Runs With Decorative Scissors

Good Grief....

2007-02-17T23:05:00.000-08:00

Well, took me almost two months, couldn't remember what I logged into this stupid blog as and kaboom... couldn't get it going again. Don't ya just hate that, all that work and boom, poof, it's gone.

Graduation Pictures....

2006-12-26T21:42:00.000-08:00

End notes....some happy, some sad.

2006-12-26T21:27:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to the memory of former President Gerald Ford who passed away today.

This has been an interesting year.... full of ups and downs and lots of crazy creativity. The first big event was my college graduation in May, following my awesome job offer and starting my new job in June. In mid-June David and I served as delegates for our church at the UMC conference, and in August we spent a busy week at Grover Hot Springs camping with our church family, and two surprise guest campers... Stephen and Joey (David's brother and nephew). September brought birthdays and a new and final semester for David at CSU Sacramento. November began with a rough start for David's aunt Florence as she was knocked down and broke her left femur. Fortunately she didn't break her hip. November wasn't good for Aunts... as my Aunt Nan was hospitalized for her heart and they discovered that she had cancer; and one surgery later she is now cancer free. We celebrated Thanksgiving in CA with Aunt Florence at Manor Care, who gave us the use of one of their beautiful dining rooms. David, Gail, and myself prepared Thanksgiving supper and brought it there to share with Florence, Jay, Nancy and Natalie... speaking of which, Natalie started 1st Grade this year... WOW. December was filled with prayers for friends, Jamie and Julie, and for my grandmother who gave us all a scare with heart surgery.... whew! She is doing fine now.

December 22nd..... leading the Candidates for Bachelor's in Humanities and Religious Studies, David George Cole!!! WHOOHOO! David's pursuit for his degree was now a reality, and we celebrated!

I'm tired just writing this.... Christmas was great, up at Jay and Nancy's. Today, back to work.

Not a good season for creativity...

2006-12-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well, you know where it all goes, your chest, that's where it goes. Bronchitis. Ugh. I've got too much stuff to do for tomorrow. Tomorrow is the Admin Christmas party at work... white elephant. I need to go lay down and rest again. Slept most of today. Well, all day. Got up for a little bit.

Favorite Christmas Song... a blog challenge.

2006-12-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

That's a tough one, I have lots of memories tied to Christmas songs, and Christmas songs that remind me of family. I love the Christmas Canon by Trans Siberian Orchestra... and Believe by Josh Groban... sentimental favorites... Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano, my brother would lip synch to that when he was little and crack us up.
Then there's the one that I can't get through singing without tearing up, and that's "The Little Drummer Boy", because it reminds me of my Poppy, it's his favorite.

Ooooh oooh ooooh

2006-11-26T01:49:00.000-08:00

Ok... so I'm behind the curve here, but I soooo have to go here when I get some money... way cool stuff.

Hambly Screen Prints

Me?

2006-11-25T23:13:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I ever looked like that, but I did. I want to look like that again, but without the attitude.

Blasts from the past....

2006-11-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

Scanners are wonderful devices, especially ones that scan negatives.... Otherwise these treasures would have been lost for good...

A Wonderful Thanksgiving....

2006-11-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

Got to talk to my Poppy, and family in Florida. Got to sleep in, make fabulous mashed potatos and green bean casserole, and spend a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family here in CA. It was different only in the fact that Dave, Gail and I had to transport the whole meal to the nursing home where Florence is staying at. It was a great day, and taught me a great lesson. No matter where you spend Thanksgiving, you spend it with family, and be thankful for that. My thoughts and prayers go out to our service men and women who are spending this holiday away from their families and in the line of danger. God bless you all...

In Memory of Bridget......

2006-11-20T21:38:00.000-08:00

This entry is in honor of the memory of Bridget.... a cute little silky terrier that belonged to Dave's Aunt and Grandmother. We all loved Bridget and will miss her dearly. My warmest memories of her are when she would crack us all up chasing the Bumble Ball like she was a ferocious beast.... and of Natalie when she was small calling her "Bribbet". She's now up there with Gramma Pethick, chasing her Bumble Ball and looking for scraps under the table...

I feel like I sold out...

2006-11-20T17:07:00.000-08:00

I've been complaining to my friends and family lately about how 'early' people have been putting up the Christmas decorations in the stores.... it wasn't even Halloween and some stores had their Christmas stuff out. Ugh! By the time it rolls around I'm bound to be a Grinch.... (hardly). But I'm starting to get in the spirit, merely because I love Thanksgiving, and for me that's the kick-off day for Christmas... that's the day of the Macy's Parade. I still love watching it. We turn it on so we can see it from the kitchen while we get things together. Long story short, I put together my Christmas Banner for the blog.... whaddaya think?

Blog challenge....

2006-11-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

In spite of the flu today, I'm actually up and trying to do stuff... I think I hurt more if I stay in bed. That and it doesn't help with the depression I've been in either. Anyhow, what job have I had that was the most fun... well, when I was 15 my best friend in the whole world (you know who you are Kimi) talked me into working with her at McDonalds. The job itself not so hot, overworked, underappreciated and we only made like $4.00 an hour.... and that was in 1987. Yet it was my best friend and I and we had a BALL!!!! Did you know that frozen hamburger patties are impossible to get off the ceiling.....?

The list... and it's only Wendesday

2006-11-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

I've severely been ignoring my scrapping stuff... don't know why. Although last night I did go shopping at the Corner, and the reception I got there was a little less than warm. Scratching them off my list. Not only did I get a chilly almost unfriendly reception, but their selection is lacking..... I was not pleased. I'll be shopping elsewhere, either online, or up the hill at Rose and Don's.... a place I haven't been in a long time.

