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29 June 2009

A Body Like This


June 29, 2009

This is my cat Murphy in what has to be one of the funniest poses I've seen so far. The title seemed perfect for this.

The letters are raw chipboard that I covered with coordinating paper shown in the tutorial here: http://bootscraps.blogspot.com/2009/06/altered-chipboard-letters.html The flower is one of my homeade flowers that can be found here. http://bootscraps.blogspot.com/2009/04/this-is-layout-i-made-on-april-232009.html

Pets are so funny!

I've Learned

I've Learned
by Omer B. Washington


I've learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them.
I've learned that no matter how much I care,
some people just don't care back.
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust
and only seconds to destroy it.
I've learned that it's not what you have in your life
but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself
to the best others can do,
but to the best you can do.
I've learned that it's not what happens to people,
It's what they do about it.
I've learned that no matter how thin you slide it,
there are always two sides.
I've learned that you should always have loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you'll see them.
I've learned that you can keep going
long after you think you can't.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done
When it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly,
but just don't know how to show it.
I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to
doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken,
the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual
ahead of their actions.
I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.
I've learned that no matter the consequences,
those who are honest with themselves go farther in life.
I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.
I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.

I've learned that writing,
as well as talking,
can ease emotional pains.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life
are taken from you too soon.
I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice
and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
I've learned to love
and be loved.
I've learned...

Halloween In July


June 29, 2009

This year, for my youngest daughters birthday, she decided she wanted a "Halloween in July" party. Erica wants to be Goth!
I thought we would practice a bit with hair and makeup before the big day arrives.
I think we did pretty good!
Plans for the party include typical Halloween type games such as bobbing for apples and haystack scramble! She can't wait...and neither can I!

Layout of the Week


June 29, 2009

This weeks layout of the week at Pages In Time is.....drumroll please.........Elaine!!!

Her gorgeous layout is titled "Swingin Around".

Great job Elaine and so well deserved!

Keep posting those layouts cause who knows...you might be next!!

At The Crop


June 29, 2009


I made a layout especially for Rayette for the fantastic job she did hosting the Summer Crop. Everyone was having such a good time, it just seemed to fit right in with the spirit of the day!

I wrote the lyrics to go with the song "At The Hop".

You can have a real good time,
You can do it right online.
At the Crop, crop, crop, crop.
You can scrap and you can chat,
You can stay right where you’re at
At the Crop, crop, crop, crop
You don’t have to leave home,
But you’re never alone!
At the Crop

Let’s Go To The Crop
Let’s Go To The Crop, oh baby
Let’s Go To The Crop, oh baby
Let’s Go To The Crop
Come On, Let’s Go To The Crop!

You can get a layout done,
You can have a lot of fun.
At the Crop, crop, crop, crop
You can make a lot of friends,
Where the party never ends.
At the Crop, crop, crop, crop.
The day goes fast, cause we’re havin’ a blast
At the Crop!

Let’s Go To The Crop!

June Summer Crop Was A Huge Success!







June 29, 2009

The June Summer Crop held at Pages In Time was more of a success than anyone could have anticipated!
The crop was hosted by Rayette, with just a little help from myself, and consisted of 7 challenges and 3 games! Everyone had so much fun scrapping and chatting. The challenges had a great summer theme and the games included guessing how many slices of lemons were in the pitcher of lemonade, guessing the weight of a watermelon, and my favorite called "The Heat Is On" where 25 facts were given about our Design Team members and you had to match the fact with member!
Believe it or not,three people guessed that I have been married for 37 years! I'm only 42, so I would have had to get hitched at the ripe age of 5!

It was so much fun! The winner named on Monday morning was Nikki, with 205 points! She won a $20.00 gift certificate to the Pages In Time Store! Congratulations Nikki, and congratulations to the other winners and participants!

