Under the Sea!

Hope everyone had a nice long week-end.

I had some girlfriends over Monday evening

for dinner and drinks with umbrellas.

We had a nice time

eating, sipping and chatting

and it was a nice way to end the long week-end.

Yesterday was back to work--

work-work as well as doing my

PRAIRIE FAIRY DESIGN TEAM TUTORIAL.

Since I learned a few weeks ago

how to do a photo montage video

that's what I did.

If your ready to go

UNDER THE SEA...

here it is...

I was going to add the "Under the Sea" music

but thought that would be too distracting

while trying to follow the instructions!

I have not learned, however,

how it picks that "intro" pic-

gotta figure out how I change that! Lol!

Did you like the project tho?

I love Roberta's images!

They are so cute and fun to work with!

I love the fact that, with digi images

you can manipulate them-

flip them, resize them, layer them, crop them

whatever your heart desires!

Yesterday

I had some pampering time

got a MUCH NEEDED haircut and color!

Was quite happy with the results

and it sure helps one's mood and outlook

to look better ---a good step to feeling better!

Today is newsletter day at work

so it will be a mad dash to the post office

in the pouring rain-again.

We're getting the effects of that subtropical storm

what's-his-name

oh well-at least we had a beautiful week-end

and the rain (aka hard times)

can make us oh so strong.

Got some of those going on, too-

so thoughts and prayers please

it's a growing season coming up

and I've been through enough of them

that, even knowing there's pain involved,

I look forward to the growth, learning and the

(hopefully!) improved me

that will come as it's result.

Time for more coffee

and to go to work.

Until next time,

happy stamping and scrapping!

Blessings,

May we never forget...

that freedom isn't free...

Last night

I packed up my lawn chair, flashlight and bug spray

(and thankfully a light jacket)

and headed over to

Franklin Square Park

to hear Brunswick Little Theatre's

The Spirit of America in Song.

There were twinkling lights in the trees,

people on picnic blankets and eating ice cream

laughing and singing along

despite several very brief spritz's of rain...

there was even a rainbow!

The fresh air, the sound of the crickets,

the bandstand and flags and...

They had BLT members,

Sea Notes (a local choral group)

and  of course a band.

There was lots of music

a slide presentation and narration

and an all-in-all TOP NOTCH performance.

It was quite moving.

The music spanned popular songs from the

Revolutionary War, Civil War,

WWI and II

and Post WWII.

Songs like Yankee Doodle/Dixie

When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again

Goober Peas

It's a Long Way to Tipperary

I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now

This is the Army Mr. Jones

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition

Blowing in the Wind

Letters from Home

Ballad of the Green Berets

American Pie

and this song that,

I have to confess---

I don't recall hearing until last night.

While there was a wide variety of ages represented

from those who were more familiar than I

of ration stamps and air raids and black out curtains...

to babes in arms,

and plenty of singing along on any given song---

it was this one that brought a hush to the audience

and a tear to every one old enough to know

that 9-11 changed our nation...

There was a definite shift after this song

a silence and hush filled that park

and I dare say not many dry eyes,

some sobbing openly.

So many

take Memorial Day for granted...

it's just another 4-day week-end

a time for sales and discounts and parties.

I do pray

that the TRUE meaning of the day

will sink in...that people will take time

to stop and thank those who served-

to offer a kind word to a widow(er) and children

left behind

to stop and say a prayer

for those who fell and sacrificed for our freedom-

and their families as well

for they, too, have sacrificed much

in the name of our nation and freedom.

I am posting this early...

but tomorrow

I will be sure to take a minute at least

and text my stepson

and thank him for serving.

I remember the first time I met him

"Ma'am! Nice to meet you, Ma'am!"

lol. 

He was rushing back to base.

I remember him being deployed

and praying for his safe return.

I remember the day my husband was awakened from his nap

with a strong hand on his shoulder

and Tommy standing there.

He had, indeed, returned safely.

We were blessed.

I have two honorary nephews who

have attended/attend The Citadel.

One is serving in the Navy

one will go into the Marines.

Two sons, two brothers.

One family serving their nation.

Above my desk is a photograph

of a man in a Green Beret.

His name is Sgt. Major Jack Jennings.

I was proud to know him

and he was one of the few

that got away with calling me "babe"!

(Sgt. Mjr. had a little do with it-I was outranked! Lol!)

He was  good friend. A great man.

He served many, many tours of duty

and sadly lost his battle with lung cancer

just a few short years ago.

