A CREATIVE MESS

Day Shift

2011-09-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

Ok! So starting Aug.13th, I'm off midnight shift for 6 months. On day shift for 6 months. Not sure I made the right decision, but it's done, so I'm going to try to make the best of it.
I've got to get my day shift groove back, tho...

Waking up at the UNGODLY hour of 05:00 (that's when I used to go to the gym and train with Tom!) What was I THINKING?!

Driving to work when there are OTHER DRIVERS on the road...(I'm used to driving in to work at 6:30pm, when others were already home! I'm used to heading home from work when others were heading TO work!) Where did all of these people come from?? Where are they going? Note to self : tack on another 10-15 minutes of driving time....

Not going "schwimming" with Scout every morning. She's not happy about that either. Poor thing. When I get home in the evenings, we try to get a swim in, but as of late, it's been too stormy.

Getting used to all of those other people in the building during the daytime hours,too. WHAT do these people do? I mean, really?

The most difficult transition is seeing Thomas less. Absolutely the MOST difficult adjustment.
Yes, definitely missing this the most...
and this...

... oh, and going to bed early! Good night all.

I love that picture!

Justice for Hope

2011-08-01T00:06:00.004-05:00

I cannot stop thinking about this poor little creature.

I cried when I heard she died. Please do your part to raise awareness. It only takes a few minutes...
http://thepatrickmovement.blogspot.com/

Check out the FACEBOOK page here ... and send this letter to this email.
Thank you!

This was the morning that changed my life...

2011-07-25T12:03:00.004-05:00

How I love this photo!

Dec. 17th, 2010

10:21 a.m.

On our way to the happiest day of my life. EVER.

I LOVE THIS BEAUTY

2010-10-11T12:03:00.000-05:00

She's growing up so quickly!
I'll share a nice long post when I can...

A Quick Post ... just a note...to say I'm still here to anyone who's "listening" ...

2010-09-13T21:02:00.004-05:00

I've been absent again. ... and tonight is not the time to go into the full explanation ...I'm not feeling well ... home sick from work... but I'm in bed killing time..trying to sleep...so I thought I'd share this...

Just want to show you one of the reasons that I've been busy absent lately...

Her name is Scout... and now she looks like this...

I love her so much!

More later.....

cuteness

2010-05-17T12:45:00.000-05:00

Here's the reason I've been absent...

2010-04-20T15:13:00.003-05:00

This is how my front and side landscaping looked in Oct. 2009...

...and here's how it looked on April 4th, 2010... while I was in the process....

...and here's how it looks now...

Hate those edges...but at least they're clean now...

(still hacking away at the overgrown bird of paradise plants...and I've found 1 snake and 3 snakeskins so far!)

...the bamboo and jasmine...

... confederate jasmine....LOVE the smell!

... and I think I might be able to rescure more poor lawn!

Still not done with the sidewalk pressure washing!

It's still a work in progress.... but it's comin' along. I'm still cutting back the overgrown Bird of Paradise plants (and will probably remove them and replace them with something else...) and I still need to trim the Robellini Palms. There are plans to put a nice Crape Myrtle and some low hedges in the yard area between mine and Sonia's house (where the trash bags were)... and I'm also going to put some grass plugs in the yard.

I have pressure washed those ugly blocks used for the edging around my house... my driveway and sidewalks (there ALOT of sidewalk for me, since I'm a corner lot...and I've got 4 "squares" left!) ... I've raked up and removed all of the old dead grass... dug up and removed all of the hedges on the east side of the house, and also the pampass grass on the north side...and planted 28 azaleas and 4 confederate jasmine!

Still LOTS to do!

Then I'll start on the back!

HAPPY EASTER

2010-04-04T08:33:00.000-05:00

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL!

Double Mock Orange|Spring Hill Nursery

2010-03-15T00:21:00.000-05:00

Double Mock OrangeSpring Hill Nursery

I'm thinking of putting these in on the east side of the house for a new hedge. Whaddaya think?

Tragedy In Tarpon! (Catch-up ... phase 3)

2010-03-08T01:55:00.004-05:00

Last Tuesday... as I was leaving for work... well....

You know how you read about those horrible accidents? The ones where people run over family members in their own driveways? Because they didn't know they had "gotten out of their car seat", or they didn't "know they were out of the house" or they "didn't know they had gotten out of the back seat of the car"? THOSE kinds of stories.... the ones where you say "HOW could they NOT know where their own (son/mom/aunt/cousin) is!!" Well ...
I had NO IDEA that Kermie had gotten out of the car...
I had NO IDEA that he was in the driveway.
I
HAD
NO
IDEA...

Kermie had eye surgery this week, and he's recovering nicely. He'll be wearing an eye patch for a while ... he's not ready to be photographed in it just yet. Still a little self-conscious. He got a bath out of the deal too...since I had to wash the tread mark off of his little chest.... poor thing!

... Oh, and the beads? He went to Mardi Gras a couple'a weeks ago, got drunk...and um... well you KNOW how wild some act to get beads thrown at them....

...

Catch up ... phase 2!

2010-03-08T01:21:00.000-05:00

Let's jump to Feb. 27th... Saturday at Jules' lovely home! I got there at 11-ish...and brought ONE BAG....ONE PROJECT... only to work on! Can you believe it?! I was so proud of myself. Jules was working the on-line crop at ACOT, and scrappin' away too! I wish I could work quicker, but it's just not possible... I'm a slow, deliberate scrapper...that's just what I have to accept! As usual, I was treated like a queen while there... had some yummy bloody marys, and of course E's fabulous cooking!
For lunch, Muffuletta's which I had not had before... a Louisianna favorite.. what makes it so delish is the creole olive salad ... hand made by E!

And for dinner... super yummy shrimp scampi

We were definately spoiled by E... he's such a doll...
I didn't get my book done, but I sure had a load of fun! Thanks Jules! (and E too!) Can't wait for next weekend...

Catch Up!

2010-03-07T09:00:00.003-05:00

Let's play a little catch-up, shall we? Sorry I've been a tad distracted for the last few weeks...
So let's start with Saturday February 20th... at the 28th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival!
A friend and I met Mark and Linda at their house, then we all went to the festival Saturday morning. We had a blast looking at all of the local artist's wares and noshing on the local food. Eric von Hahmann, local Cortez singer, was there performing....love listening to him! What a cutey patootey! He covers alot of great songs, and writes and sings his own, too. I first saw him perform at the Cortez Kitchen, and immediately loved his style... even bought his CD right there on the spot! After the festival, we all went to the dollar movie (Brothers) and then had dinner at Outback! Lovely day and evening... just lovely.

My dear friends Linda and Mark.

Beautiful Cortez.

I totally LOVE the iron sculptures! The bamboo and the wind chime made from an old water heater are my favorites!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY...BELATED

2010-02-15T01:33:00.000-05:00

A little late...
Happy Valentines Day!

Webster's Pages and Tattered Angels

2010-02-10T01:02:00.001-05:00

FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY HERE!

I just had to share this....

2010-02-09T23:09:00.001-05:00

This is one sweet face!

Thinking of my brother...

2010-02-08T13:58:00.005-05:00

Today I am thinking of my brother Mike, who lost a dear,dear friend, Vincent Garcia. He was also a friend to my brother Steve who met Vincent through Mike. ... but Mike and Vince go way back. They met when they were in the Navy... so long ago.
Darlene, his wife. The children...Quella, Nicholas, and Noelle....... and my neice Lyly and my nephew Mychael ... so many have lost someone so dear in Vince.