24 June 2009

Daddy's Garden


June 24, 2009

As you all probably know ( simply because I've mentioned it a million times!), my Dad passed away 4 years ago. The first thought I had, when I was able to think about him without breaking down, was to build him a garden at his grave. It always seemed so bare and empty going to visit him and looking around at all of the beautifully maintained floral masterpieces that everyone else had managed to put in for their loved ones. Not that putting in a garden means that you loved someone more than if you didn't, but there are very few gifts you can give someone that passes besides flowers or the occasional ceramic statue.
Where to put those items becomes a little tricky without some sort of garden area. Granted, I've taken plants to my Dad before, only to have them mowed down by the groundskeepers.
My Dad's grave site for the last 4 years has consisted of 2 small shepherds hooks. One has two hooks and has a spinny coil on one side, and the other side, a pair of stars, signed by my daughters. The other hook has a gnome hanging from it. The gnome is actually an inside joke which I could never explain if I tried! Another small ornament is a gnome on a rod, that is pushed down at the top of the stone, to watch over my Dad!

Sure wish at this point I could explain the gnome thing, but trust me, it really makes no sense!

There is a large blue urn that my sister and I put flowers in every spring as well. And ,every once in a while, I will take up a small arrangement of flowers.

That's it, nothing else. Can you say boring?

My uncle is buried right next to my Dad too. I decided to simply wrap the new garden around him as well, since we are the only family he has.

So on this day, June 24, 2009, my sister, nephews and myself , created a masterpiece too! It took about three hours to complete. Not to mention, I chose our hottest day so far, a balmy 94 degrees, to put it in.

But we did it. The same two little girls that used to fight like cats and dogs. The same two girls that had to be separated by our Dad before we really hurt one another. The same two girls that didn't speak for nearly 8 years in adulthood, due to some issues we could not over come.
These girls........ my sister and myself, came together after our Dads passing and built him a garden. And a beautiful one at that!

I know for my Dad, he won't see the garden as a gift. His gift was looking down from heaven watching his girls work together in perfect harmony as not only sisters, but friends. Enjoy you're gift Dad! I know, I will!

22 June 2009

Online Summer Time Crop!!

Time: June 27, 2009 at 8am to June 28, 2009 at 12am
Location: Pages in Time Forum
Website or Map: http://pagesintimestoresite...
Event Type: online, crop
Organized By: Rayette (Scrappinraiderfan)
Latest Activity: just now

Invite More People Export to Outlook or iCal (.ics)

Come join myself and everyone at Pages In Time for The Online Summertime Crop of 2009 on Saturday June 27th. I have put together some great challenges and fun games for you to enjoy. The crop will run from 8am to Midnight pacific time. (you may work on these all weekend but on time points will be awarded) With prizes being awarded for the most points accumulated throughout the day. So set that yard work aside for one day and come join us. And while your there don’t forget we have live chat so you can chat with myself and other members of our great DT.

written by Rayette(Scrappinraiderfan)

On a side note....I just found out that I get to co-host this crop. I will be there all day, but will be taking over between 5 p.m. and midnight. I can't wait! Hope you can meet me there!

21 June 2009

What Caused This Reaction?


June 21, 2009

This layout was done for the June Sketch challenge at Pages In Time.

I must admit, I'm still not a big fan of the sketch part of these challenges. I'm one of those people that would rather do my own thing. My own designs and my own style.

This is my niece Ruby pictured here. Her Mom and I were talking about a busy upcoming weekend. She said that her oldest daughter would be going away to stay with friends. Then she jokingly added .."Now, if I could just find someone to take Ruby, I'd be all set!"
Everyone laughed except Ruby. She was standing there with this very sad look on her face. I just happened to be taking pictures of my nieces during this conversation, and luckily caught this great face!
Sometimes scrap booking is all about being in the right place at the right time. And...always keeping the camera ready!

Thanks for stopping by and come back soon!

Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan


June 21, 2009

This is a layout I did for a Sketch Challenge over at Pages In Time.