Prayers for Aunt Nanoosie and Aunt Florence...

2006-11-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

November has not been good for the favorite Aunt's in my life. Please keep in your prayers my aunt Nan who lives in Florida. She has just been diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 86, her name is Marian. My other aunt, David's aunt, Florence, got knocked down in Wal-Mart and broke her femur just below her hip and had surgery on Sunday. She is doing much better. Whew...

It's a new day.... a new month

2006-11-06T17:41:00.000-08:00

November... my mojo is back, life is getting better. Watching a great movie tonight... Under the Tuscan Sun... didn't think I would like it, but it grows on you. Stay tuned for more creativity and fun stuff to come....

Where did October go?

2006-11-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

Frankly, I'm glad it's over with, it was the month from hell for me...

YAY! Thank you!!!

2006-10-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your prayers for little Bella, she is going home tomorrow!

Prayers for Bella

2006-10-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

My dear friend's little girl, Bella, is now recovering from heart surgery. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. She is such a little sweetheart, only 5 years old. Above is a picture of Gia, Bella and Gramma Val.

Stepped away from the studio....

2006-10-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks have been rather insane. When my head is out of whack, the first thing I usually do is head to my studio and create, however, this time I've become the much dreaded couch potato... I need to head back to the studio tonight, play a little.... sigh.... I miss it. My head's getting back into order, finally got a good night sleep last night. Work has been good, crazy, but good. Today I have more energy... possibly to go in the studio and work on some projects.... hopefully.

Bad scrapper and blogger... Missing... Mojo

2006-10-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

I've had a bad case of the missing mojo.... no scrap mojo, card mojo, not even blog mojo. Feeling a little better. Got more tests done... no cancer.... YAY. Tonight... back on the scrap wagon... heehee... Tuesday night girls club at STM...

What if....

2006-10-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon I played this game over and over again in my head after talking to my Dr. following my ultrasound. Suspicious mass in my fallopian tubes and right ovary. I woke up this morning feeling out and out scared. I'm not overreacting am I? Nahhhh, it's nothing. And then there's this horrible thought that has creeped into my head saying, what if. What if, and how will I deal with it. What if and the repercussions, meaning no babies. Ever. The what if won't kill me, I can beat it, it will be the not being able to have a baby that will break me into a million pieces.

Relay for Life... and Sunday night banter...

2006-10-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

I was up at 2 AM, no, not just going to sleep, waking up to go walk in the Relay for Life. It didn't dawn on me until tonight how many people I know are touched by those suffering from cancer. Over the past two weeks I've been building a survivor scrapbook as well as luminaries for my family, for Gail for Ted and Nancy, and so on. I built one for Tommie Sue as well as my grandmother Sally who passed away from cancer before I was even born.

oh.... yeah... the new blog header...

2006-10-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Dreams.... STM Challenge and other stuff...

2006-10-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Dreams... sleeping dreams, last night I didn't dream at all.... the other night I'm not sure I dreamed at all... which is odd.

Live from my room....

2006-10-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Live, I'm not so sure I could be categorized as alive.... moving, eating, drinking... a little. Never cross the flu with kidney stones... not a good combination... Anyone get the name of that truck that hit me, then backed up over me?

My creativity here and now and then....

2006-10-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

For me, my creativity came at a time when I was in some serious turmoil in my life, actually, I should say it blossomed. I've always been creative, I am definitely my mother's daughter. Growing up my favorite class was art... the one thing that's always held me back was that silly little thing called self esteem... I never felt I could do anything that was worthy of showing off or being admired. Then I realized, I have to do it for me, that I mattered, and that I was worthy. Finally, in 2003 I took that big step and started scrapbooking again.... not just putting pictures on paper, really doing something with it.... and bam! I started making cards for friends and family, and the smiles on their faces were worth a million.

The PMS Post.... A STM challenge...

2006-10-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Doggone it! Not dealing with that now... fortunately, just a kidney stone from hell... PMS, I deal with it with Midol... the anti psychotic wench medicine... fabulous, that and chocolate, and spicy chinese food... that usually does the trick. Right now it's water, water, and more water... Ugh. Haven't scrapped in like four days... so I know I must be sick.

Short cuts, new friends, and breakfast...

2006-09-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

To answer your question Jozzie, never been a breakfast person... my belly can't handle food early in the morning... it's not a good combo... but when I have brunch, my favorite thing lately is Splatter Cakes from Perkos.... yummmmmy... strawberry and creme cheese filled crepes smothered with strawberries...

Today was pretty cool, went over to Cayce's and had brunch with her and lil' Alex... she showed me all of her pictures. We're going to be starting WW together at work. She and I are so alike it's scary. I'm so thankful to have her as a friend.

And short cuts... take a look at the picture.... yikes....

STM Blog Challenge.... You are what you eat...

2006-09-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

I'd be sushi, a little raw around the edges and very spicy...

Goth Faerie....

2006-09-28T21:38:00.000-07:00

This is a layout I did of my goddaughter...

Tuesday night Scrappin...

2006-09-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

Tonight was nice... just chillin online with the girls, worked on a couple of pages....

Relay for Life....

2006-09-26T15:06:00.004-07:00

This year my husband and I are participating in the Relay for Life fundraiser sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Our lives have been touched by cancer in many ways... we have lost David's father to brain cancer, David's mother is currently undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, his cousin Nancy is a breast cancer survivor, I have lost my cousin Tommie Sue this year to pancreatic cancer at the age of 52, and her father 13 years ago to lung cancer..... yeah, you might say we've been in the middle of it all.. Please check out my site and find it in your heart to make a donation to help find a cure, and help make those suffering from this horrible disease much more comfortable in providing support.....

http://www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/ranchocordova/kimberlycole

Hmmmmm.... Who's my daddy?

