I had a rough day so the blogging tonight is going to be lightweight. I found this list on Angela Marvel’s Blog. (I love her work!) Thought it was kinda cool.
1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A SECOND HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
That’s easy. The Beach!
2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?
Joal’s shirts. There’s one in particular that I secretly wear when he’s away.
3. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT?
I don’t remember the last CD I bought…all I have to do is request music and my DH is *thrilled* to go surfing the used CD stores to find it for me. Something about there being joy in the unt…I don’t know. Anyway, the last CD that he found at my request was Restless by Sara Evans and an Ella Fitzgerald album. My current requests are Keith Urban and Alison Krauss.
4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
As late as possible, but with my boys that’s usually about 6:30AM if I’m lucky.
5. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
Dishwasher of course. Cuts down on the time I have to spend in there. LOL! However, I did buy a h-u-g-e sauté pan today that I am looking forward to using.
6. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Drums, but alas, I have negative natural rhythm.
7. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?
Jeep. Just Jeeps.
8. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AFTER LIFE?
Absolutely! And it’s going to be absolutely amazing!
9. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?
Anything Eric Carle! The man is an artist!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?
Fall…I love the rich colors and the refreshing post-summer weather.
11. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
The power to heal.
12. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT?
Are you kidding me. Do you know how drunk I would have to be to do that??? LOL! Seriously, I do not submit voluntarily to pain of any sort. It’s a rule I have.
13. CAN YOU JUGGLE?
I can juggle two boys and a husband and a hobby…but that’s about it.
14. THE ONE PERSON/PEOPLE FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
Me, about ten years ago. I’d tell myself to get moving to prevent the problems I faced when I was pregnant and now.
15. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY?
Saturday, or really any day J is home from work.
16. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR?
Empty cans and bottles and newspapers to be recycled and the balls we always take to the park.
17. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
Hamburgers grilled. Ick on the sushi.
18.WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?
White Daisy
19 .FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Butter Pecan
20. BUTTER, PLAIN, OR SALTED POPCORN?
Butter – lots and lots of butter!
21. FAVORITE COLOR?
Blue…every shade.
22. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE?
Jeep Cherokee Sport
23. FAVORITE SANDWICH?
Hot Ham and Cheese on toasted white bread.
24. ON VACATION, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
The Beach!!
25. FAVORITE BRAND OF CLOTHING?
Hmmm…clothes come in brands. Didn’t know that.
26. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Oklahoma City, OK
27. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH?
Hockey, but only in person.
28. COKE OR PEPSI?
Neither. Diet Orange Sunkist.
29. ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT OWL?
Night. I’m so nocturnal it’s not funny.
30. WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
About 30 different blogs, 3 homeschooling books and the KI Memories Little Book of Big Ideas.
7.12.2005
The Line in the Sand
For a few days now, I’ve been participating in a group made up of Peas who want to get their finances under control and get out of debt. I figure we were in debt long enough…I should use those experiences for good for someone else now.
Anyone who knows me, knows, that with the one exception--our home, we don’t use debt at all. No credit cards. No HELOC. No car loans. Nada. For the first decade of our marriage, J and I struggled to stay “afloat” financially. We made some mistakes, did some stupid things and had some rough things happen to us that were beyond our control and the sum of those events led us deeply into debt. Slowly, but surely, we’ve worked our way out and we will *never* go there again.
So, today, the Financial Peas group was discussing “What lead you over the edge…?” What event or chain of events led you to want to ultimately get in control of your money and be debt-free? What prompted your “line in the sand”?
For me, it was all about furniture. (There’s a surprise.) About 6 years ago, just after we moved to Nashville, we were still deeply in debt but we needed a few small pieces of furniture. Well, if I’d had my way, we would have *needed* quite a bit of furniture but I was trying to be conservative, given the funding issues. Nashville has some great thrift stores and junque stores, so I was scouting them for things I could use.
At that point, we had paid off all the credit card debts and committed to each other not to use credit cards ever again. We were slowly coming into some wisdom where financial matters are concerned. Our main inspiration was Dave Ramsey, a Nashvillian who hosts a nationally-broadcast talk radio show about money. I was on board with the plan of getting out of debt, but let’s just say I wasn’t yet fully integrated into the plan. I still wanted furniture…now.
So, in an effort to integrate the two (getting out of debt while still buying furniture), I was scouring thrift stores and jungue stores.
At The Salvation Army Thrift store on Charlotte Pike I found the most beautiful, say it again, b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l burgundy leather sofa and loveseat combination I’ve ever seen. It had just been dropped off and they were moving it in. The smell of leather is like a drug to me and I recognized it right away. If you love leather furniture as I do…you know what I mean when I say it was amazing! It looked like it came from an upscale office…maybe a judge or a psychiatrist. It wasn’t fake leather…it was the real stuff…beautifully aged in places…but in perfect condition. My heart skipped several beats. (OK so I’m a furniture nut.)
The price: $3oo - - - for both pieces.
I was ill. I cried. I was tempted to stomp my feet.
It should have been waaay more than that…about $2800 by my somewhat educated estimation.
But no matter. I didn’t have $3oo to spend on a sofa. Or even two perfect leather sofas. Just didn’t have it. Knew it wasn’t even worth discussing with my honey because we had almost no savings and there were more important things to be done with our money than buying two perfect leather sofas.
That was the line in the sand for me. That was the day I realized that this was not the way I wanted to live the rest of my life. That was the day I got “on board the debt-free” train.
I can be hard-headed sometimes. I wish I could say that I wanted to save money and be debt-free for the good of my children and our future. And I do, but that was not the goal that got me on board personally.
I wish I could tell you that the plans we have inspire me to continue on this path. They do but that was not the point that got me on board personally.
For me, it all boils down to that amazing pair of leather sofas. That’s when I knew I was going to work with my husband to change the way we lived. We were going to get in control of our money, be adults instead of children, and get out of debt.
I never want to face that feeling of “why didn’t I save any money” ever again. I want to always know that I have done wise things, as much as I know how.
Some of my friends have mentioned that maybe it wouldn’t have been such a bad thing to go get a credit card or use the line of credit at our bank and buy the sofas. Afterall, it could have been a short-term deal and those were certainly some fine sofas at a once-in-a-lifetime price. And I agree, we could have.
But I guess, even then, I had a sense that this was a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Sometimes I don’t pay attention until it hurts, ya know.
The Day of the Leather Sofas protects me. Every time I think of doing something stupid with our money and every time I think, “well, maybe we could take advantage of the 1-year-no-interest plan for installing wood floors throughout our house”…then I remember what being in debt has already cost me.
Two.
Beautiful.
Leather.
Sofas.
That’s all I am willing to pay for this lesson
Anyone who knows me, knows, that with the one exception--our home, we don’t use debt at all. No credit cards. No HELOC. No car loans. Nada. For the first decade of our marriage, J and I struggled to stay “afloat” financially. We made some mistakes, did some stupid things and had some rough things happen to us that were beyond our control and the sum of those events led us deeply into debt. Slowly, but surely, we’ve worked our way out and we will *never* go there again.
So, today, the Financial Peas group was discussing “What lead you over the edge…?” What event or chain of events led you to want to ultimately get in control of your money and be debt-free? What prompted your “line in the sand”?
For me, it was all about furniture. (There’s a surprise.) About 6 years ago, just after we moved to Nashville, we were still deeply in debt but we needed a few small pieces of furniture. Well, if I’d had my way, we would have *needed* quite a bit of furniture but I was trying to be conservative, given the funding issues. Nashville has some great thrift stores and junque stores, so I was scouting them for things I could use.
At that point, we had paid off all the credit card debts and committed to each other not to use credit cards ever again. We were slowly coming into some wisdom where financial matters are concerned. Our main inspiration was Dave Ramsey, a Nashvillian who hosts a nationally-broadcast talk radio show about money. I was on board with the plan of getting out of debt, but let’s just say I wasn’t yet fully integrated into the plan. I still wanted furniture…now.
So, in an effort to integrate the two (getting out of debt while still buying furniture), I was scouring thrift stores and jungue stores.
At The Salvation Army Thrift store on Charlotte Pike I found the most beautiful, say it again, b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l burgundy leather sofa and loveseat combination I’ve ever seen. It had just been dropped off and they were moving it in. The smell of leather is like a drug to me and I recognized it right away. If you love leather furniture as I do…you know what I mean when I say it was amazing! It looked like it came from an upscale office…maybe a judge or a psychiatrist. It wasn’t fake leather…it was the real stuff…beautifully aged in places…but in perfect condition. My heart skipped several beats. (OK so I’m a furniture nut.)
The price: $3oo - - - for both pieces.
I was ill. I cried. I was tempted to stomp my feet.
It should have been waaay more than that…about $2800 by my somewhat educated estimation.
But no matter. I didn’t have $3oo to spend on a sofa. Or even two perfect leather sofas. Just didn’t have it. Knew it wasn’t even worth discussing with my honey because we had almost no savings and there were more important things to be done with our money than buying two perfect leather sofas.
That was the line in the sand for me. That was the day I realized that this was not the way I wanted to live the rest of my life. That was the day I got “on board the debt-free” train.
I can be hard-headed sometimes. I wish I could say that I wanted to save money and be debt-free for the good of my children and our future. And I do, but that was not the goal that got me on board personally.
I wish I could tell you that the plans we have inspire me to continue on this path. They do but that was not the point that got me on board personally.
For me, it all boils down to that amazing pair of leather sofas. That’s when I knew I was going to work with my husband to change the way we lived. We were going to get in control of our money, be adults instead of children, and get out of debt.
I never want to face that feeling of “why didn’t I save any money” ever again. I want to always know that I have done wise things, as much as I know how.
Some of my friends have mentioned that maybe it wouldn’t have been such a bad thing to go get a credit card or use the line of credit at our bank and buy the sofas. Afterall, it could have been a short-term deal and those were certainly some fine sofas at a once-in-a-lifetime price. And I agree, we could have.
But I guess, even then, I had a sense that this was a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Sometimes I don’t pay attention until it hurts, ya know.
The Day of the Leather Sofas protects me. Every time I think of doing something stupid with our money and every time I think, “well, maybe we could take advantage of the 1-year-no-interest plan for installing wood floors throughout our house”…then I remember what being in debt has already cost me.
Two.
Beautiful.
Leather.
Sofas.
That’s all I am willing to pay for this lesson
7.11.2005
Real People, Real Scrapbooks
“Scrapbooking has really taken off.”
“Why yes it has. Just yesterday, I was watching Food TV and Paula Deen said she’s into scrapbooking. Isn’t that cool?”
“Really? I just love her.”
“I bet her scrapbooks are amazing.”
“Yep. Seems like scrapbooking is the next big celebrity thing. Vannah White, Leeza Gibbons, Lisa Welchel, LeeAnn Womack . Oh and Faith Hill is a stamper.”
“Wow!”
Question: Why do we find it so reassuring that a few celebrities scrapbook too? Are we really this desperate for someone to validate our hobby? Puh-leeze.
Even Tom Bergeron recognizes the popularity of scrapbooking and celebrities: Go here to read about it.
Sorry. I’m not impressed. So a few of Hollywood’s A-list people are scrapbooking. Does that make me more “normal” or more “A-list”.
No. I think it makes them more “normal”.
Everyone has a story to tell. I know - I keep preaching this, sometimes even to the choir. But it's true. Where would we be without the stories of our past? This is history, lived out everyday, being recorded for the future.
I'm glad that there are people in Hollywood who value the stories of their familes enough to preserve them in a scrapbook. And I'm always glad to find other people (of any sort) scrap their stories. However, celebrity stories are no more valuable than the stories of everyday people. I guess it kinda bugs me that we make such a big deal about a "celebrity" scrapper.
Life is rich.
No matter who you are.
“Why yes it has. Just yesterday, I was watching Food TV and Paula Deen said she’s into scrapbooking. Isn’t that cool?”
“Really? I just love her.”
“I bet her scrapbooks are amazing.”
“Yep. Seems like scrapbooking is the next big celebrity thing. Vannah White, Leeza Gibbons, Lisa Welchel, LeeAnn Womack . Oh and Faith Hill is a stamper.”
“Wow!”
Question: Why do we find it so reassuring that a few celebrities scrapbook too? Are we really this desperate for someone to validate our hobby? Puh-leeze.
Even Tom Bergeron recognizes the popularity of scrapbooking and celebrities: Go here to read about it.
Sorry. I’m not impressed. So a few of Hollywood’s A-list people are scrapbooking. Does that make me more “normal” or more “A-list”.
No. I think it makes them more “normal”.
Everyone has a story to tell. I know - I keep preaching this, sometimes even to the choir. But it's true. Where would we be without the stories of our past? This is history, lived out everyday, being recorded for the future.
I'm glad that there are people in Hollywood who value the stories of their familes enough to preserve them in a scrapbook. And I'm always glad to find other people (of any sort) scrap their stories. However, celebrity stories are no more valuable than the stories of everyday people. I guess it kinda bugs me that we make such a big deal about a "celebrity" scrapper.
Life is rich.
No matter who you are.
7.10.2005
Not without Bon Jovi...
Oh no. I forgot the Bon Jovi's Cross Roads disk. Darn it.
That would be wrong.
