I don't get it.
Why is it that I always get on a creative jag on Saturday night?
Basically, Sunday morning is generally the only day of the week when I have something that I have to get up earlier than normal to do--go to church. And it never fails...Saturday night finds me so jazzed about some scrapbooking thing that I don't get to bed until 2 or 3 am. Which means I feel really not-so-delightful on Sunday morning for about the first hour.
I really have to change this.
I have always respected the creative streaks. I try to go with it when it feels right...because it's not always "on". Creatively, I come and go. The cylces are controlled by some spiritual, mystical, hormonal, inspirational, life-force that moves like the wind. Felt but unseen, unless there's something in it's path.
The little guys and girls (all about the same age as Grey) in my Sunday School class deserve better from me. My guys deserve better.
Happy Sunday!
7.17.2006
Just a thought to ponder...
Everyone should have at least one friend who is loving enough and courageous enough to speak the truth into your life when it looks like you are screwing up. A real friend, you could say.
I'm blessed to have such a friend.
I'm blessed to have such a friend.
7.15.2006
George Canyon
Nashville has missed the mark on George Canyon, but fortunately, Canadian Country music fans know a great thing when they hear it...and they have had the good sense to reward this man with a remarkable career.The runner up in the Nashville Star competition two rounds ago has just released his second project for Universal Records, this time with Universal Canada. I checked 4 major record stores in the alleged Country Music Capital of the World and *none* had George Canyon's newest release on the day of it's release, July 4. Sad. Because you don't get any more country than this disk. Joal actually had to order it off the GC website. It arrived yesterday (autographed and everything) and I am loving it!
It's real and rockin' and country and sentimental and the man can spin a phrase! It's a good country record--a record of substance in a time when thoughtless brainless country seems to be the norm.
It has been said that the sophomore project of any new artist determines the rest of the artists career. If that's the case, I have no doubts that George Canyon will be in this for the long haul. This sophomore project is remarkable. It's personal. It's expressive. It's honest.
Oh yeah. It's also slammed with plenty of scrap-worthy lyrics. :)
Happy Saturday!!
7.13.2006
Sketchbook Update
I finally updated my sketchbook. Months ago I found a snappy business card folio at Target
. It was plain with a magnetic closure. I really liked it but it needed something. Ribbon.
Finally, tonight I decided to work on it. Added my favorite brown ribbon from Textile Fabrics. The top photo is of the outside.
The lower photo is of the inside front cover and the front sheet of sketches. Luckily, Joal recently got a promotion that necessitated new business cards, so I am the happy owner of 3 boxes of old business cards perfect for my sketching. Recycling...gotta love it.
I'm also working on a way to print layouts from my 2Peas Book of Scraps straight onto business cards. The time and ink that would save would be amazing...not to mention really cool. I might have to use a separate book for those...there's not much room left in my sketch book.
Sketching is like making a plan or reading a map. It gives me a goal and points me in the right
direction. Sketches can come from anywhere...signs, wallpaper borders, junk mail, websites, nature, etc. Sometimes a sketch is just an element of something that seems useful, or sometimes a whole page layout.
In other news, the new banner at the top of the blog is in honor of our upcoming trip to Fort Walton Beach. My heart beats faster just thinking about it. The beach is my place of deep living. It speaks to my soul. It makes me feel smaller and more creative than any other place on earth. The ocean is a powerful force that both confronts and soothes. Saltwater and sand...blues and greens...sunrises and sunsets...elation and serinity. Fo me, the beach has it all.
Along about May of every year, I start to get a longing in the pit of my stomach and it doesn't subside until November. There is no other place that does this to me. I can barely explain it but boy do I feel it deeply. A few weeks ago, Joal announced that he has a training to do in Fort Walton...and asked if the boys and I wanted to come along for the weekend before. He had to ask...I started packing that very day. LOL! I'm not sure I'm truly brave enough to take the boys to the beach alone (Joal will be training during the day) but I'm going to anyway. There's a fine line between brave and insane. For a trip to the beach, I'll walk that line.
So, now you know. :)
One last thing...the gallery at 2Peas has been on fire lately with great stuff. This layout by kokopuffs really made my day! Enjoy!
Happy Thursday.
. It was plain with a magnetic closure. I really liked it but it needed something. Ribbon. Finally, tonight I decided to work on it. Added my favorite brown ribbon from Textile Fabrics. The top photo is of the outside.
The lower photo is of the inside front cover and the front sheet of sketches. Luckily, Joal recently got a promotion that necessitated new business cards, so I am the happy owner of 3 boxes of old business cards perfect for my sketching. Recycling...gotta love it.
I'm also working on a way to print layouts from my 2Peas Book of Scraps straight onto business cards. The time and ink that would save would be amazing...not to mention really cool. I might have to use a separate book for those...there's not much room left in my sketch book.
Sketching is like making a plan or reading a map. It gives me a goal and points me in the right
direction. Sketches can come from anywhere...signs, wallpaper borders, junk mail, websites, nature, etc. Sometimes a sketch is just an element of something that seems useful, or sometimes a whole page layout. In other news, the new banner at the top of the blog is in honor of our upcoming trip to Fort Walton Beach. My heart beats faster just thinking about it. The beach is my place of deep living. It speaks to my soul. It makes me feel smaller and more creative than any other place on earth. The ocean is a powerful force that both confronts and soothes. Saltwater and sand...blues and greens...sunrises and sunsets...elation and serinity. Fo me, the beach has it all.
Along about May of every year, I start to get a longing in the pit of my stomach and it doesn't subside until November. There is no other place that does this to me. I can barely explain it but boy do I feel it deeply. A few weeks ago, Joal announced that he has a training to do in Fort Walton...and asked if the boys and I wanted to come along for the weekend before. He had to ask...I started packing that very day. LOL! I'm not sure I'm truly brave enough to take the boys to the beach alone (Joal will be training during the day) but I'm going to anyway. There's a fine line between brave and insane. For a trip to the beach, I'll walk that line.
So, now you know. :)
One last thing...the gallery at 2Peas has been on fire lately with great stuff. This layout by kokopuffs really made my day! Enjoy!
Happy Thursday.
7.12.2006
One more thing...
Remember that awesome layout by Tammy Graves that I mentioned sparked me to try stitching? Well, half of it is posted on Scrap It's blog HERE!
7.11.2006
Tags Need a New Home
Anybody want some tags? Metal-rimmed, white, vellum and colors, all sizes and many shapes...
Speak if you would like a bag o' tags.
I'll send them your way.
Email me your mailing address scrappinsarah at msn dot com.
________________________________________
In other news, a special thank you to everyone who has wished Julian and Joal well lately.
Joal is healing nicely. Sore but not too bad.
Julian's appointment with the new pediatrician went really well. He is going to have the genetic test we have been considering and in the meantime, we'll be making some other lifestyle changes in an effort to help him. I can't tell you how much relief I find in having the fresh eyes of a new and very caring pediatrician come to similar conclusions as I have. In the past ten years of taking him to various doctors, I have never once felt that *all* my questions and concerns had been completely satisfied before leaving the doctor's office. That is until this visit to this new pediatrician. What a different experience!
Happy Tuesday!
Speak if you would like a bag o' tags.
I'll send them your way.
Email me your mailing address scrappinsarah at msn dot com.
________________________________________
In other news, a special thank you to everyone who has wished Julian and Joal well lately.
Joal is healing nicely. Sore but not too bad.
Julian's appointment with the new pediatrician went really well. He is going to have the genetic test we have been considering and in the meantime, we'll be making some other lifestyle changes in an effort to help him. I can't tell you how much relief I find in having the fresh eyes of a new and very caring pediatrician come to similar conclusions as I have. In the past ten years of taking him to various doctors, I have never once felt that *all* my questions and concerns had been completely satisfied before leaving the doctor's office. That is until this visit to this new pediatrician. What a different experience!
Happy Tuesday!
7.10.2006
The Trolley!
We rode the Franklin Trolley today! To the boys, trolleys rank up there with school buses and 18-wheelers. A while back a friend was telling me about the trolleys that run around Franklin. She and her small daughter live in Franklin and enjoy riding the trolley from a stop near their house, over to Wal-Mart and home for the grand price of a dollar. With ever increasing gas prices, that's a great deal. That got me to thinking that we could make a fun day excursion out of a trolley adventure.
That was the best entertainment the boys and I have had for $1.50 in a really long time. We got on at The Factory at Franklin (after a nice browse thru one of the most creative places aroundand a tiny bit of shopping at Creation Station for scrapbook stuff) and rode the whole tour. It took about 75 minutes and the boys thought it was incredible. At one point G looked at me and said "Can we do 'gin tomorrow?" This was (I think) his first experience with riding in a moving vehicle without the restraint of his carseat. I think he's a fan.
We all are actually.
Ding Ding!
7.08.2006
Cars--the Movie and the Joy of Glue
Cars ROCKS!
That's the long and short of it.
It's the feel good movie of the year! Julian and I went tonight to see it and had a blast!
It even has a fiesty fire truck named "Red", which of course, made J's night!
Afterwards, we went to Wal-Mart, which is my least favorite place on the planet, save one redeeming sight--the school supply section. I can't resist that aisle...I have loved the school supply section since I was a child. There's something so hopeful and so freshly organized about all new notebooks and freshly sharpened pencils and clean backpacks and pens all lined up in a row. And glue. Elmers. That stuff is pure unadulterated sustinance to the creative heart, I tell you.
That's the long and short of it.
It's the feel good movie of the year! Julian and I went tonight to see it and had a blast!
It even has a fiesty fire truck named "Red", which of course, made J's night!Afterwards, we went to Wal-Mart, which is my least favorite place on the planet, save one redeeming sight--the school supply section. I can't resist that aisle...I have loved the school supply section since I was a child. There's something so hopeful and so freshly organized about all new notebooks and freshly sharpened pencils and clean backpacks and pens all lined up in a row. And glue. Elmers. That stuff is pure unadulterated sustinance to the creative heart, I tell you.
One of my personal joys of home schooling is the sheer fun of being the one to make that all important document--the LIST of *necessary supplies* for the next year of school.
And then I get to go and buy the fun stuff!
Tonight I took a deep breath and played with all the goodies. Tomorrow I will begin the planning, and when the planning is done, I will make the LIST!
I can't wait!
Happy Sunday!
7.05.2006
Memory Book Inspirations/Quickutz
If you feel a little intimidated by 2Peas, there's a nice little gallery/board that I frequent that moves slower and is less intimidating at www.memorybookinspirations.com. It's a nice casual place with some friendly participants. Check it out!
Happy Birthday Quickutz! You sure are big for a 5 year old! Hehe.
I came late to the QK game after years of resistance. I guess resistance really is futile, huh. :) I have done enough product demonstrations in this business to know that if you get someone to actually *use* a product themselves and achieve something they think of as *remarkable*, you will sell them. Maybe not today...but they will be sold. I know this...and it still worked on me. I first used a QK at Croptoberfest last year and while it was a cool thing, I thought it was too expensive for me. Then Leigh Ann loaned me hers on occasion at scrap night and I started browsing their website for ideas. Then I ran across a pea who wanted to sell her gently used one to upgrade and she offered me a deal. It was too good to pass up. I am completely happy.
I have a nice little collection of dies multiplying in my little stash. I am starting a list of which friends have which dies. :) I have bought dies locally, from ebay and from other scrappers who are upgrading to a Wishblade or other electronic gear.
I have used them on every layout and card for several weeks now. I am feeling snappier about scrapbooking with a new thing than I have in a long time. I call it "new tool euphoria". :) I used Studio Classic and Sunshine at my LSS. I would like to eventually own Studio Classic. I used Sabrina's Frankie SkinniMini and it's definately on the list. I really like that size! Stilletto is funky. I kinda like it but will probably continue to use it at the store for a while before I buy it. The QK team did some fantastic stuff with Metro...I think I'm going to want that one too.