2006-09-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

That could be taken in so many ways.... I don't really refer to my hubby as that... it's a really sensitive subject with me, my father. The 'donor' took off when I was a baby. The only person I consider to be a father to me is my Poppy.... I miss him, he's not doing well.

What chore.... STM Challenge...

2006-09-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday a day of rest.... not around this house, it's the only day, after church, that I have to catch up on all the stuff I need to do.... What chore do I hate... cleaning the bathroom... ugh. I can't really say whether cooking is a chore or not, the only time it's a chore for me is when I can't figure out what I'm going to cook... but all in all, I love to cook, especially on the BBQ.

One AM and signing off... really.

2006-09-24T01:26:00.000-07:00

Hee hee.... that's me just getting silly in the room. Armed with decorative scissors and my Crop-A-Dile... Been up doing a little bit of 'spring cleaning' on the laptop here. Going to call it a night. I've got church in the morning and I've got to get to sleep....

nighters......

Scrap Tac U Lar Saturday...

2006-09-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

I got two pages done, re-organized the room, got some new stuff (Pirate Papers from Karen Foster, some new Bohemia, and some of the new Fancy Pants paper...)..... Pretty good day. I need to start putting stuff together for next month's FaithFull Scrappers.... I also realized that I've created 77 scrapbook pages over the past five months... I didn't get any scrapping done while I was in school, now it seems like I get at least 3 done a week. Which for me is a lot. I take a long time on my pages.. I'm infinitely picky... yes... you can say it, perfectionist....

Here are some of my latest and greatest...

Who am I proud of...? The STM Challenge...

2006-09-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

I would have to say right now, my mother in law... she's been battling ovarian cancer for almost five years now. Never, in the whole time that she's been sick has she let it get to her. She's never hid behind her diagnosis and has gone, "poor me, I've got cancer"... Diagnosed just a year after the loss of David's father to brain cancer, Gail volunteers for the local sherriff's department every Tuesday afternoon, she sings in the choir, works with a local retired nurses group, and is an active member of our church. She's got an awesome support system, and sometimes we do have to tell her to slow down... I've been very blessed with having her in my life.... She's currently undergoing chemo, and is doing better... please continue to keep her in your prayers.

STM Challenge.....

2006-09-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of the year, winter, when you can smell the chimney's, there's a crisp bite to the air, and I crave hot chocolate with peppermint, and Christmas is just around the corner... it's time for family, and remembering the real reason for the season.... sigh. I've already started working on my Christmas cards....

Scrap that Moment Challenge....

2006-09-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I did my overhaul last week, however, I have still been tweaking my banner... so watch out, ya never know what might pop up here. There's been thoughts in my head of creating another blog into an online local scrapbooking e-zine for the Sacramento valley, which is quickly becoming the hotspot of scrapbooking, home of Danielle Donaldson and Teri Fode... if I left others out, please forgive me.

The above layout I did last night, part of the Tuesday Night Girls challenge, using one of the challenges of using cut out scrap paper on my page... that's the new WR Memory Keepers Boho collection.... a little like Fancy Pants, lots of fun.

Mr. Gerard Butler, aka... the Phantom of the Opera... (from the movie..) Today's Blog Challenge..

2006-09-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

This guy, this obscure, hunky, sexy, droolable Scot, is my hottie...... kinda makes ya wanna wish you were Emmy Rossum....

Blog Challenge, STM... A week in review...

2006-09-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

This has been a very rough week for me, I try to put on the smiley face, but by this Sunday I was ready for meltdown. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband that understands what I have to deal with, and helps me through it. It can get ugly, bipolar can get real ugly if I'm not careful and aware of all the signs. Ok, enough of the drama... the highlight of my week was yesterday when I spent the whole day with the DH just cruisin around, shopping, and having sushi at our favorite restaurant. With him working and finishing his degree at full speed, time for each other is few and far between, usually it's after midnight that he's crawling into bed after studying... It was such a nice treat to have him to myself the whole day; oh, and the other highlight of my week was figuring out how to rework the template HTML for my blog, and the fact that I got four pages done and a mini book done this week.

Thinking about Poppy as usual...

2006-09-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

Came across this picture that my grandmother sent when I was requesting old pictures of family, this is of Poppy when he was 12... he's ALWAYS been so serious... anyhow, I put the Cosmo Cricket paper to work and voila!

Baby Brother...

2006-09-16T21:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah, get a hankie... when you check this one out. Been worried about my brother... poor baby's got a broken heart. Anyhow, I scrapped this tonight. It's of my favorite picture of him when he was a little boy, we used to call him Weezer, like from Our Gang...

Little Brother

Click on that and you'll be able to see the submission I've made to my scrap group...

Defining me.... heehee...

2006-09-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, that has taken me a long time to do, mainly because it's difficult to define me. I'll just give you the basics; sweet, caring, compassionate, a true and loyal friend, a loving wife, creative, bodacious, quirky, technodiva, artist, and I am yearning deep inside to become a mother.

What is my style?

2006-09-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

I would have to describe it as non-conformist, bohemian, fun, flirty....pink....patterned paper, paint, stamps, torn, die cuts, all kinds of insanity...

fun, eclectic, eccentric... just like me.

The Gypsy Wench....

2006-09-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

Sigh....... got some more of my mojo back and put this together in like half an hour....

