finer than frog hair

Woodsie

2010-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

So on the way to St Louis, The Husband tells me we are stopping in Terra Haute to break up the trip. I'm thinking, "Why does that sound familiar?"

Well... considering my niece Megan has been going to school near there for three years perhaps it should!

Lucky me! I gave her a call when we rolled into town and she came to pick me up and gave me a tour of the St. Mary of the Woods campus - plus I got to take a ride in her shiny new car!

She told me the legend of the bridge - which I cannot remember too clearly. Something about if the bells from the tower ring while you are crossing headed one direction your true calling is to become a nun of the order there - if it catches you crossing the other way you are soon to meet your true love.

Lucky for me the bells didn't ring - so no career change is in store!

It was great to see her and her school even if it was too dark to capture too many images.

Troubled Man for Troubled Times

2010-05-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

It's always fun to see what memorabilia is at which location.

One of Geezer Butler's bass guitars was here, and this festive outfit belonging to Alice Cooper.

Too bad they didn't have what ever contraption shot the sparks out of his fingers while he sang elected while wearing it!

One of the silly young men there at the Hard Rock actually asked The Husband if he needed any explanation about the exhibits. Boy got schooled a bit...

Enlightened

2010-05-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

If I had a music appreciation room, I would need lights just like this.

I'll put it on the list to ask the folks at the Hard Rock where they got them!

They would go well with the Pink Floyd 'Animals' Poster and the glossy photos with us and all of our close, personal, rock star friends...

Good Policy

2010-05-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

One stop on our trip was to the Hard Rock Cafe at Union Station.

This seems like a good policy to have I'd say.

Plus, well...

You know: it's neon.

Beautiful Trees

2010-05-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

The whole way to St. Louis we kept seeing the most beautiful bursts of purple color along the road.

Well, that and a bonus number of sightings while playing HAWK!

Great game - almost as good as the license pate game...

Best part was when I sighted a coyote!

I digress - the trees are Eastern Redbuds and I want one!

Jefferson

2010-05-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Museum of Westward Expansion is great - they pack a ton of information in there!

Of course it is dedicated to my pal Thomas Jefferson.

One cool dude.

(Except for the slaves and such but I'm pretty sure he'd realize now that was a very bad idea...)

Shutterbugs

2010-05-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

It is nice to hang out with someone who takes almost as many pictures as me.

Instead of getting "the look"

Do you know the one?

The one that says, "I do not know her. She is clearly an insane woman who is receiving messages from the mother ship to send back more and more data for research. She means you no real harm though, as long as you don't block her shot. Someday her photos will save the planet. Or at least make really nice scrapbooks - I do like the scrapbooks. They're neat. Just not so many pictures please?"

Top of the town

2010-05-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Made the journey up in the arch - what a view!

We came to town for the 10th Annual Hot Wheels Nationals so I got to spend some quality time with my pal Edwina.

Yea!

Guess where we went

2010-05-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Can you figure it out?

Guiding Light

2010-05-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Another Happy Owler night with the Chi Omega Girls at Don's Lighthouse in Lakewood.

I recommend the spinach artichoke dip!

Nesting

2010-05-21T06:00:00.002-04:00

No - I'm not nesting!

It's the crzay bird that built a nest in the wreath on my sister's front door!

Blue Suede Shoes

2010-05-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Drinks after the show at the House of Blues.

Love the funky art on the walls at this place!

What girl doesn't like shoes?

Moondog Coronation

2010-05-19T06:00:00.002-04:00

Cleveland: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame City!

...and home of the Moondog Coronation Ball since 1952 when Alan Freed staged the first real rock concert.

This year it was Grand Funk Railroad, The Turtles, Little Anthony & the Imperials, and Paul Revere and the Raiders.

Any time I get to sing along to lyrics such as, "Eleanor, gee I think your swell!" or "Kicks just keep getting harder to find" I'm happy! Maybe not so much on the "Cherokee people, Cherokee tribe" though...

Great night!

Night at the Arcade

2010-05-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Date night on the town!

We escape downtown to the Hyatt at the Arcade - what an awesome place!

Chef Constance

2010-05-17T06:00:00.003-04:00

I'm cleansing again this week. Plan is for three times this year.

After the last cleanse I felt wonderful and began eating better and that often means preparing food myself.

I picked up a great cook book by Weight Watchers in 20 minutes

Favorites so far are:

Skillet Pork Chops with Apricot-Mustard Sauce

Chicken and Coconut Curry

Spiced Turkey Burgers with Yogurt and Chutney

Two more fun recipes not from this book are:

Garbanzo Pizza

Moroccan Tagine

Got any tasty, healthy recipes to share with me?

Farewell Ronnie

2010-05-16T16:49:00.007-04:00

Today is a sad day as we mourn the loss of a heavy metal super star.

Ronnie James Dio passed away early this morning after losing his battle with stomach cancer.

Dio's music has been a huge part of our lives...

We were blessed to met him back stage on several occasions and he was always the most gracious host. He wouldn't leave until he had spoken to all the fans and even aksed that security allow people waiting by his bus to come inside one freezing evening in Cleveland.

I saw Dio front Black Sabbath, the Dio band, and Heaven and Hell and was never, ever disappointed.

I will leave you with my favorite Dio song - which is saying a lot considering how many there are...

\m/

Rest in peace...

Weather or not

2010-05-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

I am aware that this is not my best photographic work...

But what do you want from my iPhone while moving at 60mph on the free way during a storm?

Oh stop - The Husband was driving not me!

The lightening was so spectacular the other night that I had to snap it.

Eye Candy

2010-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Totally busted!

I have a thing with neon signs - it's kind of an obsession.

I must take a photograph if I see one that is fun.

When I walked into the shop they called me on it! Usually I try to be incognito - not this time I guess!

The shop, Eye Candy Gallery, was awesome and my favorite stop on the art walk.

Stand outs were the jewelry pieces and the purses. Wearable art rocks!

And I'm always a sucker for glass. I really must take a class when things slow down (they are going to slow down - right?)

Even though I don't like martinis

2010-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

This spot in Tremont looks like it must be fun!

We dined down the street at Lolita - one of Iron Chef Michael Symon's properties in the Cleveland Area. The roasted dates with almonds, chillies, bacon, and parsley were a total hit.

You should totally go there and try them.

Now is fine - there's not another post until tomorrow!

Tremont Art Walk

2010-05-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

Tremont Art Walk - second Friday in March - and every month...

The Banyan Tree sported some lovely windows.

Happy little owls

2010-05-12T20:12:00.003-04:00

Happy Owler at The Three Birds in Lakewood with my Chi Omega sisters.

Try the citrus crab spring rolls - I didn't!

Total plate envy on the gal who did though...

I ordered the Maine lobster pizza - not so much!

I'm special

2010-05-09T13:39:00.003-04:00

Apparently, if you request cinnamon toast and coffee for breakfast on Mother's Day from your son you get it.

...along with flowers and a card.

Outside of card: "Mom, I planned to send you on an exotic cruise for Mother's Day."

Inside of card: "But I knew you'd miss me too much. That's the kind of mom you are."

He knows me well!

...and you also get a special lunch prepared for you by all of your menfolk.

Why didn't I think of asking for stuff years ago?

I must be special!

A brief respite

2010-05-08T19:13:00.004-04:00

It is after May 1st - so I think it is safe to say the snow is behind us here in North East Ohio for another season. Just in case you miss the snow - I'll share this photo from our Craft Farm Getaway last February.

I find myself with a spot of time on my hands... not empty time mind you, but I am only doing like eight things at once instead of twenty so I thought I'd pop in and say hello to you folks.

It's not going to get any less busy in my corner of the world, but I'm gonna try not to neglect the finer than frog hair fan base...

I've started to prepare a series of photo-a-day posts to catch you up on the exciting adventures in my world. Watch for more updates as the days move along!

What have you been up to?

Jerkin' Crocus

2010-03-21T18:18:00.004-04:00

Any Mott fans in the house?

Happy First (full) Day of Spring!

Wanted to take Roxy out for a spin this week during the 60 degree weather, but The Husband seemed to think that there was still too much salt on the road... sigh.

I almost can't appreciate the fine weather we've been having as I know that we will still likely have at least another major snowfall before we're done this year.

Happens every year

...and every year I sulk!

Enjoy the peeking blooms.

Muchness

2010-03-20T20:42:00.013-04:00

You used to be much more..."muchier." You've lost your muchness. ~ The Mad Hatter to Alice Kingsley

When I woke up this morning I had no specific plan to have an epiphany, and yet, none the less I did.

The Boy and I went to the early showing of Alice in Wonderland.

As I watched, it occurred to me in stunning, 3D, technicolor, surround sound splendor that there is most definitely too much not enough muchness about me these days.

Been that way for a while...

Any thoughts on getting it back? I'm not certain there are any Jabberwockies about that I can slay.

That being said I shall take a page from the Hatter who said, "I'm investigating things that begin with the letter M."

muchness (you guessed that one right?)

memory

motherhood

matrimony

matriculation

money

meetings

motivation

manic

masquerade

mirth

many

madness

Which of course beings me to the question: Have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?

Something else to ponder that in case I run off and don't blog again for another month...

Oh yeah, the movie was rather good!

Balance

2010-01-23T19:00:00.006-05:00

I began practicing yoga this month.

According to my teacher, the day you begin your yoga practice you are reborn. What gives - I thought newborns were flexible?!

Surprisingly, I am able to do more than I thought. Despite my innate ability to walk into walls and an overwhelming desire to test gravity, my balance is fairly good when I can keep my focus. The Boy has been telling me I should try meditation, or maybe tai chi or yoga. This opportunity presented itself and I took it.

It's all about keeping promises this year - remember?

I first attended a beginners workshop two weeks ago. This was squarely in the middle of my fourteen day fast. I was concerned about doing a workout when I wasn't eating, but it was actually the most wonderful experience I could have had. All of me could concentrate on the poses and the strength just flowed through me. The studio I attended is Cleveland Yoga and Tami Schneider, the owner, does an excellent job of talking through the poses. I returned today for a level II class and learned even more.

I was able to take advantage of some free sessions in between the workshops which were wonderful as well. I'm glad I took advantage of several different class leaders as I see that their different styles have a different effect on my practice. For example when I am very stressed and really need to relax, as I am practicing my ujjayi pranayama (ocean sounding breath) and trying to achieve a softly focused drishti (gaze) a leader reminding me literally every 8 minutes during the class to let go of internal busyness and instructing me to be calm is not beneficial. It is as useless as a massage therapist laughing at me and saying relax! Seriously, if it was that simple, I would not need to be in either place! Each time the words were spoken, my stress level rose and eventually I was in tears... ah well - as I practice I will be able to tune out such foolishness (I hope).

Other instructors were wonderful, infusing the practice with the right amount of guidance and positive energy - these I will return to.

I think I can see a difference already, if only in that I am more aware of my posture, and check frequently throughout the day to see if I am in alignment. Am I in tadasana?

The fancy sounding words are a swell benefit too!

I am looking forward to more sessions with greater balance and peacefulness through my practice.

Namaste

Out With The Old

2010-01-06T06:00:00.005-05:00

Image from "Another Day In Paradise Postcards" by Ann Taintor

As I begin the new year and try to live up to my promise, I am taking some steps to improve my health. The first of which is a cleansing juice fast which I started a few days ago. As I begin Day 5 I am feeling less toxic already!

Do not fear for The Husband's ability to provide for his own food as indicated in my image above - he is pretty self sufficient! Although when he jokingly asks when I am going to make his dinner I have thoughtfully offered him up some of my "special potion"! Surprisingly he has declined? Hmmm.... Perhaps he would not find the combination of fresh squeezed lemon, organic grade B maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and purified water as tasty as I do?

The particular cleanse I have been using is the Master Cleanse. It was developed in the 1970's by Stanley Borroughs and has been used successfully by countless people looking to free themselves of toxins and improve their health. I did it first for ten days last April. It really did have an amazing effect on me.

I discontinued my oral asthma medication when I started that time (don't worry - I kept my inhaler handy just in case) and found that when I came off the fast I no longer needed it. I admit that recently in times of some extreme stress situations, I have used my inhaler but rather than go back for another prescription for the daily pill, I will first try the cleanse again. I am a firm believer in scientific research and the further development of modern medicine - but we must understand that with every drug we take there are risks. The only difference between a poison and a cure is the dosage. Common sense and caution must be taken into consideration. I am well aware that if I continue to take my asthma medication to prevent symptoms it will shorten my life. Of course the symptoms of asthma will also shorten my life - breathing being kinda vital and all that... But if I can eliminate the need for the medication all together why not do it? I am anxious to see what other chronic problems I can eliminate from my life with this round to cleansing.