The peas are giving QK a hard time today, but I am a woman in love. Metro is really cool. It's going on my list and I'll be watching for other releases this month...
In other news, if you have a chance and are of a mind to, please pray for Joal and Julian. Yesterday, at our friend Debby's, Joal-in his enthusiasm for being a great Daddy- forgot apparently that he's 6' 4" and weighs significantly more than a three year old! There was a slip n slide, a slight hill, and plenty of water...perfect for a three year old to run and leap and slide and stop at the end...but not-so-perfect for a fully grown man. In an effort to encourage his son to slip n slide, Joal proceeded to demonstrate what not to do as he slid and slid and rolled and came to a stop with a moan. He ended up with a badly sprained shoulder that put a damper on the rest of his day and probably the next few weeks. On top of hurting, he feels pretty dumb. Poor guy. He said he knew by about the fourth step that this was a dumb thing to do but there just was no stopping. Momentum is a powerful force. :)
Julian's going to the new doctor tomorrow for a complete physical and most likely, a genetic work-up. We have concerns that weren't being addressed and hopefully this will be a more determinded step in helping Julian grow and get in step developmentally.
Happy Wednesday!!
Happy Birthday Quickutz! You sure are big for a 5 year old! Hehe.
I came late to the QK game after years of resistance. I guess resistance really is futile, huh. :) I have done enough product demonstrations in this business to know that if you get someone to actually *use* a product themselves and achieve something they think of as *remarkable*, you will sell them. Maybe not today...but they will be sold. I know this...and it still worked on me. I first used a QK at Croptoberfest last year and while it was a cool thing, I thought it was too expensive for me. Then Leigh Ann loaned me hers on occasion at scrap night and I started browsing their website for ideas. Then I ran across a pea who wanted to sell her gently used one to upgrade and she offered me a deal. It was too good to pass up. I am completely happy.
I have a nice little collection of dies multiplying in my little stash. I am starting a list of which friends have which dies. :) I have bought dies locally, from ebay and from other scrappers who are upgrading to a Wishblade or other electronic gear.
I have used them on every layout and card for several weeks now. I am feeling snappier about scrapbooking with a new thing than I have in a long time. I call it "new tool euphoria". :) I used Studio Classic and Sunshine at my LSS. I would like to eventually own Studio Classic. I used Sabrina's Frankie SkinniMini and it's definately on the list. I really like that size! Stilletto is funky. I kinda like it but will probably continue to use it at the store for a while before I buy it. The QK team did some fantastic stuff with Metro...I think I'm going to want that one too.
The peas are giving QK a hard time today, but I am a woman in love. Metro is really cool. It's going on my list and I'll be watching for other releases this month...
In other news, if you have a chance and are of a mind to, please pray for Joal and Julian. Yesterday, at our friend Debby's, Joal-in his enthusiasm for being a great Daddy- forgot apparently that he's 6' 4" and weighs significantly more than a three year old! There was a slip n slide, a slight hill, and plenty of water...perfect for a three year old to run and leap and slide and stop at the end...but not-so-perfect for a fully grown man. In an effort to encourage his son to slip n slide, Joal proceeded to demonstrate what not to do as he slid and slid and rolled and came to a stop with a moan. He ended up with a badly sprained shoulder that put a damper on the rest of his day and probably the next few weeks. On top of hurting, he feels pretty dumb. Poor guy. He said he knew by about the fourth step that this was a dumb thing to do but there just was no stopping. Momentum is a powerful force. :)
Julian's going to the new doctor tomorrow for a complete physical and most likely, a genetic work-up. We have concerns that weren't being addressed and hopefully this will be a more determinded step in helping Julian grow and get in step developmentally.
Happy Wednesday!!
7.04.2006
Happy Birthday America!!
Happy
Independence
Day!
We are doing completely traditional Indepedence Day things today...grilling out, going swimming, watching fireworks with friends...enjoying the day.
Ever mindful of just how blessed we are to be free
And that our freedom has been purchased at a handsome price
And that being an America carries responsibilities equal to the freedoms
And that freedoms which are not mindfully guarded will be lost for all...
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Happy
Birthday
America!
Independence
Day!
We are doing completely traditional Indepedence Day things today...grilling out, going swimming, watching fireworks with friends...enjoying the day.
Ever mindful of just how blessed we are to be free
And that our freedom has been purchased at a handsome price
And that being an America carries responsibilities equal to the freedoms
And that freedoms which are not mindfully guarded will be lost for all...
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Happy
Birthday
America!
7.02.2006
And yet another use for ribbon...
It's true. I have the shortest attention span on the planet. I jump from project to project and from idea to idea. I sometimes have a hard time finishing what I start.OK...check that.
Let's be honest.
*Much of the time* I have a hard time finishing projects. (It's why I was a bad bad bad secretary. I hate repetitive tasks.)
Consequently, hand sewing has never held any alure for me. I love to look at it and touch it...but the thought of spending months on a single cross-stitch project is just not something I can wrap my brain around.
But...you know I *love* ribbon, right? Well, a few months ago I found this treasure stash of silk ribbons at Michaels in the discount bin. Ribbon, on sale...be still my heart.
So, um, yeah. I bought a few...
dozen...
packages.
:)
Fast Forward, to last Saturday.
Last Saturday I had the good fortune to spend some time cropping at Scrap It! in Hermitage TN where an excellent page artist-Tammy Graves- works. Tammy showed me a layout that she had completed and is offering in one of her upcoming classes and it was breath-taking. Great color, well-balanced, artsy techniques and totally fun. I noticed that on the corners of some of the photos she had hand-stiched a row of small appropriately-colored straight stiches. It was, in fact, this small but powerful detail that sold me on the layout. The stitches added just the right spark to the entire layout and it's something I have never (in a million years) considered doing. I ordered a kit (I can't attend the class--it's during the week) and can't wait to complete it. (Incidentally, you can see Tammy's awesome layout at the store. When I signed up to purchase the kit, there were only a few seats left in the class but you might get lucky if you sign up soon.)
But in the meantime, I got to thinking about the corner stitching. I love the idea and just happened to run across the little bucket of silk ribbons while I was mulling on it.
Can you say "Light-bulb moment"?
Suddenly, I realized that I might enjoy stitching if a) I could do it with some measure of precision and b) I could do it with ribbon!
My real beef with stitching is that it's (until now) been imprecise. I like uniformity but I can never quite achieve it in free stitching. Which begs the question--is there such a thing as a stitching template?
Guess what?
There is!
Several, in fact, according to the all-knowing peas that I asked!
By using a template and a piercer to punch the needle holes into the paper before actually stitching, most of the imprecision is eliminated. For someone with almost ZERO stitching experience (not since my 9th grade home economics class anyway), I would have to say it's sailing pretty smoothly. You can see for yourself.
My first project--the red star was finished last night at about ten pm. From that time, until now, I have been ribbon-stitching e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g in sight. This is so much fun!
American Traditional Designs makes stitching stencils. I ordered a few but in the meantime, printed the image an used it as a rough pattern. I also found a template (thanks to the peas) made by Timeless Touches called a *Fiber Friend*. It's specifically made for corners and easy-straight stitching.
On advice from a frugal pea, I used a plastic canvas circle as a template for this piece I am working on now. Because I am using 7mm silk ribbon instead of thread, the stiches have a bolder feel, however thread is next on my list of things to try. Tammy used several slips of floss, but I'm thinking of something a little bit heavier. I'll have to look into that in the next few days.
It's such an easy process:
=Find a template for the design.
=Using the paper piercer (or a really large thumb tack), transfer the design to the cardstock, one hole at a time.
=Thread ribbon into a large needle and stitch from hole to hole, up and down.
=When the design is complete, tie off the end and snip.
Currently, my ribbon stitching gear includes:--a small cork board for anchoring and poking the piercer into.
--silk ribbons in various colors and sizes.
--large needle
--temporary adhesive.
--paper template or plastic canvas shape.
--cardstock, scissors and extra thumb tacks.
How fun! I'll post the results as sson as I am done. but it might take a few days, as I have to order some photos.
This is one project I will definately be repeating...well, with different colors and shapes, of course.
Ribbon stitching--it's a little different twist on silk ribbon embroidery...and a very neat addition to the scrap craft library that is my brain!
Happy Monday!
6.28.2006
The Water in Wilkes Barre
My in-laws lived in central Mississippi when Katrina hit New Orleans and the MS Gulf Coast. They were without power for a week and of course, felt the crush of evacuees as well.
Now they live in Wilkes Barre PA and again they are facing serious weather and flooding. Their apartment is within a mile of the levee. They have been evacuated to a hotel some miles away and are out of direct danger of flooding but their apartment is right in the path. Pray that they'll be safe, that the levee will hold and that God will use them in the midst of this storm.
Here's a link to a story from the Boston Sun about the flooding.
1God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help
in times of trouble.
2And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble
and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.
3Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves
shake the mountains.
4A river and its streams bring joy to the city,
which is the sacred home of God Most High.
5God is in that city, and it won't be shaken.
He will help it at dawn.
6Nations rage! Kingdoms fall!
But at the voice of God the earth itself melts.
7The LORD All-Powerful is with us.
The God of Jacob is our fortress.
8Come! See the fearsome things the LORD has done on earth.
9God brings wars to an end all over the world.
He breaks the arrows, shatters the spears,
and burns the shields.
10Our God says, "Calm down, and learn that I am God!
All nations on earth will honor me."
11The LORD All-Powerful
is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.
---PSALM 46:1-11
Now they live in Wilkes Barre PA and again they are facing serious weather and flooding. Their apartment is within a mile of the levee. They have been evacuated to a hotel some miles away and are out of direct danger of flooding but their apartment is right in the path. Pray that they'll be safe, that the levee will hold and that God will use them in the midst of this storm.
Here's a link to a story from the Boston Sun about the flooding.
1God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help
in times of trouble.
2And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble
and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.
3Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves
shake the mountains.
4A river and its streams bring joy to the city,
which is the sacred home of God Most High.
5God is in that city, and it won't be shaken.
He will help it at dawn.
6Nations rage! Kingdoms fall!
But at the voice of God the earth itself melts.
7The LORD All-Powerful is with us.
The God of Jacob is our fortress.
8Come! See the fearsome things the LORD has done on earth.
9God brings wars to an end all over the world.
He breaks the arrows, shatters the spears,
and burns the shields.
10Our God says, "Calm down, and learn that I am God!
All nations on earth will honor me."
11The LORD All-Powerful
is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.
---PSALM 46:1-11
6.27.2006
$21??
While we were in Knoxville a few weeks ago I picked up three small packages of these "candy" knock-offs at JoAnn's. The package price was $6.99 each. This is 3 packages. I can't imagine paying full price for these--the words are downright odd. (They were marked down to 50 cents per pack.)I am
stupid
ducky
pout
testy
and
are
is
I just don't get why anyone would choose these sentiments? but anyway...my thinking was I would find a way to remove the backing and re-apply the clear acrylic dome part to some other image or word.
However, I am having a difficult time getting the backing off. Anyone have ideas? The trick is to do it without damaging or scratching the acrylic.
Thanks for the help.
Just Call Me a Fan of Men
I am married to a remarkable man.
I have two sons.
I have a father.
I have two brothers.
I have a father-in-law.
I have a brother-in-law.
I assist a man who teaches G's Sunday School class every week.
I like the men my best friends are married to.
Most of my best friends have sons--I definately like them.
I like my husband's friends, who are men.
I like his boss in Dallas (but then our cruise was his doing..so maybe I'm biased about him).
Shall I continue or are you seeing the point? There are many men in my life that I truly like and admire and love.
Basically, I like men. Especially the ones in my life. So with this in mind, you can probably understand why I don't take too kindly to man-bashing. It does not sit well with me and it never has. Sure, there are less-than-wonderful men in the world...just like there are less-than-wonderful women but for the most part, I don't like to be stereotyped as a woman, nor do I tolerate stereotypes about men--especially negative ones. This practice of using a person's gender as an excuse for something or as a disparraging statment is annoying. For me it ranks as a pet peeve.
