This "masculine" birthday card is for a dear friend who has such a discerning eye - I hope it appeals to him! The products were all Close-to-My-Heart with the exception of the large "Happy" - which was a Waltzingmouse Stamps sentiment. I created the "cardboard" with a piece of kraft paper run through the crimper and carefully torn and rumpled a little. 
Steve and I spent last weekend in San Francisco! We had a wonderful time exploring the area and will certainly need to return again to take in things we simply ran out of time to see! This photo was taken on a sailing ship that is in the National Park there at the wharf. The ships were open for free tours - we think it was in honor of Veterans Day. The small edge of an island you can almost see on the left side of the photo is Alcatraz. It looks so close ( ! ) but they say there are sharks in the water . . . and I know the water is cold! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Hugs!
A huge shout out to my CTMH upline, Joanne Zubal and unit sister, Melinda Flax for helping me on Saturday put together about half of the reception favors for my wedding! We had a wonderful evening together - working and talking (and giggling!). A note about what this entailed: I found pillow boxes on clearance at Mich@els in the baby section that were a lovely pale pink - almost so pale you couldn't tell they were pink! I went all over town to find 300 of these babies (oops, pun not intended!). Because the pillow box paper was kind-of slick (i.e. no stamping) I came up with the idea of using an embossing template and running them through the Cuttlebug. Joanne can kill me for that idea later! Inside we put small food-quality bags filled with personalized M&Ms in pink, cream, white, red, and maroon. Then we wrapped a ribbon, tied a bow of coordinating tulle to give it that "poofy-wedding" look, and created the labels (using Spellbinders scalloped oval dies) and made them into stickers using the Xyron sticker machine.
Joanne & Mel also helped me pick out one of the wines to be served at the reception ;-) What troopers!
My weekend has been so busy and so awesome! I am so thankful for my friends who cared enough to come help me!
Hugs!
This is the technique that we made at Open Stamping last weekend. The cupcake liner was made from some "retired" CTMH design paper that was layered (adhered) to a strip of cardstock. I made the template for cutting the shape (so it would curve just right) by cutting open a plastic cup. The crimper tool (remember that one?!) was dusted off and used to make the liner look even more like a real cupcake liner! This took just moments to make and it's so cute! I prepared a Word document tutorial so e-mail me if you need it!
I know we shouldn't wish our life away but I will be really, really glad when it's this time tomorrow. I am not looking forward to work tomorrow. I can't really go into the details, but it will be challenging and exhausting. So, perhaps tomorrow night by this time I'll be comatose in my jammies.
Only 4 more sleeps until I get to see my darling Steve. {deep sigh}
Hugs!
This card was inspired by one I saw on another blog - but the photo wasn't signed and I've forgotten where I saw it (PLEASE tell me you know so I can give proper credit!). I love the over-all effect! Very fun.
Today was Open Stamping at my house and my friends are just awesome! We had a wonderful afternoon! First we took a moment to do a "foot spa" - we slathered our feet in foot cream, put on bread loaf plastic bags and then athletic socks over the bags. Then we set to work on our afternoon play. 4 hours later when we removed the socks and bags, our feet we so-o-o-o soft! We voted to make this a regular event at the Open Stamping - I think that's a wonderful idea and will have our socks and bags all ready for us!
Then, in keeping with the sock theme, we made fuzzy sock cupcakes! I'll have to take a photo to post for you. I've seen these done and they are so stinkin' adorable I thought they were difficult! No Way! These are super-easy and seem to turn out cute no matter what you do! My kind of project.
Hope your Halloween is safe and freaky fun!
Hugs!
This is one of those cards that went together in a flash! It only took the right design papers and that fabulous ribbon to make it showy. I made a couple while at it but October has been a busy month for birthdays and they're both sent on already!
The weekend has been productive! I took time for me Saturday morning with a Yoga workshop (2 hours) of restorative yoga and nidra meditation. I love meditation - I feel so focused and energized afterwards. It was a perfect way to start my Saturday and I got GOBS of things done afterward.