Gypsy Wench

A shout out to Jocelyn for cracking me up...
Auntie Claudette for her cute e-mails...
and....

Happy Birthday David! I love you! You are amazing!!!

Stampin, and stampin...STM Blog Challenge...

2006-09-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Let's see... I have foam stamps, some of those new Heidi Swapp stamps, unmounted, mounted on wood... I have a lot... it's like potato chips, you just can't have one.... I use them with paint, with ink, to press into UTEE.... all kinds of stuff.... stamps are essential to my scrapping, even though I don't use them all the time....

A layout without pink....

2006-09-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, Kara, in her own way has challenged me to scrap without my favorite color... but it's so hard!!! No not really. I'm just stubborn. Well, I did the Color challenge from Scrap that Moment, and here's how it turned out...

Blog challenge for STM... the camera

2006-09-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

I like a camera I can get my hands on, right now I've got 2, a digital Fujifulm 3000, it's about two years old, gets basic quick shots, but it's my 30 year old refurbished Canon AT-1 that's takes the best shots in our house... it's a film camera that my husband's had since he was in the Navy, and it's his baby. I still have yet to figure out all the MANUAL settings. I am so spoiled when it comes to the point and click. I would like a Canon digital with SLR... just don't know whether I want the Rebel or not. I just get nervous sending my film out to be processed, and no one in my area does scrapbook worthy (in my hoity toity opinion, I know, I'm a camera and film snob) development.

Pink dreams.....

2006-09-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

Had a little fun with Nette's challenge tonight.... kind of strayed off course....

What have I learned....

2006-09-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

that I need to save money
never to get into debt
listen more
take care of myself
not be so self absorbed...

STM Blog Challenge....

2006-09-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, I'm going to keep it down to one blog challenge on the board, and I've been enjoying STM's... So I'm going to stick with these.

The question of the day is....

What is different about today that has changed since 5 years ago.... A lot. In a minute one's life can change, and through the past five years I've been battling a brain disorder, getting my degree, graduating from college, starting my own scrapbook ministry, supporting my husband's call to ministry, and working on starting a family. Five years ago I saw a country turned asunder in disbelief... and then they rallied, stood tall, fought back, and changed the face of the world. Life isn't perfect again, far from it. But we've all been there, done that, and got the t-shirt.

911

2006-09-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

David and I were flipping channels and came across one of the most tasteful and emotionally wrenching tributes to those of 911. The one we watched was about the FireFighters of FDNY. I thought I was going to but this day in the back of my head, ignoring the media coverage, and praying my own prayer for those who lost their lives, and those who continue to lose their lives in the fight against terrorism. Below is the pageI put together inspired by 9/11. Thank you to those who bravely sacrificed their safety, lives, and put their neck on the line for total strangers in the wake of the WTC and Pentegon attacks, for those who sacrificed their lives on Flight 93, and to those left behind, you are still in my prayers.

Jack Sparrow in my Scrapbook room...

2006-09-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

Jack Sparrow is just hanging out for today... inspiring some pretty fun pages... (humor me here, it's been a heck of a week, and I'm trying to get it all together here. I've got some more pages I want to do... actually, perhaps, alter something...

Snip snip.... Runs with Decorative Scissors strikes again....

2006-09-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

I've gone through my entries and have removed some of the one-liners, and lists, and other extraneous things.... in an attempt to make it more streamline... just back to my creative, bodacious, bohemian roots....

Posting problems....

2006-09-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

This is just a test.....

My scrappin buddies....

2006-09-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

Top photo, Barb and Thelma at the Addict
Bottom... Me and Nancy

I read Barb's blog and was inspired to write about my scrappin buddies... aside from the friends I've met online scrapping and have formed friendships with, I could never replace the girls from the Addict (when the Addict was the Addict under Mo... know what I mean?).... Barb, T, Sonda, Michelle, Monique, and when I could drag her down the hill, Nancy. Barb and T and I met the 2nd time I was ever cropping at the Addict three years ago, I was trying to avoid these very obnoxious scrappers that had no concept of volume control... anyhow, I went into the back room and met Barb and Thelma (T). These two have been friends for years... anyhow, they were warm and friendly, and I came back to crop. They are both very talented scrapbookers. Sonda I met through them, and she brought Michelle, who I got the chance to know a little better at FaithFull Scrappers (my scrapbooking ministry) this past Friday. Sonda is on just about every design team, I don't know how she does it. And then there's Moniquie, who I feel terrible because I haven't been in contact with her since the store changed hands... long story. Anyhow.. I miss her, very nice and talented lady. Then there's my scrappin, bellydancing, pirate wench sister Nancy, aka, Cymbeline... We haven't scrapped since last March... I miss our creative, peppermint patty induced comas that last until one of us falls asleep and glues something to our forehead. Sigh.... One person that I haven't mentioned is my mother, Mitca. She's just started scrapbooking, and I can't wait to get to Florida to take her to her first crop...

Whew...

2006-09-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

I am no HTML wiz, but I am pretty gosh darn creative, thank you Sonda for the tip for formatting the blogger to show your own design. Worked on this topper all night, it's Sophie, the doll my mom made me for Easter...

Blog Challenge for STM....

2006-09-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to check my side bar and take a look at Dancing Paper and Running Scissors... that is my new showcase blog for my work... any how, without further ado...

Anyway, what's your day like today? This weekend? Write about it on your blog and if you'd like to share, post back here and link us to it so we can go check it out!

