trying to grab some happy

Lay Say Lay Bohn Tohn Roo Lay

2012-02-09T19:57:00.000-08:00

or if you're not me...

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!

This translates into:

I am in a sugar coma...

Let the good times roll me right out of this room...

Hey wait!!! Its not Fat Tuesday yet!

OMG!!!

eeek!

I can't even articulate how excited I am!

I got to try my very first King Cake today!!!

And let me tell you, I am eating the entire thing so *I* can find the baby and be

QUEEN FOR THE DAY!!!

I'll also be wearing my bling thru the 21st!

But no one better expect me to flash my boobs!!!

LOL!!!

Thanks soooo much to the super awesome Roebuck family

for helping me to celebrate

Mardi Gras!!!

(I hope you don't mind that I snitched this pix from your FB, P!!!)

I LOVE IT ALL!!!

Let the GOOD TIMES roll!!!

: .)

Scrapping the Music - Hey Soul Sister

2012-02-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

The newest challenge is UP at Scrapping the Music!

This week we are doing HEY SOUL SISTER! by Train : .)

I didn't even have to ruminate over my piece for this week. I knew exactly what I wanted to scrap!

Sometimes the people who become the family of your heart are not your biological relatives,

but wonderful, creative, and lovely beings you cross paths with almost randomly...

I met my soul sister Patricia, initially at the now defunct scrapbook site/forum SiStv,

then developed an even deeper friendship after we became fellow team members at

Scrapping the Music!

It was so neat to find out how much we have in common!

In the early days, I think we traded comments and a few emails, but now I can't go a day without my P update. (And that includes what's going on with her baby girl! : .)

Means so much to me!

I'm also glad that our picture trade and layouts

inspired some of the other design team members to do similar pieces!

I hope it inspires you to whip out some supplies and make a layout, journal page, or what ever!

By the way, I'm the sponsor for the prize that you can win at the end of this month.

Every time you submit a challenge piece in February,

you get your name put in the drawing for this:

and some other scrappy goodness!

You know you wanna play along!!!

: .)

Heart of Glass

2012-02-06T21:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the newest sketch was posted at the Frantic Stamper blog...

The sketch!

My card!

I swear, I wasn't being a rebel,

I just kept playing around with the card's elements

until I arrived at this aesthetically pleasing configuration...

(hear that said by a seagull with a lisp! : .)

I just love this stamp!

I believe its manufactured by Stamp Francisco,

I embossed it with white embossing powder,

and then painted the detail with some watercolor paints.

The heart image was cut out and mounted with foam tape

on the banner strip, layered on top of two pieces of lace.

I added the pearl bits last.

Delicate!

And I need a thank you card!!!

Perfect!

the long and winding road

2012-02-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

My weekend by the numbers:

41 hours

15 of which were spent in the car for

922 miles.

200+ family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances

gathering to celebrate

41 years full of life & love...

I think Gordon would have been pleased with the send off...

A very sad day in the Lindaverse

2012-01-31T20:47:00.000-08:00

I found out this morning that yesterday one of my friends was killed in a freak accident.

He was trying to start his Piper aircraft and was hit in the head with the propeller.

I babysat he and his brother when they were little.

My family lived next door to his for 30 years.

My heart is breaking for his mother, who is the kindest person,
his brother, and his wife and kids.

I'm having a hard time grasping that you can be taking a breath one moment,

and in the next you can be gone.

I am so sad.

RIP Gordon

You will be missed.

Scrapping the Music - I'm Alive

2012-01-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

This week at Scrapping the Music

we've got Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews on deck with

I'm Alive...

An interesting collaboration if I do say so myself!

I'm gonna have to google why they worked together!

I really liked these lyrics.

They validate my thinking that this is my year!

Its the Year of the Dragon and I am DRAGON!

Auspicious!

I want to give credit to the lovely Dyan Reaveley

and her inspiring video from last year's CHA

for this piece!

So much fun to use her techniques & my spray inks, templates, and stamps!

Come play along!

: .)

Scrapping the Music - I Feel Good

2012-01-23T19:41:00.000-08:00

Another Monday, another challenge at Scrapping the Music!!!

This week's song is I Feel Good by James Brown from "Good Morning Vietnam"

A classic certainly, and a fun song!

This week I've got a pix of the darling face of Als youngest granddaughter!

(Is the youngest always the favorite?!)

She's full of love and energy and sometimes sassiness!!!

I adore her!

Anyway, my piece...

I changed the background, I moved things around, its staying as it is!

LOL!!!

You should join us and stretch your creativity with your fave lyrics!

: .)

Ebony & Ivory, living together in perfect harmony...

2012-01-22T08:49:00.000-08:00

There's a new sketch up at the Frantic Stamper blog!

After the challenge of the single layered cards,

was I excited to see that the newest card sketch had LAYERS!!!

(Chuckles!!!)

Here's the sketch...

And, here's my take!

The main image is another stamp from this set over at Frantic Stamper,

the center border is an Invoke Arts stamp.

Both stamps are embossed.

The background paper is Canvass Corp, Black & Ivory Ribbon Stripe.

The flip side of the stripe is an ivory colored solid, so I used the same sheet for all of the parts

except the solid black underneath the dress mannequin.

For this second card, I typed the Thank You text in Word,

and layered it on a legal size folded card.

The center border is Smash Tape,

the butterfly wing is Stampa Rosa,

embossed and mounted on another piece of black cardstock.

I hope you get inspired!!!

: .)

Bebe Hockey

2012-01-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

This morning, I was invited to watch Als grandson play roller hockey at Rollin' Ice!

Some of these kids are incredibly coordinated and super fast,

the others were sooooooo cute in their clumsy-ness!!!

They are 7 and 8 after all.

Low light and glass didn't make for the best pixs,

but here's my little buddy with the puck!

Daddy, Gpa & Gma, and some other mother.

Puck drop!!!

I have never seen a kid with such fluffy hair! His hair was twice the size of his head!

Breakaway!!! (Unfortunately, that's a kid on the opposing team.)

Chasing the puck!!!

A little business on the glass. That's my buddy standing there in the background...

waiting for some action!

Ooph! I think they at least have shin guards & knee and elbow pads!

Oh, and boy protection, of course!

; .P

Very exciting!

Buddy's team won 12 - 9!!!

Scrapping the Music - Care

2012-01-16T22:46:00.000-08:00

We're rockin' a new challenge at Scrapping the Music!

This week's song is Care by Kid Rock!

Michelle chose the song in honor of Martin Luther King Day and its message.

Here's my lyric choice and layout...

"Your future ain't brighter than your present."

There are some great pieces by the design team this week, go check it out!

Oh Merci!

2012-01-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I set myself up with a little challenge to make a couple of cards

with sketches from

Frantic Stamper's Tip Tuesday: One-Layer Cards

post.

And a challenge it was to not layer anything

add emblishments!

It took me a long time to decide on stamps

and a couple of tries to come up with the cards!

Wow!