I met with my photographers and am so jazzed about their ideas! Dear friends, this is going to be so wonderful. {deep sigh}
Oh, I must tell you about a "first" for me - and it made me smile - in fact, I've been smiling all day long! I was at my favorite store (Target) shopping for some candy eyeballs (you'll have to go see Curt's post here!!) and when I was checking out the cashier was interested in my plan and asked me if they were treats for my Grandkids? A first for me! And I felt all happy and warm inside. I thought that the day someone implied that I was a Grandparent I would be annoyed that I could look old enough! Well, I guess that simply isn't true. All I could think of was Steve's darling Grandsons and how much I love them!
Hope your weekend has been awesome and you have a good week!
Namaste.
I had (have) a little stash of die-cut papers and leaves in various colors that I've been saving (hoarding). Recently I pulled out a sheet of them and decided to make them more interesting by embossing them with a template in my Cuttlebug machine. Then I also embossed the background paper, and the leaves, and . . . well, everything except the base card! It's a little busy - but in a nice way! LOL Inside I stamped a "thank you" message and added just one more flower!
It's the end of hump day already - I think time is speeding up! I've got 72 more days until the wedding (no, I won't count every post - I promise!). I'm steadily working at my list and am very confident that our day will be delightful!
Did you notice the new photo on my side-bar? This was taken by a friend of Steve's at a reception that we attended when I was in Minneapolis end of August. I love how happy we both are . . . that kind of joy should be available in bottles! (come to think of it, a lot of people search there, and I'm very certain it isn't in bottles!) I think the photo will be helpful, too, when we're old and can't remember our names. ;-)
Hugs!
This is one of the sympathy cards that I sent for recent events. I really like the overall effect and it came together quickly. I used a beautiful music background stamp that is wood mounted (not sure where I got it!) and the sentiment from a WMS stamp set (with the little dotted oval) that is on the tag. The papers, ink, and leaves are from Close-to-My-Heart. The brown string I re-purposed after Steve and I worked in his garden during my last trip up to Minnesota - he had used a long length of delicious brown string as a plumb line (to keep the wall straight) and was going to throw it away! I grabbed it!!!! Isn't it wonderful?! I wonder if he bought it at the hardware store? I've got quite a stash right now - but it would be nice to know for the future.
The wedding is approaching at warp speed! Help!!! No, I don't mean it - I'm ok.
I have a lot to do but I do some every day and my lists are keeping me focused. I've asked my CTMH consultant sisters to come help me make the party favors for the reception and a lot of them have said they will! I know we will not only create pretty favors, but we will have a wonderful afternoon being together - these women are so very dear to me! It's amazing just knowing that I can ask for help and they are right there!
My weekend is lining up to include: A meeting with the photographer, create a minimum of 10 more scrapbook pages for the reception scrapbook, mailing my shoes to the place that will dye them to match my dress, and about a million other little details. I love the weekends when I can really make some progress on my wedding to-do list! What do you have planned for the weekend?
Hugs!
What a fitting topic - it's all I can think about! LOL This is actually a little post-it-note holder (for the 3x3 size). The top lifts up and is held in place with a small piece of velcro that is attached to a lower 1/2 flap and the inside of the top piece. The pearly accents are liquid pearls. I love the effect of stamping this right over the design paper.
I have been working like crazy, even crafting some, but hardly find any time to post anything. Today I realized that the cable for my camera (to download) had been missing since my trip to Minnesota (Labor Day!)... but after a search, I found it. ;-)
God is good to me - and loves me.
Hugs!
This is a fun (quick) card hat simply uses the flatware and a decorative oval to imply a plate - the thank you note was for a lovely home-made lunch with friends in Minnesota. I was inspired by someone - but for the life of me can't find the post that started this effort. The person (please tell me if you know who!) random stamped the background, where I used the design paper, and the color scheme was red, white and black where mine is clearly not!
