tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638981963650540902024-03-19T07:36:01.141-05:00...and then things started to get a little strangeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-87924980595342175772012-02-06T11:28:00.007-06:002012-02-06T17:12:05.627-06:00Echo Park "Yours Truly" Blog Hop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCFXIDI9_t5eK3NWSpOu8MkTYYNJ_PE2wvcQDnDVxg8BYw3RA71X5t2h6xlPqybA8G_PXNmbyPA2JiinzhIF2njCB44cHzxt-pD3ZoxQG7VWaqxD4ndqTndaijSFf29p4rDS5-FiTSQ/s1600/Cover1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCFXIDI9_t5eK3NWSpOu8MkTYYNJ_PE2wvcQDnDVxg8BYw3RA71X5t2h6xlPqybA8G_PXNmbyPA2JiinzhIF2njCB44cHzxt-pD3ZoxQG7VWaqxD4ndqTndaijSFf29p4rDS5-FiTSQ/s320/Cover1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706079567409206850" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Valentine's Day. Hearts, flowers, love abounding...you know, the mushy stuff! Sometimes, you just find paper and you HAVE to play with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meet <a href="http://echoparkpaper.com/collections/yours-truly/">"Yours Truly" from Echo Park</a>. And its friend from last year, "Be Mine." Both designed by the talented <a href="http://www.cassandracooper.com/wp/">Cassandra Cooper</a>. I bought a good deal of "Be Mine" last year, and when I saw this year's "Yours Truly", I LOVED how well they worked together.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had always thought about making a min album using corrugated cardboard, I liked the way it looks, I like the texture, I just hadn't ever bothered to save any. So, having a HUGE stack of coordinating papers, I decided to go for it. I'm sending this mini album to my oldest daughter so she can finish it with pictures and such, but, I thought I'd share the basics I have done for her. </div><div><br /></div><div>The cover (top picture) is just a 6x6 piece of cardboard. I ripped and tore at it until I was happy with the amount of "cardboard guts" showing, and then proceeded to layer my other papers on top of that. I added a random key I found in one of my embellishment jars, and a heart sticker from the sheet that came with my paper pack. One thing I made sure to do was LEAVE SPACE ON THE EDGE FOR THE HOLES. I punched the holes for binding when I was finished. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkN9mKbWQ1stFPImX8TBgRr1-vv62u2VdhRhfEphrm478MsP84o7noP9l2BEycGON5oG4QFsCwnCzDffh8FZ4ODX_HfNOiY7QIc85V7upiTCaf78BgT6qRRcWhTG2X908qp65KqbzuA/s1600/pages1%25262.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkN9mKbWQ1stFPImX8TBgRr1-vv62u2VdhRhfEphrm478MsP84o7noP9l2BEycGON5oG4QFsCwnCzDffh8FZ4ODX_HfNOiY7QIc85V7upiTCaf78BgT6qRRcWhTG2X908qp65KqbzuA/s320/pages1%25262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706080166511944962" /></a>On these pages, I mixed in some of last year's line "Be Mine". The two work seamlessly together and as they're both double-sided paper lines, I had a TON of mix and match options.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7lyBmJMj7UbM_5XhNzHoCr_Rt5KkiNDA6z91d54odjsmt-wQjZ1dNn4qg0hS4QUVNzUez3UD9gHmbuHlym2HlFGg4H0Yis1N_lsERkc217qZZ0lwVYluLSCn4DQLY-OwYwC3bNVnQA/s1600/pages3%25264.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7lyBmJMj7UbM_5XhNzHoCr_Rt5KkiNDA6z91d54odjsmt-wQjZ1dNn4qg0hS4QUVNzUez3UD9gHmbuHlym2HlFGg4H0Yis1N_lsERkc217qZZ0lwVYluLSCn4DQLY-OwYwC3bNVnQA/s320/pages3%25264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706080165206671586" /></a>Journalling blocks and pocket pages....and there's that corrugated cardboard peeking through again! Each of the paper packs comes with a sheet of paper that has journalling blocks on one side and a pattern on the other, so no hunting around trying to find the perfect block!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsVdYCdjuh3b5KlGqHcUlNZGf7ay3E_eqkpTywuyfA2qMheHCPsYDXtSuw-hLED6LzwGm36MQJctXlta5v-6n2uTOjcBTGxcSxu7bqmZ1RI_cHm5uO_uV3JaPk03qABmuG9aZPrbpzw/s1600/Pages5%25266.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsVdYCdjuh3b5KlGqHcUlNZGf7ay3E_eqkpTywuyfA2qMheHCPsYDXtSuw-hLED6LzwGm36MQJctXlta5v-6n2uTOjcBTGxcSxu7bqmZ1RI_cHm5uO_uV3JaPk03qABmuG9aZPrbpzw/s320/Pages5%25266.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706080176765920194" /></a>With the pinks and reds and blacks and grey, it was really easy to make a mini album that was cute, but not excessively so. Of course, when I feel the need to add a bit of tulle, that DOES tend to ramp up the girly factor!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSR6J1ihMD0Ge9LkhmMBsj1yM3toPUUiGHdDaDl-pNSYmp1q1on9rHHfqshaTFfhgmatYkxgTXoJZEsWZXuEqI9Hf1fd74WP2eNLEAsMI0Ji2XUl-PtHCkCyAdc29GtPJyfWRYZkmYA/s1600/pages7%25268.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSR6J1ihMD0Ge9LkhmMBsj1yM3toPUUiGHdDaDl-pNSYmp1q1on9rHHfqshaTFfhgmatYkxgTXoJZEsWZXuEqI9Hf1fd74WP2eNLEAsMI0Ji2XUl-PtHCkCyAdc29GtPJyfWRYZkmYA/s320/pages7%25268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706080181289585602" /></a>Another pocket page. That journalling block with the skyline is one of my favorite designs.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYl8O8zj3iUQvALUB_I9OM5VFOHw6eK8KBSfpWmbe-VkcwWqMEBXAW4j1omnsPGlPHLoM4pCbR5Wapfk7xRvgvIVJHu2pUktQJ0oHWRfDa-uovrs3InjcvgVda_IcKwdcNi3b-chT-Ng/s1600/backcover1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYl8O8zj3iUQvALUB_I9OM5VFOHw6eK8KBSfpWmbe-VkcwWqMEBXAW4j1omnsPGlPHLoM4pCbR5Wapfk7xRvgvIVJHu2pUktQJ0oHWRfDa-uovrs3InjcvgVda_IcKwdcNi3b-chT-Ng/s320/backcover1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706080187343588258" /></a>The back cover. After I made up all my pages, I stacked them and punched them with my Cinch. Then, just added my binding, tied some tulle on the rings, and it was finished! I hope Casey likes it and has fun finishing it (sorry I'm not going to get it to you before Valentine's Day, Case...LOVE YOU!)<div><br /></div><div>Hop over to these other great blogs to see more great projects using "Yours Truly"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://creativelysavvy.blogspot.com/2012/02/yours-truly-blog-hop.html">Suz Stringfellow</a></div><div><a href="http://bayoubytes.blogspot.com/2012/02/yours-truly-blog-hop.html">Madeline Fox</a></div><div><a href="http://awildstrawberry.blogspot.com/2012/02/yours-truly-blog-hop.html">Heidi Smith</a></div><div><a href="http://www.cassandracooper.com/wp/2012/02/yours-truly-blog-hop/">Cassandra Cooper</a></div><div>Nancy Burke--Coming Soon!</div><div>Denise Thornton--Coming Soon!</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy all the great Echo Park projects you see today as you continue through the Blog Hop!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-51887975723572485302012-01-25T11:41:00.001-06:002012-01-25T11:41:33.365-06:00I made some new friends today!Well, to be exact, I BOUGHT some new friends....and I'd been not-so-patiently waiting for them to make the trip from Germany. <br />