For all of you, I send my sympathies... my heart aches for you all...

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone.
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling in the sky the message
He is Dead,
Put crêpe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

W.H. AUDEN

I WISH I COULD SAY THIS WAS MY LAYOUT

2010-01-31T09:10:00.004-05:00

I WISH I COULD SAY THIS WAS MY LAYOUT.....But it's not... it is the creation of Chris'. I found it on her blog. I instantly fell in love with it. Check her gallery out. Check out her blog too. Her music rocks, her layouts rock, her cat OBVIOUSLY rocks!
I just had to share this layout!

A Fun Friday Night. A Super Saturday.

2010-01-31T00:17:00.004-05:00

Friday night and all day Saturday I scrapped at Ruban Rouge! "A Great Big Thanks" to Lisa, the owner, and all the great staff there! Thanks for dinner, and dessert, too!
Friday night it was Ginni and me. (as Jules was busy with guests. She's the busiest hostess I know!)
On Saturday morning, Ginni and I headed out for Breakfast at Rodie's and Jules met us there. After a scrumptious breakfast ( I had the traditional eggs Benedict and the girls had Rodie's version of eggs Benedict) we headed out to Ruban Rouge. Ginni and I stopped on the way over though, so I could bring everyone at Ruban Rouge a couple of dozen KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS!!! Geesh I love those things! (..and yes I DID eat one...er...two....or maybe three.....)
We scrapped all day and had a blast!
Later that morning, Dee dropped by for a quick visit ( she was in Clearwater for a motorcycle expo downtown) and to pick up a little something I donated for the Cause for the Paws Crop.

All in all a very nice weekend so far... and it's only Saturday night... well I guess it's Sunday now!

and no Sunday overtime!!!!

Yeah!

Check out Lisa Falduto's giveaway!

2010-01-27T09:31:00.002-05:00

Not only the give away ...but check out how talented this woman is! Never ceases to amaze me with the cuteness she comes up with!!!

http://lisafalduto.blogspot.com/2010/01/ribbon-ring-ribbon-storage.html

AGAIN with the overtime!!!

2010-01-26T09:08:00.004-05:00

HELP! I'M IN A RUT AND I CAN'T GET OUT! WORK! WORK! WORK! 17 HOUR DAYS...4-5 DAYS A WEEK! I NEED SOMEONE TO RESCUE ME!

.... um... preferably some nice like-aged handsome gentleman with unlimited income and a sail yacht?

I need a creative weekend.... I need to scrap/journal/create/distress/alter!

....but for now, I must sleep

so it's off to bed ... up at 1 pm, to work at 3 pm.

Monitoring the Situation in Haiti - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

2010-01-16T23:29:00.003-05:00

Monitoring the Situation in Haiti - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

Posted using ShareThis

Monitoring the Situation in Haiti - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

2010-01-16T23:29:00.001-05:00

Monitoring the Situation in Haiti - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

Posted using ShareThis

2010-01-15T23:40:00.001-05:00

I don't know why - but this cracks me up!

I WORKED ALL WEEK FOR THIS?? REALLY!?

2010-01-09T12:00:00.002-05:00

Issued by The National Weather ServiceTampa Bay/Ruskin, FL 4:45 am EST, Sat., Jan. 9, 2010
... FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM EST SUNDAY... ... FREEZE WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TAMPA BAY AREA - RUSKIN FL HAS ISSUED A FREEZE WARNING... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM EST SUNDAY. THE FREEZE WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING.
TONIGHT INTO EARLY SUNDAY MORNING TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO FALL INTO THE MID 20S INLAND TO AROUND 30 NEAR THE COAST. DURATIONS OF TEMPERATURES AT OR BELOW 32 DEGREES ARE EXPECTED TO RANGE FROM 3 TO 6 HOURS NEAR THE COAST AND 6 TO 10 HOURS INLAND.

Another Long Week...

2010-01-05T09:10:00.003-05:00

Work, work, work!

I swear that's all I seem to do anymore! I went to work yesterday at 3pm and got home this morning at 7am! I need the money, and I figure I may as well do it while they still are offering it, and I still have the energy (barely) to work 17 hours in a row.

Just a quick note to whoever's "listening" out there... I'm here!

One more quick note.... Here's a photo of my mom. It's another one of my favorites of her. She was a knock-out, dontcha think?!

What Santa Brought The Babies...

2010-01-02T17:44:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's a stroller. The girls love it. The boys are still wondering what in the hell it is! When I roll it out to take the girls on their walk, I don't even have to lift them into it. They come running as soon as they hear it, and both of them jump inside, jockeying for the best seat! I zip them up and off we go! The boys are considerably larger, so it's going to be one at a time for them, but the girls do quite nicely together as we walk around the neighborhood. We usually walk with Sonia and her 2 dogs (the girls LOVE Sonia's Lab and Schnauzer) and we get quite a few comments!

Atticus enjoys the box it came in more...

Boo Brings In the New Year

2010-01-02T17:30:00.000-05:00

He's obsessed with this...
I can't walk by the bathroom without turning on the faucet for him. I can't take a shower without running the faucet for him on a nice steady drip. Here's the routine... Breakfast, litter boxes, faucet. He cracks me up. Sometimes he'll tire of it and come walking out, water drops all over his face, not a care in the world about water bills or the fact that cats are not supposed to like getting wet.

This Is How They Keep Warm

2010-01-02T17:23:00.000-05:00

Hope and Boo Keep Warm...

Firefighters revive family's dog after blaze - Bay News 9

2009-12-25T21:33:00.003-05:00

My guys were there... I sent them....
I feel good when things like this happen!

Here's a photo of the fd guys that Ofc. Calabrese sent to me from the scene.... you can barely see ...but the rescued black lab is at the front of the group...
Sometimes I really love my job!

Firefighters revive family's dog after blaze - Bay News 9

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

An Early Visit From Santa

2009-12-21T23:52:00.001-05:00

Did some errands today...and when I got home I had a package on my doorstep! In the USPS box are the 2 kits I ordered from Gabrielle Beck. Can't wait to work on those!

I also got an early Christmas gift from a friend...who I also got to see today! I suppose Santa arranged for me to get my gifts early, knowing that I will be working Christmas day! Thanks Santa!

After tucking the presents away (no tree this year, so I tucked them under my table!) I put a nice standing rib roast in the rotisserie, made some homemade mashed potatoes, and sat down for a nice quiet dinner and watched old movies with Spencer Tracy and Jimmy Stewart.

After dinner, the girls curled up on the bed while I blogged... they're so cute together!

All is right with the world right now...

Lifestyle Crafts Letterpress Giveaway!

2009-12-20T16:17:00.002-05:00

Here's what you could win!
L LetterpressEpic Six Letterpress and Die-cutting Tool
Clear Packing Mat with GridPaper
Placement Guides
Ink Base
Brayer
Ten A2 flat cards
Nine Printing Plates
Tube of Black Ink
Circle Cutting Dies
PLUS
One Custom Printing Plate

Check out their blog!

Good Luck!

A Saturday Filled with Fun and Friends...