I bristle at these statemets and others like them:
"That's a man, for ya."
"Well, what do you expect from a man?"
So, today, while the boys and I were checking out the newly-remodled (very nice) JoAnn's today I witnessed an incident that set my hair on end. I went to the fabric counter to have some fabric cut. The lady there rolled out the yard of fabric I wanted and aligned it up with the yard stick that is mounted on the big cutting table. She got out her scissors and moved to cut to fabric. This is when she realized that the table's metal cutting gutter (the scissor guide) on this cutting table had been installed at the half-yard mark on the ruler, not at the usual yard mark.
Her response was to exhale deeply with exasperation and say "No doubt, a man did that." The disdain in her tone was clear.
Right there under the attentively listening ears and watchful eyes of Julian (my ten year old), who was leaning over the table to watch closely the cutting of my fabric, she chooses to disparrage all man-kind. Gee, thanks.
I looked at her. I looked at my sons. Did she really expect me to commisserate with her based on no other fact than that I am a woman?
Not this chick. I like men. Just call me a fan of men.
On the way home, I was thinking on this as I munched on my Chic-Fil-A nuggets. It occurred to me that it is not acceptable to make slurs against a group of people based on their race or ethic background. In fact, it's so unacceptable, we have a term for it--"racial slurs". If used in the committing of a crime, speaking or writing a racial slur can elevate the crime to the level of a *hate crime*. The penalties for a person guilty of a "hate crime" are more serious than the penalties for "run-of-the-mill" crimes. That's how serious most American's take racially-based slurring or dengration.
So why not ban similar "gender slurs"? Or at least make them socially unacceptable? Gender and race go hand-in-hand. Neither can be changed and both have been the subject of prejidice in our sordid past. So, why is it OK to casually and uselessly bash a group of people based on their gender, when we wouldn't think of allowing similar words about a persons race to pass between our lips? Why is it called harrassment if it occurs in the workplace, but is aceptable elsewhere?
I say it's not OK. Nobody benefits from this and we can do better.
Words carry weight, although we often throw them around like paperclips, as if they make almost no difference in the universe. Even Julian (who many times is not at all sensitive to vocal tone clues) recoiled at the weight of her tone. He backed away and looked at me to see if he had done something wrong. I winked at him and we went on.
Hate serves no righteous purpose and improves nothing. Whether the woman actually "hated" men or (more likely) was just expressing her exasperation without thinking about her audience, I don't know.
So now you know.
I am a fan of men.
I have two sons.
I have a father.
I have two brothers.
I have a father-in-law.
I have a brother-in-law.
I assist a man who teaches G's Sunday School class every week.
I like the men my best friends are married to.
Most of my best friends have sons--I definately like them.
I like my husband's friends, who are men.
I like his boss in Dallas (but then our cruise was his doing..so maybe I'm biased about him).
Shall I continue or are you seeing the point? There are many men in my life that I truly like and admire and love.
Basically, I like men. Especially the ones in my life. So with this in mind, you can probably understand why I don't take too kindly to man-bashing. It does not sit well with me and it never has. Sure, there are less-than-wonderful men in the world...just like there are less-than-wonderful women but for the most part, I don't like to be stereotyped as a woman, nor do I tolerate stereotypes about men--especially negative ones. This practice of using a person's gender as an excuse for something or as a disparraging statment is annoying. For me it ranks as a pet peeve.
I bristle at these statemets and others like them:
"That's a man, for ya."
"Well, what do you expect from a man?"
So, today, while the boys and I were checking out the newly-remodled (very nice) JoAnn's today I witnessed an incident that set my hair on end. I went to the fabric counter to have some fabric cut. The lady there rolled out the yard of fabric I wanted and aligned it up with the yard stick that is mounted on the big cutting table. She got out her scissors and moved to cut to fabric. This is when she realized that the table's metal cutting gutter (the scissor guide) on this cutting table had been installed at the half-yard mark on the ruler, not at the usual yard mark.
Her response was to exhale deeply with exasperation and say "No doubt, a man did that." The disdain in her tone was clear.
Right there under the attentively listening ears and watchful eyes of Julian (my ten year old), who was leaning over the table to watch closely the cutting of my fabric, she chooses to disparrage all man-kind. Gee, thanks.
I looked at her. I looked at my sons. Did she really expect me to commisserate with her based on no other fact than that I am a woman?
Not this chick. I like men. Just call me a fan of men.
On the way home, I was thinking on this as I munched on my Chic-Fil-A nuggets. It occurred to me that it is not acceptable to make slurs against a group of people based on their race or ethic background. In fact, it's so unacceptable, we have a term for it--"racial slurs". If used in the committing of a crime, speaking or writing a racial slur can elevate the crime to the level of a *hate crime*. The penalties for a person guilty of a "hate crime" are more serious than the penalties for "run-of-the-mill" crimes. That's how serious most American's take racially-based slurring or dengration.
So why not ban similar "gender slurs"? Or at least make them socially unacceptable? Gender and race go hand-in-hand. Neither can be changed and both have been the subject of prejidice in our sordid past. So, why is it OK to casually and uselessly bash a group of people based on their gender, when we wouldn't think of allowing similar words about a persons race to pass between our lips? Why is it called harrassment if it occurs in the workplace, but is aceptable elsewhere?
I say it's not OK. Nobody benefits from this and we can do better.
Words carry weight, although we often throw them around like paperclips, as if they make almost no difference in the universe. Even Julian (who many times is not at all sensitive to vocal tone clues) recoiled at the weight of her tone. He backed away and looked at me to see if he had done something wrong. I winked at him and we went on.
Hate serves no righteous purpose and improves nothing. Whether the woman actually "hated" men or (more likely) was just expressing her exasperation without thinking about her audience, I don't know.
So now you know.
I am a fan of men.
6.26.2006
Scrapbook Shopping List
Quite a few things I would like to acquire but I'm trying to pace myself. I thought perhaps a list would help. (A job would also speek the process.) :)
1. Technique Tuesday Stamps. I purchased my first set--Love Notes--a week or so ago and I am loving these. Acrylic stamps are different from rubber (and I'm sworn to love rubber forever). But the designs are so right now. On my list are Functuation, Back Rounds Large, Infinite Wisdom and Petal Pushers.
2. More stamps. Scribbles Alphabet by Rhonna Farrer and Scribbles Punctuation.
3. Brown Bazzill Brads (the mixed package of 3 different shades of brown).
4. Quickutz Studio Classic. I know, I know. I said I wouldn't buy an alphabet but Studio is just so perfect. It's on the list but still may be a while. I'm watching Willow Traders and SBA for a used set.
5. Easier Than Ever Scrapbooking (published by Creating Keepsakes).
6. Wild Asparagus Rounds Definitions...I love these.
7. Doodlebug Uncle Sam Jelishments.
8. Foof-a-La Paper--the Super Dad from Dad's Ties. 2Peas Garden Girl Tracy Miller did a right snappy layout with this stuff...she made me want it!
So now you know.
In other news, I found the cutest little stitched suede photo wallet at JoAnn's last week for $4. It hold 40 wallet-sized photos. I'm thinking of using rub-ons to decorate the front. Do rub-ons stick to suede? Might have to try a bookplate instead.
And finally, a piece of art. I know my blog has been woefully lacking in art lately. Not a good thing for a scrapbooking blogger, right? I'll try harder. Promise. Surprisingly, no journaling. Just one of my favorite "nose-
shots" by Anita. I used a piece of Making Memories paper (something old) and the new TT stamp set (something new)! Trust me...you'll be seeing this stamp set more...I relly like it.
Happy
Monday!
1. Technique Tuesday Stamps. I purchased my first set--Love Notes--a week or so ago and I am loving these. Acrylic stamps are different from rubber (and I'm sworn to love rubber forever). But the designs are so right now. On my list are Functuation, Back Rounds Large, Infinite Wisdom and Petal Pushers.
2. More stamps. Scribbles Alphabet by Rhonna Farrer and Scribbles Punctuation.
3. Brown Bazzill Brads (the mixed package of 3 different shades of brown).
4. Quickutz Studio Classic. I know, I know. I said I wouldn't buy an alphabet but Studio is just so perfect. It's on the list but still may be a while. I'm watching Willow Traders and SBA for a used set.
5. Easier Than Ever Scrapbooking (published by Creating Keepsakes).
6. Wild Asparagus Rounds Definitions...I love these.
7. Doodlebug Uncle Sam Jelishments.
8. Foof-a-La Paper--the Super Dad from Dad's Ties. 2Peas Garden Girl Tracy Miller did a right snappy layout with this stuff...she made me want it!
So now you know.
In other news, I found the cutest little stitched suede photo wallet at JoAnn's last week for $4. It hold 40 wallet-sized photos. I'm thinking of using rub-ons to decorate the front. Do rub-ons stick to suede? Might have to try a bookplate instead.And finally, a piece of art. I know my blog has been woefully lacking in art lately. Not a good thing for a scrapbooking blogger, right? I'll try harder. Promise. Surprisingly, no journaling. Just one of my favorite "nose-
shots" by Anita. I used a piece of Making Memories paper (something old) and the new TT stamp set (something new)! Trust me...you'll be seeing this stamp set more...I relly like it.Happy
Monday!
6.25.2006
My Favorite Peas
I'm starting a new list--*My Favorite Peas*. It's going in the sidebar and basically it's just there so I can click on my favorite peas easily. If you happen to enjoy it too...well, isn't that just icing on the cake!
LOL!
First entry is Star of May.
Happy Sunday.
LOL!
First entry is Star of May.
Happy Sunday.
6.24.2006
What's Up with Lil' Davis?
Lil Davis Designs...what's up? For the longest time LDD was one of those special companies who did totally unique, totally cool stuff and you didn't see them in every flipping scrapbook store on the planet. They were shabby/retro/funky/artsy before shabby/retro/funky/artsy was cool. They made their own style. I loved that. When I think of innovative...I think of just a handful of companies...and LDD is on my list of innovative companies.
And then, LDD got into JoAnn's. Suddenly, the market is totally flooded with LDD goodies. I admit it--I was a little disappointed. The specialness was seeping out. I know. I know. Bottom line and all that nonsense. I felt like I was seeing Louis Vitton at Wal-Mart.
So, then a few weeks (or months) ago, a pea posts about finding Lil Davis at Tuesday Mornings--a discount/outlet store. Sure enough. I went to my local TM and found some Lil Davis stuff...stamps, chipboard, ribbons, etc heavily discounted at TM. OK. So maybe they had overruns or discontinued items to get rid of...? Still it stung. (I know. I take this scrapbooking thing way to seriously.)
Today, I visit one of the best scrapbook stores on the planet (a store that has, in the past, been an overflowing candyland of the best Lil Davis had to offer) and find the selection of Lil Davis is almost extinct.
What's up with that?
Then tonight, I'm snatching up some flower stems for a new wreath at Michaels and what do I see? A heaping pile of Lil' Davis items in the DOLLAR BIN! The DOLLAR BIN!
Are they selling Midori Ribbon at 7-Eleven now?
Are they selling Manolo Blahnik at Sears?
Are there Godiva Chocolates at McDonald's?
Is Chef Boy RDee making caviar ravioli these days?
Did I miss something?
Apparently.
I certainly do not blame any inde scrapbook store for backing off of a product line that is clearly over-saturating the market and undercutting the scrapbook stores. Yes. I do believe there is such a thing as over-saturation and it bugs me.
(Can you say "Mrs. Grossman's Red Heart Store"?? Now there was a prime example of over-saturation!)
Certainly, Lil Davis can do what they want with their product...that's their choice but it sure does make me sad. I guess I kinda feel betrayed on behalf of those scrapbook stores that took a risk on shabby/retro/funky/artsy before it was a sure thing. Frankly, I think they deserve better treatment.
"It's not personal. It's just business." someone will say. Hmm. To an inde scrapbook store owner, it's very personal.
