A million apologies...

I cringe even at the thought.

I mean, how could I forget that yesterday was your birthday?

Yes, I did forget your birthday, but, I'll never forget what a wonderful friend you are.

- You are a great listener
- You are always so wonderfully supportive
- You believe in me, especially when I don't
- You will put up with me when I'm in one of those moods (*lol*)

You are an amazing person, who is generous, funny and thoughtful. I am so glad that you are my friend.

I wish you much happiness, health and prosperity for coming year and many, many more years.

Happy belated birthday.

If every day was a musical...

I think I'd like the world a whole lot more.

Note: In my musical world everyone can sing well.

I recently went to see this movie and I loved it. I was dancing in my seat - until I caught myself anyway.

It was great fun and I highly recommend it.

p.s. Travolta is just a touch creepy though.

I declare War.

You may have to hold your nose for this post.

I've always paid the GST on items I've ordered from the States (mostly without complaint). Even if they aren't even available in our country.

I've never asked:
1. to have my item marked as a 'gift'
2 requested a false invoice be included
3. requested a lower amount be declared on the customs form

I just shrugged, figuring it was one of those inevitable, annoying things.

The brokerage fee always irritated me though. Thanks, but I've already paid for postage and now I'll have to travel out of my way to pick up my package.

They chose to cull my package from a mountain of mail and I imagine they already get paid very well to do so. Why should I be charged for this dubious honour?

I have been excitedly awaiting the arrival of my very first FAT book. It came today. Yippee right? Not exactly. It also arrived with a customs declaration slip requesting $6.88 before I could claim my package.

That's right. The government decided to collect a $1.88 from me. What enrages me is they also charged me $5.00 to collect it. This is nothing more than a hidden tax.

Yes, let's go after the packages labeled 'Art book'. Those suspicious, shifty, sneaky altered book artists. Ah yes, my tax dollars at work.

It also got me thinking - exactly how much money in brokerage fees does Canada Post collect annually? Where does the money go?

I smell something very rotten.

Fat book arrived!

I just love it. It is absolutely adorable.

I now understand how these books could become terribly addictive.

After seeing the backpage decorations - I'm even more mortified by my own.

I received pages from: Kim Bartlett, Jenny Heid, Holly Stinnet, Marianne Baugher, Kimber Kristina Holt, Heather Simpson-Bluhm, Heather Price, Chrysti Hydeck, Shoshannah Jennings, Snowrose, Darlene Maciuba-Koppel, Lizzy Mayorga, Beth Quinn, Amber Dawn, Martha Brown, Joanie Hoffman and Pam Kirshenbaum.

Thanks so much for hosting Heather - you did a wonderful job!

Harry Potter out today

This morning I stopped at Indigo on my way to the blood donor clinic to pick up my very own copy.

I didn't pre-order so I paid full price. It was discounted 20% - which is kind of absurd - it's already a best seller and should have been at a 40% discount. I digress.

I read a few chapters while giving blood. I hope to sneak in few more chapters while my son naps!

I already know from previous experience that I'll stay up late into the night to see how it ends.

It rained today.

Hard.

I got completely soaked. I ended up going to the mall to get dry clothes. I was that wet.

This soaking including my purse and all the contents inside. Which I didn't think was a big deal.

Until I remembered the ATCs that were in my purse waiting to be mailed. Outside of their protective plastic bag.

All reduced to a soggy, non salvageable mess.

New ATC back

I thought I'd share an ATC back I made. It still needs a little work (but nap time is over!)

Looking for tree stamps

I'm on the look out for rubber stamps (larger size) with a tree or trees. Does anyone have a recommendation?

Revisionist History

Update: I decided to go see it on a whim.

I misread the dates and thought the final performance was yesterday.

I enjoyed it. I laughed so hard at one point that I had to wipe tears away. I have an absurd sense of humour.

I really would have been interested to see this play at the fringe festival. An accident of history? Hysterical. To bad I only noticed it yesterday afternoon. Darn.