There are of course critics out there who pooh, pooh the whole cleanse thing but as I have seen first hand what it did for me. If you are curious about it, I encourage you to read the data found on a message board developed by Peter Glickman, a proponent of the Master Cleanse and raw food diet. It details important information and research done to demonstrate the effectiveness of the process. His website, "The Raw Food Site" overall is a wealth of instruction and resources.

Although it is not the main reason I am completing the cleanse, a very nice byproduct of the process is that weight loss is involved. If one sticks to the healthful eating after breaking the fast virtually all of the weight should stay off; Maybe even further weight loss as the body continues to cleanse itself naturally on mainly raw foods.

Because of this, I will not go back to all of my bad habits once I break my fast. That was my problem last time when I let poor judgement cloud my thinking. Caffeine is already banished, but I think that refined sugars are gonna have to go as well. Maybe even most of the meats I eat. I'm not ready to go 100% raw vegan or anything - but changes will be made. As I study on it, I'll keep you posted!

...as I like to say these days, "May your day be easy, peasey, lemon squeezey!"

A Promising New Year

2010-01-01T23:00:00.001-05:00

Another year comes to a close and a new one begins.

It seems that every year we are bombarded with images of Janus - looking back looking forward - reflecting on where we are. I guess that's okay because if we do not study our history, what went right and what went wrong, then growth really isn't possible.

For the past two years I have selecting a touchstone word to guide me. In 2008 my word was FIRE. I really believe that it gave me an extra edge as I moved through the days. I was not perfect by any means - but I was more aware of what I wanted. In 2009 my word was FOCUS. I made some really great progress in the last year: I started back to school the Monday after Ian graduated and have racked up 4 classes and 4 "A" grades, I reconnected with many friends through the technology of FaceBook and feel amazingly blessed because of their place in my life, and I made it through a 10 day cleansing fast that no one but me believed I would complete, and I gave myself a huge gift of my new car hobby.

This year I am selecting another word:

PROMISE

Promise can be defined as one's word that something will be done or an indication of future excellence or achievement - hope or possibility.

I could achieve so much more if I followed through on a fraction of the things that flicker on the edges of my mind. I often work through entire projects in my head - the beginnings, the workings, the completions - but I do not act on them. Even when I think I really want to make them happen. Ask any one - my Mother for example - and they will tell you of the great promise I had as a child. Promise they will likely also tell you I have not fulfilled. When I pledged my sorority in 1983, one of the advisers came up to me at the reception after the ceremony and showed me an article from the local newspaper she had been holding onto for some months. It detailed my high school achievements and my full scholarship to the University of Toledo. They had been hoping I would go through rush and were so pleased that I had found Chi Omega - I had great promise. Things did not turn out exactly according to Hoyle... Mom is still trying to figure out why I am not a doctor. (Um - duh? Holding someones life in your hand is scary!) And reminds me periodically that I am not living the life she planned for me. (Thanks Mom.)

I make promises to myself all the time and break them. I drive myself to the brink of failure over and over again, pushing myself further and further toward the edge just to see if I can pull myself back. It can be exhilarating saving myself time and time again, and the stress of the deadline often does inspire creativity, but this cycle is not healthy.

I often do not take risks - what if I fail? (So maybe Mom is right and I should have become a doctor if I wasn't a wuss?) Sometimes I just "decide" I didn't really want something in the first place so therefore I need not complete it or ever even start it.

This year will be about keeping promises to myself. Finishing school will be a big promise kept. (Not to mention I get a nifty new outfit AND a sweet certificate suitable for framing!) But there are hundreds of small victories that are possible each day. Not hitting the mental snooze button when the alarm goes off... Tackling the to do list at work based upon priority and not the noisiest gong... Getting my tail up off the couch and moving...

Mr Newton told us in his First Law that an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless a force is applied. (Okay he ripped that one off from Galileo - but who's really keeping track?) I need to stop being the force which stops the motion and just keep moving forward and not sit still. Inertia!

This is not to say that I do not need true relaxation and restoration in my life. But I've been procrastinating on that as well. I do not sign up for the yoga class, I do not read the book on meditation, I do not seek inner peace. I did sign up for a monthly massage package this year though so I guess it is a start! I also started reading some really great books to give me guidance if I chose to listen.

So it is time to promise to make some changes. To live up to expectations - the ones I have for myself. To fulfill the promise I have to do something big!

Maybe I should have taken the extra step of telling Zoltar all of this instead of just taking his picture! Worked for Josh!

What's your word for 2010? Need some more inspiration to help you select one? Check out this post by Ali Edwards or Christine Kane's Blog during the entire month of December for more on the topic!

The word will work wonders in your life - I promise!

Rose Bowl

2010-01-01T10:00:00.005-05:00

Mom at Rose Bowl Stadium mid-1950's

Ah yes.... watching the Rose Parade is a tradition I shall never give up. Wonder how one gets to be a part of volunteering to assemble a float? I know it takes hundreds to folks to make it happen. They are just so amazing. I think that is going on "The List."

That and New Year's Eve in Time Square. Just once!

I'm gonna try not to think about the senseless murder of all those roses... Since they mainly only clip the blooms it is sustainable use right? I suppose the seeds will never germinate... but the grasses and such are okay right? Right?

AND GO BUCKEYES!

Let's see some serious Duck hunting - not that I normally go in for that sort of thing!

Make us proud.

O-H!

don't leave me hangin'!

Big Fun

2009-12-31T23:30:00.005-05:00

The holidays were festive and busy! We started off Christmas Eve with some last minute shopping.

A brief stop for coffee (yes - decaf)

and then on to a few stores in the Coventry District

Big Fun is the best... isn't this mirror slimming? I could shop here all day!

Picked up a delightful dashboard hula dancer for The Boy now that he has his driver's license (shhh.... I wasn't allowed to post that!) and an awesome joke ketchup bottle for the husband so he won't get into trouble squirting condiments onto my plate before I'm actually finished with my meal!

Also helped out Santa by picking up some vintage candies there. This is The Boy's best impersonation of Hunter S. Thompson... he wanted a real one for Vegas but I "forgot" to buy him one. Candy is nicer. (Wanted to get myself some candy cigarettes too but decided against it.)

Then on to Mac's Backs Books...

This place is very cool. I really need to come back when we have more than an hour to spare! I love books. Kindles are the anti-Christ. Seriously. The decline of civilization will follow.

Spent the Eve with the Macko's - the usual fun was had by all.

We opened our gifts Christmas morning and I made the breakfast for my hungry menfolk. Puff pastry with cream cheese and sausage, cheesy potato casserole, cinnamon rolls, orange juice... Midwestern enough for ya!? You bet, eh!

Gotta love the relative gift-wrap styles at our place. Mine were color coordinated in solids with complementary ribbon designed around the glitter tags. This from the anal retentive chemist.

The Boy on the other hand took a more green approach carefully selecting newspaper with appropriate theme... dinosaurs and essential Cleveland for The Husband, and Toys 'R Us and a subtle Avatar hint for me. (Soon! I promise! We'll go!) Hand made bows and such! I guess that's what we get for our art school dollar!

The Boy and I checked out Sherlock Holmes Christmas Day. It was a nice little flick. However! There are no girls in Sherlock Holmes folks. No girls. Nope. Nada. None. Enough said.

Saturday I cruised to Toledo to spend the evening with my Chi Omega pledge sisters - I am so glad to be seeing them regularly. We closed the place down then I drove back to Cleveland!

The Carpenter Christmas Extravaganza was held in Columbus at Sister Deb's house. Checked out Morgan's soccer game to start the day then a delicious lunch.

We skyped in Megan from California and spent the afternoon trading our favorite iPhone apps... Cyber Christmas!

Three cities - three days - three times the fun!

Hope yours was swell too!

Next stop - BALL DROP!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-22T21:59:00.008-05:00

Last minute shopping bringing out the animal in your fellow man? Soothe those savage beasts with good cheer.

Stuck on the roads? At least the traffic lights are red and green!

Almost out of egg nog? The horror!

If all else fails, get into the Christmas "spirits"!

Three more sleeps until the big day!

Bright Lights, Blessed Solstice!

2009-12-21T22:56:00.004-05:00

Happy Solstice! Can you believe it is that time again?

Being as there was no Sun to catch an image of this morning, how about some festive light of another wavelength?

As we welcome back our old friend Sol (and we are VERY glad he is on his way back) let's visit the city of lights! I'm not talking about that impostor Paris, or even that fake no sleeper New York... it's Vegas Baby!

Enjoy the bright!

Who thinks the husband might have been ready to take the camera away during the trip?

1. neils, 2. flamingo, 3. mickeys, 4. mgm, 5. rocka, 6. funcity, 7. holiday, 8. vic, 9. glitta, 10. genie, 11. dorothy, 12. megatini, 13. hiho, 14. lactaid, 15. chief, 16. 4queens, 17. fremont, 18. potogolld, 19. horseshoe, 20. golden, 21. vegas, 22. impudent, 23. chipotle, 24. white noise, 25. dragon, 26. mardigras, 27. harrahs, 28. guitar, 29. jubilee, 30. rolla, 31. times2, 32. paris, 33. planet, 34. mirage, 35. east, 36. girlpowa

Confection Connection

2009-12-13T20:00:00.002-05:00

Well the family has made the big time!

My Mom and Sister Diana have been having a Christmas Cookie exchange party for the last ten years. I drive to Toleod over for it when I can - when blizzards or other events do not prevent it! It is always quite a good time.

Last Sunday they were featured in The Toledo Blade, which is after all "One of America's Great Newspapers" it says so right on the Masthead! The article told of how they began the tradition and how they keep it going.

Here is a snap of one of the three tables of cookies that the revelers brought to share!

One of the best things is seeing the houses decorated for Christmas. My nieces counted 23 trees in Diana's house, but I think they were low... They are many and they are themed: snowmen, bears, Santas, gingerbread folk, Suessical, Ohio State buckeyes, frogs, and Noah's ark are the first that come to mind.

If they weren't all in the storage unit, mine would be legion as well. I collect ornaments of snowmen, owls, Curious George, shoes, and a few others. I started a collection of bear ornaments for The Boy his first Christmas - and get him a new one every year. The tree I've building for The husband is, of course, Hot Wheels themed - with an emphasis on Redlines! I miss decorating for the holidays and am going rogue and putting up an unauthorized tree this year. It's not that the Macko's are anti-holidays by any means, just different than the Carpenter's that's all.

We have always been big cookie makers - I'd guess Mom and we girls used to make maybe thirty different kinds each year?

Anyway... Just in case you need a new recipe for holiday cookies, may I recommend one of these? The first one, the chocolate shortbread, has cayenne pepper in it - which always reminds me of the "know-it-all" in the Polar Express. Remember?

You know, Montezuma, the king of the Aztecs...

...would drink quarts of hot chocolate every day.

It was thick as mud and red. He put chili pepper in instead of sugar.

- Get it? Hot chocolate?

CHOCOLATE SHORTBREAD OLÉ

Ingredients:

· 8 oz. NESTLÉ CHOCOLATIER™ 53% Cacao Dark Chocolate Baking Bar(s), broken into small pieces

· 2 cups all-purpose flour

· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

· 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

· 1 cup packed light brown sugar

· 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened

· 1 cup pecans, toasted, chopped

Directions:

*Preheat oven to 325º F.

*Microwave small chocolate pieces in small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds; stir. If pieces retain some of their original shape, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted. Cool to room temperature.

*Combine flour, cinnamon and cayenne in medium bowl. Beat brown sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in melted chocolate. Stir in flour mixture until blended. Stir in pecans.

*Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2-inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with bottom of glass dipped in sugar.

*Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

This one is just because my Mom can't have chocolate, so I replaced the mini morsels with fruit and nuts. Frankly it is good for almost any addition - sweet or savory. I also use it for Christmas morning with sausage... I don't add the sugar of course! Let me know what you add!

CRANBERRY AND WALNUT CREAM CHEESE PASTRY COOKIES

Ingredients:

· 2 sheets (17.25-ounce package) frozen puff pastry, thawed

· 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

· 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

· 1 cup cranberries

· 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions:

*Unfold 1 puff pastry sheet on lightly floured surface. Roll out to make 14 x 10-inch rectangle.

*Combine cream cheese and sugar in small bowl until smooth.

*Spread half cream cheese mixture over puff pastry, leaving 1-inch border on one long side. Sprinkle with half morsels.

*Roll up starting at long side covered with cream cheese. Seal end by moistening with water. Repeat steps with remaining ingredients.

*Refrigerate for 1 hour.

*Preheat oven to 375° F. Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

*Cut rolls crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices. Place cut-side-down on prepared baking sheets.

*Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

*Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Here's to a tasty holiday.

If you see any chocolate spritz camel cookies... send them my way!

Another Christmas Miracle

2009-12-10T23:23:00.003-05:00

Seriously.