That would be wrong.
Ten Disk List
The 2Peas Meme for the week!
Ten disks I would take to a deserted island. Hmm. Well, I pride myself on the fact that I listen to a bunch of different styles of music and generally prefer lesser known artists.
With that in mind, here's my list:
Edgar Cruz – Those Were the Days
Steven Curtis Chapman – All About Love
Mary Chapin Carpenter – Stones in the Road
George Canyon – One Good Friend
Faith Hill – Faith
Marc Cohn – Marc Cohn
Amy Grant – House of Love
Charlie Peacock – Kingdom Come
Harry Connick, Jr. – Only You
Geoff Moore and the Distance – A Place to Stand (out of print)
and
a disc of all my husband’s original tunes.
OK, so that’s 11. It’s my island. I’ll make room.
Ten disks I would take to a deserted island. Hmm. Well, I pride myself on the fact that I listen to a bunch of different styles of music and generally prefer lesser known artists.
With that in mind, here's my list:
Edgar Cruz – Those Were the Days
Steven Curtis Chapman – All About Love
Mary Chapin Carpenter – Stones in the Road
George Canyon – One Good Friend
Faith Hill – Faith
Marc Cohn – Marc Cohn
Amy Grant – House of Love
Charlie Peacock – Kingdom Come
Harry Connick, Jr. – Only You
Geoff Moore and the Distance – A Place to Stand (out of print)
and
a disc of all my husband’s original tunes.
OK, so that’s 11. It’s my island. I’ll make room.
7.09.2005
Soothing to the Soul
There are, I believe, few things in this world
that soothe ones soul like
time spent with true friends.
that soothe ones soul like
time spent with true friends.
7.08.2005
On the topic of Journaling
In this thread in The Pub at 2Peas, *Rosy* asked some interesting questions about journaling. Here are my answers:
*How important is journaling to you?
To me, the journaling of a story is at least as important as the photos—maybe even more. After all, all it takes is one generation for the entire story of a photo to be lost. I rarely do a layout without any journaling because there’s always a story to tell.
*How important is it to the publications/DTs you're pursuing?
Earlier this year I competed for a position on a design team. One of the requirements of the competition was that the layouts submitted have a title, photos and handwritten journaling. That’s an on-going requirement of the team, because the team is sponsored by the author of the book “Hand Lettering Made Easy”. The book encourages hand-journaling as opposed to computer-generated journaling. It would seem hypocritical to have the design team producing layouts that didn’t follow the mission of the book.
It was this position of valuing journaling that made me want to be a part of this particular DT. I wanted to be stretched into new areas and try some new things – including more handwritten journaling. I knew this DT position would meet those needs.
That being said, I look thru current magazines and I see plenty of journaling but very little hand-written journaling. I’m torn on this topic. I completely respect those people who are happy with their handwriting. I love to look at layouts that utilize handwritten journaling. They are indeed, very special. However, I think the computer does have a place in my scrapbook, just as it has a place in my life. Everything else I write, I do so using the computer. Because of this, I find it easier to write by touching keys rather than forming words with a pen. There are also fonts, formatting and spell-check. All are handy tools for a writer and a scrapbooker.
*What role does it play in your designing process?
Journaling plays a heavy role in my design process. I give the journaling the same “weight” as the photos. Usually I do the journaling first, before the layout even begins to take shape in my head. To me, the story matters as much as the image that illustrates it.
*What is most memorable to you in others' journaling? What do you like/dislike?
I admit it – I am a sucker for two things: catchy titles and sappy or funny journaling. I love titles that play on words. I love titles that are ripped from everyday life. I love twisted titles. I love titles that stay on the brain as catchy. I think a good title can make or break a layout.
My favorite layouts are those that evoke emotion. They either make me laugh out loud or they make me cry.
I will never forget the first layout that ever made me cry. It’s Rebecca Sower’s layout called “Erin, Easter 2000”. It’s in her first book, Scrapbooking Life’s Little Treasures on page 42. The layout is very simple and the journaling very brief. It’s a conversation between mother and daughter about an Easter dress. To me, it just summarizes so well, what it must be like to have a daughter, something I know nothing about but dream of on occasion. And that, made me cry.
That experience also taught me a lesson about the power of words in our scrapbook. Without the journaling, they are just pretty pictures.
Since then, I’ve learned that I cry easily over other scrappers touching layouts. It seems sweetness comes thru easily when accompanied by the love of the creative soul. I admit it…I have a magnifying glass in my scrap space for reading the minute journaling in magazine layouts. I thrive on the stories.
If a layout makes me laugh, you can bet I will love it. The ability to write funny journaling is something I aspire to. Funny without crossing into stupid. It’s a goal. I don’t see funny very often, but when I do, I love it.
The other characteristic I like to see in journaling is honesty. Yes, we all know that Susie Scrapper’s daughter is “so darn cute” but that is (usually) obvious from the photos. I can get to that point without any journaling at all. All mothers think their babies are “the cutest ever”. It’s a given. Give me a “slice of life” memory that illustrates who this little girl is. Tell me the unique things about her. Share part of her story that’s not so obvious, even if it isn’t perfectly blissful. Be real. Sometimes life is messy and that’s ok.
There are a lot of great points made in the thread on journaling. Check it out.
*How important is journaling to you?
To me, the journaling of a story is at least as important as the photos—maybe even more. After all, all it takes is one generation for the entire story of a photo to be lost. I rarely do a layout without any journaling because there’s always a story to tell.
*How important is it to the publications/DTs you're pursuing?
Earlier this year I competed for a position on a design team. One of the requirements of the competition was that the layouts submitted have a title, photos and handwritten journaling. That’s an on-going requirement of the team, because the team is sponsored by the author of the book “Hand Lettering Made Easy”. The book encourages hand-journaling as opposed to computer-generated journaling. It would seem hypocritical to have the design team producing layouts that didn’t follow the mission of the book.
It was this position of valuing journaling that made me want to be a part of this particular DT. I wanted to be stretched into new areas and try some new things – including more handwritten journaling. I knew this DT position would meet those needs.
That being said, I look thru current magazines and I see plenty of journaling but very little hand-written journaling. I’m torn on this topic. I completely respect those people who are happy with their handwriting. I love to look at layouts that utilize handwritten journaling. They are indeed, very special. However, I think the computer does have a place in my scrapbook, just as it has a place in my life. Everything else I write, I do so using the computer. Because of this, I find it easier to write by touching keys rather than forming words with a pen. There are also fonts, formatting and spell-check. All are handy tools for a writer and a scrapbooker.
*What role does it play in your designing process?
Journaling plays a heavy role in my design process. I give the journaling the same “weight” as the photos. Usually I do the journaling first, before the layout even begins to take shape in my head. To me, the story matters as much as the image that illustrates it.
*What is most memorable to you in others' journaling? What do you like/dislike?
I admit it – I am a sucker for two things: catchy titles and sappy or funny journaling. I love titles that play on words. I love titles that are ripped from everyday life. I love twisted titles. I love titles that stay on the brain as catchy. I think a good title can make or break a layout.
My favorite layouts are those that evoke emotion. They either make me laugh out loud or they make me cry.
I will never forget the first layout that ever made me cry. It’s Rebecca Sower’s layout called “Erin, Easter 2000”. It’s in her first book, Scrapbooking Life’s Little Treasures on page 42. The layout is very simple and the journaling very brief. It’s a conversation between mother and daughter about an Easter dress. To me, it just summarizes so well, what it must be like to have a daughter, something I know nothing about but dream of on occasion. And that, made me cry.
That experience also taught me a lesson about the power of words in our scrapbook. Without the journaling, they are just pretty pictures.
Since then, I’ve learned that I cry easily over other scrappers touching layouts. It seems sweetness comes thru easily when accompanied by the love of the creative soul. I admit it…I have a magnifying glass in my scrap space for reading the minute journaling in magazine layouts. I thrive on the stories.
If a layout makes me laugh, you can bet I will love it. The ability to write funny journaling is something I aspire to. Funny without crossing into stupid. It’s a goal. I don’t see funny very often, but when I do, I love it.
The other characteristic I like to see in journaling is honesty. Yes, we all know that Susie Scrapper’s daughter is “so darn cute” but that is (usually) obvious from the photos. I can get to that point without any journaling at all. All mothers think their babies are “the cutest ever”. It’s a given. Give me a “slice of life” memory that illustrates who this little girl is. Tell me the unique things about her. Share part of her story that’s not so obvious, even if it isn’t perfectly blissful. Be real. Sometimes life is messy and that’s ok.
There are a lot of great points made in the thread on journaling. Check it out.
7.07.2005
Free for the Taking
This blogging thing has really taken off. I enjoy reading others and writing my own because I believe that everyone has a valuable story that needs to be shared. Of course, it's up to you to determine how to share your stories...in your scrapbook, in a journal, in music or maybe even in a blog. It's all good.
That being said, I keep coming up with what I think are catchy little names for blogs. So here's the deal. I'm going to start a list of potential blog names that come to me. If you like it, use it. If you use it, let me know and I'll link to it.
Here's my list:
Proof of Life
Signs of Life
Scribbles in the Sand
Further on Up the Road
Wake up and Smell the Art
Stop. Look. Listen.
Diva Dots are Contagious
Apparently, Diva Dots are a contagious condition.
The new issue of Creating Keepsakes was mysteriously missing any Diva Dots and the newest PaperKuts has one!
Well, OK, Sorta.
The PK Diva Dot is actually promoting a new idea book instead of a person.
Come to think of it...there is no mention of any one person on the cover of either magazine. Hmmm. Isn't that interesting?
The new issue of Creating Keepsakes was mysteriously missing any Diva Dots and the newest PaperKuts has one!
Well, OK, Sorta.
The PK Diva Dot is actually promoting a new idea book instead of a person.
Come to think of it...there is no mention of any one person on the cover of either magazine. Hmmm. Isn't that interesting?
Needed: One Chair. One Beach. Three Days.
The vacation-challenged (that would be us) n-e-e-d to go to the beach.
I need to go here.
Soon.
Tomorrow would be good.
Need.
I need to see him (and his brother) do this again. He wasn't too keen on waves when this photo was taken in 1999. He would love the waves now.
Need, I tell ya.
I need to go here.
Soon.
Tomorrow would be good.
Need.
I need to see him (and his brother) do this again. He wasn't too keen on waves when this photo was taken in 1999. He would love the waves now.
Need, I tell ya.
7.06.2005
The Joy of Java...and Music
My husband is a Starbucks aficionado. Which is a nice way of saying...he's addicted. Seriously. Here's the proof:
--The proximity to at least one Starbucks location was a consideration in our house purchase. Think I'm joking? No way. Not in the least.
--He can spot the green logo about as well as I can spot a scrapbook store.
--He starts each workday at our local Starbucks and the word "usual" is almost always involved in his order. He also ends many workdays there. It's a great place to do his paperwork and de-compress before coming home. So yeah, that would be twice a day.
--We lovingly refer to Starbucks as "his office".
--He has a favorite table there. It's by the window.
--People have asked him if he works there.
--G is 2.5 and has a vocabulary of about 30 distinguishable words, including the phrase "Bucks Daddy". Loosly interpretted, this means "Daddy, are we going to Starbucks and can I have a scone?"
Yes, he's got a thing for Seattle's finest.
While enjoying the atmosphere (mainly the quiet) he's learned quite a bit about the business of coffee. He's also learned a bit about the music industry inside Starbucks. Imagine that! For instance, did you know that BeBe Winans released an album around Christmas called "My Christams Prayer" and it was available exclusively at Starbucks? Thru the Christmas season, the album sold 97,000 copies. That's pretty amazing.
GO HERE to read about the deal!
Our local Starbuck is also an interesting place to people watch. Apparently quite a few famous folks have a jive with the juice too.
I confess to enjoying a bit of Starbucks on my own now and again. Not often. Maybe once a month. While J drinks coffee, I'm prefer the coffee-wannabe drinks.In other words, I like a little coffee taste with my flavorings and fluff! My drink of choice is a Lite Caramel Frappaccino. It's cold and smoothe and indulgently yummy without being really bad for ya.
Speaking of bad for ya... I was happy to find this nutritional reference on their website. Warning: this chart can really rain on the parade of your enjoyment if you aren't careful. Don't say I didn't warn ya.
Come to think of it, Starbucks is quite a retail establishment. Beyond the fancy drinks, there's coffee, coffee accoutrements, gifts, food, games, music, books, art...what's next? Scrapbook supplies? Hey. Come to think of it, Starbucks does utilize some pretty cool graphics in their decor and packaging. Perhaps they should consider a snappy line of scrapping supplies.
How cool would that be?
7.05.2005
And lo, it was a very good mail day!
With the mail man came great joy today!
1. New Creating Keepsakes magazine
2. New Paperkuts magazine
3. SBAM purchase of paper and idea books
4. Designer Pack from Holle (free stuff to play with on behalf of the DT!)
Dinner?
No, it's not time for dinner.
Can't be.
I'm busy!!
1. New Creating Keepsakes magazine
2. New Paperkuts magazine
3. SBAM purchase of paper and idea books
4. Designer Pack from Holle (free stuff to play with on behalf of the DT!)
Dinner?
No, it's not time for dinner.
