Joyful Creativity

Warrior Dash, Half Marathon, Hip Hop Hustle, and Turbo Kick.. oh, and I’m 30

2010-10-06T09:00:00.007-04:00

This summer, this year actually, has been full of pivotal changes for me.

To touch on a few reasons why:

I participated in Warrior Dash, survived injury free, have the shirt to prove it:

My Half Marathon is this coming Sunday – I’m excited & nervous. I've been training for months, I know I'm ready, but I also know that once I hit 8 miles of running it starts to suck. I'm hoping that the adrenaline of race day, friends, and random people cheering me on will keep me going. That, and shot blocks!

I’ve signed up for Hip Hop Hustle & Tubo Kick Instructor Training this coming January:

I'm looking into Zumba Instructor Training as well, but can't decide if I should wait until after Turbo & Hip Hop, or do it all at the same time? This is my current ongoing debate with myself.

I turned 30 in September, and it was everything I thought it could be. I am blissfully happy to say goodbye to my twenties and enter into my thirties with anticipation, new life goals, and a better attitude!

This month I will officially be 2 years into being a Passion Parties Independent Consultant, and I’ve done 100+ parties. I'm excited for another year in such a FUN business!

Life is busy, but a good busy. I haven't stamped a thing in MONTHS, and I miss it. But, I do need my sleep, and physical training takes up a lot of my time right now.

Find me on facebook!

Peace & Blessings!

Happy Anniversary to Me!

2010-07-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

July 1, 2000 - I married the love of my life.

10 years later, and we still behave like newly weds.

Just a few pictures to remember...

Turbo Fire

2010-05-22T21:50:00.004-04:00

I am jumping out of my skin with excitement over this workout....

It's coming soon....

TURBO FIRE SITE

Peace & Blessings!

Fitness Fanatic

2010-05-16T22:08:00.006-04:00

The past 90 days of my life have been filled with exercise, nutrition, research, and a huge attitude shift.

My focus has been all about training.
Weights, running, food timing, nutrient profiles... the list goes on.

I have completed the workout program, Chalean Extreme.

My results speak for themselves....

Body Measurements:
17.5 lbs lost (25 lbs overall)
15.5" lost (6" off my waist! HO RA!)

Fit Test:
Day 1 Squats: 40
Day 90 Squats: 100

There were more exercises, all of which I doubled my reps, but the squats I am most proud of.

I am planning on starting P90X next.

I must admit, I'm intimidated by the schedule with this program. Also, with my running training - I may have to adapt the schedule to work. I'm not sure I can follow P90X to the letter, AND train for running. (I do have a day job, and Passion Parties!)

This year's 5K training rounds out with a Father's Day 5K.
I realize I "should" be jumping up and down at my progress - Just looking at my normal training workouts, I have shaved 3 minutes per mile off my time. That's HUGE!

But, I am SO FOCUSED on my time this year.
Last year's Father's Day 5K was about staying in the jogging cadence the entire time. No walking. I wasn't focused on time. And I did it - I never walked.

This year, I really need to shave an additional minute per mile to make my time goal for this Father's Day. I am positive though. With my continued weight loss, and hard training - and positive attitude - it is possible.

And just to round things out, I have decided to do the Warrior Dash to celebrate my 30th birthday in September.

Who am I? When did this happen?

Peace & Blessings!

Shakeology

2010-04-06T17:54:00.008-04:00

I have tried, and tried, and tried protein shakes.

I love the theory behind them, yet for YEARS, never found a protein shake that fit the bill for what I was looking for:
ZERO artificial sweeteners.
Tastes A-MA-ZING
Solid Nutrition that goes way beyond the normal shake.

Have you heard of Shakeology?

Videos will do more justice than I could with the science behind it:

Nutrition Simplified

Shakeology vs Juice or Coffee

The Healthiest Shake Around The World

As for me, and my experience:
Tastes A-MA-ZING!
My sweet cravings have diminished (not totally gone, but a SIGNIFICANT decrease)
I FEEL better.

It really does taste AMAZING.
I even, accidentally, made Shakeology ice cream once, and now do it on purpose.
I like my shakes to be ICE cold, so I blend with 6 or 7 ice cubes.
One night, my mother called just as I was finishing blending a shake. I threw it in the freezer to keep it cold while I was talking to her.
Got off the phone - got my shake - and WHOA! It was the consistency of ice cream, and I'm being honest - JUST AS GOOD!

SA-WEEEEEET!

1 Scoop Chocolate Shakeology
4 oz milk (or almond milk)
8 oz water
6 or 7 ice cubes
1 tablespoon peanut butter
and blend until the ice is totally disintegrated and the shake is THICK.
Freeze for 20 min, and you have ICE CREAM! mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

You can order through my website SHAKEOLOGY

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

2009-12-30T11:00:00.001-05:00

I feel like I'm living in the last episode of Grey's Anatomy....
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years - all in 1 hour.

Let's see...
Family visited for Thanksgiving
Working full time
Parties - 2 to 3 a week
Hubby
Friends
Cats
House
Food
Making Christmas gifts, thank you cards, & tags
We traveled to Maine for whirlwind Christmas
And now a snow storm MAY be coming our way for New Years.

Phew!

I realize that my last few posts have been my pining over the fact that I barely blog any more. And I know I keep thinking I will. I do think I'm transitioning into the joys of a 140 character Twitter updates, that automatically updates my facebook status more than blogging... for a while now.