2009-12-20T09:44:00.002-05:00

What a fun time! First, I met up with Jules and some of her clan by Spring Bayou for the Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade. It sort of reminded me of the parade in the movie "A Christmas Story" ... nothing extravagant, just a good ol' small town parade. Brownie and Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, High School Bands, Police and Fire Department vehicles (old and new) and some nice antique cars and trucks, and Shriners galore! Very nice people...the lot of them...and I thought it was so nice of them share their time to make this happen. Jules and I sipped on Bloody Marys and enjoyed the show! My camera died (my fault - didn't charge the battery!) halfway through the parade, so I didn't get a ton of photos...but here are a few. After the parade, we walked to Toula's and had a lovely breakfast!

Tarpon Springs' finest...

Did I mention how taken Jules was by the men in kilts? It didn't hurt that it was windy out that morning!

After breakfast/brunch, I dashed home to check on the cats, and then I was off again to pick up Amy and Peanut and meet Monica and Ann at Casa Tina's in Dunedin for noshes and to catch up. Monica had posted on Facebook a week or so back that she was missing her friends, so I told Amy, and she and I decided it was time to try to schedule a little bit of time for us to catch up. Unfortunately Roni had to work, and Steph had Joe's family coming in.... so it was Ann, Amy, me and Mo. Monica had a family gathering at 5 - 5:30 that evening and Ann had to go to St. Pete to her mom's, but we still had time to visit for a bit. Monica, sadly, canceled on us... not sure why... so it was just Ann, Amy and Peanut and me! We had a great time ... noshing, and chatting and such. After a couple of hours Ann had to leave to get to her mom's so Amy, Peanut and I decided to stroll downtown Dunedin for a bit. What a lovely town... LOVELY! I found a beautiful mermaid sculpture and also a mermaid ornament that I will go back and get when funds allow! Peanut had a grand time cooing and charming the fellow shoppers... and Kermie entertained her as we strolled....

She LOVED Santa Kermie! After strolling downtown we made our way back to the car...and found that when we were unloading the stroller, each of us thought the other had my purse...{read: KEYS} and found out that my purse along with the car keys were locked in the car! I called work and Tassie answered, and asked her to call AAA for us (I didn't have the number since my card was locked in the car with my purse!) and she did. Thanks Tass! You're a lifesaver and a sweetheart! It took about 45 minutes for them to get there, but with holiday rushes going on, I thought that was pretty good. Roni came by so Amy and Peanut could wait for AAA in her car.{Thanks Roni!} When that was taken care of, we all headed over to Roni's home for a visit and then home...

what a day!

Maybe THIS will do it....

2009-12-19T08:07:00.003-05:00

Meeting Jules this morning for the Tarpon Springs Christmas parade, then breakfast at Tula's. Jules and my neighbors Sonia and Karen have been raving about Tula's for breakfast so I can't wait to eat there.
It's COLD (for a native Floridian) outside this morning.... Jules, can I change that Bloody Mary to a coffee and Kahlua? PLEASE!?
This afternoon I'm meeting up with Roni, Monica, Amy and Ann for a late lunch in Dunedin at Casa Tinas ... haven't seen some of the girls in ages... too long.
I hope this will jar loose the Christmas spirit that MUST be stuck way deep down in me... just don't know where it is this year. I don't mean the commercialized, buy stuff for everyone, rush rush rush sprit... I mean the feelings I've always enjoyed as a child...that ALWAYS came to me this time of year.... except for this year. Didn't even put up a tree this year... or lights... just can't seem to "get it". *SIGH* ...
I'm tryin' tho, really.....

Another Savannah LO

2009-12-15T09:54:00.001-05:00

Busy week ahead... not Holiday stuff tho...it's work! Trying to work as much overtime as I can this week...

Here's another layout ... it's been slow-going on the scrapping lately...
I do like how this turned out tho, Love the glittery brown Making Memories letters... and the 7 Gypsies faceplate and key!
I ADORE the Webster's Pages! I used "Romantique Chic" from the Postcards from Paris line for the right side. I can't recall who makes the paper on the left... if anyone recognizes it let me know... 'cause I love it too!

My latest little project...

2009-12-09T09:20:00.000-05:00

Been under the weather lately...but I'm on the mend!
Here's a little something I worked on during the week... off and on!

We found PlayDough and a Chef's KIT!

2009-12-01T22:27:00.000-05:00

Friday....

2009-12-01T22:24:00.000-05:00

No shopping for us....we went to Sunset Beach for a bit. It was COLD! We ate some nice warm soup at Panera Bread and then home!
Oh... wait! We did shop at TJ MAXX and find some cute toys....

Thanksgiving Day.... again....

2009-12-01T22:05:00.000-05:00

Then GrandBeck had to go to bed...so Jamie and the kids went exploring to the beaches....

Thanksgiving day...part 3

2009-12-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

I heated up the spa for the two munchkins and even I got into the water... NOT the pool tho!

Thanksgiving Day continued...

2009-12-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

This child doesn't care how cold the water is! Crazy! She loves it!

Thanksgiving Day

2009-12-01T21:11:00.000-05:00

So I got home from work, and prepped the turkey (with Allison and Jack's help) and put the 28 lb bird in the oven!

I've Been a Little Distracted...

2009-12-01T20:00:00.001-05:00

Had Jack and Allison (and of course their mom Jamie) come to visit over the long Thanksgiving weekend. This is a photo their momma took when they finally got to the house Wednesday night. I was at work and didn't see them until the next morning ... when I got home at about 7:30. I was greeted at the door with the two sweetest faces I know!!!!

From my friend Dee....

2009-11-20T01:12:00.004-05:00

Here's a copy of a post that Dee put up on her blog....
I'm so totally there to attend and to help....
ALRIGHT animal loving scrappers! Let's stay tuned for the blog and get ready to sign up for this event! I'm so honored to be a friend of Dee's ... such a kind heart and a good person...so much good karma around her!!
Here it is........

Charity Fund Raisers ...
So, I attended a fund-raising scrap-booking crop again this past weekend and finally had the push that I needed in order to over come my own fears and take the plunge, and make the commitment to finally host a three day weekend crop donating ALL of the money earned to animal rescue! My commitment is to be TOTALLY accountable for all money earned and spent. My belief is that you as our supporters deserve to know where every dollar goes. That the crop attendees / supporters should be the winners of the prizes and raffles and not the host!
"Cause for the PAWS" 1st annual crop will be held June 4th, 5th & 6th 2010 and it will be held at the Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring Florida. We have many things planned that have never been done at a crop before and I know you are going to *LOVE* all that we have in store for you!
The blog is in the works so stay tuned. All of the details will be released real soon ; }
Some of my beliefs that has brought me to putting on this fund-raiser....
I believe that with some temporary assistance, many animals can remain in their current homes instead of being admitted to animal shelters.
I believe in helping pets and our county by providing temporary supplies of pet food to families suffering from unemployment, seniors on fixed incomes and families that are dealing with chronically illnesses where resources are tightly dedicated. These services may be made available from a pet food bank established for this specific purpose.
I believe in providing a low cost spay/neuter program for the people of Sarasota, Manatee & Hillsborough County for the purpose of reducing unwanted births and unfortunate deaths of the off springs.
I believe in providing emergency funds for intervention in medical services for injured pets that are salvageable and would live a full normal life with appropriate medical services provided in a timely manner.
I believe in offering temporary foster care for pets whose care providers may need to get short-term hospital care. Many seniors and chronically ill patients will put off necessary health services for lack of a safe haven for their pets. This service will provide piece of mind speeding the recovery of seniors or chronically ill patients that may wish to take advantage of this service. From our food bank we shall provide the necessary food and shelter for pets placed in our temporary care.
I believe in helping pets through temporary care & sheltering for abused persons in battered shelters.
Please contact me if you would like to attend, donate, sponsor, or be a vendor.
You can email me at causeforthepaws@yahoo.com

Mark your calendars!! I know I have!