TGIF. It's been a great week - lots and lots of things have been accomplished and yet, my "to-do" lists seem to keep growing! Well, the "things done" list does too. So, progress is being made.
I am hoping for an early bed and to sleep in tomorrow. I purchased bacon (I have been craving bacon!) for breakfast tomorrow . . . so I hope I can sleep and not wake up early thinking about my treat! LOL
Enjoy your Saturday, too, dear friends!
Hugs!
I created this card with Waltzingmouse Stamps from two different sets (I think). I love the acorn! It's one stamp - so I stamped first with Close-to-my-Heart ink color Desert Sand and then inked just the cap of the acorn in Cocoa and stamped over it again. You can do that with acrylic stamps - they are SO awesome! ;-) The leaves are inked in garden green then rolled in barn red. The background was softened with Desert Sand and Antique Linen (Distress Inks) on the stipple brush. The card (4 x 4 square) is mounted on a sanded piece of textured cardstock in Cocoa color. I used this one for a masculine birthday.
My weekend is off to a great start! I went for a measurement yesterday and the dress is being made for me now! The shop where I went was just awesome - I highly recommend them. Mariee Gallery. Carrie and James Yeo are the owners and they know what customer service is all about!
This morning I got up early and did yard work in the beautiful coolness of the morning. I need to get off the computer and get into the shower now - I've got some errands, and then a funeral to attend at 1 PM for a dear, dear friend. Tonight I hope to be able to attend Elena's talent show (that will cheer me up!). My friends come to Open Stamping tomorrow after church - so we'll have an awesome Sunday.
Hugs!
I never seem to get ahead on this particular type of card so that there is one already made when I need it. By the time I returned from my vacation up North, I needed three sympathy cards! This one came together very, very quickly - which was a good thing! It looks calm, and has just a little sophistication in that the entire panel is elevated on adhesive foam tape. I used a torn paper mask, and a stipple brush to create the soft lawn.
On a personal note, I found a wedding dress (again). It must have been meant to happened because I love the new dress twice as much as the first one. I also attended a Yoga workshop on Ayurveda, a home jewelry party, and had a hair appointment! In the coolness of the evening (90 degrees) I puttered in the yard. It's looking better - but still not really up to Steve's standards. LOL It's been a very good weekend!
Namaste.
This card was inspired by Karen Baker (a LOT of my cards are inspired by Karen!) and you can see her post here. I used a BoBunny design paper and a retired (but favorite) Close-to-My-Heart stamp set. The sentiment is from Waltzingmouse Stamps - so you might say this is a real collage of products!
It was amazing how long it took me to make the first card I tried today. It's not very good - and took over 3 hours. I have been away from doing anything creative for so long that I had to prime the pump! So, once I finally got that one out of the way, then I was able to make a bunch more cards (2 of most of them). I've got 6 birthdays, 3 sympathy cards, 1 wedding, 1 welcome baby, and about 8 thank you notes to get sent this week. YIKES!! AND my stash of cards is getting low - so I guess I know what will be keeping me off the streets this week!
Speaking of having things to get done; I have a funny story for you. Remember how thrilled and relieved I was to finally find the perfect wedding dress? Well, at Steve's niece's wedding a couple of weeks ago, the mother-of-the-bride wore the exact same dress - same color and everything. I'm not kidding! So, I'm back to the drawing board with that one! What are the chances?!?!
Do you have any funny stories from your wedding?
Hugs!
Please let me know which one you like better - as soon as possible! I thought the one of the left looked too heavy in the corner, but the one on the right seems too light? Any ideas? (Be honest!)
I used to think that I had some sort of weird addiction to flower stamps . . . lately I've come to realize that I am also addicted to pumpkins. I must have a dozen different stamps with pumpkins!!! BUT, this new one, from the just released Close-to-My-Heart catalog is awesome and it was one of the first stamp sets I ordered! Isn't it wonderful?! The card was very easy - I let the paper (Dreamin') do the work. I don't know if it shows up in the photo, but the pumpkin was stamped on the panel and then I stamped one to cut out and pop-up over it. It creates some depth that looks nice IRL. It's all CTMH product.