A little rusty on the card making, ya think?! LOL!

Practice makes perfect!

I used some stamps from my stash, and

on this first card, I also used the

butterfly from this set...embossed.

Also some glimmer mist

and

a bit of watercolor

Same for this card,

stamps from my stash which were embossed

and a bit of glimmer mist.

Feels good to stamp!

: .)

are you an artist?

2012-01-12T21:43:00.000-08:00

My friend Ken sent me this article, which is directed at musicians, but I think it has good words and interesting commentary for anyone who's an artist and more importantly, why we practice our craft, and what kind of ripples our art creates...

Definitely worth a read.

Are you an artist or just someone who plays music?

Scrapping the Music - Who Says

2012-01-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge is up at Scrapping the Music!

The song is "Who Says" by Selena Gomez!

I took this pix of my friend Als (have you noticed a pattern here yet?)

at Giovanni's in Morro Bay, CA.

There are shells of a giant clam mounted outside their restaurant,

setting up a perfect "Kodak moment" for a"practically perfect" person!!!
All that's missing is the halo! : .)

(p.s. They have the freshest oysters on the half shell, too!!!)

Come play along!!!

This is why I know we are related...

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is my cousin Ann and I in line for the new Star Tours ride at Disneyland.

(It was 3D...Honestly people, do you really think

I'd wear such flashy designer sunglasses?

I am not so cool! Sheesh! : .P)

I think we look a lot alike, don't you?!

snort.

This is Alex,

Ann's zombie.

(You can get your very own right here!)

He's on the rear deck of her car.

I told her he probably needs 1 million SPF sunscreen...

you know, to protect him from 3rd degree sunburn, uh err...

Creepy yeah?

Yep...Ann & me, we're related ; .P

Scrapping the Music - Piece of My Heart

2012-01-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

The first Scrapping the Music challenge for 2012 is UP!

This week, we're doing Janis Joplin's Piece of My Heart <3

I had to scrap this irresistible face (Als' grandson)!!!

Every time I get to visit with him, he steals another piece of my heart!

I'm back to work tomorrow!!!

I admit, I'm happy for the end of the holidays

and ready for a little more structure in my life...

: .)

Just Breathe...

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Day #7 and the last day of

Marit's Top 2000 Musical Blog Party!!!!
(12-31-11)

Seems fitting to end this party with

one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs...

I found the picture on the internet.

The photo along with Eddie's lyrics,

(even tho' its technically a love song)

communicated exactly what I wanted to

say to my friend Esther

when I found out her cancer came back last winter.

My last words for 2011 are in fact Neil Gaiman's

...from his "official" tumblr...

Love it!!!
I couldn't have said it better myself!

heh!

(I had no idea he wrote Coraline.

I keep finding out all this cool stuff!!!

I'm still working on his book

Good Omens!)

Oh, and this is cool too!

Watch it!

Zeitgeist 2011: Year in Review

Happy New Year!!!

Love Will Tear Us Apart

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Day #6 of Marit's Top 2000 Musical Blog Party!!!!

(12-30-11)

Today, I worked with

Joy Division's

Love Will Tear Us Apart

Joy Division was one of my favorite bands in the 80's

(oooh there's that decade again!)

and I just read at Wikipedia

they eventually came to be New Order,

which is definitely on my list of my top 10

favorite bands!

I should have known!

: .)

Haven't Met You Yet!

2011-12-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

Its day #5 for Marit's Top 2000 Musical Blog Party!!!!

(12-29-11)

I had a hard time choosing my song for today,

my original song choice had some negative implications for me,

and I didn't want to art that...

this blog is called Trying to Grab Some Happy for a reason!!!

: .)

Instead, I went with Michael Bublé's

Haven't Met You Yet

His lyrics make me think of
hopefulness,
anticipation,

intention,

sigh...

In other wonderful news, the Top 2000 has become

a major event over the years in the Netherlands.
It's not only broadcast on the radio,

but there is also television show that does an evening journal of the day's music.

Marit received a call from a local journalist asking if they could film

and interview her on Friday about her Top 2000 Blog Party!!!

A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!!

I'm so excited for her!!!

Yesterday, I received an email from Marit and

she said that two of my pieces,

one from last year's party

and my Ruby piece

were shown on the evening journal!!!

eEeeeek!!!
So yeah! I was on Dutch tv!!!

Marit's beloved put together a video

from a recording of the show!

Supah cool!

I think this calls for a celebration!!!

WE ROCK!!!

: .)

Ruby

2011-12-28T05:32:00.000-08:00

Day #4 of Marit's Top 2000 Musical Blog Party!
(12-28-11)

For today, I picked the Kaiser Chief's Ruby...

(I don't know this band or song, but I really wanted to do a(nother) red page!)

Must be my favorite color or something!!! : .P

The word ruby made me think of dorothy's red slippers,

and

"There's no place li!ke home..."

'cause there isn't

: .)

Pierogis!!!

2011-12-27T19:26:00.000-08:00

I finally made the pierogis!!!

I made the dough and filling the other day.

Tonight, I rolled, cut, filled, sealed, and boiled the pierogis!

After you cool and dry them, you can fry them in sauteed onions and BUTTER!

Yeah Baby! And no, you do not see any vegetables on this plate!

Interesting that the color scheme is much like this meal!!!

I'm also watching Dirty Jobs.

Mike Rowe is replacing a belt in a bowling alley/center lane.

I still want to marry him.

(And, OMG! He just farted on TV!!!)

: .P

(You're) The Devil in Disguise

2011-12-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

Its day #3 for Marit's Top 2000 Musical Blog Party!!!
(12-27-11)

I chose to do
Elvis Presley's (You're) The Devil in Disguise.

I remembered that Lil Dubin's dad long ago
had sent me this great pix he altered.

It definitely refllects Lil Dubin's personality!
: .P

* * * * *

I also finished my December Daily album...

I have to admit, I am happy to be done!

Christmas ornament from my manager.

Its an upcycled can, twisted around a tree frame.

Awesome!

(I forgot to take a pix of it on the 16th, and
isn't it weird to see my thumb twice in the same photo???)

A card from my friend Erik,

the "magic" of Christmas!

yes!

This is my trainer, Rommell.

He must have been in a really good mood on training day

because he was FULL OF SASS

and gave me a hard time

the entire session!!!

All in good fun, of course!

(And yes, I gave it right back!)

On the 21st, one of the engineers at work threw a Festivus party.

I made sour cream butter spritz cookies to share with the party-goers : .)

A spare page, I couldn't leave it blank!

My first day of vacation.

I got a bunch of long term items checked off my to-do list!!!

I totally procrastinated on sending packages.

I dread the lines at the P.O.

It must have been my lucky day,

b/c I was in & out in TEN minutes!!!

As I mentioned in this post, P told me about this song,

so I had to include it in my DD.

On Christmas Eve, I took a little jog.

I woggled 8 miles, for the first time in a year!

Wow!

December 25th ~ me & my tree!!!