...and so it continues....

2009-11-19T23:06:00.002-05:00

So I go to the Label Tulip blog tonight to see if Jeannie or Gretchen has posted anything or hopefully gotten a reply from the owner about their missing kits, and the additional withdrawal from Jeannies account...and here's what I saw....

"Comment moderation has been enabled. All comments must be approved by the blog author."

Shockers!

DISAPPOINTMENT

2009-11-18T17:08:00.003-05:00

WOW. That's all I can say....
After having to cancel my subscription to Lable Tulip Kit Club due to the new owner's poor management (see the "important message and especially the replies to her post!) and (lack of ) customer service ( never received an October kit after having been charged for it) and disputing the payment on PayPal and getting a refund... I was flabberghasted to see her post essentially saying if us bothersome customers had just left her alone she wouldn't have been so behind in sending the kits! REALLY? WOW...
I was disappointed in the Sept. kit anyway, so maybe it's just as well. I had 2 friends that JUST NOW settled their problems with Jen and L.T. .. Not a way to start the new ownership off!
Well... I'm off to work another 17 hour shift... and just a quick note to Jen...altho I work almost 16 hours every day of the week...I still take time to get done WHAT HAS TO BE DONE. Welcome to real life!!!

** just an addendum** I really can't say that the 2 friends have actually settled their problems yet... one was promised a refund and was told that the October kit shipped .... but she could keep it without being charged for it...(GEE, what about the rest of us disgruntled customers) ... but I'm going to wait until she ACTUALLY HAS THE REFUND AND THE KIT ... then I'll say she's settled her problems. Jeannie... don't know how your dispute is going...I know that LT charged you ANOTHER month kit amount for Nov. and you haven't received Oct. yet! What's going on with that? GOOD Luck y'all!

Friday Night Scrappin'

2009-11-13T18:33:00.000-05:00

Steph is back baby!!!
We're scrappin' for tonight and again on Saturday after she gets off duty from "IronMan"
Yeah!!!!!

It's CHILLY out this morning!

2009-11-12T08:46:00.000-05:00

It's almost cold enough to fire up the old fireplace!
Lord how I LOVED this "fireplace" we had when we lived at
2806 Lion Heart Road in Winter Park, FL.
**Sigh**
From left to right:
Steve, Tina, me, Mike and John.
Off to sleep ... one more night of work and then the weekend! I hope to spend time with old friends and catch up and get artsy!
.....

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

2009-11-07T06:51:00.000-05:00

I'm going south to hang out on the beach today, weather permitting! I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

(c.1961 - Clearwater Beach, FL)

I come by it honestly....

2009-11-02T13:19:00.000-05:00

Yes... that's me... Yes I'm as naked as a jaybird. I'm either having breakfast, or lunch... or possibly even crafting. I'm not sure. That's my sister next to me. Yes, she has clothes on.

SHE LOVES THIS!

2009-11-01T22:58:00.000-05:00

Hope LOVES this.... it's her favorite time in the studio ... when I have to reload my tape runner!
She always pulls it out of the trash and totes it through the house... showing her "kill" off to the others...

My babies.... almost all...

2009-11-01T22:42:00.000-05:00

Mason isn't in this photo... he's just a baby still! Aren't they cute!? Jamie put these up on facebook...I just had to share.

Jack, Aiden, Kody, Gracie, Allison... so flippin' cute!

This...

2009-11-01T22:38:00.000-05:00

...is what I'm missing like CRAZY! Jamie (mom in the center) is "my" first, and the fireman and kitty are her babes.
GOD! How I miss them!

Have You Ever...

2009-10-29T20:04:00.000-05:00

Have you EVER been so tired?
That you
just...
can't...
hold...
your...
head...
up...
?

One more Layout

2009-10-29T19:53:00.002-05:00

Here's another page done with some of the papers and elements of the August Label Tulip kit ... the ribbon was mine (I'm saving the ribbon that came in the kit for another l.o.) and the "breadless tag" was given to my by Jules... she got several in her KnK kit and gave me one to see what I could do with it. These little tags are by "Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker" ... cute stuff.... check out her blog / website HERE. There you go Jules! I met your challange!

More LO's

2009-10-29T19:05:00.001-05:00

Another layout with some of the August Label Tulip Kit (and a few snippits of my ribbon stash)...

Finally

2009-10-29T18:34:00.001-05:00

Finally getting to scrap some more with the Label Tulip kits... I'm a little behind...but at least I'm getting there!
More of the Savannah trip.
Here is Stephanie picking me up from the house and we're off to the Tampa Amtrak Station!

A Layout about my car....

2009-10-25T17:11:00.001-05:00

Yes... I know... I'm 50 years old. I've named my car. I know. I can't help it. Kermie's so cute....
just look at "him" !!

2009-10-25T16:33:00.002-05:00

Here's one of the layouts I worked on while at the Spooktacular Crop....

Scenes from Spooktacular

2009-10-25T15:38:00.002-05:00

Jen came to town! Fabulous food,fun,friends...

Ginni brought some goodies and set our table to fit the theme!

Natasha recycling the cupcake decorations...she made the cutest haunted house!

Met a new friend - Denita!

...and here's one of the best people I know... Ginni - love ya girl!

Whim So Doodle Halloween Crop

2009-10-24T06:50:00.004-05:00

Spent last night with some great women...and spending more time with them today! I'll be leaving in a little bit for Whim So Doodle and the Spooktacular Crop with Jen who rode a big ol' jet airliner to be with us!

So much fun .... sitting with Natasha, Ginni and my new friend Dee... who I can tell will definitely be a blast!

So I'm off...will post more when I can!

Meanwhile... Boo will watch out for anything new and exciting....

More Layouts

2009-10-18T22:47:00.006-05:00

Here's the rest of the layouts done this week and weekend... hope you enjoy them!

Lollygagging, Lunch and Layouts... and a fabulous dinner!

2009-10-18T19:44:00.017-05:00

I arrived at Jules' and E's lovely home late morning on Saturday .... 11:00ish ... about the same time Catherine was arriving. So nice to catch up with friends I haven't seen in a while! We were treated to some yummy Bloody Mary's served up by Jules' gracious husband... such a nice man, and wonderful host. We sat and yammered for a bit after Catherine and Jules helped me unpack Kermie ( and yes, I DID over pack, thank you), catching up on all that's been going on before Catherine had to leave for dance lessons. After unpacking and arranging my supplies, E announced he was going to Lime in the Coconut, in Tarpon Springs, for a burger and asked if we wanted to tag along. OF COURSE! I ended up getting a Cuban Sandwich (really delish, and pressed), E got a really nice fish sandwich that was HUGE, and Jules got a delish looking salad with artichoke hearts and other yummies in it. The potatoes are wonderful... so tasty. After being treated to lunch and a couple'a pitchers of beer... (thanks so much y'all) .... we were ready to start scrapping!

