Rainy Days and Scavenger Hunts!

Sis Linda's Elsie Challenge this week was "make your own chipboard accents." This is Ver. 1. Didn't like it, so I tore it down and re-did it (that's my artistic proccess, can you dig it?) The pix was supposed to be bleu, but it printed purple and therefore, I did the flowers in purple. Ick!



Ver. 2...I like this one much better. B&W photo and bleu flowers. The text is (are?) song lyrics from Crazytown's 'Butterfly.'


Another piece that just needed finishing. Another gel transfer. Nan/Cate was interested in the technique, so I'm gonna put together a tutorial and post it on Nudge-Nudge.



Elise's Paper Adventure '08 prompt for this week was freeze a day. Pick a day, any day and record what you did so in the future, you can look back and see how you spent your time. The background paper is from a bar of seaweed/lavendar soap (there's actual bits of seaweed as an exfolliant!) I bot at LUSH. I love the LUSH life! All natural product, mfg'd in Canada. Gotta love those Canadians. I found the store b/c I'm allergic to the aluminum whatever in everyday deo. I was surfing the net, and found they mfg a deo called Aromacreme and I LOVE it! No more itching!!! Acrylic paint, Meer image and Hero Arts stamps. Text from Word.

Today Sue put together a scavenger hunt for her daughter's b-day. She went to Stanford Mall and made a list of landmarks, then created questions with different point values. "What product is in the Nike store window" for instance. She invited me, well, to take a group of girls around, but I'm game. It sounds like so much fun!!! It should be interesting in the rain : .)

I did a couple of "daily" cards (slacking off there) and will post on Skosh a bit later.

Just got a txt msg from the cute boy that works at the gym, so I'm off to read it, hee!!!

You know you have too many pairs of running shoes...

When this happens!

(I didn't turn the light on when I got ready for work this morning.)

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

Do or Do Not. There is No Try.

Well, I don't have anything particularly clever to say this evening. Maybe because I'm distracted by hockey. Maybe because I need to up the blood sugar. I did do art, so here it is with its inspiration. Get yourself a soda and a sit, it'll take a while to read thru...


This came to me during my run Saturday morning. That would be a 4 mile run, outside, on the asphalt. (Too bad you can't see the biggest grin, its blinding!) Day one of 1/2 marathon training. Anywhoo, just thinking and day dreaming away the huffing and puffing and Yoda's voice came to me..."Do or do not, there is no try." Of course, I had the perfect photo and the layout was born. I just happened to have the dictionary page with the definition for "runner." Hee!

This was for the SIStv Elsie Challenge, week #3 - Use a ribbon border. A friend asked me Que quieres? (What do you want?) and I've been tossing the thot around for a few weeks. I've come to no answer to the question (mostly because it seems as if what I want is unobtainable), but it was a great title for this layout.

I love how the background on this piece came out. Its a gel transfer of the photo from Friday's post. The Paper Adventure 08 prompt this week was "What's next?" Inspired by the West Wing and the president's always asking 'whats' next.' I had a lot of trouble with this...

What's next, what's next???

What's next in the next few moments, or
what's next in the next week, or
what's next in the next few months, or
what's next in the next year???
WHAT'S NEXT for the REST of MY LIFE?!

OMG!!!

How about more art classes?
Maybe more physical therapy?
You really should be concentrating on your spirituality!
Romance?

Sheesh!

Then, as I was stressing about completing the piece, a quiet voice said...

"Be patient and it will become evident."

I need to apply this to "Que quieres?" too!

Ha! Again the universe speaks to and thru me!



Lastly, (is that a grammatically correct word? are there enough letters in grammatically?") Christina Clouse (click Eye Candy in the right sidebar) has started a new blog called Postcards from Here (http://postcards-from-here.blogspot.com/ Blogger won't accept the tagging for this.) where she is posting prompts (and tutorials) to inspire the creation of art & journaling, using postcards. Correspondence to yourself.

The prompt made me think of the quote from Sleepless in Seattle, where Sam Baldwin speaks of meeting his (deceased) wife for the first time. "I knew it the first time I toucher her. It was like coming home. Only to no home I'd ever know. I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car. And I just knew. It was like...Magic."

Yes, taking someone's hand and knowing its where you are supposed to be...Home.

What did you end up doing this weekend?

Ready for the Weekend

Its been a busy week at work. I am so ready for the weekend! Who has Monday off?!

