Paper Trufflez

Mission Accomplished!

I finally finished the announcements and ended up doing a transparency overlay onto white.  Simple, classy, but not stuffy formal . . .  I hate being behind and at the bottom, rather than the top, of my game, but, well, sometimes, that's just the way it goes . . . better late than never, I guess . . . this was my personal favorite of all her Senior photos, done by Island Jenn.  These are a few more shots . . .

 

This Girl:  She's stubborn, loyal to a fault, loud and giggly, with an infectious, friendly personality . . .  filled with unbridled enthusiasm for the things and people she is passionate about . . .  competitive like her father, persistent like her mother . . . compassionate and staunch defender of those unable to defend themselves . . . has a tendency to wear her heart on her sleeve . . .  I am proud of all she has accomplished, tremendously excited for her in all that the future holds, and yet feeling forlorn and anxious about her flyin' the nest . . .

She's always been a ball of fire--more self-assured than I have been or ever will be . . . We raised her to make up her own mind . . . to be confident, to stand up for herself and what is right . . .

Despite the headaches, exasperation of the drama years, and (all) the grey hair this approach has wrought (!), I have to believe we've prepared her to the very best of our abilities. 

She's gonna do just fine out there.

Are you as *whacked* as I am?

What do I mean by that?  Well, whacked as in:  *must* scavenge and save every bit of purrrrdee ribbon from opened Christmas packages?

I do believe I terrorized the men-folk, in the after-math, as they were grabbing and stuffing discarded wrapping paper and trimmings into a large black garbage bag  . . . I literally *pounced* like a tiger, snatching up purdee ribbon and other treasures, shrieking in disbelief--I swear I spared at least 3 (THREE) other Starbucks gift card chenille mittens* from an untimely disposal!  (insert shocked eyeballs here)  Naturally, NATURALLY(!!!), with the one I received, I instantly tucked the mitten into my pocket--total no brainer! 

What is the matter with people???!!!  Do they not recognize potential card-making paraphernalia when they see it???!!! (disgusted frown)

*I was all set to give a lengthy explanation on what I planned to do with 'em (next year, of course--- OK, so that's a joke in and of itself, cuz, I never did get my own holiday cards stamped this year . . . ppppfffffttttttt!!! ), but, since this artist has already done such an excellent job, I felt you would appreciate her clever gift-and-card-all-in-one idea, if I simply linked you right to it!

You know, I don't know that I've ever seen a gift card evoke as much glee as a Starbucks gift card does . . . *chuckle*  Why is that?  Happiness in a cuppa?  The guilty pleasure of self-indulgence?  I must admit, I got pretty excited over the one I received because, well, a drive-thru Starbucks is being built about 20 min. north here on the island.  There are only two traffic lights here where I live, population around 1900, so we tend to refer to Oak Harbor as "town".  Anyhoo, I 'bout gave Dave a heart-attack when I let out a little yelp when I saw that it was under construction!   We now have an Applebee's, and a Home Depot, to accompany the pint-sized Wal Mart.  There's even a Walgreen's going up, not that I have ever cared for Walgreens . . .   I do declare, The Rock is gettin' so "big city"! 

I wonder what it would take to convince them to bring in Target . . . ooooh, now *that* would be "big".  Uh huh! Oh, an island girl can dream, eh?! *wink*

"Be True To Your School!"

My daughter, a senior this year, is fortunate enough to be walking through the doors of a brand-spankin' new high school building.   As she gave me a tour of the new building, I gazed up in awe, and, commented, "I never, ever had a chance to attend or teach inside a brand new school.  I hope the students realize just how remarkable this really is."

Hayley, who has been serving on the school board as a student representative, went on to tell me about the senior class's plans:  They will be taking the freshman class through the building the first few days of school, pointing out the very special student-centered features that were included, during the planning phases, and finally realized in the construction phase.  They'll be discussing student pride, and the responsibility they ALL share in taking care of it.

"Be True To Your School!"

True indeed!  I think the above plan is an awesome way for the older classman to reach out to the younger!

Anyway, if you need some *uber* cool school related ideas, check out what the Design Team has whipped up for Fan Club Members over on Splitcoast:  Be True To Your School!

