Secret Lake Diaries

I have a new home

2011-01-22T16:06:00.003-05:00

Please join me in my new home
sandikeene.com

So,,,

2011-01-21T18:29:00.002-05:00

I am busy over here:

recovering from a nasty cold - achoo
needing to get caught up on this online class
building a new blog debuting very soon
gearing up for A Week in the Life starting Monday
drooling over this post by Alisa Burke
considering this class

Look for lots of updates in the near future!

Celebrating a Life

2011-01-17T10:48:00.003-05:00

Tuesday night I got the news that my sweet Elizabeth (96 independent and sassy years old) was in the hospital and not doing well. Barbara (her granddaughter) and I raced to book flights to VA to see Elizabeth. There was little that would entice me to fly with the current TSA situation but this was the exception.

Elizabeth (whom I have lovingly call "E" for about a year, "Gaga" to the rest of the world) was so anxious to be reunited with the many loved ones that she had lost, passed very quickly before we could even get on the plane. So rather than a goodbye visit, this was a memorial trip.

While Barbara and I opened the many boxes of her lifetime of memorabilia, I discovered so many things I did not know about Elizabeth.

Elizabeth loved to sing naughty ditties while she played cards with her cousins.
She worked for NASA as a Math Technician aka "a computer in skirts" that did all the math calculations for the pioneering space program. She had an autographed photo of Alan Shephard.
She played and mostly won a card game named "manipulation". She did not enjoy losing.
She was a crafter all her life.
She scrapbooked her early years and family leaving details lists of what her life was like as a child.
She has a collection of postcards dating back 100 years.
She loved her family so very deeply and saved their cards, letters and photos in shoe boxes in the back of her closet.
A Sucrets tin held her secret spending money
She loved art and collected both Wallace Nutting and Thomas Kincaid.
She loved smart clothes and had many of them.
She wrote her own obituary and had the photo for the paper attached. She left very specific instructions.
She lived and loved fully and with great zest.

I am so blessed to have known her and called her friend.

Gift pouch

2011-01-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

Remember this gift bag I made? I have now made 2 small bags from the scraps. I sewed on some ribbon, finger pleating it as I went, and then handstitched on an old button. I popped in the gift wrapped in some tissue paper which I cut slits in the ends to make a fun little fringe. Then decided it need a pop of color so I spritzed it with some spray ink. Took me about 6 mins. Fun.

Stockpiling Mail Art

2011-01-09T08:55:00.004-05:00

front

Took some time in Friday to make mail art. Little bundles of joy to show up in someone's mailbox. I hope that the recipients enjoy them but I know that making them is a joy for me. Quick little artistic expressions that make me happy.

back

I can whip one up in 10 mins. Love all that sewing with no worries of results. However it comes out is just right.

These I am stockpiling as my friend, Elizabeth, is not feeling well. As she recovers I would love to fill her mailbox with "feel betters".

I had a really artsy 2010 calendar that RM gave me. I wasn't sure what to do with it now that it is "done". I ripped out the illustrations and they make perfect envelopes for mail art and are already decorated.

Add a strip of tissue tape and a couple of labels and done. So quick. So consider pulling those cool calendars out of the recycle bin and use them as predecorated envelopes or use them as great patterned paper to punch elements from. (sorry, poor grammar)

Video how to Mail Art by RM or as the world calls her: Roben-Marie Smith.

What creative things are you up to?

Workin' the merry

2011-01-06T14:34:00.004-05:00

I made this bracelet during an Art Day with Roben-Marie. Part of my "jewelry makes me happy so wear it!" campaign.

Lipstick. I almost never wear lipstick - always just Burt's Bees. Today Berry Bella.

Had lunch with Roben-Marie where we brainstormed a collaboration for the coming early spring. Exciting! If you are not following her blog, please go take a look at what you are missing. Ms. Smith is just ON FIRE!

Merry Little Things

2011-01-04T10:33:00.003-05:00

1. jigsaw puzzles - less TV, more time together
2. jewelry - I am into jewelry right now, making it and wearing it. This pc. from Kohl's.
3. card games - Jarrett got this for Christmas and we have played it many time. Plus...see #1.
4. dinette set - it took 6 weeks to find this Target set. It was out of stock and finally it took calling every morning to see if one came in on the truck. I am sure Carol misses my daily call!
5. mail from an old friend - so wonderful to stay in touch with people you love.
6. a clean house - Christmas down and order restored. It just makes me happy.

Merry

2011-01-03T07:32:00.005-05:00

As I start my year of "merry", I am looking for ways to bring merry into my everyday.

Ali's class is a great start to the adventure.

2011-01-01T13:44:00.000-05:00

Reworked necklace

2010-12-30T05:31:00.000-05:00

When Roben-Marie was over before Christmas, we made necklaces. I made a necklace but it wasn't quite right. I decided to rework it and change the elements that were bugging me.

I like this much better.

Made with vintage buttons and craft store findings.

One Little Word 2011

2010-12-29T15:23:00.003-05:00

I have committed to my OLW for 2011.

It is quite the departure for me.

2007 - Honor
2008 - Implement
2009 - Dare
2010 - Fearless

I usually pick very demanding, pushy words. This year? Hello, merry and its friends: joy, delight, frivolity and festive.

merry:

–adjective, mer·ri·er, mer·ri·est.