So we scrapped and Jules kindly let me watch the Gator game ( I was told it was going to be quite a SLOBBERKNOCKER) against Arkansas! E was watching the same game in the kitchen, and there was a several seconds delay between his t.v. and the one I was watching, so he'd yell out the outcome of a pass or a kick before I saw it! SO FUNNY! Before we knew it, E was calling us to dinner, and what a fabulous dinner it was! Lombardi casserole is what E calls it...and it was wickedly delicious. After dinner, more scrapbooking and college football until about 11:30ish? Such gracious hosts ... thank you so much for a wonderful day and evening.

It got quite chilly Saturday and when I awoke Sunday morning it was even more so.

When I got home Sunday morning, after doing all of the kitty chores, I settled in for a day of football and some scrapping while doing laundry. I had the sliding doors in the studio open for most of the day, and a few windows around the house... loving the fresh air. The cats were all just absolutely nutty-frisky with the cool weather.

Here's some of the layouts I did over the week and weekend... 3 of them I did at Jules on Saturday.

I am quite happy with the way this first one turned out...it's the first page I've done of my trip to Savannah ... the Whim So Doodle Train trip in APRIL!

Here's some more for Bill's Album...

I LOVE the Cosmo "boyfriend" papers!!!

more on the next post... I think this one is a little picture-heavy as it is!!

A weekend full of creativity!

2009-10-16T13:42:00.004-05:00

So I'll be scrapping away from home this weekend! Tonight I'll be going to Ruban Rouge to crop (haven't gone in YONKS and I'm excited to go again... ) then tomorrow I'll be cropping at a friend's .... and will get to see dear Ginni again!! Yea!!!
Good news on the Hope "poop" front ... er, well... oh it doesn't matter how it sounds.... she's decided that she really DOES like to poop in the litter box! (for now!) I was so excited that I took a picture of her in the box!

Faith's new pastime is batting at water in the bathroom sink...

Seriously? Where did these animals come from?
I scrapped some last night... watched Atlanta Housewives ... I'm so hooked on that show!
Didn't sleep much... but I DID get a page or 2 done! I'm almost finished with the photos that Bill gave me for the album. I sure hope he likes it, and hope that he'll send more to get done when he has them.
That's all for now... not much went on this week other than work...

Yesterday's Scrapping....

2009-10-11T10:23:00.004-05:00

So ... I started out with a work area that looked like this.....

then it looked like this...

then this.... (love my Scoth ATG 700, by the way... it's the original and it rocks! I got it HERE, and buy my refills here also...)

now it looks like this!

but I DID get THIS done...

Living with cats.... in Florida...in October

2009-10-11T09:27:00.003-05:00

This is how we start our mornings after breakfast now. This time of year begins the "official open the doors to the world" season for the cats. It's not that it's really that much cooler right now ( right now it's 86 degrees ... but low humidity) but the cats know that mid-October is usually when I start opening the sliding door in the studio just because it's so nice outside and I love to watch them watch the world!
Let me clarify something .... THIS is how I start my mornings... then they eat ... then I clean their boxes...THEN they sit and watch the world while mommy scraps, cleans or does some other chore!

A Day Of Scrapping ... (and a little cleaning...)

2009-10-10T11:42:00.005-05:00

I'm done cleaning.... so I'm going to scrap! Yee Haw!!
I dropped by Ruban Rouge last night after running some errands. So glad I did. I got to visit with Lisa (the owner) and TMJ and Tina (who was there scrapping) and ... oh gosh... it was like the "good old days" when I had money!!! The new/old crop room is up and running and I'm really missing my Friday night crops, so I'm going to go next Friday. I really do miss those people!
I picked up a few more goodies while I was there and finished off the gift card (thanks Samantha) and now I'm going to use them!
oh...and .... um.... Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg... BOUGHT IT!! ON THE WAY.... Sorry Lisa, I couldn't wait!! ( I did buy some more CC Boyfriend and Earth Love while I was there yesterday tho!)
Off to scrap!

It's my Weekend!

2009-10-09T11:53:00.004-05:00

So.... I have lived at work this week. So much overtime! I am so glad to be home and quite frankly, glad to be doing nothing...well.. nothing more than cleaning house!

I am vacuuming ( see photo!) , and doing the laundry. Later I will hit the store for groceries and such...and then I may go visit Amy and Kaylyn if I'm feeling up to it. (Been a little under the weather lately) .

That's all for now!

My Favorite Place in the Whole World

2009-10-04T07:41:00.007-05:00

On the way home from our Nikki Sivils class in Sarasota yesterday, after driving through the "old town" portion of Sarasota, I thought it would be nice to take Jules to my favorite place in the world... Starfish Seafood Company and Dockside Restaurant in Cortez, FL.

I cannot thank Mark and Linda Taylor enough for taking me to their little slice of heaven on earth in their hometown. Several years ago they introduced me to Starfish and Cortez...and I've been hooked ever since (no pun intended!) Whenever I visit Mark and Linda I usually ask that we eat at the Star... great prices....great food... great people...great atmosphere.... really just a slice of heaven! I hope one day to move closer to that little slice of heaven... one day soon!

While you're there, check out the Maritime museum ... Mark was very insturmental in the development of that... his family history has deep roots in this fishing village. It's Florida the way we natives remember it.

....

Net Camp

Here's to a great "no b.s." friendship!

A trip to Sarasota. A class with Nikki Sivils...

2009-10-04T06:37:00.032-05:00

Class with Nikki Sivils was so fun! We made a very cute ghost-shaped book which will end up with one of my surrogate children in Georgia...not because I don't like the book, I do! I just don't have many Halloween pictures to scrap. After all I DID give up going door to door for candy quite some time ago. I DO need money for my well repair though.... maybe.....??
Jules and I took the "scenic" route for the last few miles of the trip... we made the exit off of the interstate just one exit early.... but I vibed our way to the correct street (after we remembered the name!) and a few u-ee's! It's all good! I think the next time we come down we should be able to go right to the church without a hitch! Jules and I think that we need to set a day aside to explore Sarasota real soon!
Here is a shot of our "classroom". Nikki is an absolute doll. So cute! She's running all over promoting her new papers and embellies... check out her blog and site to see what she's got. Alot of cute stuff! I bought some Henry's Brilliance , and some U R My Favorite in the 6x6 pads and some 12x12 sheets and some Cord Brads and 2 chipboard books ( the CROWN and the OWL ) ! There's a new little man in Georgia that I need to go meet...and I've got a book in mind for him ( Little Mason!)

Here's Jules "stitching" the album pages.....

And stitching.......

Here's the little ghosties drying after a coat of black on one side and white on the other...

Here's my little guys all "stitched"....

Jules with her "rogue" page....

... all the cutting we did! Crazy!

Miss Elle!

Linda... low on glue.... or maybe sniffing it... we're not sure!

Jules, Nikki and me!

Here's the class

Off to Sarasota.....

2009-10-03T06:14:00.003-05:00

I'll be leaving in a few minutes to pick up Jules, then we're off to Sarasota for the day! We'll be stopping for breakfast on the way... probably Rody's... or if she has another place in mind we'll stop there...Jules knows all of the good places in the area!
No rain til the afternoon and probably not even then!
Here's what I accomplished yesterday.... along with washing the car. Still lots to do on the yard and the car...but at least I got started!

Here's what I still have to tackle......

TOMORROW!

My Work Week Is Done!

