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!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is my most favorite holiday of the year.  From my family to yours...

World4art.com - Orkut Scraps, Graphics, & Comments

Yes, I am still here...

I have not been posting.  On purpose really.  I am still creating.  But there has been some fabulous changes for me personally and well...I plan on attaching another blog about the "change" to my blog.  I am thinking this coming weekend will be the perfect time to share.

In the meantime,

...this is the most wonderful time of the year.

Have I mentioned?  The inside of our home is decorated and plan on working on the outside in between WKU and DAWG vs. Jackets this coming weekend.  So, I will catch you up later.

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones.

Back to Life, Back to Reality...

There is lots to tell and simply not enough time for me to tell it all.  However, I will  be soon taking on another blog.  Details for it coming later.  But for now, here are some "highlights" of this past week.

Tomorrow, it is back to reality.

Flying toward the BEACH!

First morning on the beach was wonderful.  

The air crisp and we could feel the warmth rising with the sun.

Got FREAKY at the TIKI!

We met new Friends, Clay and Barbara.  

We jumped waves with them, went out to eat, sun bathed, and watched many people on the beach.  All while making a new friendship and creating memories that will fill my scrapbooks.

Now, Back to Life, Back to Reality!

Oh My Heavens!

Popping on here from work because guess what came in my email?

I am shouting it to the MOUNTAIN TOPS!  Nashville is just 45 minutes South of me....OH JOY!

CARRY ON...

Playing Hookie...

from church this morning.  2 weeks in a row.  I am addicted to my new toy...

It has a FABULOUS red leather cover.  I am addicted to the ANGRY BIRDS, too.  I know I am late to the party, but I seriously enjoy reading my magazines this way as well.  FABULOUS!

So, this morning I am creating in my studio.  I just feel the need to be creative.  But somehow, My Color Nook is calling.  What the heck?!

Last evening we went to Kentucky Orchestra and had a night of "Piano Men."  It was fabulous.  If you love Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Carole King...this was the night!  We had a ball at Van Meter at WKU and it looks as though we are going become season ticket holders.  The next concert is a night about ABBA- Abbacadabbra.  Should be fun as well.  I cannot wait.

I so totally dig these TATS!

Only to be this BRAVE!  It is very cool.

Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

This is one I truly would love to have.

This in that recently...

I have some "new to me" items to organize some of my scrappy goodies in my art room.  Not sure if I will keep them the same color or paint them black/walnut.  For now, they are as is.

I have had this mirror for 2 years.  It is finally hung.  I totally dig it.  I bought it at a consignment shop.

When we picked Bri up from camp over a week ago we noticed wooden crosses all over the camp.  Crosses carved into tree trunks.  For whatever natural reason the tree went down, they simply kept the trees and carved crosses in them.  All sizes and heights.  We found it unique.

Random photo really.  I found it interesting.  Found on a front porch at Camp Loucon.  Kinda creepy, too.

In A Nutshell...

I have been extremely busy lately.  But I will post a few highlights!

I am almost sure this is alright as some may get bored with my random thoughts.  But have no fear for those who enjoy a read, I will be back.

These are my two boxes from Studio Calico.  They contained lots of goodies and my May and June Kits.  I am terrible about going out to the farm these days.  I am so busy that I just pop in when I can and to get my kits.  I always enjoy the country drive for sure.  April and Greg live about 11 miles from me and I it is that time of year when I need to supply the both of them with my homemade salsa.  They love it.

So far, these are the only layouts I have created recently.  I plan on getting my craft/art room back in shape.  I am reorganizing.  I have purged some things and I hope to be back creating in my room this weekend.  I better not make any promises though...something always comes up.

Well, I guess this is it for right now. 

I have more photos and I hope to post regularly. (see above paragraph)

Summer is Sizzling...

Literally!  This has been a super busy summer for our family.  When we are not working we are soaking in activities on the weekends. So, I really have not had much time to create or post here.  Summer is my time of the year and prefer to be out and about-doing and going.  Plus, I have something in the works I plan to share...I think.  I am still trying to figure out when I share how to go about it...it is pretty big news for me.

But with that said, I have been creating with the 3 Scrappy Boys  July Kit.  I will show the first two layouts. I need to photograph the other things I have created with this really fun kit.  So, here ya go...

 Well, I guess many are staying home for CHA SUMMER and not heading to Chicago.  But I have been checking out the Craft and Hobby Website and it seems there are some new manufactures of some cool products showcasing them at the convention center.  I am anxious as it seems MIXED MEDIA art (my personal favorite) is becoming all the buzz and fad right now.

Well, I am off and about...I have a busy morning.

Have a terrific weekend.