Izbzee

Summer Bliss

This beauty greeted me this morning as I ventured out the back door just after sunrise.  I love how the cups are upward tilted as if they are drinking in the rays of the sun.  By the time I'd walked around the yard and come back, this blooms had turned to face the sun....

Today's thought: 

Attitudes are contagious.  Are yours worth catching?  ~Dennis and Wendy Mannering

 

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We're 2/3 of the way through our list of quotes and added notes...still a bit of a ways to go today and a few more to add -- we've been weeding a few of them out here and there as well as dumping the dupes!  :) 

 

Today's goal is to finish the "list" add a few more notes, finalize the picture selection for the backgrounds as we've decided to divide the book into "seasons" and get things ready for tomorrow's day of creativity.  Sadly, Peg has to leave tomorrow - it's been an incredibly wonderful week having her here to work side by side - literally! 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonder-filled day!

July 30

 Nearly missed two days here!  The schedule has been packed for the past 24 hours!  We've gotten several inches of rain the past couple of days...the pump is prepped and ready -- if we get much more rain tonight, the pump will be on.  The lawn is soggy and mushy in spots and all of Busted's "holes" are filled with water -- I see more skeeters in our future.

Here's a pic of the skies this afternoon.  Love the clouds!

  

Peg and I have had such a blast working on our project and we've gotten a lot accomplished between all the other stuff I've had squeezed in that's needed to be done as well.  THis afternoon, we've been looking at pictures and trying to pick out the backgrounds for the pages.  It's been lots of fun.

Last evening was our Wednesday Nurturing Creativity session...what a blast!  We had so much fun with ink and stamps!  We also used the Joseph's Coat technique that GinaK was hi-lighting on her website this past week.  The detail line stamp is from GinaK and the broadleaf stamp was cut from fun foam using a cuttlebug die.  Everyone got a different look and finish.  It was soooo fun and we enjoyed the evening of exploration! 

this is my sample using the two stamps as mentioned above.  Inks from SU, glossy stock from HP.

This was Thelma's first try -- I think she's hooked and she spent the rest of the evening making a couple more samples to share with her daughter.  Below is Toy's sample: 

fun stuff! 

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Today's thought is:

In the hardest of times, often, the most beautiful things follow.  Devin Hermanson

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Have a fab evening! 

Tuesday, Jul 28

The rains have taken a pause -- at least for a little while.  We are expecting more and a bit warmer and muggier day as well.  Oh, the joys of summer in the heartland!

We snagged several pictures from Mike's upload last evening between emails...but haven't had the time to resize any -- I think I'll go ahead and resize them before I post them...making it easier for those of you on slower connections. 

No craftiness yesterday -- but it's good to hear that we have some "new" friends joining us on Wednesday and Saturday for some card-making fun and nurturing.  Looking forward to it.

Peg didn't make it on the plane yesterday, but we're hoping to see her this afternoon - we have our fingers (and toes) crossed!  We've got lots to accomplish while she's here and hopefully, by the end of the week, we'll be right on track with our project and ready to take the next step towards publishing.  YAY!

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Today's thought is:
Live with love and genuine appreciation for all that is around you. Give your own unique meaning to the abundance in which you're immersed.  Ralph Marston

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Have a fabulous day!  Take care and live in your GREATNESS today!

Monday, Jul 27

Another morning of rain -- a little bit of thunder and lightning, but nothing that causes considerable concern at the moment.  Loving the rain!  I do hope there's a pause long enough for Peg's flight to get in safely....sure looking forward to seeing her later this morning or early afternoon.

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Today's thought is:
A man's growth is seen in the successive choirs of his friends.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am truly blessed!  Have a wonderful day and week!
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Ted arrived home at his appointed hour...wearing a HUGE cheesy grin and bearing gifts. 

Lots of fun and pretties and I'm so excited because one of the other gifts he brought home included enough money to finalize a purchase of a SLICE! 

 It's ordered and hopefully, will ship later today.  SWEET!  In anticipation of that purchase, I already have one card and a 12x12 glass cutting mat. (picture from Making Memories) from a couple of previous shopping excursions - LOL - Hmmm, is it legal to celebrate your birthday every month?????   Huh?????  LOL

It's  nearly back to school time!  So I've been thinking about those family members and a few friends who will be hitting the books this fall.  Do you recognize the hand-stamped background?  Love that PapertreyInk stamp set! CS by SU -In Colors 2009; Slice and the Back To School card - (thanks, Dayna);  Punches by SU; Chipboard Arrow by American Crafts; markers, ink, SU.

