I'm LOST in coloring today

So yeah, I sat on my butt today, but it was time well spent, I think. I got the 2nd season of LOST for Christmas and since its been ages since I watched season 1, I started to watch that today. I've gotten through 3 DVD' so far.

So, while watching Lost, I colored. Jennifer inspired me to dig out my Terry Medaris stamps since she did such a FANTASTIC job coloring her new images. I did the cowgirl bookmark for a friend for Christmas. I love orange and purple together and she loves red. She has twin boys and when they were little they had red cowboy boots that they wore EVERYWHERE and with EVERYTHING. It was hilarious. So, back to the bookmark... I colored this for her since she reads so much. I think she took the advanced Evelyn Woodhead speed reading course cuz she reads fast! So, Pam, this is for YOU!

The door stamp is another thing. I just wanted to color something besides a person. I pretty much copied Terry's color scheme for this door scene. It helps me to do that so I get an idea of how I want to color it again using my own colors.

Done coloring and done watching Lost for the day. Hope your Christmas day was just as fun.

Doing the happy dance

I've been able to make cards every day this week. I won't bore you and post them all here. You can see them in my 2peas gallery. Here's one I did last night. It was really fun to color. I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils, of course! It took me about 90 minutes to color this image. I did not use a blender or gamsol. I just layered color upon color. Erin asked me what colors I used for the fleshtones and I'd have to say, "all of them". Well, ok, not blue or black or green, but probably all the peaches, some pinks and a little burnt sienna. I just love the red-haired lady in green. I imagine that's what I'm going to look like in a few years. Have a great day. Thanks for reading my blog.

Results of Self-Addressed Saturday

Wow, what a fun, fun day! First we had lunch from the Continental Deli. Yummy! Then we walked down to the Scrapping Cottage and bought some needed craft supplies. Then we walked back to the Cupboard and got down to some serious crafting. We made cards and laughed until coffee-time, about 5:30pm, and we walked down to the Blue Mug to get our caffeine fix. I had the white mocha latte. Yummy! Back to the Cupboard to make more cards. We laughed so hard that Jill had to swallow three times! Ok, that was an inside joke, but I know it made her laugh. So we made cards until 11:00pm when Cat kicked us out. haha not really, but it really was time to go home. What a fun

So here's what the pain was

I went to the doctor on Monday and I explained my symptoms to her. She looked in my throat and in my ears and said I have a sinus thing brewing. You know - the fluid behind your eardrum, the ear pain, the postnasal drip and a slight fever. She explained that the symptoms I had were consistent with a bacterial virus that is going around. People are experiencing the same symptoms I had and it's an infection! What the *&%@?? Ok, whatever. At least I wasn't having a stroke or a heart attack, huh? She prescriped a short term course of Cipro and I should be fine. I just wanted you all to know that so that you didn't think I was gonna leave you anytime soon and then you'd start lining up to get my craft goodies. Not yet, my friends... I intend to be here a looooong time! I have lots of cards to make yet! BTW, Jennifer is the first one to email me back with her weird list. How about the rest of you gals? You know you're weird - let's see your lists!

Six Weird Things About Me

Ok, so Godelieve tagged me and now it's my turn to reveal six weird things about me. I have to say it took me a couple of days to pare my list down to just six things...

1. I am legally blind in my right eye. I only have peripheral vision.
2. I like to take nude vacations and pose for nude pictures, especially outside. Not porn, just au natural. Was that too much information?
3. I believe in clairvoyants and mediums. I think I have the same gift, but I'm afraid to use it.
4. When I'm bored or I'm thinking, I always tap out the same rhythm with either my hands or my feet, and sometimes at the same time.
5. I've always wanted to be an actress or a singer.
6. I prefer to drink my cold beverages with a straw. If there is no straw available, I rarely finish the beverage.

Ok, so maybe some of those aren't so weird, but maybe they are odd. I know I'm odd, but I'm ME!

So now I tag the following people to come up with their own list: Cat, Jill, Dana, Donna, Jennifer. You all know who you are, so come on, post your weirdness.

