TGIF!!!

Another week has come and gone and the only thing I can say is YAY!!! Despite the short work week it was a long week. I'm more than ready for another weekend. How about you guys...any big plans for the weekend? I have many DT projects to finish up, a bridal shower/recipe brunch to attend and a few football games to watch. Other than that, I only have plans for rest and relaxation. Ahhhh!

Just wanted to send a big "Happy Weekend" out to everyone and post a few more Serendipity projects. First is a very simple LO of Keri and Princess. Sometimes simple is the only way to go.



Next is simple card.



I had the most fun playing with fun papers and embellies in my kit. I mentioned Kristen really loads her kits with product. Look at how much is in this kit:



If you are a kit junkie like me, be sure to check out the kits this month. I worked with the September Just Enough Please Kit but I couldn't resist the other 2 kits.

September I Deserve It All Kit:



September Altered Kit:



After seeing what the other team members did with these kits, I had to have them. They showed up on my doorstep this week along with my kit for October...and it is Fab-U-lous!!! If kits aren't your thing, the store is teeming with new product you don't want to miss.

Enjoy your weekend and I'll catch ya on Monday!

hugs & love,
L

Sex & The City (Without the City...and well...Without the Sex)

I fell victim to the HBO craze several seasons in and immediately became hooked. I own the entire series on DVD...which I've viewed time and time again. And I always get sucked right back in whenever I stumble upon an airing of the syndicated showings. I even saw the movie on opening night. Yes, it is raw and irreverent. And I must admit I cringe ever so slightly when I think of how much I adore this show. Always good for laughs, and equally good for making me blush, I find myself wanting to be like these women...living life on the edge,secure in the strength of the friendships they share, living, loving and learning along the way. And who wouldn't want the wardrobes, the purses and the shoes...oh, the wonderful, insanely expensive, to die for shoes!!!

A few nights ago, I lay in bed watching a few episodes and I began thinking about how much I enjoy the show and I began to ponder why. First thing that came to mind is my LOVE for NY City. Something about this place resonates to the depths of my soul. Each time I visit, I feel I'm visiting a long lost friend. A friend who intrigues me, whose personality is loud and exciting, someone eager to share all she has to offer. Walking on the streets of the city gives me a rush of adrenaline and an urgency to explore. I feel as if I've stepped into another world, a place that has a life of its own. A place different from any other where no excuses are made. While it is too late in life to pursue this dream, I've always secretly wanted to experience a few years as a city girl. While watching this show, for 30 glorious minutes, I can live that dream vicariously through Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.

I also realized one other reason for being a passionate fan of the show. I see a bit of myself in each of the characters. I possess Miranda's Type A personality and her drive and ambition. Charlotte's love for what marriage and family represents is a love I share. I also share her naive tendencies and more conservative ways and her never ending hope for a fairy tale ending. Samantha...at first glance, I would be afraid to say we share anything! LOL! But she is passionate about all she does be it love or friendship. Never one to be swayed by others, she speaks her mind and has a strong voice. Passionate is the one word used to describe me time and time again. And I often see the vulnerabilities lying beneath her strong exterior...those things which make her fierce and a force to be reckoned with. Using that strength to hide her fears and propel herself forward.

Finally, I am probably most like Carrie. Always searching in love and life. Often thinking she's found the answer only to learn she was mistaken. Enduring heartbreak and yet being open to love yet again. I suppose the fact that she is a writer who questions the truth of relationships is also something I connect with. And in the end, she gets her man...which gives me hope that I too may one day have mine.

So tell me, do you ever see yourself in TV/movie characters? Although they are fictional, they are designed to be relate-able. Just wondering if I'm the only one to find myself in such make believe.

"Just Enough" Serendipity & An Update

It's here! My official first day as a Serendipity Scrapbooks DT member. I am so excited...a little overwhelmed...but thrilled nonetheless. I was fortunate to get to work with the Just Enough kit this time. It is full of Pebbles Inc "Skipping Along" papers and stickers, American Crafts papers, A/C Thickers, Bo Bunny flowers and Basic Grey bling and rub-ons! Lots of yummy goodies in this kit. I completed 4 layouts and 1 card wih the kit and there is plenty of product left fot several more projects. And believe it or not, I completed the layouts and cards using mainly kit items!

This layout is one of my favorites...mostly because this picture is soooo Keri. Despite her over the top personality, she is a true sweetie with a heart of gold.