Can't be.
I'm busy!!
In the Back of the Bottom Drawer
Over the weekend, I had a chance to watch tv, (something I almost never do) so I caught up on some music by watching CMT. One that struck me was the video for Chely Wright’s new song, “Back of the Bottom Drawer”. Chely Wright has a penchant for songs that are very realistic, sometimes even at the expense of rhyme and even radio’s right hand – sing-ability. Chely chooses depth over pop and she knows how to write for her own voice. She is somewhat defiant in her style. She always has something to say. It sounds cliché, but she’s definitely more than a pretty face in Nashville.
Back of the Bottom Drawer is true Chely Wright style. Here are the lyrics .
It made me think. It made me smile. Chely’s good at that. It begs the obvious question. I have a cigar box in the back of the bottom drawer. Don’t you? I think of it as a shrine to yesterday. Today is always better and as the lyric said:
I don't keep these things 'cause I'm longing to go back
I keep them because I want to stay right where I'm at
I'm reminded of my rights and wrongs
I don't want to mess this up
But I wouldn't know where I belong
Without this box of stuff.
I don’t have Chely’s gift for blatant personal honesty, but my box holds things I treasure from days gone by.
*A letter from my mom
*A letter from my first love
*A tape of a song
*My high school ring
*A piece of my wedding dress
*Dried flowers from a funeral
*Movie tickets
*Concert tickets
*An old pair of sunglasses
*A couple of photos
*A deck of cards
Funny. Looking at this list, I realize that if someone else took a look at all these thing they would probably see just a pile of junk. Well, except for the ring and maybe the letters. But it’s this perceived “junk” that feels like all the pieces of my life. Little moments, represented some of my dearest memories all in one place, just for me.
So, what’s in your box?
Back of the Bottom Drawer is true Chely Wright style. Here are the lyrics .
It made me think. It made me smile. Chely’s good at that. It begs the obvious question. I have a cigar box in the back of the bottom drawer. Don’t you? I think of it as a shrine to yesterday. Today is always better and as the lyric said:
I don't keep these things 'cause I'm longing to go back
I keep them because I want to stay right where I'm at
I'm reminded of my rights and wrongs
I don't want to mess this up
But I wouldn't know where I belong
Without this box of stuff.
I don’t have Chely’s gift for blatant personal honesty, but my box holds things I treasure from days gone by.
*A letter from my mom
*A letter from my first love
*A tape of a song
*My high school ring
*A piece of my wedding dress
*Dried flowers from a funeral
*Movie tickets
*Concert tickets
*An old pair of sunglasses
*A couple of photos
*A deck of cards
Funny. Looking at this list, I realize that if someone else took a look at all these thing they would probably see just a pile of junk. Well, except for the ring and maybe the letters. But it’s this perceived “junk” that feels like all the pieces of my life. Little moments, represented some of my dearest memories all in one place, just for me.
So, what’s in your box?
7.04.2005
God Bless America...
God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her
And guide her
Through the night
With a light
From above.
Happy Fourth of July, everyone!!
7.03.2005
Artella
If you enjoy the art of words and the intermingling of art and words as art, then you really should go visit the playground that is Artella Words and Art. What a wonderland of inspired and affiriming energy!! Let Marnie's work take you beyond the ordinary in your scrapbook! The newsletter - Articulation - is always very uplifting and filed with things to make you think beyond the proverbial box.
7.01.2005
It's Like a Scrapbooking Garage Sale...all the time!
One of my favorite places to find inexpensive gently-used scrapping treasures is Scrapbook Addict’s Marketplace. Recently, I purchased an idea book that I’ve been wanting from someone who placed an ad there. I purchased the $20 book for only $5 plus $2 shipping and postage.
Check it out! (Of course, before purchasing something from an independent person on the internet...check them out. Many SBAM users will gladly provide references or point you to their eBay feedback.)
Check it out! (Of course, before purchasing something from an independent person on the internet...check them out. Many SBAM users will gladly provide references or point you to their eBay feedback.)
If I Had a Digital Camera...
So, my good friend Heather has been telling me for a while now that I need to take that flying leap and go digital. And my friend Anita. And my friend Julie. And my husband. And…well, you get my drift.
OK.
I’m starting to get the picture…err…well, not really. The picture is at the lab being developed. But I am approaching the point of agreement.
After some thought, I think the ability to bypass the Kroger lab would free me up to take more creative (risky) shots. It would release me to experiment more. After all, unlike with a film camera, an experimental shot on a digital requires no commitment. It costs nothing in terms of film. There is no obligation to have it printed; only to find out it is utterly unusable. How freeing that sounds.
So today I made a list of all the things that I would snap a picture of if I had a digital camera (but probably wouldn’t shoot on film). So, you wanna see the list, right?
---My Scrap Space – I would love to share the progress we’ve made on my space, transforming it from 2 closets to the space it is now.
---My neighbor’s flower garden…with permission, of course.
---Food – photos of my favorite recipes to include in my recipe (scrap)book.
---Food – yes, again. This time foods that I have recently discovered and really value…like the Klondike Slim-a-Bear No Sugar Added Ice Cream sandwich. That you really need to see to understand.
---Random artful things, like road signs and logos.
---Myself. I know that sounds weird but I so rarely like the way photos of me turn out that I hate to commit film to something there’s a great chance is going to be discarded. (Please don't anyone tell Angie Pedersen this.)
---Home Décor Accomplishments – Donna Downey’s blog entry has me thinking of ways to include my art in my kitchen. It would be nice to be able to be able to show and tell with ease.
---The ugliest bathroom I have ever visited. Yes, it’s just down my hall but telling you about it is not the same as being able to show you. Trust me. You gotta see it to believe it.
There’s my list. I’m sure I can think of other things.
So, yes, I think a digital camera might be on my horizon.
Maybe.
6.30.2005
Becoming
This CD is stuck in my CD player. Stuck there because I absolutely can’t get enough of it.
It’s “Becoming” by Christine Dente.
If the music world has a Rebecca Sower-esque artist…Christine is definitely it!
It’s “Becoming” by Christine Dente.
If the music world has a Rebecca Sower-esque artist…Christine is definitely it!
Thoughtful.
Melodic.
Deep.
Spiritual.
Artful.
Inspiring.
These are the common characteristics I find in the works of both these remarkable women.
Every single song on this album speaks straight to me. My heart on a disk. I’m especially partial to “Gotta Go Through” today. This lyric is brilliant:
Love that.
It’s good to know I have someone to trip along this path with.
Thanks, Christine.
Melodic.
Deep.
Spiritual.
Artful.
Inspiring.
These are the common characteristics I find in the works of both these remarkable women.
Every single song on this album speaks straight to me. My heart on a disk. I’m especially partial to “Gotta Go Through” today. This lyric is brilliant:
Every day we take a chance
Learn a new step in the dance
Tripping together is better than falling apart.
Love that.
It’s good to know I have someone to trip along this path with.
Thanks, Christine.
Happy! Happy! Happy! Thou shalt be Happy!
What a day! or maybe more appropriately, what a morning! Last night I couldn't sleep. Around midnight I came down to my workspace to keep from disturbing Joal with my insomnia. I thought I'd stay a few minutes and them go back to bed. Ha!!!
At 4:55 AM - just before the sun and the sons began to rise, I finished up a slew of cards I have been working on and made myself go to bed.
It's funny how just doing things you love refreshes your soul.
Here's one of my cards, completed for the LaPluma Team Monthly Swap:
This card features LaPluma stamps and All My Memories paper. If you haven't checked out the LaPluma stamps...well, of course, you should. The Dial-a-Word stamp is too cool. Quick, very functional--and could serve as a weapon if needed! (Sorry. I know this is starting to sound like a commercial...)
Haven't seen the Dial-a-Word stamp?? Well try this on for size. Remember, a long time ago - just after the dinosaurs, before the libraries were computerized. The librarian actually used a date stamp to stamp the due date into the card that you signed your name too. (Yeah, that was the original use of library cards and pockets, before scrapbooking!) Well, that date stamp was adjustable. To change the date, you roll up the correct numbers on the band. The Dial-a-Word band stamp opperates on the same idea, only it's about ten times bigger!! Big! Big! Big! It can handle a phrase of up to 12 characters or spaces. See the words "Put on Your" on my card? Yep. You guessed it. Created that phrase using this big momma of a stamp!! (OK, advertisement over.) :)
PS. The little black discs separating the patterned paper from the pink paper are sequins, a trim I found at JoAnn. Black. Shiny. I wish the sparkle had come thru on the scan.
Ok, for real this time...back to my usual blogging.
Stamped a-l-o-t today. When one is on a creative roll...one just keeps on working. I realized today that I love a good juicy ink pad. So, I re-freshed (some call it re-inking) all my ink pads today. All four of them. (I really need to go shopping for some new ink colors.) I also found my Staz-On pad stashed away in a drawer of other things. Black of course. So tonight I am stamping on transparencies. Very cool! (I know. I'm behind the times a bit.)
Hey, can someone please tell me how to get Staz-On ink *off* my stamps?? or um, does it *Staz-On* the stamps too??
At 4:55 AM - just before the sun and the sons began to rise, I finished up a slew of cards I have been working on and made myself go to bed.
It's funny how just doing things you love refreshes your soul.
Here's one of my cards, completed for the LaPluma Team Monthly Swap:
This card features LaPluma stamps and All My Memories paper. If you haven't checked out the LaPluma stamps...well, of course, you should. The Dial-a-Word stamp is too cool. Quick, very functional--and could serve as a weapon if needed! (Sorry. I know this is starting to sound like a commercial...)
Haven't seen the Dial-a-Word stamp?? Well try this on for size. Remember, a long time ago - just after the dinosaurs, before the libraries were computerized. The librarian actually used a date stamp to stamp the due date into the card that you signed your name too. (Yeah, that was the original use of library cards and pockets, before scrapbooking!) Well, that date stamp was adjustable. To change the date, you roll up the correct numbers on the band. The Dial-a-Word band stamp opperates on the same idea, only it's about ten times bigger!! Big! Big! Big! It can handle a phrase of up to 12 characters or spaces. See the words "Put on Your" on my card? Yep. You guessed it. Created that phrase using this big momma of a stamp!! (OK, advertisement over.) :)
PS. The little black discs separating the patterned paper from the pink paper are sequins, a trim I found at JoAnn. Black. Shiny. I wish the sparkle had come thru on the scan.
Ok, for real this time...back to my usual blogging.
Stamped a-l-o-t today. When one is on a creative roll...one just keeps on working. I realized today that I love a good juicy ink pad. So, I re-freshed (some call it re-inking) all my ink pads today. All four of them. (I really need to go shopping for some new ink colors.) I also found my Staz-On pad stashed away in a drawer of other things. Black of course. So tonight I am stamping on transparencies. Very cool! (I know. I'm behind the times a bit.)
Hey, can someone please tell me how to get Staz-On ink *off* my stamps?? or um, does it *Staz-On* the stamps too??
One other thing: I just want to say a thank you to everyone who has taken the time to post comments on my little blog lately. I love love love getting your comments, thoughts, jokes...heck, even a little criticism every now and again is ok too. Makes my day!
Have a happy morning!!
6.29.2005
6.28.2005
Summer on a Stick
J is ecstatic!
Actually that’s probably an understatement but I can’t think of any word equal to the thrill he had today.
Our back yard backs up to another back yard/house. That house faces the “main drag” of our subdivision. While we can’t actually get to the street through their yard because of the fences, we can see the main street from our back yard. For weeks, the Singsong Ice Cream truck has come down the main street, playing its music and selling the most glorious summer treats. For weeks, every time the ice cream truck comes down main street, J hears the music and gets all excited. He comes bounding in the house to share the news, G hot on his heels.
“Mom, today’s gonna be the day. The ice cream truck is coming down our street!!”
“Ya think so?” (nevermind, the ice cream truck has not yet once ever come down our street)
“Do you have any cash?”
“Yeah, hold on.” (I go and get the $5 I’m hidden away for just such emergencies because it’s just my luck…the one day the ice cream truck magically appears on our street will be the day Mom doesn’t have any cash on hand…that would just be the worst!)
“Make sure you walk to the street and be sure to buy G something too.”
“OK”
We have this conversation every single time we hear the music playing. I give him the money and he goes to sit on the front porch to wait (and, most likely, pray fervently).
My son is not known for his patience. In fact, he’s more often known for his lack of patience. But maybe it’s a lack of proper motivation because he will sit and wait on the front porch in hopes of the ice cream truck coming f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Seriously. I’ve had to force him to give up the vigil and come in at dark. Rain, sleet, hail, snow, darkness, tornado…takes more than unfavorable weather conditions to deter the hopes of a boy when it comes to ice cream.
So he waits.
And not once, this whole summer, has the beloved ice cream truck chosen to turn down our street.
Hopes have been dashed. Spirits plummet. Moping abounds. Nevermind that we have frozen yogurt in the freezer. There is no consolation for being neglected by the ice cream truck.
So yes, when we heard that famous music playing today, I was pretty skeptical. Even maybe a little perturbed. After all the times he’s been disappointed, I hate to see him go through this. I begrudgingly gave him the money and watched as he sat on the porch. My heart ached a bit. He’s so faithful.