Some Christmas cards

So I decided to make some Christmas cards. It's about time, right? Christmas is only 12 days away, so I'd better send cards soon. I used all three sizes of the scallop circle by justjohanna. One of the ladies on the Stamp Shack posted her card and so I lifted the layout. Cool beans. Here are the cards. Oh, and you can't tell from these pictures, but I used Perfect Pearls on them in the circle area. It looks really cool IRL. BTW, these are the same cards in my 2peas gallery.

It was a weird kind of chest pain

I was at my birthday celebration at Lips and suddenly I felt really weird. Kind of like the moment you realize you're drunk, but I wasn't. Honest. I didn't even finish my martini. I felt a little dizzy, flushed, hot and had this pressure in my upper chest. I first thought it was a hot flash, but it wasn't. Then I thought I had the flu, but no, that wasn't it. I went outside for some fresh air, but that didn't help either. I just felt out of it. Sickish. So we went home, went to bed and I woke up feeling fine. Sat down with my cup of coffee and turned on the DVR. Watching my recorded shows, that same feeling came back. Oh no! Felt sick to my stomach, sweaty and that damn pressure in my upper chest. No pain down my arms either episode. I do have to say, though, that I always have pain in my back, neck and left arm. It's from a herniated disc in my c-spine. C-6 or -7 I think. So it's fairly easy to tell a new type of pain from the old, constant pain. So, I decided this morning that maybe this wasn't a virus at all, maybe it was a sign of something. I got dressed and called Pam. She took me to the doctor's office. They did an EKG which showed some "changes" from my last EKG. Doctor told us to go directly to the ER. We did and we sat there for 5 hours. Oh, I got in immediately, but we were there for 5 hours. They did a couple of EKG's, 2 chest xrays and bloodwork. Everything came back perfectly normal. The doctor couldn't explain the episode and recommended I stay overnight but I decided to go home. I'll go back to the doctor tomorrow and get a referral to a cardiologist. That's enough about that. On to happier things - like paper and stamps!

My birthday

I had a great birthday. I received many congrats from the justjhanna design team as well as members of the Stamp Shack (fellow Shackies) and from the PCMB ladies. Thank you all for your lovely cards. On Friday, my actual birthday, John and I went out to dinner with my Mom, my sister and her husband. We went to the La Playa Cantina and Grill in Restaurant Row in San Marcos for dinner. Yummy! On Saturday, I planned my own outing. We went to Lips in San Diego. If you don't know about Lips, it is a fun drag queen dinner show. They are so talented and they look so freakin' good in their dresses! Here are a few pictures from the show. My son, Anthony is in the first picture. He's the second one from the right (tan shirt). I thoroughly enjoyed myself, even though I got sick, but more on that in the next blog.

It's a cake day

I worked on birthday cards today. The cards are for my friends over at the Stamp Shack and the PaperCrafts Message Board. I don't think they read my blog, so I don't think this will spoil the surprise. This first card is with the circle cake stamp. Yes, I cut out all the little circles on the cake. I also paper pieced Belle on top of the cake as well as the gifts on the bottom right of the card. All stamps are by justjohanna. The second card (orange one) was made with Chatterbox and Scrapbook Walls paper. I love orange and green together. I love this cupcake stamp by justjohanna. The little flower on top of the cupcake is a flower brad with a gem glued to the top of it. You didn't think I would make a card without a little bling, did you? The third card was made with paper by Making Memories, Bazzill and Imagination Project (Chloe's Closet). I got the IP paper in my SA add-on kit. Same jj cupcake stamp. Can you tell I love this stamp? I use it all the time.

I love to color

Here's a card I made the other day when Donna was over and we were crafting. I was showing her how to color with the Prismacolor pencils and the using the gamsol to soften the color. This looks like watercolors instead of pencils.

I could color all day and all night using my Prismas. Man, I love those pencils! I should be a commercial for them. I should call them up. "Hello, Prismacolor pencil company? Yes, I love your pencils so much that I should be your official spokesperson. Yes, I'm serious. I could to your tv commercials. Oh, you don't do tv commercials? Well, you SHOULD! Ok, then, how about a podcast? Popup window? You say I'm obsessed? You're calling who? Oh, ok, I'll go now. I'm hanging up. Bye."