1. full of cheerfulness or gaiety; joyous in disposition or spirit

2. laughingly happy; mirthful; festively joyous; hilarious

3. Archaic . causing happiness; pleasant; delightful

Saying goodbye to Fearless:

Fearless jumped on me and would not let me shake it. I did not want fearless as my word but it was insistent that it knew better and I had better just listen up! I could not predict the events of this year that would make fearless so necessary. Thank you, fearless. Now please, depart and make way for MERRY.

I will be using merry as a guide to making the most of every day, to finding merry even when it is not evident and on those days when merry is just not possible, I will remember that this will pass and merry will be a choice tomorrow... or maybe the next day.

I am excited about Ali's class. I am ready!!

Sewing Pattern Gift bag ala Roben-Marie

2010-12-28T18:39:00.002-05:00

Isn't this gift bag adorable? I made it using this tutorial from Roben-Marie Smith. The corresponding class is awesome. These bags made of sewing patterns (I added tissue paper on top for a fun print) make up quickly and are oh, so fun.

And CONGRATULATIONS to RM for being mentioned as an inspiration to Ali Edwards here!

Dear Santa: The 2010 Edition

2010-12-22T16:49:00.004-05:00

For a look at 2009's letter ...

Dear Santa,

This was a hard year, Santa. There were parts that stretched me to places that I never wanted to know. I did my very best to live each day with the motto of "no regrets". It was very difficult, Santa. I tried to turn things around and look at the blessings instead of focusing on the loss and challenges. Sometimes I succeeded and sometimes I sucked but I was trying really hard so I am going to cut myself a compassionate break and say, "Yes, I WAS a very good girl this year."

So here is my list:

* Fun times with the people I love
* Loads of laughter

That's it. That's all.

Thank you in advance-
Sandi

One Little Word

2010-12-14T07:01:00.002-05:00

Are you considering doing Ali Edwards' One Little Word this year? Ali is also teaching a year long workshop at Big Picture to guide you in your year. Only one assignment per month - I like the sounds of that! I am in and now settling on what my one little word for this year should be.

Daily December 9

2010-12-11T17:26:00.002-05:00

Daily December 8

2010-12-11T17:23:00.000-05:00

Daily December 7

2010-12-11T17:21:00.003-05:00

Daily December 6

2010-12-11T17:21:00.001-05:00

Daily December 5

2010-12-11T17:19:00.000-05:00

Daily December 4

2010-12-11T17:17:00.002-05:00

Daily December 3

2010-12-11T17:15:00.002-05:00

Oops - wicked glare.

Daily December 2

2010-12-11T17:09:00.000-05:00

Daily December 1

2010-12-11T17:07:00.000-05:00

Lunch bag gift bag

2010-12-10T08:41:00.004-05:00

Using this tutorial by Roben-Marie Smith I made this cute little gift bag from a white paper lunch bag. Super quick and perfect for a gift card or small gift.

Beautiful sunset

2010-12-09T21:34:00.002-05:00

Photo from my Daily December

Snowflake garland

2010-12-06T17:39:00.003-05:00

Saw these at Target today on sale in the holiday section with the on sale paper plates, napkins and cups. Thought they would be really cute in my Daily December album as die cuts. My sister said they would make a great garland. Of course! A garland...

I knew I wanted a little separator between each snowflake and thought green would be good. Liked the idea of text to give it added texture so I smeared a book page with Ranger's "peeled paint" ink. I punched it with a circle punch about the size of a dime.

I placed them in separate bowls cos that makes me happy.

Then I just started sewing. I fed the pieces under the foot and and the thread sews between the pieces making a tiny chain.

I hung it from the chandelier in the dining room. This garland only took ONE bag of scatter/snowflakes. Be careful to keep it from twisting up on itself. It is a bear to untangle.

Here with this...

2010-12-05T22:10:00.006-05:00

I have been here,

drinking this

early in the morning to witness this. It was good.

I went to see Christmas sparkling.

And to see snow falling amidst autumn leaves.

It was very very good.

Twilight

2010-11-19T17:36:00.001-05:00

taken from my driveway tonight.

Product of Note: Tinsel Glitter

2010-11-17T18:45:00.002-05:00

I looked at this glitter twice before I plunked down a coupon and $6 to get it. I wasn't sure it was the look I wanted but decided to give it a try.

LOVE it. I know the photo is not great - how do you photograph glitter? It looks like icy snow and made my faux vintage bottle brush trees sparkle and shine.

The trees were green and CHEAP from Hobby Lobby but after being submerged in bleach for 5 minutes they are a very vintage cream color with white tips and now snowy glitter. How fairy land are these?! Perfect for my elves.

Weekend Fun

2010-11-16T07:58:00.003-05:00

The weather here is gorgeous. We can occasionally wear a sweat shirt in the morning and generally there is no sweating. Vast improvement. We celebrated with a European style breakfast alfresco.

We hit the mother lode of neighborhood garage sales where we stocked up on old Christmas ornaments, glasses, cross stitch, craft supplies, mason jars, bowls etc. Then we found a 9.5 pre-lit Christmas tree perfect for our high ceilings.

Last night we put up the lanai tree which I put up in November so we can enjoy it longer. It lights up the lanai making it so wonderful to sit out in the evening and enjoy the breezes.

And here is Zoe who is growing and morphing from a border collie mix to something bigger like a shepherd mix. She is generally a good girl.