I've been so busy! Most of you know why *wink* - I've been planning our wedding, and traveling back and forth from Minnesota to visit Steve, and continuing to work full time. Oh golly - there's time when I sleep, too, but not much! Since I'm a crazy woman, I decided to make my own wedding invitations (I know, I said I wouldn't! But have you seen what is available commercially?) so I'm creating over 300 invitations and that project is time sensitive. LOL
I have been visiting your spots while munching my PB&J at lunchtime - so I know you've been busy and creative! I miss getting to post regularly and look forward to things getting back to some level of balance! In the meanwhile - know that I love you all.
Hugs!
This was inspired by Nancy Ball (here) and I admit, it's a delightful and easy birthday card to pull together in a hurry! Thanks Nancy, for the excellent inspiration!
It's Saturday, I've got a "To-Do" list a mile long and I'm sitting here blogging - what's with that!?! So, I'll keep it short. This weekend is Open Stamping with my friends, I'll be preparing a technique (as soon as I get away from the computer!) and look forward, as always, to seeing my dear friends for a joyful afternoon of creativity! Hope your weekend is special, too.
Hugs!
Every time I talk to Steve, it's been raining in Minnesota. Now I finally know where all the moisture that Arizona doesn't get has been living! I asked him to send it back - we could use a little rain to dampen the wildfires here.
When I started playing with clouds and rain the other day, I came up with several variations on the theme - I liked the way this one turned out! The papers are old (Sarsaparilla, I think, from Close to My Heart) but the lighter blue swirl reminded me of wispy clouds in a blue sky.
Great news! I have a wedding dress!!! Hooray! I can't tell you anything more (just in case Steve decides to read my blog) but I am very happy. Now on to the catering, decorations, favors, music, etc. etc. etc.
What's new with you?
This card will become one I make again because it's so easy to stamp - I used the Verve Forever in Our Hearts stamps on this card (here) and CTMH New England Ivy ink and cardstock with their new Kraft CS. The cocoa colored adhesive pearls are from CTMH also. The ribbon was a scrap of lace picked up at Joanne's. In my next do-over, I'll make the sentiment piece a wee-bit smaller. Otherwise, I love this card.
My huge to-do list for today has barely had a dent made in it - I slept too late to do the painting job I'd planned for early morning, and when I arrived at the paper store I found it is no longer open on Saturdays. So, I went to Costco to order a photo canvas, but it turned out I didn't have the correct thumb drive (i.e. no digital image file) with me. The saving grace of the morning was a great Yoga practice and a delightful lunch with dear friends. Thank God for dear friends!
How's your weekend going?
This card was inspired by Heather Nichols {here}. I used different stamps, inks, paper, (all Close-to-My-Heart) but I totally cased her design. I love the idea of this for a thinking of you, get well soon type of card! Are you sitting down? I've started looking on Craig's List for my wedding dress! No, I'm not kidding! Only, I'm a wee-bit afraid of the process and got spooked away today when the person didn't show up when they said they would. So, we'll see - I'll give it one more try and if it doesn't work, then I'll just forget that approach. LOL
Hope you week is going great!
Hugs!
I was playing with the Bliss papers (this pack is so pretty!) and imitating the card ideas that came with the Bliss workshop kit. The stamp set is beautiful - it included all that is shown here and more. I used Desert Sand, Hollyhock (2nd generation), and Grey wool inks from CTMH. This might work for a wedding card, thinking of you, or maybe even a birthday card.
Our weather here has been amazingly mild - I can't remember when we've stayed under 100 degrees for so late into the summer. I'm not complaining, mind you! I do, however, say prayers for those fighting the Wallow fire in eastern Arizona and for those whose homes were destroyed or endangered.
Namaste.