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Frozen Charlotte dolls are just fascinating. And a little creepy. And I'm now the proud owner of 30 of them, with another box on the way. I can't wait to start creating with them!<br />
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First though, I'm finishing up a CUTE mini album made from Echo Park's Yours Truly and Be Mine lines. I hope to have it done today or tomorrow at the latest. I LOVE those paper lines, the colors and patterns are just great! <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kyuSGMguqO1h4sjawHIojNxfYLekGl38vJXjMtBlXP2SBlub63ucZ6kc62IjR0Jt1FEZnSEC1m08kxSrZpkcuN8OypGFJjf85xp2DoeXz42sEHvJmZJfZMqJq-KKSc0DxWjyiZHTtA/s640/blogger-image-456999033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kyuSGMguqO1h4sjawHIojNxfYLekGl38vJXjMtBlXP2SBlub63ucZ6kc62IjR0Jt1FEZnSEC1m08kxSrZpkcuN8OypGFJjf85xp2DoeXz42sEHvJmZJfZMqJq-KKSc0DxWjyiZHTtA/s640/blogger-image-456999033.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGXe064cvtEezy99OvxNDDoOKsHateq9seZVZf4H6pVcIhx0dEEnvGRK-guEF9QcWUFPGnI-D5Fr71G65eKUUUc0Mv48sBwUH4ZI5-YAtsPA4rPowAbai-wYxkQhqEMDZAJP54X0jxQ/s640/blogger-image-1838103479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGXe064cvtEezy99OvxNDDoOKsHateq9seZVZf4H6pVcIhx0dEEnvGRK-guEF9QcWUFPGnI-D5Fr71G65eKUUUc0Mv48sBwUH4ZI5-YAtsPA4rPowAbai-wYxkQhqEMDZAJP54X0jxQ/s640/blogger-image-1838103479.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-60451211294102818382012-01-22T16:16:00.001-06:002012-01-22T16:16:36.551-06:00A bit of winterWell, it DOES appear that Winter has finally decided to make an appearance in Iowa. You know, cold, snow, cold, ice, did I mention cold?<br />
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We got about 2" of snow the other day, if we'd lived a bit further north we'd have had 6", a bit further south, really none to speak of. Two inches is a good amount. A manageable amount. It was the -15 degree wind chill that came with it I could REALLY do without.<br />
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Now, it's warming up a bit. Raining, sort of. All that means is what WAS our 2" of snow has now become a flat, icky, sort of icy mess. But at least it's warmer. <br />
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Really, the perfect thing, if it NEEDS to snow, would be a couple inches of nice, fluffy snow and 50 degree temps. <br />
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Who's with me on that one?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-61972678424361091092012-01-14T12:56:00.001-06:002012-01-14T12:56:30.546-06:00And still with the girly......I've been on a girly kick. Sometimes, even though it's not my usual style, I just need an infusion of pink, tulle, glitter, and rhinestones. I always feel better after I've made a few completely over-the-top, outrageously frou-frou things. And bonus, my new (used) copy of "Marie Antoinette" just came today, so I can watch and be completely immersed in the fluff.<br />
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On another note, we've finally got some snow. It's not much, and it's not pretty, but, it is something. At least it looks like winter now.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-bATG7YkMZGSGdK8l1tLvzhSrs5Y2_f1TkSgGJJBdmz2WfYtyCk3l4icUqwVG3PMr6GNshMJnHv7ASWJvC5rL97fOqk_LyQ338f7Xqr72qsHvIBhWvaGwLZcT_8sGy1RlQVxX1_euQ/s640/blogger-image--299908202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-bATG7YkMZGSGdK8l1tLvzhSrs5Y2_f1TkSgGJJBdmz2WfYtyCk3l4icUqwVG3PMr6GNshMJnHv7ASWJvC5rL97fOqk_LyQ338f7Xqr72qsHvIBhWvaGwLZcT_8sGy1RlQVxX1_euQ/s640/blogger-image--299908202.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-26204095502339954482012-01-10T22:09:00.001-06:002012-01-10T22:18:48.571-06:00Warning: Excessive use of glitter ahead!Seriously. I almost need sunglasses to finish this one. It's really cute, and really, really glittery. The crown is glittered, the canvas is glittered, the roses are glittered, heck, even the bow, while not ACTUALLY glittered, is shimmery. And then there's the rhinestone heart.....<br />
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Which bring me to one of my favorite things to work with: Vintage jewelry. I LOVE using old broaches, necklace bits, and earrings on projects. Especially the earrings. I've got about 2 jars full of just vintage earrings. Beaded, rhinestoned, pearled, there's just such a GREAT charm to those old clip on earrings. I'd kill to be able to wear earrings like that today, but, I've not been able to find any that I'm not allergic to. <br />
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Btw, in case you've been wondering, I'm still looking for snowy owls. No luck yet, but, I'm working near where there have been several sightings on Monday, so I'll be looking hard for them while I'm at work. Don't tell my boss. Or my mom. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOwmVG_XmpGbsMWt97vy9HYeO5cEKy6JZPVxKeZF24Y9jlwVcyW5gVoZr3jhOMz-MX-pJlAiDKiulXI9LFMMnVJ9zOJzXupDA9osXGzbzL_JuQaP8212UOYGmgb_sh132-5gxR5mEng/s640/blogger-image-1769859199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOwmVG_XmpGbsMWt97vy9HYeO5cEKy6JZPVxKeZF24Y9jlwVcyW5gVoZr3jhOMz-MX-pJlAiDKiulXI9LFMMnVJ9zOJzXupDA9osXGzbzL_JuQaP8212UOYGmgb_sh132-5gxR5mEng/s640/blogger-image-1769859199.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDqV8poadgZ5IeuUsGm_IaKbc0dJRt1PKhD3LF_q2kNp71F7pmcOPE7tdmchXbCoLEsgv8zmlRa7OND_5-0L7nvVMrKjL07TyiJ3R53Md6VPdqcEz6bUiZegeDxMCSZxfGf0wJ_DKpw/s640/blogger-image--1542662801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDqV8poadgZ5IeuUsGm_IaKbc0dJRt1PKhD3LF_q2kNp71F7pmcOPE7tdmchXbCoLEsgv8zmlRa7OND_5-0L7nvVMrKjL07TyiJ3R53Md6VPdqcEz6bUiZegeDxMCSZxfGf0wJ_DKpw/s640/blogger-image--1542662801.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-58015180247147688802012-01-09T19:51:00.001-06:002012-01-09T19:51:48.079-06:00I have a new toy!After much whining, a bit of begging, and some negotiation, today, a new iPad came to live with me. She's white, with a pretty pink cover, and my mom is making me a cute grey case with little turquoise bicycles on it! I'm SO excited! I've only wanted one since the very first one came out. <br />