Not Christmas cards

I got this neat set of clear stamps at A.C. Moore when I was in PA visiting my sister. The stamps are by Rubber Soul. These are just two of the little sets. I think the crab is just too cute! Both card ideas are from the December issue of Cards magazine. I just picked a layout I liked picked out the stamps and went for it. Paper on the crab card is by Memory Box. Paper on the frog card is Basic Grey except for the green strip on the left - that's Memory Box. The zigzag stamp is by Inky Antics. I have no idea where I got those buttons.

Making Christmas cards

I've been busy this weekend. I made lots of Christmas cards. This is a PSX stamp and I used the reverse negative technique. You just stamp the same image two ways: blank ink on white CS then white ink on black CS. Then you cut diagonally and that's it. I think it's striking. These two cards are the same except for th colors. Printed paper is by Memory Box, solid CS is by Prism. The snowman is a brass stencil that I dry embossed, colored a little with Prismacolor pencils and then I went back over it with translucent embossing paste and a little (a lot) of glitter. Sentiment stamp is by justjohanna. I can't decide which color combo I like best. I'm leaning towards the green one, though. This was a really quick card. Alpha is Stamping Mathilda by justjohanna. Partridge stamps are by justjohanna. PP is My Mind's Eye, Signature Suite, "Happiness is Bliss". Isn't it yummy? This card took me a while to do. The ornate Christmas tree stamp is by justjohanna. Stamped with Versafine black ink, then colored with Prismacolor pencils - many, many layers! Background paper is Kaleidoscope. Sentiment is by justjohanna.

Christmas is coming!

So I got into the Christmas mood by making some Christmas cards with my new stamps from justjohanna. I gold-embossed this tree and sentiment. I love this fancy tree. The next card I make with it will have lot of sparkles! I love these little cardinal birds. They had to be red on the blue card. You can't tell, but the word "the" is in blue glitter. Each little snowflake on the background has a bit of glitter on it. I love this ornament stamp. I used some of the alcohol-inked transparency I made last week for the ornament. This paper is from DCWV. I actually lifted this card idea from Johanna. 'Course she probably lifted it from someone else...? I used the fancy tail stamp for the corners and then the fancy frame for the center. The sentiment is actually a horizonal stamp, but I used a masks to turn it into a vertical sentiment.

Using my new stamps

I love, love, LOVE this giant cupcake stamp. I used Wild Asparagus papers on this birthday card for my friend, Gig. I got my order of stamps from justjohanna, and so I made some cards. YAY! I made these at our Saturday Craft Coven group. No, not the Coven, it's SAS. The A stands for WHAT?! Nevermind. Here's that cupcake stamp again, only this time I used Kaleidoscope papers. I also used the cake background stamp. I love that huge stamp! Of course, I snuck a little sparkle in on this card. I put red Stickles on the candle flame. And isn't this snowman just the greatest, cutest thing? He reminds me of a marshmallow guy. I love his swirly arms! All paper is Wild Asparagus. I used Johanna's swirly background stamp on the snowman and the snowflake trio on his hat. The sentiment is a horizontal one, but I masked and made it a vertical one. I got carried away with the snowflakes on the background. I started out with a few, then added one more, then one more, then next thing you know, you've got a blizard! Yikes!

Finally, my Muse is back

I made these cards this last week. Nothing fancy, but a least I MADE something. I was having a terrible time. I guess my Muse was in Jamaica. Anyhow... Here's a little Hello card. Paper is by Foof-A-La, sentiment is Rubber Stampede. Flower stamps are by Outlines and hard to tell, but I used some Stickles on the flowers, of course. Every card needs some sparkle. Isn't this turkey adorable?? He's a Lasting Impressions brass stencil that I dry embossed, chalked, and then applied transparent embossing paste over the top. He's very shiny! Sentiment is by Memory Box. Paper is really cute with turkeys and gobble, gobble on it. Unfortunately, I used the part of the paper with the manufacturer on it, so I don't know who makes it. I got it at Tall Mouse Crafts.

So why haven't I blogged any art?

Good question. I've been in a slump. I've tried all the tricks I've tried before, but nothing has worked so far. I've reorganized my craft space in hopes that that would do it, but nothing yet. I WANT to make art, I just can't seem to get it down on paper. I tried coloring images, but nothing would come after that. Just coloring. I'm not satisfied with that, but I can't fight it. It will come SOMEtime.