For some reason, I keep having flashbacks to the movie Grease, and that scene where the lady principal announces over the  high school PA system:

"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter!"

Am I the only one that snorts over that even to this day???  (ROTFLMBO!)

Well, I've come down with some sort of cold or flu bug, but, rest I cannot tomorrow:  My baby sister and her family arrive from California this Friday for the weekend  (her 20th Class Reunion)!  The house looks like a war zone, and the new washer and dryer aren't scheduled to arrive until Thursday afternoon, the delivery men's version of "afternoon" being between the hours of 11am and 3pm  (insert rolling eyeballs). . . .  In a moment of desperation, I bought everybody new panties last Saturday, and am keeping my fingers crossed that we'll make it to Thursday before the dirty laundry avalanches and we are buried and lost forever . . .

No more tears . . .

Thanks for all the comforting comments regarding my beloved iBook.

The demise of a laptop, for someone whose work is conducted on it daily, can, figuratively speaking, feel like losing one's right arm.  It's not just for data storage, it's a powerful tool for all sorts of creative works and a communication device.

I braced myself for the worst . . . This was gonna be painful . . .  It had taken me at least a year to save up enough to buy it in the first place, and with one brief moment of carelessness . . . well, frankly, I've been on the verge of tossin' my cookies over the whole miserable episode.

As I re-counted my story to the support/care gentlemen that took my call at Apple, I could actually SEE him, from his voice coming through the phone line, teeth clenched, shoulders scrunching up, and eyes crinkling shut in sympathy, as he said, "Oooooooooh."

By this morning, the laptop would still boot, didn't ask me to log in, and would now respond to the eMac keyboard if plugged into the USB port, but, zero response came for the iBook's own.  It recognized the Airport, and it will get online.  But, I can't type anything, or use any function keys, etc.  After hashing all this and more out with Harold, including interrupting him with a panic stricken voice, to tell him about the long horrid screeching beep (similar, I might add, to the sound of our smoke alarm when I've burnt dinner) that had occurred once during the milk mopping process, he finally said:

"You could tell me more, but, I'm gonna stop you right here because:  .  From everything you've told me, I think a new keyboard will resolve this.  I think you were quick enough to mop up that milk, that it didn't reach the mother board or damage your hard drive.  You're still covered under an Apple Care/Protection Plan. 

With this particular model, you can actually remove the bad keyboard and install the new one yourself.  There will be instructions included with it, and it's actually very easy.  But, call us, if you do have any difficulty. 

This is step one.  If it doesn't work, we'll take step two.  We'll get this out to you immediately, no charge."

. . . Have ya' ever wanted to kiss a complete stranger??!! 

Yeah. Poor Harold!  If he'd been standing there, I would have.  As it was, I think I stunned him, by calling him "My Angel."  I musta croaked out "Thank you!" a gazillion times.

So, I sit here tonight, and ask once again:  Is the glass half empty, or half full?

Well, by golly, by a sheer stroke of good fortune and having a roll of toilet paper nearby during the incident, the appletini glass, tonight, is completely FULL. *wink*

Thank you again, for all the supportive comments, and offers of assistance.  It *really* did help.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Mondo hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Is the glass half empty or half full?

Sometimes, you don't realize how much you depend on something until it is gone.

Last night, I worked feverishly, trying to get all the finishing touches into place for this:

Splitcoast Fan Club Celebrates Three Years! An entire week of stamping challenges for Fan Club Members only: Dare to Get Dirty!

Dirty Dozen Designers Current and Alumni have been working with me for some time to pull this all together--36 stamping challenges over the course of an entire week! It has taken a lot more time and energy to coordinate than I ever imagined it would, and, could not have been done without them.

We're nearing the end of day 1. *chuckle* I can't help but feel that all the hours and hard work put into this, behind the scenes, will have been worth it! I have been following the chatter threads, and as I see all the fun they are having, and the AWESOME artwork they are uploading, I could not be more jazzed! And, I cannot wait to see what our Fan Clubbers do with tomorrow's challenges!

As in most things, there are always last minute details or loose ends that you see just when you think you do have everything ready, and, it drives me crazy not to tend to it if at all possible, before the curtain goes up. Would anybody else notice? Probably not. But, I do.

