Monday, August 30, 2010

double digits, veggies, reading, stamping.............


Grace is now in the double digits.  10!  Its amazing how quickly a decade can go by.  This is the only child where I cut the umbilical cord, and she acts like its still attached.  She is never very far from me.  I love her alot.


Okay, I'll go ahead and fess up as to why I haven't posted on here in too many days, I was reading a book.  Nothing else happens around here when I have a book to read. 


The Mockingjay came out on Tuesday.  Its the last in the Hunger Games series.  So good!  I'll have to read it again when there aren't so many distractions because I have a few questions about it.  And see that face looking at you?  I made that at Back to School night on Tuesday.  16 is taking ceramics and the teacher let us parents try our hand at one of their assignments.  I call him Mr. Squarehead.  Pretty cool!

A garden update:

The weather has been super duper hot around here.......until Saturday that is.  Then is was only 79 and breezy all day.  Just beautiful!  Its going to get back up into the mid 90's by the weekend though.  Poor veggies, they are so confused. 


I pulled all the Anaheim Chilis off the plant.  I roasted some for dinner the other night.  YUM! 


This box has the green beans on the very end here.  I only planted those on Aug. 3rd.  They are already climbing to the top of the fence. 


1 zucchini.  Thats it.  This was a starter plant that I also planted Aug. 3rd.  Its a very happy plant and has 3 other tiny zukes on it. 



This is the red and green bell peppers, anaheim chili, yellow squash (seeds I planted Aug. 3rd) and cucumber.  My poor cucumber is just struggling.  Maybe next year. 


This whole box isn't doing so great.  The yellow squash are prolific but once they get to about 3 inches, they wither and die.  I have 2 on there now about that big and hoping they make it.  They tomato plants have had a really hard time this year between the dogs and cat and rain and who knows what else.  Next year this box will be by the others. 


This is what happens to sunflowers when its 109 outside and the dogs decide they need some nice wet dirt to lay in.  I was so mad!  They took out 4 plants that were almost 3 feet tall.  See that plant on the end there?  Those are my Thompson grapes that tried to die and I kept at them and now they are so happy!  Hopefully next year I'll have grapes. 

Okay, you ready for some stamping?  I thought so.  You are so patient with me.  You guys rock! 



No stamps!  More mustard, cajun craze, very vanilla and basic black cardstock.  No ink!  Polka dot embossing folder, Newsprint DSP, curly label punch, 1" circle punch and 1 1/4" circle punch, vanilla taffeta ribbon, hemp and dimensionals. 

No stamps and no ink!  HA!  I didn't even realize that until I was writing this up.  I'm trying to find ways to use this DSP.  I want so badly to use new stuff but it isn't here yet.  Wait until you see!  I used my little punch trick again on the border here.  See here for for how I did that. 




I didn't have a stamp that said what I wanted and was too lazy to print it up on the computer.  So here goes the ol' sloppy handwriting.    I used the 1" and 1 1/4" circle punches and the border was a little too thick so I cut it down with my scissors. 

Okie dokie then, I'm going to try and get back on schedule here.  No more reading.......for now.  I have new goodies coming and I'm so excited. 

Thanks for stopping by.  You make me feel so special. 

Blessings, b.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

hearts for you

Geez!  I can't believe its been 5 days since I last posted.  Sorry about that.  I think the heat has fried my brain.  It was only 109 when I left work today.  No kidding!  Its now 8:00 and its still 90.  UGH!

Anyhow, I did get some stamping done today.  Yay me!  I needed a card to send out and so made a few quickie ones.  Ready?


Favorite Thoughts set.  Whisper white, crumb cake, real red, pumpkin pie, daffodil delight, old olive, pacific point and rich razzleberry cardstock.  Whisper white craft and black Stazon inks.  Small heart punch, stampamajig, black grosgrain, white taffeta, white gel pen, white embossing powder, corner rounder and black journaler. 