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In other news, I'm making girly cards, frou-frou laden, sparkly, pink, cards. With rhinestones. And occasional silver crowns. <br />
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It's a lovely way to enjoy the beautiful, non-winter we've been having. Glittery, girly stuff. I can't wait for my new copy of "Marie Antoinette" comes, it's got great music, and is fun girly inspiration. <br />
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And yes, I do believe I used the word girly entirely too many times during this blog post. <br />
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And for that, I apologize. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAxhQmDESWErV2EgS5lUBsVXdXCcs-9nNOyz_9DG2H54tJIyI_QX4WALF_HXFMX-jnZGaB7knF9moZjaIoyUEsRjowQ62c4IecamoqdeP6n-FDiP4KDvZAcncQmtlo7y0AHsOCOnVKA/s640/blogger-image--1089258459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAxhQmDESWErV2EgS5lUBsVXdXCcs-9nNOyz_9DG2H54tJIyI_QX4WALF_HXFMX-jnZGaB7knF9moZjaIoyUEsRjowQ62c4IecamoqdeP6n-FDiP4KDvZAcncQmtlo7y0AHsOCOnVKA/s640/blogger-image--1089258459.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-51670634395132049152012-01-07T19:53:00.001-06:002012-01-07T19:53:09.609-06:00Still here!I've been busy back in the studio, working away. I now have enough Valentines to woo a small country. <br />
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I went out and did a little exploring today, my cool find was 2 vintage punch boards that are just begging to be altered! Photos and more details about those some other day. <br />
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Winter in Iowa this year seems to be MIA. And really, I'm ok with that. 40-60 degrees and sunshine in January? Yeah, I'll take that!<br />
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Oh, interesting thing I learned yesterday: snow owls have migrated to Iowa this winter. You know, like Harry Potter's owl, Hedwig? And there's even been sighting in Story County. So now, I've got a mission.....see a snow owl. <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIxiL4ZK40jkY0gOgpheiXE4-XYt6TOvxXVZcQN3PpQ5YEStF5Pt42TGfiwNLDzxOL2GQnVwm_RZg_HRTBCNvnJ6RBcNUtWUJ3ZfBcmXGCXKKSoC1Xpv2KTkYj8EdXXXczqqI8UXKjg/s640/blogger-image-1822628588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIxiL4ZK40jkY0gOgpheiXE4-XYt6TOvxXVZcQN3PpQ5YEStF5Pt42TGfiwNLDzxOL2GQnVwm_RZg_HRTBCNvnJ6RBcNUtWUJ3ZfBcmXGCXKKSoC1Xpv2KTkYj8EdXXXczqqI8UXKjg/s640/blogger-image-1822628588.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLX1ZXebtpIg-mqHZf1oz_V_QuNFSyqWC2vhHVaCTm52OX55VvLjH3pEsgrdPh0fQyY1wFSUraTKnipoIweCEcKSfB7KAyWYEKR9YBHQZmgE_MNq7Gem9qSRuxKWBV2Gh7DmS50pzrA/s640/blogger-image-1726403758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLX1ZXebtpIg-mqHZf1oz_V_QuNFSyqWC2vhHVaCTm52OX55VvLjH3pEsgrdPh0fQyY1wFSUraTKnipoIweCEcKSfB7KAyWYEKR9YBHQZmgE_MNq7Gem9qSRuxKWBV2Gh7DmS50pzrA/s640/blogger-image-1726403758.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCaBXHD9NcrP_fYv2heLXa3BiahwK-cYQn9kUmIYnuhUcXNJItCROmp7gFzE0lXKrwipYP-yp7tRYDD94RVtcJt88yd1MknXy78bNFnJEZBnksI_O5vLEyIEk0Nyi4M3UsjxN9u6Bug/s640/blogger-image-810065141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCaBXHD9NcrP_fYv2heLXa3BiahwK-cYQn9kUmIYnuhUcXNJItCROmp7gFzE0lXKrwipYP-yp7tRYDD94RVtcJt88yd1MknXy78bNFnJEZBnksI_O5vLEyIEk0Nyi4M3UsjxN9u6Bug/s640/blogger-image-810065141.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-71351344102698322412011-12-31T09:23:00.002-06:002011-12-31T09:36:16.448-06:00Happy New Year&apos;s EveSo, another year, come and gone. So much for last year's resolution to blog more. <div><br />
</div><div>That being said.....new year, new start! I've got a good, creative group of friends, and new-ishly organized studio, there's no good reason why I can't be creative AND blog about it. I actually do a lot of things out in my studio, it's time to start inflicting it upon the world. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Therefore, you have been warned. </div><div><br />
</div><div>2012. It's going to be a good year </div><br />
<br />
Also, happy 23rd anniversary to Erik! It hasn't always been fun, it hasn't always been easy, but we've muddled through and made it work. Love you!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcLDweU6JTV7SPBNxyvNfA-Mx3bifxJcrBloioCyJdYQX-ZUjfoa7hP_GPvM7LGxVu-T_0TA4nxW7fg9CT-tugmAvxUdMzphHlDODnCpl_GmshNDbrPYnCT4wAcEUoMqauHHhtfWwhg/s640/blogger-image-1871407645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcLDweU6JTV7SPBNxyvNfA-Mx3bifxJcrBloioCyJdYQX-ZUjfoa7hP_GPvM7LGxVu-T_0TA4nxW7fg9CT-tugmAvxUdMzphHlDODnCpl_GmshNDbrPYnCT4wAcEUoMqauHHhtfWwhg/s640/blogger-image-1871407645.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-6274791954570026092011-01-07T14:00:00.007-06:002011-01-07T14:12:40.273-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJNez9DPbNd68njGuxfkXFI41f-1f2b6NsjtExRH9EDb2S4pwkDZlAXAtTZTGSEgw0yeNQwhf4Vn8vRp-mkAjt5sDQamGqr5IrP-NzWhG4si4j0axNJ1846LC5WYDhQmTnCxBbyFpFA/s1600/Sunshine+and+Clouds.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJNez9DPbNd68njGuxfkXFI41f-1f2b6NsjtExRH9EDb2S4pwkDZlAXAtTZTGSEgw0yeNQwhf4Vn8vRp-mkAjt5sDQamGqr5IrP-NzWhG4si4j0axNJ1846LC5WYDhQmTnCxBbyFpFA/s320/Sunshine+and+Clouds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559536921252950914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_ejuXQ4zfmxq0tHpRu1dXQmSDpjJRj_3L131AmEJe2EkeMPlYnavHTCEYAuWhWPTeVOQE8iSm-F4QfljDfp260WHE8yn5XkdxO8rycE7yn9BdJ-UGdhTOX4ECatM1wEQmKu6A7vdFQ/s1600/Pink+Flowers+and+Pearls.