Late in the evening, Taylor, who knows, just like everybody in the family knows (cuz I haven't cooked a decent dinner nor caught up on the laundry since our family roadtrip), what a frenzy I have been working through, offered to bring me a pair of freshly baked cookies and a cool glass of milk. Exhausted, but knowing there was still more to be done, I felt a sweet little treat from my sweet young man would be just the thing I needed to keep me going.

Pecking away, munching on Reese's Pieces cookies, and looking forward to crawling into bed before midnight for once this week, I reached up to adjust the angle of the screen on my laptop.

Unfortunately for me, it was 2 am before I did finally collapse on the bed, crying over spilt milk. Literally. I had knocked over that glass of milk right into my laptop's keyboard . . . the very laptop that contains artwork photography, patterns/templates I've designed, written works . . . in short? Everything vital. Had I ever backed it up? Nope. Has cleaning up the milk and giving it time to dry out helped? Nope. In fact, it is worsening. As of this afternoon, I can get it to come on, but, I can't log in. Not even by hooking up the keyboard from the eMac to the USB port. That worked last night. But, today? No go.

Is the glass half empty or half full?

Well, last night, I could have told you that the glass was most definitely completely empty.

Don't ask. I am in deep mourning.

And, I have to say these things so that I'll laugh instead of bustin' into tears again . . .

A Strong Friendship . . .

Tea & Coffee Clear Art Stamps by Crafty Secrets (Sneak Peek!); Patterned Papers from the Pastel Paper Pad by Crafty Secrets; Brilliance Ink in Graphite Black; Alcohol Sketch Markers by Copic; Button by Foo-fa-la; Pink Bling Rhinestone Stickers by Heidi Swapp; Pink Polka Dotted Organdy Ribbon from Michael's

This Tea & Coffee stamp set is coming soon and ever since I laid eyes on it, I've been dying to make Ann Taintor inspired cards.  I *adore* Ann Taintor's sense of humor and snappy little quips, combined with the divas of yesteryear--just CRACKS me!

Even my daughter is wild about the divas--just so June Cleaver *perfect*

Ann Taintor's work makes me think kitsch--and I love kitsch because it's art that makes me laugh! 

"This term refers to the 'low-art' artifacts of everyday life. Paintings of Elvis on velvet, lamps from the statue of David and clocks in statues of Budda. The term comes from the German verkitschen meaning (to make cheap). It has been made popular in the years since the beginning of pop art. These objects are now revered by collectors as "camp", making low art into high art."--definition found on the web*

No, I don't collect it, but, I admire and appreciate it!  And, laugh lots over it!

*I actually found a lot of web definitions, but, I think there's more to describing it than some of the entries I came across, such as "art in pretentious bad taste".  The one I found above seemed a broader, more encompassing way to describe what kitsch is to someone totally unfamiliar with it, at least, IMHO . . . You know--like the "leg" lamp in the movie "A Christmas Story".   *grin*

What kind of stamper are you? Continued . . .

I found yesterday's post to be an intriguing, fascinating, and fun discussion!  I *should* be working, but, I wanted to take a few moments to explore it more . . .

BTW, in case I confused anybody, on the topic of scrappy vs. stampy cards (which wasn't intended as adverserial), one is not better than another--they are simply different beasts.  For example, if I design a card that uses patterned paper, scrapbook embellishments, and then I stamp a sentiment onto it, that is not a "stampy" card; it's a "scrappy" card.  In other words, stamping is definitely not the focused art medium used in its creation. If stamp images and techniques (not necessarily complex or time consuming ones, either, I should add) are the intended focal, and the project is geared towards that in various ways, that's what we mean when we say "stampy". *chuckle*  The card "Strong Friendship" that I'm uploading subsequently after this post, is what I'd consider a "hybrid" 'cuz it's somewhere in the middle, with no strong leanings one way or the other, really . . .  *chuckle*

"it appears that 'scrappy' cards are what many magazines seem to favor most, so, I've had to make adjustments to my publication submissions . . . this saddens me to a degree, although I'm not sure that I can put my finger on exactly why it does . . ."--me

I totally agree... I would consider that is unfair, because each artist has his/her own style, and one style being different from another doesn't make it less beautiful or less 'art'.--lacyquilter

Yes, at times, it does seem unfair.  I think, and, it's JMHO, that readers miss out on many wonderful creations that would indeed inspire them, because they are considered "too stampy"?  I can certainly appreciate the speed with which a quick card can be made by using patterned paper as the foundation of a design, but, on the other hand, one of the reasons I enjoy stamping so much is the freedom, versatility, and options it provides me--I'm not locked into a pre-determined color scheme, etc. 