Cute, no?   When I get my copy of PaperCrafts magazine every month I go through and put a sticky on the cards I like.  Then later when I need a little inspiration, I'll go through it.  I got the idea for these cards from the July/August edition, page 76.  I love that magazine. 




I wanted to use the Favorite Thoughts set (Summer Mini).  Its one of my very favorites and its only going to be available until the 31st so, if you like it too, you'd better get it now.  I used my white gel pen to make the little doodads on the hearts.  I'm like..so artistic you know.......HA!  This card is a funky size, 4 7/8 x 3.  It was supposed to be 5 x 3 but I didn't center my hearts very well, so I had to do some chopping.



Of course I had to do one in the Crumb Cake too.  I'm addicted to the stuff.  I messed up the line border on the left side but, oh well.  Its handmade!  This one did come out 5 x 3.  I made a little pencil mark where the center was and that made it much easier to line things up. 

I wanted the words to really show up so I embossed them with white embossing powder.  I just love the sayings in this set.  I'm keeping it after its gone.  Mine, mine, mine.


Alrighty then, the heat has been making me so tired.  I've had to leave the air on at night just so we can sleep.  I'm not looking forward to my electric bill  :(  The poor veggies don't know what hit them.  I'll take some pics this weekend because I know you're all dying for a garden update ;)

Thanks for stopping by.  Stay cool!

Blessings, b.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, its off to work I go..............

Hidey Ho, Hey Di Hey, Humpty Dumpty, Whoop Di Doo, etc...........

I'm officially back to work.  I love having my time off and very grateful that I have a job where I get that time, but its so nice to see my friends.  I never realize how much I miss them until we're back together.  This summer I really wanted to spend time with them.  Hang out, stamp, chat, laugh, eat, etc.........  But I didn't.  I get wrapped up in my own little family and love it when I do get some alone time

Anyhow, I'm trying to get my routine down.  I'm trying to be better about being on the computer so much.  You know how it can suck you in.  So today I spent some time with my stamps.  I'm not sure what I'd use this card for, I think its much easier to create when I have an objective in mind, but I kinda like it.




No stamps!  Soft suede, basic black and old olive cardstock.  Soft suede ink.  Top note die, big shot, little leaves die, scallop circle punch, 1/2"circle punch, fire rhinestone brad, Newsprint DSP, spiral tab punch and sponging. 


This card ending up taking twists and turns to get here.  This is nothing of what I originally had planned.  This is 4 1/4 x 4. 



I ended up leaving the black hanging off the edge.  I'm still not sure if I'll keep it that way.  The flower is just the scrunchy flower.  Only 4 layers and not quite as scrunched.  Otherwise, exactly the same.  I punched out a 1/2" circle of very vanilla and sponged it to make the brad stand out a little more.   I also sponged the leaves so they didn't stand out so much. 

So there ya go.  Here is a little funny for you before I go to bed.  I put this in Grace's lunchbox:




Its just a little 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 joke card.




hahahahahahahahaha.  This is where I go to find jokes to put in her box  http://www.101kidz.com/jokes/kid1.html

Alrighty then, we have a busy weekend ahead of us.  I'm hoping to finalize my order of new goodies.  I'm trying to be really good and not spend a million dollars but, its hard.  I'll be putting it in Sunday night if anyone wants to put an order in with mine and get cheaper shipping. 

Also, don't forget about the Super Duper Hostess Special going on right now.  Spend $350 and get an extra $25 in free goodies.  Good stuff man!


I'm off to bed.  Thanks for stopping by.  It makes me feel good.

Blessings, b.

Monday, August 16, 2010

baby, baby, baby ohhhhhh

now you can share in the Justin Beiber song that is in my head.  You're welcome.  And if you don't know who Justin Beiber is then..............just move along. 