Scrapbooking is an interesting business because it is a total incorporation of "business" and "personal". You can't have one without the other.
I have an unyielding affection for unique, independent, creative companies--companies that raise the bar in their industry again and again by doing what they do really well. I love to see small companies *score* on the merits of their own uniqueness. I am a boutique girl, through and through. I like *special*.
And *special* is not found heaped in the DOLLAR BIN of a chain craft store!
And then, LDD got into JoAnn's. Suddenly, the market is totally flooded with LDD goodies. I admit it--I was a little disappointed. The specialness was seeping out. I know. I know. Bottom line and all that nonsense. I felt like I was seeing Louis Vitton at Wal-Mart.
So, then a few weeks (or months) ago, a pea posts about finding Lil Davis at Tuesday Mornings--a discount/outlet store. Sure enough. I went to my local TM and found some Lil Davis stuff...stamps, chipboard, ribbons, etc heavily discounted at TM. OK. So maybe they had overruns or discontinued items to get rid of...? Still it stung. (I know. I take this scrapbooking thing way to seriously.)
Today, I visit one of the best scrapbook stores on the planet (a store that has, in the past, been an overflowing candyland of the best Lil Davis had to offer) and find the selection of Lil Davis is almost extinct.
What's up with that?
Then tonight, I'm snatching up some flower stems for a new wreath at Michaels and what do I see? A heaping pile of Lil' Davis items in the DOLLAR BIN! The DOLLAR BIN!
Are they selling Midori Ribbon at 7-Eleven now?
Are they selling Manolo Blahnik at Sears?
Are there Godiva Chocolates at McDonald's?
Is Chef Boy RDee making caviar ravioli these days?
Did I miss something?
Apparently.
I certainly do not blame any inde scrapbook store for backing off of a product line that is clearly over-saturating the market and undercutting the scrapbook stores. Yes. I do believe there is such a thing as over-saturation and it bugs me.
(Can you say "Mrs. Grossman's Red Heart Store"?? Now there was a prime example of over-saturation!)
Certainly, Lil Davis can do what they want with their product...that's their choice but it sure does make me sad. I guess I kinda feel betrayed on behalf of those scrapbook stores that took a risk on shabby/retro/funky/artsy before it was a sure thing. Frankly, I think they deserve better treatment.
"It's not personal. It's just business." someone will say. Hmm. To an inde scrapbook store owner, it's very personal.
Scrapbooking is an interesting business because it is a total incorporation of "business" and "personal". You can't have one without the other.
I have an unyielding affection for unique, independent, creative companies--companies that raise the bar in their industry again and again by doing what they do really well. I love to see small companies *score* on the merits of their own uniqueness. I am a boutique girl, through and through. I like *special*.
And *special* is not found heaped in the DOLLAR BIN of a chain craft store!
6.23.2006
1 Down, 300 to Go
It's finally Friday! This has been the longest week. Seriously, it slinked by at a snail's pace.
Joal's in Dallas. Left Monday before 6 am but he's coming home tonight.
Finally.
Which of course, means I have no less than 3oo things to do before he gets here. I'm making a list. A very long list.
Happy Happy Happy Friday!
Joal's in Dallas. Left Monday before 6 am but he's coming home tonight.
Finally.
Which of course, means I have no less than 3oo things to do before he gets here. I'm making a list. A very long list.
Happy Happy Happy Friday!
6.22.2006
The Endless Debate
There's an endless debate in my house. How much sleep do I really need?
I have 2 sons, 10 and 3. The oldest is home schooled and they require most of my attention and activity throughout the day. There are those brief periods when they are playing outside or in the playroom that I can squeeze in a little creative play for myself but mostly, I am occupied with them thru the day.
I am not complaining. Just stating the facts so you can see my dilemma.
So, when bed time comes and the house suddenly becomes quite and somewhat controlled, I face a choice. Do I take advantage of the wonderful quiet and create (write, scrapbook, etc) or do I collapse into bed?
I need both.
Desperately.
The downside of choosing to go downstairs and write or scrap is that it's an all or none proposition. If I get started, it's unlikely that I'll stop before 2 am. The upside is the creative high that boosts my emotional state. I truly enjoy working on my projects--it's deeply refreshing to my soul. The downside of sleeping is that I feel like I am wasteing what could be productive hours. The upside of choosing sleep is, of course, I feel rested and refreshed, the next day.
So. It's 10:13 pm.
And here I sit.
Writing.
Trying to make this choice yet again.
Work or sleep.
Work or sleep.
Can't decide.
In the scheme of life I should be grateful to have such choices, I know. And I am.
But these Technique Tuesday stamps are calling my name...maybe I could make just one card. ((snort))
Happy Friday! It will be a very happy Friday for us!
I have 2 sons, 10 and 3. The oldest is home schooled and they require most of my attention and activity throughout the day. There are those brief periods when they are playing outside or in the playroom that I can squeeze in a little creative play for myself but mostly, I am occupied with them thru the day.
I am not complaining. Just stating the facts so you can see my dilemma.
So, when bed time comes and the house suddenly becomes quite and somewhat controlled, I face a choice. Do I take advantage of the wonderful quiet and create (write, scrapbook, etc) or do I collapse into bed?
I need both.
Desperately.
The downside of choosing to go downstairs and write or scrap is that it's an all or none proposition. If I get started, it's unlikely that I'll stop before 2 am. The upside is the creative high that boosts my emotional state. I truly enjoy working on my projects--it's deeply refreshing to my soul. The downside of sleeping is that I feel like I am wasteing what could be productive hours. The upside of choosing sleep is, of course, I feel rested and refreshed, the next day.
So. It's 10:13 pm.
And here I sit.
Writing.
Trying to make this choice yet again.
Work or sleep.
Work or sleep.
Can't decide.
In the scheme of life I should be grateful to have such choices, I know. And I am.
But these Technique Tuesday stamps are calling my name...maybe I could make just one card. ((snort))
Happy Friday! It will be a very happy Friday for us!
2Peas List Challenge
1. FIRST NAME? Sarah
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? no
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? This morning
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? yes
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast beef
6. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 2
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? maybe
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, several
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Duh!
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Not unless there was a gun involved…
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? no
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Buttered pecan
16. SHOE SIZE? 9
17. RED OR PINK? pink
18. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? How long do you have?
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom
20. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Oklahoma City OK, 1972
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Tan, white
22. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? granola
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Sara Evans
24 IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? brown
25. FAVORITE SMELL? My husband
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED WITH ON THE PHONE? My husband
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU MEET? Their hands
28. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Scrapbooking
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Diet Sprite
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Baseball
31. HAIR COLOR? brown32. EYE COLOR? blue
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no
34. FAVORITE FOOD? Black Corn Chips and Salsa
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? I hate movies that feel like a waste of time. I prefer happy or thoughtful endings.
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Incredibles
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Lime green
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on who the other person is…
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake
41. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Hop on Pop, Amelia Bedillia, and Faith of Our Sons
42. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don’t use one.
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Quiet
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME Cozymel Mexico or Orange County, CA…I’m not sure which is further.
46. IF YOU COULD PICK ANY TWO PEOPLE TO HAVE DINNER WITH, WHO WOULD THEY BE? My husband and Frank Wycheck (a retired Titan)
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? no
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? This morning
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? yes
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast beef
6. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 2
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? maybe
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, several
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Duh!
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Not unless there was a gun involved…
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? no
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Buttered pecan
16. SHOE SIZE? 9
17. RED OR PINK? pink
18. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? How long do you have?
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom
20. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Oklahoma City OK, 1972
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Tan, white
22. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? granola
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Sara Evans
24 IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? brown
25. FAVORITE SMELL? My husband
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED WITH ON THE PHONE? My husband
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU MEET? Their hands
28. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Scrapbooking
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Diet Sprite
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Baseball
31. HAIR COLOR? brown32. EYE COLOR? blue
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no
34. FAVORITE FOOD? Black Corn Chips and Salsa
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? I hate movies that feel like a waste of time. I prefer happy or thoughtful endings.
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Incredibles
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Lime green
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on who the other person is…
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake
41. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Hop on Pop, Amelia Bedillia, and Faith of Our Sons
42. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don’t use one.
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Quiet
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME Cozymel Mexico or Orange County, CA…I’m not sure which is further.
46. IF YOU COULD PICK ANY TWO PEOPLE TO HAVE DINNER WITH, WHO WOULD THEY BE? My husband and Frank Wycheck (a retired Titan)
6.21.2006
Wish Me Luck
I'm diving in to my woefully overloaded email inbox today, determined to delete and file until the massive wad of email is down to a managable number--like say--3.
I confess to being a pack rat in real life...and in cyber life too. How silly is that?
I don't think I've had a totally empty mailbox since the moment I signed up with my current ISP.
Wish me luck.
I confess to being a pack rat in real life...and in cyber life too. How silly is that?
I don't think I've had a totally empty mailbox since the moment I signed up with my current ISP.
Wish me luck.
6.20.2006
1600+ miles in 40 hours!
I'm finally recovered from my 40 hour buzz to Oklahoma--it was *so* worth the time and money to be there. I had a great time with my family and I was completely astonished by my brother. In the light of the news of the past two days, I am having a difficult time processing it all.
The United States Army makes no bones about their function.
Soldiers are trained to kill.
I knew this before I ever set foot beyond the gates of Fort Sill.
I knew it in my head but not so much with my heart.
And certainly not in terms of the soldier that is my own brother.
Until Friday.
I have been in favor of the retalitory portion of this war from day one of the conflict. I have always supported our troops openly. Given my somewhat educated stance on these issues, I was somewhat surprised to learn that I am completely uncomfortable and ill-at-ease with the bluntness of military action. Emotional re-coil hit me firmly in the chest on Friday as I watched a video made during Andy's Basic Combat Training cycle. Somehow, I like the term "boot camp" better. It's less brutal. Although perhaps it lessens the reality of the brutal-ness. Nothing prepared me for even those few minutes of images of men preparing to enter combat and do the Army's bidding. Nothing. Like I said. I knew. But I didn't *know*. Even now, the thought of it all makes my breath catch in my throat. It makes my stomach hurt. Quite literally. (And I'm just the sister.)
Suddenly, it's quite personal.
And yes, I admit it shouldn't be that way. Every soldier is somebodys brother, son, daddy, etc. I get that. I just didn't expect to feel this change so deeply.
Beyond the actual emotionally-charged events, it was good to be with my family. We laughed a lot and enjoyed the short time we had as best we could.
In other news, I'm finding this creative team assignment for Timeless Reflection to be just what I needed to boost me out of a ho-hum-ness I've been in for a while. It feels good to be productive again.
Julian has taken a liking to my Quickutz. We were shopping today and he tried to insist that I *needed* the Swiss Army knife die for the QK. Crazy boy.
Happy Tuesday!!
The United States Army makes no bones about their function.
Soldiers are trained to kill.
I knew this before I ever set foot beyond the gates of Fort Sill.
I knew it in my head but not so much with my heart.
And certainly not in terms of the soldier that is my own brother.
Until Friday.
I have been in favor of the retalitory portion of this war from day one of the conflict. I have always supported our troops openly. Given my somewhat educated stance on these issues, I was somewhat surprised to learn that I am completely uncomfortable and ill-at-ease with the bluntness of military action. Emotional re-coil hit me firmly in the chest on Friday as I watched a video made during Andy's Basic Combat Training cycle. Somehow, I like the term "boot camp" better. It's less brutal. Although perhaps it lessens the reality of the brutal-ness. Nothing prepared me for even those few minutes of images of men preparing to enter combat and do the Army's bidding. Nothing. Like I said. I knew. But I didn't *know*. Even now, the thought of it all makes my breath catch in my throat. It makes my stomach hurt. Quite literally. (And I'm just the sister.)
Suddenly, it's quite personal.
And yes, I admit it shouldn't be that way. Every soldier is somebodys brother, son, daddy, etc. I get that. I just didn't expect to feel this change so deeply.