Justin Timberlake - Sexyback Live

Justin Timberlake and Timbaland live(David Letterman 09-11-06).

Pub Calls

Pub Calls

I finally did it!

I submitted two cards for publication. One card is done with justjohanna rubber stamps and the other one is with Rubber Soul and Rosie's Roadshow stamps. I don't think I can post pictures of the cards if I've sent them for publication. I'm unfamiliar with the whole process, so I'll keep you posted.

Happy Halloweeeeeeeeen!!!

Here is a picture of the ladies that dressed up where I work. Most were sports fans, but Jeanna was a lunch lady (the one with the hairnet and the glasses). I am on the far right. Can you guess what I am? A clue: I am an entree... Not getting it yet? Ok look closely... Chicken. Cord. I'm wearing blue. Aww, c'mon you can guess it.... Chicken cordon blue! I hear you groaning...!

Sharing

Yup. This is sharing. Ask my sister. I'm thinking of putting this picture on my business card, what do you think? Too tacky? Ok, so I'll take off the sweatshirt.

Hoy es Lunes

Yep, another Monday come and (almost) gone. It was a very productive day. Well, it was at work, anyways. I did a little grocery shopping after work then home to chill. I hate grocery shopping. Seems like such a waste of time. I neeeeeeed to get some projects done and I just can't. My brain just won't think. Can't create. I'm blocked. Anything I try to do is crap. My table sits littered with stamps, inks and paper and there is nothing I can do. Maybe I need some Ginko or something. Tomorrow is Halloween and yes, I have my costume. I stole the idea from a t.v. ad, but then I always steal my idea from somewhere! Stay tuned tomorrow for a picture. Don't get too excited because it's not that spectacular - it's just funny.

The Happiest Place on Earth

Yes, we went to Disneyland today. About a month ago, we received a card for a free visit to Dland. It was for a 1-day park hopper, but we have no desire to go to CA Adventure, so we just paid for the 2nd admission ($64!!) and went inside. It was crazy mad there. Go figure: gorgeous 80 degrees outside, Dland all decorated up for Halloween, fireworks, parades, etc., no wonder everyone on EARTH was there. I think the longest we waited for a ride was 45 minutes, so that's not so bad. The Haunted Mansion was the BEST! It was all done up in the Nightmare Before Christmas theme. Awesome! I love that movie, don't you? Jack Skellington everywhere. Pirates of the Caribbean was also revamped. They just added stuff to be like the movie, with Jack Sparrow character in there a few times. We did Space Mountain, too. It seems faster and more fun each time I ride it. We stayed for the parade at 7pm. We got our spot on the curb at the end of the Mickey & Walt statue facing straight down Main Street. Awesome spot. Tony told me that was the spot to have and by gosh, we got it. Of course we got there about 5:30 for the 7:00 parade, but hey, whatever. We ate our chocolate chip cookie sundae as we waited for the parade. Fabulous parade as usual. Disney is awesome.

Friday Fun

Ok, so it's not really fun. We cleaned up the engineering department and our own cubicles today. It was different. We do it once a year to clear the clutter and the cobwebs. It's amazing how much stuff you accumulate without realizing it. Oh, I got another call from the Deputy Sheriff today. The neighbor lady said I called her house nine times today to complain about her barking dog. I told the Sheriff I only called once and that was when her dog had been barking for 2 straight hours. I laughed when I was told I called nine times. I'm going to get my phone records from my provider and prove how many times I actually called. This is getting very messy. I find it interesting that the person who is wrong, the one with the barking, annoying dog, is the one who complains to the police. Karma, baby. Tomorrow we are going to Disneyland. It is all decked out Halloween style. I understand the Haunted House is done a la Tim Burton. I love his stuff. I may take the camera. Stay tuned.