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_ejuXQ4zfmxq0tHpRu1dXQmSDpjJRj_3L131AmEJe2EkeMPlYnavHTCEYAuWhWPTeVOQE8iSm-F4QfljDfp260WHE8yn5XkdxO8rycE7yn9BdJ-UGdhTOX4ECatM1wEQmKu6A7vdFQ/s320/Pink+Flowers+and+Pearls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559536922106371106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ILJekrvykLRg2FeKLME24ptLHZwmV2EnI6EH4ddPtb2L1dHoAQ4Rd15n8WGE-HAogW0OljiAHiDFRABgyAef8ujaJDsFIOT6uoFH8tmkiOiLv0_Wu5xfhrBqTFDSkr75C-AS9oHjpA/s1600/Lace+pin1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ILJekrvykLRg2FeKLME24ptLHZwmV2EnI6EH4ddPtb2L1dHoAQ4Rd15n8WGE-HAogW0OljiAHiDFRABgyAef8ujaJDsFIOT6uoFH8tmkiOiLv0_Wu5xfhrBqTFDSkr75C-AS9oHjpA/s320/Lace+pin1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559536811430280946" /></a>I've got a LOT of vintage costume jewelry. Some good, some bad, some sparkly and cute, and some dull and hideous. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've got it stashed in a drawer out on my studio for now, and every once in a while, I'll carefully open it up, stick a hand in (VERY carefully....I don't know what's in there and I DON'T want to get stuck with anything) and grab out a piece or 2, just to look at and admire (or, sometimes, to look at, shudder, and toss in the trash). </div><div><br /></div><div>Lately though, I've pulled out a few really cute pieces, things that are really too pretty to hide away in a dark drawer, so, I decided to give them some new life. Make them happy and let them out to see the world again.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I whipped out my trusty Big Shot, cut a few flowers, bought a few rolls of tulle (begged a really pretty silvery grey piece of tulle off of my 16 year old), and went to town. Squishing, gluing (because you know, I don't sew), swearing like a sailor when I glued my finger to a piece of taffeta, yes, this project has something for everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far, I've made 3 pieces. I've worn the one attached to the pearl necklace a lot. Mostly because I love that necklace. All 3 of them have pin backs, so they can be attached to a necklace or worn as a pin.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's fun, it's been relatively easy, and now I've got new sparkly things to wear with my sweaters!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-80146389983695923352011-01-03T09:13:00.002-06:002011-01-03T09:21:26.586-06:00Reading ListI'm going to come out and say it....my 16 year old daughter is a far more adventurous reader than I am. She's got a HUGE stack of classics that she's been acquiring, and plans to read. Me, I've read a few classics, but not a lot. And I've read more than my share of crappy romance books.<div><br /></div><div>So, reading list time for 2011.</div><div><br /></div><div>First on my list is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charmed-Life-Growing-Macbeths-Castle/dp/0312384963/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294067748&sr=8-1">this</a> book. I picked it up yesterday, and it looks interesting. I just finished the first "Vampire Academy" book (at Megan's recommendation....it was ok, not great, but I suspect I'm not the target age for it).</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, I'm going to dive into a classic.....either "Emma" or "Great Expectations", both of which Megan picked up on our last trip to the mall. I figure if I alternate one I want to read with a classic, maybe the classics won't seem like such a chore.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've got a bunch of books, stacked around.....I need to go through, see what I haven't read yet and fit them into the list. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, book recommendations.....who's got one? Classics, fiction, non-fiction.....what have you read, loved and think everyone else should read? What did you absolutely hate and feel it's your duty to save others from?</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's hear your reading list!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-68816189657726486172011-01-02T21:29:00.002-06:002011-01-02T21:36:29.401-06:00January 2nd......and White Chocolate Bread Pudding Strikes Back.So, a few days ago, I went over to my parents' house. First thing my mom says is "So, you ever make any bread pudding?"<div><br /></div><div>Well, as a matter of fact, I have. Good bread pudding. Yummy bread pudding. Bread pudding with leftover pop-tarts. Great stuff. I love bread pudding.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until Mom tells me what sort of bread pudding she had in mind........</div><div><br /></div><div>Kings Hawaiian White Chocolate Bread Pudding with King Caramel Sauce.</div><div><br /></div><div>White chocolate. Ok. Caramel sauce. Double ok. Sure, if that's what mom wants for dessert New Year's Day, that's what I'll make.</div><div><br /></div><div>Famous last words.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ladies and Gentlemen......this stuff has nearly FOUR CUPS of HEAVY CREAM. Yes, FOUR CUPS. I don't think I've used that much cream in my entire 41 years. And that doesn't even begin to go into the bag of white chocolate chips, the 3 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks, 3 cups of sugar......</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, there's some real health food, right there.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was good though. Awesomely good. Amazingly wonderful.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I am never, ever, ever going to touch it again.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Besides, the making of the caramel sauce scared me. Something about swirling a pan full of boiling, bubbling sugar over and open flame. And then making a sort of boiling sugar/cream volcano.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm just glad it's over.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-59201336745568222072011-01-01T08:28:00.002-06:002011-01-01T08:45:24.610-06:00New Year, New Start<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XfQrkUcSHEjSNcUi9ZNpt8rKN4AG7WUfKC8Du7wGvIX_UJ9jmLy-a247mK5i5H9DsFf6eyez5u-YDzL1qQ3qdX8drzmEUsZfiJ-zizjuTpas_ep2M9JbHStFP_QlP8GIL_15KvjrrA/s1600/IMG_0652.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XfQrkUcSHEjSNcUi9ZNpt8rKN4AG7WUfKC8Du7wGvIX_UJ9jmLy-a247mK5i5H9DsFf6eyez5u-YDzL1qQ3qdX8drzmEUsZfiJ-zizjuTpas_ep2M9JbHStFP_QlP8GIL_15KvjrrA/s320/IMG_0652.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557224462797694594" /></a>Ok, so last year I kind of slacked off. I got off to a good start, you have to give me that.....<div><br /></div><div>But, then things went a bit south.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, 1/1/11. Fresh start. Hopefully, you'll be seeing more posts from me. And pictures. And general chaos and merriment.