Social Media - FIND ME:
www.facebook.com/AlisonMewerCowan
www.twitter.com/AlisonMC

That's all for now. Find me on facebook.... I love to connect!

Peace & Blessings!

Sewing? Really?

2009-10-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

I have finished Christmas gifts.

Everything is made, wrapped, tagged, and sitting pretty in a plastic tote waiting for December.

On one hand, it feels AMAZING to be done so early.

On the other hand, I have been obsessively creating in my studio for the past 2+ months, and now I'm out of projects that NEED to be done.

What to do.... what to do....?

LAVENDER EYE PILLOWS!

I know, crazy right?
I don't think I've pulling my sewing machine out for 3 years, and I did last night.

I'm in the process of whipping up some yummy lavender eye pillows to have on hand for future gift giving. I found some fun fabric, so last night I washed, pressed and cut it to size. I think I sewed half of my panels (all 24 that I cut). I received my filler today, so this weekend I will fill a few and snap some photos.

I subscribe to the thought - you can NEVER have too many gifts on hand. You just never know when you'll need a quick gift for someone, or a hostess gift.

I'd love to hear from you:
What is the most memorable hostess gift you've ever received?
What is the most memorable funny gift you've ever received?
Why?

I'm looking for more ideas of fun things to whip up and have on hand.

Happy Halloween!

Oh My Neglected Blog!

2009-10-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

Dear Blog,

It has been since the end of July since we last met.

It’s true, I AM seeing someone else.

No, no… it’s not you, it’s ME.

I have missed you.

I like to you use as a of journal of my life.

I promise, (maybe), to be better at showing you some love.

~ Alison

Isn’t it interesting how life changes?

How interests shift?

How pet projects are set aside?

So much has happened since we last met. Here are a few highlights:

In August, my stamping / art studio underwent a MAJOR overhaul. Adam and I switched rooms in the basement. I was ready to tunnel under the pool from my old room, and Adam's puzzles don't take up as much space as my art supplies do.

The shocking thing about the move - my old space is LESS THAN HALF the size of my new space - and everything in my new room - was in my old room. I had stuff just squirreled away!

The fun part about showing off my new room is walking people to my old room, having them get a feel for the size of the room, then unveiling the new room and say "and all of THIS was in that other room". No one ever believes me!

Drumroll please......

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

This last picture is actually my Passion Parties Area. I love it here because it's put away, and I have it organized in one area (Thank you Michele!). Also, I can have people over to play in my art studio, and nothing, ahem... that buzzes, is laying around.....So unassuming... ;-)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new space. It’s BEA-U-TI-FUL! The first week I had it, I would just sit down there, basking in the glory of all that is organization!

I must thank Michele and her family for all of their wonderful help. Without them, I would not / could not have pulled it off!

So, why no blog updates of my beautiful creations.... I’m working on Christmas gifts, so, I cannot post pictures of what I have been creating. I'm already about 50% done with Christmas gifts, and I've also already WRAPPED what is done. I'm way ahead of the game this year.

I've got to be on top of things with working full time, and doing Passion Parties. Time is my new currency, and that demands a higher level of efficiency and organization.

As an Independent Passion Parties consultant – I am rocking the business! It is fulfilling, fun, profitable, and an absolute PASSION of mine! I fill my time with working my business, and my results show it.

That's all for now.

Hopefully I will update this pet project of mine a little more often.

For me. So in a year, or two, or three, I can read through posts and smile and say "oh yeah, I remember when that happened".

Peace & Blessings!

Happy Birthday James

2009-07-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

My God Son, James, turned 15 today! Adam and I couldn't be more proud of the intelligent, witty, responsible, fun loving, hilarious, respectful young man he has grown into.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!!!!!!!

PS - I CASEd the card off SplitCoastStampers.com.

Excitement!

2009-07-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Haven’t been stamping lately…. Not that you could tell by my silence on this blog with stamping posts.

This will all change, soon!

My stamping studio / art studio is a bit of a disaster. I find I can clean & organize it, only to find that after 1 session of making a few cards – it’s trashed again. Almost like when I go into my creative mind, my organizational mind goes completely dormant. Putting anything away just zaps my creative mojo. So, when I’m done with a tool, I set it aside. And then the paper, I set it aside. Oh, and embellishments – set those aside as well.

And what happens is my clear work space suddenly becomes a pile of tools, paper, and embellishments. ACK!

I have been meaning to empty my studio closet out, go through supplies, and clean out for a while. I’ve also got a vision in my head of ripping out the shelf that is there now, and installing custom shelving to serve my needs. Finally, a vision of an art studio where everything has a station and a place, so when it comes time to clean up, I know where everything goes instantly, and I could clean up in 10 minutes or less.

Frankly though, that kind of organizational skill isn’t a strong point in my being.

However, it IS for my best friend, Michele! She’s AMAZING at looking at a space, learning about what the needs are for a space, and setting it up to be functional and BEAUTIFUL at the same time.

AND………

She is coming for a visit this summer.

AND…….

She has asked if she can help me with this project!

I have no words for the level of relief, excitement, and anticipation I have for the two of us digging into that studio and creating an organized, functional, beautiful space.

Thrill Chills Abound!