Underneath this photo is another irreverent shot of me with tree,

South Park style ; .P

And the cover, tah-dah!!!

You might as well face it, you're addicted to...

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late to Marit's Musical Blog Party today!
(12-26-11)

I chose to use lyrics from Robert Palmer's

Addicted to Love...

with a twist...

Back in the 80's, oh how I loved those Stepford rockstars

in their little black dresses

and their HOT red lipstick!

(and are any of those women wearing bras?! LOL!!!)

Click on the pix to make it bigger...

I prepped & cooked food all day today!!!

I was inspired by

Julie Tucker-Wolek's family Christmas dinner

and I got together everything for pierogis tomorrow.

For tonight, I made

Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Olives, Artichokes, and Potatos

minus the oregano (I hate it!)

Gwyneth Paltrow's

Carmelized Brussel Sprouts

A glass of Asti rounded out the meal.

On the side there's a mini apple pie.

I was convinced by a lady at Safeway to buy Tillamook

Vanilla Ice Cream to top it off!

According to her, its the BEST!

I don't know what I'm gonna do with the rest of the half gallon! ; .P

I hope you had a great Christmas Day!!!

Those who run seem to have all the FUN!

2011-12-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

I got a piece done for Marit's Top 2000 Musical Blog Party!!!

Yesterday was a steller day in the Lindaverse!
I ran 8 miles!!!
My longest run in over a year,

so the lyrics in Madonna's song Hung up
really felt appropriate!

: .)

When My Heart Finds Christmas...

2011-12-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

My heart told me once before,
To find my dream and search no more,
And when my heart finds Christmas,
I hope it finds you too...

P mentioned this song to me this morning

when I told her that I was lagging in my

Christmas spirit.

I had to share!

Its absolutely lovely...

(As is Harry Connick Jr. so here's a pix of him too! Enjoy!)

(source)

: .)

eEk!!!

2011-12-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

Guess who's the design team member highlight on the Frantic Stamper blog today?!

Yep! That would be meeeeeeeee!!!

(Not really sure why my nose looks soooo LARGE in this picture, hummm...)

Happy!

: .)

DD aka December Daily

2011-12-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

after two other sputtering stops and starts, then deciding to abandon the project altogether, only to change my mind (I'm a Pisces, what can I say?!), I finally have begun my December Daily album.

all the cool kids are doing it! LOL!!!

I bought Mr. Claus 6"X6" papers. after cutting and stitching and making my own embellishments for my pages, I realized I wasn't a fan of the color scheme. I finished 7 pages before deciding to change gears.

I then cut a bunch of red and green 6"X6" squares, stamped them with white ink and some swirly Basic Grey stamps, punched a bunch of snowflakes, and completed 2 pages.

that was when I decided to give up. day 16 and basically no pages done.

I looked up on my craft credenza (that's such a great word...credenza) and saw a mini album I made when I took Vee's Style Files class awhile ago. "hey, that gives me and idea..."

are you ready??? photo heavy...

my cousin Ann, pre-Disneyland road trip...she's so accommodating!

cc redemption card. just know that I spent enough to have $153.00 Disney dollars

that went towards my park ticket.

park ticket!

traditional Mickey Mouse icon head park bench shots.

done with my new Fuji Instax camera.

notice the different exposures?

sometimes its worth bringing the instructions along.

I gained 3#s, 4? maybe 5#s while on my little holiday.

I mentioned to my friend Paul that it was the "Magic of Disney".
he responded "is it Magic or Voodoo?"

heh!

free Starbucks download!!!

She & Him

I took my very first bar method class.

this pix is of the "pretzel"

we did it. it hurt.

I will not be intimidated by gorgeous 20somethings

who can bend themselves into pretzels.

note from one of my little girlfriends!

sweet!

this speaks for itself...

I admit that I have this attitude at work a lot lately.

one of last years lolcats!

faux bokeh, or fauxkeh as I told P!

done with my Canon G11,

as I gave my DSLR to my DAD!

I took 89 shots to get some good ones!

see this link for a tutorial on bokeh.

on the 11th day, I helped Als decorate her tree!

on day 12, Als and I ~~survived~~ went to the mall.

Santa came to my office!

shoot, I forgot to give him a piece of my mind for not bringing

what was on my list in 2008!

holiday gargoyle?! heh! (@ my desk @ work)

department holiday luncheon. ESTHER was able to come!!!

soooo happy to see her and Carmen!

I took this pix when I was about to give up on my dd.

that's my craft "area"

my credenza : .) is on the right!

that's it for now.

Jack's on his way, were going to go see Breaking Dawn.

I wonder if I can convince him to let me buy dinner???

Great News!!!

2011-12-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

Scrapping the Music had gone live with its new look!

Go by and check it out!!!

: .)

I don't think I can do it!!!

2011-12-12T05:19:00.000-08:00

A little disclosure here...

I love my daily Starbucks.

I am not kidding.

I get a Starbucks every.single.day.

And I don't drink coffee.

I either get a EGTL (earl grey tea latte - grande non-fat, no water, no foam), or

I get a soy chai.

My XSIL/friend mentioned her weekly food budget, its $25.

A few days later, it dawned on me that's about what I spend weekly on Starbucks.

$25 X 7 X 52 = $1274.00

That would pay for a nice little getaway. I could go visit Patricia and Emma for instance.

Also, if I stopped drinking a daily Starbucks, I would save approximately 54,000 calories/year.

A little more if I exclusively drank soy chai lattes.

Since a pound of fat = approximately 3,500 calories, I could potentially lose 15 pounds/year.

So, for two reasons, I should give up my daily Starbucks.

The thing is to me, a Starbucks is more than a really expensive guilty pleasure.

Its my daily happy.

It represents a connection.

I know, those baristas get paid to practice great customer service.

But they are damn good at it.

I feel like we have a "relationship".

And in a time where it seems as if people care less and less about each other,

and it feels like less kindness is happening,

its really nice when your name is remembered.

When sometimes your drink is made by the time you walk in the door.

Or when you get a happy face drawn on your cup.

So, I don't think I can do it, you know...give up my daily Starbucks.

Not today.

Maybe not ever.

It seems too important.

Send Your Wishes Out Into The Universe...

2011-11-30T19:12:00.001-08:00

I apologize for the funky spacing and formatting.
Blogger is NOT cooperating!

Yesterday was a red-letter day in the creative
portion of my Linda-verse!

I have been incredibly validated
& am overwhelmed and
excited for new challenges and possiblilties!!!

Not only will I be working once again with the
Scrapping the Music
ladies
with Michelle LaPoint Rydell
returning to lead the team, but...

I was also chosen to be on the
Design Team
for one of my favorite
stamp/scrap/craft supply companies,
Frantic Stamper!!!

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

(Breathing...ok, more like hyperventillating, you get me, right?! LOL!!!)

Please go read the sweetest DT announcement and
check out the some of the work of the other new DT members
at the Frantic Stamper blog!