Eight sacks.

Josh Cribbs rules.

...and Brady finally got to lead the boys to a victory.

Thanks for the early gift Santa!

To think no one believed me when I predicted this earlier today.

Gotta have faith!

Use your terrible towels to dry your eyes folks - 'cause the arguably worst team in either league just beat the defending Superbowl champs.

Okay. I'm done now.

Yea!

Vegas, Baby!

2009-12-09T20:56:00.013-05:00

Let's review those important sins we all live in mortal fear of... m'kay?

Because I blew all of them last week in Vegas celebrating the husband's 50th birthday!

Here we go:

Let's start with GREED - the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. Shiny machines spiting out easy money. Enough said? Maybe not. The slots I picked gave all the money to someone else - probably to save my soul. Thank you cosmic universe.

Then there is GLUTTONY - an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires. Food, drink - Dionysus would have been so proud.

LUST - an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body. After years of travel there, I finally made it to a real old school Vegas topless review. Fabulous! Spectacular! Best of all.... SHINY! I love the shiny. How does that tag line go? "The headdress weighs 35 lbs. but the rest of the costume could fit in a teacup." Bally's Jubilee! was well worth the wait.

There was a wee tinge of ENVY as well. The desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation. On one hand, most of the fashions I saw in the windows of the myriad shops I would not have worn to a trailer park (no offense intended to any readers who may reside in a trailer park... but you know... the reputation and all) however: the jewelry stores were another matter entirely. Want. Want. Want. Naughty Connie.

Ah PRIDE - excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. And frankly that applies when we are overly enamored of our children's beauty and accomplishment as well. Seriously? He's that good looking and can stack a double tower of all the creamers on the table to entertain his mother while we wait for dinner? Righteous!

Then there is SLOTH - the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. No work. No school. Very little deep thinking. There was a LOT of walking though so perhaps I was not a super sloth. But I tried really, really, hard. Really.

And lastly I am left with ANGER - manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. Anger that we do not get to play there everyday. Anger that I have not yet visited the real Paris, the real Pyramids, the real Venice. Anger that I sometimes do not appreciate every single day even we don't.

So there is today's cosmological examination.

Now you'll probably have to go to confession as I have likely corrupted you with only the telling of my sordid story.

Have you learned your lesson?!

Not Fade Away

2009-11-08T06:00:00.008-05:00

Went for a crisp Fall walk in the park after Dad's talk the other day...

Wildwood Preserve in Toledo is a lovely place - walked the trails and visited the Ellen Biddel Shipman Garden near the Manor House.

But even with the beauty, I can see that Summer is over and winter is approaching

You do get the splendor of the colors

yet Winter is whispering that her turn is coming.

Took Miss Roxy for one more spin before she sleeps,

Had one more barbecue before it is too dark and too cold to enjoy it.

I guess though that you need to look for hidden wonder.

But, it snowed the other day - along with lovely hail balls

...I'm just not ready yet!

I suppose we'll just need to slide into this slowly and see where the path takes us.

A Close Shave

2009-11-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of listening to a very special guy talk about a hobby he enjoys... My Dad!

He has collected razors and shaving tools for many years...

Some items have special histories

and many of them were given to him by friends from all over.

Some of his artifacts cover all the mysteries of grooming!

He demonstrated the idiosyncrasies of the straight razor - safety first!

Discussed how the razors were sharpened

and told how the Gillette Company wanted to increase sales by switching to a new kind of razor with a replaceable blade... why sell one straight razor when you can sell blades over and over again!

So many styles of shaver were born once the blades were invented...

...and new ways to sharpen the blades for the frugal!

a plethora of honing devices!

(And did I mention my Mom dressed him and added the fake mustache to complete the ensemble? He's a good sport my Dad - ever ready to play along with the theme dressing!)

Know those fancy vibrating Fusion Razors that are all the rage? Here's an old school one that plugged in. Some where in the display is a wind-up one that is even older! Every thing old is new again...

Every Christmas we bought Dad a new bottle of Mennen aftershave - each year a new design some were pretty cool!

And here is a photo of a real live barber shop belonging to a cousin from Southern Ohio.

Hope you enjoyed our little tour through shaving history! Wish you could have heard it first hand!

Halloweenie Happeneenie

2009-10-31T06:00:00.007-04:00

Wrapped up the month of October with a visit to Larry's Tavern to listen to Custard Pie and join the masquerade madness...

Lots of Festive Halloween Happenings here!

Some clever costumes: Garden Gnome (wearing a shirt that said, "I kicked the lawn jockey's ass") and of course his companion said beat ass Lawn Jockey, Three Blind Mice, an Egyptian pharaoh and his queen, a bat, a geisha, Pocahontas, a zombie (that was The Boy), Janis Joplin (that was me), a Black Sabbath fan (The Husband), a bee in a tu-tu, a witch, and a few more I'm a little fuzzy on!

A good evening over all. Good music, good times - "swear to God..."

Last year I "posted spooky" all month along with Laume over at Beach Treasure. She was all about the spooky again, but this year, I devoted myself to the Scrapfest Recap posts. Which if you think about it, considering I had a post for each day of the month - that is pretty spooky all in itself! Anyway - if you didn't get enough Hallowe'en yet - pop over to her place and see what she and the other spooky posters have been up to.

I will leave you with one spooky thing...

My car turned to all sixes this month.

The Husband's van did too.

Freaky!

Scrapfest 2009: My Little Yellow Bicycle

2009-10-30T06:00:00.005-04:00

Little Yellow Bicycle is another favorite of mine (I haven't said that for EVERY vendor have I? I do have a lot of favorites, I know!)

Their booth had some fun items displayed. I do not really have a photo of the make and take because I kind of did just the "take" part! We we're running out of time, and it is really hard to keep a finished 12" x 12" project intact while running through the mall cramming stuff in your bag! They did a different spread each day and gave enough supplies so that you had plenty to work with when you were finished with what they suggested. The day we picked up was Halloween themed featuring their "Trick or Treat" line.

We did however attend their "25 Days of Christmas" memory book class. I love Christmas and Edwina loves Hallowe'en, so between the two of us this year we were both happy with our class choices!

We got a ton of stuff to work with - I haven't finished the project (this fall has been crazy busy as usual - all these posts in a row was more than I imagined I could do!) but even still - there will be mega left overs!

The book is really cute - it is a sturdy chip board album and it coordinates exactly with precut paper provided in tablet form... you punch out the pages and some extra embellishments and simply glue them down. The base is pre-designed and no trimming or sanding is necessary. Very cool.

As I mentioned - this one isn't done yet either. I want to spend some time picking the right photos from The Boy's childhood and mine. None the less, you can see the bones of the book and imagine how it will turn out!

...and lastly, the back cover.

And what could be in this bag? Was I the lucky winner of the door prize drawing?

Yes I was! Yea me!

Oh my golly! It's the ENTIRE TRICK OR TREAT LINE! Yup! Every single item! The whole enchilada! What an amazing prize... it includes another chipboard album similar to the one above and another pack of precut paper to adorn it not to mention all those embellishments. I cannot wait to put it all together! I plan to share some of this with Edwina - Halloween is her favorite after all... and she's a great travel buddy!

Thank you again Little Yellow Bicycle Folks!

Scrapfest 2009: Creative Imaginations

2009-10-29T06:00:00.011-04:00

I was sad to find out that Creative Imaginations did not have a vendor make and take booth this year - their's was the "go to booth" the last few visits to Scrapfest.

Luckily, we signed up for their "Box Full of Love" Class in advance! It is a beautiful project which I will finish up soon... as soon as I select the rest of the photos I want to use (and scan them in and print them out!). Meanwhile, here is what Cheryl Mazzetti designed for us!

Above is a view of the completed box from the outside. We used the "Corina" book as the base. This shot shows a closeup of the butterfly and swarovski crystal we added.

Inside the box is a fold out book which we embellished with a variety of things from the "Narratives" line by Karen Russell.

You can see the stickles we added to enhance the already beautiful paper and rub ons.

The book is an accordion style - you can see how it looks all together here.

Here is the first page. A photo of me and The Boy. Probably the rest of the photos will be of us as well.

We used a neat technique here, folding paper to make it look like ribbon - very simple, but very cool. We added the faux stiching to complete the effect.

Page two...

Page three...

Another fun and easy technique - we punched a few evenly spaced holes with our quarter inch punch, and threaded through a thinly cut piece of paper.

Page four... Page five...

Page six...

And finally, the back cover.

I know I still have some finish work to do - but check out all the extras I'll have for another project! And these are some truly lovely items!

I have the class curriculm sheet for this project since they were kind enough to provide them, they include all the individual items we used as well as assembly instructions. I feel funny simply posting them here, but if you send me an email, I will shoot them back to you.

Scrapfest 2009: American Crafts

2009-10-28T06:00:00.009-04:00

American Crafts' bright, bold designs are always a hit with me. Add the owls... well you know the deal with me and owls! This was such a fun card and showcased many of their products: specialty double sided papers, stamps (embossed image), rub ons, and flair!

We also took their "2009: A Year In Review" class. Loved the scrapbook - disappointed with the process! Of all the classes we took - all of which promised to provide us with enough supplies for a completed project - this is the only one I needed to purchase more items for when I arrived home. Normally, we take the 45 minutes allotted time during the class to listen carefully, check our supply kits, and maybe do a few things using tools provided that we may not have at home. I noticed right a way that the one pack of letters would not allow us to spell out each of the abbreviated months... I asked the instructor about it and she quickly handed Edwina and I each a second pack of letters. Edwina noticed that we did not have enough white "filler paper" on which to build the pages - not a huge deal for me, as it did not show I planned to use printer paper. We also needed to pick up a few more sheets of coordinating paper for the later month pages - and speaking of pages the book only came with 10 for a twelve month project! OOPS! Not sure who was to blame for this minor set-back and I still love the project... just feel bad for those who may not have had an Archivers - or any craft store for that matter - nearby once they tried to finish up.

That being said, here is the sweet book I will have finished by the end of the year!

close up:

The cover features their Corduroy Foil Paper in blue and "Doris Spooler" paper from their Craft Fair line. I love this line - too bad I couldn't find it at MOA or at my own store back home... We also used the rub ons which coordinate with Craft Fair paper as well as their "Thickers" letters and accents. The font is "By The Yard" (white) and the ric rack is called "Patchwork" (bubblegum). I would be remiss if I did not point out that this line also includes a paper called "Lucy HOOTski" - what do you think you'll find there?! Other paper names are "Ruth Buttonham," "Lola Threadgood," and "Alice Stichenson"! Very clever.

A journaling page with "Myrtle O'Seam" paper from Craft Fair and a few more rub-ons to get us started off... (Yes, I did notice I haven't written anything there yet... this is always hard for me! Plus I think that a summary at the end of the year would be best. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

And then each month will have a two pages spread following the same format: 8" x 8" pages with two vertical 4" x 6" prints and a space at the bottom to add an embellishment and the month.

Remember January 2009? Word of the year... Books to read during the long winter months... President Obama's inaugural... and ACDC!

I really like this idea - kind of a picture a week book! Those picture a day projects always sound so daunting...

Now to finish up the rest of the months!

Scrapfest 2009: QuicKutz

2009-10-27T06:00:00.003-04:00

QuicKutz used their Epic Machine to help us create this card. It is simple - but nice. Who can't use a card just to say hello to someone you miss?

There are a lot of embossing die cutters out there and I urge you to research each of them before making a decision on one. All have their own best features. This one is a crank handle that cuts and embosses and has the ability to accept other manufacturer dies and folders.

Which ever machine you may decide to purchase, remember that even your "negatives" can be saved for use on another project or as a frame, embellishment, stencil, or mask... love that!

Scrapfest 2009: Autumn Leaves

2009-10-26T06:00:00.003-04:00

The folks at Autumn Leaves by Creativity Inc. were really nice.

They ran out of their "real" project on the first day - I never got to see it.

This was one they whipped up quickly so as not to make us scrappers sad.

Could not find a link on their site to get you to the full line of "scrap metal" embellishments - but they have a wide variety in the collection. One thing though - they are very heavy. Good if you appreciate sturdy well made items, potentially problematic if you have a light weight project!

Scrapfest 2009: KI Memories

2009-10-25T06:00:00.003-04:00

Need a treat box to 'boo' the neighbors with?

How about this one offered up by KI Memories? We used a single sheet of 12" x 12" paper and a few strategically placed scraps and embellishments to create it. Wicked is the name of this line of products.

Can you see how we made the score lines? At 4" and 8" on both sides, then a diagonal score for the outside corners.

A quick whole punch in each crimped corner and it's ready for the ribbon.

You can do it - it's a piece of cake!

