Just a blip...

To say, I am at work and wished I were creating today.

Here is another layout I created for a CHAllenge.

One Last Ride

Have a great TUESDAY!

Layering

I have always loved many layers on a layout. 

I really love tissue paper and this is something 

I usually use on canvas these days and decided to layer it on this layout.

Just another quick layout for a CHAllenge that required layering.

TRADITIONS

 

 

 

Have a great Week!

CHAllenges, continued!

Here are some of my "takes" on the Studio Calico CHAllenges.

I created another challenge entry for Stephanie's Doilie CHAllenge

You and Me Card

For Tina's rubber stamping CHAllenge, I chose to use actual rubber stamps 

and this was the first time I used the main stamp.  I decided to color it with my COPIC Markers.

Inspired by Life Card

For Nik's Journal Spot CHAllenge was not really a challenge for me at all.

I am a huge journaler on my scrap book pages. 

I think the story is just as important as the photo.

Modern Family

Finally, for Jen's Layering CHAllenge,

I created this simple CHRISTMAS design.

Peace and Joy

 

 

That is all for now.  

Have a fabulous Sunday.  It is beautiful here in Bowling Green, KY today.

CHAllenges!

So, it is 4 PM/CT and I am just starting.  

I plan on scrapping this weekend and joining in on the Studio Calico Scrapbooking Challenges.

  Sometimes it is great to have a list or an idea and just go with it.

The products used in this layout are from a Studio Calico Kit.

Here is my first CHAllenge I have created.

I needed to use doilies.

Oh Snap!

 

 

 

 

 

Well, thought I would pop on and let you know that I am still here.

Lots of changes for my future. 

I will be sharing!

Such a Dreary Day!

Okay, so I have managed to kill most of my day by getting sucked in and watching the HBO Documentary Series of the West Memphis 3.  All I can say, "wow!"

Yesterday I scrapped a bit and started my Project Life pages.  I must say that it is not as fast going as some claim it to be.  It so depends on how one wants to document the week or day by day happenings.  Considering I do not have the Style A pages as clearly most everyone has, I decided that I would customize it to what I have and what I want to share.  I do know that if I use too many of my pictures I will not scrap them later.  I guess that is when it hit me that this project is perfect for single people or those that use it for the purpose of sharing their weekly events with pictures or they do not scrap.

  So, I am "out" on the opinion if I like it or not. 

It is truly time consuming and it might be different if I had the Style A pockets.  

But I am already behind the "8-Ball" and

the back order on this particular style has no estimate of when it will be available.

So, here is what I have so far.

Title Page

First Week in January 2012

I am still not convinced I will continue with this type of record keeping.

  But I am committed to give it a go for at least a few months.

I have never been one to do what "others" do and in their styles.  But I do love the concept.  I am sure I will or at least try to make it work for me.  If not, no loss.  I can give my Clementine goodies to my daughter.

New Member of the Family!

Last weekend was much more dismal than this weekend.  The veterinarian called our home on Tuesday night and we spoke for about 45 minutes.  Dr. Matt Paxton at Greysone Animal Hospital  said he has been taking care of a little Maltese puppy that was run over by car about 3 weeks ago.  He saved her little life and is trying to find a family that will love her and take care of her.  Well, due to Brianna's allergies we were reluctant to take in a dog.  But low and behold, I took my lunch hour and went to see Dr. Matt Paxton and had a meet and greet with Chynna.  She was loving from the get go and I fell in love with her.  He also said that if Brianna could not handle Chynna due to her allergies that he would take her back.  So, on Wednesday night I picked Brianna up from after school and we went to the Greystone Animal Hospital as a family (Brian met us there) and met with Chynna.  One and a half hours later...we were once again, dog owners of a Maltese.  

Allow me to introduce you to, Chynna (China).

CHYNNA and BRIANNA

Chynna is love.  She is sweet and we enjoy her very much.  Brianna's allergies started acting up on Thursday but with a dose of Benadryl in the evenings, we think the allergy sniffle will subside with the evening dose.  Brianna is in love and is so happy.

This morning we take Chynna back to Dr. Paxton and she has her stitches removed from her spay surgery.

I believe this is a good decision to add to our family.  She has already made a big burly guy turn into a baby talking cuddle fiend and myself...lots of happy greetings when I get home from work makes me smile!

Welcome to the family, CHYNNA!