ATC night & hot women

Another large turnout last night! I adore ATC night and hate that I have to show up late on occasion.

Happy Birthday to Ludgera! Shall we sing one more time?

Thanks to Katie for making cupcakes. Yummy! (recipe was from Martha Stewart cookbook - I checked. :))

Welcome to the group - Florence and Suzan.

Participants for this month were:
Traders: Jacqui, Suzan, Florence, Martha, June, Marissa, Jolanta, Susan V., Barb, Kris, Diana and Cori
Observers: Colette, Daniza

Waving hi to Ray! It was a pleasure to meet you. Martha you never told me he had an accent.

Susan W., Sarah, Myrn, Beverley and Joanne we missed you.

Hot Women ATCs

My interpretation of tonight's exchange. Pretty tame women if you ask me. lol. I've kept the images posted here PG rated. I have others that are a little bit more racy.




Due Date: 13Jul07
Theme: Hot women
Supplies used:
Images: American Picture Gallery CD, bingo card
Paper: various cardstock (European Paper, Club Scrap)

A little progress

I made a (very) small dent in the pile of paper to cut up. It killed my cutting blade though.

Whilst sorting through my stash - I rediscovered these items. I think they are fun.

Snip, Slice and toss

I've decided to make my life easier. At least where ATCs are concerned.

I have loads and loads of 8 1/2 x 11 paper that I will likely never use for scrapbooking.

My solution?

It's all being sliced up for my ATC stash box.

Yep, it's all going in. Paper, embellishments, ephemera... All that good stuff.

Hopefully this will make me a little bit more prolific.

Now I just need to find the perfect box....

July Christmas Card Exchange

After class the Card Exchange group met for the big reveal.
As you can likely guess from the post title, this month's theme was Christmas.

I finally remembered to ask the ladies if they minded me posting their cards. I'd always felt bad about posting without asking first. It seems impolite.
You can click on the photo to view more detail for the last three exchanges. Enjoy!

I even stepped out of my comfort zone and submitted a less than perfect (IMHO) card for the store wall. Last night I was upset with it but today I embraced my mistake. I even think its kinda cool now.

Christmas in July

My very first ever Card Extravaganza was divine.

We were so spoiled today, it was like Christmas morning! Generous extra goodies (thanks Carmi&Elizabeth) and sweet home baked treats (thanks June!).

I kept up with the rest of the class for the most part. I think they heard a starters pistol I didn't. lol. These ladies didn't mess around and were quick to finish each card.

I think it helps if you understand all the directions. I admit it, sometimes I just nod my head and dive right in.

I love before and after pictures. I neglected to take the 'before' photo but this one is just after everyone cleared out for lunch.

More details and photos in the next few days.

Card Exchange - Christmas

Here is my submission for this month's card exchange group.

My better half's response was 'That's a CHRISTMAS card?".

I was going for something 'different'. It's different alright.

Must sleep soon! My ride to the Christmas Card Extravaganza will be here in less than 8 hours. Yikes!

More outbound ATCs

Paint chip swap ATC's

I've been busy getting ATCs ready for upcoming swaps.

Here are two from the paint chip swap.

I got out my sewing machine for this swap. Progress! It only took me 25 minutes to put in the bobbin this time. lol.

ATCs zoom right through the machine. I need driving lessons for my sewing machine. Evidently I need to practice more.

I find it a challenge to add embellishments to my work. I add them and hope for the best! I'd rather have the 'knack' for adding just the right thing.

Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day to our American neighbours!

I might be *little* crazy....

I just couldn't resist signing up for this skinny book swap. I know it will make me obsessive for a few months. lol.

I think it is the size that I find so intriguing.

I really enjoyed working (even if it stressed me out) on my circle fatbook. Of course, after the fact I would have done things quite differently today. Ahh, live and learn.

I'm nervous but excited about it. I'll keep you posted.

Happy Canada Day!!!!

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Enjoy the long weekend!!!