Beyond the actual emotionally-charged events, it was good to be with my family. We laughed a lot and enjoyed the short time we had as best we could.
In other news, I'm finding this creative team assignment for Timeless Reflection to be just what I needed to boost me out of a ho-hum-ness I've been in for a while. It feels good to be productive again.
Julian has taken a liking to my Quickutz. We were shopping today and he tried to insist that I *needed* the Swiss Army knife die for the QK. Crazy boy.
Happy Tuesday!!
6.19.2006
The Future
Funny. The 2Peas blog topic today is about the future. Recent events have made me consider deeply my future and that of those I care about. I've come to realize that most of my wishes for the future center around those I love, more than myself.
I want my children to grow up healthy and safe. I want them to be well-educated and prepared to be Godly men-- independent adults, responsible citizens, loving husbands, good fathers and men who are passionate about whatever they choose to do.
I want my husband to be healthy and safe. I want to grow old with him holding my hand and pushing stray locks of hair off my face. I want him to write songs that move people and cause them to think deeply.
I want my sister to know the blessing of love and never hurt.
I want my Army brother to be unharmed no matter where the Army sends him.
I want my oldest-but-still-younger-than-me-brother to know the love he can't live without and to continue to be the rock that he is.
I want my parents to be able to slow down just a little and take in a little more scenery together...especially the scenery between Texas and Nashville. :)
Those are just a few of the things I wish for--and pray for daily. I'm glad to know the One who writes the future, orchestrates the present and cares for the past. That alone keeps my wishes from becoming overwhelming fears.
"Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD."
--Psalm 31:24
Now for a dose of "Oh WOW!" go look at Lulu by Marah Johnson! She gives new meaning to the term die cut Diva!
Happy Monday!
I want my children to grow up healthy and safe. I want them to be well-educated and prepared to be Godly men-- independent adults, responsible citizens, loving husbands, good fathers and men who are passionate about whatever they choose to do.
I want my husband to be healthy and safe. I want to grow old with him holding my hand and pushing stray locks of hair off my face. I want him to write songs that move people and cause them to think deeply.
I want my sister to know the blessing of love and never hurt.
I want my Army brother to be unharmed no matter where the Army sends him.
I want my oldest-but-still-younger-than-me-brother to know the love he can't live without and to continue to be the rock that he is.
I want my parents to be able to slow down just a little and take in a little more scenery together...especially the scenery between Texas and Nashville. :)
Those are just a few of the things I wish for--and pray for daily. I'm glad to know the One who writes the future, orchestrates the present and cares for the past. That alone keeps my wishes from becoming overwhelming fears.
"Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD."
--Psalm 31:24
Now for a dose of "Oh WOW!" go look at Lulu by Marah Johnson! She gives new meaning to the term die cut Diva!
Happy Monday!
6.12.2006
Letters from Andy
Got a letter from my brother today. He wrote about receiving letters and cards from some people he doesn't know but who apparently know his sister. Thank you doesn't begin to cover this. I deeply appreciate those of you who wrote to him during boot camp. He's grateful. Deeply.
I mailed one last letter off today not really sure if he'll get it before graduation on Friday or not. Maybe. Hopefully.
I can't wait to see him on Thursday!--I promise to take way too many pictures to share later. :)
If you would like to join me in continuing to acknowledge the service of American troops, I encourage you to check out a non-profit organization called A Million Thanks. Due to tightened security, you can't send cards and letters to "Any Soldier" anymore but this organization exists for collection and distribution of letters and cards of thanks for soldiers/troops working within the military quidelines.
Happy Tuesday!
PS If you haven't had a chance to check out the amazing jaw-dropping work of Tina, go right now to her blog and view the work of a woman who makes this phrase ring true loudly:
Great pictures don't really need much embellishing!
I mailed one last letter off today not really sure if he'll get it before graduation on Friday or not. Maybe. Hopefully.
I can't wait to see him on Thursday!--I promise to take way too many pictures to share later. :)
If you would like to join me in continuing to acknowledge the service of American troops, I encourage you to check out a non-profit organization called A Million Thanks. Due to tightened security, you can't send cards and letters to "Any Soldier" anymore but this organization exists for collection and distribution of letters and cards of thanks for soldiers/troops working within the military quidelines.
Happy Tuesday!
PS If you haven't had a chance to check out the amazing jaw-dropping work of Tina, go right now to her blog and view the work of a woman who makes this phrase ring true loudly:
Great pictures don't really need much embellishing!
Summer
The 2Peas challenge for the day is to write what makes summer special.
Summer.
My first thought--watermelon.
I love that first bite of watermelon right out of the heart, right after it's been split. Oh man. That is the pure unadulterated goodness of summer.
Beyond watermelon, there's the traditional things I truly enjoy--cooking out, 4th of July parades and concerts on the waterfront, fireworks, vacation, catching fireflies at night, kids playing in the waterhose under the guise of washing the cars, baseball games and garage sales. And of course, there's camp. As much as I said I would never go back after last year...I think we might try it again as a family again.
I think I like summer because it brings a sense of freedom. For so much of my life, summer ment "no school" and while it's not that way anymore, there's still a sense that life doesn't have to be so scheduled in the summerime. I like that.
Happy Summer!
Summer.
My first thought--watermelon.
I love that first bite of watermelon right out of the heart, right after it's been split. Oh man. That is the pure unadulterated goodness of summer.
Beyond watermelon, there's the traditional things I truly enjoy--cooking out, 4th of July parades and concerts on the waterfront, fireworks, vacation, catching fireflies at night, kids playing in the waterhose under the guise of washing the cars, baseball games and garage sales. And of course, there's camp. As much as I said I would never go back after last year...I think we might try it again as a family again.
I think I like summer because it brings a sense of freedom. For so much of my life, summer ment "no school" and while it's not that way anymore, there's still a sense that life doesn't have to be so scheduled in the summerime. I like that.
Happy Summer!
6.11.2006
It's the Great Magazine Debate, Charlie Brown!
So, by now, ya'll probably know that I am a sucker for a good magazine debate, especially at 2Peas. Magazines are my forte. I read them. I've been in them. I still submit occasionally although not very often because I am a busy woman. Unfortunately, lately there have been several really intense magazine threads that got my attention. I've come to a new conclusion--some people just like to complain about magazines and use them as an excuse. Although that bothers me (because cop outs in general annoy me), I try to let it go. Try.
First of all, I think the primary role of a paper art magazine is to inspire and challenge the reader to try new things and to expand creatively. Sure, it's going to be hit and miss because no editor is good enough to inspire 100 percent of her audience, 100 percent of the time. Maybe a torn piece of paper on a LO is a total creative expansion and departure from the norm for you. Or maybe it's venturing into the use of watercolors or that Pearl stuff. Maybe some part of a layout or project in a magazine speaks to you and makes you a better writer or an improved photographer. Whatever causes the readers to be inspired to stretch...that should (IMO) be the goal of the editors.
With that in mind, a reader of a paper arts magazine is not just an observer. Well, I suppose you could be, but that's another topic. Get beyond the eye-candy. Use the magazine--let it be your jumping off point. Dig into it and *use* what you are able to see.
Second, don't expect every layout in every issue to be something that would fit into your personal style. Let's just face it: you aren't going to be bowled over by every layout in any issue. Not every issue is going to be chock-full of "Oh my goodness, that's amazing" work. Don't expect this and you won't be let down. That's precisely why it's important to learn to glean usefulness from any source, even a layout that you don't find particularly appealing. Sometimes the mental act of determining what you might do differently to "improve" what you think is an unappealing layout will lead you to the building blocks of your own excellent layout.
Lastly, art is subjective--which is just another way of saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". It's not a lie. This thing called scrapbooking is personal. Sure, magazines make a business out of it, but it's still very personal. Most people who get published in magazines are ordinary scrapbooking, memory-making, paper-lovers like me and you. Sometimes they are lucky enough to make a short-term career out of scrapbooking...sometimes it blossoms into something remarkable BUT for every Becky Higgins there are 500 normal scrappers who get published a once or twice and are positively happy with that.
If I had to guess, (and I'm not about to spend time researching this) I would say that 90 percent of all published scrapbookers are "short term professionals"...meaning they may get paid for a few layouts, win a contest and maybe write an article...and then they move on with the rest of their lives. That's my guess. Popularity in scrapbooking seems to be a short-term gig for most people.
I love magazines...that's certainly not news to anyone. I love that they inspire and inject a level of creativity into this medium that wouldn't be there if they didn't. I love that they give me a place to turn when I get into a hum-drum rut. I love that they brighten my space with the art of other people. I love that they challenge me to incorporate elements and ideas into my layouts that aren't (or weren't) "totally me" but can become "totally mine".
So, what do you love (or hate) about our scrap/paper arts magazines? I'd really like to know.
Happy Sunday.
First of all, I think the primary role of a paper art magazine is to inspire and challenge the reader to try new things and to expand creatively. Sure, it's going to be hit and miss because no editor is good enough to inspire 100 percent of her audience, 100 percent of the time. Maybe a torn piece of paper on a LO is a total creative expansion and departure from the norm for you. Or maybe it's venturing into the use of watercolors or that Pearl stuff. Maybe some part of a layout or project in a magazine speaks to you and makes you a better writer or an improved photographer. Whatever causes the readers to be inspired to stretch...that should (IMO) be the goal of the editors.
With that in mind, a reader of a paper arts magazine is not just an observer. Well, I suppose you could be, but that's another topic. Get beyond the eye-candy. Use the magazine--let it be your jumping off point. Dig into it and *use* what you are able to see.
Second, don't expect every layout in every issue to be something that would fit into your personal style. Let's just face it: you aren't going to be bowled over by every layout in any issue. Not every issue is going to be chock-full of "Oh my goodness, that's amazing" work. Don't expect this and you won't be let down. That's precisely why it's important to learn to glean usefulness from any source, even a layout that you don't find particularly appealing. Sometimes the mental act of determining what you might do differently to "improve" what you think is an unappealing layout will lead you to the building blocks of your own excellent layout.
Lastly, art is subjective--which is just another way of saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". It's not a lie. This thing called scrapbooking is personal. Sure, magazines make a business out of it, but it's still very personal. Most people who get published in magazines are ordinary scrapbooking, memory-making, paper-lovers like me and you. Sometimes they are lucky enough to make a short-term career out of scrapbooking...sometimes it blossoms into something remarkable BUT for every Becky Higgins there are 500 normal scrappers who get published a once or twice and are positively happy with that.
If I had to guess, (and I'm not about to spend time researching this) I would say that 90 percent of all published scrapbookers are "short term professionals"...meaning they may get paid for a few layouts, win a contest and maybe write an article...and then they move on with the rest of their lives. That's my guess. Popularity in scrapbooking seems to be a short-term gig for most people.
I love magazines...that's certainly not news to anyone. I love that they inspire and inject a level of creativity into this medium that wouldn't be there if they didn't. I love that they give me a place to turn when I get into a hum-drum rut. I love that they brighten my space with the art of other people. I love that they challenge me to incorporate elements and ideas into my layouts that aren't (or weren't) "totally me" but can become "totally mine".
So, what do you love (or hate) about our scrap/paper arts magazines? I'd really like to know.
Happy Sunday.
6.07.2006
Leaf Ribbon
Impress Rubber Stamps is perhaps the most appropriately named stamp company on the net, in my book! Seriously, I go to their site and just oogle. They have four physical stores--I would love to visit there someday! Their presentation of merchandise is so uncluttered and elegant and the actual merchandise they sell is remarkable. When I saw this green leaf ribbon, I knew it would be cool. But 30 yards. Who buys 30 yards of ribbon...wait OK. Who buys 30 yards of the same ribbon?So this is the perfect time for a group buy. If you like this ribbon, and want to go in on a group buy of it, email me for all the details at scrappinsarah at msn . com .
Happy Wednesday!