Running Barefoot

2009-07-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons for not updating my blog as often as I used to, is I have had a dramatic lifestyle change – particularly over the past 3 to 4 months. A major change… I am now a runner.

I am reading Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. This book is a fun, easy, reality shattering read. I won’t go into a summary here – check it out on Amazon.

A major reality shattering concept he discusses at length in the book is the idea of running barefoot. That we, society, have been conditioned by corporate entities that we NEED to wear thick soled shoes with pronation support, arch support, etc etc etc in order to protect our feet from anything we try and do throughout the day. When in actuality, runners that go barefoot or wear shoes such as the Vibram Five Fingers have less injury, run faster, feel better, have better arch support and stronger feet.

The research I’ve done on barefoot running online, and viewing a video of a woman running barefoot in slow motion and running with running shoes on in slow motion – I can SEE the difference in body mechanics and foot strike. It’s really quite amazing to me. Barefoot running makes sense, intellectually at least (and I’m speaking as a licensed massage therapist).To see the video:

I have yet to try it though. This has been my obsession over the past two days. Research. Research. More Research.

I must admit, I am VERY nervous about hitting my road barefoot for my run tomorrow. What about glass? What about the *stuff* that could injure my feet? I really want a pair of the Vibram Five Fingers, BUT I have webbed toes. These shoes don’t work for webbed toes. That is a MAJOR bummer. There are other companies out there making shoes with no support, that are basically for barefoot running – but give the foot protection from road debris. However, no one sells them locally, and I really want to try them on first!

(Who would have ever thought I would be researching specific running foot protection that will allow the sensation of being barefoot, which would in turn change my body mechanics & foot strike while running…. Ok, not me!)

I think the most compelling argument I’ve heard so far is that when you put a cast on your leg, your leg with atrophy by 50% in a 6 week time period.

So why are we putting our feet in shoes which immobilize our feet and the natural flexion & extension feet were designed for?

Also, the graphic below I scraped from Barefoot Runner:

Time will tell when I find shoes that’ll work for me. Time will tell how my body responds to this new way of running.

If you are as fascinated as I am, some resources to do your own research:

Barefoot Runner

Barefoot Ted

Running Barefoot

Peace & Blessings!

5K!!!!

2009-06-21T13:11:00.001-04:00

Whew!

Today I completed my 1st 5K!

And I RAN THE WHOLE WAY!

YAY WOO!!!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-05-25T00:01:00.002-04:00

My parents came out for the weekend, and it happened to coincide with my Dad's birthday.
As always, they do too much & I greatly apprecaite all their help!!! We get so much done around the house when they are here!!!

Peace & Blessings!

Animator vs. Animation 2

2009-05-19T16:47:00.001-04:00

Making A Card - Standing Up

2009-04-17T10:30:00.000-04:00

It's been so long since I've made a card - that last night when I realized I had flaked out on someone's birthday - I ran to my stamping room and busted out a card - standing up!

That's a first for me!

Peace & Blessings!

Where have I been?

2009-04-06T19:00:00.002-04:00

Busy…. of course I brought it all upon myself – but I will say this is the busiest I’ve been in a long, looooooooooong time!

(I haven’t made a card in over a month!)

What have I been up to?

Working – a lot.

Between having a full time day job & working my Passion Parties business – I work. Granted Passion Parties is one HILAIROUS ride of my life, and I’m loving it – it’s still long hours. (I’m booking parties for Saturday’s into July, Friday’s into June, and weeknights into May!!!)

Running – sort of.

Adam and I have signed up for a 5K training program through our local Fleet Feet store. It’s a 3 month training program, with our 1^st 5K race on Father’s Day this year.

I’m really excited about this, but I didn’t realize the time commitment. We have group workouts at the state park 3 x’s a week. I’m so used to working out at home that adding 20+ minutes to each end of the workout for drive time has pressed my patience a bit.

I am feeling really good about what I’m doing though. Pushing myself every workout – and my original goal was to run the entire race in under 30 minutes. Now, I just want to run the entire race, and start looking at times in a couple months. (right now I’m running/walking)

Treadmill walking/running is VERY different on the body than road walking/running. My body is working into road workouts. (THANKFULLY we have a Jacuzzi – which has really helped our soreness factor!)

Tap Class - awesome!

A new instructor moved to town, and the National Museum of Dance picked her up for tap classes. She’s currently doing a 10 week series – and the Advanced class is GREAT! She really works on giving me advanced things, and I feel pushed every lesson. I’m THRILLED she’s here to stay!

iPhone - what did I ever do without one?

For my Passion Parties business, I purchased an iPhone. I now think of my life in 2 ways: before the iPhone and after the iPhone!

Before the iPhone, I rarely had my cell turned on. I usually only dialed out, and I even checked it's messages from my home phone.

After the iPhone, it's usually within arms reach at ALL hours of the day - and it's always turned ON. I'm on it ALL THE TIME - the ability to check e-mail, facebook, twitter, texting, yadda yadda yadda is AWESOME. I'm addicted to finding new and fun (FREE) apps! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT....

Oh, and BEFORE the iPhone - I wasn't a texter - at all. Didn't like it. Now - I'm a texting crazy person!

House - sigh....

Lately I’ve been looking around and just wanting to purge and clean out EVERYTHING! I’ve been a bit frustrated because with work, Passion Parties, 5K training, tap class…. when do I have time to really clean out?