Post of Note: DIY

2010-11-10T09:09:00.001-05:00

gingerbreadsnowflakes.com

How cute is this? Tutorial here

Daily December 2010 pgs1-5

2010-11-09T16:21:00.002-05:00

Getting started on my DD album. So enjoy this process every November. This is my 4th year doing one.

Elfin' Magic

2010-11-04T16:48:00.004-04:00

Yes, Santa's workshop was in full force today. Using this tutorial Steff and I are making a gaggle of elves.

They just make me happy.

Cute or what?!

Post of Note:

2010-11-03T15:40:00.000-04:00

Loved Melody Ross' post on aging and beauty.

Two weeks out - Sea Glass

2010-11-03T11:10:00.002-04:00

The experience of watching my father die has been transformative. I was sucked into a powerful rock tumbler of events that tossed and twisted me against the sandpaper of hope, fear and unmet needs. I started out a shard of glass with crisp, precise edges that fit snuggly and expertly into the jigsaw puzzle of my everyday. Now suddenly polished and smoother, I seek a new fit, a new normal.

I long for normal. I long for nights filled with thoughtless sleep, for days of lunching, grocery shopping and meeting everyday needs. I long for my precise edges. I long for lightness and hilarity and delight.

While some of those will return and hopefully soon, there are things that must become a new normal. I will always be aware of the stories that people carry unacknowledged and unheard. The bank teller who asked "are you having a good day?" just a few short hours after I walked out of a hospice room having just watched my father take his last shallow breath. The people that I passed at Cracker Barrel who could not know what I had experienced that morning. How many times had I walked past someone whose heart was broken in their chest and had no idea?

So now I am a heat seeking missile looking for a sense of normal, a new everyday. And not knowing exactly where or what it is makes me uncomfortable and restless.

I miss my edges.

Sleep, friends and art

2010-10-27T10:07:00.003-04:00

I am so grateful to have friends who make room for me in their schedule especially when it is spontaneous. They say yes regardless of what was in their planner. They just come. Thank you, friends.

I am sleeping now. So healing.

I got my studio cleaned up and it is now usable. It is not perfect but perfect is not the goal - just good enough. Made mail art with a candle lit and music playing. Aaahhh.

addresses covered - front

back

Today more sun, fun, and art. Yes, please.

The Perfect Analogy - One Week Out

2010-10-25T13:00:00.003-04:00

This is the way my craft room looks today. It is the perfect symbol for how I feel.

I am worn out and in a bit of shambles. My doors are wide open and the contents of my cupboards are spilling out all over the floor. Disarray and messiness is everywhere. I have been rushing from crisis to crisis with no time to straighten up, to rest before the next one hits or to start assessing the damage. It is just all out there exposed and heaped one on top of the other.

My dad's brain cancer was a roller coaster of few ups and mostly downs. The protective safety harnesses were tested to their very limit and then some. Yesterday was the memorial service and today is the first day where there is not a to-do list that pushes me to places I did not know existed.

There were kindnesses and grace when it was most needed, both from strangers and friends. There were times when I was silent with piercing grief and times when I could not talk fast enough to process the events. There were times when love washed over me and helped me get back up and face the next day/the next hour. There were such sharp disappointments - missing Squam with Angela and Jen Lee - juxtaposed with tender mercies of an encouraging email or a friend saying, "Hold on, I am coming" and dropping everything to be with me when I was a hot mess. There were hospice workers who brought such peace of mind and comfort to our family in a very matter of fact, everyday way not knowing they were taking my breath away with their compassion that allowed me to keep going a bit longer.

And now I need sleep. A whole night of sleep without two phones beside my bed, without one eye on the clock and constantly taking the temperamental temperature of the family. Is everyone OK? Who needs special attention or a break today? Is this The Day?

I need routine. I have not bought groceries in weeks. I have cooked one meal in three weeks. I need quiet and warming sunshine. I need space to grieve and heal all at the same time. I need my art room straightened, the gaping open doors gently closed and the sense of peace that comes from order. I need to know that my family is OK and that recovery has entered the house.

Dear Recovery,
You are cordially invited...

In memory

2010-10-21T06:57:00.000-04:00

We love you, Dad.

Love this photo

2010-10-11T09:43:00.003-04:00

Sunday - in the art studio - working on a new art journal via this class with Roben-Marie Smith.

Dollar Tree - the hot new craft store

2010-10-08T16:11:00.004-04:00

Inspired by this post, Steff was excited to hit Dollar Tree for the $2 in supplies we needed to make these cool Halloween assemblage. So a buck for the frame and a buck for Mr Crow. I will admit that she had to talk me into making these. If it were reindeer, I would have been all over it but crows...yawn.

Once I saw her vision, I was much more willing and then this afternoon we put them together and had a ball doing it. $2 well spent.

Now, about those reindeer...

Digital journal page

2010-10-05T10:47:00.001-04:00

credits: Digital elements by Roben-Marie Smith available here

Clearance rack friend

2010-09-30T08:53:00.001-04:00

Fall Boxes finally opened

2010-09-28T13:43:00.004-04:00

The fall decor boxes have been sitting in my dining room for 9 days.

I finally opened them and took 30 minutes to put the stuff out! Sheesh.