And, there are things that can be done with a stamp, that can't be done with an image printed onto paper . . . I love patterned paper, so don't misunderstand me at all--I buy gobs of it, use it sparingly, hoard it away, take it out and gaze at the beautiful designs, and then stash it back into the vault--'cuz I izzzz a freak that way, *chortle* (I also own Cuttlebug/Big Shot embossing folders and love using them, too)--but, I think the beautiful flexibility of art stamping is often over-looked in magazines, in favor of a great deal of pre-fab . . .  I guess that's what makes me sad, really . . .   Well, that and a pre-conceived notion, or assumption, that stamping is somehow too difficult or complex for the average card-maker . . . ?  While I'm a stampy stamper, I don't think my totally stamped card designs are overly complex or too difficult, but, then, that may be a hard thing for a long-time stamper like myself to gauge? 

I guess I wish stampy cards were given equal space and attention in the paper crafting magazines . . .

What I don't understand, with many blogs that I read, is why is being published such a big deal when it causes you to step away from your true style? Seems a bit like selling out.--Crystal

Aaaaah. Well, I suppose one could look at it that way . . . I tend to look at it as "work", and what pays the bills.  *wink*  I liken it to those in the acting/entertainment biz:  There are many who earn their living making TV commercials, or playing bit parts, being extras, etc., but, not everybody is going to achieve the kind of stature of someone like Harrison Ford, for example, who can pick & choose the projects and roles he wants to play.

Are the actors that pay the mortgage and putting food on the table with their TV commercials, as opposed to playing dramatic roles in the movies, "selling out"?  I'd surmise that those individuals work every bit as hard as the more famous folk do, mebbe some are hoping for that lucky break to make the big time in show biz, and mebbe they've decided that the price of fame is just a little too high, so making TV commercials is just as honorable a way to make a living as an actor.

On the flip side, I imagine there are also a number of Hollywood stars whose true love is the Broadway Stage, but, it's the movies or TV series they work on that earns them their living . . . ?  I'm sure many "starving artists" reach a crossroads, and, end up choosing the path that prevents them from starving?

Food for thought, whatever your opinion happens to be, at any rate!

Julie- Have you ever encountered snobby scrappers? I attend occasional crops with a couple of these. They just can't believe that anyone would "waste" time making cards.--Krystie

Now that I think about it, yes.  Once.  However, I would be dis-inclined to describe her as a "snobby" scrapper--just someone who doesn't "get it" (For the record, I don't get a lot of things, like altered books, etc.)  It's all good, and to each his own!  *chuckle*  Anyhoo, I was conducting a workshop, and the conversation went something like this:

"How can you give these away???  And, WHY would you??  That's why I scrapbook! If I'm going to make something, I'm making it to keep for myself.  It's for me.   I could never make these cards and just give them away to anybody, for any reason!"

She was genuinely, utterly mystified by this.  I just laughed, and, replied, "Well, I guess that's just the crazy thing about us stampers--it's the making of something beautiful ourselves, and giving it away, that is, in part, behind the immense satisfaction we get from stamping, and making cards!"

She was the lone scrapper in an audience composed otherwise of all stampers.  Those within earshot, reacted with rather surprised looks on their faces, but I answered the only way I knew how, with what I believed and felt, and still do. *wink*

Thank you to everybody that shared their thoughts--some stamping friends and I have these discussions, and we enjoy (for some bizarre reason???!!! *chuckle*) kicking our thoughts around, and getting each other's perspectives on them.  I enjoyed hearing some of yours!

Have a wondermous day!

What kind of stamper are you?

Link: Splitcoaststampers - View Single Post - Background Stamps -- Less Popular???.