We have made the list of things we wish to accomplish with the house this summer. It’s ambitious – especially with my schedule.

NEEDS

New Jacuzzi cover – and we know what we will be getting: www.spacap.com

Water pump

Garage Lighting

Landscaping plants - hopefully some friends will help with this as I truly detest landscaping duty!

I need a new computer for my business..... MAC baby!

WANTS

Overhaul Adam's Man Cave - better organization, etc

Overhaul my stamping room closet (under utilized! I think I can fit more art supplies in there ... instead of having them peppered around the house - and no this doesn't mean purchasing MORE supplies - this means having better organization of my CURRENT supplies)

Entirley redo the office. It's currently lime green with lady bugs (little kids room from when we purchased the house). I want paint, new floor, and furniture to make it into a functional office vs the storage space it's acting as now!

Cabinets in the laundry room for added storage

Solar pool heater

Now that you know what's going on in my life - what about you?

Peace & Blessings & HAPPY SPRING

So Proud of my Hubby!

2009-03-27T14:58:00.002-04:00

Adam is a "Mechanical puzzle inventor, designer, builder, producer, and collector; expert level sandwich maker; and the keeper of an ever expanding reading list." (that's from his Twitter)

A new book came out, and he's featured on PAGE 63!

Exciting Stuff!!!

Peace & Blessings!

Love this Card!

2009-02-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

I CASED this card from Splitcoast Stampers. I saw this, and flipped over it! I just love how simple, but elegant it is:

Peace & Blessings!

Sympathy

2009-02-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

I found out one of my Passion clients just lost someone in her life..... sympathy cards are the hardest - and the most needed....

Peace & Blessings!

Sheila's Birthday Card

2009-02-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Peace & Blessings!

Valentine Inspired Thank You

2009-02-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day w/ Jeff & Walter

2009-02-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Sheila!

2009-02-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

Sheila has a BIG birthday today! She turned..........

As usual - the scanner just can't capture the true color - but you get the idea.

A child in the nursery at her church told her "you're almost 100"! Too funny!

Happy Birthday Sheila!

Art? Life? Business?

2009-02-08T19:17:00.000-05:00

I have been remiss in posting ART to this blog.

I have been super busy with my Passion Parties Business! Although I have whipped out some cards, I haven’t taken the time to go down to my studio and create something new – for the sake of creating something new.

When I’m down there – I’m there with a purpose: Thank you’s, birthdays, etc.

I promise I will post something - eventually..... and until then.....

Peace & Blessings!

PS – Find me on Facebook!

Happy Groundhog Day

2009-02-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

This day always makes me laugh.

Do you know the origins - if not: CHECK IT OUT HERE

Peace & Blessings!

Barack Obama's Inaugural Speech

2009-01-20T16:16:00.002-05:00

I made a comment to a friend today that my kids will ask me someday if I remember Obama's Inaugural Speech....

If you want to read it - you can find his speech here: http://www.pic2009.org/blog/entry/president_obamas_inaugural_address/

Precious Metal Clay

2009-01-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Adam and I took a Precious Metal Clay class! YAY WOO!

We've been wanting to do this for YEARS!

Here are a few things we did:

Adam made the chain a few years ago, and made a pendant to hang on it! Looks great!

We both made sage leaf pendants. Mine is on the left. These are by far my favorite! I could make 100 of these, and still love them all!

This is a ring I did. We learned how to texture the band of the ring and set a stone:

We had a blast - and are now totally addicted! The best part - the instructor is in town, and will allow us to fire our pieces in her kiln! YAY!

Peace & Blessings!

A couple of this years Thank You Cards

2009-01-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

These are from this year - my ready to go for Christmas of 2009 cards will be posted in 2010! (I actually made a handful of different designs - but sealed them in envelopes before I could scan them! - WHOOPS!)

Peace & Blessings!

Laugh WITH me!

2009-01-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

Before you read this entire post - remember - LAUGH WITH ME!

Every year, around September / October I make all of my Christmas Thank You cards - so I will be ready - and not have to think about it in the middle of December craziness.

This year, I didn't do that.

So, about all of December and into the beginning of January - I've had this self talk going on in my head: "Why didn't I make Thank You cards early this year? When am I going to have the time to do this? I can't believe I didn't do it early! ARGH!"

This weekend, I finished up Thank You cards - wrote them out, addressed, stamped, sealed.... etc.

I made 2 extras - as I haven't done gift exchange with 2 people yet. So, AFTER I finished my cards & was cleaning up, I pulled my card box down off the shelf to store my 2 extras.

Drum roll please......... (remember laugh WITH me)

There, in my card box.......
25 Christmas Thank You cards......
beautiful, complete, READY TO GO Thank You cards..........

And it hit me - I got together with girlfriends back in AUGUST - and that's when I made them - because I knew I'd want to be ready!

I think because I did it in August - I totally forgot! That's much earlier than usual!

So, now I have 25 beautiful, complete, READY TO GO Christmas Thank You cards for 2009!!!!

Laugh WITH me......

Peace & Blessings!

Josh Groban - You Are Loved

2009-01-02T20:58:00.001-05:00

Are You Going to Finish Strong

2009-01-02T08:39:00.001-05:00

Christmas Pictures

2009-01-01T21:42:00.003-05:00

I realize I'm late in posting these:

Apollo has taken up residence under our Tree!