The father of my dear friend, Theresa,

served in the Marines as my stepson did.

I will be sure to ask her

to pass on my thanks to him as well.

I am old enough to remember

my grandfather talking about his service in the Army...

I am old enough to remember

the draft for the Viet Nam War

and stars in many many windows-

some with more than one...

I remember the first go-round with Iran...

And yes, I remember

where I was on 9-11.

I was working in a law office

in downtown Southport

not far from this little park I sat in last night.

A secretary came downstairs crying and hysterical

trying to tell us about planes and trade towers and

terrorism...on US soil.

I walked out of our building and started down the street

just as someone came out of the bank on the corner

and lowered the flag

to half-mast.

My heart and my stomach met

and I barely kept from falling to the ground myself.

I remember prayer vigils

and our local church

calling all trained Stephen Ministers and Leaders

(which I am)

to come and pray with those

who had lost loved ones on that day

or who were troubled by these events...

there was quite a crowd...

I know people personally who lost friends that day

I know people who had family that narrowly escaped

and what haunted me was

that my late husband

had worked as an electrician

on the twin towers

and they were gone...

And yes, while it was an awesome performance

and a fun time in the park last night

those that came

went home changed.

We all sang

Let There Be Peace on Earth

before we left...

I think I will go back and listen

again tonight.

Please---don't forget

what Memorial Day is really all about.

Blessings,

Slow start on Saturday...

I had high hopes of getting a lot done today-

and I still might---

it's just slower  going this morning than I hoped

as I didn't sleep well last night

(never do the first night hubby is away--

and that's been more and more lately)

Yesterday

I had an early morning meeting to attend

for work on my day off!

And then Theresa and I opted

to shop some thrift and antique stores

not far from home.

We'd not been to one in quite some time

and were a bit disappointed-

very, very crowded and lots of junky things-

but we still managed some EGGS-cellent finds!

Here's mine...

I passed this up a number of times

and kept circling back

it fits so well with my kitchen...I had to take her home!
There are absolutely no markings on her--
so I know nothing about when or where she was "hatched", etc.
(It really does appear to be vintage-not a remake made to look vintage!)
If anyone has any clues...please leave me a comment!

This is my most favorite prized possession...

my Sellers Hoosier!

Back in the day

this was command central in a kitchen...

that thing behind the glass doors on the far right

is a flour storage bin and sifter...

The top that sticks out is porcelain

and pulls out even farther for a worktop

that was used for rolling out pie crusts and the like.

Then there's a little door that folds down

to secure things that might need to cool

away from well-unwanted visitors in a kitchen...!

One of the drawers is tin-lined

for bread storage...

and the cupboards below

I've turned into

rubber stamp storage! Lol!

Never know when a recipe will call for

one (or more!) rubber stamps!

The doors on top were solid wood-

and I still have them

but I prefer the glass ones

so I can display my pretties...

aka more of my treasures...

This is part of a plate and teapot and...

set that I purchased many years ago...

(shown on the plate rack at the top of the post-

the plates look like eggs!)

I  just love for its country whimsical look

and it makes me smile every time I look at it!

Just like the hen I bought yesterday and my Hoosier...

We had lunch at Burger King

(thanks to my coupon clipping friend

we got bargains there as well!)

And then stopped at another antique store

where I found this luscious soap

I do wish I had a "scratch and sniff" button for you...

it's heavenly!

And the lather is thick and creamy

and my typically dry dry skin

is nice and soft this morning

and I AM NOT ITCHING!

(I have tons of sensitivities to things like this-

and the ingredients weren't listed to check before buying

but I knew if nothing else

it would make a great drawer sachet.

No chance of that unless we go get some more.

I am keeping that little shop a secret!

Too many things I wanted to bring home...

maybe we'll go back soon.

Speaking of itching...

this guy

had to go the vet yesterday.

He's been scratching endlessly

and while we saw no evidence of fleas

nor did his housemates seem to be having itching issues---

sure enough, Dr. Travis found one!

At least we know what it is

and everyone got medicated when Momma got home

and were even quite cooperative!

No claws involved-theirs or mine!

Lol!

Even Bad Cat was cooperative

getting in the carrier

and with Dr. T and Molly the tech

(unlike his brothers!)

They are always glad to see

BAD CAT RUSSELL

on their roster

rather than Inky or Poppa Cat!

So we've just taken an easy slow start to the day today

it's cloudy one minute

and sunny the next.