Hey there.   Summer has finally arrived in So. Cal.  Just in time for me to go back to work.  It was 101 when I went to pick up kids today.  UGH!  And humid.  UGH!  Needless to say I tried to stay inside.  My veggies are so confused.  Its been averaging mid 80's and BAM!  Although I will say, I planted some green bean seeds a few weeks ago and they are loving the heat.  Go figure........

Tomorrow is my last day of vacation.  So I spent today tying up loose ends.  Doing laundry, researching car insurance, avoiding cleaning the kitchen floor, etc.  I still gots lots to do tomorrow though.  I could totally get used to this "stay at home mom" gig.  Can't someone pay me to stay home and take care of my house and kids and husband?  Actually I would love to work from home.  Really, I would. 

Anyhow, one of the things I needed to get done was make a baby card.  One of my friends had a baby girl a few months ago.  Yep, you heard me.  I'm a little behind........again.

I tried greasing the creative gears.  It was slow moving but I got 2 done.  Which one should I send?

#1


Schoolbook Serif and Elements of Style sets.  Melon mambo, pretty in pink and whisper white cardstock.  Pretty in pink and whisper white inks.  Square lattice embossing folder, pinking shears, stampamajig, pink gingham (retired), misc. buttons, paper piercer and dimensionals. 

Kinda bright huh?  For some reason all my baby cards have the word "baby" and use pinking shears.  I'm not sure why that is.  This is a funky size too, 3 3/4 x 6 1/2.  It will fit in a business size envelope. 



I would have actually sewed around the edges but I don't have a sewing machine.   I stamped the Elements of Style in whisper white on the pretty in pink, cut around the egdes with the pinking shears and then ran it through the Lattice folder.  Now you can just barely see the stamped part.  I thought it looked like a soft blankie.  I doubled up the buttons on the bow.

#2


Sweet Season and A Word for You sets.  Pretty in pink, choc. chip and very vanilla cardstock.  Pretty in pink and choc. chip ink.  White taffeta ribbon, wide oval punch, old lacey stuff, pretty in pink button, stampamajig and dimensionals. 

A year and a half ago I was a display stamper for Stampin' Up!'s convention.  They sent me stamps and paper and buttons and ribbon and told me to make a million samples.   Okay, not quite that many but it was alot.  It was so much fun and I would do it again.  Anyhow, I made this card back then:


I loved this card.  I thought I was being so innovative.  I always thought it could be a cute baby or anniversary card.  So I thought I would copy it in pink. 



I think the choc. chip looks a little dark here but I love how it turned out.  I just cut a strip of scrap cardstock 1 1/4" wide and used that as my measuring template for the lines.  Then I used my marker and inked up just the inside of the image, lined up Mr. Stampamajig and went for it. 

                                                  

I dyed some white taffeta with my pretty in pink pad.  See here if you need a lesson on that.  The lace is some that I've had since before the kids were born.  NOW, SU! is selling some pretty lacey ribbon in the new catalog.  They also sell Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon.  I just don't have any. 

I used my choc. chip marker to ink up the outside edge of the label image and the "baby" is from the new set, A Word for You.  Very versatile set.  Like it alot. 

So which one should I send?  I like them both.  The momma of this baby would like them both.  Decisions, decisions............

I'm going to sleep on it.  Thanks so much for stopping by. 

Blessings, b.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

gettin' punchy

Hello friends.  Did you have a good day?  Today was day 2 of my freedom.  The kiddos went back to school yesterday.  Ahhh.............its amazing how much more I can get done.  Even my brain seems to work on all circuits.  Its not totally the kids' fault.  I'm just easily distracted by them.  I kinda like them.

Anyhow, I did not get any stamping done yesterday or today.  What? You heard me.  I did stamp quite a bit on Tuesday and the last 2 days have been cleaning the house and planning.  I would like to get a stamp class together for next month and I'm trying to think of projects to do and what I might need to order.  That takes me forever!  Give me too many choices and I shut down.  Since I have uninterrupted time right now, I'm trying to forge ahead and make some decisions. 

