Merry Christmas to one and all

The gifts I'd leave beneath your tree,

Aren't those that you can touch or see,

Not wrapped in Christmas tissue gay

But gifts to bless you every day.

The gift of friendship warm and true,

Is one that I would leave for you

Good health and happiness and cheer

To keep you smiling through the year

The gift of peace and joy,

With prayer to guide each path you trod

And when your heart has lost it's song

The gift of hope to cheer you on.

These are the gifts I'd leave for you.

Skinny book #4 for Altered Abbey

Here is a peek of my pages for book 4 ... (click on the photo to enlarge)

I'm looking forward to receiving the finished book.

Swing ... and a miss

I have been frantically working on my Altered Abbey skinny book pages. Twice.

Twice you ask? Yes, twice.

I was on track - backgrounds done, images dyes in tea and cut out (almost all), words printed, cut and dyed and a tree image altered and printed.

Then my sewing machine died and my little guy got really sick. I can still hear his little tiny voice apologizing (??) for being sick in the middle of the night as I stripped him and the bed. Poor little guy. My heart still goes out to him thinking about it.

The pages were quickly set aside with a deadline looming. I checked the site for updates and hoped I could pull it together in time.

My original idea had been to sew the acetate to the pages. That was before my machine broke down. I am not a whiz with the spray adhesive. My test page looked awful (No, I wasn't being hard on myself - it looked sticky and gobby).

Time to figure out something else. Think, think, THINK.

I headed in another direction which I wasn't entirely sure of, however, I kept working madly.
My little voice kept saying no, no, no! I ignored it. Phew! Finished.
I set the pages aside to dry.

A couple of days later ... I took out the pages and they were a mess. There was NO WAY I could submit them in good conscience. Don't believe me? Here take a look yourself.


I sat and stared at the pages with growing horror. I had to start over. I was officially late a few days already. Should I or shouldn't I?

I did. It made me really late (Sorry, sorry, sorry Chrysti) but I feel much better about my contribution to the book.

So that's what I have been up to. I'll post pics of the new pages soon. Just working up the nerve.

ATC Night - theme 'Winter'

This month was a twinkly snowflake breeze!

I have been so consumed by my skinny book that I didn't have time to fuss and fret this month.

I did 13 cards in just over and hour. That's lightning fast speed for me. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of one of my cards but I can tell you what I used to create them.
Due Date: 14Dec07
Theme: Winter
Supplies used:
Rubber Stamps: Stampendous, Gel a Tins
Paper: watercolour
Ink: Versafine - Majestic Blue
Paint: watercolour - blue (I'm sure it has a proper name but I've no idea)
Embossing powder: Diamond Sparkle

The meeting was in full swing when I arrived.

We had a new face this month. Yay! Welcome Sandy!

Participants for this month were:

Traders: Martha, Hope, Florence, Diana, June, Susan V., Marissa, Daniza, Ludgera, Mary, Kris, Sandy and Cori

Observers: Colette

Beverly, Jacqui, Susan W. we missed you! Come visit again. OK?

What is wrong with people?

This story really made me mad. It brought tears to my eyes.

I mean really, Santa's letters?

that Book! Cover to Cover

As promised, I am posting each individual page of my Altered Abbey 'Thinspiration' Skinny book.

You can see the cover here.
Thanks to my friend Kenny for taking the photos for me.

In Order of Apperance

Page 1: My page.

Page 2: Denice O'Heron



Page 3: Amy Smith



Page 4: Jamie Vowell



Page 5: Jane Melohn



Page 6: Kim Tedrow



Page 7: M. Kathleen Hendrix



Page 8: Joanie Hoffman



Page 9: Annie Yu



Page 10: "Inner Guidance Dance" by Gena Lumbruso



Page 11: 'Originality' Kristin "Krissy" Chadwick



Page 12: Katelyn Thomas



Page 13: Chrysti Hydeck



Page 14: "The Old Schoolhouse" by Mary Foreman


Page 15: Seth Apter



Page 16: "Create" by Laura Melohn



Page 17: Susan Goodell



Page 18: Tina Shoaga



Page 19: Mary Franzenburg



Page 20: Tamara Randi



Page 21: Florence Brick



Page 22: Nici Derosier



Page 23: Beverley Teichrob



Page 24: Ellen Gray



Page 25: Jane Altshuler
This page wasn't bound into the book as it is very thick. I guess it was to hard to punch through. I'm going to try to find a way to add this page to my book. Wish me luck!