Scrapfest 2009: Prima

2009-10-24T06:00:00.005-04:00

Prima Marketing did not disappoint! Their flowers are still lovely.They demoed a very cute tag project which focuses on their Go Green Initiative. They take reduce, reuse, recycle seriously...

Notice when you turn the project over, they have designed the packaging to be used within the project to eliminate waste - clever!

Their website states, "Our mission is to provide premium products and packaging that are environmentally responsible. Most of our flowers and embellishments are already acid and lignin-free and we use papers made from the mulberry tree which is a renewable natural resource."

I like that idea and I like this project!

Scrapfest 2009: EK Success, K&Company, Inkadinkado

2009-10-23T06:00:00.007-04:00

Sweet treat bag! Definitely another highlight item. The stamp is an Inkadinkado product. The papers are from K&Company, I really enjoy the bright colors and depth of this line by Tim Coffey - every paper is lovely.

The bat punch and border punches (that boo border is scary cute!) are from yet another sister company EK Success.

Nothing like a sparkling black bat I always say!

Here are a few more profects on display using the same tools and papers - cute!

They also wanted everyone to know about their new crafting community, spotted canary. The tagline there is where ideas take flight. Haven't had much of a chance to poke around there - but it seems to be a place where you can find lots of projects, a user forum, and a contest!

Someone go check it out and report back!

Scrapfest 2009: Masterpiece Studios

2009-10-22T06:00:00.002-04:00

This was my first exposure to Masterpiece Studios. I enjoyed their gift box project! It was simple, but easy to copy AND they gave us a second box to use as a template - bonus! You can always use a little gift box and adapt it to many needs. The thing that was extra fun about this was the unexpected use of a masking tape roll as the guide for scoring the top and bottom closures of the box. Imagine that: a company not trying to sell an expensive gadget just to make a score line!

(They were impressed when I whipped my bone folder out of my back pocket to make the score line to avoid sharing the real tools... doesn't everyone carry a bone folder, sander, pen, pencil, and tape runner in their jeans all the time?!)

Scrapfest 2009: Fiscars & My Minds Eye

2009-10-21T06:00:00.005-04:00

Our next stop round the Mall of America brings us to the Fiskars & My Minds Eye booth. The worked together to present a cute gift card folder. We used Fiskars cutting tools to punch the star and inner edge, and their circle cutter for - yup! the circle! We used My Minds Eye's Abbey Road "Road Trip" paper line and embellishments as well. It is nice to see different vendors working together to promote the hobby!

Here is an inside view...

My favorite flair so far: the cutest scissors e-vah!

Scrapfest 2009: Die Cuts With a View

2009-10-20T06:00:00.006-04:00

Each year a Scrapfest there is one booth that we cannot help but go back to every day to see what they have new to offer! While some folks bring just one project, others bring one a day. Die Cuts With a View had a lot to share!

Day one brought a fun treat box made from their "Haunting" line of products - this Hallowe'en collection was one of my favorites this year!

Day two was a very cute 8" x 8" scrapbook page using the "Hippie Chic"

Day three was a minibook featuring the "Shimmer" Stack paper. I think you can see the sheen pretty well in this photo. One pice cut to size for the cover, and a 12" x 12" for the inside pages.

I think you can see from this shot how to score the paper at 3", 6", and 9" on one side and 4" and 8" on the other. Trim along the score lines as pictured and fold to form the pages.

They provded some paper to close up the book and also passed out lanyards to advertise the Hippie Chic line.

This simple book could be used for many things - here is my (almost) finished project to remember this years event by! A few more pages to be completed once I finish a few more big class projects - enjoy:

Scrapfest 2009: Moxxie

2009-10-19T06:00:00.004-04:00

The Moxxie products are new to me - but they have some fun paper lines. They demo's a project featuring a folded paper technique. You could make a variety of things with these swell flowers. Each petal is one circle... Not sure I can adequately describe the fold but I'll try: Using the double sided paper of your choice (Moxxie's Flower Frenzy is used here), fold circle in half; fold each "side" inward one at a time creating a point not unlike a paper airplane; fold this piece back to expose the other side...; line up eight of these around a ninth circle and secure. Savvy?

They also displayed some lovely projects - including the CD mini-book class they taught. Didn't get any good pictures to share though... so here is this one from the Scrapfest Workshop site. Cool idea to use CD's as the base... affix the ribbon, cover with circles cut to size to serve as a background, then embellish! There was a very spiffy calender too - you can see it there in the foreground.

Scrapfest 2009: We R Memory Keepers

2009-10-18T06:00:00.005-04:00

This adorable chipboard minibook was the We R Memory Keepers make and take.

...and here are the reverse pages. If I am not mistaken, these papers and embellishments are from their "Black Out" collection.

The featured tool for this project was their new "Corner Chompers". Built to cut through many materials such as chipboard, acrylic, leather, and of course paper! I have always hated my corner rounder - now I have one I love! Designed to cut both a 1/4" and 1/2" curve, it leaves none of those irritating notches so many of them do.

I also invested in a new paper cutter - their "Twist Trimmer." This particular set was not yet available, but I purchased them individually at a good deal through JoAnn once I got back home. The cartridges available are straight, perforating, scoring, and scallop. I look forward to adding the stamp, wavy, deckle, and pinking edges too! They are used in conjunction with a magnetic base. This will be a completely new type of system for me - but after throwing out my Fiskars trimmer during Scrapfest after one too many crooked cuts - it's time!

I also can't wait to get my hands on this nifty case to hold all the tools. I must say I do love these products!

Scrapfest 2009: Hero Arts

2009-10-17T06:00:00.002-04:00

Hero Arts has many stamps sets that work well for many occasions.

This card features a set of stamps that can be used individually - like on the white portion, or as a group - on the card base. The set is their Cleardesign: Thank you sayings which was very easy to use.

I also fell in love with the flowers they gave us (yum! extras!) and I promptly purchased some later that day at Archivers!

Scrapfest 2009: Mark Richards

2009-10-16T06:00:00.003-04:00

Next up, Mark Richards Enterprises.

They feature many kinds of rhinestone embellishments as well as many more things that sparkle and shine to dress up your projects.

We used the mosaic tile embellishments. I thought they were very nice, but my only complaint was that the adhesive seemed to show a bit once placed on the card. Probably not too big of a deal.

They gave us free rein to place the tiles where we wanted in our own pattern. I rather like mine! Hope you do too.

Scrapfest 2009: Stampendous

2009-10-15T06:00:00.002-04:00

Stampendous shared a 6x6 card which could easily be used as a scrapbook page as well. They have the instructions for the card up on their website with all the items you might want to purchase to complete it. As you may be able to see in the pictures, there is an acetate sheet to which the velvet class a'peel stickers are adhered, allowing you to slip a special photo behind.

Gotta love that Stampendous flair too! More for my ever expanding collection.

Shout out to that nice boy working at the booth who was trying to tell us how to do the project... Those of us who are more experienced tend to just "go" once we hit a make-n-take. We follow the basic concept, maybe tweak the sticker placement, wait to glue later to save time and project damage, you know the drill! He kept saying "don't you want to..." I finally told him as gently as possible not to argue with the nice crafting ladies or he would have a very long day! Hope he made it through...

Scrapfest 2009: Bo-Bunny

2009-10-14T06:00:00.007-04:00

BoBunny demonstrated a unique minibook using a single sheet of 12" x 12" paper. In this case from the Tis the Season Line

Score the paper at 3", 6", and 9"

Turn 90° and score at 6"

Fold on the center score and cut through to the 3" and 6" points as in the photo.

Flatten and then fold back on the single scored line... (is this making any sense?!)

Holding the sides together, push toward the middle and fold inward to form the book...

They provided different holiday themes each day of Scrapfest, so this was another repeat vendor for us! The next few photos show the inside of the the mini once I finished it off...

(I love using Stampin' Ups crystal effects to highlight things! It stays shiny and raised when it dries!)

We also took the Whooooo's There? Hallowe'en Interactive Page Class featuring the Boo Crew Line:

Open the doors to reveal some hiding spots

the four inner flaps reveal more secrets...

...and the final project all opened up!

Each numbered flap opens to reveal a surprise - add your own photos for a fun game of hide and seek!

Scrapfest 2009: Making Memories

2009-10-13T06:00:00.005-04:00

Making Memories used their totally sweet slice, the hand held cordless digital design cutter to make this card.

This is another one of those "under no circumstances should you touch this because you are immediately going to want to buy one" deals - you were warned!

It also features their paper, ribbon, and embellishments

Simple to put together, but lovely!

Auspicious Beginnings

2009-10-12T18:00:00.006-04:00

Photo Credit goes to The Boy for this one. Apparently snapping photos while moving is a genetic trait.

We interrupt this broadcast...

To let you know that exciting things are afoot in our family this Columbus Day!

The Boy has begun a journey of epic proportions. He has climbed aboard his bicycle and headed off.

His plan is to ride to California.

Go West Young Man! err... but go South first!

What? You have questions about this? How surprising.

Let's see if I can answer them for you:

You are correct. I did say bicycle. Two wheels, no motor. A Tricross Sport by Specialized.

Yes, he does know how far that it is - mapped it out and everything.

About two or three months. Give or take.

Yes, he is aware that it is getting colder. He would have left sooner, but the emergency surgery at the end of August on his hand's cut tendon slowed him down. Can't ride with a cast and all that. He would have left last week, but then I would have been unable to see him to say goodbye, so I convinced him that one more week would be alright. After all, I pointed out that today was Columbus Day and that sounded like a very auspicious day to begin a journey of such magnitude to see America. One of his last purchases - spare inner tubes for his tires - came to $14.92 yesterday - that pretty well clinched that I was correct!

Of course he's heard of the Donner Party. He's headed from Ohio toward New Orleans - then he turns right toward Texas and scootches around the Southern end of the Rockies and the other ranges so that he doesn't have to worry much about crossing the mountains.

Seriously? Them ones in the East is just big hills...

Of course I'm a just a smidge worried - I'm not completely loony!

Camping mostly, although there are hostels along the way for hikers and backpackers.

(Yes - I did see the movie Hostel and this is not Eastern Europe. Besides - hush!)

He has assured me that he has studied the Worst Case Scenarios books I gave him for High School Graduation and promises not to stake his tent next to a cliff or rastle any bears. With him almost anything else is fair game. Did I mention he tried cliff diving and parachuting on his last trip to Hawaii? Yup. That's what we're dealing with here.

He was a Boy Scout. Got lots of Merit Badges...

Nope, he can't even ride on the expressway. Mainly smaller state roads and routes mapped for bikes.

In his saddlebags and also a backpack.

He doesn't have to carry all the food at one time, there are grocery stores between here and California. At least that's what they tell me.

Silk, wool, space aged fabrics in layers....and no cotton!

Yes, people do this all the time.

He's been saving money all Summer.

Yes, he has his cell phone and he can access the Internet with his iPod Touch. And he has a Eton Solar powered radio, flashlight and USB device charger thingy (thank God for Public Radio pledge premiums!)

Don't worry. A phone card will fix the problem of lack of connectivity - there are still payphones in areas that don't have cell service. His Mommy got him one of those too.

Because he wants to see the world before he completely morphs into a grown-up. And it will be fun (theoretically)

No, telling him not to go would be silly. Once he accomplishes this he will know he can do anything he sets his mind to. (I am already aware of this - he needs a small amount of convincing.)

Yes, I am ginormously proud of him.

No, I have not stopped crying since I said goodbye yesterday, thanks for asking.

He promises Post Cards.

I'll keep you informed if you keep him in your thoughts!

Scrapfest 2009: The Paper Company Studio

2009-10-12T06:00:00.004-04:00

The Paper Company Studio used the tag cards and embellishments from their "Time to Travel" collection to make a travel themed card.

For one of the classes offered at Scrapfest, they made a minibook from the tag cards.

A very nice piece with lots of pockets and fun touches. (Although I sent them an email - I still don't know how they did the cool colorizing techniques on the photos! Guess I should have taken the class...)

I like the minibook so much that I went through the line twice for materials and made a mini minibook! Used some travel photos from the last few years...

Do you recognize the places I've been?

Why don't you try one too!

Scrapfest 2009: Doodlebug Design

2009-10-11T06:00:00.004-04:00

Doodlebug Design had another cute card this year.

Love those furry little crushed velvet brads and the sparkly sugar coating glitter!

Scrapfest 2009: Karen Foster Design

2009-10-10T06:00:00.004-04:00

Karen Foster Design shared a birthday slider card.

Pull on the ribbon and out comes the gift card!

Easily managed...

* cut your paper to the height you want, and twice the length

* score and fold in half

* open back up and cut two parallel lines on what will be the back of the card a little less than 1/4" apart

* cut out the center between the two lines

* punch half a circle from the open edge of the front side of the card

* cut a strip of paper about an inch wide and slightly longer than the card

* apply a large brad through the slit in the back of the card and attach to the strip...