6.05.2006
And Lastly,
The Blue Scrap Room is finally posted HERE at 2Peas.Incidentally, this will be my last blog of the day. Three in one day--apparently I need a life.
You guessed it...
Happy Monday.
This and That Again
I got a nice fat package from www.scrap-mart.com today containing some QK dies I ordered. Check it out--they sell QK at 30% off (and no tax)! Leigh Ann, I loved that pumpkin of yours so much I bought one of my own... :) (Just so everyone knows, I shop my local stores first and then buy on-line.)Have I mentioned I've been reading two positively delish idea books? The Spring Take Ten from Stampington and Designing Scrapbooks 2 from Simple Scrapbooks. Both are a-may-zing!
Got word last week that I made it onto the "design team" (I am not a fan of the term) at Timeless Reflection for the summer. I'm looking forward to this cool new challenge with some other really talented scrapbookers too. When Michelle gets the blog updated and rolling, I'll post a link to it.
I like TR because it's small and unique. It's new and has a very personal feel. I think I've mentioned before that Michelle's goal is to not carry anything that could be acquired at a craft/chain store. I find that so refreshing. I have a special place in my heart for small businesses and love to see them flourish.
Nashville (well, the greater Nashville area) is so fortunate to enjoy several truly excellent scrapbook stores. They are unique and each one seems to have it's own character and personality. As summer comes on, sometimes scrap and stamp store owners experience a lull-- many customers are outside playing, traveling or otherwise making scrapbook memories and the summer can be a little dry for them. I encourage everyone to let your local inde stores know that you appreciate them (assuming you do). Make a quick card or send them a Starbucks GC or something equally delightful. It can be a difficult thing to be the boss...while many people see it as a glam job, it's not always that way. While you get credit for the success...you also get all the blame when something goes wrong. It can be heavy--attested by the fact that many many small businesses don't make it thru their first 5 years.
I've updated the Scrapbook Stores in TN list several times over the past few days. Check it out at http://scrapbookchannel.com/tenn.html
Happy Monday again!
Magnolia Monday to You
Magnolias are Magnificent.
Don't you agree?
Talk about a sensitive flower tho.
I don't have many memories of my maternal grandparents becasue they both passed on when I was very young. One of the few things I remember learning from "Bobbie" was about Magnolias. She had a magnificent Magnolia tree in her yard. When it bloomed she would cut one and set it in a bowl of water on her dining table.
I remember that smell. It would waft through the house and make everything smell like springtime. Anytime I see a magnolia or smell one, I think of her.
When I would come around, she would tell me "if you touch it, it will turn brown." Even as a young girl, I loved the smell and beauty of a Magnolia but the temptation was too great.
Of course, I had to touch it, just to see if she was telling the truth.
Would one single finger cause such a pretty thing to turn brown?
Just one finger on the edge...maybe it wouldn't turn brown
from just a gentle touch?
So, I touched it.
Sure enough, it turned brown in that spot.
Of course, it was obvious that I had touched it.
Who wouldn't notice the brown finger-shaped spot that developed on the petal?
I can't help but think how closely this paralells life. There are things we shouldn't do. God tells us. Our parents tell us. Conscience tell us. Many times we know the consequences (or at least that there will be consequences) so why do we do them anyway?
Because our hearts wander. Because we wonder if the rules apply to us? Because we hope the rules of life don't apply to us.
We make bad choices.
We touch the proverbial flower.
Just to see if they were serious.
And our lives turn brown.
Sin has a way of coming to light.
It leaves it's mark deep on our hearts.
As much as we try to hide it, it's never truly hidden.
One of the private schools in my neighborhood has a banner in it's yard. I can't help but think that there is no more fitting verse for students and parents and the general community to see every day as they drive by. It's Psalm 51:10.
Create in me a clean heart,
O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit
within me.
--Psalm 51:10 (JPS)
Happy Magnolia Monday!
6.02.2006
Mo Love for tha Flowahs and da boyz
Found these pretty silk daisies at M's last night--on the
clearance
table
for $2!
There was a time when I wouldn't have given anything orange a second look...but things change. :)
In other news, when we visited the Knoxville Zoo last week, near the exit was a huge wooden crate. The sign said something like "This is the kind of crate used to bring all the animals from their homes to the zoo. Do you think you could live in a crate for days or weeks on end?" The crate was massive and the ends were open so children could climb in. Of course, my guys couldn't let an opportunity like this pass by...in they went. I ran around to the "exit" and when they got to the end, had them sit so I could take this picture. It wasn't until later that I got to laughing about this particular picture. It's about as real life as we get.
No glamour or poise...we are boys.
We stick out our tongues and pick our noses.
We wear our slushie mustaches proudly.
Danger...
We are Live Animals!
Happy Friday!!
5.29.2006
Fly Away
I'm leaving on a jet plane...
I'm going to fly to Fort Sill in Lawton Oklahoma in June to see my brother graduate from Army boot camp!! I can't tell you how excited I am.
It'll be a quick trip--flying in on Thursday and out on Friday evening...but I can't wait. My parents and brother and sister are driving over and we will be together for this occasion. That's just so cool.
I was born in Oklahoma and haven't been back since I was a baby. I'm truly looking forward to this trip!
I'm going to fly to Fort Sill in Lawton Oklahoma in June to see my brother graduate from Army boot camp!! I can't tell you how excited I am.
It'll be a quick trip--flying in on Thursday and out on Friday evening...but I can't wait. My parents and brother and sister are driving over and we will be together for this occasion. That's just so cool.
I was born in Oklahoma and haven't been back since I was a baby. I'm truly looking forward to this trip!
5.26.2006
Cuh-reee-peee!
Look closely inside the circle.Yes.
It's a frog.
A small, noisy, creepy frog.
In my scrap space.
Did I mention I don't like frogs?
Really.
Seriously.
Completely.
Don't.
Tolerate.
Frogs.
at all.
Ain't happenin'!
So this morning (think wee hours...maybe 2 am when it was quiet) I was peain' and scrappin' when I heard something ker-plop onto the floor. Simultaneously, a movement on the floor caught my eye.
I'm getting the creepy-chills just writing about it.
It's a tiny (yet massively creepy) frog.
On *my* floor.
I do not want to think about how he got in or if he brought his family too.
Anyway, after a few moments of "should I wake my sleeping husband because this is too dang creepy for me", I decided to let sleeping husbands lie. I summoned some courage, dumped the contents of the ribbon jar on the table and contained him in the jar. (See the photo.)
Slid the canvas under.
Took a photo. (well, duh.)
Transported the intruder to the yard.
Creep factor is still off the charts!
Frogs.
Not in my house!
Go. little froggie.
Run free.
Tell all your friends.
This house is *not* the place to visit.
5.25.2006
More Fresh Air
So you already know about my love/hate relationship with Terry Gross and Fresh Air on NPR. Well, there was a very interesting discussion on yesterday's show with Michael Farris, the founder of Home School Legal Defense and Patrick Henry College. Terry was surprisingly civil but remained true to her obviously anti-Christian slant. The discussion about tolerance versus liberty and speech versus action was particulalrly clarifying for me. I admit--I expected there might be a verbal brawl but was perfectly delighted with what I heard. Mr. Farris is a very eloquent man and a sharp legal thinker.
Mr. Farris is a prominant figure in the Christian home schooling world, and is, at times, very controversial because of it. I (like many) don't always agree with his positions but I admire that he is always mindful of his position and the fact that he is the face of home schooling at times. He generally reflects well, I believe.
Of course, Terry made sure to mention that she was prompted to interview him because several pages in Michelle Goldberg's book were spent on him. Of course. We can't have anyone thinking that Terry Gross would want to interview a guest of the Christian conservative persuasion based on his own merit or achievement, now can we?
One very interesting point Michael made was in response to the "Are parents really qualified to teach...do they have the right expertise?" question. He pointed out that permission to teach in a school is not about *expertise*. He used himself as an example, stating that even tho he is a studied constitutional lawyer with many years of experience and *expertise* and is considered by many to be an expert in his chosen subjects of law and history, he is not allowed to teach because he is not considered an educator--because he is not liscensed by the government to teach in schools.
Ding Ding Ding!!
Light-bulb moment.
What would happen to education if teaching really was less about educating and more about *expertise*?
I'm still pondering this question.
Anyway, the discussion was more about conservative thought and the role of Christianity in America...not really much about home schooling. I was glad I went back and listened.
Mr. Farris is a prominant figure in the Christian home schooling world, and is, at times, very controversial because of it. I (like many) don't always agree with his positions but I admire that he is always mindful of his position and the fact that he is the face of home schooling at times. He generally reflects well, I believe.
Of course, Terry made sure to mention that she was prompted to interview him because several pages in Michelle Goldberg's book were spent on him. Of course. We can't have anyone thinking that Terry Gross would want to interview a guest of the Christian conservative persuasion based on his own merit or achievement, now can we?
One very interesting point Michael made was in response to the "Are parents really qualified to teach...do they have the right expertise?" question. He pointed out that permission to teach in a school is not about *expertise*. He used himself as an example, stating that even tho he is a studied constitutional lawyer with many years of experience and *expertise* and is considered by many to be an expert in his chosen subjects of law and history, he is not allowed to teach because he is not considered an educator--because he is not liscensed by the government to teach in schools.
Ding Ding Ding!!
Light-bulb moment.
What would happen to education if teaching really was less about educating and more about *expertise*?
I'm still pondering this question.
Anyway, the discussion was more about conservative thought and the role of Christianity in America...not really much about home schooling. I was glad I went back and listened.
A Mountain Retreat
We went on a little vacation (somewhat impulsively) to east TN. The first photo was taken from the view of our hotel in Caryville, TN. We spent the pa
st 4 days there while Joal worked in the area. It's just across the street from Cove Lake State Park, where the second photo (of the boys) was taken.Second only to the beach, I enjoy the mountains so much. It's so refreshing.
While we were there we had so much fun. (I know...most overused statement on the planet...but it's the truth.) On Monday, the boys and I went to AC Moore--the best craft store known to man! I love that place. Greyson feel in love with a little brown dog beanie baby that was on clearance while we were there...he's been carrying it around ever since. He calls it "dog". I acquired some Heidi Swapp items I've been drooling over. Those chipboard letters are so cool and holy cow--so easy to use.
We had lunch at Chick-Fil-A and discovered they have started including really awesome kids books in their kids meals. It's a 5-book series called "This is my Family". We managed to get 2 different ones and I'm hoping we can get the others. They really cool...very scrapbook-y.
Monday afternoon, I started trying to find the scrapbook store in LaFollette TN (a few miles from the hotel). In my haste to pack, I forgot to bring the Scrapbook Stores in TN list from the website. I scoured the phone book without success...asked a few people...no one knew. The computer at the hotel was down indefinately so I had no internet other than being able to email on my cell phone. I managed a rough email to the TennSB group and a few people responded with help but I was still unable to locate the store. Crazy...I know. At least now when we go back, I'll be prepared.
Monday night, we got the bikes out and spent a whie riding bikes in the boat parking area off the side of the hotel. It was a gravel area and Joal taught Julian how to step on the break and slide in the rocks.
Tuesday, we slept late (a small miracle) and then we to the state park across the highway from our hotel. We explored the lake edges, bridges, and piers...played on the playground, walked the trails and had an amazing time. Came back to the hotel later a little sun-burned and very happy. Nature is good for the soul.
In the early evening we ventured down to Knoxville again, this time to find a store I had heard about from a friend--If it's Paper (an xpedx store) is really cool. I bought a ream (250 sheets) of kraft cardstock. Love that stuff! (Closed caption to Heather: The Paper Moon was out of the kraft cardstock we talked about...but I have some now...I'll share.) If it's Paper is on Kingston Pike. It's not a scrap store--it is a paper establishment. They sell cardstock (large quantities), envelopes of every shape, size and color, boxes including small pizza-style boxes, and other paper goods.