I go about my business.
About ten minutes later I hear this incredible scream coming from the front porch. It’s followed closely by “Moooooooooom!!!!!!”
And that’s when I know. Today is *the* day.
Sure enough, the music has gotten louder than I’ve ever heard it before. J is off the porch and running full tilt down the driveway. Apparently he was listening when I said to walk, because about half way to the mailbox, he screeches to a halt for no apparent reason and looks back at me as he begins to walk ever-so-quickly towards the edge of our street.
The ice cream truck pulls up in front and stops. It takes a minute…then suddenly the windows fling open and a grandfatherly man with a smile the size of Dallas says “What can I get for ya, son?”
J eyes the treats shown on the board and points to the one he wants. The ice cream man hands him the treat (a chocolate and banana Bomb Pop) and takes his money.
Then J remembers his brother. “Greyson needs one of these.” he says.
The ice cream man gives him the other treat and his change.
He waves to me and closes up shop to move on down the road.
J brings the treasured ice cream treats back towards G and me. He’s wearing the biggest smile!! We go inside to gather up some napkins and a bowl for G.
The boys enjoy their ice cream at the picnic table in the back yard. It’s 90-something degrees outside today but neither seem to notice. They are laughing at each other as the try desperately not to allow a single drop of their fast-melting ice creams to go un-enjoyed.
Yep, ladies and gentlemen. That is the perfection of summer…right there on a stick and dripping down the elbows of two little boys!
Actually that’s probably an understatement but I can’t think of any word equal to the thrill he had today.
Our back yard backs up to another back yard/house. That house faces the “main drag” of our subdivision. While we can’t actually get to the street through their yard because of the fences, we can see the main street from our back yard. For weeks, the Singsong Ice Cream truck has come down the main street, playing its music and selling the most glorious summer treats. For weeks, every time the ice cream truck comes down main street, J hears the music and gets all excited. He comes bounding in the house to share the news, G hot on his heels.
“Mom, today’s gonna be the day. The ice cream truck is coming down our street!!”
“Ya think so?” (nevermind, the ice cream truck has not yet once ever come down our street)
“Do you have any cash?”
“Yeah, hold on.” (I go and get the $5 I’m hidden away for just such emergencies because it’s just my luck…the one day the ice cream truck magically appears on our street will be the day Mom doesn’t have any cash on hand…that would just be the worst!)
“Make sure you walk to the street and be sure to buy G something too.”
“OK”
We have this conversation every single time we hear the music playing. I give him the money and he goes to sit on the front porch to wait (and, most likely, pray fervently).
My son is not known for his patience. In fact, he’s more often known for his lack of patience. But maybe it’s a lack of proper motivation because he will sit and wait on the front porch in hopes of the ice cream truck coming f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Seriously. I’ve had to force him to give up the vigil and come in at dark. Rain, sleet, hail, snow, darkness, tornado…takes more than unfavorable weather conditions to deter the hopes of a boy when it comes to ice cream.
So he waits.
And not once, this whole summer, has the beloved ice cream truck chosen to turn down our street.
Hopes have been dashed. Spirits plummet. Moping abounds. Nevermind that we have frozen yogurt in the freezer. There is no consolation for being neglected by the ice cream truck.
So yes, when we heard that famous music playing today, I was pretty skeptical. Even maybe a little perturbed. After all the times he’s been disappointed, I hate to see him go through this. I begrudgingly gave him the money and watched as he sat on the porch. My heart ached a bit. He’s so faithful.
I go about my business.
About ten minutes later I hear this incredible scream coming from the front porch. It’s followed closely by “Moooooooooom!!!!!!”
And that’s when I know. Today is *the* day.
Sure enough, the music has gotten louder than I’ve ever heard it before. J is off the porch and running full tilt down the driveway. Apparently he was listening when I said to walk, because about half way to the mailbox, he screeches to a halt for no apparent reason and looks back at me as he begins to walk ever-so-quickly towards the edge of our street.
The ice cream truck pulls up in front and stops. It takes a minute…then suddenly the windows fling open and a grandfatherly man with a smile the size of Dallas says “What can I get for ya, son?”
J eyes the treats shown on the board and points to the one he wants. The ice cream man hands him the treat (a chocolate and banana Bomb Pop) and takes his money.
Then J remembers his brother. “Greyson needs one of these.” he says.
The ice cream man gives him the other treat and his change.
He waves to me and closes up shop to move on down the road.
J brings the treasured ice cream treats back towards G and me. He’s wearing the biggest smile!! We go inside to gather up some napkins and a bowl for G.
The boys enjoy their ice cream at the picnic table in the back yard. It’s 90-something degrees outside today but neither seem to notice. They are laughing at each other as the try desperately not to allow a single drop of their fast-melting ice creams to go un-enjoyed.
Yep, ladies and gentlemen. That is the perfection of summer…right there on a stick and dripping down the elbows of two little boys!
6.26.2005
6.25.2005
The State of the {Scrapbooking} Union
As much as I love the message boards at 2Peas, I’m a little fumed right now. I see a trend in some posts there that is bothersome. Sure, some will say, “if you don’t like it, don’t read it”. And to a point, I agree. However, I have a long history as a pea and I think I’m entitled to rant a bit when I see things in my community that bother me. So here it is.
I do not understand the purpose of inherently negative threads regarding personal style. I am convinced that no good can come of a thread titled “I’m so sick of shabby chic” or “A list of overused phrases and themes”. I mean really.
Yes, 42 peas will agree that “shabby chic is definitely out” and “Gosh, I’m so tired of brown”. But really. How do you think these threads make shabby chic lovers feel about their work? Is this conversation productive to enhancing any ones creativity and enjoyment of the scrapping experience?
Have your opinion. Please. Have two if it makes you feel better. But please, why, why, why, must we tear down the personal preferences of others? No one is forcing shabby chic into your scrapbook…so why act like it’s a plague? Have your opinion and create with gusto! But where’s the good in hurting others in the process of spouting off??
Yes, you, my fellow peas, are entitled to your opinion about the alleged over-use of the word “Cherish” or “Dream”. You can claim that you will surely barf if you see one more layout titled “I Hope You Dance”. That’s fine. Go barf. Because the song is considered beautiful to many-a-talented-scrapper and somewhere along the way, you will undoubtedly be subjected to the torture of one more “I Hope You Dance” layout. Just try not to get it on the actual layout, please.
Shabby Chic is a style of scrapbooking. It’s a style that some people like. Just as fashions come and go, so is the waxing and waning of certain trends in the scrapbooking world. Ever heard that saying-- “If you don’t like the weather in Texas, wait ten minutes and it will change”? Yeah. Well the same should be said of scrapbooking. If you stick around this hobby very long, you’ll see this very clearly.
The wonderful thing about scrapbooking is that every scrapbooker is entitled to her (or his) own style.
If you love shabby chic, shmere (technical term) VDB ink on everything. (If you love shabby chic, you will already know what VDB stands for…) Throw in some clocks for good measure and don’t forget to crumple up that beautiful patterned paper. Paint it on then sand it off. Have a ball being your ripped up self!! Yay for your adventuresome style!
If shabby chic offends your sensibilities, no one is going to force you to make use of Van Dyke brown or add random skeleton keys or map paper to your layouts. Are you clean and graphic? More power to you! Be bold. Be stunning. Use Century Gothic and Black Jack on every page! Have a blast, my friend. Hey, you won’t have to wash your hands after a scrapping session.
Are you somewhere in between? Good for you! Have fun trying out lots of things!
Are you a sticker lover? Get stickin’ sweetie! You are the backbone of the scrapbook world! I hope your LSS appreciates you.
Are you known for your neons? Who Hoo! Have a brilliant time!
Are you a graduate of the Creative Memories school of thought? Well, yay for you! You’ll probably be done far before the rest of us!
My point is…it’s a big big scrapping world. There is plenty of room in it for all types and brands. Have your opinion. Use what you like! No one is going to force you to change a single thing about what you prefer for your own book.
But (there’s always a big ‘ol but somewhere, right) please-please-please can we choose to be generous when it comes to accepting what other people do in their scrapbook? What does it really cost you to *not* say “Egads, not another ‘Cherish’ layout…whattt was she thinking…those are so overdone?”
Really. Is this what we’ve become? A group of scrappers who can’t be tolerant and accepting of individual styles? A group of scrappers who can’t appreciate every style as that of an individual and value every layout as being important and cherished to it’s creator?? (Oh, darn. I used the “cherished” word.)
I just don’t think so.
I think we can do better. We are, after all, a creative bunch of Peas!
I do not understand the purpose of inherently negative threads regarding personal style. I am convinced that no good can come of a thread titled “I’m so sick of shabby chic” or “A list of overused phrases and themes”. I mean really.
Yes, 42 peas will agree that “shabby chic is definitely out” and “Gosh, I’m so tired of brown”. But really. How do you think these threads make shabby chic lovers feel about their work? Is this conversation productive to enhancing any ones creativity and enjoyment of the scrapping experience?
Have your opinion. Please. Have two if it makes you feel better. But please, why, why, why, must we tear down the personal preferences of others? No one is forcing shabby chic into your scrapbook…so why act like it’s a plague? Have your opinion and create with gusto! But where’s the good in hurting others in the process of spouting off??
Yes, you, my fellow peas, are entitled to your opinion about the alleged over-use of the word “Cherish” or “Dream”. You can claim that you will surely barf if you see one more layout titled “I Hope You Dance”. That’s fine. Go barf. Because the song is considered beautiful to many-a-talented-scrapper and somewhere along the way, you will undoubtedly be subjected to the torture of one more “I Hope You Dance” layout. Just try not to get it on the actual layout, please.
Shabby Chic is a style of scrapbooking. It’s a style that some people like. Just as fashions come and go, so is the waxing and waning of certain trends in the scrapbooking world. Ever heard that saying-- “If you don’t like the weather in Texas, wait ten minutes and it will change”? Yeah. Well the same should be said of scrapbooking. If you stick around this hobby very long, you’ll see this very clearly.
The wonderful thing about scrapbooking is that every scrapbooker is entitled to her (or his) own style.
If you love shabby chic, shmere (technical term) VDB ink on everything. (If you love shabby chic, you will already know what VDB stands for…) Throw in some clocks for good measure and don’t forget to crumple up that beautiful patterned paper. Paint it on then sand it off. Have a ball being your ripped up self!! Yay for your adventuresome style!
If shabby chic offends your sensibilities, no one is going to force you to make use of Van Dyke brown or add random skeleton keys or map paper to your layouts. Are you clean and graphic? More power to you! Be bold. Be stunning. Use Century Gothic and Black Jack on every page! Have a blast, my friend. Hey, you won’t have to wash your hands after a scrapping session.
Are you somewhere in between? Good for you! Have fun trying out lots of things!
Are you a sticker lover? Get stickin’ sweetie! You are the backbone of the scrapbook world! I hope your LSS appreciates you.
Are you known for your neons? Who Hoo! Have a brilliant time!
Are you a graduate of the Creative Memories school of thought? Well, yay for you! You’ll probably be done far before the rest of us!
My point is…it’s a big big scrapping world. There is plenty of room in it for all types and brands. Have your opinion. Use what you like! No one is going to force you to change a single thing about what you prefer for your own book.
But (there’s always a big ‘ol but somewhere, right) please-please-please can we choose to be generous when it comes to accepting what other people do in their scrapbook? What does it really cost you to *not* say “Egads, not another ‘Cherish’ layout…whattt was she thinking…those are so overdone?”
Really. Is this what we’ve become? A group of scrappers who can’t be tolerant and accepting of individual styles? A group of scrappers who can’t appreciate every style as that of an individual and value every layout as being important and cherished to it’s creator?? (Oh, darn. I used the “cherished” word.)
I just don’t think so.
I think we can do better. We are, after all, a creative bunch of Peas!
Moore Geoff...{yes, it's becoming a theme}
Brokeness and Self-Loathing Ahead...You've Been Warned!
This song sums up how I feel tonight. I hate being Diabetic. There. I said it. And typed it. I hate that it makes me different. I hate that it makes me feel ill and grumpy. I hate that in many ways it's my own fault. I hate that my family has had to adjust to compensate for this. I hate that I am having no luck in changing it. I hate that I have such little will-power and such terrible eating habits. I hate having needle tracks in the tips of my fingers. I hate that it never for one minute goes away. I hate that it sets such panic into the eyes of the man who loves me.
I'm entitled to complain. I walked on the treadmill at least one session every day this week--sometimes two. I have monitored what and when I eat very carefully all week. I have swallowed horse pills three times each day. And still the numbers betray me. Imperfections, indeed.
Love the One You Live In
Take a look in the mirror baby
You may not like what you see
Imperfections are running rampant
You’re not what you want to be
Your eyes just seem to wander
Everywhere you go
Your tongue is always speak
With a mind of its own
When you’re feeling out of control
Don’t ya know He’s planned it all so carefully
What you are, oh is
What He ment you to be
You gotta love the one you live in
That’s where it’s gotta begin
If you’re ever gonna know Him
Know Him, know Him
You gotta love the one you live in
It’s your brother standing over there
You know he needs your help
But you can never comfort him
Until you love yourself
No matter what failures come
Don’t you run
Until you see what He’s put there
And you’ll know how the Father really cares.