I had to laugh, as I read Lisa's post.  From the get-go, whenenever Mona Lisa and I would engage in dialogue about our mutual obsession (rubbah, of course), I recognized that I speak "Mona". 

I knew instantly what she meant by being a "stampy" stamper . . . and, some other terms she would intersperse:  Carding, being a carder (making cards, someone who makes cards) . . .

I would classify myself as a "stampy" stamper, because frankly, I prefer to design my cards with stamps from the (back) ground up, truth be told . . . although, I think not many would realize that from works that I've had published--it appears that "scrappy" cards are what many magazines seem to favor most, so, I've had to make adjustments to my publication submissions . . . this saddens me to a degree, although I'm not sure that I can put my finger on exactly why it does . . . But, that's another discussion for another day.

Getting back to the topic at hand:

So, are you a carder?  What kind of stamper are you?  *grin*

Stop. You will never re-live this moment . . . Savor it.

It was pouring rain as we left the house at 8 am this morning . . . Spring League End of Season Tournament.  Dave couldn't make it; work.  Hayley couldn't make it; work.  I had work.  Lots of work.  But, because I work from home, my hours are more flexible.  As we cruised down the island in the mini van (I *love* my mini van), my mind was racing over the numerous things I *needed* to get done . . .

It was still pouring rain as we arrived at the soccer field 45 minutes later, at the south end of the island.

The Keeper

The life of a Goal Keeper can be lonely . . . oftentimes, the play occurs further down the field and The Keeper stands, shouting out direction and encouragement, waiting . . . always waiting . . .  for the action to come somewhere near him . . .  he is the very last line of defense . . . it's a very difficult, yet vitally important position.

Most kids this age aren't "excited" to play this position, and Taylor is no exception.  But, all season long he has selflessly played that spot.  He had some fantastic stops and even tho my camera doesn't have enough optical zoom to get as close as I'd like, I was able to catch a few moments that showed him in action . . .

Up high . . .

To the mid-section . . .

Swerve . . .

Down low . . .

 

This very last shot kinda speaks for itself, even in the pouring rain . . .  pure, unadulterated joy . . . 

They won the Championship game of the tournament. *ginormous grin*

I'm so proud of him.  Proud that he plays such an important position, and does it without complaining to his coach, always offering encouragement to his teammates, even when he'd rather be playing forward.

I never thought I'd enjoy watching soccer.  But, I do.  Because of my son.  I never dreamed I'd be a "soccer mom".  But, I am.  Because of my son.  I never imagined I would EVER go see a Pro Soccer game, but I'm gonna.  Because of my son.  I asked him a few days ago if he'd mind attending such a game with his mother . . . his face lit up so bright . . . he's hoping he gets to meet The Keeper of the Seattle Sounders . . .  I can't wait to savor that moment, as well . . .

Soccer Mom shoes . . . 

Froggy Fun

Supplies & Materials, Step by Step Instructions, available here, in PDF format - www.amuseartstamps.com/cotw/april202007.pdf  If you enjoy A Muse Art Stamps, be sure to get on their email list--they send out a happy little newsletter every week that features a fun new card design, like this one!

I *really* needed to cheer myself up today. Along with several deadlines this week, Hayley appears to have some sort of tear duct or sinus infection so we have to go to the doctor, and I am weary . . . I don't know any other word for it . . .

My appreciation and admiration of the SCS Moderators continues to grow . . . they are truly the un-sung peace-keepers of SCS, volunteering countless hours in an effort to maintain a friendly, positive atmosphere.

Making decisions, without letting your personal views interfere, is one of the most difficult challenges I have ever faced in my life, and they do it, multiple times, daily.  It saddens me that they should even have to step into any forum dialogue to remind folks of the TOS, and it further baffles me that they are criticized for doing their job, both right on SCS, and elsewhere.  They can't win for losing . . .

And, so, I *need* to go out and do something positive, something kind, something that lifts another up, to re-energize me, and counter-act that negative energy.

I must focus on the tasks I have at hand, so I will probably not blog again this week, but, whatever you do today, wherever you go . . .

I genuinely wish you a happy, light heart, and a lot of internal sunshine!  May the Force be with you! *grin*