Another item for my wish list...

... These lovely little stamps from Paper Studio. I simply must have them!

Cheap circle stamp....

... otherwise known as a bottle cap!


I didn't have a circle stamp, so I improvised. Just looked around the house 'til I found something that might work. Love how it turned out. And you just can't beat free!!!

Alphabetical Order....

.... I seriously need to organize my blog links! Holy cow, I didn't realize I had accumulated so many! I've noticed I have a few doubles - which could be avaoided altogether if my lists were alphabetized. So, I'm gonna work on that very soon. Like during an episode of insomnia - which seem to come often as of late. A boring chore like that just might make my eyes droopy. Sounds like a good plan to me.

Happy Birthday sweetie...

...yep! Today was Terry's birthday. A rather laid back occasion. He doesn't like the hoopla. Just ordered in sub sadwiches for supper & then went for a nice long walk together - with Sophie, of course! Hope you enjoyed your day, honey! Here's to many more to celebrate together.

Holy pencil crayons, Batman....

...I just found Curly Girl Designs And her art is FAB!!!
I especially love her work entitled "Faith is Believing." Must have artwork Seriously!

Today's Quote...

... yep. I'm on a "post a quote if you can't think of anything brilliant to say for yourself" binge. sometimes all that we need to hear has already been said.

So here's today's favorite.

”Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson


I think I need to read that one every single day. Just to remind myself.

A favorite quote...

"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of ones self; to leave the world a bit better; whether by a healthy child; a garden patch; or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exaltation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded! - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Beth Moore has a blog!!!

Check it out here!

I simply love Beth Moore. She is so refreshing & always seems to say (or write) just the thing I need to hear. I did one of her in depth studies a couple of years ago on the life of Paul. It was the most amazing Bible study. I learned so much. Really want to do another.

But in the meantime, I love listening to her on Living Proof Ministries. And now she has a blog. I am so happy!

A few crafty links....

... for your enjoyment!

An adorable little craft apron tutorial can be found here.
Even a novice like myself could probably pull this one off. I think I shall try it.

Lovely Fabric Trim boxes. Might have to practice a few times to get these right, but they are so adorable!

And lastly, Beautiful roses made from coffee filters. Complete with a how to video. No one would EVER guess how these were made. They look so real!!!

Gapingvoid's list on How to be creative....

.... Is the best thing I've read in a while. You must go here and read it.

Some of my favorites...

So you want to be more creative, in art, in business, whatever. Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years:

1. Ignore everybody.

2. The idea doesn't have to be big. It just has to change the world.

4. If your biz plan depends on you suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.

6. Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten.

10. The more talented somebody is, the less they need the props.

13. Never compare your inside with somebody else's outside.

19. Sing in your own voice.

22. Nobody cares. Do it for yourself.

24. Don�t worry about finding inspiration. It comes eventually.

25. You have to find your own schtick.

26. Write from the heart.

27. The best way to get approval is not to need it.

30. The hardest part of being creative is getting used to it.

31. Remain frugal.

But you MUST go read the rest. He elaborates each one so eloquently.

My sides stinkin' hurt....

.... from laughing so hysterically at this video!

Oh! My! Gosh!!!! I seriously am having an asthma attack from laughing so hard. Can't breathe.
A little late for Mother's Day, but stil so worth watching - at least twice!

Doesn't seem possible......

...that Taylor should be graduating from 8th grade. But it's true. They always tell you that the years will fly by when you are a parent. I wish I'd realized how true that really is. Wasn't she just in kindergarten a couple of years ago? And now she'll be in high school. It can't be real.


This is Taylor with her BFF Hayley after the ceremony


Patty Epplin made a Powerpoint presentation of the 8th graders which played at graduation set to "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts. Of course everyone laughed & cried & realized that the years are passing ever so quickly. From now on I plan to make the most of every day with her, because tomorrow, it will seem, she'll be graduating from college.

I am so very proud of her and love the person she is becoming. She's tender hearted & loving and just plain fun to hang around with! Love you so much, Tay Bug!

My Wish
By Rascal Flatts
BestAudioCodes.com

Eye Candy...

Where have I been that I have never seen Tara Anderson's work before?
Holy cow! The girl is brilliant! Her use of color is so yummy and she makes wonderful flower conglomerations that are just lovely! She has a blog, too! You MUST check her out. Just looking at her stuff made my day a bit brighter.

My New Favorite Quote...

...found courtesy of Ali's Blog

Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round heads in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status-quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. But the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. ~Jack Kerouac

The ultra-creative Madi....

...created this glue page.


We started doing glue pages as a fun creative project that we can do together. She did this one on her own last night while I was away at movie night with the girls.
Love that Madi has so much fun with Art stuff!

So very cool....