An exercise in frustration

Printing on tissue is very frustrating!!!!!


AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!


OK, I feel better now.

family sunday and Santa

We managed to be out the door on time (sorta).

Onto the 505 streetcar (it came first), I love taking the street car. We meander through the downtown to our destination. We decide to walk down to Queen Street via the Eaton Centre.

I've walked through the Eaton Centre many, many times but it's all new with a toddler. I loved that it was almost devoid of shoppers as we strolled. (Merry Christmas to one and all. lol.) He loved the reindeer and Santa's sleigh. I was dazzled by the Swarovski Christmas Tree. What can I say? It's a well known fact I am drawn to all things shiny. We all enjoyed looking at the window displays. What is it about Christmas displays? They just seem brighter, happier and joyful.

Out of the Eaton centre and onto the street. Where we patiently waited for the light to change and were almost struck by a car. As usual, the driver was speaking on their cell phone, their passenger, merrily driving along while not paying attention. I would have wrote the license plate down but it happened so quickly. After safely crossing, I stopped and gave my son a BIG hug. He wanted no part of it - tough kid, momma needed it.

We stopped to check out the Bay windows, they were gorgeous. For just a moment I was transported back to the magic of childhood. I was getting all nostalgic but was quickly returned to reality by an impatient toddler. Maybe he'll be impressed next year.

We arrived at the Arcadian Court for breakfast with Santa. They had elves, a balloon artist, an musical entertainer, face painting, colouring books and food. Oh and a really huge Dora that terrified him.

We met up with my friend, her husband and her adorable daughter. It was so fun to meet her. They brought our little guy a gift. (ohmygoodimsoembarrased) Why didn't I think of that? I was born without the proper girl gene. I even forgot their Christmas card. Can you spell L * O * S * E * R ?

We headed back to our table to have breakfast and wait for the big guy. My son and I got matching snowflakes from one of the ladies who was face painting. I tried to get him interested in the singing but he wanted to sit at the table with us or maybe it was the balloon reindeer.

Then the moment arrived. Santa! Santa! Santa!

We lined up to get a picture with Santa. He was a little wary but no crying this year. He was thrilled to get a little yellow bear and a candy cane. All in all, it was a fun event. We plan to go back next year.

breakfast with Santa

We are taking my son to have breakfast with Santa this weekend in the Arcadian Court at The Bay downtown. Then we are taking our photos with Santa. I love taking photos with Santa.

I'm really looking forward to it, even though my son has loudly announced he doesn't like Santa.

While I'm there I going to check out the interactive holiday windows. Here's a little promotional blurb:

The Bay is spreading festive cheer among children, adults, and even
technology buffs, with the latest Christmas window technology from IBM. For the
first time ever, the Bay's famous Christmas windows could include your image.
Using new technology from IBM, a high-tech sensor will capture the image of a
passers-by and project it into the window. The results can also be printed on a
4x6 holiday postcard compliments of the Bay. The windows at both the downtown
Toronto and Vancouver locations are using the IBM developed technology as a part
of their Christmas displays. With its hi-tech sensor capability, the system
reacts when it senses a customer touching the graphic display.

I'm curious to check it out and see how people are responding to it.

I also really excited to meet up with a friend from work at the breakfast. We have never actually met but have known each other for years.

And everywhere that she went, that book was sure to go

It came. It came. It came. It came!!!!!

My long anticipated skinny book came in the mail today.

It is so lovely and absolutely worth the wait. I want to take pictures of every page and share.

A tiny bit flaky

I saw this a few days ago on Heather's blog. Her's are so curvy. I wonder how she did it. This morning I finally got around to making a couple, however I can only find this one. Hmmm.