Today was great. Didn't sleep in too late, got all the house stuff I needed to get done, done, and then had time to scrap, go to the post office to mail off something to a friend, and then get back and scrap some more. Feeling a little sore though on the left side... actually took a nap after dinner and now I'm up, and think I might work on some more stuff... I'm really into the challenges for the September That Girl of the Month... that would be too cool. This is the first time I've ever gone for something like that.

Blog me baby results....

2006-09-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

Attatched at the hip? Two Peas in a Pod? How did you meet your s.o./best friend? Tell us about that first time meeting them. Did you hit it off instantly or think they were stalking you?

My best friend and I met 21 years ago at the church I went to. She had just moved to FL from MA with her adoptive parents, she thought I was a snob because I knew everyone at church and was very quiet around her. I was just quiet in general (yeah, can you believe it?). Anyhow, we hit it off when our Youth Group went to Sea World and she and I shared a very large, and very melting chocolate chip cookie, we've been best friends for 21 years, been through boyfriends, blind dates, her wedding to RJ, the birth of her three babies (the oldest is now a sophomore in HS!!), the Navy, and everything else. I love my Kimi, she may not be my sister by birth, but she's my sister in my heart.

My hubby, we met indoor rock climbing 11 years ago.... sigh.

The page....

2006-09-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

You know, when you spell it out all on a scrapbook page it's one of the most healing things in the world. That's why I did this page....

Anticipation and the Queen of Instant Gratification...

2006-09-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

I am ashamed to admit this, I am the queen of instant gratification... a nasty little habit from my days before I got sober. In my new life, the life I have now, I continue to strive for patience, serenity, and the know how to slow down. It really affects my scrapping, especially if I feel as if I'm crunched for time. I'm a horrid perfectionist, and when I am put to the test, I usually fall short when it comes to producing a quality page in a short amount of time. Guess that's why I am slowly learning that although I am the social butterfly, I'm more of a solo cropper. I get more done with my tunes going and a boatload of supplies at my fingertips...

Blog Entry 100!

2006-09-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!! I did it, I did it!!! Here's another picture of a possible dream house, reminds me of the house out on Bainbridge. My other is my dream scrap room, however, I think I've got it going on now, the only thing that is missing is that I can't paint it pink and there's only room for one. The more I think about it, the more I believe that I 'm a solo scrapper. I can't get anything done with others around. I love the comeraderie, but no productivity. More about dreams... you know what my dream of dreams is.... a home, a baby, David done with seminary and ordained... life in full circle. Done with drama.... ready for serenity.... yeah, right.

Are we there yet?..... Well, not quite....

2006-09-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping up with this one show, Sixteen Kids, about the Duggar family. Got me to thinking about my dreams, about myself, my marriage, and my family. I do have a dream house....

It's a four bedroom three bath home with a study for David, a scrapbook room for me, a playroom for the kids, a full size kitchen/great room, dining room, a huge living room, and a library room for all of us.

Three more posts to go..... Must go get challenged! STM's Blog challenge for 9/4

2006-09-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

For today's blog challenge....are you on track? Look at the goals you posted on your blog earlier this week. Are you making any progress? If you haven't posted anything about your goals. Think and start writing them down. Check your progress. Focus. Refocus. Make adjustments. Prioritize. Make a note to yourself how you can stay on track!

So far so good, my biggest challenge is not snacking after 9.... I just want my old body back.

A Tribute to Kim Anderson

2006-09-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

I have this music box with the same photo on it, I love it.... therefore I made a love note box....

Hickory Dickory Dock....

2006-09-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Kimberly made a clock.... well, I didn't make the mechanics of it, I just, well.... altered it a little bit. A lot in fact.. Pink acrylic paint, bling by Heidi Swapp, flowers by Prima, cut out flowers by Cricut (George disk) , and paper by K.I. memories..

Another Blog Challenge...

2006-09-04T00:11:00.000-07:00

I'm still working on 100 posts by the end of Labor Day weekend. On the desk top computer now at it's so weird from working here from my little laptop... Anyhow... here's the challenge

Let's be like Huey Lewis and go back in time! Imagine you can go back to the 80's today. What would you tell yourself? What would you do differently? Or what would you do more of?

I would tell myself not to go into debt, not to go remotely near Marc Bevan, Joel Covitz, Dave Hutchings, and Will (a.k.a. Mr. NoNo), I would tell myself to save money, not cut my hair, and to get screened for bipolar disorder and take care of it before I start drinking... ahhh, hindsight is 2020 isn't it.

STM Blog Challenge....

2006-09-02T23:48:00.000-07:00

My 80's Faves:

1) SONG..... . Walking on Sunshine, Katrina and the Waves...
2) MOVIE...Pretty in Pink
3) ACTOR/ACTRESS....Molly Ringwald, Matthew Broderick
4) ARTICLE OF CLOTHING, My red, black and white "Flashdance" look top, with
Japanese writing...
5) PHRASE.... didn't really have one...
6) HAIRSTYLE... Pat Benetar-ish....
7) TV SHOW... Square Pegs, Growing Pains (it was ALL KIRK CAMERON), and The Monkee's re-runs...
8) ROCK GROUPS ... Journey, Bon Jovie
9) FOOD.... Dal Italia's pizza (neighborhood pizza place)
10) PASTTIME.... I was a Disney Kid, acting and singing.... then figure skating...

100 blog labor day....

2006-09-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

I've had this blog since March. This is the longest I've ever stayed with any type of journal writing on a consistent basis... must be my ADDHD/BiPolar drugs working.... Yeah, big surprise there for those of you who don't really know me . My big goal for this weekend? I organized and cleaned the bedroom, took a load of my old 'fat' clothes to the Salvation Army, got gas for the BBQ for our Labor Day BBQ, went and got some more Cosmo Cricket from H2H, a Jamba Juice, and soy milk for David..... sigh.... Twas a busy day.