An ever so gentle rain

 greeted me this morning.  Oh, sweet!  The air smells wonderful and the plants looks a bit refreshed after all the parching heat yesterday!  Those triple digits made it back and it was- just plain HOT!

We had a GREAT day of card making yesterday morning --- loved being with the gals and enjoyed the company even though my head and foot were complaining rather loudly throughout the morning and early afternoon.    LOL  -

This card uses the new In Colors CS from SU -- Stamp, Crystal Effects also SU.  Corner rounder, heart punch, Unknown; Spellbinders Square dies.  Pretty easy and the card was cased from the latest edition of Papercrafts - check out Shelisa Loertscher's contributions on page 28 (September/October 2009)  - I really like the look of the CS brads - using the Crystal Effects on the punched hearts! 

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And here's one other card -- fun, fun, fun!  And more importantly, it's easy and quick!

CS from Wassau and patterned paper from DCWV (Luxury Stack); Stamps from PaperTreyInk (sentiment), Flourishes (Peony), RubberStampede (music background); Hardware, inks and markers, SU.  I'm not sure where I saw the sample for this one...but it really caught my eye and I loved the look...

  

Ted is heading home today -- and hopefully, without any problems, bumps or cancellations...we'll see.  From the flurry of txt messages the past couple of hours, the airline is overbooked -- could be interesting.  Safe trip home, sweetie!

He sent home several pictures -- hoping to post a few later this evening.  Still need to finish getting them off the phone...need to teach that man how to email them from his phone!  :o) 

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Today's thought is:
Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.
George Bernard Shaw  

This is a favorite -- enjoy a fabulous Sunday, wherever you may be!

And don't forget to nurture your own heart today -- Blessings to all!

Friday, July 24

 

Pioneers -- we're all pioneers in some way or another, blazing trails in a myriad of ways.  I'm grateful for all of the "pioneers" in my life -- those who crossed the plains by wagon train, handcarts or walking during those days of migration to the west.  Many of them also crossed the ocean to reach that safe haven with other Latter Day Saints in the mountain west.  They faced hardships, trials and struggles far more difficult in many ways than I will ever face.   Their journals, pictures and legacies are all reminders of their sacrifices - we are truly blessed!  Treasure your heritage! 

 

I'm grateful for pioneers today -- those who take a leap of faith and share new ideas that tug and pull at our hearts in such a way that bring out the best in us and keep encouraging us to do more even in the face of adversity -- .  Who's a pioneer in your life?  Take a moment to honor them today!

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Today's Thought is:
"...[M]y mother's home was a secret garden where we could escape and be nurtured by positive affirmation. In her eyes, all about us was good, and all that was good was possible."  Stephen Covey

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Last evening, one of our DILs graduated from college.  Ted sent home a few pics last night to share: 

Hailee, grandbaby 2B and Hailee's Grandma

 

Hailee

 

Hailee, TJ and granbaby 2B

 

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No crafting time last evening - but this beauty greeted me along the walk to the front door.

One of the many Cannas along the front walkway. 

 

Have a fabulous day!

Thursday - July 23

Special thanks to a sweet friend for her special care this morning.  I appreciated all your caring and concern. Feeling a bit better after a bit of rest, an icepack and TLC.

Just got word that Ted has landed in SLC.  And it sounds like he'll be heading northbound shortly if not already. 

I'm caught up on emails, but haven't gone much further than that at this point.  Doubtful, much else will be accomplished today...but that's ok.  Friday is shaping up -- or should I say, filling up!?! 

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Today's thought was:
Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling.  Margaret Lee Runbeck

It's amazing how your outlook can make a significant difference in where you "end up" in the evening.  While I may not cross off every thing on my list or feel like I've accomplished much at all, I generally can find myself at peace and content with what I have been able to do and happy to have had the opportunity to do it at all! 

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Last night we had a fun evening and we enjoyed the company of each other and some crafting time as well.  The new edition of Cards by Northridge Media arrived in the mail and it was fun to use a couple of the ideas in there and "play."

Here's my take on the cover card by designer, Jenn Bierderman:
  
Stamp, Sanded background by SU; Punch (watermelon seeds), Family Treasures; Inks, all SU; Paper, SU; Pattern Paper, CardDelights (Hello Circles card kit); Circle dies, Spellbinders Nestabilities; White Gelly Roll Pen, Sakura; Glossy Accents, Ranger, Liquid Glue, Tombo; Sponge daubers, SU; Needle Piercing tool, CTMH; Stick Pin, Ribbon, SU; Button, from my stash - though I think I got it at Joann's a few years ago.  Now to just figure out what kind of sentiment to add....suggestions welcome! 