Wednesday we went to the Knoxville Zoo. Oh wow! As Zoo's go, this one is phenominal...far better than the Nashville Zoo. We stayed for 3.5 hours and still didn't see it all! I am thinking we need to organize a field trip back. It was fantastic. I have a bajillion photos to upload now...but it's so worth it. It's very interactive and obviously well cared for. The boys particularly enjoyed the tram ride from the parking area to the gate. I loved watching the penguins and the black bears.
Joal finished the training of the new salesman on Wednesday afternoon and we came home Wed night. We had planned to stay one more night but made a change in the plan because of how next week is going to work for him. I had planned to visit Scrapbooks and More today (Thursday) and I hate i missed it. Next time. Definately.
It was a great vacation...reason number 654 that I enjoy this home schooing life...freedom to travel.
Happy Thursday.
5.20.2006
5.19.2006
Musical Roots
I've been rediscovering some of my musical roots lately and I ran across this tidbit on Carolyn Arends site:
Hmm. That could define scrapbooking too.
Hmm. That could define scrapbooking too.
Beauty and Boldness
BEAUTYStargazer Lilies...could there be anything more beautiful? I spent some time at Lowes today, browsing the garden section, for the express purpose of snapping pictures. Can I tell you how much I love this digital camera? Seriously, I love the freedom to snap away randomly with the commitment of film. It's awesome!!
Go HERE for the black & white version. It's cool too.
BOLDNESS
Kay Brooks, creator of the invaluable website www.tnhomeed.com (Tennessee Home Education) and long-time home school mother has a new job. Last night, by the margin of a single vote, she was appointed to the Metro School Board. (Yet another instance when a single vote made all the difference.) Mrs. Brooks was appointed to fill an abandonded seat on the board until the general election can be held in August.
The Tennessean--perhaps the south most heavily agendized newspaper--has picked up the story, running a piece about the appointment of a home schooling parent to the board on the front page today. The article hardly made any sense and I won't waste your time linking it here. It was drabble-ish and contained almost no backstory. It contained very little actual information about Kay Brooks. The author chose to use snipped up quotes from all sorts of other people, without providing the needed information to connect the thoughts. If I had to guess, I would say it was written for no other reason than to get the attention of the anti-homeschooling crowd. Sad. There is such a cool story here but The Tennessan reporter can't see past his own adgenda to actually write it.
One of the local homeschool group leaders was called by the reporter and asked if this was a conspiracy by the homeschool community to "infilltrate" the board. Come again? Luckily, the home school group leader had the presence of mind not to laugh said reporter off the line. I probably would have. This is not an "us vs them" deal.
The truth is Kay Brooks is (and has been for a long time) an advocate for quality education for all children, not just her own. She lives in a school district that has some very needy schools and she saw this as an opportunity to serve her community and the children in it. It's a temporary job--only 4 months unless she wins election to the seat.
Other school board members are parents and grandparents. Many have children in the metro schools but many have children and grand-children in private schools. How, I wonder, is that any different than Kay's choice to home school? The Brooks pay taxes, are reasonably well-educated on the subjects of education and most importantly, Kay cares about finding solutions to the problems Metro Schools is facing. She brings a unique perspective to the table. Perhaps the freshest perspective they've ever seen. She faces a challenge and it will be interesting to see what impact she can make in this short time, given the apparent hostility of so many unenlightened souls serving on the board with her.
I've said it before and I will say it again: One-size-fits-all may apply to clothing but it should NOT be applied to the education of children. There's more than one way to successfully educate a child. In fact, there are many ways--public school, private schools, home schools, charter schools, on-line schools...the goal of each is the same--a quality education for the next generation. If the education communities could stop bickering over pettiness, perhaps those with experience inthe different styles could learn something from each other. Novel concept. Educators learning. Ya think.
Congrats Kay. Your willingness to serve your community in this way is a light in the night, boldly going forth.
http://www.kaybrooks.blogspot.com
http://www.kaybrooks.com
Happy Friday!!
5.18.2006
Photos From our Hike
We took a family hike today at our favorite park. It was a beautiful sunny and cool day and it felt really good to be outside with my guys. One of the things I love about Nashville is the excellent parks!!
5.17.2006
Kravet and something I treasure...
Take a look at this ad I found today in a magazine. It's for a furnishing/trimmings design company called Kravet. You can get a whiff of this high brow art at http://www.kravet.com/. Be prepared to drool. Man. That's some pretty lavish stuff. Fabrics to die for.I'm adding this place to my dream of a textile tour of America...
Look what else I found today. This is an invitation to our wedding. I haven't looked at it in quite a while...I was rearranging some boxes and found the box of wedding stuff that I keep...someday I'm going to..you know...scrapbook our wedding. Maybe.
OK Probably not. But this is the invitation. Simple. Very formal. Black raised ink on an ivory card. It was exactly what I wanted. I remember laboring over the font choice and the wording. It was 1991--there weren't as many choices as there are now. Invitations had to be ordered then. Geesh. This sounds like it was forever ago. I guess it was, really.
Anyway, I just thought it would be fun to show you...
So, I'm making this a dare...blog something you treasure...Debby, Tracie, everybody...
5.15.2006
Bleary eyed Monday
It's a good thing you can't see me right now.Bleary eyes that were up way too late last night (this morning) are not a delightful sight.
But my sister's graduation announcements are all tied up with ribbon and ready to go. For someone (like me) who has a huge problem doing anything repetitive, this is a great accomplishment in itself.
My sister is 18. I am 34. I was 16 when she was born. She was barely three when I went to college. We didn't grow up in the same house but we are very much alike and that brings me so much comfort and makes me incredibly afraid, all at the same time. I can hardly believe she is graduating from high school this weekend. She has been homeschooled her entire school career and is participating in a graduation ceremony with some other home school seniors in her church. She's preparing for college, which makes me so incredibly proud of her.
I got the job of printing and assembling her graduation announcements (see photo). The ribbon is silver organza and it just makes the whole project, if you ask me. Very simple eleganance. Like Deb. {Thanks Heather for the cards...they were perfect.}
In other news, I submitted 4 pages for the design team (I hate that term) at a new LSS. My time with the LaPluma DT is concluded (and has been since the first of the year) so I feel like I need something new to do. I really like the store and should I be selected to participate, it's only for 3 months. I would really like to do this. Cross your fingers for me.
I have to go to the Post Office today...say a prayer for me. I have about 8 packages to mail and will have the boys, which makes everything an adventure. I don't mind taking them most anywhere, with 2 exceptions--the PO and the scrap store. Seems those 2 places are just too much. It never works good. Am I dillusional to think today will maybe be different? One has to hope, right?! Right.
Happy Monday morning!
Brought to you by the Letter S
This post brought to you by the Letter *S*.S, available in a rainbow of colors!
Glueing and sanding are finished. Now it's awaiting ribbon and other embellishments...have I mentioned that I am loving these big honkin' letters!?
Truly.
I even used the big sanding block, which impressed my sons to no end. ("Mommy's sanding!") Just call me the multi-talented mommy.
Happy Monday.
5.13.2006
Catching Up...part one
It was a difficult week for blogging.
Maybe you noticed.
I was moody and uncreative.
I found it hard to focus and spent most of the week completely annoyed.
I didn't figure you wanted to read what I really felt like writing (trust me on this) so I just skipped it.
So now I'm feeling more alive and have a few quality thoughts to write.
First of all, can someone tell me that *all* little boys are born with the desire to be naked. Tell me it's not just my boys. If it's not a universal genetic tick then I fear I am in deep trouble.
Why?
Because I discovered my youngest running naked (or nekkid, for you true southerners) in the backyard no less than 3 times this week. Yes, he's 3 and learning about the proper use of certain porcelain facilities and it seems that this stage of learning has brought out an intense desire to neglect all clothing and just... well, run free. I hope no one saw him riding the bike without a stitch. If they did, I have no doubt that they shook their heads and muttered "where is that boy's mother?"
She's pulling out her hair, I assure you.
In the reading news, two items.
First, I could not be more diametrically opposite Terri Gross on most every issue if I tried, but for some (perhaps sadistic) reason, I listen to her show pretty often. It's Fresh Air on NPR . Her interview on Monday with Michelle Goldburg about the new book, Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, made me feel so many things:
--Sadness, that so much of what this woman has written is just not true. It's mostly spin and perceptions.
--Mad that she presumes to make assumptions about *all* of Christianity based on her limited amount of exposure to a few Christians as an outsider.
--Irritated that she really believes that Christians are vieing for world domination.
--Confused that she thinks of herself as balanced and sophisticated based on her urban-cosmopolitanism...yet she clearly has deep disdain for people of faith. Her work as she discussed it, appears to come straight from a place of fear, not a place of understanding. She has not endeavored to understand anything about true Christianity. She's simply bashing it because she doesn't understand it personally or agree with it.
And sad again because so many people will hear this interview or read her book and be drawn to a deeper distrust or hatred of Christians. On Monday night I went to Amazon to read the reviews of the book and was surpised to see that there weren't any. Today, 5 days after the NPR interview, there are plenty of "reviews" and pre-reviews from people who heard the interview and can't wait to read the book. It saddens me that so many people preach (to use a religious term) acceptance, inclusion and freedom, yet are obviously accepting only those who are not Christians.
I choose to live my life with a Christian worldview, based in my faith. This faith is as much a part of me as my hands and feet. Does being a Christian believer negate my right and responsibility to participate in my government and my world? Does choosing Christianity mean I should be required to check my faith at the door of the world? I just don't think so.
I picked this book up at the library but I can only read it in spurts. It gets to me. Like most anyone (I think) I detest being painted with a broad brush.
More on this later...my eyes are crossing.
And yet another book that has me intrigued was profiled on a locally-produced radio show today, The Fine Print with Rebecca Bain. The book is Two Little Girls: A Memoir of Adoption by Therese Reid. It was profiled on today's installment of TFP which you can hear at WPLN.
I'm positive I am not going to agree with everything Mrs. Reid says about adoption (do we see a trend developing?) --not that what I think really matters in her story of two adoptions. The interview was very intriguing. I think this book will be one that makes me think on a deeper level about adoption, yet again. I've ordered this one.
www.theresareidbooks.com
(to be contined)
Maybe you noticed.
I was moody and uncreative.
I found it hard to focus and spent most of the week completely annoyed.
I didn't figure you wanted to read what I really felt like writing (trust me on this) so I just skipped it.
So now I'm feeling more alive and have a few quality thoughts to write.
First of all, can someone tell me that *all* little boys are born with the desire to be naked. Tell me it's not just my boys. If it's not a universal genetic tick then I fear I am in deep trouble.
Why?
Because I discovered my youngest running naked (or nekkid, for you true southerners) in the backyard no less than 3 times this week. Yes, he's 3 and learning about the proper use of certain porcelain facilities and it seems that this stage of learning has brought out an intense desire to neglect all clothing and just... well, run free. I hope no one saw him riding the bike without a stitch. If they did, I have no doubt that they shook their heads and muttered "where is that boy's mother?"
She's pulling out her hair, I assure you.
In the reading news, two items.
First, I could not be more diametrically opposite Terri Gross on most every issue if I tried, but for some (perhaps sadistic) reason, I listen to her show pretty often. It's Fresh Air on NPR . Her interview on Monday with Michelle Goldburg about the new book, Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, made me feel so many things:
--Sadness, that so much of what this woman has written is just not true. It's mostly spin and perceptions.
--Mad that she presumes to make assumptions about *all* of Christianity based on her limited amount of exposure to a few Christians as an outsider.
--Irritated that she really believes that Christians are vieing for world domination.
--Confused that she thinks of herself as balanced and sophisticated based on her urban-cosmopolitanism...yet she clearly has deep disdain for people of faith. Her work as she discussed it, appears to come straight from a place of fear, not a place of understanding. She has not endeavored to understand anything about true Christianity. She's simply bashing it because she doesn't understand it personally or agree with it.