Friday: Couching & Ghost Whisperer viewing.
Saturday: RUNNING!!! wheeee!!! Then hopefully massive amounts of art!
Sunday: Step aerobics class and then crafting with Mary and MadRetz, yay!!!
Monday: Sleep in! Get up and start training for my 1st half marathon in almost a year.

WISH ME LUCK!!!

Here's to the body responding positively to increasing mileage!

What do you have planned? : .)

This Smile Means Lyrics

Here are the lyrics to "The Song."

I was very broken for awhile...separation/divorce & 9/11, it all happened at the same time. My friend wrote this amazing song for me, about me. I wish you could hear the version where Erik plays the guitar and sings, but I need to upload to some "free" music site in order to be able to tag the file to post here. I'm not comfortable doing that.

Anyway, here you go!

This Smile Means

I can see you’ve been walking a lonely mile,
And you don’t want to talk about it,
But I bet that you could use a smile,
Whatever has brought you down this far,
Must have hurt so much
To cause a flicker in the light you usually are,
I won’t ask you how you’re doin’, because I know,
How hard it is to say that you feel fine, when you don’t

But This Smile Means,
I’m thinkin’ about you,
‘N This Smile Means,
I’m hopin’ for your best,
Because I believe that you will see
Love has plans for your happiness,
There always is a rainbow,
There’s always a new dream,
Until it comes, I hope you know,
All that This Smile Means

I don’t know why life sometimes knocks us down,
So we have to face our fears,
‘Til somehow we reach a higher ground,
No one can tell you what you should do,
But I know you’ll find your way,
‘Cause even when you doubt, I still believe in you,
So when everything starts changing, going insane,
Know this smile I offer you will always stay the same,

‘Cause This Smile Means,
I’m thinkin’ about you,
‘N This Smile Means,
I’m hopin’ for your best,
Because I believe that you will see
Love has plans for your happiness,
There always is a rainbow,
There’s always a new dream,
Until it comes, I hope you know,
All that This Smile Means

Yes, the future’s still unwritten,
Love has something up it’s sleeve,
But until it is revealed remember

All that This Smile Means

All that This Smile Means

Words and Music by Erik Swerrie
Copyright, 2002 Erik A. Swerrie

"This Smile Means"

The prompt this week over at Elise Blaha's Paper Adventure 08 is "Certain Souvenir." It was inspired by Van Gogh's thoughts on art. He wanted to "leave a certain souvenir" to humankind.

Elise asked us to ask ourselves "What sort of souvenir am I leaving?" What are we leaving as a representation of our lives?

Marianne Williamson's quote (above) came to mind and I would love to leave my LIGHT as a representation of my life. Sometimes we do not own what is best about us and we should, as Marianne so succinctly communicates with her words.

My "LIGHT" (or lack of at the time???) inspired a song, written by my good friend Erik who is a budding country music songwriter and is actually recorded on a demo CD.

(Its called "This Smile Means," yeah, hence the blog post title. I'll share the lyrics if you
ask : .)

This was a great prompt! It really made me ponder!

Sista Linda's Elsie Challenge Week #2

Y'all know how much I love Starbucks!

So, its not surprising that I made this mini album out of the Starbucks cards I collected last year, yesh?! Simple scrapbooking, photo highlights from each month in 2007, and titles (descriptions) for each photo.

Also posted on Nudge-Nudge : .)

2008 Art Challenges

(Note: E-lise vs El-sie)

The internet is bustin' out with a bunch of new mixed media challenges at the moment. While I typically hate to art under pressure, I thought I might be able to attempt a couple because, as usual, my "not-a-resolution" is to "art more."

Linda, a Sista on SIStv, threw out a challenge based on Elsie Flannigan's 52 Scrapbooking Challenges. One a week. You might recall, I tried following the book last year, but as you know, life gets in the way, and I flaked.

I decided to step up to the plate again, however, I'm doing 5"X7" pieces, which to me is so much more manageable than trying to come up with an 8 1/2 X 11 or 12 X 12 layout.

The first week's challenge is "Work those Words." Here's my take:



(I think I need to invest in some of those whitening strips! eee!)

I also love and am inspired by Elise Blaha's work. Elise is posting a prompt a week on this blog, Paper Adventure 08 Her first prompt is "BALANCE." My take:



Lets see if I can keep this up!!! ART ON!!!