We threw an afgahn over the chair - for whatever reason - and Merlin took up residence! Smart cat!

Peace & Blessings

Ambition to Meaning - New Film

2008-12-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

YAY WOO! I LOVE films like this - Ambition to Meaning:

I'm excited!

Peace & Blessings!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a FUN, HAPPY, PLAYFUL, & JOYFUL CHRISTMAS!

Peace & Blessings!

Il Divo - Halleluja ( Aleluya )

2008-12-19T16:03:00.001-05:00

Il Divo - Amazing Grace

2008-12-19T16:01:00.001-05:00

Hot Cocoa for 2

2008-12-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

As part of my Christmas Season, I made Hot Chocolate for 2 gifts:

Peace& Blessings

The Mom Song

2008-12-18T11:15:00.002-05:00

Decorating our 1st Christmas Tree

2008-12-14T14:22:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

It's finally that time of year for us - in a new way.

We have been married for 8.5 years, and have NEVER had a tree. We've always traveled for Christmas, so we didn't see the point.

This year, I hemmed and hawed over the issue - until - my very best friend in the whole wide world - Michele (& family) - sent our Christmas gift early. They simply couldn't wait until Christmas!

They picked out Christmas ornaments for our 1st tree! Each one has a special meaning - and frankly - that gift is what put Adam and I into the Christmas spirit!

So, during the power outage - due to the ice storm - we went shopping. We got a small tree, and started decorating it today. As you can see - we were not even done, and Apollo had to get in on the action. (Leave it to Merlin to get his tail in the picture)

I am going to TRY and get a good picture of the completed tree later.

Thanks REECE'S - you've made Christmas super special for us this year!

Peace & Blessings!

Belated Birthday Card

2008-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Whoops! I forgot a family member's birthday! Well, didn't forget... just really late.....

Peace & Blessings!

Winter Snow

2008-12-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

I got inspiration for this card from Michelle Zindorf. She's a genius!

Peace & Blessings!

Real Friendship!

2008-12-03T17:00:00.001-05:00

The inside stamp says:

"Real friendship is like
wetting your pants,
everyone can see it,
but only you can feel
the true warmth."

Peace & Blessings!

Leap!

2008-12-02T09:30:00.001-05:00

There is a new movie coming out, that I am curious to see:

How about you?

Pee before you watch this.... Trust me!

2008-11-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

I was doing my daily blog reading, when I came across this video.

Seriously, get up and go to the bathroom before you hit play.

My favorite is the VERY end!

Thanksgiving Intro from Northway Church on Vimeo.

Awesome!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Peace & Blessings!

Polymer Clay Magnet

2008-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to play with polymer clay. It's been too long.

This is a fridge magnet clip.

Peace & Blessings

Whoa! Never thought of it this way.....

2008-11-19T20:37:00.003-05:00

Ok….. so if you know me, you know that I usually claim to be Switzerland in a public arena when it comes to highly charged issues. (Do you know who I voted for? Are you sure?) Also, you know that in private, I hold very strong opinions; and I can be fierce in defending my values if challenged.

That said, I have to be honest. The whole Prop 8 in California / Gay Marriage thing – I’ve truly been Switzerland because I hadn’t really thought about it seriously.

I’m not gay, but I know beautiful amazing people who are. I don’t know anyone who has marched for gay rights, or has been deliberately prejudiced against because of sexual orientation.

So, what am I saying?

There is a point…..

I read the blog of a friend from High School. She posted the video that I have chosen to post below.

It moved me.

It MOVED me.

What was said in the video – well, I hadn’t thought of it in that way before.

I’m not asking you to believe it, support it, or even watch it. It’s your conscious choice to watch the video… if YOU choose to.

I’m posting the video because it moved ME.

“This isn’t about yelling, this isn’t about politics, and this isn’t really just about Prop 8; and I don’t have a personal investment in this…….. this is about the human heart.”

“Spread happiness!”

Validation

2008-11-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

Where have I been?

Working on new projects that I cannot post here..... yet.

I apologize for my silence.

Will this make it better?

Peace & Blessings!

Happy Birthday Lady Elizabeth

2008-11-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to a VERY SPECIAL young lady. She's 13 today! YAY WOO!

Peace & Blessings

Adam's Trip Down the Hudson

2008-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week, Adam had the cool opportunity to sail from Albany, New York to New York City.

Here are a few pics he snapped with his cell phone:

Peace & Blessings!

Maine Humor

2008-11-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

I'm a Maine Native: Yessssaahh de-ah...

Well-sa; watchin' the program; I got such a cha-ge out of it; I just got ta' laughin'....

ha-ah ta sha-ah!

Translation for the non-Maine Natives:

I'm a Maine Native: Yessssaahh de-ah...

I am originally from Maine. I grew up in Maine, most of my relatives are in Maine. I can speak in the Maine accent. Yes, dear, I can.

Well-sa; watchin' the program; I got such a cha-ge out of it; I just got ta' laughin'....

When I viewed these You Tube videos, I got "such a charge" out of watching them; I laughed so hard I cried.

ha-ah ta sha-ah!

Had to share.

Seriously, these videos just set me off with laughter!

One more for good measure:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Breathtaking new Il Divo ......

2008-10-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

Check out the new video HERE

Album info: HERE

oooooooooooo, I'm excited!!!!