Tonight I wanted to show you what I made on Tuesday.  Lookee:


Watercolor Trio set.  Old olive, early espresso, tempting turquoise, perfect plum and whisper white cardstock.  Elegant eggplant, tangerine tango, old olive and choc. chip inks.  Large oval punch, curly lable punch, hemp and dimensionals.


I just love seeing a happy little stack of cards!  I actually made 6 and they all went in the mail.  Yay for me!



I wanted to use Tangerine Tango.  I like this color.  I used my blender pen to pick up the color from the ink pad.  I had originally planned on matting the flower image with Tangerine Tango but then discovered, I didn't have that color cardstock.  So I went to the color coach for advice.  This is what it said:


Tempting Turquoise huh?  Well, okay I'll try it.  I like the way it turned out too.  Learn to trust the Color Coach grasshopper.

Then I remembered I needed a birthday card for a sweet friend of mine and her favorite color is purple.  YUCK!!  Don't mean to offend anyone but, purple is so not my color. 

So I whipped one up for her:


Forgot to mention, this is a 4 1/4" square card. 



 

Now, you might be saying, "Beth, how'd you get that groovy detail on the espresso piece?"  Well let me
share that with you.


This is a 1 1/2" strip of cardstock and the Curly Label Punch.  Put the cardstock so that it just touches both sides.  Line it up with the middle and punch.


See?


Now do the same thing.  See how the one side just barely goes past the opening?  Punch again.


Now you're getting it.



One more time.


Got it? 

Its really easy once you get the hang of it.  Try it.  I like trying to find different ways to use what I have.  Makes me feel smart. 

Okay, one more thing I did.  Remember this card?



Remember how I said it needed something?



Well, I gave that little birdie some more friends.  I think it balances out the card better. 


Alrighty then.  Cleaning wiped me out today.  I didn't even get done!  Today was upstairs and tomorrow is downstairs.  Lucky for me, I have a sorta small house.  But Lordy, we can make a mess! 

Thanks for stopping by and keeping me company.

Blessings, b.

Monday, August 9, 2010

stamping...........again?

Hey everyone!  Its Monday again.  Seems like we get to Wed. and Thur. and then its Monday again.  Where did the weekend go? 

We had a preview concert for the band on Saturday night.  We heard 2 movements of the field show.  Its so amazing how great these kids sound!  Makes me a really proud momma.  BUT, I forgot my camera!  I had 16 take pics with her phone but now I have to call Verizon and find out how to get the pics from her phone to the computer.  This shouldn't be so hard. 

School starts on Wed. around here.  Then I get a whole week to stay home by myself while the kids are in school before I have to go back to work.  I'm giddy just thinking about it. 

Anyhow, today I needed some Thank You cards.  So inbetween going to Grace's school and finding out who her teacher is and going to Target to get a new lunch box, etc., and chatting with neighbors and getting dinner together, I worked on cards. 

You know how when you haven't stamped in a long time and you sit down to do it, it feels like you're trying to decipher ancient Hebrew?  Yeah, thats what happened to me today.  Of course once I'd get the feel of an idea, I would get interrupted and lose the idea. 

So I tripped on over to the Stamping 411 site for inspiration.  Now this seemed like an easy enough sketch but holy cow I was struggling!  I ended up with 2 cards.



Flight of the Butterfly, Inspired by Nature and A Word for You sets.  Crumb cake, old olive and whisper white cardstock.  Tangerine tango, old olive, more mustard, pumpkin pie and soft suede inks.  Large oval punch, Newsprint DSP, round tab punch, spiral tab punch, scallop edge punch, 1/8" circle punch, stapler and sponges.


Now, I know this DSP makes no sense with this card, but I've seen so many cards lately that when I look at the elements of the card separately, they make no sense.  But when you look at the whole, its cute.  Not sure I accomplished this here, but I tried. 