I'm thinking the clincher was my "essay" : .)
that was to be included with our application for a position.
In case you're interested in reading it,

I "wrote" it to be sung to the tune of Rihanna’s,

We Found Love…

Glimmer misting in the light,
Glue and paper side by side,
Add some stamping, draw a line,

Tools I use to bring art alive…

It's the way I create, I just can't deny,
And I wanna let it show…

I found joy in a creative space,

I found joy in a creative space.

I see a challenge outside the box,

Love to post things on my blog,

Frantic DT I need you more,

Every heartbeat tells me so…

It's the way I create, I just can't deny,
And I wanna let it show…

I found joy in a creative space,

I found joy in a creative space…

and there you go!

wow!

: .)

#6

2011-11-20T14:17:00.001-08:00

still plugging away...

: .)

holding a bit of her soul...

2011-11-17T20:41:00.001-08:00

ATCs from Danica

: .)

I'm still working on it...

2011-11-16T20:36:00.001-08:00

I realize its not weight watchers friendly...

its been a rough week & I needed carbs.

p.s. they were small pieces

: .P

PSA

2011-11-15T21:06:00.001-08:00

Poor Beaker!!!

: .)

you're going to be just fine...

2011-11-14T20:12:00.001-08:00

I'm trying out a new "formula" for my art journal pages!

(thank you, Julie Kirk!!!)

day 2 ~ so far, so good...

Mickey Mouse band-aids from Annie!

: .)

I was Instaxly in LoVe!!!

2011-11-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

I bought myself an early Xmas present!!!

Why'd I wait so long to get an Instax?

It takes the cutest itty bitty instant photos!!!

: .)

Kidnap the Sandy Claws!

2011-11-12T17:44:00.001-08:00

Another thing I wanted to buy in a post-Xmas sale last year was a black tinsel Xmas tree from Target.

I was bummed that they were already all gone when I began my search!

I was so excited when Karen scored one and had given it to me!!!

I know, "No Xmas decorating until after Tksgvg",

but I figure my nightmare theme can span all the fall and winter holidays.

Plus, I couldn't wait... : .)

The Jack Skellington heads are those plastic key covers,

which I bought at the Disney Store,

along with the little figurines of

Jack & Zero

Sally

Oogie Boogie

Lock, Shock & Barrel

and the Mayor.

Donna got me the Jack skull & crossbones at Disneyland when she recently took her kids,

a perfect tree topper!

I found a mini Sandy Claws hat in my stash & my tree is complete!

moi

2011-11-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

self-portrait for commissioned ddlm H2Ocolor painting...
I wish this was the lighting that's always shining on me.
: .)

messy, messy...

2011-11-10T21:32:00.001-08:00

mistakes or ATC backgrounds,

you decide!

: .)

gettin' ready

2011-11-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

: .)

alien creatures?

2011-11-08T21:39:00.000-08:00

actually,

blackberries & cream

: .)

World War I Flying Ace...

2011-11-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a scarf for a co-worker who rides his scooter to work every day.

Its been cold in the am & he's been wearing a t-shirt around his neck for protection.

(what???)

Oh, and watching hockey!

I was inspired by this...

hee!

: .)

Mazdarati!

2011-11-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

Inspiration...

Awhile back there was a Maserati in the parking lot @ work with vanity plates that said, "LNDA L".

(my middle name starts with an "L".)

Then, JC said I had a Mazdarati, and so I do...

; .)

(btw - this is #5)

Someone Needs an Intervention...

2011-11-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

its an addiction, I tell ya!

I regretted not buying more of these mini frames last year...

but now they're baaack!!!!

just how many do I think I need?!

(last count 10, and there's the 5 I had already hoarded.)

: .)

Fresh Breath is a Priority in My Life!

2011-11-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

as far as I'm concerned,
you can never have enough dental floss!!!

: .)

Go Pens! I Mean SHARKS!!!

2011-11-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

Hard to decide which team to cheer for,
especially when the visitors score two goals in the first two minutes of the game.

Yes, they did.

Sidney is still on injured reserve.

A lot to spend on an evening and not see one of my favorite hockey super stars!!!
(I think I'll be an armchair, make that couch fan from now on!)

In the end, the Sharks prevailed,

but they looked like rookies against this Stanley Cup winning team!!!

Yikes!!!

Live hockey is always good!

: .)

abel rocks!

2011-11-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

I love my baristas!

: . )

this is Halloween!

2011-11-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

Conspiracy Theorist costume!

Aluminum foil beanie, protection from gov mind probes!

Other halloween cuteness from Pens!

I want to believe!

Gothic Mary Poppins

Spooky graveyard!

Ghostly mist or photographic boo boo?! Get it?! LOL!!!

Noreen Goosewizzler, Prognosticator of Prognosticators.

Providing the best in predicting the future!

I took the last 4 pixs at Shan's.

We collaborated and decorated her front yard at the beginning of the month.

In other news...

Red cups came out today, yay!!!

: .)

hybrid skull

2011-10-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by this:

(Steve Juliano artwork from Requiem for the Dead)

and this:

(image source)

and combined with this:

(other fan art by me for Requiem for the Dead)

I mod podged a Michael's styro skull with 7 Gypsies sheet music tissue paper:

added some gesso, embroidery, glitter, chipboard & bling

then it became this:

I'm not sure I like the heart with the wings. I think they look like horns, or

puppy dog ears...

I think I might trade that out for some Frida Kahlo style flowers (roses)...

(image source)

or a spider web like this:

(image source)

I got my costume made &

I'm getting ready for a potluck tomorrow by

whipping up some monkey knuckles

and brainy cupcakes!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

: .)

Thirteen Days of Halloween According to Madame Leota, Haunted Mansion Disneyland

2011-10-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

On the Thirteenth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:

13 Rings of Power, Embracing Strength that never ends.

12 Signs of the Zodiac, that Rule the Future and Trancend.

11 Candles Floating, their Scent of Mystery in the Air.

10 Telling Tea Leaves, that Swirled with Secrets yet to Share.

On the Ninth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:

9 Magic Crystals, that Sparkled with a force that is Pure.

8 Balls of Knowledge, that answer with a truth that is Sure.

7 Pearls of Wisdom, to keep my Love Bewitched to me.

6 Mystic Mirrors, Reflecting futures yet to be.

On the Fifth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:

5 Lucky Charms, to Understand the Right from Wrong.

4 Wheels of Fortune, To Spin their Rich and Golden Song.

3 Life Lines, Extending help to those in need.

2 Passion Potions, That Love and Romance may Succeed.

On the First day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:

A Star! a Brilliant Star for MY Fortune Card Tree!!!

Dia De Los Muertos Haggis

2011-10-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Haggis de los Muertos?

I wasn't sure how to title this post.

I'm obviously in a All Hallows mood.

You didn't know this, but last weekend I made a goal for myself to scrap 10 photos/layouts.

This is the second weekend I've worked on my goal, and I've completed 3 whole layouts!

I did make two ATCs...

heh.