Peace & Blessings!

Old Math vs New Math

2008-10-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy 50th Birthday - SMURFS!

2008-10-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

They even have a birthday website!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday!

Maine

2008-10-19T09:20:00.000-04:00

Can you believe I didn't bring a camera with me to Maine? Yep, one of those all important items I left in New York. (I did have my cell phone, so I was able to capture a few pics with that)

Yesterday I took Adam to Schoodic Point in Acadia National Park.

He leaned in and said "Isn't this where you wanted us to get married?"

"Oh yeah.... yes it is"

"I like you pretty good, let's see how this goes." (We celebrated 8 years last July!)

Below is the actual spot I originally wanted to get married - before that changed to Canon Beach, Oregon:

I turned around to look back from where we came.... talk about rocky Maine coastline:

Before we got to the actual Schoodic Point, we stopped here:

Peace & Blessings!

Happy Birthday

2008-10-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

My Mother and Brother share a birthday.

This is what I made for my brother:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mom!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rick!

Peace & Blessings!

Repeat... but oh soooo cool!

2008-10-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is a repeat of the card I made when I learned the brayer technique. It's just soooo cool, I had to make another!

Peace & Blessings!

Our Summer Home To Do List

2008-10-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Do you remember, back in March, when I posted the list of things Adam and I wanted to accomplish this summer? If not, check it out her e:

What did we really do?

I changed my mind on the fence. I didn't love the fence. So, we just pulled the fence out.

Repaired fence around the propane tanks.

Replaced the floor.

Pulled the front weed bed, laid down weed mat and mulch.

New pool pump.

New sink faucet in master bath.

Cleaned out the garage - well, most of it.

Transplanted trees.

The dishwasher... well.... my plans were actually impossible. So, although it's not what I had originally intended... what we did is at least working.

We didn't get to paint. To be honest, I really don't want to paint. I want to hire someone to paint for me! That would be even better!

Happy Fall!

Belated Birthday

2008-10-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Better late than never:

Happy Birthday Dan!

Peace & Blessings!

Whirlwind week!

2008-10-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

I'm having a difficult time believing it has been over a week since my last post.

whoops! It has been such a whirlwind week!

Until I post a new card, here's the latest Tom Wilson Video:

Peace & Blessings!

Blue Silhouette

2008-10-01T08:30:00.003-04:00

The latest card:
Peace & Blessings!

Enthusiasm!

2008-09-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Knowledge is power and enthusiasm pulls the switch."

-- Steve Droke

Gene Kelly Tap Dancing on Roller Skates

2008-09-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, sooooooo I can tap dance... and I'm pretty good... but this.... this is INSANE!!!

Optimist Creed

2008-09-25T09:00:00.006-04:00

Promise yourself...

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel

that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything

and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and

press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as
you are true to the best that is in you.

ROCK STAR!!!!

2008-09-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

I have a ROCK STAR of a friend!

Michele and I are tight. We talk almost everyday on the phone, and she is the QUEEN of surprising me! Great fun!

The other day I opened my front door to find a package.

Inside - A New Stamp Set:

I have been kicking myself for not ordering this stamp set now that I'm playing with brayering.

There was also a note saying that the other day, when I was telling Michele "I wish I had ordered that set" she was looking at it on her desk getting it ready to send to me.

Michele is a ROCK STAR!!!!!!

Check out what I did with it last night:

Peace & Blessings!

Embossing, Brayering, Just Plain INSPIRED!

2008-09-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

This was my first try at coloring a line stamp image, embossing, THEN adding the background color. As always, I must thank Michelle Zindorf for the inspiration (her blog is FANTASTIC - and her tutorials have enabled me)!

I continued my exploration at stamping 1 word from a saying stamp on the outside of the card, then the entire saying stamp on the inside of the card. I love how doing that ties the card together.

Peace & Blessings!

Sunset

2008-09-22T06:00:00.002-04:00

Can you tell I'm loving my time in my studio to play with brayering color onto white cardstock to create really cool effects?

I tried to create a reflection effect in the water from the birds. I haven't decided if I love it or not. Want to weigh in your opinion - I'd love to hear it? Leave a comment.....

Peace & Blessings

Simon's Cat 'TV Dinner'

2008-09-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Simon's Cat 'Let Me In!'

2008-09-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Blessed

2008-09-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

I used Michelle Zindorf's tutorial to make this card:

Peace & Blessings

Dream

2008-09-18T06:00:00.002-04:00

With this birthday card, I wanted to play with using part of a saying stamp on the front, then the whole saying on the inside.

I also experimented with brayering color onto white cardstock. I think it's a cool effect:

Peace & Blessings

Kindness

2008-09-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

I was inspired to make this card from a card on SplitCoastStampers:

Peace & Blessings!

Playing with Brayering

2008-09-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend I made the time to really PLAY & EXPERIMENT with brayering techniques, INSPIRED by Michelle Zindorf.

This card, I love... even though I want to tweak it.

#1: Getting the brayer to behave appropriately, while dealing with the paper used for the reverse masking technique..... that was a serious challenge.

#2: I would like to stamp the elephants higher, so more of the silhouette will show against the sunset sky.

#3: I may TRY to rip the reverse mask paper in the shape of Africa... that would be reeeeeeeeally cool! I have a feeling that is easier said than done.