Looking forward to a candle lighting ceremony tonight at dusk. All those fall scented candles? Yum. And found NY Cortland apples yesterday at the grocery. It is not NY but it is as close as we are going to get for now.

mail art

2010-09-26T05:53:00.001-04:00

Base envelope by Roben Marie - lovely stenciling! Then embellished by me.

And mailed to a friend.

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2010-09-25T16:27:00.000-04:00

Dollar Store Wreath Re-do

2010-09-21T15:41:00.002-04:00

My sister told me about this post where a crafty lady made a really pretty fall wreath exclusively out of Dollar Store items for $10. Steff challenged me to join her in duplicating the project.

I had just pulled out my fall wreath that was really kinda sad looking. I figured I would work with the materials already on the wreath plus supplement with Dollar Store items. So I pulled the whole thing apart and started over. $6 and about 30 mins later I had this which I liked SO much better than the original. (the sunflower, 2 black pod things and the wreath base are from the original wreath - everything else Dollar Store!)

I am decorating for fall even though I WANT to jump straight to Christmas. You don't know how hard it is to not jump seasons completely. I am a Christmas MANIAC but if you have read my blog before you know that quite well.

Biscuits so good you will...

2010-09-21T15:18:00.001-04:00

Mail art for Alleene

2010-09-20T22:04:00.000-04:00

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2010-09-19T08:37:00.001-04:00

Mail art for Rae

2010-09-19T08:12:00.002-04:00

Fun mail art embellishment.

2010-09-17T09:23:00.002-04:00

This is my favorite new embellishment on mail art - fibers in the seam. I love the extra color and texture that it brings to the project that is generally fairly flat to go thru the mail. This just adds a pop of fun and whimsy.

Gather up 3-5 pieces of fiber in the colors that complement your project. Set your zigzag to a wide setting.

Hold in place as you stitch and go for it. If you miss some just go back over it in that spot. No ,worries. Everything in mail art is "more texture", there are NO mistakes.

Now you have this fun tactile texture element.

I also like it in horizontal pieces that are very much like fringe. Would that be "fringey"?

Even on a masculine piece I like the look. Just feed them under the sewing machine foot as you sew randomly.

Try it!

15

2010-09-16T15:02:00.001-04:00

Mail art for E

2010-09-16T14:51:00.003-04:00

RM was here for an extended Art Day. We did tons of mail art. I made this cute little mail art for Elizabeth.

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2010-09-14T16:58:00.000-04:00

Zoe and her boy

2010-09-13T17:24:00.001-04:00

This relationship is pretty much love and be loved.

Lunch and Flower hair clip

2010-09-13T15:49:00.003-04:00

Here is my creative way to deal with not remembering to take a picture until AFTER the server cleared my plate. But hey, I really like it!

I am modeling the beautiful felted flower hair clip by Rae M. See her etsy store here. and here

Special Edition

2010-09-10T15:19:00.001-04:00

Best Wishes, Crystal

2010-09-09T13:45:00.002-04:00

Welcome to moe's

2010-09-08T21:42:00.002-04:00

Lunch and a new addition

2010-09-08T09:30:00.003-04:00

I did not realize how bad this pic was when I took it. It is what I have so I am going with it. Had a wonderful lunch with Cassie and Barbara yesterday. The food and the company were outstanding.

And this is Zoe. She came to live with us last night. We went to meet her and she fell in love with Jarrett and the feeling was totally mutual. It was much faster than I expected. But when it is right, it is right. She is 8 months old and a border collie mix. She did well her first night with us and seems very sweet.

A little bit heartbroken

2010-09-07T07:19:00.001-04:00

Our sweet girl, Lexi, passed away yesterday.

Lunch Everyday: Friday

2010-09-03T17:24:00.003-04:00

Somewhere along the line I got the numbers wrong on my daily pics and had to go back and fix them. I think I am straight now.

My dad was over today and we worked together on a card and mail art envelope for him to give to friends. He did a great job and had fun creating. Dad is doing well with his treatments.

Cassie arrives tomorrow. I am sure the next few days are going to be full.

Enjoy your weekend!

Lunch Everyday - Thursday

2010-09-02T18:51:00.002-04:00

First day completed

2010-09-02T11:00:00.003-04:00

Shimelle's class is Learn Something Every Day. I wanted to change it up and make it more me and fit easily into my daily life so I am doing:

Lunch Every Day

My sister and I have lunch together nearly every weekday. We talk about our families, plan our upcoming events, share and support each other and generally have a great time. I cherish these lunches together so I am documenting them and listing what we talked about everyday. And even though I remembered to take the picture AFTER I ate my FunkMeister - black beans and chicken - I was still able to document it. My sis stuck her last bite into the photo for a little food documentation.

Welcome, September.

2010-09-01T07:07:00.003-04:00

September 1st. Sounds like a great time for a new start.

It reminds me of the first day of school, freshly sharpened pencils and the smell of a box of crayons - the 64 count with the sharpener in the back.

Today is the first day of class for me as I am taking Shimelle's

Details here

I have been watching for a new challenge preferably a class and this one seemed to fit the bill perfectly. Not too big, just right...to challenge me creatively during this already busy month. I look forward to it and will share my results with you.

Also please take a minute and read this guest post on Roben-Marie's blog about Rae and her art. It is inspiring! Watch for the tutorial and give away of Rae's beautiful vintage fabric flowers!!