The pictures are from Tahquamenon Falls, where my DH and I took the first part of our honeymoon. The falls are located in the Upper Penisula of Michigan.

It was a long walk, but a scenic one , to get to the falls. The view was spectacular! It was loud too standing by the guard rails next to the alls to get pictures. I will never forget how beautiful this place was and look forward to going back again someday.

Layout Of The Week



Each week at Pages In Time, Karen chooses a layout of the week.
Her choice this week.....Kelly(Flutterbyes) layout "Love".
Kelly has some great stuff in the gallery and it's no surprise that one of her layouts was chose.
Great job Kelly and congratulations!

Thanks for stopping by and come back soon!

20 June 2009

Crossroad Sketches



Now onto some June fun. You can receive 2 entries for this months challenge. Completing a layout based on the sketch and posting it in your blog or e-mailing it to me (aburgess@graffiti.net) by the deadline will get you one entry. To get another entry into the draw for this months RAK, you must blog about this June challenge, come back here and leave me a link. That simple, do both and you get 2 entries into the draw for this RAK:


The RAK includes:

From KI Memories Love Elise Emma collection


12 patterend papers, 1 pkg of chipboard buttons, 1 sheet of expoxy stickers,1 sheet of journaling stickers

Other things: 1 sheet of Creative Imaginations epoxy rhinestone accent alphas (white), a heart rubber stamp by Stampabilities, chipboard album by Colorbok, Floradoodles by Petaloo, and a few silk Petaloos, 12 inches of 3 different kinds of ribbon.


Here is your sketch for June. All entries are due to me By June 30th.



Here is my entry.....



http://crossroadsketches.blogspot.com/

19 June 2009

Calling All Scrappers!!


June 19, 2009



I'd like to take a few minutes to tell you about an up and coming scrap book site called Pages In Time!

Pages In Time was created by Karen (Fablady101), who most of you know from Scrapbook.com.
Pages In Time has a lot to offer...

1) There is an Online Store
2) You can email Karen direct to order from her Scrap Store (she carries 102 name
brand items from the creators you love!)
3) There is Live Online Chat
4) There are always Challenges going on
5) There are Online Mini Crops hosted by the Design Team Members
6) Signing up is Free
7) There are monthly Kits put together by Karen that you have to see to believe!
8) There is a gallery full of amazing work
9) There is a full member list to see who has joined
10) They have Featured Artists of the Month
11) They have a Layout of the Week
12) They have Guest Design Team members
13) They have Online Tips, Tutorials and Videos
14) They have Private Messages, including your own Inbox
15) Each member has their own "Wall" for other members to leave comments
16) They have daily Birthday Announcements
17) They have Groups to join
18) Each member has their own Blog
19) They offer a forum with all the latest news and updates
20) They have awesome members!


What Pages In Time doesn't have:
1) YOU!

Take a few minutes today and go sign up to be a member. You'll be so glad you did!

http://pagesintimestoresite.ning.com/

16 June 2009

I'd Like To Introduce My Family


I got the biggest kick out of these!

Lazy Girl Car Wash

This is my youngest washing my car...I think! This video clip just cracks me up!



Hard Rock Cafe


June 16, 2009

My husband and I just love The Hard Rock Cafe.

We have been to the ones in Hollywood, San Fransisco and Pittsburgh. We love to look around at all the cool memorabilia they have. You could spend the better part of the day just checking out all the pictures, clothing, guitars and signed souvenirs.

When we go to a different state , we always try to see if they have a Hard Rock Cafe. Each one has something different to see. And of course, I have to buy something at every shop!

But the Hard Rock doesn't just have memorabilia. They have a full bar and a menu of great food! It's nice to get a bite to eat and sit and look at the awesome decor.

My favorite food there.....Twisted Mac!

Next time you head out of town, check out a Hard Rock Cafe! You won't be sorry!

Thanks for stopping by and don't stay away so long next time!