You can click on the photos to make them larger...

On this first piece, I've used my Invoke Arts Catrina stamp set,

a Teesha & Terry Moore stamp,

India ink,

Tim Holtz tissue tape,

leather barbed wire,

a Prima paper rose,

some Dymo label tape, and

Kaiser Craft paper.

I also scrapped the "owling" pixs from my camping trip with my cousins...
I forgot to mention that the ladies in the pixs were my cousins.
Yes, even I am often surprised that my cousins have blonde hair and bleu eyes!
The bottom two pictures are detail shots.
October Afternoon & Scenic Route paper,
Dymo label tape,
some embroidery,
some walnut and India ink,
and a couple of deer made from woodgrain contact paper.
I still love that stuff!

Vampire squirrel.

I made a deal with myself that if I skipped the rubber stamp convention,

(and a ginormal spendfest on stuff I DON'T NEED!!!)

I could go to my LSS and buy the Tim Holtz Halloween Tissue tape.

See Squirm's fang?! LOL!!!

And last of all...Scary 13.

Have you seen the new Honda Pilot commercial? I have to admit that I couldn't remember what product was being sold... I was giggling so hard describing it the next day to my friend Michael. Crazy! LOL!!!

halloween mandela

2011-10-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

i got inspired!!!

i also decided to act on ideas instead of "saving them for another day."

i used bling for the pupils on the eyeballs...

another piece with a fright night flair...

: .)

illuminating the nite!

2011-10-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Firefly Run 5K

why is this important you ask?

my first "race" in a year.

you know, the year that's been fraught with injuries, pain, PT, trainers, pity, and a flabby belly. (gak!)

in typical Linda manner, I almost talked myself out of going.

mostly b/c I would be by myself, (no different than usual)

I'm glad I made myself participate!

there was so much energy and exuberance in the air,

funky music!

happy kids and twenty somethings, not so many adults.

we were encouraged to light up the night!

part of our swag was blinking L.E.D. bracelets!

and if it lights up and blinks, I LOVE it!!!

almost everyone had xtra lit accoutrement!

firefly logo...

some random runners...

(image source)

running down the main drag in San Jose in the dark with dancing LEDs all around you...

AWESOME!

there was a downside to the evening...

Dr. Andre (my chiro) called right b/4 the race

with lower bowl tixs to the Sharks game to give away.

pffft...

oh well.

so much freedom and joy experienced,

I had such a great run!

it was worth missing a Sharks game!

: .)

I am the shadow on the moon at night...

2011-10-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

Filling your dreams to the brim with fright!

I'm a huge fan of the Tim Burton/Disney movie, Nightmare Before Christmas

Imagine my excitement when I found this on the Disney Family website!

Oogie Boogie Monster!!!

Not sure if I effectively presented his sardonic grin, or his scariness...
(I knew there was a reason for saving those plastic bugs and lizards! LOL!)

But its a reasonable fascimile, yeah???!!!

On other crafty fronts...

I finally got around to starting my Remains of the Day journal,

an amazing class presented by Mary Ann Moss.

She has a lovely blog where she writes about

her adventures traveling around the world,

her craftiness,

and her love of fuds and cats! LOL!!!

So far, I only have the cover done.

(Thanks Danica for the cool fabrics!)

I'm in the process of gathering papers to make the signatures

(sections in the book made of folded pages)

I've also made some ATCs with my Frida Kahlo stamps...

and played around in my Smashbook!

(Trying to do some daily art journal pages, and not doing very well...)

I hear some of you are off tomorrow for Columbus Day.

I'll be at work, thinking of you!

: .)

the monkey's got a hockey stick!

2011-10-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

its that time of the year again...

for this:

and this:

I am quite happy!!!

: .)

what up moose!!!

2011-09-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

while the article was quite entertaining, it was the commentary that got me!!!

"moose is gonna get charged with tree u i."

"Lay off the sauce, Bullwinkle. You can't fly like Rocky."

teeheeheehahahagigglegigglesnort!!!

I LOVE the internet!!!

cuando los lagartos corren

2011-09-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

on Tuesday, my trainer told me I could work out on Friday...

on Thursday on my way home from work, I saw the dirt bike police on my regular trail.

that made me anxious,

so I decided to hike Rancho instead...

just my luck, there were signs posted all over

that recently there was

a mountain lion encounter.

not a sighting,

an encounter!

YIKES!!!

to be honest, I was surprised at the postings.

I've often seen parts of deer on the trail which means

some big predator was there!

maybe a deer "encountering" a mountain lion isn't as important

as a human 'encountering" one...

hard to decide which is more scary,

two legged predators vs 4 legged predators?!

my favorite loop was blocked off, so I headed up the hill.

anxiously listening for every noise and thinking all the while

what is a mountain lion's range???

just because they block off one trail,

doesn't mean that the lion won't go to the other trails,

not like he reads the signs!!!

I was debating the intelligence of being on the trail

ALONE

with the mountain lions!

got startled twice by this:

Momma was right.on.the.trail!!!

so cool!

(she's far away here 'cause she ran up the trail when I got my phone out...)

as I was doing my second loop (I was supposed to walk for 2 hours!!!)

I kept seeing baby lizards running this way and that!!!

there were a lot of flies, can you see two on my sweaty face?

ickness!!!!

it was about 90 degrees, but it was beautiful.

I got nothing else going on this weekend except a Starbucks run,

another workout,

some Dr. Who &

maybe some ART!!!

yay!!!

happy Friday!!! : .)

attack of the killer tomatoes...

2011-09-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

the most beautiful heirloom tomato coupled with

fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar

to make a caprese salad...

sooooo tasty!

thanks unknown co-worker who shared their garden's bounty!

I ate the entire thing!!!

H2O Polo Tourney

2011-09-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

"My 6 foot tall baby" Ian decided to play water polo for his high school team
the Rio Raiders this year.

There was a tournament locally, so mom Karen made the trip with him to watch.

It was my first experience watching water polo, pretty darn exciting!!!

(Sneebert is #16, hanging onto the clipboard in this shot!)

"LEFT HAND UP!!!"

Look how far the goalkeeper is out of the water!!!

Karen & I took a break for lunch!

(& a trip to Ikea for drapes!!! LOL!)

Yum...goat cheese, walnuts, and lardons (bacon!!!)

Ian was asked to film the second game.

Lots more action!!!

Such intensity!!!

In the end, Rio took 3rd place in the tournament

(in a final game against De la Salle)!!!

A good showing, I think!!!

I also dragged Karen to Sbuxs and the local flea market where we scored some good bits!

Me, a Jonathan Adler designed for Sbuxs travel mug for a $1,

(yeah, I paid $20 for one when they first came out last Xmas!),

and a plastic picture frame...

Karen an exercise ball and Beanie Babies for her niece!

She'd never been to a flea market, can you imagine?! LOL!!!

FB convo with Sharmaine

2011-09-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

Kath, you've got some competition!!! I find it utterly ironic that D had an online friend in Australia...