Gordon Kennedy, Geoff Moore and Billy Smiley
© 1985 Songs of Polygram International, Inc./Yellow Jacket Music Inc/BMI/ASCAP/ All rights reserved. Used by Permission. © 1986 Benson Music Group, Inc. Geoff Moore-Over the Edge (PWRO-PWO1080). Produced by Billy Smiley.
This song sums up how I feel tonight. I hate being Diabetic. There. I said it. And typed it. I hate that it makes me different. I hate that it makes me feel ill and grumpy. I hate that in many ways it's my own fault. I hate that my family has had to adjust to compensate for this. I hate that I am having no luck in changing it. I hate that I have such little will-power and such terrible eating habits. I hate having needle tracks in the tips of my fingers. I hate that it never for one minute goes away. I hate that it sets such panic into the eyes of the man who loves me.
I'm entitled to complain. I walked on the treadmill at least one session every day this week--sometimes two. I have monitored what and when I eat very carefully all week. I have swallowed horse pills three times each day. And still the numbers betray me. Imperfections, indeed.
Love the One You Live In
Take a look in the mirror baby
You may not like what you see
Imperfections are running rampant
You’re not what you want to be
Your eyes just seem to wander
Everywhere you go
Your tongue is always speak
With a mind of its own
When you’re feeling out of control
Don’t ya know He’s planned it all so carefully
What you are, oh is
What He ment you to be
You gotta love the one you live in
That’s where it’s gotta begin
If you’re ever gonna know Him
Know Him, know Him
You gotta love the one you live in
It’s your brother standing over there
You know he needs your help
But you can never comfort him
Until you love yourself
No matter what failures come
Don’t you run
Until you see what He’s put there
And you’ll know how the Father really cares.
Gordon Kennedy, Geoff Moore and Billy Smiley
© 1985 Songs of Polygram International, Inc./Yellow Jacket Music Inc/BMI/ASCAP/ All rights reserved. Used by Permission. © 1986 Benson Music Group, Inc. Geoff Moore-Over the Edge (PWRO-PWO1080). Produced by Billy Smiley.
6.24.2005
This could be become a problem...!
So, since I posted about the ribbon club, people have been sending me info on all the other ribbon clubs. Here's a list if you are interested:
Little Red Scrapbook (a TN based company)
Great Ball of Fiber
Perfect Ribbon
3 Scrappy Boys
Fibers By The Yard
Also Scrap Candy has a good selection as does Impress Rubber Stamps, although they don't offer clubs.
For exotic and beautiful, check out The Ribbon Jar and JCarolineCreative.
For larger quantities, dive in to JKM Ribbon.
(Check back here as I'll keep updating this post with additional ribbon sources.)
Little Red Scrapbook (a TN based company)
Great Ball of Fiber
Perfect Ribbon
3 Scrappy Boys
Fibers By The Yard
Also Scrap Candy has a good selection as does Impress Rubber Stamps, although they don't offer clubs.
For exotic and beautiful, check out The Ribbon Jar and JCarolineCreative.
For larger quantities, dive in to JKM Ribbon.
(Check back here as I'll keep updating this post with additional ribbon sources.)
6.23.2005
Does this remind you of anyone??
THE STORY OF EERON KINNEY
We saw Eeron Kinney's truck at the fire station last night and I remembered that I'd been thinking about blogging this story. I read this story and I get such chills. I watch Ladder 49 and I can't help but context it around my son and my brother. There's a mixture of pride and dred in my heart.
My youngest brother, Andy is at Kilgore Community College training to become a fireman. In a few weeks the classroom part of his training will be completed. Then what? Then he’ll be a fireman. My. little. brother.
The one with the flaming red hair and a heart the size of, well, Texas.
Okay, granted. He’s 19 and a great deal taller than me.
A fireman.
For the life of me, I can think of nothing coherent to say. My heart skips a beat and I really wish I didn’t know all I know about fire fighting.
And then I look at my son.
He’s 9. He became enamored of fire trucks at 3 and the passion has never relented. My Amazon wish list includes more than 30 books about firemen, fire engines, living in fire houses and exploring what fire fighters do. Mind you, these books are on our books-to-buy list because we’ve already borrowed them from the library and we *know* we like them. He remembers the locations of every fire station he’s ever passed by. Coloring and drawing are not his favorite activities unless there are fire trucks involved. Reading…fire and stop, drop and roll were some of the first words that he learned to read. The boy can spot a fire hydrant from miles away. If it happens to be in range, it would take several adults to restrain him from getting to it. We don’t even try any more.
It’s apparent to me that there’s something special there—something inside him that connects. As much as the motherly part of me would like to squish it and have him become a college professor or choose some other relatively safe vocation, I know I can’t.
People tell me “Oh all boys go thru this. It’ll pass.” But they don’t know the depths to which this passion already goes with him. Much like Eeron Kinney, it’s just something built into him.
I love this story of Eeron Kinney. I’m going to print it off and put it in J’s scrapbook.
I can't think of a witty or brilliant way to sum up how I feel about this. I can only hope and pray.
We saw Eeron Kinney's truck at the fire station last night and I remembered that I'd been thinking about blogging this story. I read this story and I get such chills. I watch Ladder 49 and I can't help but context it around my son and my brother. There's a mixture of pride and dred in my heart.
My youngest brother, Andy is at Kilgore Community College training to become a fireman. In a few weeks the classroom part of his training will be completed. Then what? Then he’ll be a fireman. My. little. brother.
The one with the flaming red hair and a heart the size of, well, Texas.
Okay, granted. He’s 19 and a great deal taller than me.
A fireman.
For the life of me, I can think of nothing coherent to say. My heart skips a beat and I really wish I didn’t know all I know about fire fighting.
And then I look at my son.
He’s 9. He became enamored of fire trucks at 3 and the passion has never relented. My Amazon wish list includes more than 30 books about firemen, fire engines, living in fire houses and exploring what fire fighters do. Mind you, these books are on our books-to-buy list because we’ve already borrowed them from the library and we *know* we like them. He remembers the locations of every fire station he’s ever passed by. Coloring and drawing are not his favorite activities unless there are fire trucks involved. Reading…fire and stop, drop and roll were some of the first words that he learned to read. The boy can spot a fire hydrant from miles away. If it happens to be in range, it would take several adults to restrain him from getting to it. We don’t even try any more.
It’s apparent to me that there’s something special there—something inside him that connects. As much as the motherly part of me would like to squish it and have him become a college professor or choose some other relatively safe vocation, I know I can’t.
People tell me “Oh all boys go thru this. It’ll pass.” But they don’t know the depths to which this passion already goes with him. Much like Eeron Kinney, it’s just something built into him.
I love this story of Eeron Kinney. I’m going to print it off and put it in J’s scrapbook.
I can't think of a witty or brilliant way to sum up how I feel about this. I can only hope and pray.
6.22.2005
"Yeah, Baby, It's More Ribbon!"
Ribbon.
The word makes my hear skip a beat. Ribbon is one of those deliciously girly things that I adore. It can go anywhere and can dress up absolutely anything.
In a previous lifetime (BC=before children) I was a floral designer in a craft and home décor store. During my time there, I developed a belief that “there is no such thing as ugly ribbon…just ribbon that hasn’t found its proper calling yet”.
So, given this pre-existing condition, you can understand my delight when I ran across a thread on 2Peas that mentioned the Really Reasonable Ribbon Club. (2Peas…the ultimate enabler!)
For the beautifully low price of $5.50 plus $1.50 for postage and handling, I can enjoy the magic of 10 to 20 yards of assorted ribbons arriving in my mailbox every single month. How awesome is that?!! Each month has a different theme.
May was a selection of summer brights seen above.
It included a total of about 15 yards from manufactureres such as Offray and May Arts.
Organza, grosgrain, awning strip, varigated, checks, and patterned.
Lovely!
In the ever-so-straight-to-the-point words of Tim McGraw, “I like it. I love it. I want some more of it!”
The word makes my hear skip a beat. Ribbon is one of those deliciously girly things that I adore. It can go anywhere and can dress up absolutely anything.
In a previous lifetime (BC=before children) I was a floral designer in a craft and home décor store. During my time there, I developed a belief that “there is no such thing as ugly ribbon…just ribbon that hasn’t found its proper calling yet”.
So, given this pre-existing condition, you can understand my delight when I ran across a thread on 2Peas that mentioned the Really Reasonable Ribbon Club. (2Peas…the ultimate enabler!)
For the beautifully low price of $5.50 plus $1.50 for postage and handling, I can enjoy the magic of 10 to 20 yards of assorted ribbons arriving in my mailbox every single month. How awesome is that?!! Each month has a different theme.
May was a selection of summer brights seen above.
It included a total of about 15 yards from manufactureres such as Offray and May Arts.
Organza, grosgrain, awning strip, varigated, checks, and patterned.
Lovely!
In the ever-so-straight-to-the-point words of Tim McGraw, “I like it. I love it. I want some more of it!”
Ad Challenge #1
Recently, Creating Keepsakes Magazine began running a column by Faye Morrow Bell that I truly admire. It’s called “Idea Central”. In each article Faye shares a household item that she found inspiring and the multiple projects that she created using that item as a starting point. In the July issue, the item of inspiration was a very simple canvas wall hanging. From just this simple item, Faye was able to draw inspiration for design, texture and use of color. How cool is that?
So, while I’m certainly no FMB, I’d like to do this too. I have always been especially drawn to the design of magazine pages, usually advertisements. I’m posting this magazine advertisement that recently caught my eye as something that would also make an excellent scrapbook page. What do you think? Are you up for the challenge?
It's an ad for the GoldStrike Casino and Resort in Tunica, MS. Click here to see a larger version.
If you complete the challenge and want to share it, post it somewhere and put a link in the comments section.
Have fun!
So, while I’m certainly no FMB, I’d like to do this too. I have always been especially drawn to the design of magazine pages, usually advertisements. I’m posting this magazine advertisement that recently caught my eye as something that would also make an excellent scrapbook page. What do you think? Are you up for the challenge?
It's an ad for the GoldStrike Casino and Resort in Tunica, MS. Click here to see a larger version.
If you complete the challenge and want to share it, post it somewhere and put a link in the comments section.
Have fun!
6.20.2005
Discussion...She Asked for Discussion
A PubPea whom I admire, Sherry Steveson, has posted a query on her blog that I think deserves some discussion. So discuss, we will…or rather, I will.
From Sherry’s Blog
So, here are my humble thoughts on the issue of magazines publishing great layouts with less-than-fantastic photos.
In short, It’s probably not going to happen regularly. Here’s why I think that:
1—Magazines *sell* the idea that we can all make fantastic layouts and take fantastic photos and use fantastic products. They are banking on selling us that possibility. Just like Vogue and Cosmo are banking on selling us an image of a size 0 model in a skirt that costs $1,000…CK is selling a similar possibility. Even tho I haven’t spent a thousand dollars on my entire wardrobe stretched across the most recent ten years, (and probably won't start in the next ten years) I don’t buy Vogue to see what’s on the shelves at Target. I believe we have come to expect a certain level of impressiveness from our magazines and let’s face it, faded photos from the seventies just don’t impress and inspire like the stunning layouts featuring really good photos.
2—Technology (there’s the dreaded “T” word again) has made it so that those faded or damaged photos can be retouched and greatly improved by those of us without a college degree in photo restoration. With just a little practice an average scrapper can learn to scan, retouch, repair and re-size (and then print) less than stellar photos, creating beautiful masterpieces from what was once not. We want to submit our best work, right? So we fix those photos to make them acceptable.
3—Yes, we all have those less than perfect photos. Some of us, more than others. (Standing up, waving.) I think it’s important to remember that there are a lot of things scrappers do "in the privacy of their home-bound layouts" that magazines will never cover. Those rockin’ awesome Garden Girls that we all *heart* so much…they have bad photos too. Hall of Famers, Masters, Power Teammates…yep, them too, I bet. We all have them. We all scrap them. But just like there are topics that magazines won’t touch with a pair of archival gloves on, there are standards of quality that they need to hold the line on. However, just because certain things don’t appear in the magazines, does not mean we don’t have permission to scrap them! (Thank goodness.)
4—We must also remember that while we feel a certain friendliness towards the magazines we have come to love and admire (and desire a place inside), they are professional magazines run, for the most part, by people who were professionals in the magazine business before they got into the scrapbooking magazine business. They owe it to their profession to continue to raise the bar instead of accepting less than the best.
5—How many scrapbookers do you know who have improved their photography skills because they became scrapbookers? I know bunches. In fact, I am one. The scrapbooking magazines have taught amateur photographers a great deal about taking better photos. Just this month, there’s a cover article in Creating Keepsakes called “Perfect Portraits with Candice” in which Candice Stringham (this months Diva Dot) shares tips on getting better shots using a piece of foam core to use as an inexpensive reflector. (I won’t spoil the rest of the article…you have to read it on page 66, July 05 issue.) I know that taking better photos now doesn’t lessen the stack of less-than-desirables already waiting on you to scrap them, but it has improved future layouts, right?