The flowers were all made by layering stickers and hand cut pieces from various papers in the kit. I also want to add a little bit of pizazz so I hand stitched the swirls.



This next layout includes silly pictures of Morgan and her friends. I thought the pics went perfectly with the vibrant, carefree colors and patterns in this kit.



If you are interested in how to make the pinwheel flower, I've included directions at the bottom of the post.

So I heard from the doc about my MRI...no surgery needed!!!!! YAY!!!!! I do have a protruding disc but nothing surgery will correct. As a result, I will be spending quite a few hours in physical therapy. I have my first appointment tomorrow. I've been through the ropes before...it's just been several years. So keep your fingers crossed that this old body recovers as quickly as possible. LOL!

Before I go, I must tell you how much I appreciate all the well wishes. You guys are awesome. I'm trying to make my way around to visit but I'm still limited on my computer time. Work and postings for design teams is taking what little computer time I have right now. But like I promised last time...I will be lurking around your blogs again very soon!!!

Love always,
L

To create pinwheel flower:

Cut desired size square (4" used here) from double-sided paper.
Mark center point of square with a pencil.
Starting at one corner, use a ruler to create a straight diagonal line.
Cut along diagonal line toward center, stopping within 1/4" of center point.
Cut remaining three corners, creating 4 triangles.
Fold one corner of a triangle toward center & adhere.
Continue with remaining 3 triangles being certain to fold in same direction each time.
Decorate center of finished pinwheel with buttons, flowers, bling, etc.

Comfort Food & A Pain In The Neck

It's Monday again and I have no idea how that happened. Seems only yesterday I wrote my last post and yet an entire week as flown right on by. I had an unusual week last week and that could be the reason I have lost sight of the fact that 7 days have come and gone. I suppose a minor medical emergency, missed work days and several DT deadlines would make most people lose track of time. Consider me most people. LOL!

As of Tuesday, my first DT projects for Serendipity Scrapbooks will "go live". I must admit, I'm a little giddy over the debut. I'm also excited about my responsibilities on the forum. Having never participated in an online forum at this level, I am eager to do my best to follow the tradition of the site and keep things fun and interesting. Being behind the scenes, I'm privy to some of the upcoming events and you surely want to be there. Lots and lots of fun times ahead.

Speaking of DT work, it's time for another challenge at These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things. There were so many wonderful entries for favorite movie...I had a tough time voting. In fact, that is the only negative to being on this team. I can never, ever narrow it down to one. *sigh* Our challenge this time is to create a project focusing on our favorite food. Talk about having a hard time narrowing it to one! I LOVE food, people! No doubt about it...and I have the hips to prove it! LOL! So I cheated just a little and scrapped my favorite food group.



Ummm, yeah, so comfort food isn't really a food group. But where I come from...it totally counts! LOL! Funny how comfort food includes so many starches.



I hope you get the chance to play along. An awesome prize is up for grabs. Our guest DT member, Jessi, has donated a wonderful little stash of goodies for the winner.

Earlier I mentioned a minor medical emergency occurring this past week. As I was clearing the dinner table Tuesday night I was talking on the phone, holding the phone to my ear with my shoulder. Suddenly, my back locked...then began to spasm. Not a tiny little twitch...massive spasms...the kind that totally took my breath. Taylor's girlfriend, Leah, is studying to be a massage therapist so she worked on it for almost an hour. But I found no relief. After an agonizing night of no sleep, I went to the chiropractor the following morning. Two hours of tests and procedures later and I was diagnosed with a bulging disc in my neck. An eight year old neck injury had come back to haunt me. I spent all of Wednesday in the bed icing my neck, trying to watch TV and sucking down ibuprofen. All I can say is thank you, thank you to the inventors of TiVo.

Thursday I returned to work for a few hours. Technically, I was told to not drive or use the computer for any length of time as it would strain my neck. But work can only wait so long. Once at work, Mr. Boss Man, who likes to play big brother, insisted I go to a neurologist for a second opinion. Fearing surgery would be their recommendation, I really...really...really didn't want to go. Besides, neurologists have at least a 6 month waiting list and that is with a doctor's recommendation...something I didn't have. Well, I guess the old saying is true. It's not WHAT you know but WHO you know. With one phone call Dear Mr. Boss Man had scheduled an appointment with Asheville's leading neurologist for that afternoon.