And sad again because so many people will hear this interview or read her book and be drawn to a deeper distrust or hatred of Christians. On Monday night I went to Amazon to read the reviews of the book and was surpised to see that there weren't any. Today, 5 days after the NPR interview, there are plenty of "reviews" and pre-reviews from people who heard the interview and can't wait to read the book. It saddens me that so many people preach (to use a religious term) acceptance, inclusion and freedom, yet are obviously accepting only those who are not Christians.
I choose to live my life with a Christian worldview, based in my faith. This faith is as much a part of me as my hands and feet. Does being a Christian believer negate my right and responsibility to participate in my government and my world? Does choosing Christianity mean I should be required to check my faith at the door of the world? I just don't think so.
I picked this book up at the library but I can only read it in spurts. It gets to me. Like most anyone (I think) I detest being painted with a broad brush.
More on this later...my eyes are crossing.
And yet another book that has me intrigued was profiled on a locally-produced radio show today, The Fine Print with Rebecca Bain. The book is Two Little Girls: A Memoir of Adoption by Therese Reid. It was profiled on today's installment of TFP which you can hear at WPLN.
I'm positive I am not going to agree with everything Mrs. Reid says about adoption (do we see a trend developing?) --not that what I think really matters in her story of two adoptions. The interview was very intriguing. I think this book will be one that makes me think on a deeper level about adoption, yet again. I've ordered this one.
www.theresareidbooks.com
(to be contined)
It was my Lucky Day
It finally arrived in the mail yesterday and I am so happy.
My Krafter's Purse...hot pink edition.
Bought second hand at a substantial savings.
I left my computer in the photo so you can judge just how big it is. For what it's worth, this is the smaller of 2 styles of KP, which you can see at Krafter's Purse. (Yes, that's how it's spelled.)
I'm not planning to use it as a mobile tote. I'm just leaving it sitting here on my desk to hold all my most-often-used tools.
It doesn't stand up very well when empty but when stuffed, it stands up very nice. As you can see, it's pretty stuffed now.
I like pink.
Happy Saturday.
5.12.2006
5.08.2006
Can I Have One More Weekend Please?
Where did my weekend go?? I hate it when that happens...when the weekend zooms right past and I don't get half the things done that I wanted to and now it's 22 into Monday and I just need one more Saturday before I can handle a Monday.
Who can I talk to to get this rolling? Just make it Saturday instead of Monday.
Just this once.
Please.
In other news, I've mentioned before that my little brother is now in Army boot camp at Fort Sill OK. I've been writing to him as often as possible. If by chance you would like to write him a note or a card, I'm sure he would be thrilled. He's can't receive anything other than letters and cards and photos...so I'm sure he treasures them all. If you want to make his day with me, email me scrappinsarah at msn dot com and I'll send you his address. It would mean a great deal to me too.
As promised, my favorite (so far) grilled hamburger recipe:
A1 Burgers
1/3 cup uncooked oatmeal
kosher salt
fresh cracked pepper
minced fresh onion
several dashes of Worchestershire sauce
2 eggs
1/4 cup of A1 steak sauce
Stir together. Use your hands to combine these ingredients with 1 to 1.5 pound(s) of ground beef or turkey. Form into burger shapes and grill until juices run clear and center is no longer pink.
Enjoy.
Happy Monday.
Who can I talk to to get this rolling? Just make it Saturday instead of Monday.
Just this once.
Please.
In other news, I've mentioned before that my little brother is now in Army boot camp at Fort Sill OK. I've been writing to him as often as possible. If by chance you would like to write him a note or a card, I'm sure he would be thrilled. He's can't receive anything other than letters and cards and photos...so I'm sure he treasures them all. If you want to make his day with me, email me scrappinsarah at msn dot com and I'll send you his address. It would mean a great deal to me too.
As promised, my favorite (so far) grilled hamburger recipe:
A1 Burgers
1/3 cup uncooked oatmeal
kosher salt
fresh cracked pepper
minced fresh onion
several dashes of Worchestershire sauce
2 eggs
1/4 cup of A1 steak sauce
Stir together. Use your hands to combine these ingredients with 1 to 1.5 pound(s) of ground beef or turkey. Form into burger shapes and grill until juices run clear and center is no longer pink.
Enjoy.
Happy Monday.
5.05.2006
For Sale...etc
I have a few things on ebay here and a few things listed here at WillowTraders...I am *this close* to getting my area totally functional. It feels good.Tomorrow is the big shopping day. I'm so excited...garage sales in the AM and 4 scrapbook stores in the day. I'm hoping to acquire some QK dies and a short list of other things. I'm a shopper...which means I enjoy the process of going and looking more than the actual spending of money. In fact, I probably won't spend that much...but it will be fun because I am going with two friends. Can't wait.
I almost never go to WalMart but I went a few days ago and found these faux jeweled buckles...oh man. Are these cute or what?! I don't usually go for the fake jewels look but it's growing on my girly side.
I have been drawn to Lil' Davis lately. They have an awesome gallery on their site and they are also hosting a monthly photo contest...very interesting.
We have gotten back into the habit of grilling finally...anyone have a smashing hamburger recipe I can try? I have a couple...(I'll post them ASAP) but I'mup for hamburger experiments anytime. Grilling is my favorite cooking method. Well, other than going out. LOL!
Happy Saturday.
5.04.2006
This is the house that Math built!
(Insert witty line about being a home school student here.)
This is what we do with math flash cards!
Hold it up.
Read it.
Give the solution.
Add the card to the house.
Repeat.
You know what they say about one man's trash...
You know what "they" say about one man's trash, right?That old saying ..."one man's trash is likely to end up in my Jeep..."
Today was apparently my lucky day. On the way to get a Sonic drink (water for me, Diet Sprite for the boys) we passed a house with a heap of trash in the driveway. In it were 3 large old (some would say "vintage") wood-frame windows. I'm pretty sure I gasped out loud when I saw them.
Windows in the trash.
I want a window!! I have been wanting a window for decor for eons. It's for moments just like this that I drive a Jeep. Stop on a dime and load up the back.
But could I really just take someone elses property? Hmm. I've always heard that trash is fair game.
But.
Darn...looks like the owners are home. You know this rubs my shy bone the wrong way. Feels intrusive.
But I *need* that window--the one in the trash heap.
I call my friend Heather for confirmation. She confirms that yes, if it's on the curb in the trash heap, it's fair game. Bless her for permission. LOL!
There were three. I took one. Each pane is about 16" square. One pane is missing but can be easily replaced for a few dollars. I can't wait to get started on this project.
Oh, by the way, if you see my son in the near future and he tells you that mommy stole a window...don't take him seriously. I have spent the rest of the day trying to explain that it's OK to recover items from the trash on the curb and not be guilty of stealing but I don't think it's sinking in yet. Poor guy thinks he's an accomplice to his mother's criminal activity. :)
Happy trash-collecting Thursday!!
5.01.2006
2Peas News
2Peas is all a-buzz about the news that the site is being sold to a Canadian conglomerate for $600K plus. There's all sorts of speculating and yapping about the recent past, the future, the way it was released and everything else in between...
2Peas is a pretty special place. Kaboose wouldn't have paid $600K for it if it wasn't. I hope they don't make too many changes, but that's their call. I think it's awesome the Pea1 and Geek created something so great and are now able to benefit in such a great measure for all their investment. I know how protective I feel for our community...and I am just a pea. I can't imagine parting with something after so many years of being in it at the deepest level.
One thing I will say...I think it was incredibly disrespectful for peas to break the news and post about it before Pea1 and Geek. Yes, it was in the news...I get that. BUT the curteous thing to do would have been to wait. Oh well. They (the peas who posted thebreaking news) didn't ask me. I was glad to see those threads deleted.
Things change. Hopefully not too much tho.
2Peas is a pretty special place. Kaboose wouldn't have paid $600K for it if it wasn't. I hope they don't make too many changes, but that's their call. I think it's awesome the Pea1 and Geek created something so great and are now able to benefit in such a great measure for all their investment. I know how protective I feel for our community...and I am just a pea. I can't imagine parting with something after so many years of being in it at the deepest level.
One thing I will say...I think it was incredibly disrespectful for peas to break the news and post about it before Pea1 and Geek. Yes, it was in the news...I get that. BUT the curteous thing to do would have been to wait. Oh well. They (the peas who posted thebreaking news) didn't ask me. I was glad to see those threads deleted.
Things change. Hopefully not too much tho.
2Peas Challenge and a Prayer
From the 2Peas Daily Blog Challenge: If you had to pick one living person to spend the day with, who would you choose???
I knew in an instant when I read the challenge who I would pick. No thought required. I would love to spend the day with my mom. She lives several states away and I don't get to see her nearly often enough. We don't have to do anything special. Just hang out. I miss her terribly.
In other news...I have deep foreboading concerns about today with regards to the immigrant protests. I am concerned about possible violence and about the pain that this issue is causing for so many Americans and non-Americans. I am praying for peace and for the safety of all those involved--the protesters as well as those who will no-doubt be involved in attempting to control the protesters.
[Hopefully] Happy Monday!!
I knew in an instant when I read the challenge who I would pick. No thought required. I would love to spend the day with my mom. She lives several states away and I don't get to see her nearly often enough. We don't have to do anything special. Just hang out. I miss her terribly.
In other news...I have deep foreboading concerns about today with regards to the immigrant protests. I am concerned about possible violence and about the pain that this issue is causing for so many Americans and non-Americans. I am praying for peace and for the safety of all those involved--the protesters as well as those who will no-doubt be involved in attempting to control the protesters.
[Hopefully] Happy Monday!!
4.30.2006
Ask
Some kids idolize rock stars or superstar athletes.Some kids are fans of race car drivers, actors or characters.
Some kids get a thrill out of playing cops and robbers or cowboys and Indians.
Not my kids.
No way.
My boys have a special affection for 4 guys who’s names you probably won’t even recognize.
Kevin O’Connor
Tom Silva
Richard Trethewey
Roger Cook
Do you know these guys?
I admit it…I didn’t until the boys found a new favorite tv show--Ask This Old House on WNPT, Nashville‘s Public Television station.
Yesterday, I overheard a conversation:
Jules: “I’m gonna be Richard Trethewey. Who are you gonna be?”
Grey: “Me Roger Cook”.
Jules: “I’m gonna drive the pick up truck.”
Grey: “Go to Mini-appowis.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. How many three-year-olds know anything about Minneapolis? I’m not sure what the target demographic for the show is, but they have captured the three to ten market in my house!
My DVR is now filled with the many incarnations of this show. This Old House, This Old House Classic, Inside This Old House, Ask This Old House, This Old House Hour…
Boys. They sure do spice up my life.
In other news, I recently discovered another use for google. Besides being the most useful search engine on the face of the planet it’s also a good spell checker. Type in your word or phrase and *poof* google will ask you “Did you mean…?” and fill in the space with the correctly spelled word. It’s not a perfect system but it generally works and only take a second. Speedy intuitive spell check. I like that.
Happy Sunday!!
4.29.2006
Just a Few Things...
One of my favorite musicians (besides the one I am married to) is Wes King. Not too long ago Joal brought me Wes' disk that bears this song--Just a Few Things I Think You Should Know. It was written as a sortof "random things I would want my sons to know if I weren't here" thing and the song got to me. It's strong and thoughtful and full of truth. I thought it would make a great addition to a layout.The little dump truck is a "found treasure". Last summer I bought G some t-shirts at a consignment sale and I picked up one in particular because it was adorned with this little rubber dump truck emblem. It's dimensional and reminds me of the Doodlebug Jellishments. Whe he outgrew the shirt, I cut out the emblem and I've been saving it for the right page.
A larger image is at 2Peas.
Happy Saturday!!
4.28.2006
Photo Decor
Here's my newest creation inspired heavily by the Making Memories wreath project. It's hanging in my scrap space on the wall to the right of my computer CPU. I have ordered the photo of J and the boys to fit in the little frame. (I picked up the frame at Scrappuccino a while back after Holle's class.)
Enjoy!
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