***********

Sharmaine Kruijver ---> Linda Phinney
hey phin-a-roony, I have a blog post in my head, it's
been stewing, and I will write it up tonight, and each time
I think of it I think of you.... just wanted to let you know
so you don't miss it :) :) :)
·  · See Friendship · 8 minutes ago

You like this.

Linda Phinney hey! a new nickname!!!
8 minutes ago ·  ·  1 person

Sharmaine Kruijver oh I can make up as many as you like, Phin-a-loo-ba
7 minutes ago ·  ·  1 person

Linda Phinney LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!
7 minutes ago ·

Sharmaine Kruijver u-phin-me-right-round-baby
7 minutes ago ·  ·  1 person

Sharmaine Kruijver phin-phin-phin
6 minutes ago ·  ·  1 person

Linda Phinney omg!!! crying!!!
6 minutes ago ·

Sharmaine Kruijver I have been locked up with the girls too long I phin-k :)
6 minutes ago ·  ·  1 person

Linda Phinney snort!
5 minutes ago ·

Linda Phinney teeheeheehahahagigglegigglesnort!
5 minutes ago ·

Sharmaine Kruijver settle down lovey :) I thrive on snorts and once
I get going I forget where to get off
4 minutes ago ·

Linda Phinney you're making me feel phinney.
3 minutes ago ·

Sharmaine Kruijver OH! I forgot it was quite catching! Sorry lol
about a minute ago ·  ·  1 person

Let Go of the Trying

2011-09-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

A friend sent this to me awhile back. I looked at it again today.

I especially like the part about "purposeful effective efforts."

Good message!

Happy Monday!!! : .)

Let Go of the Trying

+++++++++++++++++++

If you're trying hard and not making any progress, quit trying.

Quit trying and start being.

When you see yourself as trying, you don't see yourself as succeeding.

The perception and perspective of trying makes everything into a struggle.

There is great value within you.

Allow it to come out, naturally and without a fight.

Instead of trying to get to some other point,

give your love and attention to doing your very best right where you are,

with what you have.

Instead of seeing yourself as not there yet,

be thankful that you are right where you are meant to be.

Yes, by all means envision a bright future in which your dreams are fulfilled.

And see how everything that comes your way is the unfolding of that beautiful future.

Let go of the trying and let yourself make purposeful, effective efforts.

Let go of the judgments,

and let each moment of your positive energy bring new richness to life.

~ Ralph Marston

R.I.P.

2011-09-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

Team Lokomotiv - Yaroslavl

rug hooking

2011-09-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

I decided to hook a rug, but not with yarn. with race t-shit strips...

OMG!

all I can say for myself is...

Please...DO NOT drink and type!

(I'm still snarfing!!! LOLOL!!! : .)

photo credit: EHOW

inspired by...

2011-09-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

I played with my supplies today.

I've been inspired by a lot of artists lately...

Starbucks, of course!!! I cut a stencil from the graphic on one of their paper bags.

nature and camping : .) (Julie T-W, I had no idea this line was called "Mr. Campy")

my own little brain...

Clarrice and the colors in her yarn art...

Patricia and Vee Jennings, Mister Huey, and ribbon artists...

these roses are done with 7 gypsies paper.

this amazing French artist...

and Dina : .)

half my list done : .)

I ate HAGGIS!

2011-09-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

I went to the Scottish Highland Games with Vicki and David today!

I ate HAGGIS!!! hee!

it tasted like meat loaf. I don't get why most everyone thinks its disgusting!

we saw this Celtic trance band, Brother and another band called Albannach.

some drums, some didgeridoo, some bagpipes. awesome!

hot, dreadlocked sound guy in kilt!!!

the birds of prey show (hot falconer with red tailed hawk, do you see a theme here? : .)

I learned the McGregor plaid colors. I bet you didn't know I was a bit Scottish didya?!

REPRESENT! LOL!

we also watched Scottish dancers and bagpipers. lots of men in kilts playing bagpipes!!! : .)

I had a great time!!!

I caught up on my True Blood viewing.

Candace put a happy face on my EGTL today!!! I love her!!!

Saturday, ~~Jorge dragged me on~~ Jorge and I went on a (20 mile, ouch!) bike ride in Alviso.

what's cool about Alviso is its history, along with it wetlands, which is home to many species

of beautiful birds (and gnats. lots of 'em).

yacht club shot using Jorge's iPhone apps! very cool, yeah?!

I've got some art planned for my xtra day off tomorrow. I'm so excited for another day to play!

Happy Labor Day!

S'mores!

2011-08-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

Those s'mores were delicious!

I wonder if it was the burning of the marshmallows over an open fire,

or was it the fresh air???

Its a little dark, but in this second photo, you can see the shoe laces on Mr. Marshy's boots!!!
And see how he's holding a Hershey's bar???
LOL!!!

striking the tents

2011-08-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Marit's crafty summer camp is coming to an end. As part of striking the tents and making sure the coals are out in the campfire, Marit suggested an ATC trade between the camp participants.

Y'all know how much I like to make ATCs, so I was game...

I thought I'd post a peek here, but I'm just gonna show my card.

I hope the ladies like! : .)

Not much else going on these days except work, work, work, and

being tortured, I mean training with Rommell and Aurora, heh.

he was a hairy bear, he was a scary bear...

2011-08-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

*Top 10 Things I Like About Camping*

First looks...

(our campsite was actually on the opposite side of the lake)

Familiar (familial?) expressions...

Supervising tent set-up... : .P

Expansive views...

Cute furry creatures...

Owling (Beth swears its all the rage...)

which immediately lead to...

owl

squirrel

sasquatch...

Hiking...

Playing with fire...

(color swap!)

S'mores...

& Sunset on the lake...

I also enjoyed the fresh air, no technology (including horological implements),

people who completely understand & accept my weird and off-color sense of humor,

sleeping in & not having to shower : .P

sleeping on the ground (this old body can't take it), chem toilets and flies...ick.
definite disLIKE!!!

but the rest...it was like MAGIC!

BTW - There was only ONE bear!

Scrapping the Music - A Night Like This

2011-08-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

The song for this round's challenge is A Night Like This by Caro Emerald

I decided to start working in my Smashbook,

they're all the rage ya know!!!

(watch the video, its pretty cool!)

which made the going a bit easier, as the pages are pre-printed!

I just had to add the pixs and some embellishments and VOILÁ!!!
(click image to see it bigger!)

this photo was my inspiration!

I was enjoying the moment with sunset at Morro Rock

during my solo visit to Morro Bay in 2007.
very good times!

I can't believe how quickly the days have been flying by lately.
a lot has been happening, but I haven't had a chance to put it down here.
I'm off to the wilderness with the cousins for a few days.
maybe I'll have good photos to post when I get back!

father of mine

2011-08-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

Bert's visiting...

we've done some fun stuffs...

watched Annie show her pig Mahoney at the fair

hiking

geocaching (without a GPS!!!)

flea marketing

(that's a fuzzy pix of my re-entry stamp)

I scored...I almost have my early American garage sale dining room set completed!