2009-10-02T10:32:00.006-05:00

I returned from Texas on Monday morning at about 11 am. I went home, cleaned house, unpacked and then did some laps in the pool and went to bed! I had to work that night at 7, so I really did need to get some sleep. I managed to get about 4 hours, then off to work!
I worked overtime every day but one this week, so I had no time to blog!
This Saturday Jules and I will be traveling to Sarasota for the KnK scrap and lesson with Nikki Sivils for a cute little Halloween book that I will be giving to one of my children in GA! It's supposed to rain, so Jules suggested that we leave at 4am! The last time (and first time we met) we traveled to Sarasota for a crop we were in torrential rains... but actually made great time....that is until we were about one exit away and got bogged down in traffic on the interstate because of an accident that had JUST happened. So I decided to take Kermie and bang a U-E and go to the last exit and take US 41 down. BAD IDEA! NOTE TO SELF ... US41 FLOODS! ... I'll post the pictures. Jules swears she saw someone on a surfboard pass us! I think we'll not leave at 4am though... just early enough for our breakfast at Rody's!

Well, I'm off to pay some bills, then work in the yard... it's a beautiful day out!

On another note.... check this out! I'm glad I'm not the ONLY one who understands what it's like to live with cats!

The Liederhousen Brothers

2009-09-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

.....
This guy was SO looking down my dress!

montgomery co deputy!!

2009-09-27T09:12:00.001-05:00

NO... I'M not IN TROUBLE!

Octoberfest in Texas

2009-09-27T09:02:00.000-05:00

Visiting my BFF Diana and her husband Ken in The Woodlands in Texas... so I'm blogging from Texas...
Saturday night ...we went to The Woodlands little Octoberfest in town... in September! Such a lovely town... wooded, planned out well ... and activities all of the time! Boat races, concerts...etc...
Here's some photos of the Octoberfest!

More for Bill's Album...

2009-09-21T12:56:00.002-05:00

"Dare Devil"

Cosmo Cricket "SNORKEL" layout

2009-09-21T12:52:00.001-05:00

Here's another layout for Bill's Album
I love the Snorkel line from Cosmo Cricket... it's perfect for this Florida girl!!!

Some close-ups...

2009-09-21T12:48:00.002-05:00

Layouts for Bill's book...

2009-09-21T12:44:00.002-05:00

sSome of the layouts I've been working on...

More layouts...

2009-09-14T12:22:00.014-05:00

Early Bird by Cosmo Cricket!! Perfect!

Did I Mention How Much I Love Cosmo Cricket??

2009-09-14T11:05:00.015-05:00

So I checked their blog the other morning and this is what I read....
"Winners are Alecia at 4:30AM, Rebecca Shelor, and Terry F. Email kristen@cosmocricket.com and when I get home next week, we will make sure you have The Boyfriend Paper Crafting Kits and the chocolate. "
Yippee!!
But that's not why I love Cosmo Cricket....
Have you seen their stuff??? *sigh* ... If you live on another planet that doesn't scrapbook and you've missed them... go to their site (click on my title) and check them out!!!
Here's some stuff I did while at the Fried Green Tomato Crop...

I had such a hard time scrapping that photo... not the best quality and too close!

BAD BLOGGER! BAD!

2009-09-14T08:04:00.015-05:00

The Henscratch Farm Hens!

Love the hairdo on this one...

Ok.... so here's what I've been up to....

About a month ago I met Natasha and Ginni in Sebring for the Hilltop Memories Fried Green Tomato Crop at the Kenilworth Lodge. What a blast!

Natasha and I met Thursday at the lodge a day before the crop, so we could catch up since we last saw (and met, by the way) each other in Savannah! We had dinner that night at one of the local joints and had a chance to do just that. In the morning, we headed out to Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery (after stopping a Michaels [of course!] and Famous Footwear where I got these INCREDIBLY GROOVY SANDALS....but I digress....)

Henscratch Farms was a blast! It was so so hot and humid, but we made the best of it. We picked muscadines and scupernongs (eating some along the way) and met the hens that lay the famous Green Eggs.... so much fun. I was joking with Natasha that we took so many pictures of the hens, you'd think we'd never laid eyes on one before! Altho I'm a Florida native, it's nice to act all touristy and stuff sometimes! The BEST part of our visit was the wine tasting at the end of the tour... and we tasted some wine buddy! We bought quite a bit too!

By the time we got back to the lodge, Linda was there setting up the crop room and store. You should see the little store she sets up for us... lots of goodies, TONS of paper. She really spoils us. Since this was my first Hilltop Crop (and definitely NOT my last) I wanted to pop in and meet Linda. What a warm and wonderful and genuine person she is! I introduced myself and extended a hand, and she says "Aw, hell honey. This deserves a hug!" Really a great person... she didn't even KNOW me when I sent her an e-mail asking if I could squeeze in for the FGT Crop...and she accommodated. Really. Just so nice! She cooked our meals all weekend too ... which was no small feat, since there was no oven in the "kitchen" that was adjacent to our crop room. I definitely would have catered!

Once Natasha and I freshened up (I dove in the pool) we headed down to the crop room armed with our new bottles of wine, and some Asiago cheese bread from Panara. There was a large group all meeting Natasha and Ginny so they fit me in with their group. Met some really cool girls there and got some great ideas too(what I love about crops - always someone there to throw an idea out). Ginny arrived later that afternoon and we all settled in for a nice long creative weekend. Every now and then Natasha would blurt out an update on the goings on of the Big Brother show...and I, of course, would tease her mercilessly about that damn show! Ginny was working on the most adorable owl album! Natasha finished up an album that she started via a digital download! I just haven't gotten into digital....

I got a few layouts done for the album I'm making for Bill - (my former boarder) and his baby and the baby-momma, and finished up a book that I'm sending to Katie (one of my surrogate children). I'll post those here too.

So as not to make this post too long, (too late?) I'll continue my "antics" on another entry.....

so beautiful ....

Me ...before the heat and humidity got the best of me~

Natasha...

Hen in the Hydroponics!

These are the Green Eggs n' Ham Hens! Look at the tail feather of one that had jumped into the seed bucket!

Natasha gettin' her scrap on...

Cards for Kate

2009-08-31T10:50:00.001-05:00

Join in and help show some love to a little girl and her incredible family....

A birthday ... then thankfully a getaway ...

2009-08-13T22:26:00.002-05:00

Hello all. Blogging from the Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring Fla. Had a nice 2.5 hour drive from my home ... once I got out of the traffic in Tampa, and off of I-4 it was beautiful. So nice to see some of Florida that's not overpopulated, and overbuilt.

I had a 50th birthday yesterday.... it was probably one of the worst days I've had in a long long long time. I guess because I'm alone on my 50th ... and I had always envisioned having someone who loved me throw me a surprise birthday party...ya know... one of the "milestones" to mark. Thought I'd have all of my friends, family and all that... A few years back I threw a surprise 50th birthday party for a dear friend, and I thought while it was falling into place, how happy she would be to have it, and how happy it made me to do it for her.... and I always thought that there would be someone in my life that would do it for me.
As it turns out, life went on rather unceremoniously. I worked the night before, (a dear friend, Samantha, brought me flowers and coffee and an ice cream cake...and she gave me the funniest card, and a sweet gift to spend at Ruban Rouge...) but I slept from 12:30 (after getting home at around 8am) to 4:30. Got up, did laundry, went and got my nails done as a treat...then came home and did pretty much of nothing...except cleaning. Stephanie was out of town with her new beau, and everyone else was busy with their life... so there you have it. I didn't even eat dinner...too down to cook...too blue to scrap...I cried and went to bed.
I am blessed to have so many friends that DID reach out and send an email or a note to say Happy Birthday... but I have honestly never felt more alone in my life...
I suppose it has alot to do with trying to finally let go of someone who has obviously "distanced " himself emotionally from me. No... I KNOW it has everything to do with that.... it hurts again...the pain is somehow raw again. I get it.
Sorry for the horribly blue post....but it's how I'm feeling and that's what it's about.
I will try to enjoy myself this weekend, and I will take some great photos and post some when I get the chance.
Peace to you all.... who ever is out there listening...
rls

A visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

2009-07-07T08:50:00.003-05:00

http://www.cmaquarium.org/cms/

I'm here!

