waited and waited and waited....

We have planned and planned and planned....

and then it was done..............

We had a great time!! Having a chance to see everything, ooooggle over the goods. Play a little I spy with a few of the designers.. Time to shop and shop and shop....

and then it was done...............

So now today I am blue, I want everyday to be at Scrapfest with my friends. I want to chum with the best. I want to spending all of my days creating. I look over my new goodies and only wish for more.

and I think we had a great time.......

I want the smell of only Starbucks and paper in the mornings. I want to have a worthy paper cut, one I can be proud of. I want my fingers to be stained and stuck together.

and I know I will be creative..........

If I close my eyes I can feel the floor at the MOA move under my feet. If I close my eyes I can smell the smell of the MOA. If I close my eyes and click 3 times maybe just maybe I'll be back there.

and I know I love this "hobby"..........

this lifestyle.......

Create and create some more, no rules, no expectations, just let go and be within what you love. Create within your passion. Something fabulous is sure to happen.

and just be scrap happy........

get your scrappy on.....

2010-09-20T20:12:00.001-05:00

find a little art in the photo....

what I love about scrappin' is there are no rules...

There isn't one thing I have to follow... I have decided that is how I roll....

over the weekend I attended a scrapfest, got to meet with alot of my favorite vendors, and designers...

What I did mostly was things that are not easy for me...

1. stand in line FOREVER

2. smile in line FOREVER

3. do a little make and take

4. follow the make/take rules

5. find another line

As I stood line and waited for the make/take. All of which were really adorable. I wanted to redo them. This way that way. Crazy, silly and I shake my head at myself.

I have decided I want to be a make and take girl. I want to be the maker. I love to visit and talk scrap all day. I want to be the maker. Yep that's it when I grow up. How do I apply?

-L.

been to long.........

2010-08-25T09:14:00.001-05:00

been busy....good........paper love.........

a layout...

2010-08-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

Every once in awhile.... you'll do a little layout, that just sticks with you...this is one of them...

I only wish you could hold it and touch it....it is so much more pretty in person. My little camera didn't bring the out the soft rich tones and details. I created this with a dab of vintage goodies and with a little help from one of my favorite kits by SC..

We took a series of photos in this beautiful field on the edge of town....only problem....it is a field of fire ants!!! I shot the photos super fast, while we danced and freaked from the biting ants.

thanks for stopping by

missing you....

2010-08-03T15:59:00.000-05:00

It's only been a few weeks since you've left us...it seems like forever and yesterday all the same...Loving you every day...wishing we could share all of Belle's moments with you...They took you away to soon...

2010-07-30T09:08:00.001-05:00

Contest details

photo play

2010-07-22T07:38:00.000-05:00

I love digital... I love how things don't have to be as they seem..

Oh the things you can do and the places you can go, with a little imagination..

Can you guess which one is original? If you said none of them you are right....

It's raining, it's pouring...I wish I was snoring...

Last night was my yoga night. I have this love, hate relationship with my mat. Me and Mat don't always roll the same direction. Someday he'll just roll and take it. Other days I am sure he is out to get me in some "mat" kinda way. Last night me and my "Mat" had a date. He was very good to me. It was hot, I love it hot. Some people find it to not be their favorite thing. I on the other hand would love it to be 100 degrees in there.

By the time class was to the end my arms felt like each weighed a million pounds. Yet, in the end of class I was alive, ready to face this world and move. You know you worked hard if when you arrive home you can't get out of the car. The next day your arms still feel heavy and your

body feels like you rode bulls. Then you have done good for your body. I think the only thing wrong with my class is that I don't have the class every single day.

That will be added to long lottery winning list. Class everyday!! If that ever happens I am thinking me and "mat" will be the bestest of friends....Maybe then my arms wouldn't feel like they can barely work these keys. If I type any slower it will be sure to be Friday before I am done. I could barely brush my teeth. Heck even my teeth are sore today.

Please don't let there be any laundry today. Today I feel just to good to do it! Feel alive today.

i love pictures....