6—Lastly, not every layout ever created should be published because having a LO published is supposed to be an honor. Being published in a magazine is a remarkable thing. It’s not easy to get published (as many of us know) and if it were, wouldn’t it be far less special? Not all of Ali’s layouts make it into the pages of CK…not everything Becky Higgins has touched has been published. The designs we see from the people who regularly contribute to the pages of our favorite magazines are just a fraction of all the work they do. By keeping the bar high, the magazines continue to inspire us to press on, to become more and more creative and to develop our own unique styles and habits.
So there’s my contribution to this discussion. I hope my desenting opinion is an additional spark in this discussion. It was interesting to think about this evening.
Oh yeah, I did forget to mention that while I don’t think it will be a trend that magazines give in to…I am encouraged to see the occasional article addressing these “problem” pictures and how to use them effectively. Small doses.
Thanks for reading.
From Sherry’s Blog
Okay, so what I'd like to discuss (ehem.. tapping the podium) is the idea that a layout has to have these ALL STAR pictures... you know ameatur (sp?) photography that resembles something out of the pages of Architecture Digest to be publish worthy.
NOW<>
Don't we ALL want to see great layouts USING those not so great shots? I mean, didn't Ali E... the QUEEN of layout design publish a BOOK with photos from her childhood that weren't perfect?
So my question to you is.... what will it take for there to be REALISTIC layouts of realistic photos in the magazine. Is it just showboating and all fluff or is there ever a magazine willing to take a chance on printing layouts that aren't exactly "magazine" quality?
So, here are my humble thoughts on the issue of magazines publishing great layouts with less-than-fantastic photos.
In short, It’s probably not going to happen regularly. Here’s why I think that:
1—Magazines *sell* the idea that we can all make fantastic layouts and take fantastic photos and use fantastic products. They are banking on selling us that possibility. Just like Vogue and Cosmo are banking on selling us an image of a size 0 model in a skirt that costs $1,000…CK is selling a similar possibility. Even tho I haven’t spent a thousand dollars on my entire wardrobe stretched across the most recent ten years, (and probably won't start in the next ten years) I don’t buy Vogue to see what’s on the shelves at Target. I believe we have come to expect a certain level of impressiveness from our magazines and let’s face it, faded photos from the seventies just don’t impress and inspire like the stunning layouts featuring really good photos.
2—Technology (there’s the dreaded “T” word again) has made it so that those faded or damaged photos can be retouched and greatly improved by those of us without a college degree in photo restoration. With just a little practice an average scrapper can learn to scan, retouch, repair and re-size (and then print) less than stellar photos, creating beautiful masterpieces from what was once not. We want to submit our best work, right? So we fix those photos to make them acceptable.
3—Yes, we all have those less than perfect photos. Some of us, more than others. (Standing up, waving.) I think it’s important to remember that there are a lot of things scrappers do "in the privacy of their home-bound layouts" that magazines will never cover. Those rockin’ awesome Garden Girls that we all *heart* so much…they have bad photos too. Hall of Famers, Masters, Power Teammates…yep, them too, I bet. We all have them. We all scrap them. But just like there are topics that magazines won’t touch with a pair of archival gloves on, there are standards of quality that they need to hold the line on. However, just because certain things don’t appear in the magazines, does not mean we don’t have permission to scrap them! (Thank goodness.)
4—We must also remember that while we feel a certain friendliness towards the magazines we have come to love and admire (and desire a place inside), they are professional magazines run, for the most part, by people who were professionals in the magazine business before they got into the scrapbooking magazine business. They owe it to their profession to continue to raise the bar instead of accepting less than the best.
5—How many scrapbookers do you know who have improved their photography skills because they became scrapbookers? I know bunches. In fact, I am one. The scrapbooking magazines have taught amateur photographers a great deal about taking better photos. Just this month, there’s a cover article in Creating Keepsakes called “Perfect Portraits with Candice” in which Candice Stringham (this months Diva Dot) shares tips on getting better shots using a piece of foam core to use as an inexpensive reflector. (I won’t spoil the rest of the article…you have to read it on page 66, July 05 issue.) I know that taking better photos now doesn’t lessen the stack of less-than-desirables already waiting on you to scrap them, but it has improved future layouts, right?
6—Lastly, not every layout ever created should be published because having a LO published is supposed to be an honor. Being published in a magazine is a remarkable thing. It’s not easy to get published (as many of us know) and if it were, wouldn’t it be far less special? Not all of Ali’s layouts make it into the pages of CK…not everything Becky Higgins has touched has been published. The designs we see from the people who regularly contribute to the pages of our favorite magazines are just a fraction of all the work they do. By keeping the bar high, the magazines continue to inspire us to press on, to become more and more creative and to develop our own unique styles and habits.
So there’s my contribution to this discussion. I hope my desenting opinion is an additional spark in this discussion. It was interesting to think about this evening.
Oh yeah, I did forget to mention that while I don’t think it will be a trend that magazines give in to…I am encouraged to see the occasional article addressing these “problem” pictures and how to use them effectively. Small doses.
Thanks for reading.
6.19.2005
Daddy
--JLB, circa approx 1954
With all the love and admiration I have ever known,
I love you, Daddy.
I wish I could have been there today. Happy Father's Day, anyway.
6.17.2005
School = Fun!!
One of the things I am enjoying about home schooling is that we discover new things together everyday. One of the biggest discoveries is that Julian will do anything for extra time to “do art”. Painting, clay sculpting, collag-ing and marker board time are his favorites.
He’s definitely a hands-on, experiential learner. Today he used lengths of Super Sculpey clay to “write” all sorts of things.
Greyson even got in on the clay action!
To further inspire his artistic explorations, we visited the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in downtown Nashville a few Fridays ago. He’s already asked to go back!
He’s definitely a hands-on, experiential learner. Today he used lengths of Super Sculpey clay to “write” all sorts of things.
Greyson even got in on the clay action!
To further inspire his artistic explorations, we visited the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in downtown Nashville a few Fridays ago. He’s already asked to go back!
6.16.2005
Ten Things I Wish I Had Known in High School
Another meme from this post on 2Peas.
circa 1990
10. It’s not all about the clothes.
9. Have some guts. Wallflowers rarely have fun. Make life easier on your younger siblings by giving your parents a little bit of a hard time once in a while.
8. Pink glasses may be cute on the shelf…but they are not cute on a fair-skinned young woman. They look like goggles.
7. When it comes to hair, bigger is not better. EVER.
6. That boy you have liked since the fifth grade…psst, he likes you too (but he won't tell you until the day before graduation).
5. When the oil pressure light of your best friend’s car comes on, stop driving immediately. PS. Immediately does not mean 5 miles down the road.
4. Get a job. You’ll be a happier person when you have a job.
3. It’s okay to be girly. Carry the purse. Buy as many shoes as possible. Don’t give in to too many pairs of jeans.
2. No one has a perfect life, no matter how they look on the outside.
1. You are talented and bright. Yes, you. Your life is what you make it. So make it.
circa 1990
10. It’s not all about the clothes.
9. Have some guts. Wallflowers rarely have fun. Make life easier on your younger siblings by giving your parents a little bit of a hard time once in a while.
8. Pink glasses may be cute on the shelf…but they are not cute on a fair-skinned young woman. They look like goggles.
7. When it comes to hair, bigger is not better. EVER.
6. That boy you have liked since the fifth grade…psst, he likes you too (but he won't tell you until the day before graduation).
5. When the oil pressure light of your best friend’s car comes on, stop driving immediately. PS. Immediately does not mean 5 miles down the road.
4. Get a job. You’ll be a happier person when you have a job.
3. It’s okay to be girly. Carry the purse. Buy as many shoes as possible. Don’t give in to too many pairs of jeans.
2. No one has a perfect life, no matter how they look on the outside.
1. You are talented and bright. Yes, you. Your life is what you make it. So make it.
6.15.2005
Homeschoolers: Who ARE We? by Cathy Henderson
Homeschoolers: Who ARE We?
We are thin, we are fat, we are curved, we are straight. We come in all colors, all shapes and all sizes. We believe that One Size Fits No One.
We are married and single, separated, blended. We belong to small families, large families, extended families.
We live in the country, in the city, on farms, in suburbs, in apartments. Wherever we live, small people are there.
We are Christian, we are Pagan, we are Moslem, we are Atheist.
We have found the answers, we have found part of the answers, we are searching for the answers. And some of us have not yet figured out the questions.
We are college graduates, we are dropouts.
We are doctors, lawyers, mechanics and laborers.
We are capable. We are Professional Educational Facilitators.
We are THE experts for the small people in our family.
We are liberal or conservative or walk a road inbetween. We are Republicans and Democrats...or not...and libertarians to greater or lesser extent. Some of us don't vote at all and some of us feel by virtue of our increased awareness, we should be allowed to vote more than once!
We do not like government control of our lives. Some of us Do Not Like It and some of us DO NOT LIKE IT. Some of us do not believe that any entity should have that much power. Others believe only their Favorite Flavor should have that kind of power.
We have rejected the public school system for religious reasons or political reasons, or because our standards were higher, or because we value creativity, or because we were round pegs hammered into square holes.
Some of us rejected public school knowing we could do better, and some of us knew only that we could do no worse.
We have school at home, we deschool, we unschool. Some of us are passionately convinced that our method is not only the best but the only feasible method. Some of us change our methods weekly.
We are nervous, we are confused, we are confident, we are assured.
We read and read and read until one day, lo and behold, we are able to write the books we have been reading. We stop clinging so fiercely to those who have taught and supported us, and offer ourselves to those who are now turning to us, with a brief passing interval during which we ask ourselves the question"Why are they asking ME?"
We have been taught that "United we stand, divided we fall", and we have learned that Diverse does not have to equal Divided.
We have a foundation and that foundation must run the length and breadth. We must all make aconscious choice to stand upon it. For whatever our size, our flavor, our method, our value system, we believe that parents have the right to raise their children, and that right includes each and every educational decision. If we attempt to use any other tenet as our foundation, we will fall.
If we will not waver in that belief, if we will not dilute it with questions about the ability of people with orange-and-purple hair, or people who don't clean house to our standards, or people with no education, or people who do not share our religious or political beliefs, or our cultural values, or people who use other methods, then we will stand...diverse, but united.
©2001 Cathy Henderson
We are thin, we are fat, we are curved, we are straight. We come in all colors, all shapes and all sizes. We believe that One Size Fits No One.
We are married and single, separated, blended. We belong to small families, large families, extended families.
We live in the country, in the city, on farms, in suburbs, in apartments. Wherever we live, small people are there.
We are Christian, we are Pagan, we are Moslem, we are Atheist.
We have found the answers, we have found part of the answers, we are searching for the answers. And some of us have not yet figured out the questions.
We are college graduates, we are dropouts.
We are doctors, lawyers, mechanics and laborers.
We are capable. We are Professional Educational Facilitators.
We are THE experts for the small people in our family.
We are liberal or conservative or walk a road inbetween. We are Republicans and Democrats...or not...and libertarians to greater or lesser extent. Some of us don't vote at all and some of us feel by virtue of our increased awareness, we should be allowed to vote more than once!
We do not like government control of our lives. Some of us Do Not Like It and some of us DO NOT LIKE IT. Some of us do not believe that any entity should have that much power. Others believe only their Favorite Flavor should have that kind of power.
We have rejected the public school system for religious reasons or political reasons, or because our standards were higher, or because we value creativity, or because we were round pegs hammered into square holes.
Some of us rejected public school knowing we could do better, and some of us knew only that we could do no worse.
We have school at home, we deschool, we unschool. Some of us are passionately convinced that our method is not only the best but the only feasible method. Some of us change our methods weekly.
We are nervous, we are confused, we are confident, we are assured.
We read and read and read until one day, lo and behold, we are able to write the books we have been reading. We stop clinging so fiercely to those who have taught and supported us, and offer ourselves to those who are now turning to us, with a brief passing interval during which we ask ourselves the question"Why are they asking ME?"
We have been taught that "United we stand, divided we fall", and we have learned that Diverse does not have to equal Divided.
We have a foundation and that foundation must run the length and breadth. We must all make aconscious choice to stand upon it. For whatever our size, our flavor, our method, our value system, we believe that parents have the right to raise their children, and that right includes each and every educational decision. If we attempt to use any other tenet as our foundation, we will fall.
If we will not waver in that belief, if we will not dilute it with questions about the ability of people with orange-and-purple hair, or people who don't clean house to our standards, or people with no education, or people who do not share our religious or political beliefs, or our cultural values, or people who use other methods, then we will stand...diverse, but united.
©2001 Cathy Henderson
6.14.2005
It's Time for Murphy to Go Away!
Why does “stuff” happen at the worst possible time? I don’t get it. I mean, here we are, walking peacefully along the path of life and b-o-o-m! Suddenly, it all breaks loose.
What causes this stuff?
What did I do?
In just the past few days, the red Jeep got sick, the clothes washer went on strike and the refrigerator has declared it’s about to go for an extended vacation. Did I mention the white Jeep’s AC decided to be uncooperative during the first really hot week of the summer?
Oh yeah, and I was so sick that Joal had to be off from work for four days last week.
Granted. Nothing on this list is earth-shattering. In the scheme of things, these are issues but not big deals. I just can’t help but wonder, why does it all happen at one time??
What did I do?
What causes this stuff?
What did I do?