Tonight I rearranged my stickers, I hardly ever use them anymore and they were taking up spaces where important stuff is going to be next week when I get my JoAnne's order in.... it should have been here today, haven't seen it though... sniff. Oh well. Last night I was up until 2 in the morning just working on online scrap boards, posting photos, working on the blog and taking photos.... then David and I ended up watching Pinky and the Brain... what a riot... (NARF!) Oh, shoot, I almost forgot, I FINALLY found a good spot for my ink stamps.... see the photo. That is the best spot that I can have them so that their upside down for better inking and right at my finger tips....

I love my studio.....

Labor Day non-labor.... more like scrap day....

2006-09-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight I spent in my studio cleaning and organizing, and it's almost 2 am, I really need to get some sleep.

Chelsea's Blog Challenge....

2006-09-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

"What were you happy about or what was your major accomplishment in August. To project - what will be your main focus for September. You can list as many things as you want."

What was I happy about in August, at first thought I would say nothing, it was a very rough month for me. But now that I'm feeling better I would have to say that it would be feeling better about myself and also going camping this summer....

For September, lose 15 more lbs, exercise more, scrap more, make new friends, love myself a little more....

Questions from Aug. 17th.... from Barb's Blog

2006-08-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

But these are my answers

Thursday - August 17/ Questions

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops? Nope....
2. Do you close your eyes on a roller coaster? Never, I scream with eyes wide open!
3. When's the last time you've been sledding? Never!
4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? Spooned up with the hubby...
6. Do you consider yourself creative? Well, duh, of course!
7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife? Yes.
8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? Angelina Jolie
9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING or EVERYTHING about politics? I know enough to know that the people should vote and make themselves heard, otherwise they have nothing to complain about.
10. Do you know how to play poker? Nope, never did, never will. Don't like the game.
!11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? Yup! On duty New Years eve and day 1994.
12. What's your favorite commercial? The Prego commercial with the kid with spaghetti all over his face and head...
13. Who was your first love? David Cole... my first and only real love, the one God meant for me to be with.
14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around you, do you run a red light? No...
15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? only God knows, and it's just between us.
16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? Neither, don't like b'ball, professional.
17. Have you ever been Ice Skating? Yes, skated pairs and singles in the amateur circles.
18. How often do you remember your dreams? Yes
19. What's the one thing on your mind? my husband and my family in FL, and my mother in law.
20. Do you always wear your seat belt? Yes
21. What talent do you wish you had? to sew
22. Do you like Sushi? Yup! Oh yeah, Mikuni.....
23. What do you wear to bed? happy fairy pajamas... really, I do.
24. Do you truly dislike anyone? hmmmm.... no!
25. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be? Gerard Butler, the Phantom of the Opera
26. Do you know anyone in jail? I did, my father.
27. What food do you find disgusting? mushrooms, and sauerkraut.... ewwwwww.
28. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back? Never.... had that happen to me too much, it hurts and I despise it.
29. Have you ever been punched in the face? Yes, had my nose broke.
30. Do you believe in angels and demons? Yes.

New toy....

2006-08-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, I got a Cricut... you know how as a kid you wish for the biggest, shiniest red bike in the window and you feel like you'll never ride it.... well, yipee kayeeee, I've got a Cricut.... and it's awesome. The paper kind of stuck at first on the cutting mat, but once I broke it in, it was awesome! I'm having such fun with it. Too bad I've got to leave it tomorrow and the next day... but this weekend, I'm going to playyyyy!

Heehee.... snort....

2006-08-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share some funny here. Remember Wayne's World? One of my favorite parts of that movie was when they did the "Bohemian Rhapsody" scene in the Gremlin.... I still crack up.

Wayne's World

My favorite layouts....

2006-08-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share some of my favorite layouts, from my scrap past and present...

1st Page with Cosmo Cricket Paper

2006-08-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

That Gibson Girl.... done with Cosmo Cricket's "Wanted" collection, Calamity Jane paper... Bazzil Basics in sage and brown, Tim Holz ink in Vintage Photo, MM brads. .... Aside from that, a lot of love put into that page. I love that picture of my great grandmother. Reminds me how much of her spirit lives in me. She lived an amazing life of love, faith, and family.

Got my Cosmo Cricket....

2006-08-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

In the mail today... whoohoo.... happy dance.... Cosmo Cricket, the Wanted Collection, as well as some of my Bohemia Papers... yaaaahoooooo!

Missing my mom

2006-08-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

Was thinking about my mom all day today... I feel bad, I didn't even get a chance to call her. I've had a bit of a cold, and went to church, then we went to brunch, then I went home and crashed. By the time I woke up it was after 7. I was so mad! I wanted to call her and tell her I missed her. Instead, I did this tonight...

Elsie Flannigan Challenge #5

2006-08-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

Alter a flower embellishment... So I did. I used a Heidi Swapp flower as part of my title... "Native Floridian"... by stapling my title parts to it.... I used my wonderful Crop-A-Dile puch to punch holes in my chipboard flowers... (shameless name dropping I know...) The paper is from NRN designs, Batik Block print. The purple strips of paper are from the Basic Grey Fusion collection...

Friday Night Madness......

2006-08-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

My David.... isn't he cute...
sometimes he can look downright waaay too serious,
that's when I start to laugh so hard I snort...
He's my best friend...lover...confidante...
I miss him when he's gone for like five minutes,
I can't sleep when he's not in bed with me...
I miss his hand in mine, his arms around me,
and that's just when I'm in the other room...
ain't that sweet?