Feed the Warrior

Lance Armstrong said running his first NYC Marathon was one of the hardest things he's ever done. Wha? Huh? The man who rode the Pyrenees and won the Tour de France 7 times?! That makes me proud that I've run and finished two marathons of my own.

Anyway, watching the 2008 NHL Outdoor Classic in Buffalo, NY where it was a brisk 33 degrees when the game started. The Pittsburgh Penguins (The "Phenom" Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin) vs the Buffalo Sabres, one of the sponsors of the event is Dick's Sporting Goods. As always during broadcast sporting events, there are a plethora of commercials. I'm a rare bird that actually likes a lot of commercials : .) and I found this one cool and hysterical at the same time.

BTW - Happy New Year!!!

hApPy nEw EaR!!!

(MadRetz...This is the "simple" New Year's card I made
w/ the yoga 'zine ad and PhotoShop : .)

cough, cough! hack, hack! update

So I called my doctor's office today.

They wanted to prescribe antibiotics for my "cold."

This would be the 5th round of antibiotics I would take this year.

I passed.

The nurse who returned my call said that I could "ride it out" and to call if I got worse. Take Nyquil (yuck!) and Dayquil (double yuck!)

Uh, yeah. Cough, cough!

I have a headache.

I didn't necessarily react like this...

But...

(I just have to relate this story. )

The other day, I went to the Japanese store with my Dad. There was this kid working the cash register. He smelled really good, I'm telling you REALLY good. Humans are highly motivated by scent, right? Perfume, body aroma, pheromones, etc...I am a human, I am no different.

I asked him if he was wearing cologne. He got all bashful on me and didn't respond immediately. Then grudgingly, he answers, "Yes."

So, I ask "What cologne?"

Again, his answer didn't come quickly. It was like pulling teeth. Then he says, "Well, its not really cologne. Its Axe."

I said, "Huh, (as my mind and my hormones are reeling) then I guess the commercials are TRUE!"

Hot damn! I gotta get me a man who wears AXE!!! ROTFLMAO!!!

I so embarrassed the boy. At least I didn't make him blush. My bad.

Been thinkin' about craftin'

Not feeling very motivated, however. Tired from all the hacking and coughing. (Is there a point at which I should go have this checked out? Its been 7 days and Dr. Andre (Dr. Steve's counterpart) said something about bronchitis/walking pneumonia. I keep thinking its my allergies, but a week of uninterrupted coughing???) Plus, I haven't finished my holiday cards (now, New Years cards!) and I made a pact with myself to get that done before any fun art was started. I did create a cool design for the New Years cards using a yoga + iPod ad. Maybe I'll post it at Nudge-Nudge.

Anywhoo...I thot I'd share the card my Dad gave me for X-mas. We have an ongoing battle regarding toilet seat up or down. He says he's old and forgets, but I think he leaves it up just to annoy me. The issue is, I don't usually turn on the lights in the middle of the night if I use the bathroom and the surprise of ice cold porcelain on my fanny isn't pleasant. (More than you wanted to know, huh?)

I'm not complaining too loudly. The card accompanied a really nice check. I guess I can put up with the sass and the sarcasm. I'm known for my own sarcasm. I come by it naturally.

Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses

In between hacking coughs, I'll be singing out loud!!! I think they were reading my mind when they wrote this in '81 : .) (And evidently the grocers are out of cranberries soon after Thanksgiving, as I found out today!!!)

Merry Christmas, Bloggy Pals!!!

"Bah, humbug!" No, that's too strong
'Cause it is my favorite holiday
But all this year's been a busy blur
Don't think I have the energy

To add to my already mad rush
Just 'cause it's 'tis the season.
The perfect gift for me would be
Completions and connections left from

Last year, ski shop,
Encounter, most interesting.
Had his number but never the time
Most of '81 passed along those lines.

So deck those halls, trim those trees
Raise up cups of Christmas cheer,
I just need to catch my breath,
Christmas by myself this year.

Calendar picture, frozen landscape,
Chilled this room for twenty-four days,
Evergreens, sparkling snow
Get this winter over with!

Flashback to springtime, saw him again,
Would've been good to go for lunch,
Couldn't agree when we were both free,
We tried, we said we'd keep in touch.

Didn't, of course, 'til summertime,
Out to the beach to his boat could I join him?
No, this time it was me,
Sunburn in the third degree.

Now the calendar's just one page
And, of course, I am excited
Tonight's the night, but I've set my mind
Not to do too much about it.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Hardly dashing through the snow
Cause I bundled up too tight
Last minute have-to-do's
A few cards a few calls
'Cause it's r-s-v-p
No thanks, no party lights
It's Christmas Eve, gonna relax
Turned down all of my invites.