Heart Broken

My sweet girl has been miserable for a few days.  Her "Ella" has gone to Guinea Pig Heaven.

We buried Ella at sunrise yesterday morning.  We headed into work and her big brother, Kaleb stayed home with Bri for the MLK day.  Bri mourned at the grave site for a good part of the day.  She made paper flowers.  Her daddy promised her a rose bush that will be planted this Spring in memory of Ella.  Ella was a good pet.  She was sweet and never once bit me.  She provided a little girl a pet.  An animal to love and hold.  Bri is allergic to most animals.  She is so allergic that she can start swelling around people with cat or dog dander on their person.  So, Ella was the perfect fit for our family.  There is nothing worse than seeing and feeling the hurt that your child feels.  There is nothing that one can do to make it better.  Nothing.  It just hurts.  These life lessons are the hardest.  Ella will be missed.  I just never knew how much until it hurt.

Sunday Creative Fun

We had our first snow of 2012 and our first snow of the Winter this past Thursday night and Friday.  The cold temperatures had us snuggling near the fireplace and eating chili to warm our bellies.

Brianna and I have been hanging out in my art studio today.  Here are a few things I created.

Describe Yourself

October 1

 

 

Cincinnati, Ohio

The papers and goodies are from previous months of Studio Calico kits.

A few things I added such as hemp string and doilies.

Have a great week!

 

Inspired!

I am so PROUD to say that CHRYSA is my cousin!

The Inspiration: fox10tv.com

Love this...

I found this on Pinterest this morning.  I am reminded of The Notebook.

 

 It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80′s arrived at the hospital to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. The nurse took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?’ He smiled As he patted my hand and said, 

‘She doesn’t know me, But I still know who she is.’

Nashville bound and down...

That is where I was today.  I went in to work and then headed to my surgeons office at Vanderbilt Health.  I took a few photos along the way.  You know the kind I am talking about.  

When you are driving 78 M.P.H and roll down your window 

and just point and shoot.  Love the little Nikon.  I was always a loyal Cannon user. 

Especially with point and shoot type cameras but this little gem is nifty indeed.  

Yep, that is what I did.

South bound I-65 and Nashville, TN.

Then I ended up at Vanderbilt Health.  Where I received great news on my weight-loss. 

It really just gets me pumped and ready for ZUMBA tomorrow night!

So, for my "Photo A Day" picture I chose Vanderbilt.  

I got home around 5:20 P.M. and was surprised how well the traffic moved going through downtown.

I guess I am still tainted scarred from years in Atlanta traffic.  But oh the memories of slow lanes at rush hour.  Yes, they can be found in Nashville, too.

Just some scrappy

It's Monday, but for me it feels like a Tuesday considering I worked 5 hours yesterday.  Our beloved Falcons lost their game yesterday, too.  My husband made the comment that "this is more sad than watching The Notebook."  I laughed.  He did not think it was funny!  I told him he could become a Titans fan and he said, "NEVER!"  Oh well, there is always this coming Fall.

I have two more layouts to post that I scrapped on Saturday.  I used contents from Studio Calico's main kits.  As for which months?  Have no clue.  They are back from the summer, though.

Both layouts are pretty simple in design.  I was trying to keep it just to contents of the kits.

I have random photos that are printed and I have never scrapped them.  So, I am hoping to get all of the scrapped within the next several weeks.

Well, here is another work week upon us.  

Have a great day!

I DID IT!

I am heading into to work this fine Sunday morning.  While having my cup of coffee this morning,

I read Kelly Purkey's blog.  She is just the cutest person ever!

In reading her post about making the Becky Higgins Project Life work, I decided I am in.  I am of course behind.  But not too far behind that I cannot catch up.  I will draw out my pages until my Clementine Core kit gets here.  So, I am in.  I hope to be able to do this. 

I plan on using some of my photos during the week from my Photo-A-Day class over at Studio Calico.

I love different hues of orange.  So, I am excited about this kit and what the end result will be.

Here is a glimpse of what I will be using.  

I plan on adding my own style but keeping it "in common" with the core kit colors.

So, happy SUNDAY!

Scrappy Saturday!

Making a fabulous mess in my art room.  Just a scrappin'! 

I am using Studio Calico's January Main Kit, "County Fair."

I worked out this morning and I am down another 3 pounds.

This is a BRAG for sure!