I like it.
I guess I'll have to make a new one...

or two

She did it!

Congratulations to the wonderful, talented and dedicated Carmi.

She accomplished her goal of 2,500 handmade cards for the One of a Kind Sale. It makes me tired just to think of it. lol.

Today is her first day at the show. You need to check out her exquisite, luscious cards. Her both is O37.

Why are you still here?

Go!

updated @ 18:43 on 27Nov07
Wondering where to go in Toronto: Go!
Not in the area? You still can view and purchase them (lucky you;): Go!

Valentines for Veterans

I think this is an incredible program.

I encourage you all to make some valentines. Make as many as you like. Just make them!

I'm going to suggest that my son's daycare make valentines. In fact wouldn't it be great if every school made them in lieu of exchanging them with each other?

Make some and send them to:

"Valentines for Vets"
Veterans Affairs Canada
Communications Division
P.O. Box 7700
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 8M9

Hey, if the Valentine Grinch (she loathes the day) will get out the pink&red paper, hearts and doilies. There is no reason why you shouldn't too!

Card Exchange in Bolton

We zoomed off to Bolton today to meet the ladies for the card exchange.

The theme for Black, White & Silver. They did a fantastic job. Take a bow ladies.

Obsession has its rewards

You may recall this post about my quest to find a secret in the new PostSecret book.

I have been dashing into stores to flip through each copy to find one with a secret.

I also couldn't buy one (or peek in the store - I did a bit) until I found that elusive copy. Pure torture.

Today I found one! (thanks to June's eagle eye.) It was a bittersweet secret and it made me a little sad. I know exactly what Corey meant now.

I read it cover to cover tonight. I will again tomorrow.

Not a good week for tech stuff!

I must be cursed this week. Revenge of the machines.

My sewing machine gave up the ghost too.

The upy-downy (yes, it's a highly technical term) thing won't move now. I figured it probably wasn't a good thing to keep flooring the petal.

Wish me luck getting it repaired. I need it real soon.

pay it forward

I heard about this on Martha's blog. Sounds like fun.

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF (Pay it forward) exchange.
I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise!
The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
So basically, if you are one of the first three comments, I’ll send you something crafty that I’ll make!

Once you sign up, you will need to copy and paste the above paragraph on your blog, and three other lucky people will be recipients of your handmade work.

Alright then! One person (Jo) is signed up. Yay! She is from Australia (how cool is that?)
Two people are signed up! *dances excitedly* Franca is from France. I love bloggers.

You might recall this post. I still find it highly amusing that not one single person signed up. Maybe I should be offended, however, it's extremely hard to maintain when you burst out laughing.

Extraordinary Society of Mixed Up Media Artists Club Night

I was late. What else is new? I feel like I am always rushing to do something or go somewhere lately.

The demo was well in progress. I figured that I would quietly abstain as I work ever sooooo slowly.

I wandered up to find a plate but frankly was to embarrassed to ask for one due to my extreme tardiness.

Instead I grabbed a coffee (bless whoever brought it!), settled in to catch up and admire the WIPs. I was content to simply admire but Martha insisted that I do a plate too. She had no problem asking for a plate for me! I will post my plate sometime within the next few weeks. I have to use my remaining vacation days (11!) in the next four weeks. So in theory I should have the time!

I was really happy to discover that I did not miss the 'What's new, what's hot or not?" part of the meeting. It is truly my favorite part of the meeting. OK, I like the big reveal too, but it is stressful. Will it ever stop being stressful?

Carmi has decided that we will be taking turns for the demo in the upcoming year. I like the idea - seems like fun - but what the heck am I going to teach these talented women?

It was time for the big reveal! I was curious to see the alterations made to the dreadful doily.

But wait. I was time to see next month's assignment first. It's loathsome. It's horrid. I hate it. Oh goody.

Back the reveal... Delicious results. I really love the that everyone comes up with such a unique creation. I can't wait until Carmi posts a photo of the most recent assignment.

I made a Christmas ornament.