I've got more adventures to post, delayed b/c I didn't have the interwebs for 11 days!

that was agonizing. I love my interwebs!

Scrapping the Music - Three Little Birds

2011-07-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

Its time for another challenge at

Scrapping the Music!!!

Bob Marley's song

Three Little Birds

is our inspiration

this round!!!

Of course,

"every little thing gonna be alright"

when you're getting hugs from Stitch

at the Happiest Place on Earth!!!

Cute, yeah?!

: .)

Come play along!!!

everything gone white and everything's grey

2011-07-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have a hard time busting out of my little black & white box.

I gravitate towards those "colors."

I don't think I'm all that definitively black & white,

I like to think I'm more shades of grey,

even colorful sometimes,

but then again...

: .P

* * * * *

"Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible. Instead... only try to realize the truth."

"What truth?"

"There is no spoon."

"There is no spoon?"

"Then you'll see, that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself."

* * * * *

I worked on that upcycled piece this weekend.

it took two entire days to roll those newspaper rosettes

and glue them down.

The canvass is 8"X8"

"From far away, its just a big ole mess!"
Nothing to recommend it, really.

I think the close-up is quite cool!!!

I'm thinking it would look neat if I splashed some watercolors on it???!!!
There's already some color from the newspaper...

I also wanted to do some art journal pages,

I really like this artist's grungy, artsy work...

but I am not so relaxed.

I need things to coordinate and be organized,

no matter how hard I try to do "messy."
AND whoa! its black & white!
SURPRISE!!!

Here's what came out.

I wanted to use these Social Distortion lyrics

(Ball & Chain)

for awhile now...

I sent this over to Pens for her Songs In My Heart blog : .)

It was a bit inspired by the rut I've been in,

and thinking I was going to have to quit running.

I think I mentioned I got hooked up with a trainer???

(Or shall I call him the "body whisperer"...Yes, he is THAT good!)

Already, amazing things are happening.

I was almost crying during today's session.

These workouts have been so much harder than training for

and running a marathon, believe it or not!

But its been so goooooood.

To feel like

I'm moving forward, doing something

instead of stagnating.

Yes!

Short week! It'll be Wednesday tomorrow already!

hup, hup, hup!!!

beach time

2011-07-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

kath IM'd me at work yesterday

and asked it I wanted to join her and the D's

at the beach.

you'd think that I would have immediately jumped on that idea,

but my work ethic reared its ugly head

and I actually said no at first!

b/4 I could think about it, I got all spontaneous,

quickly wrapped up what I was doing...

and then we were off!!!

a most excellent day!!!

you too can make this fauxlaroid (with your own photos, of course),

template and brief instructions generously provided

by Jennifer Kirk of Ambrosia Creative (via Etsy on FB).

major details are not listed. I just kept playing around with the template

until I could get it to look like I wanted (in PS Elements).

the best colors!

exuberant youth!

you can't tell, but its COLD!

kath's elbow. I realized this am we don't have pixs of us together.

I must fix that!!!

I think they might have been pretending to be seals???

the girl!!!

nature!

lucky shot! I think he wanted snaks!!!

I spent a lot of time today looking for stuff,

physically and virtually...it was tres annoying!

that means I have too much stuff!

I started this project!

upcycling!!!

ain't it cool!

I also modified a recipe for lemon pasta, yum!

tomorrow, I'm going over to Jack's and we'll bbq BEEF,

and watch the first two episodes of True Blood, season 4!

I can't wait!!!

I'm hearing fireworks in anticipation of

Independence Day celebrations!

Happy 4th, Americans!!!

Scrapping the Music - Blue Skies

2011-06-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

The song for this round's challenge is Blue Skies, the Willie Nelson version : .)

I present to you...

Bleu Skies...

"Blue Skies Smilin' at me..."

inexpensive Michael's frame, repainted,

plaster of paris face, painted cheesecloth, some rhinestones

and some silver glass beads.

please bring me my wine...

2011-06-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Lavender Festival and Wine Tasting in one weekend?

It could be heaven or it could be hell! heh!

(Well, the drive up and back was!

eeee SCARY! Shannon is THE.WORST.DRIVER.EVER!

But she can pour a mean glass of wine!)

Lavender fields forever!

Busy Bees!

Amazing color, yeah?!

I'm not sure what these are...anyone?!

Geez, horse head in my bed?! "Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

But seriously, the shop keeper said she sold 2 of these to a customer just that morning, whaaaaa???

"Gimme your bag and go stand against that cool wall!"

She's a good sport! hee!

CHICKEN!!! Its not a real chicken!

I did see a 5 foot tall metal chicken that I really

wanted to bring home, but Shannon wouldn't let me buy it!

(It wasn't in my budget!)

Linda: Uh-oh.
Kuzco: Don't tell me. We're about to go over a huge waterfall.
Linda: Yep.
Kuzco: Sharp rocks at the bottom?
Linda: Most likely.
Kuzco: Bring it on.

(I had no idea those sheep were in the foreground when I took the pix! hee!)

"We got a real jam goin' down, welcome to the Space Jam..."

I made plum freezer jam today!

Fresh plums courtesy of Shannon's neighbor : .)

I'm so tickled that I made jam!

it means no worries, for the rest of your days...

2011-06-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

its a worry free...philosophy!

hakuna metata!!!

ok. I need a worry free philosophy!

another day, another car accident.

so inconvenient and annoying.

little hot rodder needs to SLOW DOWN!

and no, I am not talking about me!

anyway, its a minor speed bump, haha! right?

my back hurts.

there ARE good things working for me...

I have two benefactors who have provided for me in a huge way...

I had lunch with my cycle pal Letty, I love her...

I spent good time with my heart friends and kidlets (eating & playing)...

ice is nice

and

so is Dr. Andre (thanks for squeezing me into your busy day, today!)

martini anyone? anyone?!

heart I saw in Mary's eucalyptus tree...isn't it too cool!!!

I throw my hands up in the air sometimes, singin' ay oh, gotta let go!

2011-06-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

I have an overwhelming urge to get a can of spray paint and take my stencil

and grafitti the Bay Area!

never mind that in this version I look like I have the chicken pox.

or maybe at my age, its shingles blisters!

or a horrible case of adult onset acne.

heh!

I still like the colors!

tell me baby, what's your story

2011-06-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

I think I first saw this idea on Dina Wakley's blog...

She's one of my faaaaavvvvvooooorrrritttttteeee

mixed media artists!

I especially love her grunge & her use of paint & stencils.

In this post, she made a stencil of herself.

So very cool!

Here's my attempt at a Linda-stencil : .)

I used this picture.

Edited in PS Elements

I had a hard time wrapping my head around which parts I had to cut out

to make the right parts show after stenciling.

I think the difficulty I experienced

is related to my inability to parallel parking correctly the first time

(fine, second or third time!)

and the fact that I'm not spatial at all!!!