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, 2010....you were NOT the year I was hoping for. 2011, let's do better, ok?</div><div><br /></div><div>I've got a few goals for the year....being more consistent in my blogging being one of them. Another goal, as with most people, is to lose weight and eat healthier. I'm declaring 2011 to be the year of the cute dresses! I'm tired of finding adorable dresses and not being able to fit my butt (or various other parts) into them. I haven't moved into "ah crap, I need to order a tent from the camping section" territory, but, I need to drop a couple of sizes. So this year, instead of having to buy cute shoes to make up for the cute dresses I can't buy, i'm going to work my butt into the dresses so I can have cute shoes AND cute dresses. 25lbs by my birthday is a good start, and that way, I get a cute new dress or 6 for a present/reward.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll keep you updated on my progress in that department.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another goal is to just be a NICER person. Not all the time, because the stress of that would probably make my brain explode, but some of the time. I'm going to try to keep my studio cleaner too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every month, I'd like to learn a new skill. Even if it's something silly. So, there's another goal. I should start with learning how to sew on buttons so they'll STAY on, because I'm getting a collection of dresses with the bottom button missing.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, there you have it....some of my goals for 2011. I've probably got a few others, but these are the ones at the top of my list.</div><div><br /></div><div>What are some of your goals? Where do you want to see yourself 365 days from now?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-22224562177892676552010-10-29T22:05:00.002-05:002010-10-29T22:12:14.320-05:00Happy Halloween!I successfully survived the attack of the killer magnets and got all of my calendars finished. The wind has finally died down so the porch is nearly decorated for Halloween (we'll put the finishing touches on it tomorrow and I'll post pictures....it's going to be epic!)<div><br /></div><div>So, what's everyone dressing up as for Halloween? I'm going as....well.....I'm not actually going as anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, I do get the "Parent Of The Year" Award for introducing Megan to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". I figured if she was going to see it on "Glee", she ought to see the real thing first. If Iowa City wasn't such a drive, we'd be going to a midnight showing.</div><div><br /></div><div>In highlights in my world.....I went to the singalong "Sound Of Music" the last 2 Tuesday nights. The first one was with my friends, Teresa, Rob, and Troy, the 2nd, I had to go by myself. I think there were 50 people TOTAL, 35 in Des Moines and 15 in Ames. It was FUN though and I'd certainly do it again in a heartbeat!</div><div><br /></div><div>So.....TRICK OR TREAT!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's hear what everyone's going as!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-63542227839623833332010-10-22T18:02:00.002-05:002010-10-22T18:04:44.546-05:00I'm buried.....I am currently buried under a pile of trays and magnets in my studio. If you know me and love me and don't hear from me, send out a search party. <div><br /></div><div>And no, my dog, Oliver, will NOT rescue me. He's not that kind of dog.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And as long as Doctor Who is on the tv, the cats don't care what becomes of me either.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-88446397784577915642010-09-30T16:09:00.002-05:002010-09-30T16:27:48.243-05:00Hi everyone!I'm back.....I needed a break from things for awhile, but, life moves on, so, here I am again.<div><br /></div><div>Lots of new things since I've been gone.....we got a new kitty, her name is Molly and she's gorgeous. I'll post a picture of her when I remember to get them off of the camera. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been to a lot of auctions. Scored a dozen vintage aluminium tumblers and a pitcher just this week, in fact. And some really cute hats. I don't know why I'm buying them, but now I have 4 vintage hats.....does that make a collection?</div><div><br /></div><div>We've been playing host to a swarm (herd? nest?) of yellowjackets, that hasn't been fun for anyone, but, it's going to get cold soon and then the little suckers will be D-E-A-D. And I'm ok with that. Megan will be even more ok with that, since they're trying to hang out in her room.</div><div><br /></div><div> I replaced the 2 ugly chairs in my living room with what some would consider to be uglier chairs, but, I like them, they're comfy, and better still, they were $10 each. Again, pictures will be forthcoming. </div><div><br /></div><div>I see a big photo post in the not too distant future.</div><div><br /></div><div>This weekend my mom and I will be out at JB Knacker in Gilbert hoping to make our fortunes. Or lunch money. That would be good too. My Halloween cards have been selling very well....who knew Halloween was such a card-giving occasion. I'm grateful though....anytime I can make a little extra money doing what I love, that's a good thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to the sing-along "Sound Of Music" later in October with friends. I LOVE that movie...and I'm such a geek. Yeah, pretty much going to be a high point of my year. I'm still debating about a costume....I really do have the PERFECT dress........... It's playing twice around here, and yes, I'm planning to go both times. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even if I do have to go the second time by myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's getting nearly time to get the Halloween decorations out. I've been collecting ravens and they've been popping up around the house for about a month now. They're one of my favorite things to decorate with!</div><div><br /></div><div>We grew our own pumpkins this year. Or, rather, we grew a pumpkin plant. A big one. Like it took over the entire garden. