Izbzee

Aug 31

Wow, this month has certainly sped by -- and we're entering into Fall, full speed ahead!  :o)  The temps here during the early morning hours could certainly be indicative of the coming change in seasons.

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Today's thought is:
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring; all of which have the power to turn a life around.  Leo Buscaglia

Whose life (lives) will you impact today?

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We had a fun weekend -- Celebrating Ted's birthday -- Saturday evening, the Surprise party was a surprise.  I'm sure he wasn't expecting seeing 16 of his friends seated around the tables in the center of the room.  We were thrilled too that the manager, a really good friend, was taking the evening "off" to spend part of it with us.  Cool! 

Now, if you're counting, not everone had arrived yet...What a wonderful evening! 

The staff sang happy birthday to Ted.  He enjoyed it! 

I just love his cheesy grin!  It was a wonderful evening -- thanks everyone for keeping the secret and sharing the evening with us!  It was a BLAST!

Since we also had our crafting day on Saturday (part of our ploy in keeping the party secret), there was lots of crafting going on...the crows were a hit and so were a few other goodies!  Remember the chicken in the tea cup from last week?  It sure is cute!   There were also a couple of cards finished and I'll post those tomorrow along with a couple of other "Punched" cuties! 

Have a wonderful day and week!  Thanks for stopping by! 

Wonder-filled

 

This morning, I'm in awe of all the blessings in my life.  Of family, friends, God's love and oh, so much more.  My life is so richly blessed in so many ways!  This morning's sunrise was gentle and soft as it is generally is.  The light reflecting many of the other richnesses of this world that grow, live and breathe in my own little backyard.  The recent rains have brought forth more blooms on the Rose of Sharon -- so many that it seems to be bursting with color.  The blooms are short-lived, but each holds a richness and beauty that only it can share.  Each is just a bit different -- but each blesses my life with the thoughts of all the miracles wrought in our behalf each day.  I AM BLESSED! 

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Today's thought is:
When your heart is filled with miracles your eyes begin to see them.  @AffirmationSpot (a Twitter friend)

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Saturday is crafting day around here and I'm excited about what the day will bring!  I've got a few new ideas rolling around and hope to get a few of them on paper!  From the sound of things, we'll have a full house for the day. 

This evening, we're meeting up with some friends for dinner at Chelino's.  It should be a fun evening. I'm looking forward to this date with Ted and hope he'll enjoy the time out as well and relax.  His birthday is tomorrow, and I get the impression he's a little worried about turning 49 -- though he's made some comments about 50 being scarier -- he's been hinting about not wanting a party at the office...I don't think he'll need to worry about that.  I have a few other ideas up my sleeve for the big 5 - 0 ! 

I did get a little bit of time to play yesterday afternoon between some work obligations, a doctor's appointment and last evening's conference call  -- remember the paper pieced crow from the other day?  Well, he has a companion now....  I think she's kind of cute!  I don't have her tuft of feathers on her head on this pic, but tomorrow or Monday, I'll post one that does!  I'm also thinking texture here might be fun too....we'll see what plays out. 

 

Papers, inks and markers, SU; Ribbon, American Craft (Hobby Lobby)' Button, stash; Brads, Spare Parts (Hobby Lobby); White gel pen, Sakuri; Adhesive, Tombow.  I did use some Aleene's Stop Fraying on the ribbon ends which are knotted for the feet. 

Time to get moving!  Need to get ready for the day!  I hope your day is wonder-filled too!  Mine is overflowing! 

Friday, Aug 28

No cutsie title today -- still in a bit of a headachey funk, though much better than yesterday!  YAY!  Could be that the air is clear, the front has passed through and the storms have cleared the area.  The rains were refreshing and heavy at times.  The grass is a deep lush green and the flowers and bushes are standing a bit taller.

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Today's thought is:
Your deeds of greatness might not be on the front pages; they'll be on people's hearts where they are never out of date.  Stanley Anukege

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The following pics are snagged from my upline -- cute punch ideas and I'm excited to recreate them for Saturday's crafting session.  I've already punched the parts for a crow as - I'm assuming that everything in the pictures are SU -- and if you know the original creator, let me know so they can get credit.

  

  

Have a Gr8ness filled Friday!  Thanks for dropping by

Shades of Gray

Amazing how many shades of gray there is -- this morning's sky is full of it!  No downpours at the moment, just fluffy clouds in varying hues --

 

The first photo is facing the east -- no pretty sunrise to shoot pictures of this morning...but all the levels and hues are worth a looksie.  The second pic is looking north -- and yes, that's a storm in that darkest little bit snuggled up close to the roofline and in the trees.  The storms are moving to the east and not much further south at the moment.  It's cooler this morning too...and it feels so good.

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Today's thought is:
A miracle worker is an artist of the soul.  There's no higher art than living a good life.  Marianne Williamson (@ Quotesnack) 

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We had a small group come crafting last night.  It was fun though and the first hour or so was spent talking and munching as we all decided what we wanted to do and accomplish.  One gal chose to make a coaster book.  We used the bind-it-all to put it all together.  She even handcut all the pages for the inside -- and will use a pad of post-its when those are gone.  She has an eye for color and was pleased with her finished project.