2009-07-07T07:30:00.006-05:00

I have had visitors at my home for the last 3.5 weeks! First, friends of my boarder were here for about a week... luckily I got along great with them, and showed them the sights... but it was tiring since I was also still working midnight shift!

When they left on a Friday, the following Monday Jamie, and her babies Alli and Jack (ages 4 and 6) arrived for a week! I was so happy to see my surrogate daughter and grandbabies! I worked the first couple of days in the week, but then took off to enjoy my time with them... pictures to follow! When Jamie left, 4 days later her sister Katie and HER 2 babes (ages 3 and 5) came down from Thursday through Sunday night! WHEW! Talk about wearing out an old woman!!! I loved every minute of it though!

This weekend, however, I am staying home and chillin' and SCRAPPING!!!!!! I have had the new Cosmo Cricket line sitting on my desk begging to be played with...and also a kit I bought that I want to work on from this very talented designer... http://withthislifeiwilllive.blogspot.com/
I have also decided to go to CHA...so Jeannie Towle and I will be having an adventure! Yeah!

Well, I've just gotten home from work, so it's time to go to bed... I hope it's rainy today for a good days sleep!

Here's some photos of the kids' visits!

Jack and Alli

Gracie

Jack and Alli skinnydippin'!

Jack and Alli...they just about had their goggles on before they were out of bed!
Gracie Bug ... Honeymoon Island Beach
Jamie...finally getting a chance to scrap! Jack "schwimmin' "
Jack...watchin' the 'toons... what a cutie patootie!

Gracie Bug and Aiden ... all smiles in the pool!

Jack and Alli at Clearwater Beach

Rain, Rain go away!

The kids were sleepin' so the cats were having a little respite!

Boo (on the right) "how I spent my summer vacation"!

Check Out This Giveaway!

2009-06-26T06:48:00.003-05:00

THIS IS OCTOBER AFTERNOON'S NEW LINE ..."ROAD TRIP"

It makes me think of when I was a kid, and mom and dad would pile all 5 kids into the VW camper van (red and white) with a pop-up camper top, and we would take a ROAD TRIP vacation!!!!
I LOVE IT!

MY BABIES ARE COMING FOR A VISIT

2009-06-20T08:03:00.004-05:00

I am so excited for two reasons...

... Jamie and the kids are coming for a visit for a whole week! We'll even have time to scrap!

...and I'm thinking, since I've been on the Ten Second Studio site, watching videos and learning cool stuff...that maybe I'll break out the TSS stuff and we'll learn some new techniques while she's here... I've been dying to use the stuff...bought it right before the "the incident" ... and haven't really had the umph to use it....

so.... this week is the week...

So, thanks to Megan and Cheryl of TSS for inspiring me... Cheryl for helping me get over my "feeling sorry for myself" mode.... Megan for confirming that I'm not the only one out there that drives people crazy with my antics.

...and and thanks for a chance to win a weekend at the retreat!!! BRA-FREE weekend~ which for me is every weekend!!

Oh...and here's what happens when you pass out after working too many hours all week and forget to spit out your gum.....

Just Doing My Part To Save the Planet...(um... forget about the wood used on the mounts, tho..ok?!)

2009-06-05T07:46:00.009-05:00

Remember when I said I was putting all of my wood-mounted stamps into the microwave? Each for about 10-12 seconds, just to loosen the adhesive, so that I could remove the rubber from the wood? Seriously? Really? What was I thinking?! Did I NOT remember the SHEER NUMBER of rubber stamps that I owned (and this is AFTER I sold ALOT at my pre-moving sale!)?

That's the first load!

SOLAR POWER, BABY!

So after I spent ALL DAY on this project, my trash bins looked like this:

Now my next task is putting the rubber to cling vinyl.

REORGANIZING. REMOUNTING.

2009-05-31T08:50:00.002-05:00

TODAY... I ordered cling vinyl to remount all of my rubber stamps. My whole-day project will now be removing all of the rubber stamps from their wood mounts. I "googled" the best way to do this, and violia, found out that if you zap the stamp in the microwave for about 10-12 seconds, the glue loosens and the stamp and foam come right off! I LOVE GOOGLE.
So TODAY my quest for an organized studio continues.... and I'm actually making progress!

TONIGHT .... dinner with friends.

I CAVED...

2009-05-30T22:46:00.006-05:00

I readily admit it. There's no denying it. I'm an addict. I fell off the wagon. I used money that I was saving to buy grass plugs for my yard....

With that said..... LOOK AT THIS STUFF!!!! IT'S GORGEOUS!!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON IT..ROLL IN IT...CUT IT, BEND IT, FOLD IT, SCRAP IT.

See? You can't blame me! And the CHIPBOARD! OH THE CHIPBOARD!

** Sigh ..... **

Well...I'm glad I got that out in the open. Now I'm going to go sit on the front porch for the next few days and wait for my package to arrive!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! I WON!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-23T09:19:00.003-05:00

Wow! I just love winning goodies! Something to brighten this rainy day! I plan on scrapping today ... since the rain is keeping outdoor activities to a minimum... and decided to check a few of my favorite blogs...and I WON!
CHECK IT OUT! (click on my post title, and go to her blog!)
Love the new line of COSMO CRICKET... EARLY BIRD ... have ordered it and can't wait to get my hands on it to use it on some of my black and white photos of mom and dad. I think it'll be perfect for it!

Work, work work

2009-05-12T09:23:00.004-05:00

Just a quick note to catch up on things.... REAL QUICK! I got off of work at 07:30, ran some errands, did some chores and swam some laps.... now I am ready to cut some Z's!
Almost finished with a book I'm making for my surrogate daughter-in-law and son, for their first child Kody. It's cute...I'll post photos when done.
Going to try to sign up for a class at Whim So Doodle this coming Sunday...
Finally got rid of the extra fridge that was taking up too much room in my scrap studio...and broke down the gondola and will use that slatboard on the walls! That's it for now!...
Oh... Sonia and her dogs Jodi and Benson (ben's the schnauzer) came by to visit a while back and I took the photo with my then brand new camera!

A TRIP TO SAVANNAH!!!

2009-03-22T20:38:00.002-05:00

I'M GOING TO SAVANNAH!!

Stephanie and I are going to Savannah by train in 2 weeks with a group of scrappers from the Whims So Doodle Scrapbook Store in St. Pete.
We had our meeting tonight, and I think it's going to be a blast!
I'm already planning our day trips... nights for scrapping, then sightseeing in the day... sleep...NAH.. sleep is over-rated! I'll sleep when I get home. We leave on a Wednesday by train, and return on Sunday. I'm so excited!
We'll be staying at the lovely Four Points Savannah Hotel. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1758
Here are some places I'm planning for us to visit....
.... a trip to Leopold's Ice Cream, of course!
Lady and Sons (of course) ...http://www.ladyandsons.com/
... still working on the list.... will let you know more soon!!!