... I have been selected as Featured Artist of the Month for March at www.ebbcreations.com!!! I am so excited!!! I will also be April's Guest Designer at the same site.

e.b.b. is such a great place to hang out! Love the folks who spend time there. And the monthly Bingo is a blast!

Just look

... at this breathtakingly yummy creative space!!! Heather Bailey's
studio is fabulous. I am giddy just looking at it.





And isn't this fabric just delish!!! You can find it & more wonderful patterns here
Isn't it just wonderfully fun to be able to browse online. total bliss.

Letters & Numbers....

... Are one of my favorite passions. Especially vintage ones. I was so excited to find Timeless Treasures. Letters & numbers from Vintage signery are their specialty. Such fun photos of alphabetica & numerica. Yummy! Thier stuff has been used to decorate rooms for PB Teen. Tara Whitney even purchased some letters from them.

Wish I was close enough to visit them. I would be in typography heaven!

I am RED!!!

Color Code is a really cool website that has a personality profile.
Before doing the quiz, I thought 'wouldn't it be cool if my color is red?' After all, that's MY color. It's the color I feel comfortable around. The color I relate to. The color I am drawn to.
And guess what. Apparently there's a reason for that. Red is my personality color. There is nothing on the site to signify what answers will relate to which color.
The description of Reds was so accurate is was uncanny.
Congratulations. You are RED.

REDS are motivated by POWER. They seek productivity and need to look good to others. Simply stated, REDS want their own way. They like to be in the driver's seat and willingly pay the price to be in a leadership role. REDS value whatever gets them ahead in life, whether it be in their careers, school endeavors, or personal life. What REDS value, they get done. They are often workaholics. They will, however, resist doing anything that doesn't interest them.
REDS like to be right. They value approval from others for their intelligence and practical approach to life, and want to be respected for it. REDS are confident, proactive, and visionary; but can also be arrogant, selfish, and insensitive. When others interact with you, as a RED you respond to them best if they are precise, factual, direct, AND show no fear!

Funky Art Stamps...

...by Tiphoni These are so fun!!!

This girl's got a way-cool imagination...

Collaging-Kristen
Playing on Flickr tonight & found some of her work. She even gives an awesome tutorial that rocks!

OK, this stuff is too cute...

... this stuff would make work FUN!!! See Jane Work
These are fun!!! Bob's Your Uncle

This is a fun site...

...to visit. Story A Day Very amusing!

Blog hopping today...

...and I found This Blog through a link from Ali's Blog. Another great one is A Bird In The Hand Fabulous creativity there!
Great quotes on Ali's blog today, too!
I especially love this on...
Anna Quindlen : ...but the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three on them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4, and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in a hurry to get on to the next things: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.
Wow. If that doesn't get you right in the heart, there is seriously something wrong.

Make It Mondays...

...with Lisa Vollrath is online! I'm a little late on finding it, but it's fab! You gotta check it out. This week is making throw away collage. So fun!

Neat new blog...

...Craft Critique. Looking for a review on a new product? Want opinions about that new thing-a-majiggy you've been wanting to buy? That's what this blog is all about.

And they are doing a Feedback giveaway right now. Head on over & check it out!

So stinkin' cute...

...I got more than a few good chuckles at the antics over at Dog Blog TV. Thhose little Yorkies are always up to something, I tell ya! And the cartoonish voice-over is freakin' hilarious!! You gotta go take a look-see. Go on. You deserve a laugh today!

Eleven...

...today, Madi is 11. No longer a child & not yet a teen. Caught in those ever awkward days of being a pre-teen. Trying to find out who you are. Trying to be older, yet still wanting to be little just a while longer.

I pray that she will continue to be the sweet, loving little girl that enjoys a good snuggle as often as she can get it. Who still talks to Mom about everything. Who only changes by growing stronger and more confident in herself rather than becoming independent too quickly.

It's hard seeing your baby get older. But I look forward to seeing her mature and grow into a fine young lady. I want her to know that she will always be as precious to me as she is now. And that I am proud of her.

Confessions of a Scrapbook Widower...

...Hilarious! My husband can relate to this!
This guy is so funny!

An adventure...

...the Artist's Way. Some of us gals from Two Peas have joined together & are working through Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.
One of the girls set up a Support Blog to discuss our journey. Kewl Beans.

This is Week One.

I had a bit of a lte start, but I am catching up. Still need to do my artist's date this week. Not easy living in Podunk in winter. I'll probably just lock myself in my room & watch an old movie on TV. Still sound like fun, though.

Very powerful stuff.

I am having a HARD time waking up half an hour early to do the morning pages. I am totally NOT a morning person. In NO WAY, Shape or form. But I am doing it anyway. My brain is mush at that hour, but , at least I am doing it. That is waht is important. Perhaps soon it will start to have an effect.