* when the card is sealed you will be able to pull the strip with a gift card attached in and out of the center

Hope that makes sense! Give it a test run!

They shared several other ideas on their display table and I particularly like the star shaped box they presented as an advent type calendar - very cool!

Scrapfest 2009: Yours Truly by Archivers

2009-10-09T06:00:00.006-04:00

Archivers also had a make-n-take.

Actually for me it was just a "take" and make at home!

Their "Your's Truly" paper was featured. The tag line for these products is "Waste Not Paper" - I believe because they come precut into shapes such as the 5.5" circles they provided us.

When I assembled the project, an ornament, it was pretty cute. I could see this finished in a variety of ways... but it definitely needs some bling!

Scrapfest 2009: Basic Grey

2009-10-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

Basic Grey still rocks! A simple card, but a nice demo of their Indian Summer paper collection.

I'm a bit behind the curve having just picked up the Lime Ricky paper collection, but it is sooo delicious I had to have it once I saw it!

Their new Hallowe'en line is great too. You should check it out as well!

Scrapfest 2009: Tattered Angels

2009-10-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

If you haven't tried Tattered Angels Glimmer mist yet - don't read this post or pick up a bottle, because you will just want MORE! Tattered Angels features a line of coordinating products - stamps, masks, chipboard, and of course Glimmer Mist. Glimmer Mist is a water based product that adds shimmer and color at the same time. Very awesome stuff!

Here is a close-up so that you can see the effect a bit better...

and seriously - I'll by any line that has owls!

They have a very wide color selection

The folks at the both were great at explaining the products - Here is Edwina checking things out.

and they had some beautiful examples of projects available to check out.

Here is a video from YouTube of the product being demonstrated at CHA this Summer.

Okay I lied - you should try this stuff soon!

Scrapfest 2009: Spellbinders

2009-10-06T06:00:00.003-04:00

So are you enjoying this little walk through Scrapfest? (It is much easier I imagine from the comfort of your computer screen without the added benefit of hiking the miles we did!)

Next stop is Spellbinders.

We created a super cute treat box using their "Wizard" embossing and diecutting system to create the window. I had used this system before as well - and it is a nice one. It works slightly differently than the others. It features a magnetic base which holds the dies in place (I do have some issues with slippage with my cuttelbug...) Also, it works with a ratcheting system rather than a turn crank which requires less exertion. We slipped in a piece of acetate to keep the goodies from falling out of course!

Spellbinders is also the maker of Nestabilities - the multi size dies which so many crafters are in love with. We used one of the nested pine trees here.

Our make-and-take guide also suggested using these with the "cool touch" Christmas lights... simply slip the treat box over the light and it will illuminate the inside and glow beautifully on your tree or where ever you chose to hang it. She said she placed photos of the kids inside to make it even more special. I could see lots of potential here!

And... our favorite: free stuff! We got a nifty reusable shipping bag for being one the first fifty in line. Yea us!

Visit their blog for more fun and creativity.

Scrapfest 2009: Imaginisce

2009-10-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

Imaginisce featured the nifty new tool the iTop.

We made a fairly simple card - but the brad is the magic part.

If you look closely, you will see that it is actually a large brad covered by paper! You can now cover a brad with your choice of top - just like the buttons mom used to make for all those totally rad outfits she made in the 70's!

Pretty neat concept even if it is a throw back to a sewing tool from years ago. First you use the punch to provide the cover and then apply to the brad with the iTop. You can see an example of the punched shape used as a background "flower" for the brad "center" on the card.

Go check it out!

Scrapfest 2009: Cosmo Cricket

2009-10-04T06:00:00.003-04:00

Somehow, we managed not to go through the line for the wonderfully creative and popular Cosmo Cricket.

Honestly - considering how totally cool their products are, and because I had already bought several of the new ones, and seen some cool project ideas, I thought the cards they were making were not worthy - so sorry guys. I mean seriously - how could you make "jolly-by-golly" so boring?!

Enjoy these peeks at the creative kits and rub-ons I bought instead.

Then check out their blog for some terrific ideas, especially the "wintertime" mini-book they did for a Scrapfest Crop event! Can't wait to make one with my purchase!

Scrapfest 2009: Hambly Studios

2009-10-03T06:00:00.011-04:00

Hambly Studios is by far my favorite vendor at the show. Only problem is that they give us so many options of products to combine I freak out trying to select just a few! Luckily... there was an owl to pick so that helped tremendously! We lined our envelope with Hambly paper, and then created the card using an overlay cut to size combined with a paper and rub-on. Lot's of possibilities here! Could be a cute card or an invitation or thank you note as well.

Their products are so fresh and fun and I love working with them.

Each item is hand printed in their shop - check out some nifty photos of the process on their blog here and here.

If you look closely - you can see last years class project, the one with "today" on the cover as part of their display... my favorite from last year!

In addition to completing their make-and-take, we also took a class this year featuring Allison Kreft Abad as the instructor: FAB-U-LOUS! The theme of the mini-book we created was "My Favorite Things." You can see the instructions for the original here. Also discovered Tombow's Vellum Adhesive Runner - it is the "clearest" adhesive I've used and seems to have a good tight hold. As I have not yet invested in a cropadile (it's on the list with my next discount coupon) - the holes have not yet been punched to apply the two rings that will "bind the book" together. You will have to use your imagination for that...

Without further ado, enjoy mine!

(image from flickr)

We were also treated with some random freebies fresh off the presses! Yea us! I might just sneak in one more page later made with the elephants since they are so cute. After all - how can it be that I do not have a page for my favorite owls? Such an oversight!

Wish it was easier to find these in my local store!

Scrapfest 2009: Teresa Collins Designs

2009-10-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Next on the list is Teresa Collins Designs.

This accordion card is part of the Friendship Accordion Book Kit.

Here is a photo of the kit

and the finished book cover - check out the bling! Those crystals are her T-drops embellishments.

and one last shot of the inside of the completed book.

I really like Teresa Collins Designs products - very high quality and a polished style I appreciate. She also has several product lines that are made to work with the Bind-It All that was a must have item after last years Scrapfest!

Scrapfest 2009: Sizzix

2009-10-01T06:00:00.003-04:00

Booth number one at Scrapfest was Sizzix.

There are lots of embossing and diecutting machines out there, and the Big Shot Express is one of the coolest! No cranks, no ratchets - just load and press a button.

Nice!

Also, they are now providing the option of a small unit - totally cute - that only embosses. They call it the Texture Boutique.

We created the large dot texture background and the phrase card using the latter and the snowflake using the former.

As we used Die Cuts With a View's white core texture paper, we were able to sand off the surface layer on the phrase to expose the center and highlight the raised words.

...and we got FLAIR! Flair is swell.

Scrapfest 2009: Away we go!

2009-09-30T06:00:00.004-04:00

Spent the long weekend before last in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Mall of America for Scrapfest 2009 Sponsored by Archivers. Edwina accompanied me once again and may I just say that she is the worlds best traveling partner ever - seriously!

Lot's of new things and some more of our old favorites too...

It was quite the merry-go-round - but we had a blast!

Got lots of goodies... (tip of the iceberg folks, tip of the iceberg!)

And can't wait to go back again next year!

Stay tuned for more eye candy...

as the excitement builds for about thirty days of Scrapfest fun! (In an effort to post in this century - I'm gonna do a vendor a day.)

This could be the longest sustained finer than frog hair series ever!

Banned Books Week - no Firemen allowed

2009-09-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Did you know we were in the middle of Banned Books Week? It runs September 26th through October 3rd this year.

Read a bit more about it here on the American Library Association Web Site.

I shudder whenever I think about folks who have the ability to read who are kept from greater knowledge and understanding of themselves and the world by those who are too afraid of truth.

Let's not even get into all of those people, particularly women, who are banned from even learning to read. I've heard so many quotes and statistics lately dealing with the quality of life improvement for women and their children by simply teaching mothers to read.

Words do have power.

We must protect our freedoms, even if it means that occasionally content we do not agree with might be available.

These are dangerous times...

Celebrate your freedom to access the written word - Read a book this week! Maybe Fahrenheit 451? Or go crazy - Be brave - read one that is banned somewhere in the world!

Over the Falls in a barrel

2009-09-28T05:53:00.008-04:00

As promised - the vacation within the vacation!

Took a detour on the way home from fishing to see Niagara Falls.

Enjoy some of the photos from our walking tour to see one of North America's finest natural wonders!

Our hotel was very nice and very reasonably priced - just a few steps from Casino Niagara and a hop, skip, and jump from the Falls!

Our Canadian neighbors have done a beautiful job landscaping the walking path along the falls.

You can see the proximity of our hotel using the Casino Niagara tower as a landmark.

The Skylon Tower - next trip I'd love to see the view from the top!

The American Falls

I was excited to see that the binocular stands for closer viewing are still there! I remember these from a trip here as a child. (I think the cost has gone up!)

The illumination station used to light the Falls after dark. Serious wattage here folks!

Me in front of the Canadian Falls: Horseshoe Falls

Be careful! Here be spiders! (Seriously, as we waited for dark when they lit the falls - out came the bugs and spiders to feast on them...The wrought iron provides awesome web building potential!)

Beautiful sunset!

A quick visit to Fallsview Casino

Last but not least - the Sky Wheel. So cool! Next time I'm on it!

One more stop for next time - even John couldn't finish a chocolate dipped in chocolate THAT big!

And no - I didn't really go over the Falls in a barrel - after all, only ten of the seventeen who've tried it survived to tell the tale! Who would have written this post!?

It's Canada, Eh!

2009-09-14T21:26:00.011-04:00

We've just returned from another year of Canadian fishing wonderfulness. This year we visited Woodland Echoes Cottage Resort in Magnetawan, Ontario. As usual, we picked a week where "they weren't biting much" but since we just put 'em right back in again, I guess it's all the same in the end.

I've come a long way since the first year John took The Boy and I into the wilds of Quebec. That time we had a propane stove and refrigerator, a wood stove for heat, and there were no electrical outlets, but we did have light from the generator from dusk to midnight - special! And it was only about three hours to the nearest store that sold canned food and beverages - neat! Did I mentioned it rained every day that week? And yet I signed up for a second vacation filled with the same amenities the next year. During that second year I added amateur exterminator to my list of many skills...

Like I say - I've come a long way!

This place was a resort with many activities. Not only did we have power, we had satellite television (my new favorite show is Trailer Park Boys - don't judge!), a jacuzzi tub, fireplace, microwave, and wireless Internet. Yup. Welcome to the new millennium!

Enjoy this random photo montage prepared especially for my friends here in Bloglandia! Um, you may want to get a frosty beverage while they load!

big (enough) sky country!

tether-ball anyone?

lovely gardens all about the grounds

ah... sunset!

morning herbal tea on my Adirondack chair

meet my new guy for mani-pedies

I think the black queen is looking at me...

just dipping in my toes

mink!

can't get enough of these awesome skies

morning comes to the dock

steam boat tours

one of my loonie friends

an end to another gorgeous day

our neighbors the ducks

you should know by now that I can't resist a flower

hello Mr Bee!

Freddie Froggy

(don't ask John how many shots I took to get this one...)

birdwatching

more flora

Mr Blue Jay

seriously, I sat for about 30 minutes waiting to get this shot of the hummingbird, wondering if it would even come back! it is awful - but I'm claiming it anyway! he's right there in the upper left in front of the flower... really.

this more sensible model posed much better

brightly colored sails

and another brilliant sky!

Next up: the vacation within the vacation! Stay tuned!

My cup runneth empty

2009-09-13T18:00:00.000-04:00

The Boy is fond of telling me lately that girls are the devil.

He is very bright - but confused. It is not girls that are the devil: coffee is the devil.

Now do not get me wrong here... I have spent many a morning worshiping at the altar of the percolator. Okay, afternoons and evenings too.

Straight up black no sugar that is the way I take it. But I will not turn my nose up at a nice latte or cappuccino or espresso or fancy flavored iced coffee or you know, anything with copious amounts of caffeine.

But I recently decided that I must give it up. If I get too much - it's not cool. Too little? Very not cool.

I did a fast last spring and actually became physically ill from lack of caffeine. Coupled with the migraines I went through you would think I'd have stayed off the junk.

But no.

I put that monkey right up there on my back again. Tight grip too, I'll tell you. Apparently, I am not capable of being a social caffeine indulger. It's like heroin for me - just a little taste and it's over with.

So I gave it up. One more time.

No coffee, no diet coke, no ice tea, not even Excedrin.

Not even the fake unleaded kind.

I've been clean for about three weeks. Is there a chip for that? For that matter is there an entire 12 step program?

Let me know.

I can still go to Starbucks for the Indulgent Chocolate Cookies right? And Lemon Loaf?