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have 1 pumpkin. And it's not going to be setting any size records anytime soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently it's something to do with the birds and the bees and boy flowers and girl flowers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Really.</div><div><br /></div><div>Erik spent waaaaay too long explaining it to me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And on that note, prepare for a large photo post, probably this weekend, and other random bits of goodness.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And look out for ravens.</div><div><br /></div><div>And yellowjackets.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Because right now, they're both everywhere in my house.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-9463778667506205672010-08-24T10:37:00.001-05:002010-08-24T10:38:20.260-05:00I haven't vanished!This has been a rough month for me in a lot of ways....I promise I'll be back VERY soon with new auction find pictures, new projects, and even a new GIVEAWAY!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-16937713550759145232010-08-13T08:33:00.002-05:002010-08-13T08:39:57.694-05:00Still looking for my blog giveaway winner!Hi, Shell!! If you're out there, drop me an email (lara_gustafson@yahoo.com) with your information and I'll get you a surprise package in the mail.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In other news, the flood waters are receding. Fortunately, we fared pretty well, no big losses at my house. A lot of our neighbors weren't so lucky, and our town never lost our drinking water, so we're luckier than the city of Ames who STILL hasn't gotten their water supply back up and running and probably won't until sometime next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've hit a couple of auctions this week, nothing too exciting, just some fun little odds and ends. I missed out on the COOLEST Mid-Century Modern turquoise telephone bench last night. My limit was about $50, and it went for $100. And it was HOT in the auction building. Probably 95 degrees. So yeah, epic fail on last night. I didn't bid on a bunch of smaller stuff I wanted earlier in the evening because I was saving my money for the chair.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went home overheated and unhappy.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, that's the update in my world. It's supposed to rain again today, possibly up to 2". Everyone think nice, sunshine-y thoughts for us because even a little rain would be a VERY BAD THING.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-11895941965494669062010-08-11T13:32:00.003-05:002010-08-11T13:48:29.434-05:00Build an ark.......because I'm gonna need it! Luckily, we're kind of at a high end of town, so the water in our basement is minimal, but, getting out of town is an exercise in futility.<div><br /></div><div>We got 5 inches of rain last night. I drove home from the auction in the middle of the worst of the storm. It took me an hour to go less than 10 miles. It was, without a doubt, the SCARIEST drive home ever. It didn't seem al that bad when I scurried across the street and up the block to my car. It didn't seem all the bad as I left Roland.....except for the poor little froggie who was scrambling across the road, he seemed a bit frazzled.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I turned to head into Story City. And it got bad. Like can't see the front end of my car bad. And of course, there was no place to pull off, the shoulders would never have held up my car at that point. So I kept driving. </div><div><br /></div><div>And driving. Until I scared myself so badly, I pulled off into a parking lot right outside of town. I had to collect myself for a few minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was BAD.</div><div><br /></div><div>Worse even than some of my winter driving adventures. And believe me, some of those were kind of epic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Erik and Megan were just about to leave for on a search and rescue expedition when I pulled in the driveway. I'm glad I got home before they left, me out on the road was bad enough, we didn't ALL need to be out.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, it's all good. At least as far as all that goes. We're all home safe and sound, the basement has water, but, it's not out of control. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, we're pretty lucky. There are a lot of people in town and surrounding towns who are in some pretty bad shape due to flood waters. Let's really hope we don't get any more rain. They're forecasting some for tomorrow night.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really, REALLY hope they're wrong.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-80275937373449670062010-08-10T08:28:00.002-05:002010-08-10T08:42:25.957-05:00Back from Wisconsin! And our blog giveaway winner.I'm back.....we did a day in Wausau, and then headed back to Iowa, taking a detour <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1870">here</a> to follow one of those wonderful, mysterious highway signs that simply says "Geographical Marker". I won't spoil your fun by revealing the secret at the end of the trail, but, if you want to cheat, you can click on the link.....or take highway 29 in WI and find out for yourself.<div><br /></div><div>Then we stopped off at a big, yellow dairy store, bought some cheese and some maple syrup. Next stop was a random detour, nearly into MN, to find Crystal Caves. Found them, but the tour was going to cost us $44 and take about an hour, and well, we had the Mall of America still to hit, so, back on the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally arrived at the Mall of America, and, after a REALLY long day of driving and no sleep the night before (and I fell of the couch I was sleeping on!), the MoA REALLY is quite overwhelming. A wonderful, magical place, but, overwhelming. I didn't get to go to Ikea though.....ran out of time.</div><div><br /></div><div>We came home to water in the basement (not surprising since we missed a big storm Sunday night), and a dog who spent the weekend at my parents' and seems to have missed his toys more than he missed us. The cat yelled at us for a long time last night though, guess he missed us.