I was already anxious about seeing this doctor, but when I realized I would most likely need an MRI, I began to become overly so. I am slightly claustrophobic so I wasn't sure I could handle it. Turns out, I'm more that slightly claustrophobic... I'm REALLY claustrophobic. LOL! Thick pads were packed around my head to keep it from moving. That in and of itself was enough to bring on the feelings of suffocation. I closed my eyes and began talking to myself as a reminder to just breathe in and breathe out. The technician then handed me the panic button. One serious point to be made here...the mere mention of the word "panic" did nothing but embed the thought in my mind that I would most certainly PANIC. Why not call it a "call button". I'm just sayin'. Once inside the tunnel, I made one critical mistake. I opened my eyes. Seeing that the top of the tunnel was only millimeters from the tip of my nose unleashed that major panic attack that was already lurking just beneath the surface. I began to yell and tried to claw my way out.

OK, it wasn't funny then, but the mental image I just had is actually quite funny now. Anyway, drugs...wonderful drugs...were offered to me and I eagerly accepted. Then...the entire process became pleasant. I willing climbed aboard the table, helped pack my head in tight and welcomed the serenity offered from the cocoon that awaited me. Once inside my cozy little nest, the humming of the machine lulled me to sleep. Funny how a little tiny pill can totally change your outlook! LOL!

I'm still awaiting the results of the MRI. The doctor feels certain there is a compromised nerve due to numbness and tingling in my arms and hands as well as hyper sensitive reflexes. Just what is causing the problem...well, lets just hope my MRI encounter gives us some answers.

I'm still not suppose to be spending much time on the computer. As you can see, I'm not the best patient. LOL! I haven't been and I won't be making my usual rounds for a few more days. I hate that I am unable to visit and leave you guys some love. What computer time I do have I must dedicate to work. But no worries, I'm hoping to be back to my old self within a few days and I will be stalking you all again! LOL!!! Hope you have a wonderful week!!!

Hugs & Love,
L

Monday Blues

So I have the Monday blues. Can't think of a darn thing to write. I haven't blogged since last Wednesday so I thought I should at least try to translate a few random thoughts into words.

I had an easy-does-it weekend. Time spent with Taylor and Leah...lots of time spent in the scrap cave. I have my first MAJOR deadline tomorrow for Serendipity Scrapbooks. Looks like I'll make it by the skin of my teeth. For whatever reason, I was thinking the 25th was Friday. Oops...NOT! It is tomorrow. Good thing I was really close to being finished with my projects. I have just one little bugger of an issue with the final one and then I'm ready to submit my work. Being my first ever kit club DT projects, I was a little obsessive and wanted perfection. And we all know that spells disaster. But once I dug into the kit it was easy to let go and just have a good time creating! Kristen's kits are F-U-N! If you enjoy crafting with co-ordinated kits, be sure to check these out. She offers lots of purchase options and no sign up requirements.

Now for a kiddo update. Taylor is working hard on getting his housing project started. I am so proud of him. He is abundantly mature and focused to only be 22-years-old. He has his finances mapped out and is co-ordinating the construction process himself. We spent time scrutinizing his plans before the final draft is submitted to the framers. You can feel his excitement...and a teeny bit of nervousness...when he talks about his new house. It's always a great thing to see your children making their own way...especially when they seem to be headed in the right direction.

Keri update - she's ecstatic! Totally loving apartment living. Still searching for a job but apprehensive about the amount of time it will require. She is just like me (poor dear) in that she likes to keep her plate full, but wanting to do the best she can at all she has to do. I can totally relate to how she's feeling. Stressed, but wouldn't have it any other way. Otherwise, all is grand in her world as well.

Well, I've hesitated writing about this but I think I will go ahead and throw it out there. A few of you are friends on Facebook and you may be wondering what is up with my "status change". Keith and I are experiencing a few snags. As you can imagine, long distance, court cases and day-to-day living can be challenging. And it seems to be taking its toll on us. Add step-parenting and the problem of defining boundaries as well as where will we live, etc and it gets to be a nightmare at times. Please send good thoughts our way as we try to figure out what's best. My biggest wish is to create a loving, supportive home for us as well as all our kiddos. And I know Keith wants the same. But finding the right way to do that is eluding us at the moment. As soon as we think we have an answer to one issue, another one pops up, then circumstances surrounding the first issue changes and we have to rethink it. I think we are both just exhausted. My heart is a little broken right now because we can't seem to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together.

