It's Birthday Time Again!

 

I have a rubber stamp that says "Time flies whether you're having fun or not", and it's so very true.  It's hard to believe that another year has passed and it's time for a birthday celebration for my step-father. 

Last year he chose to spend it with us, staying overnight, going out to dinner and coming home for cake and a few hours of domino play.  And tonight, we're doing it all over again.

He's just a big kid.  Aren't we all?

I lost my father 38 years ago when he was just 42.  This past Monday would've been his 81st birthday and I can't begin to tell you how odd that sounds.  I can't imagine him old.  But then I look in the mirror and see for myself that I'm no longer the fresh-faced new mom I was back then either.

We celebrated our 14th Anniversary at The Angus Barn, just as we did on our wedding night and each year since.  Tradition.  Isn't it grand?

So tonight it's another tradition, celebrating with a lot of laughter and the rattle of many a domino clattering around and occasionally careening off the table onto the floor. 

There might even be cotton candy.  You never know. 

Distracted, but well intentioned

I've been fretting a bit of late.  And worrying.  And staying a tad distracted.
I've been bounced around to doctor offices, had my first endoscopy, and learned everything I never wanted to know about celiac disease and how to live gluten-free.  Ugh.

Life continues to get in the way of my creativity.  Although I have been adding art to the pages of my latest journal, welcoming the distraction and enjoying the bright colors.  Adding pockets, playing with rubber stamps, and planning a few new projects.

But I've had some great fun with the boys.  Who can resist those little cuties?  I watched Luke take some tentative steps on Saturday before deciding that he could crawl much faster than reaching for one more thing in his path on foot.  And Jackson entertained me, playing Trouble followed by some excitement with Operation.  Not sure which of us laughed the most when that nose would light up and the buzzer would go off, making me jump every time.

It's my 14th anniversary so I'm about to head out for a lovely dinner at The Angus Barn. 

I'll be back tomorrow.  Hope you will be too.

I Ran Away but Now I'm Back

Yes, I realize a lot of you think I ran away from home.  I didn't actually, though I've run off from time to time. 

I've been designed projects for upcoming conventions, like Stampfest in Orlando and Stampaway in Cincinnati.

I'll be teaching 3 classes at Stampfest this year and four at Stampaway, and that takes a lot of work...okay, play mostly, but still a bit of work.

Hubby has been back in the hospital again for his 4th stint just 2 weeks ago, and that has kept me distracted (seriously) since last August.

But we're fine.  And I'm playing more.  And have so much to share.

So I'll be back.  With stories and photos, and it will be like I was never away.

Please come back.  It will be worth the wait!

My Stampaway Class: Art Inspiration Boards

Who knew it would take me 2 weeks to post photos from Stampaway?  Help me Rhonda.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again...there are some very creative people out there.  Just take a look at these two photos, please.

In July I introduced the ladies at Stampfest to Washi Tape, and it was a huge hit, but the ladies at Stampaway loved it even more.  All of my sample boards have unfinished edges, but just look at the difference a border of washi tape can make.  Sheesh.

When it turned out so great on the first one, she couldn't resist that little bit of pizazz on the rest.

And she also used it to accentuate a few of my favorite sayings that I'd printed for everyone.  The photo above says: When in doubt, twirl.

Indeed.

And my new Australian friend, Lorraine, whom I first met in my classes at Stampfest, was back to join the fun in Cincinnati.  Oh how I love those smiling familiar faces in the crowd.

The little bird is of course from Coffee Break Designs, as are the butterflies in this next photo.

And Lorraine took a shine to that very same phrase.  Guess I'll add that to my next set of rubber stamps!

When I'm planning out my kits I always wonder what will have mass appeal, and for this class I decided we should all be kids again and play with a simple set of watercolors.

Of course it probably helped that I gave everyone their very own water reservoir brush to use in class and keep for future play.

Of course you know who these boards belong to, don't you?

You would if you've been in my classes over the last 12 or 13 years at Stampaway, because Tammy is always present, and she always goes for shades of turquoise.  I love a girl who knows what she likes!

Some people were willing to experiment with multiple colors...

and pattern layouts...

Some were happy with the process throughout, while some questioned their choices.  But in the end, we were quite the happy bunch.

 

Cindy really liked the washi tape, hopping from table to table, since there were varieties scattered across the room.

Lots of time was spent working quietly, eating candy, cutting, pasting, coloring...

 And then I discovered one who didn't want to use the boards at all, preferring to use her own tags that could be added to the pages of her journal.

Originality.

The finest quality of all.

Time Flies...on vacation

I don't know about you, but at my house we don't buy new cars...we buy previously owned and loved cars.  I like that someone else pays that sticker-shock price, takes great care of the car, and then passes it along to me to enjoy.  We have 4 such cars parked in our garages.

But having said that, can you imagine what it must have been like back in the day to enter a dealership with marble floors, columns, grand staircases, fabulous, decorative ceilings, and lighting fixtures to die for? 

We visited the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum in Auburn Indiana during our vacation, and I have to tell you, it was pretty fabulous.

We also included The Longest Yard Sale, connecting the drive in Crossville TN, and continuing up through Kentucky and into Ohio.  Would I do it again?  Nope.  But then, I'm not a yard sale kinda girl.  I like antique stores and festivals far better. 

But that's just me.