</div><div><br /></div><div>So.......I do have a blog winner!! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; "><dt class="comment-author " id="c4058210333942271213" style="font-weight: bold; padding-left: 45px; padding-top: 1.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(235, 235, 235); margin-left: -45px; background-position: 0px 1.5em; "><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03528028171138632501" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(30, 160, 167); ">Shell</a> said...</dt><dd class="comment-body pid-767716096" id="Blog1_cmt-4058210333942271213" style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 25px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Happy Birthday Casey - keep up with the less sleep - cos life goes past way too fast - don't miss a minute of it!<span class="interaction-iframe-guide"></span></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Shell........email me with your info, and I'll get a surprise out to you in the mail.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now, I need to put things away (how did I end up with so much STUFF from just a weekend?) and put in some studio time. The next couple of weeks are going to be busy, it's the Iowa State Fair, and I've got a weird work schedule.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a GREAT day....and if you live in the Midwest, maybe I'll see you at the Fair!</div></dd></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-55899822477582655252010-08-07T16:47:00.002-05:002010-08-07T16:52:24.544-05:00Wisconsin, here we come!Ok, so we're heading up to WI tomorrow, so, you've got a few extra days to get in on the blog giveaway. I'll give you all until Wed. morning (so, yay, Casey...you get a whole birthday week!)<div><br /></div><div>Remember, all you have to do to get in the running for a surprise package from me is give your best bit of birthday advice for my 21 year old (wow...I still can't believe that!) daughter, Casey. I'll collect all the comments, and draw one at random for my winner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tell everyone you know....remember, you were 21 once too. What was the one thing you wish you knew then that you know now?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-44758168055261494102010-08-06T08:45:00.002-05:002010-08-06T09:04:07.874-05:00You ever have one of those days....<div><br /></div><div>****WARNING**** GRUMPY VENT AHEAD! </div><div><br /></div><div>(consider yourself forewarned)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>You know, those days when running away from home seems like a REALLY good idea. Going someplace, ANYPLACE where no one is going to be telling you what they need/want/expect you to do.<div><br /></div><div>Yeah, one of those days in my world.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've got some things that I'd LIKE to do.....some of them even resemble "work". But, first, I have to wade through this HUGE mass of other people's wants/needs/expectations. And believe me, there's a lot there to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it sucks.</div><div><br /></div><div>My life has actually gotten to the point where if I find myself sitting, doing nothing, I actually feel sort of guilty. I've got a very large to do list, and the more I add to it, the harder it seems to be to get everything done.....and then I just find myself vegging out, which leads me to feel bad for sitting on my butt while I've got so much to do....which leads me to add more to my to do list...</div><div><br /></div><div>You see where this is heading?</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not an organized person by nature. It goes against my very nature, and truthfully, organization kind of creeps me out. People who have schedules and lists and actually USE them? Completely foreign to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have schedules and lists....I start out with the best intentions, plus, making lists amuses me. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, I never seem to stick to my lists. Schedules, usually. Mostly because schedules involve other people, and to NOT stick to them is rude.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, I really prefer organized chaos. It's my happy place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Am I too old to run away and join the circus?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>On another note....last night's auction was interesting. I picked up a few things, some blue bottles, some old poker chips....not a lot of stuff, this was an auction from a private collector, so a lot of the things either didn't interest me or were just more than I was willing to spend. Mostly, there wasn't a lot I was interested in. The interesting part was some of the things I saw.....like a gasoline clothes iron. REALLY? A gas-powered clothes iron? On what planet does THAT seem like a good idea?</div><div><br /></div><div>There was one other thing that made me giggle...a lot. But, to avoid offending anyone (and there would be several ways I could do it), I'll keep it to myself. But, let's just say it was one of the funniest things I've ever seen at an auction. Ever.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now....I've got laundry to do. Because those clothes don't wash, dry, and fold themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be passing on the gas clothes iron though. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-74458450383380918282010-08-05T07:41:00.002-05:002010-08-05T07:45:48.338-05:00Auction Tonight and still time to give Casey your best 21st birthday advice...Not much happening today....I plan to spend the better part of it in my studio catching up on some work<div><br /></div><div>Tonight though....AUCTION NIGHT! I'm heading out to a new location tonight....<a href="http://www.wilsonauctionservice.com/">Colo</a>. Looks like a lot of interesting stuff tonight, and Erik's willing to go along, mostly to check out the quality of the food served there, I'm sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still time to get in the running for my "It's Casey's 21st Birthday Surprise Blog Giveaway". Just go to yesterday's post and leave your best bit of birthday advice for Casey. You've got until Saturday!