I got the new Newsprint DSP back in June with my demo preorder.  I think I've used it once.  I sometimes have a hard time coming up with ideas to use DSP and I thought maybe you would too.  Here is my solution:

CUT IT UP! 

Really.  I only do a sheet when I think I'd like to use it but don't know how.  So take a sheet and cut it up into 4x4 squares.  You'll get 9.  They layer very nicely on a regular sized cardfront.  When I see it in a smaller size I seem to get ideas for it.  Does that make sense?  Try it.


I really need some new stamps!  Maybe a fairy Godmother could bring me some.  There are so many stamps and half back pearls and sticky rhinestones and brads and ribbon and wheels and diecuts that I want out of the new catalog.  AND JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THE HOLIDAY MINI CATALOG!!  Love the stuff in there too.  Yours should be coming your way in the next few weeks. 


See this stamp?  Its a new one out of the catalog.  SU! gave it to me for FREE!  Aren't they nice?  Its on page 158 of the new catalog.  This stamp originally said, "thanks big time".  I decided I didn't like the "big time" part so I cut if off.  I could have just used a marker and inked up the "thanks" but I decided I would never in real life say, "thanks big time".  So its gone and I'm happy. 

One of the new punches in the new catalog is the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border.  I like this punch but of course don't own it.  So I made my own version of it. 

See the old olive strip?  I took a 1 1/8" wide strip of old olive and used my Scallop Border punch on one edge.  Then I turned it over, lined up the top scallops with the bottom and punched out that edge.  Then I used the 1/8" circle punch and eyeballed the little holes.  Its a little funky but I think I like it. 



I used the Spiral Tab punch for this edge.  Looks like real notebook paper huh?  I got a wild hair and decided to scrunch up and abuse the DSP.  Really it makes no sense to the card but, its done now. 

Okay, moving on..........


Season of Friendship set.  Crumb cake, soft suede, very vanilla and real red cardstock.  Soft suede, old olive and black Stazon inks.  Scallop border punch, Newsprint DSP, dimensionals and sponging. 

I like this card but I feel like it needs something.  For one, I need to reink my soft suede ink pad.  It gets alot of love. 

When I first got this stamp set, the first idea I had was to make a mask for a full tree.  I just freehanded it and it stays in the box with the stamp.  Again this DSP has nothing to do with a tree but............. 


I did the scallop edge punch trick again here.  This time I used a 1 1/4" wide strip of cardstock.  Really changes the look of it. 

When I get up tomorrow and look at this card with fresh eyes, maybe I'll see what it needs.  Otherwise its going in the mail tomorrow.  I won't say who its for but, act surprised when you see it.  Okay?

Alrighty then, this old lady is going to bed. 

Thanks so much for stopping by. 

Blessings, b.

Friday, August 6, 2010

reunited........

....and it feels so good.......  (sing it with me).......   reunited 'cause we understood...............  there's one perfect fit and baby this one is it.........we both are so excited 'cause we're..... reunited, hey hey

Yep, I was reunited with my stamps today.  And it did feel good. 

Its been 2, maybe 3 weeks since I've sat down and stamped.  I have a super hard time stamping with the kids around.  I actually sat down yesterday to stamp a few cards I would like to send out and was clearing the dust off my desk, when I realized I kept moving the same few items around.  A few momentos from 16's birthday that I wanted to scrap.  So I decided to scrap them and get them off my desk. 

Well, I got the pics printed and thats about it.  Then today the boy reminded me that he was going to a birthday party tomorrow.  I needed a card. 

The boys have been playing alot of XBOX LIVE late into the night.  Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2.  Yeah, whatever.  They get into teams and go after the bad guys.  He has his little earphone thingy and will start talking.  Its like a Party Line.  I always look at him.....are you talking to me?

Anyhow, I decided to make Andrew a card with this theme. 


Roughing It and Classic Numbers (both retired).  Always artichoke, crumb cake, soft suede and whisper white cardstock.  Soft suede ink.  Sponging, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches and dimensionals. 