And maybe a decaf latte.

Someone better call my sponsor, just in case.

Saturday Night with the Boys

2009-08-29T16:41:00.006-04:00

Spent last Saturday night with my family and friends in downtown Cleveland. We started off at the Rockbottom Brewery where The Boy and I both tried the beer sampler. Pretty interesting trying each one and seeing how the flavors change.

From lightest to darkest we have Cleveland American Light, Walleye Wheat, Powerhouse Pale Ale, Riverbend Red, Dawg Pound Brown, and Terminal Stout. To my surprise, I enjoyed the stout quite a bit.

Now if I could just get someone to provide me with a sampler of fine whiskeys... a bourbon, scotch, single malt, double malt, Kentucky, Irish - I am serious - what does it all mean?

Then it was off to see the show on the Nautica Stage. A very excellent place to see a concert. An outdoor venue with the river backing the stage and the city just beyond.

The opening bands were actually very easy to listen to. Often the bands are of the "growler" type with too much bass, poser guitars, and singers who don't sing. This time we were treated to Icarus Witch and Coheed & Cambria. The latter broke out into a bit of Iron Maden's the Trooper which was well recieved, and they also did a tune with a theremin. I spent most of the evening trying to remember the name of that instrument I kept thinking "therm, therm, what!?!?" Remembered it driving down the expressway the next day. Just popped into my head.

And then came: Heaven and Hell

Here we have Tony Iommi, otherwise known as The Master... ruler of the guitar.

and the whole gang: Geezer Butler on bass, Ronnie James Dio vocals, and Vinne Appice on drums.

Dio singing the penultimate "Heaven and Hell" watch out for those flames!

It was a good night. The Indians won and so did the Browns. Some might even consider it a miracle.

I love this city at night... someday I'm going to take a thousand pictures of the lights and the energy.

I love my boy too.

Life is just a carousel, spinning fast you've got to ride it well, it's heaven and hell...

Weekend in the Country

2009-08-18T21:45:00.007-04:00

A scrapbooking weekend in Holmes County, Berlin, Ohio at Zinck's Inn: We awake to a beautiful, hazy sunrise.

Many sites to see around the Inn and at the nearby shops.

color moved by the wind...

nature, prickly and perfect...

reflections to catch your gaze...

a view of the neighboring farm...

corn - up close and personal...

restful respite...

handmade baskets...

fences can be lovely...

and oh yes... we found the scrapbooking store!

All my crafty friends: Rachel, Christina, Deb, Patti, Terri, and me. These girls are the best - always willing to share their toys, embellishments, and stories...

We really did get a lot accomplished, especially the hard work of having a blast and enriching friendships(What ketchup bottle? I have no idea what you're talking about!!)

Can't wait until we do it again!

Flowers from a Boy!

2009-08-08T16:27:00.002-04:00

Yes ladies and gentlemen, The Husband is getting quite the reputation as a "flower sender."

These arrived just in time for my birthday!

(if you look closely at the background, you can also see my famed Superball collection which contains many other prized gifts from the husband. Had to move it recently to a more spacious container to accommodate new additions...)

Also scheduled for this evening's festivities are dinner and a movie - at my request.

Finally going to see Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince.

Yea me!

Vairy Exciting

2009-07-26T17:00:00.004-04:00

I am a vairy lucky girl!

Look what I bought myself last week:

Yes! It is a 1963 Corvair Monza Convertible and her name is ROXY!

She is fully restored and ready to roll. Fiona (her sister the PTCruiser) is a wee bit jealous, but she'll be okay.

She is quite the dish - look at her lovely interior!

A few details... like the delightful AM/FM converter? Spiffy!

And where is the gear shifter you say? Right there in the middle - see the little knob? Just to the right and down from the ignition? Just RNDL... no park!

This is all The Husband's fault... if we hadn't taken the Cougar to a car show recently I never would have seen her. Once I did - it was all over - the obsession began and she had to join the family.

For the other car enthusiasts out there - she's air cooled and her aluminum flat six rear engine will indeed take me up over 65 mph (not that I've tried - that would be illegal in my state). The Corvair also boasts Chevrolet's first mass produced unibody construction and fully independent suspension design.

Here is what Chevrolet had to say about Corvairs when they introduced them back in 1960.... (Just forget every thing Ralph Nader said - he was just a bit confused about things and they debunked his "unsafe at any speed" theory long ago when the US Government's National Highway Safety Administration actually certified it safe - the only car ever to receive that honor...). Of course there were a few modifications by '63, the convertible top for one, but you get the idea and seriously, who can resist a vintage video!

No seat belts though. All you people who didn't believe me when I said seat belts used to be an option? I now own a car without them - so there! The Husband is insisting that change. We'll see.

Can you say "Mid-life Crisis?"

I'm vairy excited!

Happy trails!

Great Strides 2009

2009-07-19T08:00:00.002-04:00

It was time again for the Great Strides Walk to Support Cystic Fibrosis research back on May 2, 2009.

Went to Toledo again to walk with Breanna and her sister Mandi pictured above, and many friends shown below! Thanks to Mandi's Alpha Phi sisters and other friends from BGSU who came to support her as well as Bre's gang from Sylvania.

Mom and Dad were there too.

I did not send out any emails asking for donations this year... But I believe you can still support the cause of you're interested. Follow this link.

NEED A LITTLE INSPIRATION? CHECK OUT THESE FAST FACTS ABOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS FROM THE DETROIT CHAPTER WEBSITE AND REMEMBER YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

About 1000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.

Of the 30,000 Americans with cystic fibrosis over 900 live in the state of Michigan.

Currently, there are more than 30 potential CF therapies in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s drug discovery and development pipeline; 50 years ago there were none.

Today, more than 45 percent of all people with CF in this country are 18 years or older.

In the 1950’s, few children with CF lived to attend elementary school. Now, due to advances in research, many people with CF expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Everyone is important - So support your own causes however you can!

For an Alpha Phi Girl!

2009-07-18T11:38:00.001-04:00

My Niece Mandi went off to Bowling Green State University last fall and I was so excited that she decided to participate in Sorority Recruitment!

Now I've mostly talked your ear off about Chi Omega around here - but I am all about the Panhellenic Sisterhood in every way.

Although her mother, who is my sister Diana, and I both pledged Chi Omega, everyone finds her own place in the Greek system.

And Amanda pledged Alpha Phi!

I wanted to show her how excited I was not to have to share any of my owl beads (just kidding!) so I whipped up this bracelet with some of the Alpha Phi symbols. Can you see the ivy leaves, forget-me-nots, and lily of the valley? Their colors are silver and bordeax, so they are in there too!

I'm very proud of you Miss Mandi and all you are doing to contribute to your chapter and Greek Life on Campus!

Graduation

2009-07-16T23:01:00.011-04:00

So yes! The Boy did graduate - cum laude as a matter of fact! With praise indeed.

He earned a bachelor of fine art in the fine arts, with a minor in art history.

Do you suppose we have to stop calling him The Boy now?

Two hundred forty nine students received their diplomas.

For those who could not attend - here are some images of the day...

The official announcements (yes I bought them - no they're not mailed yet! any other silly questions?)

The marquee at the beautiful Ohio Theater in downtown Columbus, Ohio

These next three are lifted from the CCAD web site...

Inside the theater, an amazingly beautiful place

Commencement speaker Ed Razek, president and chief marketing officer, brand & creative services for Limited Brands - Gloria gave him an "A", John an "F" so that's about right for our family!

It's art school - you should have seen the "amendments" to the regalia!

Walking across the stage to accept his diploma (the out of focus shot should lead you back to where I'm taking the photos!)

The students are ready to be presented

Proud Mommy and The Boy

Gramma Gloria and Grampa Bill are here. So are John, Aunt Diana, Mandi, Aunt Debbie, Megan, and Morgan - but we did not take nearly enough pictures!

A quick stop at The Show where Ian's "In Her Blue Chair Rocking" was one of the senior pieces selected for display.

Then we're off to Buca di Beppo for a grand luncheon

A wonderful, happy day!

February Escape!

2009-07-05T14:15:00.021-04:00

Okay - the jury is in: Shutterfly's slide show program and I do not get along. Gave up messing with it. I have dumped the broken links... If you are an expert, clue me in on the secret!

I told you I was distracted this Spring doing lots of interesting things. Here's a flashback for you to one of the things which kept me away from blogging.

A visit to the Craft Farm! (Most of these snaps are Patti's... she had the sensibility to actually take pictures unlike me who was mostly confused!) This place was awesome - and highly recommended. Space to scrap, meals included, comfortable beds, space to scrap, a hot tub, good times, and did I mention space to scrap?!

Click here to view the rest of "Craft Farm"

We had an awesome time - in addition to non-stop fun and scrapbooking, we also visited a local spa for massages and pedicures. Heaven! How long until we go again? I'm ready!

Here is the first of the projects I worked on that weekend... A blast from the past: Chi Omega's at The University of Toledo! This is one of the projects Edwina and I started at Scrapfest last Fall. See that post for all the details on supplies!

Click here to view the rest of "Chi O Girls"

Another project from Scrapfest, Chi Omega's on Spring Break in 1986 - yikes!

Click here to view the rest of "Marco Island 1986"

Last but not least of the projects is the completed Hambly acrylic mini-book. Still one of my favorites, even more so because now it contains some of Ian's sculptures! Each page is shown twice to allow you to see the cool effect of the acrylic pages, but also allow you to focus on the detail of each page.

Click here to view the rest of "Hambly Mini-Book"

I also cut out about 1000 owl pieces for a future project... I'll share when it's complete!

My first attempt at Shutterfly slideshows - kind of irritating to figure out - but IF they work - pretty cool! (If your google reader saved the first "attempt" - oops!)

Enjoy!

True Americana: Annabelle's

2009-07-05T07:56:00.004-04:00

Took the Cougar for a cruise up to Annabelle's Diner in Mentor last evening. Lucky us - the Mentor Fourth of July fireworks display was almost right next door! They put on a great display.

Annabelle's hosts classic car cruises every weekend and we've had fun checking out the other cool cars and meeting new friends.

The restaurant itself is a fifties style diner - with fun decor. The cheeseburgers and onion rings are the best! I really need to order a Chocolate Milkshake one of these nights...

You can see the set up is very retro.

There are nifty jukebox stations at every table. One of these days I'm gonna drop my quarter in and select "Running Bear" by Johnny Preston. Reminds me of staying at Grandma Carpenter's house - where I would make her play the record over and over again. She also taught me how to make mustard pickles. Wish I had some now.

Memories - Good times!

They had a live band too - lots of 50's and 60's hits... Even played some Patsy Cline. Another personal favorite.

Maybe you should come cruising with us next time!

Independence

2009-07-04T03:22:00.004-04:00

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

...just a taste, in case you forgot what it said. Full text here for future reference.

Enjoy the day hard fought for us!

Because we needed a new hobby, seriously

2009-07-03T12:01:00.005-04:00

It has been John's wish for some time to acquire a classic car - the target has changed over time, but he finally took the plunge.

We welcomed home his new friend the 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 back in April.

It's very race with his 390 big block engine (hush - no I don't know exactly what that means - but it sounds cool - yes?)

And yes, if I had shot this picture in the dark you would have seen the awesome sequential tail lights blinking goodbye as we made our get-a-way...

Kazuri: Small and Beautiful

2009-07-02T09:10:00.008-04:00

Spent another awesome evening last night at Embellish in Rocky River. (Don't faint that I have actually made a timely post - but I'm as shocked as you dear reader!)

Now that I am beginning to have the hang of this jewelry making thing, I decided to join in on all the fun that happens the first Wednesday of each month at Club Embellish. These ladies (and I only say ladies because that's who was there - I'm sure they would let the boys play too!) are very talented! Lot's of cool projects were shared.

My secondary reason for going was to see the Trunk Show for Kazuri Beads that Laura had brought in for us. A very cool fair trade project and luscious, gorgeous, sumptuous beads! Here is the fact sheet that they provided us to tell the story...

I'm all about beading and women helping women so I jumped in with both feet!

I've been inspired by some of the color study items I've seen in Stringing Magazine lately, so I put this bracelet together. The Kazuri beads are strung along with 4mm sterling silver beads as separators. I think I really like the way it came out.

Here is a necklace I made from one of the clay focal beads and three strands of Zulugrass™ beads, which were also available at the trunk show. Zulugrass is another natural, handmade item created by the people of the Maasai in Kenya.

Matching earrings as well, and you can really see the texture of the Zulugrass in this shot. I think the color of the Zulugrass is called Lady Sunbird.

If you are in the Cleveland Area, you should definitely hop in the car and check out the items available for the next few days during this special event. I believe Laura mentioned she may be adding some of the beads to the inventory of the store on a regular basis, but there is no guarantee you'll be able to get them later!