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-51496323908078586282010-08-04T07:48:00.003-05:002010-08-04T08:00:25.741-05:00Happy 21st Birthday, Casey! Blog Giveaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPL9Tw3XVRI92Vm6p_OY4SPLXBaTm2W9FblMsjlyBHTJJFdOKI6DbMZ6mFAHoBgKkonmNx4fNCVrgxmd6_D3lU44DAd01QXivZio0LilIllbrtKlVjKFeVBCDpfYaDLsxMAk5f3F2BQ/s1600/P1010035.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPL9Tw3XVRI92Vm6p_OY4SPLXBaTm2W9FblMsjlyBHTJJFdOKI6DbMZ6mFAHoBgKkonmNx4fNCVrgxmd6_D3lU44DAd01QXivZio0LilIllbrtKlVjKFeVBCDpfYaDLsxMAk5f3F2BQ/s320/P1010035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501536000884628050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO5uM0fk8qnDuYeA_Xu8W7Lbg-fQbBOGd06MABHXjPStup_RfNfozo6Six9HkVl1cyuedKniV4F5PKAI2Y5gY61Ajt3oZw7z6j6St3v4kWldGaD7DMAwv-N8W_Zk-VZ7kXC3E_sXo0Q/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO5uM0fk8qnDuYeA_Xu8W7Lbg-fQbBOGd06MABHXjPStup_RfNfozo6Six9HkVl1cyuedKniV4F5PKAI2Y5gY61Ajt3oZw7z6j6St3v4kWldGaD7DMAwv-N8W_Zk-VZ7kXC3E_sXo0Q/s320/IMG_0839.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501535993160042834" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>21 years ago, today, in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bitburg</span>, Germany, I gave birth to my oldest, Casey, and trust me, things have never been the same since.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who've never met her, Casey, is smart, funny, mouthy, cute, hard-working, and tiny. She's never been much for sleep, even as a baby (those late night sessions with Daddy are why, when Megan came along and I asked Casey what we should name her baby sister, her answer was "The Lovely Rhonda".....from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">USA's</span> "Up All Night" B-movie show. She was 5!) She works harder than any person I know, finds something she loves and sticks with it, and is just all-around one of the most interesting (and occasionally frustrating) people I've ever met.</div><div><br /></div><div>So....today she's 21 years old. I don't get to make her a cake or give her a hug, since she lives in PA, but, I can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">embarrass her in the way only a mother can....by posting her baby picture on my blog. Cheer up, Casey.....I could have picked a WAY worse picture than this one!</span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><br /></span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><br /></span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">In honor of my baby's 21st birthday, let's have a blog giveaway! All you have to do is leave a birthday bit of advice for Casey in the comment section, and Saturday, I'll draw a winner. As it's a birthday giveaway, the prize will, of course, be a surprise.</span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><br /></span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><br /></span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Love you, Case!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-91206991629692827242010-08-02T19:49:00.002-05:002010-08-02T19:52:58.873-05:00Things might be hit or miss this week....I've got a wickedly busy week coming up, so, I may not get postings up every day. Believe me though, if anything exciting happens, you all, my faithful readers, will be the first to know. And you won't want to miss Wednesday......it's my daughter's 21st birthday, and a blog party WILL be in order!<div><br /></div><div>If anyone happens to have a few pool table balls roaming around their house, making themselves annoying, let me know.....I got a jar for mine, but, being spatially challenged, I bought a BIG jar...too big. So I've got room for another set of balls. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take that however you need to.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Until later....</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63898196365054090.post-75019092458932354502010-08-01T21:36:00.005-05:002010-08-01T21:49:54.224-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLSMMAzrmhhmSpVeJA1qESryplWNh4Ix7lE4sG5eRNXLT3ADxEN5kVMLMvvAnj03RJavn5TJ9Sy1sVlcAtEoD13sRuScgW2WGj-GJqslS-RHhn4WIOvkfc15aMpykibNmltX5ZbJvYA/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLSMMAzrmhhmSpVeJA1qESryplWNh4Ix7lE4sG5eRNXLT3ADxEN5kVMLMvvAnj03RJavn5TJ9Sy1sVlcAtEoD13sRuScgW2WGj-GJqslS-RHhn4WIOvkfc15aMpykibNmltX5ZbJvYA/s320/IMG_0816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500636711738681090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS44YbLDEjrS-VaE7zYSud47AThWP88cmg9fPC86qlbXeX8nwK-eEbUOvmqwEBmA683h4rxCTVnFAApZc7YCUGMmsfgiVeJGl2Nf6CRG_vv-XftuQADYYfyZn7na9pBQi6b8SmETaWIg/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS44YbLDEjrS-VaE7zYSud47AThWP88cmg9fPC86qlbXeX8nwK-eEbUOvmqwEBmA683h4rxCTVnFAApZc7YCUGMmsfgiVeJGl2Nf6CRG_vv-XftuQADYYfyZn7na9pBQi6b8SmETaWIg/s320/IMG_0815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500636697549038306" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, last weekend, when we hit yard sales, I forgot to share some of the other goodies we scored.....the BEST being these Hallmark "Nightmare Before Christmas" ornaments for 75 cents EACH! Yay us!<div><br /></div><div>There's another big auction we're going to hit this week, new location, new company (at least for us)....we'll let you know how it goes. The ad looks promising.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For the record....I'm tired of getting eaten by mosquitoes every time I walk out my door. It's really getting old....and the mosquitoes are pretty brazen....no respect for personal space. Through my jeans........I really hesitate to say it, but, I'm ready for fall. Not winter, just fall. Cold enough to kill the mosquitoes.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be working over at <a href="http://www.your2ndtimearound.com/">2nd Time Around</a> all day Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week, if anyone needs to find me or if anyone needs to do some shopping. And now, it appears we're NOT going to be watching "Mad Men" this evening, I lost the vote, and "Shark Week" is going to be taking over our television.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm thrilled.</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690174506959317724noreply@blogger.com1