Art

All I think about these days is art. Everything is art. I can't stop. I should quit thinking about doodling, coloring, inking and paper tearing and keep my mind on the tasks at hand - pipe pressure, hydraulic gradients and parcel maps - but I just can't stop! My right brain wants to play and it is being a pest. It wants to put the left brain in the closet and lock the door. "Stop it, left brain. I don't want you to be out today. Go away." "No, I can't do that. You need me." "Yeah, right. What for?" "Well, if it was only you, right brain, nothing would get done. You'd be altering books, inking paper or embellishing something all day and all night. Nothing productive would happen." "Hey, altering books, inking and embellishing is productive! It's just a different kind of 'productive'." "But it doesn't pay the bills, right brain. You need me for that." "Oh, yeah, I forgot about that. Okay, you can come out, but only until 5:30 and then back to the closet with you!" So that's what's in my head today.

Bee crossing

So, I played with the Big Bumble stamp. Sometimes the stamp design determines what shape my design is, sometimes it's trial and error. This one just came out. I stamped this with white ink on dark blue cardstock. I added clear Stickles to parts of the bees and then added gems to the corners and center. Oh and then I did some doodles with my white souffle pen. That doodling was pretty cool. I love the look of the white pen on dark paper. You may see some creations from me on that soon.

Tiki birdhouse

Here is my latest creation. I used only two stamps: the tiki birdhouse and the small flower. Colored with prismas. All of a sudden, it seems like my card composition has changed. I'm not doing the "usual" stuff. I think I was doing the usual/expected stuff with jj stamps because that's what everyone else was doing - making bird scenes, cakes on a platter, etc. Not that there's anything wrong with that at all, but I felt like I was trying to fit into someone elses mold. Now I feel so fantastic when I create something like the teacup thing. It feels GOOD to MAKE ART! It's like, (and I'm rambling now), all my life I've tried to fit into a cubby where (I thought) everyone wanted me, but now I'm breaking out. Hell, no one else knows I'm breaking out, just me. It's great. I don't think I would've been able to do this had it not been for the DT opportunity. Really. I would've just made the same old thing and gone on with that, but now I feel like I can really do my own thing and it's OK. Oh, btw, Cat asked me to do a class on my new "technique". The class will be called "See Something Different". I'll be showing how to make new designs with regular stamps. Join us, won't you? Wednesday, November 29th at 6:30pm at the Cupboard.

The grande teacup

I LOVE the grande teacup, so when Johanna asked us to make cards with this stamp, I was happy to oblige. I like to think outside the box and make abstract things with normal stamps, so here's what I did with the teacup stamp I use my stamp positioner A LOT. I love that thing. I colored the teacups with my Prismas.

The circle dot background

Ok, by popular request.... Well, actually by Johanna.... I am posting my funky cards. I don't know why I didn't post them before. I've been a lazy blogger. Here's the first one. Well, let me preface this paragraph with the information that Johanna challenged us to do something with certain stamps. Make cards with certain stamps she has, so I did this one This is done with the circle dot background. I penned in the stems and the leaves and colored the image with my Prismas.

I'm doing it again!

I have been lucky enough to be chosen for the 2nd time to be on the design team for justjohanna rubber stamps. Is that cool or what? Yer darn tootin' it's cool! Johanna has some new stamps out and I can't wait to get my hands on them! Come on, Christmas! Welcome to all the returning members and especially to the new members of the DT. I hope they love doing this as much as I do. I got three cool books from Amazon today. * "Visual Chronicles", by Linda Woods and Karen Dinino. It's "the no-fear guide to creating art journals, creative manifestos and altered books". I can't wait to sink my teeth into this book. * "The Creative License", by Danny Gregory. It's "giving yourself permission to be the artist you truly are". Some chapters are: Journaling, shock, sensitization, resistance, and identity. Looks very interesting and a good book to snuggle up with with a kitty, a blanket and a cup of tea. * "Hand Reflexology Workbook" by Barbara & Kevin Kunz. I have always been interested in reflexology and thought that working on the hands would be intriguing. There is also foot reflexology, but I've seen some peoples' feet and well, I'd rather touch their hands. Know what I mean?? So that's the scoop today kids. I did some drawing today, but they were kinda crappy. Guess it wasn't in the stars.

I have a big mouth

That's all I have to say.

What do I have to blog about?

