Sunday, September 9, 2012

A New York State Of Mind

I traveled to New York City over the Labor Day Weekend. It as the second time I visited this year and it's official --- I LOVE NEW YORK.

Greg joined me this time and we had such a great time! He actually missed the first Friday of the school year and I was delighted with the sacrifice.

I was recovering from a wicked "intestinal malady" so I wasn't at full strength. We didn't get to see any shows or tour any museums; but we were busy the entire time.

We stayed in Manhattan at the Four Seasons. We were close to everything but still tucked away in quiet elegance.

Instead of trying to complete a mini album, I'm going to use a K&Company Smash Book to hold my memories. I can't wait to smush it all in my book and tie it together with a perfect band. I think it will be very urban, utilitarian and New York funky.

Here are a few favorite photos from the first two days. I'll share more later.




Yankee Stadium



Greg's Great Burger in Greenwich Village

Freedom Tower

Times Square



This sculpture was in the plaza of the World Trade Center on 9 / 11



I just like this sign

Empire State Building

United Nations Building - Flags are not flown when Delegates are not in session






Sunday, July 29, 2012

One Minute Writer -- Washing Dishes

This morning's check of my favorite blogs led me to One Minute Writer (thanks, Jill Sprott). I've been lamenting about my hesitance to journal my layouts so I thought I'd give today's prompt a go in the name of practice.

 The Prompt:
 "What task do you prefer to do yourself instead of letting someone else do it for you?
My Response:

I prefer to wash my own dishes. Few others have my level of cleanliness (hand wash first) or know just how to stack the dishwasher. There are rules for dish washing – water temperature, inside and out  technique for tall glasses, utensil wiping -- that must be recognized.
The exercise was fun. I did go back and do a tiny bit of editing and spell-check; but my thoughts flowed easily. I'm going to make a habit of this and include it here and in my Project Life Albums.


Happy Sunday!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

I Scrapped! -- Our 3rd Anniversary Mini

My guy is visiting his family farm in Michigan and I surprised him with a care package.  The box included Starbucks instant coffee, Craisins, peanut M&Ms, a book that he wanted to read and a mini album I made to commemorate our 3rd Anniversary. He received it yesterday and really, really like it!



It was quick and simple.The album is for CD's. I found it on clearance at Walmart for $1. I sorted through some of his favorite photos, cut up a Bingo page from Simple Stories, raided my alpha sticker stash and called it good. (Most of the journaling is hidden on the back of the Simple Stories Bingo Cards).

Stay crafty!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Scrapbook Room Re - Org - Final Stages

My scrapbook room re-org is about 90% complete. It's starting to look like the room imagined when I purchased the house two years ago.

The photo above is my wall of Expedit shelving and my computer desk station. I hope to have everything in placee by Monday....Talk about a labor of love.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Because You Never Forget Your First Time...

  
 Studio Calico - July Kit!


So, I'm finally a member of a scrapbook kit club again!  It's been a long time since those Club Scrap days in the nineties (good times...) I didn't take photos of everything. I was just too excited. My favorite is the October Afternoon paper with the typists. My local Archiver's didn't get this in and I've been in a frenzy to get my hands on a few (10 or so) pieces.

Yesterday was a good day to be Fawn. They are rare and it was greatly appreciated.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Checking In...

My summer isn't going at all the way I'd planned. Fortunately, it's not over yet so I still have time to make it a success.

Today is July 4th and I'm declaring my independence from negative thoughts, mean people, and bad food choices.

I'm embracing creativity, healthy living and clear thinking.

By the end of August, I will be living the life I've always dreamed for myself. That means I have to start today. 

My boyfriend has offered to buy me a mini tablet for our 3rd anniversary. At first, it was a choice between the Nook Tablet and the Kindle Fire. I already own a Nook Color (last year's gift) so I was leaning toward the Kindle Fire for variety....

And then this beauty came to my attention: The Google Nexus
Cute, sleek and newer than new! I'm thinking she may be the one. It is supposed to hit the market this month and I intend to be one of the first in line. I'm pushing myself to be more technologically adept so I have to stay mobile in order to keep up.

In other news:
My scrapbook studio reorganization is almost complete. If I really apply myself, I can be finished by tomorrow.  I will be finished by tomorrow and promise to post some photos. (It's all about goal-setting.)

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Father's Day


Happy Father's Day, Daddy. We miss you.

This is my third Father's Day since my dad passed away.

I never know what to do with myself on Father's Day. I walk around afraid that someone is going to ask me if I "took care of my dad for Father's Day". I fear that I might start to cry. And never stop.

I only describe myself as "the son my father never had' (I am the oldest of three daughters). I learned the game of football so that I could spend time with my dad and speak his language.

The first NFL season opener after he died found me inconsolable. Three years later, I still reach for the phone when I'm watching a football or basketball game and need to gloat or commiserate.

Burying my daddy was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I tried to do right by him and my family when all that I wanted was to curl up in a ball and cry.

You know, it's funny that I always expected the "head of  the family" to step in and handle matters. Imagine my shock when I discover that mythical guy was ME!

I love you Daddy.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Renew, Recharge, Rediscover

I've lost my way.

I'm taking some time off from my "real job" to recharge, renew and rediscover who I am.


God has chosen for this to be a growing season for me. I am going to embrace it.

To that end, I'm making a list. (As any self-respecting type-A would.). The latest trend is to create a manifesto.  When complete, this may qualify as a manifesto; but I have to look up the definition to see if it applies. It may instead be a personal mission statement. We'll just have to see. I'm going to edit (and edit) until it's a true representation of my intentions.Today the most important thing is to put pen to paper to put the words out in cyberspace.