Here is the latest mail art I sent out to a new friend. This is the 90% done version. Once I address it and sew it closed it looks much more finished but has private info on it. I have discovered a new embellishment technique that I just love that I will share with you next week with a little tutorial. It happened by whimsy which is the very best kind of discovery.

front

back

So, hello blog friends. I missed you while I was away.

Taking a break

2010-07-29T08:44:00.002-04:00

My dad is ill. I will be taking a break to spend time with him.

Take care!

Work for Roben Marie

2010-07-16T11:38:00.003-04:00

I got to play with Roben-Marie's new Graffiti Kit available at Cat Scrap.

Very cool stuff. Especially loved the puffy heart and the decorated tab. Go RM!

Blog of Note: Notes from the Tincture Lab

2010-07-08T15:39:00.012-04:00

Rae is someone I have been hearing great things about for years. We have Barbara as a mutual friend and have been told for years that we need to meet each other as we share the love of art and scrapbooking. Rae just started a new blog and an etsy shop: Le Marche Francais (the french market) selling her hand dyed, hand felted beauties.

I love the fuzzy, felted, beaded look of these and have ordered several to call my own. Some are hair clips and some are flowers that are going to look great pinned onto my t-shirts for that extra artsy flair. Some dyed velvet ribbons (I love the green, the orange and the pink) are definitely going to grace my next fabric journal. How gorgeous are those streaks of dye that look like they have been hand painted?

So, please stop by Rae's inspiring blog and say hello. It is always nice to have people visit when you are just starting a new venture.

Le Marche Francais

Post of Note: Foyer Redo

2010-07-07T11:04:00.001-04:00

This makes me SO HAPPY. And jealous - I want this!!! Oh, the organization, the color, the cool accessories. WOW. Go look.

Ten Random Things-

2010-07-06T15:43:00.003-04:00

I am totally bored today. I have a cold and have no voice - and obviously, no gumption, so a list it is and no whining (I promise)

- I continue to enjoy working with Roben-Marie's digital product. She is so artsy and her product pushes me to think differently.

.
here's a little sneak peek of my latest work.

- It has rained alot in the past few days and our pool which was perfect is now ch-ch-ch-chilly.
- When I talk to friends far north of me, they are 10 degrees hotter than FL. Weird!
- Our Fourth of July was pretty low key. Maybe a bit too low key!
- My inspiration well seems empty. I need a shake up - wonder what that will be? Ideas?
- Rebates continue to come in the mail and they make my day every time. It never gets old.
- I am dreaming of a log cabin with a craftsman style to it. All those built-ins? Yes, please.
- I fell in love with Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccino during the 1/2 price introduction. Now I want more but won't pay full price! (got a coupon? ha)
- I saw Alice in Wonderland over the weekend and could not get into it. Tim Burton and I are just not soul mates.
- I am looking for a good book - any suggestions?

Art Stomp Kit by Roben-Marie

2010-07-01T18:56:00.003-04:00

Art Stomp Kit available at Digi Scraps. Such funky, altered digi fun.

Love those altered hearts. See more of Roben-Marie's work on her blog.

Will Glue Dots adhere my head back on?

2010-06-30T18:09:00.002-04:00

Seriously...

I am speechless.

No...

I am speech FULL.

If you are here for scrapping and not for a rant then click away, my friend. Click hard and fast because I have had ENOUGH.

Remember my post on this lovely representative of his constituents who grabbed a college kid and spoke to him accusingly, suspiciously, arrogantly and, some say, in an altered state? Mr. Etheridge still has a job. Why? This man needs to be fired immediately. The people of NC should have offered him a chance to resign before they took action resulting in him no longer being a Public Servant. Serving the Public - representing his constituents...who pay his salary.

And now Rep. Stark totally mocking and speaking condescendingly to a group of his constituents?

Our government is out of control. They have forgotten who they work for. Their loyalties are definitely elsewhere. They are sending a message very clearly and very loudly that they hold us in complete contempt. We are stupid cows (my apologies to Pioneer Woman ) who do not even deserve common courtesy or maybe a grain of RESPECT. Can you imagine speaking to anyone in this way much less your employers? Or how you would feel if someone spoke to you or someone you love in this manner?

And yet there are no consequences. No pink slip, no naughty chair, no time out.

So, I am going to ask...

Are you paying attention? Are you watching what is going on?

I can't believe that we are sitting by and watching our government completely dismiss us, discount us and ram their agendas through without the slightest thought to our constitution, our opinions or our liberties. I am horrified. HOR-RI-FIED.

So, I can show you pictures of my latest art project or tell you that it is my husband's birthday today but it seems irrelevant. Irrelevant when I know that the world is changing so quickly and a total disregard for humanity is growing exponentially. Exploding, really.

God help us.

Digital Fun-

2010-06-26T08:06:00.004-04:00

My friend Roben-Marie just released a new kit of digital products. I just loved them and asked her "may I please work with your new kits and make samples for you!?" She kindly said yes and I jumped on the kits - I had so much fun creating for her. My style is decidedly different from the other ladies on her Creative Team so it was a nice fit. I am much more "traditional".

Here are my samples:

Togetherness Kit can be found here

Spring Sing Mini kit available here

I look forward to doing more work for her. RM and I have created together long enough at Art Day that I feel like I know her style pretty well and understand her creative muses. Even though we come from very different areas of art, I think our styles compliment each other very well!