MORE WEDDING PHOTOS!

2009-02-19T12:13:00.004-05:00

A Valentine's Day I Actually Enjoyed!!

2009-02-19T10:52:00.014-05:00

This past Saturday I was able to be a part of something very special. My friend Samantha Stahl became Mrs. Samantha Freeland...

She and her fiance' Kevin Freeland won the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's contest (a group of friends..mainly Tracy who did most of the work!!) entered her in the contest without her knowledge and Wayne wrote a wonderful letter (yes, THAT Wayne) and she and her fiance' won! The wedding was wonderful and held at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Island Estates in Clearwater, and the reception was held at the beautiful Sheraton Sand Key... the people at the Sheraton donated 3 hours and food and staff and a beautiful area for the event... I LOVE THE SHERATON! They did so much it was unbelieveable how nice it all was ... and they gave the bride and groom a honeymoon suite with a beach view for the night... no small gift, seeing as it was Valentine's Day and I'm sure they were busy! They really did a wonderful thing! The Clearwater Marine Aquarium ceo and event coordinator were spectacular and made this day extra-special for Kevin and Samantha...

Here are a few photos of the day and evening...

and just so you know.... the dolphin Nicholas was the ring bearer!

Lots of love to Kevin and Samantha.....

To all of the new friends I have made during this time, I am honored to get to know you!

To the "old" friends.... I'm glad that we got to actually take time to hang out and have fun!
Nicholas awaits the ceremony...
The beautiful wedding cake donated by Publix!

(BUTTER CREAM ICING!! SAM'S FAV)

Tracy (on the left) and Susan.

Tracy's the one who did most of the work getting this to happen!!

One of the beautiful bridesmaids... Tassie

Leah...all smiles as usual!

Keisha ... all smiles too!

Baab... stylin'

Amy and Mason came from Tenn.

MORE TO FOLLOW!!

MY SOON-TO-BE-CLEANED UP AND RUNNNING SCRAPBOOK STUDIO AS IT LOOKS NOW!!!

2008-12-16T10:31:00.003-05:00

I SWEAR as God as my witness... I will CLEAN THIS MESS UP THIS WEEKEND....or at least start at it!!!!

Isn't this ridiculous!? I need a shed to store garage stuff so I can take over the garage....At least I got most of it painted, and got some peg board hung!!!

FACEBOOK

2008-12-16T10:30:00.001-05:00

MY NEW HOME

2008-11-23T10:35:00.003-05:00

HERE'S SOME PHOTOS OF THE NEW HOME! THE SPA AREA
THE POOL

MY FIRST RAT KILL AT THE NEW HOUSE!

MY MASTER BEDROOM!

THE LIVING ROOM

THE KITCHEN
FRONT
AIR CONDITIONED DOG HOUSE...REALLY!
DINING ROOM

I'm back!

2008-11-23T09:18:00.003-05:00

I know, I know... it's been "a while" !
I'm in a new home in Tarpon Springs...
I've got a new room-mate...a good egg, he's handy and helpful and friendly!
I'm still on midnight shift ... and still loving it...
I still haven't COMPLETELY un-packed!
I haven't set up my scrapping studio...
I MISS SCRAPPING!!!

I am totally excited about our new president, and proud that I did my part to get him elected. My father would've been proud of me.... I miss my father more strongly during election time because we would ALWAYS call and talk politics!
Here's a link to this weeks address from our president-elect:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m17pz0R_qZo

SHAME ON YOU!

2008-02-15T13:03:00.002-05:00

For those who haven't read Teresa Collins' blog... do so. Someone stole some of her samples while she was at CHA! Honestly... it never ceases to amaze me that people are that thoughtless... and I work for a police department! You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but I'm not. So.... spread the word.... and keep an eye out.... and pray for their safe return!

Here's the update on my life.... tearing down wallpaper (done). Re-coating the drywall in the hallway with joint compound...(done). Priming the new plaster... (done) ... painting (with Ralph Lauren's suede techinique ... super easy to do...) the hallway...(1/2 way done...) .... waiting for the air conditioner guys to get out of my way! Love the company I'm using, tho... so if anyone needs a.c. repair/replacement/tune-ups... call Tiger's One - Hour Heating and Air Conditioning... and tell 'em I sent you! Pool pump and filter for pool.... bought, waiting for installation on Monday!
Re-organizing the blue scrap room NOT DONE! ... I've started on it tho...and have some of the stuff moved out... gonna put the red couch and desk in there and stage it for an office... (for when the house is finally for sale!) The living room is a disaster area because of this project...but such is life! Roof... cleaning in process.... still need more rain to help soak in the midew stuff I put down.
Here's some pictures of my chaotic world right now!

A CREATIVE MESS

Day Shift

Justice for Hope

This was the morning that changed my life...

I LOVE THIS BEAUTY

A Quick Post ... just a note...to say I'm still here to anyone who's "listening" ...

cuteness

Here's the reason I've been absent...

HAPPY EASTER

Double Mock Orange|Spring Hill Nursery

Tragedy In Tarpon! (Catch-up ... phase 3)

Catch up ... phase 2!

Catch Up!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY...BELATED

Webster's Pages and Tattered Angels

I just had to share this....

Thinking of my brother...

I WISH I COULD SAY THIS WAS *MY* LAYOUT

A Fun Friday Night. A Super Saturday.

Check out Lisa Falduto's giveaway!

AGAIN with the overtime!!!

Monitoring the Situation in Haiti - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

Monitoring the Situation in Haiti - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

I WORKED ALL WEEK FOR THIS?? REALLY!?

Another Long Week...

What Santa Brought The Babies...

Boo Brings In the New Year

This Is How They Keep Warm

Firefighters revive family's dog after blaze - Bay News 9

An Early Visit From Santa

Lifestyle Crafts Letterpress Giveaway!

A Saturday Filled with Fun and Friends...

Maybe THIS will do it....

Another Savannah LO

My latest little project...

We found PlayDough and a Chef's KIT!

Friday....

Thanksgiving Day.... again....

Thanksgiving day...part 3

Thanksgiving Day continued...

Thanksgiving Day

I've Been a Little Distracted...

From my friend Dee....

...and so it continues....

DISAPPOINTMENT

Friday Night Scrappin'

It's CHILLY out this morning!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

I come by it honestly....

SHE LOVES THIS!

My babies.... almost all...

This...

Have You Ever...

One more Layout

More LO's

Finally

A Layout about my car....

Scenes from Spooktacular

Whim So Doodle Halloween Crop

More Layouts

Lollygagging, Lunch and Layouts... and a fabulous dinner!

A weekend full of creativity!

Yesterday's Scrapping....

Living with cats.... in Florida...in October

A Day Of Scrapping ... (and a little cleaning...)

It's my Weekend!

My Favorite Place in the Whole World

A trip to Sarasota. A class with Nikki Sivils...

Off to Sarasota.....

My Work Week Is Done!

The Liederhousen Brothers

montgomery co deputy!!

Octoberfest in Texas

More for Bill's Album...

Cosmo Cricket "SNORKEL" layout

Some close-ups...

Layouts for Bill's book...

More layouts...

Did I Mention How Much I Love Cosmo Cricket??

BAD BLOGGER! BAD!

I WISH I COULD SAY THIS WAS MY LAYOUT