Elements for a second card are sitting on the table -- and here's one more card -- can you find the boo-boo?

  the button is leather and was in my stash, Lettering in funfoam from HL; Cuttlebug and RedTag letter dies.  Punches and CS, SU and pattern paper was from the scrap pile.  Stamp from SU.

Have a fabulous evening and a wonderful Friday! 

Wednesday, July 22

 

Sunrise this morning was absolutely breathtaking.  I'm so happy I followed the impression to go out and take a look at the sky.  It was certainly an AHHHH moment in my book.  The sky to the west was nearly clear with a few wispy clouds here and there.  The dusky blue is will make a perfect backdrop for a future digi page I envision.

Sleep wasn't a stranger last night, thank heavens!  I'm so grateful for more than just a couple of hours of uninterrupted rest.  Feeling much better this morning.

Today's thought is:

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama

 

It's really not difficult -- breathing helps!  So take lots of deep breaths today and do the possible!

Greatness, becomes you!

 

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No crafting yesterday, just some sprucing up of the area -- need room and space to play tonight!  ;)

 

We do have a DIL graduating from college tomorrow evening.  We're so excited for her and her accomplishments.  Drats!  The only cards I have are more masculine in nature, but, I do have an idea to play with and if all works out -- will post that tomorrow.  In the meantime, here are two other cards from the stash - geesh, I guess it would help to post them!  LOL 

  

 

card bases, kraft and black CS from SU.  Pattern paper, an OT find as are the acrylic bubbles and shapes.  Brads from OT as well.  The font for the sentiment on You hold the future is: 
TXT Antique Poster done on an acrylic stamp for personal use. 

Tuesday, July 21

I see a glimpse of the sun peeking through the clouds to the east.  The sky to the west is a beautiful blue with just a few clouds dotting the view from the patio door.

We had a fun flurry of emails with Mike last evening.  He's doing well and it sounds likes he's going to be transferred later this week.  He just wasn't sure where to yet.   His emails from the mission president were a welcome read and again highlighted many of the attributes we see in Mike and how he is growing in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We so appreciate his sharing those with us and hope he made it back to their "home" on time last evening.

Ted and I shared an early date night this week.  We went to our favorite Mexican restaurant and it was fun to see the work I'd recently done for them on each of the tables and the signage adorning the walls.  Cool!  We brought home some goodies for today to snack on -- and enjoyed a wonderful evening out.

No crafting yesterday -- not that I didn't try  - but I did get a bit of work completed and hopefully, today is set up for some card making or more. 

From my garden.......
 

Today's thought is:
It is never too late to begin what we ought to do.  Richard L Evans

Whether it's an exercise program, good eating habits, or just listening to your heart speak to you -- you just need to take the first step; as scary as it might be, your strength and spiritedness will carry you through!  Do it!  I dare you to! 

To your wonderfulness!  Make it a GREAT day!

July 20

"Reset"   may be my operative word today!  Not much in the way of sleep last night - and I'd LOVE to get a few projects completed or to the point of near completion by late afternoon today. 

We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday --- even the "wildlife" made a return during the early evening hours.  Not sure if it was Mama or Papa - but I was able to get within 6 feet of it before it scampered off into the bushes along the fenceline.  We also noticed last evening that the nest has been moved -- probably under the garden box or back into the bushes in the corner -- definitely safer and further away from the lawnmower in the future.   In a way, I was disappointed not to find the baby again, but happy that they're out of harms way. 

 

Now to figure out who's stripping the husks from the corn on the stalk!!!! New mystery and it might be fun to stay up late and "watch". 

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Today's thought:

You see possibilities in others, but do you ever dream the possibilities within yourself? Anon

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I've got a huge stash of graphics stored on my computers -- Gigs and Gigs of them...and they don't get used often enough other than for a few flyers here and there.  So yesterday, I decided to play with one of the collections, Debbie Mumm's Garden Angels.  What fun!  I printed out several on a sheet and used one as a base and then taking my craft knife, cutting and layering, created a card.  Still not totally satisfied, I decided to add a little bling by using some OT fine detail glitter and Glossy Accents as the glue.  It's not perfect, but I'm looking forward to playing some more.  All papers from SU and the brads are from OT. 

 

Today is also our day to visit with Mike via email.  We really do look forward to his weekly emails. 

Make it a GREAT-ful day!