I cut up my doily and dyed it in tea and randomly stitched it with other embellishments. I tried to make a little pointsetta using the pink flower but it didn't look right to me. I buried it under some lace instead. I played with ArtEmboss metal and sewed it to my ornament. I really liked using it - even if I did slice my palm open once (OK twice.) I will be using it again on cards and ATCs real soon.

I distinctly recall someone saying 'where is the doily/flower?' when it was my turn. It's there, you just can't see it from across the room. lol.

RIP Blackberry

It died. Today.

The warranty just expired a few months ago.
I'm not eligible for a device upgrade for a couple of months.

I think I could cry.

Wait. I am.

Sweet suprise - RAK

This came in the mail today. I love getting mail.

It even came in an envelope with real stamps. * joy*

Toronto the Good? - I think not

Are you ready for another TTC story?

My son and I took the 504 streetcar home tonight just as we always do. Except this time he forgot his little blue book bag (containing his two very favorite books) on the seat. His much adored-goes with him everywhere-sleeps with book bag.

I realized he did not have his bag just as the streetcar rumbled across the intersection. Oh crap. We waited for the next 504 streetcar with the hope that his bag could be quickly retrieved.

The TTC operator was very kind to my tearful toddler. She did her very best to help us. They contacted the driver ahead of us. I could actually SEE the street car we'd been on ahead of us. He checked and no bag. We got off the second streetcar and began walking back home.

I knew it was always a possibility we could lose the bag. I just hoped it wouldn't happen.

I'm disappointed not with the TTC but rather the citizens of Toronto.

Now I ask you. Who takes a toddler's bag, books, crayons and drawings and keeps it?

Toronto the Good? Not to me.

Remembrance Day

I took my son to the Service at Queen's Park today. I think it is important that he attend Remembrance Day services. That he learns, remembers and understands their sacrifice.

I wish I could forget his behavior at the ceremony. I didn't think he was behaving too badly/loudly until a guy turned around and angrily asked us to leave. Ooops. I left without a word.
I was upset though (maybe wrongly), my son had every right to be there too. But perhaps I was expecting to much of an active three year old to sit/stand still for 45 minutes. I really did try to keep him quiet/occupied. Apparently not enough.

It was sobering to hear today that veterans are passing away at the rate of 500 a week.
Did you know that there is a Canada Remembers Program? I didn't.

Here is my favorite Remembrance Day poem:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae

William Tell Mom

Martha, Hope and I were hanging out chatting after the ATC swap last night.

Hope suggested that we watch this video. I'm glad I did, it's hilarious...

Last ATC Hive meeting

I missed it. Completely.

I had fun making my ATC's for the 'self-portrait' theme. They ended up being very personal. The end result? I was to shy to trade them.

I love to hang out with the ATC group members though. Just try and keep me away. lol.

Is that cheating?

Sometime I just can't help myself

I couldn't resist signing up for a second Altered Abbey skinny book swap.

Right from the beginning, I wanted to do two of the books. I ultimately decided just to commit to one.

I recently discovered that Chrysti has had several last minute drop outs and needed some help. The extended due date is November 30. I thought to myself, "I can do it!". I emailed her before I could change my mind. (some would interpret that as 'before my brain could engage'.) She said yes (does that mean she liked my work?! lol) and now I have 26 more pages to do.

I think she still needs some fill ins - so if you are interested click here.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed working in the last one (not the last minute part though). I have a brand new tree image to from Chapel Road to use. Yay!

I have a new stamp company to worship...

I win the 'Bad Mommy of the Month' contest. Why? It was my son's birthday yesterday and I still went to the Creativ Festival. I told him it was a special day with Daddy and Uncle and zooooom out the door. lol. I had a great time. Aren't I terrible?

Check out Chapel Road ... why have I not heard of this company before??? I spent a lot of time in Carol's booth at the show. I think I greatly amused her.

She said, "Aren't you lucky that I only bought half my inventory to the show?" after she glanced into my shopping basket.

"Aren't you sorry that you only brought half your inventory to the show?" was my instantaneous reply.

Birthday wishes!!!!