Unexpected Photo Ops

ps
I usually have my camera with me at all times. If I leave the house, I try to remember to grab on my way out the door. You just never know when you will have the perfect photo opportunity.

For example, who knew having two teenage girls wash your car would turn into a priceless photo shoot!

I asked Erica, my youngest to wash the car for me. In exchange, she could have all the money in my console. She agreed. Well, somewhere between washing the wheel wells and rinsing, my oldest daughter Brittany decided she would help her sister . However, her idea of helping to rinse really didn't involve the car at all!

It's moments like these that make what I do so much fun. These photographs, for the non- scrapper, would most likely end up in a box or in a file on a computer.

For me, being a scrapaholic, these are priceless memories of my girls having fun!

I think scrappers look at pictures differently than most people. I know I do. I think about ways to scrap nearly every picture I see. I think about
colors and titles and layouts long before the pictures even get printed. I guess it might just be a scrappers thing. I never used to look at photos that way and I certainly never saw so clearly the photo opportunities that were right in front of me.


Take some time to look around today for a photo op! You might just be surprised at what you see, when you look at things a different way!

Happy scrapping and thanks for stopping by!

Scrap room Face lift

June 16,2009

It might be hard to tell in these pictures, but I gave my scrap room a face lift recently. A fresh coat of paint in a beautiful shade of yellow could brighten even the darkest spaces.

Originally, the room was painted in a desert shade of sandstone. more brown than yellow, it made the room a bit dark.

This first photo is of the room before the fresh paint.



This is my freshly painted room. Bright and cheery and full of inspiration. I'm not quite finished with it yet though. Though it's a small area, I was only able to paint about half. I figure some where between laundry, kids and of course scrapping, I might finish it one of these days!




Thanks for checking in and think about a fresh coat of paint for your work area. It's amazing how such a simple improvement can spark your creativity!

15 June 2009

LO Of The Week At Pages In Time!



I choose one lo of the week that I will feature,and then after 4 choices, the dt members chooses who will be the gst member for the next month. And this week lo of the week is Cathy Lane's Picture Perfect ! Isn't it lovely! And make sure you upload ur lo's,cards,etc here cause you too can be chosen! For the next 5 months we will be doing this,so keep adding ur lo's etc!


Great job Cathy! You deserve it!....Carol

Wild Heart


June 15, 2009

This is my youngest daughter Erica. She has a very wild heart. She is very passionate about her friends and family. However, this same wild heart gets broken easily and takes a long time to mend. I'm afraid that once she starts dating, she will suffer several heartbreaks before she toughens up. We all do. We all survive it.
The added bonus of having a daughter like Erica is that not only does she have a wild heart, she also has Greta Garbo syndrome. What's that , you ask?
Ummm, drama queen comes to mind as a description!

So, I'm gearing up for broken hearts, tears and lots of talks!

It's never a good feeling to get your heart broken. The only benefit is knowing that each time, the pain last for a shorter amount of time and the confidence in believing that Mr, Right is just around the corner.

I know she will find someone great though. She is just so darn lovable. I'm not saying that just because she is my daughter either, she just is. I will never know what I did to deserve such beautiful, smart and loving daughters. I'll just chalk it up to luck for now!

Thanks for stopping by and visiting a while! I sure do appreciate your comments!

14 June 2009

I decided to add KeeperofMemories (Carol) to our PIT dt,she is hear everyday,does alot of tips and techniques posts,and does all the crops,adds our events here to her blog,think she will be a great excess to our team. Make sure u welcome her!
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Too Funny!

funny twilight quote Pictures, Images and Photos

Gatefold Mini Album



June 14, 2009

This was the final challenge at Pages In Time for their June Mini Crop. We were given an online tutorial on how to make it, This one was a bit more difficult for me, as I only scrap layouts normally. It's nice to be pushed outside of your comfort zone every now and again, and try something new. I think it turned out really nice!

13 June 2009

More entries from the Crop!