In just the past few days, the red Jeep got sick, the clothes washer went on strike and the refrigerator has declared it’s about to go for an extended vacation. Did I mention the white Jeep’s AC decided to be uncooperative during the first really hot week of the summer?
Oh yeah, and I was so sick that Joal had to be off from work for four days last week.
Granted. Nothing on this list is earth-shattering. In the scheme of things, these are issues but not big deals. I just can’t help but wonder, why does it all happen at one time??
What did I do?
6.12.2005
Feeling Rachel Ray-ish!
Rachel Ray is the coolest chick on the planet. Or at least I think so.
She’s the star of 30 Minute Meals on the Food Network. She cooks complete meals inside 30 minutes, including two commercial breaks. I told you, she is remarkable.
From what I can tell, there are a few keys to cooking quick:
--Have a trash bowl in your work space.
--Have a small kitchen with the workspace right next to the stovetop.
--Get it all out at once instead of making 6 trips to the cabinets.
--Prep (wash and process) fresh foods before putting them into the frig.
Basically, it’s all about saving yourself some steps. I’m all for that.
A few weeks ago, Joal and I discovered a taste for stuffed green peppers. He picked up 2 ready-to-cook stuffed pepper halves from our favorite meat market and brought them home. We enjoyed them and I decided it would be fun to make more. Tonight I made 6 stuffed pepper halves for lunch tomorrow and I must say…I’m feeling quite Rachel Ray-ish!
Here’s my recipe:
½ cup of Italian bread crumbs
½ a small Vidalia, finely chopped
half a spoon of minced garlic
a heaping spoon of Italian seasoning
an egg
Mix all of the above together.
Wash and slice 3 large green bell peppers, top to bottom. Clean out insides.
Combine seasonings with one pound ground turkey. Use your fingers. It’s fun and squishy!
Very gently, stuff small amounts of the meat/seasoning mixture into the crevices of the pepper halves. Repeat until the pepper is filled.
When you are ready to cook, place stuffed peppers in a glass dish. Cover with foil and cook at 350 degrees for about an hour or until meat is done.
Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
She’s the star of 30 Minute Meals on the Food Network. She cooks complete meals inside 30 minutes, including two commercial breaks. I told you, she is remarkable.
From what I can tell, there are a few keys to cooking quick:
--Have a trash bowl in your work space.
--Have a small kitchen with the workspace right next to the stovetop.
--Get it all out at once instead of making 6 trips to the cabinets.
--Prep (wash and process) fresh foods before putting them into the frig.
Basically, it’s all about saving yourself some steps. I’m all for that.
A few weeks ago, Joal and I discovered a taste for stuffed green peppers. He picked up 2 ready-to-cook stuffed pepper halves from our favorite meat market and brought them home. We enjoyed them and I decided it would be fun to make more. Tonight I made 6 stuffed pepper halves for lunch tomorrow and I must say…I’m feeling quite Rachel Ray-ish!
Here’s my recipe:
½ cup of Italian bread crumbs
½ a small Vidalia, finely chopped
half a spoon of minced garlic
a heaping spoon of Italian seasoning
an egg
Mix all of the above together.
Wash and slice 3 large green bell peppers, top to bottom. Clean out insides.
Combine seasonings with one pound ground turkey. Use your fingers. It’s fun and squishy!
Very gently, stuff small amounts of the meat/seasoning mixture into the crevices of the pepper halves. Repeat until the pepper is filled.
When you are ready to cook, place stuffed peppers in a glass dish. Cover with foil and cook at 350 degrees for about an hour or until meat is done.
Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
6.11.2005
Adventures in Aisle 6!!
Going to the grocery store can be an adventure. Did you know that? (Yes, it's official. I need to get a life.)
Once in a blue moon, I wait to do my grocery shopping until late in the evening, after the boys are gone to bed. I can go alone (leaving sleeping boys with DH)…it’s peaceful and less crowded, because, let’s face it, the grocery store is not the hip place to be at 9 o’clock on Saturday night.
But an adventure, nevertheless.
I enjoy it because I can explore the aisles, looking at things I don’t usually buy. I get sucked into the ethnic foods aisle and usually the spices aisle. Tonight I read some of those recipe cards in the produce section. I read labels in the soup section for at least ten minutes. (No, there is no such thing as a really healthy cream-based canned or jarred soup.) Sheepishly, I’ll admit to lingering a little longer than normal in the area of the magazines. I rarely buy magazines but tonight I browsed a bit thru a few home décor issues. I resisted the urge to place Martha Stewart Livings in front of some of the issues with risqué covers...I’ve always wanted to do that.
It’s less expensive for me to shop alone. Gee, there’s a surprise. No little people asking for faux fruit things, character cereal or boxed juices. No fathers buying frozen yogurt.
To some it might seem odd that one would take such pleasure in two leisurely hours spent exploring the aisles of Publix…but I rather liked it.
Once in a blue moon, I wait to do my grocery shopping until late in the evening, after the boys are gone to bed. I can go alone (leaving sleeping boys with DH)…it’s peaceful and less crowded, because, let’s face it, the grocery store is not the hip place to be at 9 o’clock on Saturday night.
But an adventure, nevertheless.
I enjoy it because I can explore the aisles, looking at things I don’t usually buy. I get sucked into the ethnic foods aisle and usually the spices aisle. Tonight I read some of those recipe cards in the produce section. I read labels in the soup section for at least ten minutes. (No, there is no such thing as a really healthy cream-based canned or jarred soup.) Sheepishly, I’ll admit to lingering a little longer than normal in the area of the magazines. I rarely buy magazines but tonight I browsed a bit thru a few home décor issues. I resisted the urge to place Martha Stewart Livings in front of some of the issues with risqué covers...I’ve always wanted to do that.
It’s less expensive for me to shop alone. Gee, there’s a surprise. No little people asking for faux fruit things, character cereal or boxed juices. No fathers buying frozen yogurt.
To some it might seem odd that one would take such pleasure in two leisurely hours spent exploring the aisles of Publix…but I rather liked it.
Cuts Like Butter, I Tell Ya.
If you have a reason to cut out un-mounted rubber stamps, you simply must acquire a pair of Kai Scissors. Oh my goodness! They cut rubber like it was butter. Trying to cut rubber with regular scissors is about like using a hack saw on your hair. The results are just not good.
Kai.
Don’t cut rubber without them.
Incidentally, none of the stores in this area carry Kai and I was surprised at this. Even the ones that carry un-mounted rubber sheets regularly didn’t have them. (They sell for about $20. If you need a source, let me know.)
Kai.
Don’t cut rubber without them.
Incidentally, none of the stores in this area carry Kai and I was surprised at this. Even the ones that carry un-mounted rubber sheets regularly didn’t have them. (They sell for about $20. If you need a source, let me know.)
6.09.2005
It's All Geoff Moore's Fault
There’s a meme going around that encourages writing about your first concert. I have a twist on that, with a story to share. (Sorry…apparently, this story-telling thing is becoming a habit with me…)
The first concert I ever attended was Geoff Moore and the Distance, circa 1988. It was held in a way-too-packed out high school gym and it was h-o-t…Jackson, Mississippi in the summer…you get the picture. It's one of those things you had to be really young to enjoy--and I was barely 17. I went with a friend (the woman who would later earn the title of “my danger buddy” but the reasons behind that are probably better left un-shared). To be honest, I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember feeling f-e-e-l-i-n-g the drums reverberating deeply through my chest when GM&D played “A Place to Stand” and being struck by the power of “Go to the Moon?”.
I arrived late to the "crank it up loud" party of teenagerhood...my Dad was having none of that. In the heat, in a modest high school gym, I became a girl who loves to feel something from the music she loves. I had never known that sensation before and I was hooked. Instantly.
Geoff Moore and the Distance
Something happened to me that night. I became a huge fan of the band--and the man and I have followed his career for nigh, 16 years now. In fact, GM takes up more space on my CD shelf than any other artist. Geoff Moore & the Distance found a moderate amount of success in Christian music thru the 90’s. I have seen him several times thru those years and am always impressed. His thoughtfulness and artistry always amazes. He writes about life and love and grace and the important things.
In 2002 GM released an independent album without “the Distance”. It was different but still very “Geoff”. Guitars, thoughtful lyrics, gritty vocals…it’s all still there, just like in the old days, with some of that slightly aging rocker thrown in for good measure.
But wait, there’s more to this story.
In a way, it was Geoff Moore who brought Joal and I together.
Well, ok, not the man himself, but one of his concert t-shirts.
Fast-forward to 1990.
August 28 to be exact.
Joal and I were brand spanking new college freshmen.
Eighteen years old.
Two members of the freshman class of 21 total freshmen--but if our class had included 2000 people, it wouldn't have mattered. He was tall and handsome, outspoken and bold, and I would have found him anyway.
During the orientation sessions, on the second morning, I noticed him.
During lunch, I noticed his shirt. A Geoff Moore and the Distance t-shirt.
Ahh, something familiar.
He couldn’t be all bad…he’s wearing a GM&D shirt.
(Shows ya what I knew at 18...that boy was all bad.)
Following lunch, standing in the chapel of our very tiny college, he turned to me.
“Hi, I’m Joal.” he said.
“I like your shirt.” I said.
And I’m pretty sure my entire life--from that day to this--was never the same.
At some point, I must have told him my name but no one remembers that now. It was all about the boy and the shirt and good music and soulfulness. Funny how that all works together.
So yeah, I'm kindof fond of Geoff Moore and that ratty old t-shirt that still hangs in the back of Joal's closet.
The first concert I ever attended was Geoff Moore and the Distance, circa 1988. It was held in a way-too-packed out high school gym and it was h-o-t…Jackson, Mississippi in the summer…you get the picture. It's one of those things you had to be really young to enjoy--and I was barely 17. I went with a friend (the woman who would later earn the title of “my danger buddy” but the reasons behind that are probably better left un-shared). To be honest, I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember feeling f-e-e-l-i-n-g the drums reverberating deeply through my chest when GM&D played “A Place to Stand” and being struck by the power of “Go to the Moon?”.
I arrived late to the "crank it up loud" party of teenagerhood...my Dad was having none of that. In the heat, in a modest high school gym, I became a girl who loves to feel something from the music she loves. I had never known that sensation before and I was hooked. Instantly.
Geoff Moore and the Distance
Something happened to me that night. I became a huge fan of the band--and the man and I have followed his career for nigh, 16 years now. In fact, GM takes up more space on my CD shelf than any other artist. Geoff Moore & the Distance found a moderate amount of success in Christian music thru the 90’s. I have seen him several times thru those years and am always impressed. His thoughtfulness and artistry always amazes. He writes about life and love and grace and the important things.
In 2002 GM released an independent album without “the Distance”. It was different but still very “Geoff”. Guitars, thoughtful lyrics, gritty vocals…it’s all still there, just like in the old days, with some of that slightly aging rocker thrown in for good measure.
But wait, there’s more to this story.
In a way, it was Geoff Moore who brought Joal and I together.
Well, ok, not the man himself, but one of his concert t-shirts.
Fast-forward to 1990.
August 28 to be exact.
Joal and I were brand spanking new college freshmen.
Eighteen years old.
Two members of the freshman class of 21 total freshmen--but if our class had included 2000 people, it wouldn't have mattered. He was tall and handsome, outspoken and bold, and I would have found him anyway.
During the orientation sessions, on the second morning, I noticed him.
During lunch, I noticed his shirt. A Geoff Moore and the Distance t-shirt.
Ahh, something familiar.
He couldn’t be all bad…he’s wearing a GM&D shirt.
(Shows ya what I knew at 18...that boy was all bad.)
Following lunch, standing in the chapel of our very tiny college, he turned to me.
“Hi, I’m Joal.” he said.
“I like your shirt.” I said.
And I’m pretty sure my entire life--from that day to this--was never the same.
At some point, I must have told him my name but no one remembers that now. It was all about the boy and the shirt and good music and soulfulness. Funny how that all works together.
So yeah, I'm kindof fond of Geoff Moore and that ratty old t-shirt that still hangs in the back of Joal's closet.
5.27.2005
This is supposed to be about scrapbooking...
Since my blog really is supposed to be about scrapbooking, here's a page I made a while back using the Grace alpha stamps from LaPluma.
Come Fly With Me
Come Fly With Me
Five Little Words I Can't Stand Seeing...
This. Page. Is. Not. Available.
Uggh!
When 2Peas is down I get a little crazy. (I'd put a link to 2Peas, but it's down so what's the point?)
I often wondered if other scrap sites notice a spike in their stats when 2Peas is off-line?? All those bored peas, wandering aimlessly thru cyberspace with nothing to do. It's not like we have a hobby or something.
Come on Jeffrey. Hurry.
Chant with me.
Hur - ry Jeff - ry
Hur - ry Jeff - ry
Hur - ry Jef - ry
Uggh!
When 2Peas is down I get a little crazy. (I'd put a link to 2Peas, but it's down so what's the point?)
I often wondered if other scrap sites notice a spike in their stats when 2Peas is off-line?? All those bored peas, wandering aimlessly thru cyberspace with nothing to do. It's not like we have a hobby or something.
Come on Jeffrey. Hurry.
Chant with me.