The rest of us worked on card ideas and I got another punch idea in my book thanks to dostamping.typepad.com idea of a "fat" cat.  He certainly is cute -- I think, though that I will add some additional texture to my next one just for the fun of it and maybe make it a tabby.  All punches, papers, ink and markers are SU;  Brads and adhesive, OT

This is a case -- but I'm not sure where, so if you recognize the work, please let me know - I'd love to give credit where credit is due.

I used PcHugware for the DP; Stamps, PaperTrekInk and SU; Ink and markers, SU; Ribbon, American Crafts; Cardstock and Kraft, SU.  Adhesives, Tombow and SU Dimensionals; Slice and Spellbinder design card.  I still need to add one more embellishment -- it's coming!  (edited to add)  Still no embellies -- but I decided to upload the pic anyway...

3rd time's a charm...

I've started today's post 3 times today -- only to have to "reset" and start over.  I'm not sure why, but maybe the migraine headache (which I'm going to blame on the incoming weather front) is sure fuddling things up...so maybe I'll just wrap this up quickly -- and try to get back to some other things in hopes of having things ready for this evening's craft night -- and keep my fingers crossed I'll be able to join in and have some fun too.

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Today's thought is:
I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty
to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.  -- Helen Keller

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Crafting news:
2 1/2 rows done on the afghan yesterday afternoon.  I love that it's a pack and go and I was able to quickly throw it in my bag and take with me while a friend and I waited at the doctor's office yesterday.  I think we're quite close to that halfway mark and I should be able to finish it in time for the baby's arrival if not before.  Yep, it's slowly getting there, but I haven't set it aside with the zillion of other UFOs gathering dust in the bags in the spare room, we once called the boys' room!  

Have a GREAT day!  Thanks for dropping by~

Simply simple

 How is it that we get so rolled up in things we make the situation even more complicated than it needs to be?  Hmmmm, that's something I've plans to work on today.  Thanks, Peg, for helping me get things back into perspective again. Simply and Simple are two words I'll keep in mind today.

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Today's thought is:
He who has songs in his heart hears songs wherever he goes.  Dr. J.R. Miller

This is just a clip of the quote used in a newsletter in my inbox this morning -- but it really hit home.  What songs are in our heart today?  Are they songs that are uplifting, generous, sweet?  Songs we would like to share with others?  Listen closely -- switch stations if you must, enjoy a beautiful day and don't forget to share your heart song with all you encounter today!

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Mike's emails hinted at his adding some pictures to his Facebook last night...and all 75 of them uploaded successfully.  So head on over there so view them.  I haven't had the time to pull a few of them yet...hopefully, later today once I've crossed off a few things -- keeping it simply and simple today.  That's definitely the motto. 

I promised a couple of pics today -- but only sneaks since these are cards destined for others who sometimes pop by --

Papers, ink, punch from SU; Ribbon, HL; Graphics from PcCrafter's Halloween Hugware Collection; Stamp, Martha Stewart.

 
DP, ME! (I used a graphic element from the Glitterific Pac by Jamie Heyl - DigitalScrapbookPlace.com) and created my own background paper using PSE 6). Brads, OT; Ink and cardstock, SU.  Template, Jan Tink; Punch, SU; Cuttlebug and paper trimmer w/ scoring blade.  Stamps, SU and Studio G; graphics, PcCrafter.   

Repurposed brown paper sack, Unknown; DP, PcCrafter - two collections; Slice and Spellbound design card; Ribbon, HL; Stamp and Marker, Martha Stewart; ink, SU.  Glitter, OT;  Dimensionals, SU. 

Have a great day! Better yet,  Make it Fabulous!  ;o)

quiet...

Sunshine, blue skies, a slight breeze, church, hubby, friends, the good book, soft music --- all good company for the day.  Hope your days has been wonderful too.

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Today's thought is:
Patience is the companion of wisdom.  Saint Augustine

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I decided to put some of my Hugware to good use this past weekend...Sadly, I must admit, with over 6 Gigs of graphics, I don't use it as much as I should.  This past week, I dusted off a few of the collections and played.  It was fun.  A few cards later, I'm still having fun.

Peeks coming tomorrow.  Still need to do a little resizing and cleaning up a few of the pics. 

Have a great afternoon, evening and hope the morrow brings even greater things your way!

Caught up?

well, maybe for the short term...though I think I've missed something.  Ever feel that way?  Just a short stop by this morning to make up for yesterday's miss.  Happy FRIDAY! 

Lots of interesting stuff going on and lots of busy-ness too.  But we'll leave that for another time and place. 

I appreciate everyone that is dropping by to see the latest and maybe even just check out the quote of the day....thanks!  

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Today's quote is:
Perhaps the world little notes nor long remembers individual acts of kindness-but people do.  Herm Albright

Take a moment today to do an RAK for a friend, acquaintance or a total stranger!  Reflect on the feelings of your heart in that moment - there's definitely a sweetness attached and then multiply that a 100 fold and you may just get an inkling of how your recipient may have felt as a result of your kindness. 

