AGATHA

This is my little kitty, Agatha.  She loves to go on Pinterest.  She also enjoys sitting on my scrapbooking papers. She is one of my favorite subjects when taking pictures. She is not always cooperative, but she is photogenic.  She also enjoys the computer not only for sitting on it, but she likes to investigate what is under the keys.  She has been known to rearrange the keyboard, that is why my husband has nickname her "the IT department".

PRESENTS

To be showered with lovely presents.  All those things that we have always wanted, and those we never knew we did!
But no matter how small or how big, and I actually mean the size of the garment, a present is always welcomed with a smile, and a big THANK YOU.
After all the thinking, money and time that goes into getting this special one of a kind gift; one can expect expressed gratitude from the recipient.
Some people subscribe to the "gift card" trend.  A much easier, faster and convenient way to endear ourselves to those loved ones.  But how can a thoughtful gifter delegate the size and color to the giftee, and one must not forget that those people who work for costumer service need that job behind the "returns" counter!

Another completed layout

This is one of the other two layouts I completed.
This was in New York City, when Krista and I went to Radio City.

Layout of Krista shopping for her shore inspired tree

Krista and I went to Michael's to find ornaments for her shore inspired tree, back on 11/2012.
In a recent crop w/ my sister in law Kelly I completed this one of three layouts. Inspired by Judy I am updating, and reclaiming my Blog.

Judy this one is for you

Updating my blog, so much to write; however it can all be summarized by just saying that blogging means daily, weekly or at the very least monthly updates.  A big commitment yet worth it.

I intend to post layouts, cards and updates of my crafting adventures as well as personal insight.  Where to find the latest bargains$$$$$$ the latest crafting must haves, and of course enable you my reader.  

I must confess that blogging for me is self taught as I am not acquainted with any one who blogs.  I am not proficient, not ever knowledgeable as to the importing, inserting, blah, blah blah that comes along with blogging.  I will do my best.

And now we wrap!!!

I believe, that I am almost done with my Christmas's shopping. A couple of small things will complete the longgggggggg list. Now comes the wrapping. Tissues, boxes, ribbons, tulle, snowflakes, homemade tags, jingle bells, tape, and hours of work (I mean fun with a capital F).
It would be a lot easier to just allocate each gift to "le gift bag", but that would be too easy and not up to the standards of a crafty person like moi! I like to do things by theme. This year I am going for blue paper with white snowflakes. To decorate the wrapped boxes I'll be using tulle and snowflakes. Tinsel and jingle bells to complement the snowflakes in the tags.
I enjoy wrapping the gifts, it is the mess that bothers me. I kind of leave things for the last minute and the rushing takes a lot of the fun away.
My family will comment on the gifts, but will mercilessly rip my wrapping apart. Some of the decorations for the gifts will make their way to the Christmas tree, but most will perish along with the boxes and the tissues and the gift wrap.
I need to remember to take pictures before the frenzy begins at the end of the day it is all about the pictures, and the memories that make it all worth it. And more papers, and ribbons and tape, a snowflake here and there to complement that picture in a scrapbook page.

I am back!!

Well! hard to belief that so much time has gone by and I have not updated this blog. Almost gone 2011 has been quite a year, and yet it was just another year. Another year that brought lessons learned, sadness and tears, but most important an awareness that life as I've known can change in the blink of an eye. I've had the opportunity to be grateful for Gods love, and I am humbled for his grace. I am grateful for all I have, but mostly for all that he has spared me.
I am also lucky for the friends an family with whom I share my blessings, and I pray that I never loose sight of this.

Inspiration

It is, sometimes, difficult to get inspired. It can be a tedious exercise. It is true that inspiration comes from within. A product of ones heart and soul; however our mind plays a big role. I have found myself in situations where I have forced myself to visualize an idea that did not exist in my mind originally, but that came about due to the circumstances such as being in a crop. My Mojo is frequently MIA. I get inspired by the color and the graphics of papers. This can be, for me a begining. I like using sketches as a starting line. An informal blue print. Fitting in themes, pictures, and supporting elements is challenging like a maze, or a puzzle. The challenge for me is finding that perfect piece that fits like a "charm". I like to have people around, it is as if inspiration is a contagious agent, and company the host. To be inspired, to create at last!!!

Papers,papers,papers!!!

I must be sick,sick,sick. No matter how much I try, and believe me I do, I can not stop buying papers. I start by looking at it. Then I'll pick it up, and look at it again. I'll flip the pages mesmerized by the colors and/or design. I will then put it back, neatly. I'll hide it under the other packs just in case! Something else will catch my eye for a while. I will try to reason with myself by making a list of all the cons, but in all fairness to the pack of papers, I will soon surpass that list with a list of all the pros.
I will not give in. Another trip down the ribbon isle, and soon my attention will be venture away from "the papers" I know that if I intend to win this battle, I will have to fill my basket (okay cart) with other items. I am very resourceful and will have no trouble engaging my attention elsewhere. After all I also love brads, and bling, and buttons...Oh must not forget the dollar bin full of stamps, and more ribbon, and so many useful things! But if I am seriously considering to walk out "paperless" I need to check out the clearance isle. I am a smart shopper, a dollar saved is a a dollar spent some where else. Speaking of saving I have a coupon!!! I will take those "papers" after all.

Styles

I know what you ("my readers!!!") are thinking, yes indeed I have taken my "TIME" (my last entry) But I have been preparing myself to be a better blogger. How? Obviously by reading other people's blogs.
There is so much inspiration out there!!! I find myself looking forward every day to see what is going on with them.
I was reading Kathryn's blog "Life on the{scrap}beach" . She is talking about her process for scrapping, fascinating. Then I started thinking, what about the style by which we scrap? What I mean is: What type of scrapbooker are you?
I am, I decided, after commenting on her blog, a chaotic one. I will start off with a clean, spotless space. I will organize all my staff neatly in significantly coded and strategic places on my table allowing plenty of room for my project, the wind will blow my way and voila every item will manage to misplace itself. I can never find the ruler or the tape (I use the ATG gun :red) Forget it if you ever try to borrow a pencil or a pair of scissors...gone!!! All lost in space, oh yeah, remember the space I had left for my project... gone too!!!
Krista and I recently attended a 3 day over night crop. I took a picture of her space to compare to mine. She felt bad and said it was neat because she had just cleaned her table, well me too!!! Picture to follow.
I have scrapped in small spaces sharing 4 ft w/ someone else, all the way to having 2 tables...never enough. But I want you all to know that my pages are very neat, they flow very well, and I always measure (as long as I find one of my rulers!) What is your style?