I saw the most beautiful art while visiting Annette's blog recently and thank goodness, I asked her if she was interested in selling it! She replied that she would make one for me, if I was serious! I was as serious as pneumonia and soon we had a deal. It strikes a chord with me - all these changes are happening in my life right now. The opening of the heart, the metamorphosis, the words of wisdom (trust yourself, live, dream . . . ) all are what I'm experiencing. The woman is thoughtful. She hangs on the wall in my studio where every time I enter the room I will see her and remember both my goals and this very precious time in my life.
Thank you Annette, from the bottom of my heart! (right under the butterfly!)
Today was Open Stamping with my friends - I spent the day trying to re-stock my supply of birthday cards! Progress was made, although my list of those with birthdays in June has grown exponentially! LOL Ah, such a problem to have ;-)
Yesterday I enjoyed a 2-hour Yoga workshop led by my friend Linda Santopietro. It was an excellent workshop - Restorative and Nidra. I felt so energized afterward.
Namaste.
Celebrate today! I love the sentiment (Close-to-My-Heart), and this card was born of the package of beautiful Japanese papers that lived on my desk for a week or so! Do you do that too? I mean, instead of putting things away, you just keep making more and more with them? I've been known to use up half of a package of paper making different cards because I've gotten "hooked" on a particular paper! So, it could be a congratulations card, a birthday card, or just a thinking of you . . . friendship kind of card! Celebrating today is worthwhile every day.
Hmm. Work has been busy and home has been busier! But, things are getting done and I love checking things off of my list . . . makes me feel productive! I had yoga practice tonight; a very good one too! What's happening for you this week?
Namaste.
This past weekend was a much-anticipated church fellowship event; the annual beer tasting! Sounds weird? Well, what happens is a bunch of fun and crazy people bring side dishes of the best food to go with a main dish (usually brats) and the hosts plan an evening of tasting (think wine tasting) complete with lessons about the brewing process and history. Let me say that I'm not a beer drinker - but I do thoroughly enjoy this evening! And it's due, in large part, to the wonderful people who host the event! Thank You Kindly!
The card was my first try at the twisted easel card that is all the rage now! I actually like it! I used every last scrap (!) of a lovely piece of Japanese paper that was in my gift pack (explained in my last post). The colors on this one really POP.
Here's the card open:
I think I might have gotten carried away with the buttons (LOL) but they really do help the card stand open! Stamps were Waltzingmouse Stamps (on the front) and Close-to-My-Heart on the inside. I'll be attempting this design again, for sure!
I awoke at 4 AM from the sound of my own voice saying out loud - "Happy Birthday, Steve", but of course, he can't hear me from nearly 2,000 miles away!
Namaste.
It was heavenly getting into the craft room today - I had some "must make" cards and my Mojo was with me - I was on a roll! I guess I must have had ideas stuck inside my head for awhile or something.
This one is simple - really - and I love the overall effect. I used white pigment ink to put "white caps" on the waves, and paper-pieced the sailboat from a grab-bag type package of scrap Japanese fine papers that were a gift a few years ago (I've been hoarding them - they are so wonderful!). I sponged some "Sky" ink onto the sky and die cut the clouds . . . deciding to stamp them with the sentiment was just a lucky accident (not part of my initial plan)! I love the overall effect of the card! It may not be "fun" enough for a 6 year old - but it certainly made ME happy!
Wedding plans - oh my goodness! Well, we have set the date, and what type of cake. The two most important decisions (Just KIDDING!). I have so much to do yet - but started by making lists. That will help me feel more in control. An illusion, I realize; humor me. Thank you all for your warm and thoughtful messages. I feel so loved! Let's see if I can answer some of the questions - "North" means Minnesota. Yes, we will still be commuting after we get married - I have a great job and am not ready to retire, so I need to continue working. I've been independent for 18 years so I have some practice at being alone. I admit that it's harder now that I know how happy I can be with Steve in my daily life - but I still think we can do this. We're going to try - and if adjustments need to be made later on, well, then we'll address them then. Yes, my daughter met him and she is very happy for us. No, it's not scary loving a priest, it's wonderful! I think that covers most of them - let me know if I forgot anything important!