One more cup of coffee and I will start flyladying.

Theresa and I are gearing up for a yard sale

so lots to sort, price...or simply donate

to the local thrift store.

I may want that room if I can't sleep

while recovering next month from surgery

so that's my other motivation--

besides making

a little pocket change

for more sweet smelling soap!

I got this basket at the last yard sale we had...

I bought it from Theresa...

and, no matter where it is--

 there always seems to be a little black cat in it...

who fits perfectly...

Earlier this week...

big brother (aka Poppa Cat)

decided to give it a go...

I have an end table in the living room

that needs something-

and I thought of this basket

with some beachy things...

but they seem to enjoy it so much...

I hate to take it away from them! Lol!
Maybe my friend has something else I can use!

There's a concert in the park this evening

and tomorrow as well

it's a toss up which I will attend

but am trying to put some fun things for me

back into my life

and this sounds like a good way to start!

Stay tuned-

I am due to do a Prairie Fairy Tutorial

this next week-

so something crafty is coming-I promise!

Until next time,

happy stamping and scrapping!

Blessings,

Welcome to Wednesday...

which is really my

one-more-day-to-my-Friday...

since I am blessed

to get a 3-day week-end

every week...

and since Monday is a holiday...

I will get an even longer one

this week!

Anyway.

I missed this performance

at our church on Mother's Day

but happened to find it on Facebook.

The young lady singing

is the very talented daughter

of our choir director/accompanist.

Her dad is playing

she is singing

and Mom comes in to do back up!

We love the Walker family!

Hope you enjoy this as much as I do...

one of my fav contemporary Christian songs at the moment...

Hope you enjoyed it!

I'm not sure how Mom and Dad

kept from choking up!

I would have (and maybe they did-

they are awesome performers and cover well!)

Remember-

whatever you're we're struggling with--

HE'S IN CONTROL--

He has you in His hands...

and He won't let go!

No matter what.

Until next time,

happy stamping and scrapping.

Blessings,

I Learned Something New!!!

One of my very favorite blogspots

to hang out is

Kelle Hampton's blog---ENJOYING THE SMALL THINGS

and today

she had a ps to her post

that explained how to make

a Windows video movie thingy

here's how according to Kelle...

WOW!

I had to try it!

And since I have a plethora of cat photos...

that's where I started!

And three hours later

(ok-the BIGGEST DEAL was trying to get the music

I wanted-the photos and vid-piece of cake!

The music-not so much!)

but here's what I came up with---

LIGHTS-CAMERA-ACTION!

I love it! I absolutely love it!

This is going to be soooo much fun!

Thanks, Kelle!

Until next time,

happy stamping and scrapping!

Blessings,

How to...

store your How To's!

Lol!

Once Upon a Time...

I had not one

but SIX milk crates

loaded down with magazines!

Rubber Stamper, PaperCrafts,

Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks, Etc.

and more.

I began to purge.

I took each magazine-

one by one...

and took out the instructions

I really wanted to keep.

Then I purchased a ton of page protectors

and started stapling and organizing.

I also took all the instructions

from classes I've taken

and classes Theresa and I have taught

and put them together.

Over time,

I would simply toss instructions here and there

digital images were helter skelter on the computer

(FYI-back those up!

Theresa lost most of hers when her hard drive crashed!)

Yesterday

I sorted. And sorted.

And today I sorted some more.

And this is the finished product:

I am down to two milk crates!

And I can now actually find what I am looking for

or, if I am not sure what I want to work on...

I can simply thumb through the things I really like

and pick one!

This helped me clean out yet another box from the back bedroom

and, when I come across more instructions

(and I am sure I will!),

I will have a home for them!

It's easier to clean-

when things are culled out, labeled and have a home!

On another note,

this guy

stayed on our deck all day yesterday!

Not sure if he wasn't feeling well

or was just chillin'

(literally-it was cold and rainy yesterday!)

This morning

he actually sniffed  my hand

and let me pet him!

A lot for him!

I was amazed!

He's our feral-been with us since kittenhood

but still extremely skittish around us.

Last night for supper

we had Bad Cat's favorite food

(well, maybe after tuna!)--

he helped himself!

Yes, that's spaghetti sauce on his chin!

Too funny!

Hubby's fixing breakfast-

then maybe I will take a short catnap

(I was up early...)

and then back to the bedroom or craft room

to see what else I can flylady!

It's contagious--

once you get started-

you don't want to stop!