Please forgive my glum mood of late. I'm really OK...just floundering around a bit while I try to regain my footing. I hope everyone is enjoying those last few carefree days before school starts. If you are anything like I was, you sadly bid goodbye to those simple days but welcome the routine that school days bring. Sending you all hugs, love and well wishes!!!

xoxo
L

She's Gone, Gone, Gone

*sigh* My baby girl is now a Georgia resident. After 22 waking hours of hard labor on Saturday less driving time and another 8+ hours on Sunday, we got Keri settled into her new home. During those work hours we unloaded stash from 3 vehicles, painted her bedroom & bathroom, washed an unbelievable amount of dishes, eating utensils & cups, ran numerous errands to Target, Lowe's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Hobby Lobby, BrandsMart, Sears, et al, hung curtains and pictures, disposed of enough cardboard to fill our own dumpster and rearranged furniture over and over again. Three days have passed since I left her standing at the curb waving goodbye and I am still exhausted! Here is a picture of our foyer before we began loading the vehicles.

We knew we had a limited amount of space even though we had Keri's car, my car and her dad's Suburban so we opted to wait until we got to Georgia to buy some of the bigger items. Keri is fortunate that Target is directly across the street from her apartment complex. We assumed we could find almost anything we would need there because we all know Target rocks! Right? Well, every single resident in the entire apartment complex plus half the residents of Athens must have had the same idea. The place was PACKED! And we needed A LOT! Take a look at our carts:



Yep! We more than filled 3 shopping carts! You should have seen us trying to maneuver through the crowded aisles! Despite our exhausted state, we were still able to laugh and enjoy the moment.



The hard work was worth it...her apartment is awesome! Keri and her roommate, Erica, are thrilled. They are so proud of their space. Even though it is hard saying goodbye, knowing she is so happy and settled made it a bit easier. Both girls are little homebodies and they have the perfect little spot to nest.

I have to share one really tough moment. Keri went down on Friday to have her license transferred, get insurance, apply for a job, etc. On Saturday, we were waiting to be served lunch and she showed me her new driver's license. I commented on how cute her picture was and didn't really think anything more about it. After lunch, as we were walking back to her car, she pointed out her license plate to Erica and I almost lost it on the spot. Crocodile tears welled up in my eyes when I saw that Georgia tag on her car. Crazy, huh? I just wasn't expecting that. Funny how the tiniest of things can bring on the waterworks.

So now I'm back to life without my baby. Taylor is still here but he is working like a madman to get his new house finished. He has 15 weeks to complete the project in order to qualify for first time home buyer tax benefits. Looks like I will be a true empty-nester again around Christmas. You can bet I will be soaking up the remaining time with him...well...as much as he will let me!

In scrapping news, it's time for my challenge with Kim. This month we are doing something a little different. We would love to have any of you join us that so wishes. Here is the challenge:

Create a layout of your choice using a minimum of 3 patterned papers. Also include at least one handmade embellishment and incorporate some "cut work" into the layout. You have until the 15th of September to complete the layout.

If you decide to play along, please be sure to leave a comment here or on Kim's blog so that we can check out what you've done! We started doing this just for grins, often using challenge blogs for our inspiration and this time just playing for the fun of it. We will post each other's LOs around the 15th of September and if you would like to have your layout mentioned, be sure to let us know.

Now I have a confession. I forgot something very important on my last post (please forgive me Liz). My favorite movie layout was inspired by a sketch from my new friend Liz. She is not only a fabulous scrapper, but she creates some really cool sketches. She is also one of my fellow Design Team members at Serendipity Scrapbooks. Her sketch challenge blog is Welcome to the Scrappiest. I took her Sketch #21 and modified it.



Here is my layout again for reference.



If you enjoy working with sketches, be sure to hop on over and play along with her monthly challenges. She always has some fun prizes up for grabs.

Speaking of fun prizes, Stacy Milford is currently doing a fun giveaway on her blog to celebrate her one year anniversary. Stop by and congratulate her on her one year anniversary and tell her I sent you.

Another fellow blogger and friend is also celebrating an anniversary of sorts on her blog. Christine is doing a special giveaway on her blog. Her celebration is very unique and AMAZING!!!