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Not much in the way of creating here -- unless you consider the fact that I've cooked everynight this week --- and yes, even Ted has been surprised!  We've been doing carry out at least 1 or 2 nights a week for the past several months.  We're going to have to put a stop to that, though.  I've actually gone a bit more domestic this week and it's been fun -- of course, the food has tasted pretty good too.  The Chicken Taco Soup on Wednesday was the hit for the week, although the Salmon the other night wasn't too bad either.  Not sure what's on the menu for this evening -- need to check out in the garden and see if there's any more zukes out there.  The tomatoes aren't ready yet -- but at least I saw quite a few out there on the vines.

Wednesday was magazine delivery day!  WOOT WOOT!  I took a bit of me time and looked through them (Cards and Simply Handmade - Northridge Media) and picked a few cards that picqued my interest.  Here's one I did during the evening.

 

The paper used in the hearts are from scraps (Unknown) The checked background is using a Hero Arts set in SU Sky blue, Barely banana and Creamy Caramel.  The cardstock is from Wassau.  Brads from Spare Parts (HL).  I hand cut the larger hearts and used Spellbinders scalloped Hearts die for the smaller  hearts and pierced each of the scallops for a similar effect int he original card designed by Beatriz Jennings.  After I finished that card, I did a little cutting with the Slice and some sizzlet dies and a repurposed lunch sack.  That card is still in a transitional phase -- but I just might have it finished for sharing with the gals tomorrow and ready to post tomorrow too.

Well, time to get back to that list and figure out what still needs to be done.  Have a fabulous day and weekend! 

it's the little things....

What a surprise this morning to discover that ALL of the swelling in my feet is GONE!  YAY!  Now, let's just hope that they stay "normal" for the entire day -- maybe all that PT is finally paying off.  Fingers crossed!  Still wearing the boot at night -- awkward -- but it must be helping some.

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Today's thought:
Every probles has in it the seeds of its own solution.  If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds.  Norman Vincent Peale

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Hey Mel,  I played some more on my "test" piece -- it was fun!  Still working on some flourish cuts for a bit more detail, but here's a pic of the not quite finished piece. 

stamp, ink, SU(Eastern Influence); Flourish, Slice (Basic Card 3 - Making Memories); DP, Lilly Kate scrap, Paper, SU

Here's the punch and  die lis for the Geisha
1 3/8 " circle (Head), 1" circle (Hair bun), Wide Oval Punch (kimono and base) -- SU
Sizzlets Lots of Tabs Label 1 (Face) SU trim as needed. 

I just used a couple of mini strips for the head adornment...but thinking that some seed beads on wire would be fun to try for a fancier fun finish too. Add a little bling to the kimono --- or use real silk or origami paper.....oh the wheels keep turning. 

A wet start to the day

We really did need the rain today.  There was quite a bit during the hour or two it lasted.  It's still cool this morning, but it won't be for long since it's already heating up.  I see glimpses of sunbeams glistening in the droplets still holding on precariously to the leaves.  A few of the plantings have been revived by the moistures and are standing tall and straight now.  Their foilage various shades of green.  It's quite a beautiful sight to see and hold on to for a few brief moments.

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Today's thought is:
Every day is a new beginning.  Norman Vincent Peale

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   Yesterday was email day with Mike -- he's posted pics on Facebook of Monte Alban and the ruins.  I've yet to look through them since IE is being "fussy" again at the moment and not letting me back on Facebook to peek.  He's doing pretty good.  They had a couple of wonderful experiences and even though one baptism didn't happen, Mike felt that it was for the best at the time --- though he was a bit disappointed as I'm sure I would have also felt.

   We also got calls from a couple of other kids -- they're doing well and TJ starts work at his new job for this semester today.  He's been lucky to find something -- make that blessed! 

   I so appreciate Ted and all he does.  Not only did he put in a full day at the office, but he came home and went right to work on the pool -- which I hadn't had time to get to yet.  I did get his scout shirt badges switched out and all stitched on (YAY!) and cleaned and ready for his meeting this evening.  I guess it was a trade off -- but thanks, sweetie!  I so appreciate your doing all you do. 

  After dinner and things had quieted down a bit -- I printed out Mel's template for her CD box and played with it -- It's still not done, but her tips and tricks came into play last night and I really appreciated her tutorial.  I've made my "test" in a deep purple, Eggplant (SU); floss from DMC colored to match with an SU marker.  I used the Damask embossing plate by Sizzix for SU to imprint the front fo the box, then sponged a little ink in matching color to bring out a little more detail and shading.  It's not too perceptible in the photo -- but it's there.  I'm thinking some Oriental embellishments and have a cute idea that hopefully will work on it. 

don't look too closely...the stitching is so uneven!  I need to get my template out for the next one for more even stitches.  The stitching on the other side, looks pretty darn good, wouldn't you know it?  LOL 

Have a fab day!  Take care and enjoy!  Thanks for dropping by!