Namaste
ps - I made it to yoga classes three days last week - and I feel STRONG!!!
This one was originally made by Jen Coleman - I added only the Hollyhock back piece with another row of scallops and stamped a Happy Birthday greeting inside! Isn't it wonderful?! It filled a need for a beautiful birthday card with only about 3 minutes of my time invested. Thanks for the rescue Jen!!!Update on life - I had my first ever nail acrylics put on today and done in a lovely natural length and shape - with french manicure. I'm still adjusting, but I think I'll love them! I know I'll be showing my hands off in the very near future . . .
Hugs!
When the new CTMH catalog came out my unit did a wonderful card swap and I participated in two sets! That meant that I got one set to create a demo board (examples of each type of paper and lots of new stamp sets!) and the other set was for me to enjoy and share!! This was one of the cards that I altered slightly to make it "mine" and give for a welcome baby card.
The original was by Joanne Zubal - just delightful and even though it was cheating - it's about the only way I'm getting anything done (until May when my love will be far away and I'll have oddles of time to stamp).
Hugs!
Hello! I've missed you!!
This card was the technique I taught at the February Open Stamping at my house. It uses facial tissues to pick up ink from the ink pad and place it on the acrylic stamp. I started with the darker color (so I could see where I put it) and then filled in with the lighter color. The resulting softness is so pretty! You can learn more about it at Jeanette Lynton's blog here.
My life is awesome! Have I mentioned that? LOL Since I've last posted I've met more of Steve's friends and some family. They are all wonderful people - which really doesn't surprise me since it is only logical that this amazing man would have awesome friends. I have been welcomed with love and kindness and my heart has tripled in size from all the love it holds. It is only by the Grace of God that I have been so enriched - and I am incredibly grateful.
Next week I meet his daughter, and mid-April he meets mine. These are important events (as we all know, daughters rule!).
Hugs!!
Ok, Curt, here he is - please meet Steve! The love of my life - the most amazing man I've ever known. (photo taken at a view point near Canyon Lake, Arizona)
The reason I'm not blogging so much lately!
Hugs!
I know that's probably not happening everywhere yet - but around here the weather has been beautiful and Steve and I have been entertaining guests - so we've grilled steaks. This card uses the new Mayberry papers from Close to My Heart. The colors are Sunset, Garden Green, Honey and Colonial White. I sponged a little Sky on the focal image and used my 40% off coupon to get the Martha scissors that cut awesome grass in split seconds! The paper was already striped (backside of the striped piece along the left side).
Valentines Day - At work we had a chocolate fountain - it was really over-the-top! Tonight we're going out to dinner, and I made a card (will post later in the week). I've been getting introduced to his friends (hope I'm passing muster!). I like them - they are fun to be around and I felt instantly comfortable.
Tell me about your Valentines day?
Love - a perfect title for this post and this card! Hello - I've missed you all! Please know that I'm more than "fine" and that I'm thinking of you often. I'm sure I'll get back to more regular posting someday! In the meanwhile - I'll post when I can steal a moment . . . but the days and evenings are filled with my special someone and we are delighting in the discovery of each other.
This card was designed for the Open Stamping on 1/30/11 - the technique was one that Jeanette Lynton taught on her blog here. I love how the embossing gives the flower such dimension. Everything is Close-to-My-Heart, the rose is the new Rosy Regards stamp set and the colors used were Petal and Pansy Purple. The little bling bracket is 1/2 of a frame - neat trick!
Hope you like it!
Hugs!