Hur - ry Jeff - ry
Hur - ry Jeff - ry
Hur - ry Jef - ry
This and That...
Little catching up to do...
One of the pastors at our church, Kevin Twit, and his family have adopted a little girl from China! Here's their story of this beautiful journey. Adoption stories are precious to me. There's something so special, so miraculous that takes place in adoptive Christian families. What better picture of God's grace could there be? How beautiful it is.
I have discovered a new/old thing...Vintage Tupperware. When I was little, my mom bought some Tupperware. Yellow, orange, brown, green...those beautiful decorator colors from the late 70s. Until now, golden harvest yellow and avacado green have had NO place in my house. It's something I've avoided at all costs. I've even made fun of mom's collection, although I must conceed that it's held up very well under years of heavy use. Suddenly, after attending a Tupperware party last week, I decided to check eBay for Tupperware. (I generally operate under the premise that one can find positively anything on eBay.) Sure enough, loads and loads of Tupperware for sale there. Then something caught my eye. "Vintage Tupperware".
Oh my.
It's avacado green, harvest gold, chocolate brown and lemon yellow come to life again! Can it really be called "vintage"? Well, it is pretty old stuff (as stuff goes) and yes, Tupperware is now a multi-generational product...so while "antique" would be stretching it a bit...vintage fits nicely.
Oh and the best part...that orange, brown, gold and green Tupperware that I used to detest so much...suddenly has a familiar charm to it. It feels like home.
And it's going to go perfectly in my kitchen.
One of the pastors at our church, Kevin Twit, and his family have adopted a little girl from China! Here's their story of this beautiful journey. Adoption stories are precious to me. There's something so special, so miraculous that takes place in adoptive Christian families. What better picture of God's grace could there be? How beautiful it is.
I have discovered a new/old thing...Vintage Tupperware. When I was little, my mom bought some Tupperware. Yellow, orange, brown, green...those beautiful decorator colors from the late 70s. Until now, golden harvest yellow and avacado green have had NO place in my house. It's something I've avoided at all costs. I've even made fun of mom's collection, although I must conceed that it's held up very well under years of heavy use. Suddenly, after attending a Tupperware party last week, I decided to check eBay for Tupperware. (I generally operate under the premise that one can find positively anything on eBay.) Sure enough, loads and loads of Tupperware for sale there. Then something caught my eye. "Vintage Tupperware".
Oh my.
It's avacado green, harvest gold, chocolate brown and lemon yellow come to life again! Can it really be called "vintage"? Well, it is pretty old stuff (as stuff goes) and yes, Tupperware is now a multi-generational product...so while "antique" would be stretching it a bit...vintage fits nicely.
Oh and the best part...that orange, brown, gold and green Tupperware that I used to detest so much...suddenly has a familiar charm to it. It feels like home.
And it's going to go perfectly in my kitchen.
5.18.2005
Red Alert!!
"Can I take a test drive, Mom?"
Now there's a question that'll set your world on its ear...especially coming from your 9 year old.
Such was the question earlier today. It was an addition to the conversation we had yesterday about the extent of his biking priviledges.
Yesterday's conversaion:
Julian: Mom, can I drive down the driveway?
Mom: OK, but be sure to stop at the end. Do not go past the mailbox.
Julian: When can I go around the block?
Mom: (cough cough) Why do you want to go around the block?
Julian: To explore the neighborhood.
Mom: Huh. Well. (stammering, trying to think of a good excuse not to encourage neighborhood adventures...) Um. Maybe we should let you and Daddy take a few test rides around the neighborhood. (Yeah, put it off on Daddy...that works.)
Julian: OK
So today, he asks for permission to take a "test drive" just to end of the driveway. I said OK as I watched from the window in my workspace. I dare say God hears more fervant prayers from the mothers of boys than from any other class of humans. The term "wailing and knashing of teeth" comes to mind.
Alone.
An exceptionally inquisative, brave and daring, always-pushing-my-limits, nine-year-old-boy-on-a-bike-exploring-the-neighborhood...alone.
Shouldn't that cause enough alarm to raise the National Alert System to at least red?
(In my best Will Riker voice..."Red A-lert")
Look out Neighborhood. You don't know what you're in for.
Now there's a question that'll set your world on its ear...especially coming from your 9 year old.
Such was the question earlier today. It was an addition to the conversation we had yesterday about the extent of his biking priviledges.
Yesterday's conversaion:
Julian: Mom, can I drive down the driveway?
Mom: OK, but be sure to stop at the end. Do not go past the mailbox.
Julian: When can I go around the block?
Mom: (cough cough) Why do you want to go around the block?
Julian: To explore the neighborhood.
Mom: Huh. Well. (stammering, trying to think of a good excuse not to encourage neighborhood adventures...) Um. Maybe we should let you and Daddy take a few test rides around the neighborhood. (Yeah, put it off on Daddy...that works.)
Julian: OK
So today, he asks for permission to take a "test drive" just to end of the driveway. I said OK as I watched from the window in my workspace. I dare say God hears more fervant prayers from the mothers of boys than from any other class of humans. The term "wailing and knashing of teeth" comes to mind.
Alone.
An exceptionally inquisative, brave and daring, always-pushing-my-limits, nine-year-old-boy-on-a-bike-exploring-the-neighborhood...alone.
Shouldn't that cause enough alarm to raise the National Alert System to at least red?
(In my best Will Riker voice..."Red A-lert")
Look out Neighborhood. You don't know what you're in for.
5.17.2005
Beatiful Racket
A fellow Pea, Sabren, posted this song in her blog a few days ago and while I am a Mary Chapin Carpenter fan, somehow I have missed out that she has a new record out. (We’ll remedy that tomorrow.) This song is on her record…if every there was a perfect song for me and a perfect scrapbook page title, this is it!!
Beautiful Racket
So your day begins like this
Wondering what might have been
Old regrets and chances missed
Borne away on some lambent wind
The job's ok, so it doesn't inspire
Thoughts of leaving it all behind
You used to have dreams of setttin the world on fire
All you want now is peace of mind
Chorus:
And a beautiful racket, it whispers and roars
The bitter and sweet, between the truces and the wars
The noise and the quiet, the courage and the fear
And all of the wisdom between a smile and a tear
You do your dreaming in traffic jams
You do your running in shopping malls
You do your breathing the best you can
Between car pools and cell phone calls
Who cares, you'll never live in Paris
So what, you'll never travel by Lear
How do some of us learn what matters
While others never get to hear
And a beautiful racket, it whispers and roars
The bitter and sweet, between the truces and the wars
The noise and the quiet, the courage and the fear
And all of the wisdom between a smile and a tear
Hold on, hold on
So your day will end like this
Turning slowly down your street
Silent worlds of kitchens lit
Front yards full of fallen leaves
Trees are bare, the garden's done
Another season gone to earth
Before you blink a new one comes
To remind you what the old one's worth
And a beautiful racket, it whispers and roars
The bitter and sweet, between the truces and the wars
The noice and the quiet, the courage and the fear
And all of the wisdom between a smile and a tear
Such a beautiful racket...such a beautiful racket...
Driving Me to Drink
Get out the quart Mason jar.
Fill with ice cubes.
Fill with cold water.
Drink.
Repeat 8 times a day.
At least.
I’m a drinker. Betcha didn’t know that about me…huh? Constant thirst--it’s one of the glorious side effects of being diabetic.
I’ve found that I adore drinking from a Mason jar, as “Mississippi” as that sounds. Saves having to refill 42 thousand times a day.
5.14.2005
LaPluma DT
LaPluma is a company owned by Debra Beagle, a friend I met thru the TennScrapbooking Yahoo Group. Debra is, among many other things, the author of "Hand Lettering Made Easy". LaPluma produces a variety of magnetic alpha stamp sets that are perfect for scrapbooking and cardmaking.
It’s O-f-f-i-c-i-a-l!
I was honored to hear from Holle Wiktorek this week that I was chosen to be a part of the LaPluma Design Team. How cool is that?!!
It’s O-f-f-i-c-i-a-l!
I was honored to hear from Holle Wiktorek this week that I was chosen to be a part of the LaPluma Design Team. How cool is that?!!
5.13.2005
Rankin County Angel
It’s been a while since I thought about the anonymous angel we know in Rankin County, Mississippi. On 2peas tonight there was a story linked from the NY Post that told of a little girl choking to death on a piece of hard peppermint this week. It reminded me of J’s angel…a story I should probably scrapbook.
When J was about 2.5, Joal and I took him with us to eat at our favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican place. Cafe Azteca in Brandon. This was our favorite Mexican joint while we were in college…good food cheap, no dress code…perfect college cuisine. It’s a small place consisting of maybe 15 tables in a room about the size of a large garage and they did a booming take-out business.
During our meal one night, J began to choke on a piece of a tortilla chip. He was really blue before we could get him out of the seatbelt in the chair and up. Having had the child safety training class when he was born, I knew what to do...or so I thought. I got him up, laid him over my arm and pressed but nothing happened.
In this moment, my baby is obviously distressed, in the periphery of my mind I can hear Joal praying, the waitress calling 911 and while the whole room watches, I am having no success getting his airway unobstructed.
From another table, a woman approaches me and says “I’m a nurse. Can I try?” I handed my baby to a perfect stranger and watched as she performed the Heimlich perfectly and up came the chip. She slips a finger into his mouth and pulls it out. Then she hands me a screaming bundle of 2 year old boy. Screaming is definitely a great sound in some situations.
Now, and even then, the words “Thank you” seemed so shallow and so unequal to the task of saving a baby’s life. What do I say to this woman? I had no clue.
Needless to say, the Devendorf family meal was over. That was a bit too much excitement for us. Joal was pretty shaken up during the event. Julian was calming. I had yet to completely comprehend…that’s me…always behind. On our way out, I asked the lady her name and she said “Sweetie, don’t worry about. I’m glad I was here to help. You just take care of that baby.”
With great humility, we paid our tab and hers and slowly made our way home. About halfway home, my brain caught up with the details and I realized that the evening could have had a very different ending.
God is good.
And somewhere in Rankin County Mississippi is a woman who doubles as an angel.
A woman who quietly saved a tiny little boy’s life.
A life that is very precious to me.
I pray for her. I pray that God will return to her a thousand fold the blessing that she gave us that night. She will never be forgotten.
I’m grateful that she was present and willing and trained. As I think about it now, it takes some fortitude to walk up to a stranger and say “Can I try this on your baby?”
Yes, we took the Red Cross Child Safety/CPR classes when J was born. I still remember the head-knowledge of what to do and how. However, when it’s your heart and soul turning blue, it’s different.
Choking can happen to anyone at any time. Choking is especially harmful to children. Not just hard candy, but all sorts of foods…hot dogs, jelly beans, nuts, fruities, ice cubes, chips, and so many other things.
Be ever watchful.
For choking babies.
And for quiet angels.
When J was about 2.5, Joal and I took him with us to eat at our favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican place. Cafe Azteca in Brandon. This was our favorite Mexican joint while we were in college…good food cheap, no dress code…perfect college cuisine. It’s a small place consisting of maybe 15 tables in a room about the size of a large garage and they did a booming take-out business.
During our meal one night, J began to choke on a piece of a tortilla chip. He was really blue before we could get him out of the seatbelt in the chair and up. Having had the child safety training class when he was born, I knew what to do...or so I thought. I got him up, laid him over my arm and pressed but nothing happened.
In this moment, my baby is obviously distressed, in the periphery of my mind I can hear Joal praying, the waitress calling 911 and while the whole room watches, I am having no success getting his airway unobstructed.
From another table, a woman approaches me and says “I’m a nurse. Can I try?” I handed my baby to a perfect stranger and watched as she performed the Heimlich perfectly and up came the chip. She slips a finger into his mouth and pulls it out. Then she hands me a screaming bundle of 2 year old boy. Screaming is definitely a great sound in some situations.
Now, and even then, the words “Thank you” seemed so shallow and so unequal to the task of saving a baby’s life. What do I say to this woman? I had no clue.
Needless to say, the Devendorf family meal was over. That was a bit too much excitement for us. Joal was pretty shaken up during the event. Julian was calming. I had yet to completely comprehend…that’s me…always behind. On our way out, I asked the lady her name and she said “Sweetie, don’t worry about. I’m glad I was here to help. You just take care of that baby.”
With great humility, we paid our tab and hers and slowly made our way home. About halfway home, my brain caught up with the details and I realized that the evening could have had a very different ending.
God is good.
And somewhere in Rankin County Mississippi is a woman who doubles as an angel.
A woman who quietly saved a tiny little boy’s life.
A life that is very precious to me.
I pray for her. I pray that God will return to her a thousand fold the blessing that she gave us that night. She will never be forgotten.
I’m grateful that she was present and willing and trained. As I think about it now, it takes some fortitude to walk up to a stranger and say “Can I try this on your baby?”
Yes, we took the Red Cross Child Safety/CPR classes when J was born. I still remember the head-knowledge of what to do and how. However, when it’s your heart and soul turning blue, it’s different.
Choking can happen to anyone at any time. Choking is especially harmful to children. Not just hard candy, but all sorts of foods…hot dogs, jelly beans, nuts, fruities, ice cubes, chips, and so many other things.
Be ever watchful.
For choking babies.
And for quiet angels.
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