Mail Bag overflowing...

2010-06-20T11:00:00.007-04:00

Made by Jarrett for a family friend 10 yr old boy.

Made by Joe for a family friend 12 yr old girl. How cute is that sock monkey?

The rest by me...

I will be hitting the post office Monday -

And mailing out a batch of happiness...

How fun to get art in your mailbox.

I had so much fun making them.

Is one coming to you?!

So blessed...

2010-06-19T13:07:00.008-04:00

I celebrated a birthday recently. I am so blessed to have a circle of friends and family that love me and GET me. Come on - that birthday card is hysterical. I loved it. There was soimething for every side of me.

My "artsy" side.

My "embellished, bling" side.

My "podcasts are as addictive as blogs" side.

My "menopausal, love to laugh hard enough to bring on a hot flash" side.

My "sit me down with people I love and let's have fun and great food" side.

My "aren't new shoes always the best" side.

My "I love a romantic movie set in Italy seen with girlfriends" side.

and...more.

It just does not get any better than that!

When I was a little girl...

2010-06-14T13:20:00.003-04:00

me in the yellow shorts

Inspired by Shelley's post today.

My grandmother lived on a dirt road, my sister and I used a stick and drew out the floor plan of our pretend house and played in it for hours.
My mom made most of my clothes.
One of my prized possessions was a Miss America doll. She was beautiful and very fancy. I wonder what happened to her.
I was in love with books. The Betsy and Starr series was one of my favorites as a new reader. My mom read aloud to me many books.
I played outside with neighborhood kids pretty much all day everyday. The more kids the better.
Going to the drive-in to see Elvis or Doris Day movies was the best. I still love the movies.
I loved to play dress up and sing Broadway show tunes.
I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up.
I was a Brownie and continued in Girl Scouts - sold cookies in my neighborhood.
Used to eat oranges plucked fresh off the trees in my grandfather's citrus grove.

What did you do as a little girl?

Wait a minute - this is America, right?

2010-06-14T11:10:00.000-04:00

Summer documentation

2010-06-09T11:09:00.003-04:00

Found this Lush brand 8x8 mini album at Scrappy Boutique in Orlando. Thought it probably better come home with me.

Inspired by Elise Blaha's latest mini album of documenting her 25th year, I knew it was time to do more documentation of our lives. This summer seemed like a good jumping off point. I used Ranger's Distress Inks to create a sunset like background and then did some stamping.

Not sure yet exactly how this is going to shake down but I know it will be a gathering place for summer memories. I want to focus on documenting a picture of who we are right now rather than a daily here is what we did today album.

Yes, I am crafting again and it feels good.

Summer Officially Starts...

2010-06-08T18:32:00.001-04:00

Fabric, fabric, fabric...

2010-06-06T08:06:00.006-04:00

Had art day with Roben-Marie Friday. While she was working on wool felting, my goal was to find an organizational system for my fabric pieces. I filled this tote with metal pails and a box I had sitting empty waiting for a new assignment and then separated my fabric out by color and a couple of "specialty" categories like chenille.

I found this cute basket at my fave thrift store for 50 cents and knew it would be great for stacking something in it.

I have a collection of thrift store pillowcases that have beautiful fabrics and trims. Perfect for the new basket!

The folded cases fit nicely in the basket.

"And...perfect." Dan in Real Life - if you still haven't seen this movie - rent it right now. You can thank me later.

Knowledge is good

2010-06-04T08:32:00.003-04:00

Let me tell you a couple of things about me. I am stubborn. Always was and probably always will be. I come from stubborn stock. I am also curious and love to learn. And I care. Put those factors together and you've got someone who is all about "what do we DO?!"

Give me a list. Give me a plan. I will so work the list/plan or die trying.

My plan is to KNOW BETTER.

Here is my list of KNOW BETTER-

Question everything. This is not a time in our history when you take anything at face value. Research it, learn it, form your own conclusions.
Don't buy it. There are very few agenda/spin/bias sources in this world. Read, learn and discuss. Vary your sources. See what the conservatives are saying. What are the liberals saying. What are the "kooks" saying. What do you believe is the truth based on real research?
Follow the money. Ask the hard questions. Be willing to look like a "tin foil hat people" long enough to decide what has merit and what doesn't.
Read, read and then listen. Read everything you can get your hands and don't forget that there are some great podcasts out there too.
Break things down to its simplest questions. Is this true? Who benefits? What is the goal? And who is yelling the loudest?
Watch the outcome. Who did benefit? What came to light in this crisis or what was the outcome that was totally unexpected by most? What is the lesson?
Teach our children to question and decide for themselves. Instill core values that are never to be discarded or compromised. Right or wrong? The world will try to tell them everyday that gray is good, that gray is cool, and gray is where the smart people live. It is a lie.
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Faith is powerful.
Find joy and laughter every day. When you have had enough and your brain is threatening to explode, take a break. Enjoy the simplest pleasures. Hug, laugh, snuggle, share, craft (you knew that was coming - I am still me!) and love.

Looking for a familiar sight

2010-06-03T18:09:00.006-04:00

I can't remember the last time I saw something that I actually recognize.

This has been my country for 52.9 years and I don't recognize it anymore.

It must be what it is like to have Alzheimer's or dementia and everything you know and love is slowly becoming blurry and unknown to you. You think maybe you remember that chair or the person in the photo but you can't quite make sense of it.