Before I go, I have to remind you of our Happily Ever After Crop at Serendipity Scrapbooks this weekend. The festivities run Friday through Sunday and you don't' want to miss it. I have been lucky enough to preview the challenges and the design team has outdone themselves! Be prepare to be inspired AND enchanted!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I am slowly getting my world back to normal...whatever normal is. Enjoy your weekend and try to do something crafty!

Hugs & Love,
L

It's Official and A New Forward Progress Prompt

It is official! I am now a bonafide member of These Are A Few of My Favorite Things challenge blog! I announced last month that Julie had asked me to join the team and it is now a certainty! This group of ladies has welcomed me with open arms from the beginning. And from the craziness and laughter that is shared behind the scenes, I can tell you this is going to be one fun ride! LOL! Today the winner of the favorite flower challenge will be announced and the latest challenge will be posted. Are there any movie buffs out there? If so, you are surely going to want to play along this time. You guessed it...favorite movie!



I love, love, love going to the movies! Unfortunately, life has been such that I don't get to go as often as I like. I love mysteries, comedies, action/thrillers...but my all time favorites are of the chick flick variety. Especially those with fairy tale endings.



This movie, "Ever After", is one of those feel good kind of movies. It holds a special place in my heart because Keri and I both share a passion for this one. Most of you know she was a competitive cheerleader. What you may not know is the numerous hours spent each week at practice. Keri and I always made the most of the commute to and from the gym. Laughing, singing, being totally zany. When she was in 4th & 5th grade, she would have 4 hour practices on Saturday mornings. After practice, we would have lunch together, run errands and most often see a movie. This was one of those Saturday movies...and we both fell in love...with the characters, the story, the sweetness of it all. It is a true Cinderella story.



I thought it very ironic that this challenge goes up today while I'm in Georgia helping Keri settle into her apartment. Yes, there are a few tears running down my face as I type this. Can you tell I'm already missing my girl?

I guess the tears are a good segue for my next topic. Have you visited Forward Progress lately? If you haven't, I hope you will. The blog has a new look, a new DT and starting this month, we have sponsors. That's right...an incentive for those of you who play along with us. This month's sponsor is Scrapadilly Products. As has always been the whole point of Forward Progress, the prompts are still intended to help us grow...to reach within ourselves to be stronger...better. This month, the prompt is about forgiveness. As we all know, without forgiveness, forward progress is impossible.



This topic, for me, was easy. In life, we are all exposed to teachable moments. Some we recognize as such, others might slide right past us going unnoticed. Well, I'm hear to tell you, divorce is not one of those unnoticeable moments. There are lessons to be learned at every turn. While I am certain I failed in many ways in my struggle to get through the most painful experience of my life, I am proud to say, I worked hard at forgiving from the beginning. And I firmly believe that it was only by forgiving that I was able to let go and move on.



Here are the details:

Title reads:Letting Go... of hurt, anger, resentment

Journaling: "moving forward means letting go of the past if the past fosters nothing more than pain and anger. learning to truly forgive...and in the process, letting go, has brought healing and freedom."

The Howards: married 5-24-86 separated 1-9-05 divorced 2006

I said this topic was easy for me. The layout itself...not so much. I wanted it to be somber but light...trying to convey the hurt and the healing. Well, I bombed! LOL! The pic was a no brainer. I knew from the start I would use this one and tear it to represent the broken marriage. It was one of the last good photos of us together. The words also came rather easy. The design...*sigh*...it just never came to me. So please look past the lack of creativity and see the message.

I think that is what is so refreshing about Forward Progress. It isn't all about the layout/project/etc. It is so much more. In the few months I have been on this team, I have learned that this hobby can be a venue for personal growth and inner peace. I hope you will play along this month. Please stop by and let us know what you think of our new look. Feel free to leave suggestions as well as what you would like to see in the future.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I am typing this on Friday night as I will be truckin' down the highway by 6:00 am on Saturday. I know those lazy days of summer are slip, slip, slippin' away. Please enjoy them while they last!

xoxo
L

P.S. Thanks ever so much for all the encouraging words on my last post. Good news is, everything looked brighter the next day. Partly due to the fact that a new day always brings new perspective. But there is no denying the therapeutic value of getting things off your chest and doing so with those who mean so much to you. People you feel safe confiding in. People who will pick you up with words and with the beauty of their spirit. Thanks for being there when I needed someone to listen! xoxoxoxoxo