I know, nauseating. Tough, get over it! I love David!

Yeah, I was a big looney tonight... but what else is new. Doing this was like major therapy for me... now I am ready to get down and get busy scrapping tomorrow. I should be dead tired, been going since 6 this morning.... I haven't been able to concentrate at all this week... too much stuff going on. I finally got some issues off my chest, and I feel much better. Long story short, bad mojo on Monday. I've been hoping to hook up with some of the gals and scrap, but everyone's busy... sniff.

Organizing takes it's toll.....

2006-08-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

Once again another scrap room revamp....

2006-08-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

Heehee.... I went and did it again. I was tired of tripping over everything trying to get though my tiny little studio... I love it, don't get me wrong, but the Bat Cave was having serious space issues, and with my growing number of projects, well, I had to make some room, organize, and get this place ready for some serious scrapping.... the first photo is of my scrap table, I use a calendar as a pad so I won't mess up the table, the adhesive caddy is from Target, and of course there's my newest toy, the crop-a-dile...the second photo is of the entire studio, which is a walk in closet with 10 ft ceiling... then my flowers, and then my stamps, which although they look rather dishevelled in that bin, they're actually pretty organized. Then my paper, organized scraps of solid scraps and print scraps, and small paper pads are in the drawers, greeting cards are in my cropper hopper storage, then my patterned papers are organized by style and manufacturer, as well as cardstock. Stickers are organized by theme... Is that all sick or what?

From the Creator of Cosmo Cricket Scrapbook Products

2006-08-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

Here is our 12 Step Program

1. Admit you have a problem (Congratulations, you seem to have taken this step on your own).
2. Continue scrapbooking with your curren supply of Cosmo Cricket products. If you don't you will feel guilty for having spent the money on them.
3. Put the pizza man on speed dial.
4. Get your children flip flops
5. Have husband watch the movie, "Mr. Mom"
6. Creat a support group for women like you so that you can all share your problems(and products) with each other.
7. Let hair sit in a good conditioner until you can get a comb through it.
8. Have hair cut short into a hassle-free, 5 minute style
9. Con't stop scrapping to go to sleep. This will allow more tyime to use up your current supply , and you won't mess up your 5 minute style
10. Turn on ESPN, your husband will forget about dinner.
11. Focus on the positive. Your are creating something wonderful for the people you love and neglect.
12 Feed the addiction. Buy Cosmo Cricket products wherever you can, otherwise withdrawal symptoms will set in.

Borrowed from Barb's Blog...

2006-08-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

Barb! Darn it!!! You stole my scrap room! LOL. Anyhow, I stole this list from your blog!!! I haven't had a chance to get on the message boards, probably this weekend. Work has been insane and will be getting even more insane now that Karen is gone. I did get a chance to scrapbook and make a card for Virginia Hearne to bring her on Saturday.

the list from Barb's Blog...
1. I WANT a house of my own with 3 bedrooms, a study, a workshop and a scraproom just for me! Oh, yeah, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, a den, living room, breakfast nook and dining room. And let's not forget the pool with attached jacuzzi...
2. I HAVE way too many stamps, and yet I want more....
3. I WISH for a cure for cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimers.
4. I HATE the fact that there is such a thing as hate...did that make sense?
5. I MISS my Florida family and my best friend Kimi.
6. I HEAR the Green Acre's theme song in my head, it's State Fair time.
7. I WONDER if David and I will ever become parents.
8. I REGRET not being a better sister to my brothers when I was young.
9. I AM NOT depressed anymore....
10. I DANCE to the soundtrack to Rent when I'm cooking.
11. I SING in the shower, in my car, while I'm scrapbooking....
12. I CRY when I'm sad, and when David and I argue.
13. I AM NOT ALWAYS a pleasant person... I get moody...I can't be PERFECT all the time....
14. I MAKE WITH MY HANDS egg rolls, cards to cheer my friends and family, and scrapbook pages that are reflections of my heart.
15. I WRITE whenever inspiration strikes, and I haven't written a lot lately... I need to write more.
16. I CONFUSE my husband...which isn't hard at all, he finds me very perplexing. If I were easy, there would be no challenge.
17. I NEED to lose weight and get into better shape..
18. I SHOULD listen better, to everyone.
19. I START diets, and healthy eating plans, and exercise plans and don't usually finish them..
20. I FINISH any thing chocolate very quickly....

My new favorite T-shirt...

2006-08-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

My mother would appreciate this shirt, only because she's an artsy fartsy hippie like me... Sigh, it's been an interesting week, the in-laws are going back tomorrow. I was glad Stephen and the kids were here to see Gail. They should have come sooner and a lot more often. (Did I just say that). O.k. I'll get off the Dr. Phil angst here. It was nice to get back to work. I'm just exhausted... company is a lot of work... ok. I'm going to shut up now. I would just like to go hide out in my scrap room and create, right now my head's not in a good place and I just about lost it tonight. Eleanor Roosevelt said that no one can make you feel inferior... Rosa told me that one a couple of weeks ago, then why do I feel that way then? Grrrrr. I'm going to go create.... I'll feel better afterwards.

5 Days of non blog....

2006-08-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

Starting tomorrow I'll be headed to the serene Mt.'s surrounding Grover Hot Springs.... Fun fun fun..... No scrapping, but I'll be reading my Elsie book and doing sketches and writing poetry and trying to work on my novel. Time to get together and relax with friends and family.... and my hubby..... sigh.

A Fond Farewell and New Friends.....