I had this great idea that I knew would make Andrew laugh.  I went online and found a shot of the game in action.  Then I saved it and uploaded it into Paint (because thats all I know how to use) and added the screen names of their little posse.    I thought I was genius!  After I got the card done and was watching the boy play this game, I notice something, when your teammates go by you, their screen name pops up over their head.  GEEZ!  I thought I was being so clever :(



I guess I have a thing about adding the age to birthday cards.  Only kids ones though!  The images in Roughing It were perfect for this.  I inked up the binoculars and then stamped off twice to get the lighter image. 


The best birthday present you can give teenagers is money.  I simply took a 1" strip of Soft Suede and glued the ends down with my wonderful Tombow Multi Glue.  You know I love that stuff, right?  The strip holds the money in just tight enough. 


After dinner I tackled the scrapbook page again.  There is no stamping on this but so what?  Its not what I had in mind but I like it good enough.



No stamps!  Perfect plum and crumb cake cardstock.  Corner rounder, black journaler and Tombow Multi Glue.

Not my favorite page but the memory is the important part. 

I've been dragging my feet getting to know Stampin' Up!s MDS (My Digital Studio).  People LOVE it.  They say it is so quick and easy.  Here's my beef with it, I don't want my projects to LOOK 3 dimensional.  I want them to BE 3 dimensional.  But I might entertain the idea a little more because I wanted my pics to be square and I can't print out square pics with the program I use.  I think I can do that with the MDS.  I'll have to look into it more.  I know, I'm behind the technology times.  Whats new........


Speaking of behind the times, the garden.  UGH!  I'm having a heck of a time with the zucchini and yellow squash.  The 2 things I thought people could grow with their eyes closed and both hands tied behind their back! 

Now, my peppers though, they are doing great.  I found out the reason the blooms were falling off was because it was too cold at night.  So far we've had a very mild summer.  Now I know the rest of the country is dying, but here........not so much.  Not yet anyway.  I'm sure it'll come late.  It'll be 90 at Christmas. 

Anyhow, the peppers are happy!  Look what I had for dinner tonight


They aren't beautiful like in the store but, who cares?  They were delicious!  I can't tell you how fun it was to go out and pick food for dinner.  Loved it! 

Alrighty then, we've got a whole weekend planned.  Working in my yard and working at the inlaws'.  My SIL wants me to join Facebook.  I have avoided it like the plague so far.  But if it keeps us in touch with them, I'd consider it.  What do you people think?  Is it something I have to update all the time like the blog?  I'm not sure I can keep up with both. 

Thanks for stopping by.  Hopefully once school starts my posting will get a little more regular.  Maybe it just needs more fiber?  HA

Blessings, b.

Monday, August 2, 2010

my dad

Hey everyone!  Sorry for the absence.  All I have to do is blink and another week has gone by.  I have not done any stamping AT ALL.  I miss it. 

School is starting next week for the kiddos and we've been getting ready.  Band camp is in full swing, 16 got her driver's permit, got a new lunchbox and backpack for Grace, planted more veggies (I'm determined to grow something), visited with in-laws, swam, read, hung out, played games, etc............

I do have something to show you though.  And I'm feeling a tad philosophical today so you've been forwarned. 

My dad had a birthday a few weeks ago.  He turned 70.  This is a big deal for us. 


Me and dad around 1973.  Groovy glasses huh?


I made him a very simple scrapbook about our trip to Iowa.   My dad is an architect.  So he is very graphically tuned in, so to speak.  Making him this book was a little daunting.  Was it balanced?  Is everything cut straight?  Does it flow?  Are the colors right?  Etc.......

I finally got over myself and decided he would love it no matter what.  I hoped.........


I used a 6 x 6 post bound album from SU!  I kept the colors to Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Whisper White and Basic Black.   I know, the ribbon here is Choc. Chip but, work with me here.