Until next time,

happy stamping and scrapping!

Blessings,

 

Slow but steady...

Since my craft room overhaul

some months back

one bedroom that caught the overflow

has been waiting to be decluttered.

Today was the day to seriously focus on it.

Last week-end

I managed to empty a plastic box of misc. photos.

They are all neatly stored and labeled

if I ever get around to scrapping them!

Today

I tackled paper.

I hate sorting paper---with a passion.

Here's what I started with...

Ugh!

I was sitting on the floor in front of my paper towers

and started to put some paper in a  box next to me

only to discover that there was "No Vacancy!"

Lol.

This little guy has been my shadow today-more on that in a minute...

When I moved to the kitchen table to sort...

I had my own personal paperweight...

Once sorted,

they went into 13x13 ziplocks and labeled

with a Sharpie...

(above)these are my misc. non-CTMH solids...

(below) are my CTMH solids...

and then the CTMH designer packs are all ziplocked

& labeled as well...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the large ziplocks!

It helps keep the edges and corners

from getting all bent up.

I spent the rest of my afternoon

sorting a box of various templates, directions, recipes

class instructions, etc. and getting them

into page protectors

that will-hopefully tomorrow

go into 3-ring binders.

I FINALLY have a surgery date

June 29th...

so I am making my list and checking it twice

to get the things accomplished

that I need/want to before I am down.

Also trying not to stress

(my "shadow" senses that and keeps close tabs on me!

I am a whimp when it comes to pain).

Just wanting it all over

and trying to see beyond that

when PLEASE, GOD,

this solves a lot of issues!

Long time, no surgery-

now I will be two in two years time!

Sheesh!

Anyway-

rainy, cold and I am feeling my fibro

so time to stop and relax.

Until next time,

happy stamping and scrapping!
Blessings,

I will promise you...

that if you or your company

are one of those ANNOYING ADS

that play before the news videos I want to watch

I WILL NOT

UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

purchase or support your product!

If you give me an option

of "opting out of watching" it-

I might-just might-reconsider!

You may force me to sit through your nonsense

to get to what I really want to see--

but you CANNOT force me

to buy your product!

Are you listening

T-Mobile

Sonicare

Fancy Feast

(oh this one will hurt them for sure-because I own 5 CATS!)
TrueGreen
iphone

and I can't even remember the rest

without checking my list!

But I do have one--trust me!

My crafting mojo is MIA-

(hard to find subjects scrapbook when we never, absolutely never

go anywhere or do anything anymore...but that's a whole

'nother can of worms I won't get into...)

On another note---

 this was the view from our deck last night

as we've had evening thunderstorms all week

Can you see the rainbow?

Here's the other half off the back deck...

On another note...

these two were curled up together-

"my friend makes a good pillow!" so says Inky...

and Poppa Cat doesn't seem to mind!

and Ms. Dolly was checking out the rainbow as well...

Today officially starts my weekend

and it's cloudy, cool and rainy looking...

maybe I will go curl back up and nap, too!

Whatever you do---

until next time,

happy stamping and scrapping!

Blessings,

Seven Sultry Beach Scenes...

and some other stuff!

Is the title for today's post!

First up,

Theresa and I went shopping

in Wilm on Fri.

and I found fabric!

From left to right--allergy pillows, headache pillows

and last but not least,

hopefully a full skirt for me!

(those first patterns look overwhelming-but the pillows

are close to a checkbook size so you will only see

a small design portion-tones them down considerably!)

When I ventured into the craft room on Sunday...

Inky decided that the (hard) plastic strip off a package

made a great cat toy...

and I tried my hand at a rolled flower...

so-so...not overly impressed.

Last night

I started on the seven teachers end-of-year cards

I wanted to make...

and my helper was back...

this time with rick-rack and his mousie...

Momma wore him out playing!

Here's my "seven sultry beach scenes"...

I kept putting these off even though I really enjoy

making them...

It usually gets a big laugh...

and I hope they will this time

and that no one will take offense...!

I need to add a "RELAX" on here tho...hmmm...

Tonight is groupie night

so I am off to round up the last of my class stuff

and go and teach.

More Footloose pages (beach theme!).

Until next time,

happy stamping and scrapping!

Blessings,

ps.

I also did some flyladying this past week-end

organized some photos...

guess who....

see-natural red-head...!

this one is faded considerably-

my hair was not that light (ever!)

Theresa said

I haven't changed a bit?

What do you think?!