June 13, 2009

These are the last of the lo's I did for the Crop! The first was a sketch challenge, The second was a black and white with one color challenge and the last was to scrap a child, baby or young pet!

June Mini Online Crop Entries


June 13, 2009

These are the entries I did for the online crop.

The first is a "Scraplift Yourself" Challenge.

This first picture is my original layout....















The second layout is my scraplift...

























The next challenge we had was to lift a design by one of our design team members. I lifted a design from Scrappinraiderfan and her lo "Home". This is mine.

12 June 2009

Meloncholy Moments


June 12, 2009

I remember this day , June 12th like it was yesterday.

Four years ago in 2005, I was enjoying a sunny summer afternoon. My Sister in law and niece had come over for a visit. It was the first time I had been able to get her into our pool to attempt to swim. She was doing it! Swimming..kicking and paddling!

Then the phone rang. I stepped out of the pool to answer it. It was my sister. I remember walking up and down the driveway listening to her give me the news I was not prepared for. I collapsed in the driveway to my knees. I couldn't focus. I couldn't believe what she was saying.

Our Dad had passed away.

He was living with her while Hospice cared for him. He was surrounded by family all the time. His grandkids kept him company through the day. And now he was gone.

Suddenly, I couldn't move. I sat in the driveway unable to think or feel anything. My sister in law told me to go get changed while she called my boyfriend to come home. I barely remember any of it.

I had asked my sister to make sure that the coroner did not take my Dad before I arrived. I wanted to see him. I wanted to hold him. I wanted to say goodbye.

I remember he looked so peaceful lying there in his bed. No more pain. No more suffering. No more. I laid my head on his chest and wept. We had spoke often in the month before he passed. We had resolved our differences. We were alright.

Four years later, it still hurts. This day will always hurt. But with the hurt, comes peace. I know that he is doing well now. I owe it to him to be brave and to carry on. He wouldn't want me to mourn. the only thing he ever wanted for me was to be happy. And I am.

I miss him more than he will ever know. I miss his laugh. I miss his soft spoken nature.

I live my life to honor his memory by being strong with my own conditions, by laughing as often as I can and by never giving up. Until we meet again.....


Thanks for stopping by and remember to hug your Dad today!
Carol

He Can Be Colorful!


June 11, 2009

We attended an outdoor concert in Downtown Mt. Pleasant, Michigan to kick off their new Le Tour Bike Race. The featured artist for the night was Brain Vander Ark, formerly of the Verve Pipe. The Verve Pipe was better known in the '90s having songs like "The Freshman" and "Colorful".

Brian has been promoting some solo stuff and put on a nice show.

He said that he and the other members of the band are working on a children and family style CD that will be out in July.

A huge Thanks to the city of Mt. Pleasant and to the area businesses that made the concert possible!

June 12, 2009




This is my DH and I all dressed up and ready to go out! The title "Sweet Right Here" is taken from a song By SheDaisy called Passenger Seat. It's great to no longer have to be in control of every little thing and always be in the drivers seat. I've got a pretty nice view...from the passengers seat!...tfl!

What Pets Write IN THEIR DIARIES........

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary.......



8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary..



Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage..

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs..

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.

For now................



10 June 2009

Altered Chipboard Letters

June 10, 2009



Here are the letters I'll be showing you how to make....













Start with any chipboard letter you choose, a piece of paper you want to cover the new letter, glue, scissors, xacto knife, sand paper, crop a dile or hole punch in a couple different sizes and ink.


















Glue the patterned side of the chipboard letter and stick it to the white side of your paper, so that the pattern of the new paper is now on the front of the letter.


Cut out the letter and use the xacto knife to get into the tight spots. Sand the edges of the letter.



















Next, use your hole punch or crop a dile to punch random holes into the chipboard letter as shown.



















Ink the edges of the new letter and use a q tip of smaller applicator to apply ink to the inside of the punched holes.


















This is a layout using this technique to make the letters!