I used the curly label stamp from Vintage Labels, which was a Saleabration set.  The ink is Soft Suede and I used a black journaler for all the writing.  There is alot of sponging throughout.


Cover page. I just printed out a U.S. map and showed my path.  Actually my path was a little more complex.  I took 8 planes in all.   Is there a straight flight anymore? 


I took these pics inside the page protectors so they might look a little hazy.  But its all good when you're holding it in your hands. 



I kept the same layout for each page.  Just changed up the cardstock formation.


I think if you click on the pic it will show larger.



I forgot to tell you, I used Watercolor Trio for each page.










yeah, I have become a little claustrophobic in my old age and used my dad's valium for the plane rides.  Awesome stuff!

It was very easy to put together and he did love it. 


Now, I have a story to tell.  My mentality on most things is to handle it, and then let someone know about it...........after the fact.  I have thought about this for a long time, whether or not to let the world wide web know my story. 

Sounds like a big ol' honking secret huh?  Um.....no.  With all the other crud I let you all know about, why have second thoughts now?  I guess because, its not just my story.  Its my dad's story.  So I'll just share from my point of view.

I figured that even though 95% of you that read this blog, don't know me from Adam, you might get a little something from this.  And if not, well..................



My dad and I have always had a somewhat rocky relationship.  He wouldn't admit to this though.  From the time I was 18 we would go months without speaking to each other.  I would go even longer than that in speaking to my brother.  Real close family dynamics here huh?  Can you say, dysfunctional?  It does explain why I try to keep my little family so close together.  We talk, we laugh, we hug, we pray, we hang out.  I love you's are said daily. 

My dad was always very active.  Camping, backpacking, hiking, working, building, etc.....  A few years ago he got this nagging cough.  Then his shoulder was giving him problems and he was tired and weak all the time.  He had a hard time walking the dogs. 

A little over a year ago, after about a million doctor visits and a muscle biopsy later, my dad was diagnosed with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's Disease.   You might have the read the book or seen the movie, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.  I haven't seen the movie but the book gives a pretty good account of what this disease is.  Basically, all your voluntary muscles quit working, moving your arms and legs, moving your head, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing, all stop.  The kicker is, your brain stays very alert, trapped in your dying body.  Its absolutely horrible.  Life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years.

Needless to say, we've become a whole lot closer in a short amount of time.  Becoming closer has also brought about alot of family drama.  I really don't like drama.  I can't watch soap operas.  Why do I love the Bachelorette so much?  Go figure. 

I don't tell you all this to have you feel sorry for me, or my dad.   The point of my little story here is this, and I've said it before:

Life is too short.  Be in the moment.  Don't wait until someone gets a fatal disease to become close.  Tell the people you love, that you love them.  If you're feeling guilty, or regretful,  tell them you're sorry.  Surround yourself with good people.  Do good things.  Be kind, even when you don't feel like it.  Be understanding.  Be willing to do what needs to be done. 

My dad would say he is lucky that he has this time to get things in order.  He has time to say goodbye.  We have time to get closer.  We have time to right some wrongs. 

I would guess that if you're (still) reading this blog that you are a scrapper or card maker.  Send that person a handmade card.  Scrap those everyday moments.  The December Daily or a Week in the Life are perfect examples of this.  The day to day.  The stuff that doesn't seem so wonderful now but will maybe give you or your loved ones a smile or a memory later.  Your story is important.


Morrie Schwartz's favorite quote was, "Love each other or perish."

I would say, "Love makes the world go 'round, baby." 


Okay, I'd better go before I chicken out and decide to just delete this whole post.  I don't mean to be a heavy or bring you down.  I hope that this story would lift you up.  Life is so much more than how big your paycheck is, or how new your car is, or how big a house you have.  I hope you're inspired to love and record your life.

Thanks for stopping by and putting up with my story.  If you have a story to tell, I would love to hear it.   Or have questions about how to record your everyday, just let me know. 

Blessings, b.