Happy birthday sweet darling son! You are such a big boy now!

Happy birthday to Martha and James too.

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you

happy birthday dear rowanmarthajames happy birthday to you!!!

xoxox
p.s. check out his cake. lol.

I have been obsessing about the new PostSecret book

I haven't bought it yet.

I keep going to bookstores and picking up random copies to see if someone has slipped in their secret.

I really want one of those books with a secret...

I'm a little strange aren't I?

p.s.

Check out Waiter's latest post. This is why I love him.

Art club night

I did better.

We used microscope slides, alcohol inks, the Encore metallic ink pad, rubber stamps and Utee for Carmi's demo. It was fun and some of the ladies made some astounding slides.

I only ended up with one completed slide. I dipped it in gold UTEE because I wanted to try dipping. Its trickier than it looks. I plan to redo it with platinium. I'm just not a gold girl.



For the past month my 3x3 metal etching has been going everywhere with me. It even went out west with me, I tossed it in my luggage, crossed my fingers and hoped it would arrive with me.

I would take it out on the subway and stare at it thinking, "What the heck am I going to do with this?"

I finally decided to do something I though I never ever do. I put it in an altered book.
I had a grand delusion that I would actually finish the whole book before the meeting too.

Hahahahahahahaha!!!
yeah, no.

It's still very much a WIP. I plan to add UTEE to the front cover, which meant that I couldn't do the inside cover. (I want to use both sides of the metal piece) I plan to use a transparency and I'm pretty sure it won't stand up to the heat.

The assignments were unveiled at the end. I got to go first (bless you Carmi!).

Many of the assignments were a al deMeng. Which was very cool. The thing I regret most about not attending his class is learning how he mixes paint.

I had my camera but no memory card. I hope Carmi doesn't mind that I 'borrowed' her photo.

It's gonna get me

It compels me to do strange and unusual things.

I wouldn't normally do these things....

• run into traffic
• stop at the bottom of a crowded escalator with many people behind me
• rush back off the streetcar into traffic

I keep dropping my blackberry at the most inopportune times. I think its out to get me....

Sunday, sunday, sunday

I woke to a reminder on my bb not to be late for class. *sigh*

I am disappointed that I couldn't go, however, a tiny part (maybe 15 %?) of me was relieved. I really enjoyed reading his book, I knew I would be stepping out of my comfort zone and yet I was still having anxiety about not being 'good enough' to attend. Am I not the wimpiest Leo you know? lol.

I was feeling bad about not taking my son outside to play earlier today. Then I turned on the news and discovered there was a gun battle two streets away from us. ***shiver*** What is happening to this city??? We did eventually go out - away from there!

I have three online classes beginning this week. Of course the new Jessica Sprague course starts tomorrow! Yeah!

I'm working on an altered book. Yeah, you read right. I may have removed to many pages and I am waffling on cutting the cover. Oh, that reminds me - I need to buy an new blade for the exacto knife. I'll keep you posted.

What is the deal with Facebook? It seems like a whole lotta effort. This is addictive? Hmmmm.

I need to create a new avatar too. My last one was sooo cheesy.

Hope you had a wonderful Sunday too.

Mission Accomplished!!!

Yay! I'm registered.

now i'm gonna ... zzzzz

Waiting, waiting, waiting dum dee dum do

I am dog tired.

I am so excited to signup for the next Jessica Sprague class that I'm waiting up until midnight to register. (ooops - did that just let you know I don't have a life?)

On the upside, its giving me time to listen to cheesey pop songs (love it) and mull over options for my black etching. I keep cleaning and it keeps turning black again.

Stamp of the Month Demo

It was a real treat to attend one of Carmi's 'Stamp of the Month' demos this afternoon. I don't think I've actually made it to one before ...

Her samples convinced me to buy the stamp set. (Which I think is exactly the point)

She does not disappoint, I always find her so inspiring and I always learn something new. Definitely worth the price of admission. *wink*

I tried to behave, but, I did buy a book I have coveted for a long time. It was in the sale bin (thanks E). I wasn't strong enough. lol. I also bought mumble, mumble glitter mumble (hello my name is Cori - ooh look shiny - er um I adore sparkly) and a few older copies of Somerset Studio too.