You can also check out the Small and Beautiful Beads website for more information and background on Kazuri Beads. Tamie Simpson was great to work with and provided lots of support with making bead selections and with project ideas! The website is nice - but you've got to see and feel these beads to truly appreciate them.

Three projects completed in one night? Actually four if you count another necklace I finished and will share later... A new record in productivity! I deem Club Night a success!

Happy beading!

Of the Terrible Doubt of Appearances

2009-06-30T20:55:00.011-04:00

A flash back for you to March 20, 2009: The Boy's Senior Thesis Exhibit.

Come along and check it out...

here we are on the campus of Columbus College of Art and Design in the Canzani Center

the name of the exhibit: Of the Terrible Doubt of Appearances

the scene inside the gallery

our first piece: "Boccioni On My Bike"

a study of motion and the world viewed through it

some views of the detail...

The Boy poses with his proud grandparents, Bill and Gloria Carpenter

on to the next piece: "Ketchup and Mustard"

(not actually painted with ketchup and mustard - just saying)

now comes "Roundabout"

it doesn't move - but you do!

my favorite "In Her Blue Chair Rocking"

go ahead, give it a push... it rocks

check out the detail

Aunt Diana, Aunt Debbie, Breanna, and Morgan are checking things out - where did Uncle Chris go?

a piece which needs you: "Human Operation"

go ahead and turn the crank - see yourself in the mirror? the piece isn't complete without you

Marshall is checking things out

another movement study: "Moderate"

swing the pendulum

how many Ians can you count in this photo?

a portrait of the artist by Marshall

CCAD pebbles made my me to decorate the appetizer table

I suspect the pieces are available for purchase - contact his proud mother for more information!

Surrendering To Creative Cycles

2009-06-22T04:57:00.004-04:00

Time for Secret Four of the Twelve Secrets of Highly Creative Women. Visit the rest of the Book Club Gang through this link!

I picked a nice quiet moth image for this post - thought it fit the idea of cycles nicely what with the whole caterpillar, cocoon, emergence thing!

Here are the keys to Surrendering To Creative Cycles...

I must admit though, I really didn't get into this chapter much.

Learning Patience: I liked the image of fallow soil presented here. I feel that I am very patient in most things.

Surviving the Void:

Navigating in the Darkness:

Watching for Clues:

Trusting in Creative Reemergence:

And that is all the further I got with this post that I started on January 31st at 3:57 PM. Apparently I was EXPERIENCING a creative cycle DOWNTURN.

Or I decided that the book had already served its purpose for me (see the post on risk... more to follow!)

Or I finally decided that the book might be boring me. Not sure as I have not finished it yet.

All in all though, I'm really glad I picked it up and do plan to return to it when the time is ripe again.

And that is how that story ends!

iPhontasmagorical!

2009-06-21T14:04:00.000-04:00

Here is another episode in the continuing saga of my assimilation into whatever it is I'm being assimilated into...

Okay - I'm really excited so I'm going to talk REALLY fast and probably not use any punctuation and drive people crazy, but this is so cool and I just have to tell you what happened when I went to see John Fogerty in concert near Chicago with my husband and Edwina and John and I went into the bathroom and one of those evil attack toilets that flush automatically (I'm sure you know the ones - rant on that topic later) caused me to lose my beautiful LG Shine phone into the bowl and it got WET and it went all liney and then had a black screen and wouldn't work and I was VERY sad and I told Edwina that I was SAD and that maybe this was God's way of telling me I should find the money to buy an iPhone even thought I couldn't get the reduced price through ATT until March 10th of 2010 and that I've had that date circled on my calender and I've been drooling over them and couldn't stop staring at other peoples and that it was getting EMBARRASSING and then she said:

breathe

MY FRIEND MELANIE HAS ONE SHE WANTS TO SELL

the world stopped spinning for a moment right here...

and then I said:

FOR GOODNESS SAKE CALL HER IMMEDIATELY AND TELL HER I'LL TAKE IT!

...or something like that because I stopped thinking clearly after that point and was just simply on CLOUD NINE for the rest of the evening while I listened to the concert and enjoyed the company and counted how many guitars Fogerty played and thought how LIFE IS GOOD sometimes and then I mailed Melanie a check for a very reasonable amount when I got back home and she mailed me the iPhone and now it is MINE.

sigh

Now - what apps do I need?!

Signs of the Apocalypse

2009-06-21T12:06:00.005-04:00

1) I've been getting up at 5:00AM every day to be to work near to 6:30AM. Sometimes it's 6:00AM, Sometimes it's 7:00AM, but seriously? Not normal

2) I've joined Facebook after refusing to take the plunge. You know... since I have so much time on my hands even after I blog I needed to fill it. Yeah, right.

I have been assimilated.

The end is near.

Detour

2009-05-26T22:56:00.007-04:00

Seriously?

January 31st?

There was, of course, no literal detour. No hurricane, flood, fire, or calamity. Mostly a figurative one I suppose.

Perhaps I can blame it on focusing?

Never fear dear readers, I will get you all caught up soon on the hullabaloo and happenings.

Assuming that anyone is still out there?

Anyone?

Bueller?

Dave? Dave's Not Here

2009-01-31T13:02:00.005-05:00

Spent the evening last night with Cheech and Chong. Of course The Husband was there too, so we weren't alone. Actually lots of folks were there. They did a show at the State Theater in Cleveland.

Totally hilarious.

I've always enjoyed their humour. I remember one time in high school we went to the Jesse James Drive-In Theater for a triple feature Cheech and Chong movie festival. Wait - no actually I don't remember much of that!

It was great to see them back together again.

Anywho... I thought you might like to see some of the beautiful architectural detail and lights in the theater. Built in the 1920's, it is a marvel. Part of the Playhouse Square District containing the Ohio Theater, Hanna Theater, Allen Theater, Palace Theater and of course the State!

Enjoy!

The outer lobby

The Spirit of Cinema - America. One of four murals called The Four Continents by James Daugherty which were recently restored. It is so wonderful that time is taken to preserve what artists have created. This mural was featured on Life Magazine's cover February 27, 1970 and helped to spur support for its renovation

Above our seats

Inner lobby

Hard to believe some idiot planned to tear it all down at one point

Come with us next time!

Following Your Fascinations

2009-01-25T13:34:00.008-05:00

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when my fear is gone I will turn and face fear's path, and only I will remain." ~ Paul Atreides, Frank Herbert's Dune

We have now progressed to Chapter Three of 'Twelve Secrets of Highly Creative Women' by Gail McMeekin. I have really enjoyed being a part of this online book club led by Jamie Riddler - it is great reading what other smart thoughtful women are thinking! And a blessing to see that so many of us have the same hurdles and insecurities to conquer. Not a blessing that we have the issues of course! But that we are truly not alone. The gremlins need a beating!

I posted the photo above as I mentioned in my last book club post about snapping a poor dead snake because I felt he was beautiful and met my 'blue' criteria for the day's shooting, and someone wanted to see it. Sorry if you popped in expecting something else and have a fear of snakes. I prefer the image of snakes as one of growth and rebirth, fertility, the circle of life. Almost all non Judeo-Christian cultures revere them, rather than revile them. But they are to be respected either way, and a good image for a post about risk and fear I believe.

This secret, Following Your Fascinations, is all about risk.

Wise risk as well as dangerous risk. And that, in turn, brings to mind fear.

Here are the keys...

Taking Courageous Risks: I do not see myself as a risk taker. I can't think of one thing particularly courageous to share with you. I talk about this with my friend Irene a lot. We share the feeling that as women, you often need to just keep moving, getting things done, working through pain, getting up each day and doing what you have to in order to keep your family healthy, provided for, and intact. We do not see these things as optional, or courageous - just necessary. I often don't plan out where I'm headed - I just do. In these areas there is no time for fear.... But in it's insidious way, it filters in.

If I respect myself and love myself, it is time to start living with intention. Calculating positive risks. Taking action.

Intuiting New Pathways: I have managed to find my way to where I am today almost completely by accident. Maybe that isn't true. I know the odds were against me as a single mother. I finished school, was recruited by The Dow Chemical Company, and raised my son to be a responsible successful adult (of course he could still turn out to be an axe murderer, but he has promised not to. At least not to use an axe in his theoretically imminent crime spree.) But I never sought out doors. They opened in front of me and I stepped through. My job with Dow came by a campus recruiter. My job with Nestlé came by a canvas of about 50 local labs and other science related firms after a layoff. I got a job from a cold call letter. That is not suppose to happen. In between I took positions that were awful, but I didn't leave until I was either pushed out or offered other opportunities.

Developing Staying Power: I have trouble with follow through. I'm proud to say that I have marvelous creative ideas. Over 99% of them never see the light if day. I'm not talking about building skyscrapers here, I'm talking making a graduation card for a friend. Scrapbook pages. Simple, easy things. I need to develop a new attitude. Christine Kane (whose blog I love) suggests telling ourselves "this is just what I do" when presented with a challenge where we would normally procrastinate or stumble in some way. I suppose it reflects back on being the change you wish to see. I also suggest reading her post on her "proportional theory of dread". The greater our fear of a thing, often the greater our relief - and pride? when completed. Food for thought.

Heeding Your Heart: I'm ready to make some changes. The path of least resistance isn't all that smooth and rose filled. Sometimes though, I feel that at age 43 I've walked too far down it to turn around and start back. That is probably pretty foolish. I was amazed at how many women in the book didn't hit their stride until after 40. Plenty of time! But I'd better quit screwing around! I'm grabbing my machete and hacking through the brush to another path.

Jamie's Challenge for us: Take one brave step toward your dreams. This week I will officially apply for the Bachelor of Liberal Studies online program at Bowling Green State University. I will arrange to have my transcripts sent and begin to check any other boxes needing checked.

Wish me luck!

Shamless plug: Visit my One World One Heart offering if you have not already!

One World - One Heart 2009

2009-01-19T22:51:00.008-05:00

Welcome all to my corner of Bloglandia!

It is time once again for One World One Heart.

This is the third annual blog-wide giveaway hosted by Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka. According to her, "The original idea behind this was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people." Here is her intention: "The blogging world is vast with more created all the time....and through blogging we can learn new things, read about other countries, learn of new ways to promote those vital issues, support causes as well as learn about new artists, writers, photographers, et al. By having a list of those with a giveaway it is like a home tour with a map......going from place to place to see how others "live" and perhaps along the way make fabulous new connections and maybe win a door prize in the process."

A wonderful plan! I traveled far and near last year and have made connections that I treasure. For those that have not traveled here from the main site, clicking the badge above (or on my side bar) will take you to home base where there are hundreds of participating blogs. They will be left up for the better part of the year, so you may take your time browsing the treasure trove!

Last years theme for me was about dreams. This year it's all about wishes! Wishes are rather just the waking manifestations of our dreams - no?

As we inaugurate our 44th President, Barack Obama, here in the United States, we are full of hope for the future. I wish for him wisdom to make the decisions he must in the coming years. I wish for him the support he needs to make things happen. I wish for him safety in his journey. I wish for him blessings for his family.

I also wish prosperity, creativity, health, and peace to all my fellow bloggers.

When you hear the word wishes, what images come to mind for you? Any wish making traditions? I love when people comment here. I know I have made a connection with someone, and that is so special. Of course this type of event is rather like having a captive audience, but I can't wait to see what your thoughts are! So let's hear about wishes...

Is it about blowing out your birthday candles?

Releasing dandelion seeds?

Snapping the wish bone from the Thanksgiving turkey with your little brother?

Let's hear it!

Also, I've talked before here about Make A Wish. Their motto is that they "grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy" Wishes take the form of "I wish to Be", "I wish to Go", "I wish to Meet", "I wish to Have". It is a wonderful organization. I'm excited that the young women of Chi Omega Fraternity at John Carroll are very close to being able to grant a wish. I would love to help them get there! You can help me.

Please share your thoughts on wishes in the comment section below. By doing so, you will accomplish the following:

♥ for each unique poster, I will donate $1.00 to Make a Wish (up to $150.00, which would more than double my hits from last year!)

♥ infuse me with inspiration to create a wish book for a lucky winner! (do you enjoy how I am providing a clever diversion from you noticing my not actually having the piece made yet!?) I plan to create a small book of mixed media, photos, and fun with places to add secret wishes. With all the good karma of One World One Heart they are sure to come true!

♥ possibly even BE the lucky winner!

Some important details:

To be eligible for the drawing, post here (specifically in THIS post) by midnight February 11th. Please be sure not to comment anonymously - how can you win If I don't know who you are? You do not need to have a blog, but gee, why don't you? It's tons of fun! International participants are welcomed! Selection of a winner will be completed using a random number generator. Winner will be announced February 12th. I will contact you, but you are welcome to stop back and see the prize!