Last fall I had a night to myself,
Same guy called, halloween party,
Waited all night for him to show,
This time his car wouldn't go,

Forget it, it's cold, it's getting late,
Trudge on home to celebrate
In a quiet way, unwind
Doing Christmas right this time.

A&P has provided me
With the world's smallest turkey
Already in the oven, nice and hot
Oh damn! Guess what I forgot?

So on with the boots, back out in the snow
To the only all-night grocery,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
In the line is that guy I've been chasing all year!

"I'm spending this one alone," he said.
"Need a break; this year's been crazy."
I said, "Me too, but why are you?
You mean you forgot cranberries too?"

Then suddenly we laughed and laughed
Caught on to what was happening
That Christmas magic's brought this tale
To a very happy ending! "

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn't miss this one this year!
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn't miss this one this year!

Written by Chris Butler
(c) 1981 Future Fossil Music, BMI

In All Its Glory!!!

Got my tree @ Target, don't you just love Target?! (It was my 2nd trip there today!)

Got it in its tree stand. (Ragged, I hammered that puppy good!)

Got it lit and decorated.

All in time for my Dad, who will be arriving to celebrate Christmas on Thursday! Yay!!! (I can say in all honesty that if my Dad wasn't visiting, I wouldn't bother!)

It looks very much like last year's tree. But I have new ornaments!!!

Maybe next year, the tree needs a theme, like Elsie's.


Oh, and here's a pix of my kitchen table. I don't usually have it cleared off enough to decorate it : .) My Mom made the doily. It must be an "antique" by now!

Not Your Granny's Craft Faire

MadRetz and I first experienced the Bazaar Bizarre at the Maker Faire.

Today, the Bazaar Bizarre made another appearance in San Fran. Crazy art! Tons to purchase! Big crowds!!!


The first 300 people in line received the above swag bag. Loaded with discount coupons, yarn, art supplies, art magazines, crocheting and knitting supplies, cute buttons, stickers, cards, postcards, patterns, etc, etc, etc... It was worth going early to get these goods! [Anyone out there (read: RAGGED) interested in US 10 1/2 (6.5 mm) 29" (75 cm) long circular knitting needles?]

I scored some really awesome X-mas gifts. And a couple of things for me...


Continuing with the skully obsession : .)

And a subscription to this.

Now, I'm off to Etsy to finish up the holiday shopping : .)

What Happens In Vegas, Stays in Vegas!!!

I'm in Vegas. At the MGM Grand. With the real live lions. And I have to say, what's happening, isn't exciting. I guess the whole, "it stays in Vegas' fits in any event because I don't want to admit that I'd rather stay in my room.

But I didn't. I went in search of fuds. But everywhere is expensive or chunks of meat that I can't eat. Really expensive chunks. Even if its on work's tab, its still expensive chunks of meat. Sauted in cigarette smoke.

I end up at Wolfgang Pucks, where I ate last nite, after sitting around for an hour watching the SHARKS play against the WILD in the sports betting area (which I could do at home by the way and without the eau de pew clogging my lungs and arteries!) And I ate the same thing (tuna tartare with avocado and those crispy wontons, yum) that I ate last nite. Minus the leak/goat cheese/mushroom pizza. With a glass of Kali Heart Chardonnay. (How do you spell it?) I'm so predictible and I love the familiar.

I was gonna go ride the roller coaster at NYNY, but I bagged until tomorrow nite when I really have nothing to do!

But, really, I don't get it...The gambling thing (swimming thru the cigarette smoke), the drinking thing, and the excess thing. What is wrong with me?

I did get a cool tie dyed t-shirt for my friend Bannie at the Rainforest Cafe, which is her favorite restaurant. The t-shirt sez "Peace, Love & Frogs." She loves frogs, what a perfect gift!!!

Another day of meeting tomorrow. I get to go home on Thursday. I wish I was at home right now, decorating my tree and putting sprinkles on sugar cookies. I'd even have holiday spirit!

Anyway, hopefully, my nite pixs of the strip came out and I'll have something to post over the weekend.

Later days, bloggy dudes!!!

I Pretty Much Avoid Anything Wedding Related, Butt...

glumbert - Best wedding first dance ever

Baby Got Back!!!

Humor From Paul

Click on image to see bigger size.