#4: I've been playing with simplicity. I am so good at layering, and layering paper... adding multiple embellishments.... and all that jazz.... that I want to really make ART. For me, that means playing with lots of color, and NO PAPER LAYERING!

#5: Confession: When I learned how to do this brayering technique, I thought to myself: "Could I brayer a wall in my house?" And I was thinking specifically the style of reverse masking I did on this card. I was thinking, in my bathroom, a sunset ocean scene.
Hurdles:
A. Brayers don't come in HUGE sizes
B. The stamps don't come in HUGE sizes
So, that would me a tiny scene on my wall... and at that point, I might as well brayer on paper and frame it.

There you have it! An experiment in brayering, that although I need to tweak a few things, I really love the effect.

And...... my #1 fan loved it - Adam!

Peace &Blessing!

THANK YOU!

2008-09-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

I had a GLORIOUS birthday this year!

Between girls night out crop Friday night, an astonishing stamping workshop Saturday, and spending time with a really cool family Sunday - my birthday ROCKED!!!!!

My Love Language is "Receiving Gifts" so just imagine my thrills at all the amazing, generous, and FANTASTIC gifts friends and family gifted me!

I designed this card specifically for this year's birthday thank yous:

THANK YOU!!!!!

Peace & Blessings!

PS - I didn't make enough of these, so over the weekend I made some different cards to express my gratitude and appreciation. (to be posted on a later date)

The Artist's Creed

2008-09-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Peace & Blessings!

You Are Worth The Time

2008-09-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Peace & Blessings!

Stationary Box

2008-09-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

I have jumped on the Stationary Box bandwagon. I found the instructions HERE, and just HAD to make this for my friend Michele! I used the Flowers for Daisy stamp set, because Michele LOOOOOOOOVES daisies!

Peace & Blessings!

Me? For Prez?

2008-09-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

A Friend's Genius

2008-09-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

These are cards my friend made using the techniques learned over the weekend.

Fabulous Daaaaahling.... simply FABULOUS:

Peace & Blessings!

Color Experimenting

2008-09-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

This is the result of my experimenting with different color schemes. I truly LOVE this!
Peace & Blessings

Squeals - Look At THIS........

2008-09-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

Honestly, this has been my BEST BIRTHDAY to date! (Oh, it's my birthday today!)

I had an amazing opportunity over the weekend to learn a new stamping technique. I think SPECTACULAR is the only word for this!

This is what I made during my class:

This all started as plain white cardstock.

WOW!

GENIUS technique!

I'm excited to play with different colors and themes. I promise I'll post more!

Peace & Blessings!

Girls Night Out Project

2008-09-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

I am going to a crop on Friday night for a girls night out. I don't scrapbook, so I'm going to be making cards.

I've never done Thanksgiving cards before, so I'm going to give that a try this year:

I haven't played with my chalks in a while, so that was part of my inspiration.

On the inside is a pouch that I can slide a bag of tea into. Too cute!

Peace & Blessings!

The Day of 1,000 Boxes

2008-09-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

3 Years ago today we closed on our current home!

Adam said we should make this "The Day of 1,000 boxes" because that's what it felt like to us - 1,000 boxes to move.

My parents helped - they were ROCK STARS!

And looking back at the past 3 years, we have barely dented the Home Improvement List.
Seriously, where did the time go?

Peace & Blessings!

Diva

2008-08-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love Melanie's Little Tee's Stamp Set?

I do!

I'm hoping to get into my stamping room this weekend and really play with the set.

To Be Continued.....

Peace & Blessings!

FaceBook

2008-08-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

Click on my picture to access my FaceBook page:

In Memory of Max

2008-08-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, someone I know had to take his beloved dog to the vet in order to put him to sleep.

My heart goes out to him and his family.

In Memory of Max,

Peace & Deepest Sympathy.

Cards Gone Wrong!

2008-08-21T09:00:00.005-04:00

I have decided to post these, because recently someone said to me: “you could never make an ugly card.”

HA! Check this out:

This card isn’t so bad. The problem was with the dimensions. I did it wrong. Once I realized, I thought “sure, I can trim through multiple layers of paper, and keep it even.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

So, really, it’s not that this card is ugly, I love the layout (which I CASED off SplitCoastStampers.com). The problem is that the card is uneven, and therefore doesn’t have the finished crisp look I strive for.

This card, on the other hand, is doomed!

Do you want to know HOW it is possible I could botch a card so far beyond dignity?

Well, I needed to make a quick birthday card for a friend.

I chose the stamp set, but didn’t feel like coloring the flower. So, instead I stamped it on colored paper and cut out. Actually, I like this look, so you’ll see it again on here.

I grabbed the yellow paper to fold the card. Then I realized that Michele gave me the SU scallop punch when she was here a couple weeks ago. (Thanks Michele!) And I really wanted to use my fabulous new punch. So, I punched across the bottom. Still looking good at this point.

Then….. (cue ominous music) I decided the background would have to be a cuttlebug embossing folder. When I was running it through my Big Shot, I wasn’t paying close attention as I had my DVD player running…. And really… just how difficult is it to turn the crank on a Big Shot?

Well…. The problem was, when I lined up the paper inside the embossing folder, I lined it up with the folder, NOT the embossing section. I pulled the paper out of the Big Shot, and I had about a ¼” of NON-embossed paper on the right edge! OH NO!