I alternate between outrage and a deep sadness. And then there is the total silence where you just sit with it and are afraid to ask the real questions...

...what is next? Why?

I was talking to my daughter and I told her that I feel like we are in that space between when a child falls down hard and they are silently taking in that huge gulp of air and the bloodcurdling scream that comes next. You know the silence will be short lived and you know instinctively what is coming next and it ain't gonna be pretty.

The economy? Unsustainable debt and either a purposeful plan to run us deep into the ditch or an arrogant disregard for simple logic and mathematics.

Our government? A system so far from the republic we were that the consequences seem unfathomable. There is no longer even a pretense of representation. Take all the polls you want - they simply do not care about anything but a very specific agenda.

Destabilization is evident all around the world. Pick a crisis -North and South Korea threatening war, the EU falling apart and their economies falling like dominos, the middle east and Israel increasing their rhetoric and threats to powder keg status, world leaders resigning daily (Japan and Germany just this week), our national press covering stories with an alarming bias, the Gulf coast economy devastated, a stock market that is so skittish that they have now installed a "circuit breaker" so it can only fall so far in one day.

Freedoms? Irrelevant.

Consequences? Mounting like there is no tomorrow.

Solutions? Hmmm, seems like the oil spill in the Gulf is a pretty good allegory for what is happening. Let's point fingers and blame and watch the situation compound each day. And wonder...

do you see anything familiar?

I KNOW!

2010-05-20T11:22:00.002-04:00

My blog is just languishing. For three years I have been such a faithful blogger and now zip. I miss you guys - the handful of people that read this. It doesn't mean that I don't think of you - I do!

I wonder how Aleene's orchids are doing and if she is as anxious as I am for SYTYCD to start.
I wonder how Sara is and what is the status of the log cabin in this sucky economy.
I wonder how Grace is doing in the big city and all her crafty swaps.
I wonder how Sarah B. is doing with her scrapbooking.
I wonder how Shelley is doing is school.

And anybody else I am missing - Hi - thanks for stopping by.

I am focused on other things. I have written before about how much I felt the need to learn about geo-political issues, economics, politics etc. I have learned a ton but it is the tip of the iceberg. I want to know more...more...more.

The more I learn, the more I am convinced that we as a country are in big trouble. BIG stinkin' trouble. The world is changing so quickly. Our country is changing so quickly. I don't care who you voted for or what your political affiliations are - we all are experiencing it on a daily basis.

I moved to FL. three years ago. When I think about my lifestyle three years ago and compare it to now, I am shocked. It was so shocking that my family and I made a list of all the things that had changed and we covered a white board the size of a chalkboard in a classroom. Being a scrapbooker/documenter of life I wrote it all down and saved it. It is now part of our family history.

So for now while crafting is still a love of mine, I am focused on making sure our family is prepared to face whatever is coming next. I am a planner and list maker and that keeps me sane. So I am couponing and we are making sure that our financial picture is just as rosy as we can possible get it as fast as we freakin' can. And when I feel a little less panic at the back of my throat, I have a room full of craft supplies waiting for me.

I would love to hear about you and what you think.

Busy Couponing

2010-05-11T08:57:00.003-04:00

Yes, you can find me at the stores scoring big savings. Last month I cut my grocery bill by at least 50% and saved in the neighborhood of $350 plus. That is a part time job!

How did we (my sister and I work together) buy $123.76 worth of groceries for $25.85? Couponing! And how are we getting an additional $6.38 back from this order? Rebates!

Not only are we saving money but we are sending our expired coupons to military families stationed in Turkey so that they can save money (the military stores will accept coupons up to 3 months past their expiration date) and Steff has a big box of food and personal care items going to a food bank/shelter full of things that were FREE after coupons.

On Sunday I went to CVS and tried "rolling" for the first time. (I am serious about this being a complete skill set that takes a while to learn - took us 2 months to get comfortable with what we are doing and we are still learning new things every day.) Rolling is when you split your purchases into separate transactions and "roll" the register rewards to the next transaction. You then pay for the next transaction with the rewards from the first. I walked away with 2 bags of toothpastes, bottled water, tampons, several 2 lt. Cokes and 1 gal milk having paid $8.50 in cash but with an additional $10 of register rewards that I will use later. Bottom line - I MADE $1.50 on the deal.

Who knew?!!!

Post of Note

2010-05-06T07:24:00.002-04:00

Make sure you see Ali's completed Week in the Life album. So inspiring in so many ways.

Breathtaking photos

2010-05-03T12:14:00.001-04:00

Go check out these photos that will just stop you in your tracks!!

Animation Studios Drawing Class

2010-05-03T09:30:00.002-04:00

One of our favorite things to do is go to the Animation Studios at Disney and take the drawing class. This is Joe's take on Carl from Up.

They all look different but wonderful in their own way - love this line drawing style by Jarrett.

I could do this all day long just get back in line time after time!

Greek Salad Delight

2010-04-30T16:00:00.002-04:00

Oooh, this is one of my favorite lunchs - I split this with my sister with a slice of cheese pizza. I can't even imagine getting tired of it. It is so delicious.