2006-07-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

As in the past three summers, David and I have ventured to the other side of the Sierra's to the small town of Minden, just south of Carson City, for Emmaus events. This year I managed to finally visit "Down on the Farm" scrapbook and gift store, and it was their last day open. The owner there is very nice, and is closing to spend more time with her family. It's not easy being a store owner. The misconception is that if you are a scrapbook store owner you'll have all this time, and all these resources to scrap... NOPE! It's hard. My hats off to all the LSS owner's, thank you for helping support my "therapy"... your service to the scrapbook community is priceless.

Hi, I'm Kimberly and I'm Scrap-shop-aholic...

2006-07-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

I broke down, finally after two months of hemming and hawing over this tool and bought a Crop-A-Dile... (yes Barb, I did it!). Tonight I'm going to the "other" scrapbook store.... LOL. Just to see what they have in the lines of new stuff...

The Tale of the Heidi Swapp purchase.... the packaging from HELL

2006-07-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Noted, I have already sent an e-mail message to Heidi regarding her line of product released to Costco, whoever did the packaging should be smacked. My hands are covered in bandaids and sore after fighting with a deceptively easy to open package.... an hour and 15 minutes later I had it opened.... that's an hour and 15 minutes I could have spent scrapbooking... Yeah, I'm crabby... my honey's leaving for Nevada this morning which means I'm not going to be sleeping well tonight. Sigh..... I'm going to go and get my Crop-A-Dile today from the scrapbook store (hopefully they still have them in stock).

My "Scrubby"... aka Scrapbook Husband... LOL....

2006-07-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

In honor of SNL's lil' parody, I thought I would pay homage to my dear, sweet, loveable "Scrubby", David... he puts up with all my photo taking, obsessing over paper, and freaking out when the mail doesn't come and my ELSIE FLANIGAN book isn't here yet (bleep, bleep bleep)... sorry, that was uncalled for.

David, I love you... you are my inspiration to scrapbook, to share the legacy of our love and adventure with our future generations (only 2, not 4).

Going to go scrap....

2006-07-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

On my way home from work.... I have plans to scrap, scrap, and scrap some more....

If it ain't broke, don't fix it....

2006-07-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

My mother once told me, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"... I have been fiddling and fussing with this darn blog all weekend since Barb showed me those cool templates. I've been trying to be the superblogger and have my own special design title, which I have... however... I can't seem to get the code right to fit into my template..blah blah blah. Enough! I'm just going to leave it like it is and continue to blog about what I am most passionate about, scrapbooking and my family.

Oh, a shout out to Alexis Kaye! Happy 5th Birthday!!!!

Gotta give a tease....

2006-07-24T01:20:00.000-07:00

I am soooooo bad. But hey, gotta be me. It's late, I can't sleep, and I am so jazzed about this new paper it's not even funny. All of these are from the My Minds Eye site... www.mymindseye.com
I can't wait for it to hit the shelves, and if I can't find it there, e-bay or my favorite scrap sites... I've gotta go to bed. Enjoy!

Record heat.... and no scrapping...

2006-07-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't get my scrappin mojo going.... at 115 outside, my brain was just fried. Just hung out today and watched movies and slept in. Didn't go to church.... second time I've missed.... I just wanted to take it easy, get enough rest. Here is a photo of me about 13 years ago.... this is my goal body... back where I want to be... slim, trim, racy and BODACIOUS!

Some more pictures and inspiration....

2006-07-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

Not really the best of pics, these were taken when I was still trying to figure out how my digital camera worked. Barb inspired me to display my first altered paint can, I made this last year, Spring of last year. It was inspired by my love of all things fairies.....

It's all your fault Barb!!!

2006-07-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

This is too funny, and I had to post it. Got it from one of the girls at Scrapvillage. Heehee.... you found that cool site for templates and I had to go and re-invent the wheel here at RWDS! I love this template, very Bohemian with a little bit of Shakespearean flair! Sigh. I hope I can sleep tonight, I slept most of the day today. Battling the asthma once again. But that's totally not scrapbooking I know. I did do Three pages tonight, one of David, and two of myself... I'll take photos tomorrow and post them so that you can see them. Right now, off to bed. Church tomorrow.

110.1 ..... it's not the Belgian Congo, it's Wilton!

2006-07-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Gack, now I know what they mean by Africa hot.... jiminy Christmas! I'm stuck inside this weekend, now I know why, and I'm now actually happy about it. 110.1 degrees outside. Nothing to do but scrapbook, watch movies, and eat popsicles... that doesn't sound too bad now does it?

Blog blues....

2006-07-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

I've been back and forth on what to do with the title page of this blog, with Elsie Flanigan's and many other pro/scrappers, they've got this cool titling that they did themselves, I just can't figure out for the life of me how to get that up there.... grrrrrrrr. I know, I'm a non-conformist, but those are cool. If anyone has any ideas.... lemme know. I'm confloogled here.

New things on the horizon...

2006-07-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

As Fall approaches I am once again going to contemplate starting up FaithFull Scrappers. This time I'm going to be ahead of the game and do a little advertising to the other local churches as well as on the message boards. I am also a bit aprehensive, I was rather disappointed at the response I got last year. I don't take rejection well, and I know I shouldn't take it personally, but well, I kind of do... I put a lot of hard time and work into planning all of it for NO ONE TO SHOW UP. Ok, I know, get over it. So what am I going to do about it this year? Advertise, then pray... pray, and pray a little more. What do I want from all this? To get this ministry off the ground, to create a bond of friendship with other women through creativity.... that's not much to ask for is it.... Sigh.... Come and check it out.

http://faithfullscrappers.blogspot.com/