Okie dokie, no time for chit chat.  I need to get back to some creative fun.

Pieces...

You know that spot at work where there are just "pieces" of your outside world? 
Well, I took my photo of the day at my office in that exact spot.
It's just an area where I go back to my creative self throughout the day. 

So, amongst brief writings, record reading, and speaking 

with clients intermittently throughout the day, I glimpse.

Thank the LORD IT IS FRIDAY!

My Monthly Self-Serving Treat

Each month I get a special box.

This month is no exception.  I have been a subscriber member of Studio Calico way back since 2008.  Before I became a subscriber, I used to just buy monthly.  

Then I took the plunge in 2008 and have received this fabulous gift each month.  Kind of like "beer of the month" for men but it is "mixed media" to a a person that loves to create.  That would be "me!" 

So, this is my fourth photo of the year for my "Photo A Day."
  I plan taking this photo throughout the year.  Each month.  It may seem silly to you.
A Kraft pizza box with script screen printed on the box, however,
it is my reminder to get back to one of my favorite hobbies.

I really think I will hold off on cleaning and organizing the garage the coming weekend and create!

The "change" started last year...

Well, since I quit smoking I gained some massive pounds!  I gained over 50 pounds.  I went on a diet and hired a trainer.  I was on a roll then I was hit from behind in my car while taking my daughter to school and my motivation to keep going dwindled due to injury.  So, I started the education of drastic measures for me.  I went to a seminar at Vanderbilt University about Gastric Bypass.  Long story short, I had surgery on November 1, 2011.  To date, I have lost 50 pounds.  I am off all of my medications and have not taken insulin but just a hand full of times as I am on a sliding scale.  I had my blood work checked 7 weeks out and all of my numbers are normal.  My A1-C was fabulous and so was my Tryglycerides.  For those thinking this was the "easy way?"  Think again.  One must have great mental fortitude to make this lifestyle change and maintain it in the long run.  I have a tool that helps me and reminds me when I eat too fast or the wrong thing.  So far, I have done really well.  I do not like the weeks that I stall and lose nothing but I am learning it is my body adjusting.  I lose in inches and with my weight training I will be adding some muscle tone as well cardio.  So, there...I said it!  It is OUT THERE BABY!  I am very opinionated about this surgery.  I do not think it is for everyone but if you have over 100 pounds to lose such as myself, it is a great tool.  RNY Gastric Bypass is saving my life and adding years to my life on this earth with my family.  I plan on updating here throughout my journey and I hope to relish, brag, state, and shout my goals as I reach them.  So, here is why I am SHOUTING today...my blood work is NORMAL!  That is awesome I tell you.

 I will probably share some recipes as well.
I am learning to love new foods cooked in a new way.
Most importantly, I am HAPPIER with myself!

Tonight is GYM night!

I know it is not Halloween, but

Well with the power to post ahead of time, I thought I would share a few layouts.  The only time of the year that I really enjoy "themed" scrapping is Halloween and Christmas. 

Halloween is the only time when I kind of stick to the themed papers, "kind of." 

I actually created these layouts several months ago.

I enjoy the 6" x 12"  layout for themed papers.

This is one of my favorite collections.  

You just have to love all the paper that Graphic 45 produces.

Well, at least I do!

I am on a ROLL...

No pun intended, really.  But I have managed to post two days in a row.  That is a big wow!  Currently watching my beloved Georgia Bulldogs play in the Outback Bowl and wanted to come check in and post my new photo for the day.

So without further ado..

Brianna and her American Girl Doll, "Bella."

 

 

 

 

I am still trying see what style I want my blog for this new year when I reveal bits and pieces of myself and all of the changes I am going through right now.  I want it simple, but not too simple.  I do not want what another person would have either.  Maybe I need to hire me a blog designer as I do not have the time to spend on the computer creating.  It is a thought.  Anyway, back to my DAWGS!

Happy New 2012!

Another year to boot!  Going to try and keep it simple, really.  Will share bits and pieces of myself this year and the task of taking a "PHOTO A DAY" with my classmates over at Studio Calico.  Plan on sharing more of my scrappy work and also share what the "new me" is up to lately.  So, here goes my first photo of the year.  I am actually taking a break from taking down all of my Christmas goodness and grabbed a shot of some of my "Elves and Nutcrackers" before they were stowed away until November of 2012.

Residual 2011

Have a wonderful New Year's Day celebration!