* Work was ok today. * Got a great new pair of shoes at Target. * Got my Self-Addressed kit in the mail. * Went grocery shopping - sorta. * Tony and his boyfriend, Shabar, came for dinner. Shabar is very cute. First time I met him. * Ripped some of Tony's music CD's to my computer. (Scissor Sisters, Goldfrapp, Supreme Beings of Leisure, Frou Frou, Tatu and U.N.K.L.E.) * I laughed. Alot. Ok, so here's something I made. I am taking a big risk showing you this because it is really scary. I am swapping ATC dolls with Ethel. An ATC is the size of a playing card. When you make the dolls, they have to fold up so that they are the size of the playing card: 2.5" x 3.5". Oh, Ethel, I hope you don't read this.... I think these ATC dolls are just too cute, but when I made this one, I must've been out of my mind. Literally. Ok, so stop laughing. I mean it. Wipe the tears and get yourself together! The face is of my Aunt Marilyn when she was about 20. There is no significance to the fish or the coffee cup. (See my little snail head on the cup?) I think I just went overboard with the green sombrero and the dingle balls. And the glasses. And the lace. And the buttons. I am going to start over completely with the dolls. No more sparkles, no more sombreros. I may use Marilyn's face again, tho. Only maybe not blue. Anyone have any suggestions? Ok, besides "don't quit your day job".

Super Saturday

Today was great. I got to sleep in until 8. Woke up with kitties on the bed. Awwww. John went golfing so I had most of the day to myself. I finished up scanning my cards for my monthy submission to JustJohanna and then I packaged them up and took them to the Cupboard. I picked up my Hero Arts monograms. I don't know what came over me, but I bought all 26 letter sets PLUS the frames. Yeah, I dropped a pretty penny, but they are fabulous, aren't they, Cat? How could you only have 1 or 2 letters when they are all so fantastic? Check Cat's blog to see what they look like. I also worked on another card made up from the scraps and bits of paper from my jj cards. I put the scraps on the frame crazy quilt style. I submitted this to the PaperCrafts Lace Challenge. I know it doesn't have much lace, but hey, I entered it anyways. I got the new Stamper's Sampler and Take Ten from Cat. I love looking at those. Every month I say I'm gonna send them something and I never do, but October will be different. I will send to both magazines. Hey, did you hear that Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale have made an album together? It's called, "Road to Escondido". Here's the article in the NC Times. The album goes on sale November 7. I hear it's really good. How can it NOT be good with those two??? It's 1am and time for bed. We've got Open House tomorrow from 1-4. Wish us luck. I'm ready to move.....

Is this cheating?

Is it cheating if you use Photoshop to make art? That's the question that's been mulling around in my head for the past two days. How can a computer program compare with paints, inks, pencils and glue? Is this modern/progressive art or is it a cop-out? Why do I keep thinking about it? My gut says art is with material things: the paper, glue, glitter, etc., but my brain keeps saying, ‘yes, but try the computer. You might just like it.' I dunno. I'm actually afraid to try it. Why? Because the paper and glue is what I hold dear. It's what I know. It's what I BELIEVE to be true art. It's what I love. So why is my brain telling me to try Photoshop? S-t-r-e-t-c-h. Maybe that's it. I need to try the computer to stretch my skills in the other? Whatever it is, it's driving me crazy, so I'd just best get on with it.

I'm baaaaaaack!!!

Let's just get this out of the way.... VACATION WAS WONDERFUL!!! We spent a week in Jamaica and then a week in PA. Strange combination, you say? Well, yes, but consider this: John and I went to Jamaica with my sister and her hubby and then went to their house in PA for a week. We had a great time and I even got to spend time with my favorite nieces! Well, here it is the 26th of the month and I'm supposed to be creating something and I CAN'T! Yikes! I have my cards for the DT to do and I'm not even close to being ready. Johanna, don't read this! :) I am feeling creatively blocked at the moment. I have to find a way to get past it. Michelle? Help! I believe there was an article in Teesha Moore's, "Art & Life" this month about artist's block. I must find the magazine and read it again. If I don't, I might be fired! Oh, no! Speaking of Art & Life, have you seen it this month? It's not as full of art as usual, but it has some great articles in there. I especially love the article entitled, "Wanderlust". Each time I read it, I tingle. It's so true! Hey, the next article in the magazine is, "Breaking the Block (in Black and White)". I think I'll go read it and hopefully get over this dad-blasted creative block cuz I got some stuff I have to do! Oh, and I'm going to bury that statue tomorrow. No nibbles, no sales, no nuttin' on the house while we were gone. Crap.