2010-07-21T07:20:00.000-05:00

I love to take photos..especially if they are creative ones. I took these with my tiny little old point and shoot. Then I couldn't wait to play with them in the photoshop program. Everything I have is a relic, but for now it all still works. I created a million versions of this little number. I love each and everyone of them. Then I got to thinking about them and developed every single one of them. I just can't wait to see them in hand. Who says that you have to, have the finished product original.

Your program may be like your old car. It isn't as sleek, fancy or fast as the rest. But, I think that if you get inside you'll be amazed at what that program and little old camera can do for you.
What I love about this is there are no rules...regardless of what others might say. Just here to have with it and maybe find a little something to scrap with.

So that's what I am playing with these days. I'll be the first to admit that I have gotten the book out once I got started. I dusted this book off which is totally foreign to me and I didn't even realize I had. It is in black and white, no color. A book written to talk to me about how to use color and various effects. They were to cheap to print it properly. Obviously a man thought, "That'll do." Dork!! I am more a trial and error person. I hate to follow directions.

I am so that way when it comes to a recipe. I have so often been asked for a recipe or two, I simply say I'll come up with something. Ugghhh....I think I get it from my Grama she would say, "Most times Honeygirl, recipes are for those who can't cook, they just don't want to admit it."
That seems a little tough but then you have to meet Grama. She cooked "farm", nothing fancy solid, thick, stick to the bones meals. Meals to feed an army, and they were the basics she learned from her mother, and so on.

"So, where you going with this?" You ask, I don't know but I scrap the same way. Without a recipe. I see paper, goodies and I just look over the edge and I jump. I don't scrap with a plan. I could never do the same thing twice. Good or bad, that's the way it is and I only wish I could live my life this way. Things would be so much easier.

Life without recipes. It would taste, look and smell different every time. So exciting.

One side note I am saving like crazy for a new program and camera....oh the places I'll go and the things I'll see then.......

-L

yummmmiieee minnniii

2010-07-15T09:15:00.000-05:00

keep going there's more to see!!

yummmmmie minnnniiii

2010-07-15T09:13:00.000-05:00

2.5 dogz....yes that's our house....this is a new favorite of mine. It is a little mini chipboard tag album. It measures a whopping 3x5 without the goods.

I hope you enjoy it.. It is funny how a mini can be so intimidating. I'll purchase a mini and let it sit for months, no years. Then poof a wild hair, just out and I can't finish it fast enough.

The first step was painting and texturing the back of each board. Then adhering a fabric to each of the front. Once all dried, more paint, texture and ink. Now it is time work with the goods.

Thanks for checking this little dandie out.

Happy creating.-L.

let me walk away....

2010-07-13T14:20:00.000-05:00

Let me walk away...away from every day life....away from expectations, time frame, needs, wants and responsibility.

Let me walk away and just be.....

I have decided that I aspire to becoming a dock boy. Only I'd have to mixed it up and be the dock girl. Nothing is better than when life lets you walk away. To have a chance to sit and think or not.

Can you guess where I have been?

Oh the places you can go close to home. This place grabbed my heart many years ago, and has just never let go...For this I am blessed.

We went on vacation. We like to call it holiday. Because for our family that is just it. Holiday.It is as important as any occasion you can throw at us. I think it might be even more. Except maybe Belle's birthday.

Our Holiday was wonderfully, restful and healing. It allows you to just be. We were unplugged, and disconnected from the real world. We were on our own. Every year, the time then arrives that you must return. Every year I cry and am terribly blue afterward.

I have decided that this is good. It was a wonderful time. I have decided this is bad. It tells me my life is ready for change. The change is coming just like the waters moving all around me the change is moving toward me too.

For now I shall gather this place up in my thoughts and heart and hold them close. Never letting go..

Do you have a special place in your heart? Let yourself go there, today and if it is in your thoughts, I'll bet I just got you to smile.

-L

birthday to me...

2010-07-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

they say it's a birthday..plan to float...fish and have a parade....Happy birthday to me!!!!

the loons are singing and we are enjoying to sweet music across the water....

this year it is a birthday filled with joy and gratitude for this life.....

happy day to us.....-L

the waters calling....