This tag was a quick one to make - I just needed to dress up a bottle of wine that we were taking as a hostess gift; I used the CTMH barn red textured cardstock and lightly sanded it, inked a scrap of design paper in my stash and embossed the Waltzingmouse Stamps sentiment with Cocoa embossing powder. A large eyelet, strip of tulle and Voila! It was done! I think this one took me about 10 minutes (don't laugh Laurel! I know you could make an entire scrapbook layout in 10 minutes, but I'm very s-l-o-w).
I can't believe it's Thursday already - what a busy week, but so productive! Just 2 sleeps until I get to see him again. {{blushing}}
Hugs!
A small candy treat for a wonderful young woman - the package just needed some dressing up. This tag was created with a very, very old Close-to-my-Heart stamp (so old it is a wood mounted one) and one bee and the sentiment from a very current hostess reward stamp set. It went together very quickly (the image was colored using a water brush and picking up color directly from the ink pad).
The lovely green gingham tape was a gift from Karen Baker. If you haven't visited her blog - you must check her out! Karen has more talent in her little finger than I will ever muster even on my very best day at the table. So, needless to say, I copy her ideas on a regular basis! ;-)
Have a wonderful Wednesday, dear friends!
Hugs!
This card is so pretty in person - the image is a Close-to-My-Heart stamp set from a couple of years ago that I just fell in love with.. I used some little flourish stamps to embellish the cup - like most of my own coffee cups are decorated. The embossing powders used are the CTMH Desert Sand and White colors. The design paper (handwriting) was from the vintage travel paper pack, I believe.
Aren't they beautiful? I'd never seen roses that were both white and red at the same time. Incredible. Yes, it's going very well. But to be honest, it's not about the flowers, the plays, the dozen other treats . . . it's that he is such an amazing person and he has wonderful values. We are so compatible - spending time with him is such a joy, and I am delighted with his intellect and personality. He seems to know me well enough to finish my thoughts.
It's been less than a month.
Thank you for being so patient with me!
Hugs!!
I think I've decided to stop struggling with this "situation" and just let go/let God handle it! I need to enjoy the ride! The ride, so far, has been absolutely wonderful! This man is everything I've ever dreamed of, and more. He makes me so happy!
Oh, you want to know about the card?? Well, ok. It's new Close-to-My-Heart papers from the catalog to be released February 1st. The papers are called "Lucky" which just about says it ALL!! The stamp set is called "Enjoy Life" which I certainly have been doing! ;-)
Thank you all for your incredible support and love - I have had my life turned upside down (in a good way!) and you are all there cheering for me!!!
I'm still trying to get a fabulous photo of Bilbo Baggins. He is a little camera shy still - but is very loving and cuddly with me (thank heavens!). This photo at least shows his true coloring better. Let me share some of his cute personality with you:
1. He comes when he's called (yes, he knows his name already)
2. His favorite toy is the plastic ring you pull off the milk bottle. He **hearts** his toy.
3. He plays fetch with that toy, and me, at bed-time and when the morning alarm goes off. I throw the toy, he runs to find it, brings it back and drops it in my hand. Usually this goes on for 6 - 8 times before I tire of the game.
4. I make the bed before leaving for work, and when I get home in the evening, he has found his toy and left it like a mint on my pillow.
There are probably a hundred other darling things that he does, but I'll give you a break tonight. ;-)
Hugs!!
This "masculine" birthday card is for a dear friend who has such a discerning eye - I hope it appeals to him! The products were all Close-to-My-Heart with the exception of the large "Happy" - which was a Waltzingmouse Stamps sentiment. I created the "cardboard" with a piece of kraft paper run through the crimper and carefully torn and rumpled a little. 
Steve and I spent last weekend in San Francisco! We had a wonderful time exploring the area and will certainly need to return again to take in things we simply ran out of time to see! This photo was taken on a sailing ship that is in the National Park there at the wharf. The ships were open for free tours - we think it was in honor of Veterans Day. The small edge of an island you can almost see on the left side of the photo is Alcatraz. It looks so close ( ! ) but they say there are sharks in the water . . . and I know the water is cold! Hope you have a wonderful week!