Halloween and personal lubricant

Last night was the Halloween paper bag class at the Cupboard. It was so much fun. There was paper, glitter, ribbons and even some trick or treat candy. I will have to work on my printed instructions. Hey, they were clear to me, but I guess not everyone thinks like me. Thank god for that, huh?? The last crafters left around 10:30. Yes, 10:30, but it was a lot of fun. And to think I wanted to do 12 pages in that book. Thank you, Cat, for suggesting 6 or we'd still be there. This is my last work day before vacation, so I'm tying up a lot of loose ends before I go. I hate to come back to old, icky work on my desk. I'd rather have NEW icky work on my desk. Actually, I'd prefer not to work at all, but I'm working on a plan that may take care of that. What is it, you say? I'm not telling. Yet. I just got a call from my sweet housekeeper who told me why she didn't show yesterday. She was driving on the freeway and there was an accident in front of her. Car #1 hit car #2 and, you guessed it, car #2 hit her in her brand new truck! She was still upset this morning. Wanna hear the kicker? Neither car #1 nor #2 had driver's licenses OR insurance! My housekeeper has insurance, but now her insurance must pay for the damage to her car that she didn't have anything to do with. What is wrong with people?? They just don't care anymore. What the freakin' hell.... Responsibility just going out the window, nobody cares about anyone but themselves. Oops, I pulled out the soapbox without a warning. Sorry. I'm off it. Fortunately, she is ok, but still a bit shaken up. One more day and then we leave for vacation. I can hardly wait. I'm off tomorrow, so I'll be doing all the running around getting stuff ready. Hey, wanna hear something weird? I checked the TSA website. They are the ones who do the security at the airports. So, ok, no machetes, no lighters, no rifles, no lip gloss, and no liquid makeup (foundation), no mouthwash and no toothpaste, but guess what you CAN take? KY jelly. Ok, now if you were gonna take KY jelly on board, what the hell are you gonna do with it? You can have 4 oz of "personal lubricant". What are people doing with 4oz of personal lubricant on a plane? Am I missing something? Have they endorsed the mile high club and no one told me? Because I can, I think I will pack my personal lubricant, and if they ask me why, I will say because I can. It's on your list of approved items, along with the cigar cutters, knitting needles, and scissors! That's it for now, sports fans.

I'm exhausted!

I was going to sleep in until 8:30 or so today, but Frankie decided she just had to come in and get something to eat. Crazy cat just meowed at the window until I got up. It was only 7:10 but oh well, I was up and awake so I stayed up. The cable guy was scheduled between 9-11 today to replace our DVR, but he called at 8:15 from the driveway, so we took care of that business early. After that was breakfast and then up to the craft room. I've been up here all day! I've been measuring, cutting, Sizzix-ing and Xyron-ing stuff for my class for Wednesday night. It's the Halloween paper bag book . I've got it all done with each person's supplies in separate bags. This class has been a lot of work, but I know it will be fun. I just love Halloween, don't you? So when I finished that project, I decided I needed to make a few cards to round out the day. Here's what I made: I made these out of ATC's that I either made or traded for. The only one I made is the one with the bird on it. The one that looks really crooked. hahaha The naked lady one is from a nude ATC swap I did a long time ago. The pretty flower ATC is a RAK. Ok, I think I've had enough excitement for the day. Time for bed. I only have to work three days this week since this Friday is my flex day. Then on Saturday we leave for vacation - a whole week in Jamaica! Yeah, Mon!

Coloring Sunday

So, I pretty much colored all day. I made these cards and a necklace: After I finished the necklace, I stamped my stamp on the back and used the heat gun to dry the ink and I messed up the front! I melted the lacquer on the front and when I tried to fix it, I just messed it up even more. So, I'm re-doing the necklace because I really like it. I don't have to re-do the beads, just the domino part. Tomorrow is Labor Day. I have the day off from laboring at work, but I will labor at home. I'm going to start gathering clothes for vacation. I'll start making my lists and packing the suitcases. One more week and we'll be in Jamaica! Can't wait to get some of that Blue Mountain Coffee!