My contribution to the card exchange

Here it is ... enjoy

p.s. I love this stamp. It was made by PSX.

Anything Goes at ATC Night

The 'star' of the evening was Martha our very own cover girl. Barb and Tony suprised her with a yummy chocolate cake to celebrate.

Wooohooo for Martha! (click on the photo to enlarge)

Surprisingly, I loved not having a theme. It was definitely low stress for me.


I made all new as I don't have any spares to trade. I even arrived without my ATC's completed (horror!) which IMO is a no, no.
Yes, I'm aware of the irony. Hypocrite is my name. They were completed in time to trade - yay for me. I had to demand all my cards back to get a quick photo. lol.

Aren't the cards I got tonight wonderful?

Participants for this month were:

Traders: Martha, Cori, Ludgera, Susan V., Susan, Mary, Daniza and Hope

Absent Traders: Kris

Marissa, Beverly, Colette, Jacqui, Florence, Susan W., and June we missed you!

Skinny book for Altered Abbey

I finally finished this week. Thank goodness. I really enjoyed working on this book (Book #1). I'd like to do another one.

Here is a peek... (click on the photo to enlarge)

This is the back pages.

This is the front pages.

I hope everyone enjoys/likes my page contribution. I can't wait to see the finished book.

OK. I'm gonna let you laugh with me (or at me)

I'm not a painter. I don't understand colour theory - its on my list of things to learn.

I have been using watercolours recently and having a terrible time blending them. I finally figured out why. I have been trying to blend them on the paper instead of the palette.

I did have to laugh at myself when I finally clued in.

p.s. The new Frank Warren book "A Lifetime of Secrets" is available now. I plan to purchase it online as I refuse to pay the Canadian price. I'd rather wait a few extra days a purchase it from the States.

For Eddie

Wherever you are tonight, I sincerely hope you are feeling much better and are safe with your family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy thanksgiving to everyone.

I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving today.

Arrived Safe! (again)

It does feel good to be home.

It feels especially good to be at home in my own bed.

What a flight home. My son was an angel (who did not sleep).

My issue was with the 'men' (and I use the term loosely) that surrounded us. They wanted to order drinks within minutes of being seated. I settled in for a long trip when I overheard their demands for alcohol. "We want quantity over quality". They intended to get as drunk as quickly as possible. Oh no.

They were loud, boastful and foul-mouthed. Obnoxious.

As they got louder and the F-bomb became every second word. I finally leaned over and asked if they could please not swear in front of my young son. Thankfully they complied with my request for the most part. The flight attendant handled them pretty well for the most part. It could have easily been much worse.

I'll post more soon. But now I'm heading to bed.

Heading home

I'm happy and sad to be heading home. I'll miss my Mom and Dad.

My mission today? Making the little guy as tired as possible. He's walking, heading to the park and maybe even missing his nap. I'm taking a chance that could result in a rough flight home.

p.s. I've gone overweight on the suitcase again! How?

Turkey day

We headed over to my aunt and uncle's house last night.

Turkey and all the trimmings. Yummy. My aunt is a wonderful cook and they are both excellent hosts. It's always fun to visit.

Sadly, there was no Uno game.

Will post photos when I get back.

Shopping and class day!

My aunt came to pick up us up this morning and after a few errands we headed to a fabric wholesaler. Which was kinda cool. I bought some fun, sparkly fabric.

Then a quick shopping trip and a bite to eat at T&T Market in WestEd Mall. It was a fun place to visit. I will need to get to the Cherry beach location when I get home. It is worth a second look.

I had read that a local store was going out of business after 40 years of business. Sounded like it might be interesting. It was a scavenger hunt! I think some of the stuff they had might have been from the day they opened. lol.

We headed home for a quick rest before heading to Bosch for the Hearty Soups and Chowders class. It was fun, informative and the soups/chowder (4) that they made were delicious. I have photos and will post when I get back. (they thought I was crazy!)

daddy flew east

Rowan seems to be dealing with his dad's departure. He is a little sad and definitely misses him.