2010-07-01T08:23:00.000-05:00

Today we take a holiday from the studio....but wait until see you what I have created, it's drying and I'm loving it!

Yes, it's that time again, the holiday is upon us and the waters are calling my name.

The water gives us peace and assurance the all things will come to balance with every gentle wave to shore.

It is our time, to just be...

It is our goal to become more relaxed and step out of our lives. Goal is to just breathe.

It is amazing how our little time there, gives us a chance to talk, walk, and think. Time to say nothing, sit well, and clear our heads...

Get back to the basics of our life and be able to go home happy. It is a chance to reserve these days for us. In many ways it is a chance for us to be selfish in a good way.

Plan is to breathe deeply and remind myself of the journey this year has brought to my family. Although it has been difficult and is not over, I will show my gratitude to this earth at the waters edge. In hopes the waters help to wash the pain and grief away. I will do little, I will simply look at the beauty around us, nothing fancy...just peace.

We are all so blessed to be alive and to be able to have this journey on earth. Life isn't perfect by any means and usually it isn't always the way we thought it would be. But life goes on. I plan to be a part of it. I am grateful.

I am having a birthday this weekend and this year I am celebrating. It will not be an ordinary birthday, it will be a birthday, I am healthy for. It will be mine. I am grateful to my body for keeping me here, allowing me to step quietly out of my life and still be able to return.

This weekend just breathe...breathe joy...breathe peace...breathe gratitude...breathe for you...
whatever you need...breathe for you....

-L.

Happy 4th of July....

2010-06-29T17:51:00.000-05:00

Meet Angel.....

There's just something about her. That makes me feel................

This Eagle is located at the National Eagle Center, isn't she breath taking?

How lucky did these photos get? Yes, I really did take them. Luck would have it to get the stars and stripes in the background perfectly. I took them using my wonderful and vintage 35mm camera. No matter, how relic that camera may seem it takes the best photos for me.

I have had these photos for some time, I handle them often and have never been able to scrap them. I just can't seem to find the just right thing to match them. So rather, I simply admire them often. I think in alot of ways the photos are so grand in appearance, that they stand alone.

Angel reminds me of all this nation should stand for in her regal appearance. She reminds me of the ones who we love and who we have lost with pride and dignity for this place we call home.

May you celebrate this holiday wisely, with a joyous heart. May you eat, drink and be merry knowing that somewhere, someone isn't home for you and me.
May we celebrate their lives, freedoms and sacrifices.

Today I write with undying gratitude to each family that gives for my family. When I rise at our parade and I watch the fireworks know, I am grateful and proud of you and yours.

With respect and gratitude...-l

been framed.........

2010-06-28T11:49:00.000-05:00

Just a few of my latest creations for Esty. Lots of paint ink, glazing, distressing, and a whole lot of wonderful paper. I like to use paper that is thick and has a bit of texture. It allows the final piece to have a really good feel when it is done. Of course that paper usually is BG or CP. Can't go wrong.

No the girl in the photo isn't mine, it is a random little stranger. It's the girl that comes with the frame, you silly women.

Thanks for checking them out....

-L

framework

2010-06-28T03:44:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things to create are these frames. They are white canvas to start. When I am done I have a beautiful little something to share. The opening is a 4x6 which I like because you don't have to adjust the photo size beyond the basic developing. I have made many of these treasures in my day and no two are alike no matter how hard I try.

This one is hands down my favorite. I can't part with it. It is created with the always lovely Crate Paper. What I love about it are, the colors and the textures. It is inked, painted, and misted. The fibers and the scrabble pieces are vintage. Got to have a touch of vintage here and there..

If you'd like to check out a few of my other frames pop over to my Esty shop, maybe you'd love to have one for someone special. Note that someone special could be you too. :-)

Thanks for sharing one of my favorite things.....
-L
xx

did you know?

2010-06-26T23:45:00.000-05:00

One of my many furry creatures is this little man.

Meet Sir William Hopsalot Xfire.....aka Will, Willikers

He is a Mini Rex by trade, dog in his mind.

He is the sweetest little thing...
He is spoiled rotten....just saying....