Couponing

2010-04-28T09:23:00.001-04:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Privacy disappearing

2010-04-28T07:46:00.002-04:00

Facebook's expansion triggers political backlash

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE, AP Technology Writer
Tue Apr 27, 5:52 pm ET

SAN FRANCISCO – Facebook's plan to spread its online social network to other websites could be detoured by regulators looking into privacy concerns that have raised the ire of federal lawmakers.

SKIP

If Facebook's plans pan out, it could change the way people think of social networking. Instead of communicating on a closed website, Facebook's users could interact with one another over the entire Web. More sharing could spawn more customized websites that look different to each person visiting, depending on their friends and preferences.

While Zuckerberg has likened his vision to an online nirvana, critics see another hole in the crumbling walls of online privacy.

Facebook is moving from being a social network about sharing with friends "to a service that is about collecting and sharing information about you with advertisers so they can more closely tailor ads to you," said Ginger McCall, staff counsel at the Washington-based Electronic Privacy Information Center.

Article

Today

2010-04-27T16:07:00.002-04:00

Sitting on a bench discussing life's mysteries with my sister.

Ten Things

2010-04-26T10:30:00.002-04:00

Ten Reasons my blog has gone quiet

I am contributing to a private blog and my focus has been there.
I haven't been crafting much lately.
In the past month I have read about 10 nonfiction books about politics, history, geo-political influences, and religion. My brain is threatening to explode.
Couponing - it is like a part time job but the pay is great!
Relationships - I am very focused on the relationships in my life. Growing closer, building bonds, strengthening ties. It is my most important goal.
TV sucks - can't even talk about that with you.
Movies suck - haven't been to one since Avatar. Been to about 3 in the last two years. That is such a loss - I love the theatre experience but I am not paying $7 - $13 each for crap.
I am more and more aware of the lack of privacy in our lives and there is not a whole lot that I want to discuss with data miners and archivers. Except this - YOU SUCK. Here's a book recommendation - read Little Brother by Corey Doctorow. Ask your friend to read it too as you are going to want to talk about this book afterward with someone.
I think the whole craft blogosphere is pretty quiet and has been for months. Not sure what the cause is.
Texting - oh so much more gratifying in an immediate kind of way.

EPCOT Flower and Garden

2010-04-20T06:35:00.008-04:00

This weekend we went on a Disney Adventure to see more of the F & G show.

It was a beautiful day with very little sweating which makes it nearly perfect.

The flowers were gorgeous and had grown in significantly since the last time we were there.

Grace - this window reminded me of you!

While there we played the Kim Possible Tour which involves getting clues over a special phone and takes you on missions gathering clues to help Kim foil the evil henchmen. We had a blast playing.

Despite not having any kids in our party or having any knowledge of Kim's show - we loved it and can't wait to do it again. Brilliant, Disney!

Loved the butterfly house...

and the fairy garden. We still have not seen the whole show as it is HUGE. What a wonderful way to spend a day!

either or

2010-04-16T09:50:00.004-04:00

Want to play? Image is here.

Beautiful Day

2010-04-14T16:41:00.002-04:00

Needed to let the breeze blow the thoughts out of my head today.

And just enjoy the beauty in my backyard.

Let's talk American Idol-

2010-04-13T22:45:00.002-04:00

This season stinks.

Your turn.

Spring Craft Cleaning

2010-04-13T10:48:00.002-04:00

Great post on Ali's blog by Wendy Smedley.

Rant: Movies

2010-04-09T08:20:00.002-04:00

This movie looked interesting from the trailer. I had actually considered seeing at the theatre but never did. I put it on my Netflix list and it came this week.

I hated it.

I do not like movies that end without an ending. I know that life is rarely tied up in a neat little conclusion but I want my entertainment to be a full experience. Make me laugh, cry or think and then leave me with an ending - doesn't have to be a happy ending every time but do end it. A conclusion, a period at the end of the sentence is a good thing in my book. I don't want to make up my own ending - I just paid YOU to take me on a journey and I ain't gonna be happy if you unceremoniously dump me in off mid-route.

That's just me.

I can't think of the last time I went to the theatre and left feeling that I got my money's worth. First of all, I rarely go to the movies anymore, despite loving the movie experience, because there is so little that is theatre ticket worthy. I saw Avatar and thought it was artistically beautiful but James Cameron was so stinkin' heavy handed with his shoved down your throat agendas that it was hard to not feel a bit beat up. The message was sugar coated in a beautiful, gloriously luminescent hard candy outer shell but message driven it was. And it is a tired message that I resent. Yeah yeah - greed, evil and sins against Mother Nature/the indigenous people that get it. Blah blah blah...stomp stomp stomp...bad guys die.

Got it.

We hang on to our Netflix subscription keeping hope alive that maybe there will be something coming that will make it all worthwhile. So far, and for a very long time - not so much. Something enjoyable will come along and that is fun but anything moving and wonderful? My standards have been systematically lowered over the last 3 years until "not sucking" is a compliment.

The sad thing is that there are only so many times you can rewatch the good older movies until you are hungering for something new. You pop in a movie or trek to theatre and pay your $10 and hope. Crap (as an expletive), it is crap (as an adjective).

And don't even get me started on TV.

For Bobbie

2010-04-06T15:37:00.001-04:00

Can we at least agree that she has style?! : )

STS- 131

2010-04-05T06:35:00.002-04:00

Space Shuttle launch this morning was beautiful.

You just can't catch the beauty of it with a little point and shoot. So glad I saw it.