My fabulous new scallop punch was still in front of me, so I thought “well, I could scallop off that edge”. And I did.

What was I thinking?!?!?!

At this point, I got to laughing, that I decided I would finish the card, just to put on here to show you how too much of a good thing is TOO MUCH!

This is a card gone wrong! Too many things going on here.

Still, it’s funny!

Thanks for laughing WITH me!

Peace & Blessings!

I dare you to watch this

2008-08-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

Birthday Self Promotion

2008-08-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

It's officially birthday season for me! YIPPIE!!! Less than 3 weeks away:

September 8th!!! (Mark your calendars - it's a HOLIDAY!)

I LOVE birthdays!

Now for my yearly ***shameless self promotion***:

As long as this post is at the VERY TOP of this blog,
look to your RIGHT →

Under the PURPLE box, scroll down just a little, and you will see

"My Wishlist - By Priority" complete with working links.

This is for the people in my life that are gift givers, it makes things easier.

I actually wish I had lists like this for my friends and family. There's just no question as to what to get someone for those special occasions.

So, if you were wondering; I've made it REEEEEEEEEEALLY easy!

***End shameless self promotion***

Peace & Blessings!

Crafty Storage

2008-08-14T13:40:00.002-04:00

Sheila directed me over to the Crafty Storage Blog.

I had a hard time breathing, I was soooooo in AWE of some studios I saw.

2 Major WOW FACTOR Studios:

Kim Reygates Studio

Benita's Studio

I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

Peace & Blessings!

Twin Moose Playing In Sprinkler

2008-08-06T09:30:00.000-04:00

Love

2008-08-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

Another Example of Love:

Click HERE for the video

Peace & Blessings

I Stamped Last Night! YAY!

2008-08-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

I carved out a half hour last night so I could alter a notebook for my latest Nutrition and Exercise log:

I love stamping! It's been too long since I've had some "therapy" time in my sub terrain cave.

Peace & Blessings!

PS - Anyone going to the Breaking Dawn party tonight? I'm stoked!

ZUMBA!

2008-07-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

I've received multiple requests for more info on Zumba. I love YouTube, so here's a sampling:

My local friends - take Zumba with me! It'll be a blast!

Tears of Joy!

2008-07-29T08:00:00.003-04:00

I have found a new home!

Please allow me to back up a little:

I started dancing at age 10. I fell in love with dancing, and dance was my LIFE until I graduated high school. I danced after high school, but gone were the days of 5 nights a week.

When we moved to New York in 2002; I “auditioned” dance studios. Mostly, kids only in the classes, and they were focused on recital. I became discouraged, fast.

Fast forward to about the past six months where I have NEEDED to dance. Literally, I felt an ache in my body because I wasn’t dancing.

Last night, I checked out The School of the Arts at the National Museum of Dance. I knew other “studios” rented space from the Dance Museum’s dance studios, but I didn’t think the Dance Museum had a teaching studio. (The physical studio space is BREATHTAKING!)

Turns out, School of the Arts is about 2 years old (who knew!). The best part: They WELCOME adults with open arms. In fact, last night, it was mostly adults in the classes. I have found a studio that has Zumba, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Hip Hop where I can dance as an adult “that used to dance”. This school focuses on technique vs. “preparing for performance”. From the studio of my childhood, I learned that nothing can replace solid technique. Jazz class was just that; JAZZ CLASS – not hip hop! I love old school jazz! It’s really like coming home for me.

On my drive home from class, I was tearing up because: I am home! I have found a studio that fits my needs PERFECTLY! Complete tears of joy!

Also, on the drive home I was thinking: HOLY MOLEY I am so out of shape! In my head, I’m still that 16 year old that could dance 5 nights a week for multiple hours a night, run a couple miles in the mornings before school and weight train. Sooooooo….. last night my body was like “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!!”. I haven’t danced AT ALL in 5 years… and last night I did an hour Zumba class and an hour of jazz.... I need to ease into this!

Finally, my birthday is coming (I’m a BIG birthday person). A week ago I decided this year I wanted Amazon.com gift certificates. Now, I’m thinking I want class cards for the School of the Arts OR Amazon.com gift certificates. (oh, ya, I forgot; this studio allows me to drop in and pay per class or buy a class card where the classes are slightly cheaper per class – and the best part, the classes are used as I show up for class – instead of paying for a semester, and if I miss a class or two, I don’t get a refund. This studio is PERFECT! I am soooooooooooo HAPPY!)

Thanks for reading…. I have come home!

Randy Pausch Last Lecture

2008-07-25T12:30:00.001-04:00

As, I am sure you have heard, Randy Pausch has passed.

If you have not watched his Last Lecture, carve out an hour of your time, and watch this:

Peace & Many Blessings to you Randy

Reminder To Focus on the Positive

2008-07-25T09:30:00.002-04:00

http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/

Peace & Blessings & Focusing on the Positive Aspects of Your Life

Tugging At My Heart Strings

2008-07-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

I'm still working on my house and other things.... however, I NEEDED to share this:

Peace & Blessings!

Blog Hiatus

2008-07-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have been streamlining my house - not just cleaning, or quick organizing. STREAMLINING! Where everything has it's place. I'm about halfway done.

I will return...... once my house is put back together.....

Peace & Blessings!