So stay and visit a while if you'd like, use the side bar list to poke around and see the sites: my jewelry (BlingBling), Art Journal (MyArtJournal), or maybe papercrafts, cards, or scrapbooking is your style? (ScrapPaperScissors) I've been trying many new avenues for creativity!

Jump on the Gypsy Caravan - I wish for you new friends, new inspirations, and new adventures!

Honoring Your Inspirations

2009-01-18T11:27:00.008-05:00

"Nobody can be exactly like me. Sometimes even I have trouble doing it." ~ Tallulah Bankhead

It is now in the 20°F plus range here... so I guess it's a heat wave. My writing block has thawed, so I am continuing on with Secret Two of our Twelve Secrets of Highly Creative Women book club! See the link in the sidebar for more information and links to the other participants.

My thoughts on this week's keys to "Engaging Your Creativity" by "Honoring Your Inspiration":

Cultivating Attractions: I am definitely an observer in the world. Could be a reason that the scientific method was a draw for me. I am always open to the world around me. I almost stopped the other day in the middle of the innerbelt bridge to take a picture of the sunrise. Right there in the middle of the industrial basin of Cleveland's downtown, I saw the most brilliant orange and pink I have ever seen. Truly. But since I didn't want to cause an accident, I didn't capture it to share with you. Sorry.

I see things others don't. When I visited The Boy at school, we went to the sculpture lab. I took the photo above. The composition could be better, but the metal wall, and the colors and textures of the grinding wheels used to develop stone and other media just seemed to call to me all on their own. The Boy thought I was quite nuts. Why am I paying for an art school that doesn't teach him to see what I can see? I guess like Tallulah, I am my own unique me. Plus since he may see these items as simply a means to an end, he didn't view them as beautiful on their own.

Beauty is everywhere - and I do my best to seek it out. Otherwise I would be overwhelmed by the ugliness which is also all around us. Hatred, prejudice, anger, stupidity, we need a shield. For me, I need to see the beautiful colors and lines of graffiti and not the urban decay some think it represents. I once took a picture of a dead snake in the park because I was on a mission for "blue" things. (No really, the skin was iridescent and color was intense!) Why did it stop being beautiful just because of it's current bodily condition? I am sure that photo will pop up here eventually. Don't be afraid.

Practicing Play: I am not afraid to explore new things. How else can you learn? But, can you explain to me why it is that when someone is confident or at leat willing to stand out a wee bit and try things, others think that they have thick skin and cannot be hurt by words? People: think before you destroy someone with a careless word. Unless that person is literally driving over a cliff, don't tell them that they are if it is only your figurative interpretation of where they are headed artistically.

Communing with Your Senses and Nature: Again - I am all about communing with nature. My own senses? Not so much. The Boy is right about me needing to meditate on a regular basis. Approaching the "Personal Attractions" challenge to simply listen to my thoughts is virtually impossible right now. I truly do need to focus on building calm. I am in serious need of white space in my brain!

That being said, I am still in a stage where every medium is exciting to me. I am not in a place where I am limiting myself? Eventually I will settle, but right now, I am a pinball!

Taking Time to Capture Your Ideas: I have so many ideas for exploring my thoughts in my art journal. I will work not to censor myself there, because why bother if I do, right?

Creating a Sanctuary: I am in serious need of a sanctuary in our house. I will work on the "Building Your Sanctuary" challenge and get back to you. Everything is a process right?

Inventing Rituals: I have rituals. Here is how it goes when I am creating things:

1) Go to store, buy totally cool supplies; alternately gather and save found objects

2) Come home and listen to gremlin in my head telling me my project won't be as cool as all the other ideas I saw that I want to experiment with.

3) Procrastinate

4) Read blogs for inspiration ( see point number 3)

5) Clean craft area (again, see point number 3)

6) Marvel at how much stuff I have (see point number 1)

7) Begin to create

8) Decide I might do okay after all!

I need new rituals. Think I'm going to try adding tea drinking at a minimum!

How you doing!?

Let's Pretend

2009-01-14T19:17:00.009-05:00

The Vikings were right. Hell is a vast frozen waste land. And I may be visiting it.

It is in the single digits here in North East Ohio... I've shoveled my car out every day for the last week (or more? the days blend together in a white on white haze!) and it took an hour and fifteen minutes to do the twenty minute drive home from work today.

If I had some Calgon - I'd let it take me away.

I might be tired of this already.

But I have a plan.

I'm gonna visit Summertime.

Wanna come?

Okay.... gaze into the mystical ball...

Go over the double rainbow...

There we go!

Can you feel the sunlight yet?

Much better than winter white!

Ahhhhh... Warm...

So that's what the grass looks like!

Pop back over any time you need to escape the chilly willies!

Acknowledging Your Creative Self

2009-01-10T22:57:00.002-05:00

Your creative self is alive and waiting for your invitation to evolve! Dare to embrace your creative self and manifest your dreams. Recognizing your creativity leads you into a life of self-expression, fulfillment, and contribution." ~ prelude to Secret 1

Here we are - the first chapter of "12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women" by Gail McMeekin. The good old Barnes and Noble at the mall came through and the book arrived Friday just in time to get started with the rest of the folks in the book club.

I'm very excited about this! I'm choosing to make my posts before reading anyone else's, so that I will try to express my own vision. We'll see how that goes! Can't wait to see what others are thinking too.

Jamie Ridler who is leading the group asked us to start in this way:

"Let's start by celebrating that simply by being here, by signing up and putting your name on the blogroll, you have acknowledged your creative self! You have stepped up and stepped in and said, yes, to your creativity. What a great way to start 2009!"

A bit about how the book is laid out. The book is divided into four gateways. The first is Engaging Your Creativity. This Gateway includes four secrets. Each week we will be reviewing a chapter.

This Chapter and the others to follow provide us with keys to unlock the gateway. I think I'll plan to share my thoughts on each key...

Responding to Creative Callings: I had never really considered myself 'artistic' but I had known that I had a wonderful sense of the creative. Seeing beauty where others didn't. I was a young thespian and have always enjoyed crafty things. I have always been one to notice the world around me, the beauty of the sky, changing of the colors, how things flowed together or did not. One of the blogs I read regularly, Magpie Girl, has a banner tag line which says, "distracted by sparkly things since 1969" a kindred spirit! I do love the shiny! Would an ordinary person stop to take a photo like the one above? I love a good distraction!

At no time however, did I consider this gift particularly valuable. Sure - I could put together a lovely board for the science fair, and the stage does prepare one for public speaking and networking, but I wasn't particularly good at ART. Just ask my teachers. Actually, that's not fair. Senior year in high school I took Freshman Art (I had already taken every science class and math class, study hall would have been a waste of time what with all the kids taking it to hang out, and all the good office and library jobs were already taken and besides, an art credit makes one look well rounded on the college applications right...?) Mr. Nicholson gave me an "A" each term. Perhaps it was because I sat still, was quiet, and didn't chew gum. I turned in every assignment complete and on time. But, perhaps he did think I had talent too.

Of course confusing art and creativity may be at the heart of that issue.

Problem solving is generally all about being creative. Finding solutions. Looking at things new ways. Stimulating new ideas.

Work in the laboratory is all about charts, record keeping, data, control, but also problem solving. When I look I look at my hobbies, they are all about being creative. It started with scrapbooking. Then when I found a copy of Artful Blogging it was out of control! Now it's art journaling, jewelry making, photography. I'm busting out all over. I had been questioning whether this was a real manifestation of my own self, or a desperate need to seek a common bond with my son, the real art student. Probably I am allowed to own it.

The author cracked me up when she spoke of noting the publications she was reading being about beauty and creating a change... if you could see my google reader and my bookshelf... I'm owning that one too!

Experimenting With New Processes: I think I have been taking on many new challenges. Also, dropping some other ones. Some of you may not realize the significance of that last statement. I dropped some other ones. I must say that allowing myself to quit something without guilt was clearly the highlight of my personal year last year. There are a few more things I need to work on quitting. That process is probably going to be the key to my happiness. Allowing myself to see the things which are not adding to my success and discarding them is one of my goals.

Life is about the choices we make. Mine have often been made based on the path of least resistance. My son and I had a conversation early in his college career in which I was trying to explain that most adults still don't really know what they want to be when they grow up - including me. I like my job. I'm good at it. The people are mostly great. It is stimulating, but not exactly fulfilling. I need to find a path that is. I'm tired of saying I don't want to go to work each morning. Kind of like the bird in the photo above - some choices may not be all they seem!

Seeking Success Stories: I'm excited to read the words of the women in this book. I agree with the author that not enough women's voices are heard. Those that are, we find a way to tear down. It doesn't matter how smart you are if you aren't pretty enough or thin enough. If you are pretty, you can't possibly be smart. Powerful? Bitch. Rich? Greedy or shallow. Talented? Undeserving for any number of reasons. Oprah Winfrey. Rosie O'Donnell. Caroline Kennedy. Paris Hilton. I can't even name any role models I have because I have fallen prey to this school of thought. Time for some changes.

Learning the Secrets: That's why we're here!

Won't you join us?!

Riding the Rock N' Roll Train

2009-01-09T16:54:00.003-05:00

Went to see AC/DC in Cleveland Monday night. Man do those guys put on a show! We bought a ticket for The Boy, so he was up from Columbus. Another classic American Family Outing! When they first announced the tour, their ticket sales set records for speed of sell out. (Not in Cleveland of course, as we are pathetic. Please don't take away the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!) Actually, they held the record until the other day when the Obama Presidential Inaugural tickets went on sale!

They treated us to many old favorites like Back In Black, The Jack, Whole Lotta Rosie, Dirty Deeds; and new ones too, Black Ice, Big Jack, Rock N' Roll Train. Too many to list! (see a similar set list here)

It's been too long! And, yes, we were Thunderstruck!

Cannons!

Brian growling...

Malcolm and the other boys providing the pounding rhythm...

Angus being Angus...

I realize there may be those who think that Angus might be a tad too old still to be wearing the school boy outfit - and then there are others who probably think that I'm too old to be watching him! May he continue to rise up from the pits of Hell on that Highway to make us insane with his rock and roll.

For Those About to Rock: We Salute You!

Don't wait so long to come back!

Told You So

2009-01-05T10:45:00.002-05:00

Remember back when I introduced you to Geezer?

All I can say now is that I have scientific evidence of my suspicions:

Perhaps you should see If you have a vicious killer in your home.

The life you save could be your own!

On the Nightstand

2009-01-04T23:13:00.002-05:00

In an effort to focus (there's that word!) on some things I want to focus on, I've gathered some reading material... Here's what's on my list!

The Tao of Pooh - Benjamin Hoff. I've wanted to read this for some time. I bought the tapes maybe ten years ago? Couldn't focus on listening to them in the car - too many other voices crowded it out (see book number four!) This time I'm gonna be ready!

The Tarot Bible - Sarah Bartlett. The universe is often trying to tell us things. Perhaps I need to listen. Perhaps this is the language I can use.

Soul Coaching - Denise Linn. Looks like an interesting way to get ready to welcome change. I plan to use a resource here to help me in the process.

Taming Your Gremlin - Rick Carson. Saw this book over here and wanted it as soon as I read about it. The voices need to hush up! Hear me!? Also, I hope that the illustrator doesn't mind, but the line drawn images in this book are calling out to be colored in! I think that it would be a great meditative exercise. Yup. Don't you agree?

Life is a Verb - Patti Digh. I've talked here about '37 Days' before. I read this book while we were in Canada, but did not actually attempt any of the exercises. This time I'll focus! Living intentionally is the goal.

Journal Revolution - Linda Woods & Karen Dinino. What a fabulous way to learn more about art journaling. I really have been excited about the Soul Journal Project and this will be a fun way to continue the progress in this area. Many good ideas for prompts and techniques.

1000 Artist Journal Pages - Dawn DeVries Sokol. Beautiful! Check out D'Blogala the blog of the author. She has compiled 1000 examples of wonderful art. Although I know I'll find my own style, I love looking at these pages and getting ideas.

Life Artist - Ali Edwards. Some great ideas here for scrapbooking outside the box. I love her style and this book has terrific approaches to memory keeping.

Digital Scrapbooking for Dummies - Jeanne Wines-Reed & Joan Wines. This one was a gift from The Boy for Christmas. (Why is it not in the stack? Must have been reading it in the other room!) He thought it would help me create better pictures for sharing here on the blog as well as scrapbooking. I'm not ready to go all the way digital, but I've been wanting to try some hybrid stuff for a while so this is great!

Last but not least, I'm joining an online book club called the next chapter which will be reading The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin. That one had to be ordered so hopefully it will arrive before we begin this Friday! See the link on my side bar to join along with us. So glad I saw the link for this over at Adventuring Through Life - thanks Diana!

So what should I read when I'm done with these?

Suggestions?