(please, never ask me to solve a rubik's cube!)

My first practice piece...

I used Tattered Angels white Chalkboard spray ink.

(good Linda, bad Linda? heh!)

Then I tried some octopus purple Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist,

I think its called Raven, over a page where I had previously

stamped some peacock feathers and spattered (splattered?) purple ink.

I think I want to write some of the Red Hot Chili Peppers lyrics

from Tell Me Baby across that flat part....

I'm supposed to be at an 8th birthday backyard camp-out with the kidlets

right now,

but I begged off.

I was being shy & I'm so tired after this week.

I just needed to be alone in a quiet place.

(home)

I did get the birthday boy's card done, complete with present enclosed!

: .)

Happy Weekend!

wip

2011-06-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

this piece just needs a little bit more...ink splatters, I think!

btw - that's not my shot, its hula70's.
remember, she taught the BEST WORKSHOP EVER!!!

I still love the face on this stamp and want to do a rainbow piece with it...

chi running, riiiight. still no running, period.

this is a watercolor/ink 'speriment...I totally forgot why I made a green background.

until now. something with dragonflies.

yesterday was cozying up with sweet kidlets, pizza, cake & a friend's good news.

today was just not good. and for no particular reason I'm just sad & weepy.
a lot lately.
Dr. André, to his credit, tried to lift me up.
its lack of endorphins, I know it.

anyway, just some stuff I'm attempting to work on...

"put a bird on it!" - art imitating art???

2011-06-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

as I mentioned in a previous post, I'm participating in

Marit's

Summer Camp.

today, inspired by a piece she did of birds on a wire,

an episode of Portlandia, (cracks me up every time!)

(btw - I have been in the shops on Mississippi Avenue in Portland! LOL!!!)

and the camp prompts,

I created an avian triptych : .)

ever since I purchased my condo,

I've used a lot of birds and feathers

in my art and in my decor.

nesting, I guess!

I also experimented with blowing bubbles in ink

to make background paper.

note to self:

do this outdoors, in a deep pan, wearing hazmat gear.

I am covered in ink.

I am so glad it was non-toxic and water soluble

because I got it everywhere,

on my hands, face, clothes, the floor, the counter, the stainless steel sink,

yes, even in my mouth, yuck!!!

I love this background paper from Fancy Pants...

its called "Spring Fever".

that's a Donna Downey stamp.

I just decided on the perfect picture to scrap here.

that's all I got accomplished today,
aside from dishes, laundry, and a nap to overcome some nausea.
hum...

I went to the Greek Festival on Friday with Vicki & family.

o.m.g!!! we ate sooo much fuds!

it was crazy crowded, but the eats were worth

the claustrophobia & the cognitive dissonance.

pastitsio, calamari, spanikopita & loukoumades!

I brought home some baklava & kourambiethes.

awesome!

I wanna go back tomorrow!

I can't get no...satisfaction

2011-06-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

blah, blah, blah...Dr. Wolfe "to stop snoring, lose weight"...blah, blah, blah!

what ever!

and can someone please

respond to communications???

ok, thanks!!!

enough whining...

good things...

1) Creative Summer Camp has started!

I got some good ideas for bkgnds via video today!

2) finally got that appt set up with the new chiro.

3) Calistoga Sparkling water with Lime Essence

4) RB's smile : )

5) starting the new Sookie Stackhouse novel

(guilty pleasure, hee!!!)

(yes, those are rocks. Texas rocks. or gravel. Texas gravel.)

Scrapping the Music - Write a Song

2011-06-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

the song for this round's challenge @

Scrapping the Music

Write a Song

Dave Matthews Band.

I love this song, Dave can evoke wonderous images with his words.
it was my suggestion and

ironically, I didn't make the cut-off for having it posted at the STM site.

oh well. that's how things have been going lately.

photo courtesy of my friend Annie,

its her brother hanging off a rope ladder!

I thot he looked exactly like Peter Pan flying thru the sky!
the stars are pixie dust!

maybe I should have included a little Tinkerbell! : .)

come play along!

disrespected yo!

2011-05-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

oh man.

we don't need to talk about it...

I'd rather focus on:

1) chat with a personal trainer today,

& finding a new way forward?!

2) a quiet work day

3) deep convo with Bea

4) a glass of wine

5) coconut cream pie for dessert!

LOL!

oh and yesterday's picture was an old x-ray of my back,

doesn't mean anything except,

well... I might be revisiting that injury again.

I'm seeing a new dr., hopefully this week...

I dress this way just to keep them at bay, 'cause Halloween is everyday

2011-05-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

while I am completely frustrated on many levels,

I still want to focus on what is gnarly and copacetic right now...

so 5 GOOD things:

1) kid piles (& star wars movies!)

2) melting moments

3) that bit of sunshine we experienced yesterday

4) Italian Sweet Créme coffeemate

(I blame KG, she hooked me up! : .)

5) remembering...

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

2011-05-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious!

Are you ready for
Disneyland Through the Viewfinder???!!!

(In case you need to review TTV, go here...)

Oh wait, that's Self-Portrait with Phinney Overbite...snort.
(We all have it, ya know...
Maybe not my sistor, but she's perfect!)

Walt & Mickey

Swans by Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Snow White's Grotto

Matterhorn and Abdominal Snowman!
heh!

Mad Tea Party
I love these colors!!!

You know it, and now its stuck in your head!!! LOL!!!

Sleeping Beauty's Castle!

Sailing Ship Columbia on the Rivers of America
I think that's one of Tom Sawyer's rafts too!

There's something peculiar about this photo...

Cutest little girl in line at the Haunted Mansion,
she was with her Mini Me Sister!

Balloon vendor in DCA

Mickey's Fun Wheel!

I did take some regular pictures...

Not this one, I asked a young woman to take the traditional Mickey Icon Head shot.
Next time remind me to suck in mah belly!

Ticket!!!

The first look at the Castle always gets me excited!!!

Lilo & Stitch in Its a Small World!
Sing it Baby!!!

Single Rider gets to go in FRONT!!!
(Actually, I asked...)

Yet another self-portrait.
Do you like the floating head in the corner?

Yes! Single rider pass!

Minnie & friend!

Tower of Terror, EEK!!!

I get by with a little help from my friends...

2011-05-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

I took a road trip to Southern California this past weekend...

I got to see these faces...I've missed them very much!

Little Dubin

Baby Mermaid and (mommy) KG

Baby Mermaid again! who could resist the cute-ness!!!

Bonnie Lass!

my "little brother" Darrin...

and my "little sister" Kiley (KiKi Carumba) & her boyfriend, Darrel

(aren't they just darling?!)

Roma & Maurice are camera shy,

as are Denise & Ron : .)

wii,

ballet and golf lessons,

great fuds and tropical beverages,

gor-met bbq,

memory lane

and

great conversation...

it was very, very good : .)

a dream is a wish your heart makes...

2011-05-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

I'm off to visit my boyfriend!!! ; .P