It made me sad to hear his little voice say, "Daddy, daddy. Don't leave me."

Getting very nervous

Silly me forgot most of my skinny book stuff.

I'm going to very busy when I get back. I headed to Michaels to get some watercolour paints.

I really wanted to stamp first though. I have the main stamp but no ink or embossing powder. On the upside the lack of materials have sent me in an entirely different direction.

I don't recommend dismantling your work space if a big project is due soon.

Arrived safe

I shut off my alarm.

Sooooo that meant that I woke up exactly six minutes before my cab was to arrive. I said something like 'Oh shoot'. Likely much less PG.

He charges me for being late (over ten minutes - I wasn't) and for stopping at the cash machine. I didn't expect that. It made me decidedly grumpy. It also ate up his tip. I feel strongly about tipping, so now you know how grumpy I was. I was a little uneasy about my tipping karma. I should have tipped him.

I got my boarding pass and proceeded to security. What do I find in my purse? Sharp, sharp scissors. "You can't take those on the plane." the security lady says sternly. I think to myself, "Oh, really? I hadn't figured that out yet." I smiled sheepishly and asked if I could mail them home to myself. Off I went to the mail kiosk. What can I say? I like those scissors.

Back to Security, I set off the alarms, sigh and assume 'the position'. The security guy asks if I have a metal belt on. I raise my shirt slightly and there is my Blackberry still affixed to my hip. Oops. Let's try that again.

Next stop. Coffee. The Tim Horton's line is very, very, very long. I arrive at the line at the same time as another women. She elbows me out of the way. It's a good thing this act rendered me speechless. I can't imagine that I would have said anything remotely nice. I just shook my head because I would have let her go ahead of me.

Coffee in hand, I head to the bookstore. I am anticipating my leisurely, child free flight, however, I'm disappointed by the book selection. I finally choose two books. "Kill the Messenger" by Tammy Hoag and "The Thirteenth Tale" by 'Diane Setterfield. I head to the till and discover that I've lost 20 dollars somewhere in the airport. See what I mean about tip karma?

The flight was great and I savor the free time.

As I get closer to Alberta, I am eagerly looking forward to seeing my guys. (Mom and Dad too!)

My son is happy to see me (what a squeaky voice he has -lol) and is looking around excitedly . Up, down, behind me. Finally he asks where his 'surprise' is. Thanks kid. It was me silly.

First meeting

I survived.

I was both excited and terrified to attend my very first meeting.

My project didn't turn out quite as I hoped. I did learn a lot though.

I wanted my project to be simple and quiet. What I didn't expect, was that it was going to end up looking so 'flat' (it definitely needed a three dimensional object) and frankly ugly. Even more embarrassingly (IMO) it looked as if I had thrown it together the night before. Not quite what I was going for. In reality, I spent many, many hours on it. Should I be admitting that out loud? I looked at my project and only one word came to mind. Expulsion. Immediate.

I think I went pale when the first cabinet was revealed. I know I forgot to breathe. Each cabinet was unique and more delightful than the one that preceeded it.

Then came mine. I truly wished the floor would open and swallow me whole. I believe I said "I don't wanna." Lovely use of the English language. I can only imagine how I looked.

I will eventually post a photo. I might smile or even laugh about it in the future. Today I can't.

New Up&Running w/Photoshop class w/Jessica

Just in case you were interested.

Jessica is offering a new beginner's class. Mark October 8th on your calendar and register on opening day.

This class fills up quick, quick, quick!!!

Details here.

Bright Shining Star!

My son is anyway!

My son is in the new issue of Canadian Family! The photo is on page 84.

OK - its a little picture.

How cool is that?

Coming up for Air

I fully understand how digital scrapbooking can become an obsession.

I work just as slow though and I have run into a few minor problems with it. I swear the folks at Adobe made "ease of use" a really low priority.

Here is another layout for this week.


p.s. Yes, I deliberately blurred his face.