  • I will renew my walk with the Lord. The times of the greatest peace I've known, occurred when my walk with God was strong. Conversely, the times of greatest sadness and distress have come when I have stepped away from  Him.
  • I want to be self-aware and self-expressed at all times.
  • I intend to CREATE. Every day -- Home decor. Scrapbooks. Poetry. Short stories. Tasty meals.
  • I want to laugh -- A LOT. A WHOLE LOT.
  • I CHOOSE JOY. I want to dance for joy! To feel alive. To move though my life in a joyous celebration of each and every day. I want music playing all day.
  • I will treat my body as the temple God created.
  • I'm going to go outside and play. It's summer. I have a backyard with a deck and shade trees. I have an eight year old grandson. I have plants to that need new containers and outdoor furniture still new in the boxes.
  • I'm going to get back to accepting all invitations and meeting a new person every day. I pushed myself to do this when I was first divorced and it really opened up my life.
The goal is to have great things to say when I write my first annual "What I Did This Summer" blog post.

I spent some quality time on Pinterest this morning so I'll close with a few things that inspired me. Happy Friday!

IZAK ZENOU - I totally <heart> his style
PAPER FILTER FLOWERS - gonna follow tutorial and give this a try


NATURAL HAIR -- I'm in the process of going natural.

I COULD SPEND ALL SUMMER HERE -I'm going to make my space just as cozy and inspiring




Monday, April 30, 2012

Monday, Monday

The weekend sped by so quickly. I'm ready to start this work week. Especially since it's my Friday off and Saturday is National Scrapbook Day and Cinco De Mayo!

I participated in "A Week In The Life Challenge" last week. No album yet. (No surprise.) But below are some (unedited) favorite photos.

anthropologie

sunday lunch at cleburne's: liver & onions, black eye peas and rice

archivers

earth day: lunch

work: elevator shot

work elevator shot: note arrival time

my office

before: organizing scrapbook space

before: organizing scrapbook space

current fragrance

funny me

downtown Houston on way to work

work: welcoming shot as enter  lobby

another work day
Let's have a great week!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Start Spreading the News....

Start spreading the news....I'm leaving Thursday...I want be a part of it....NEW YORK, NEW YORK!!!!
I'm so excited that I can hardly sleep. I've never been to New York and I am so excited. I will be there to celebrate my friend April's 40th Birthday and I know we are going to have a big fun!

I've already made April's mini album (the base -- I will add photos, journaling and the works after our trip). I've been up since 3am working on my album. I'm going to have a go at altering a post-bound 8x8. (I'll post some photos when I'm further into the project).

I didn't lose the weight that I wanted to drop before the leaving but I didn't let it get me down. Macy's had a big One Day Sale, so I took two hours and bought some really cute outfits that fit the body I have right now (Size 8-10). Life is too short to let a few pounds stop me from taking my bite out of the Big Apple.

I a busy day ahead... there's a barbeque at my sister's this afternoon, I still have to shop for Easter dinner (pot roast) and make the preparations for my backyard Easter Egg Hunt.

Life is good. God is great!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Spring Break for Adults

As a forty-something, single, empty-nester I propose a spring break for adults. I 'd love to take a week away from my daily grind and PLAY. I could sleep late then hang out at the mall with my friends trying on make up and swooning over cute guys. Or I could go for broke and head to the beach for a week of fun in the sun that would put girls gone wild to shame!

But alas, it will all have to wait. My allergies are acting up, I have a bad headache, I'm behind on work deadlines and I'm 20 pounds away from a bikini. Besides, it will be more enjoyable when the kids are back in school.

Speaking of swimsuits, this is going on my bathroom mirror. I've got to get back into shape.

On the scrapbook front, I went to Archivers. They had the new Heidi Swapp and 7Gypsies lines so I picked up a few new goodies. 


My weekend goal is to complete my three current projects and maybe starting a new one. I have a feeling a lot of caffeine will be involved.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Let The Weekend Begin!

First, the bad news:  So much for my Friday off this week. I'm heading into the office this morning to complete all of the things I couldn't get to yesterday -- confirming the contract for Monday night's dinner, creating name tents for Monday's meeting, creating budgets for 3 cost centers, reconciling my expense account -- all in a week's day's work.


The good news: I have a 10:30 appointment at the Nordstrom Bobbi Brown counter for a makeup lesson. I made a large purchase investment a few weeks ago and I'd like to add a few items for my spring look.

The BEST of all: I'm signed up for a 5K walk tomorrow morning -- weather permitting (my words; not theirs.) I'm looking forward to the exercise and being out with other people who are committed to fitness. I have 20 pounds to lose and the best way to get them off is to stay in motion.



I was surfing on etsy a few minutes ago and found this chandelier. It would look perfect over my kitchen table. I've been in my house for almost 2 years and it still has a "just-moved-in-look"  in my eyes. I've been collecting odds and ends for a while. Now it's time to make my house a home!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Marching Right Along...

This month is moving along so quickly. Work is CRAZY! I hate it so when my corporate life gets in the way of my creative endeavors! But since it also pays the bills and keeps me in paper, thickers and craftiness -- I go with it. Unbelievably, I'm already working to complete and submit the 2013 budget. That's a real life forecasting lesson that I will use in my craft business.

Freebirds World Burrito has come to my neighborhood. Initially, I was resistant because I had a bad "dude" experience at another location a few years ago. (Yes, I know I tend to hold a grudge. I fervently believe in good customer service for any enterprise that wants to a portion of my hard-earned money.) Last Saturday on the way home to watch the Duke/North Carolina game, we stopped in to pick up dinner.

It was awesome! The food was fresh and plentiful, the staff was friendly and the atmosphere was hip. I'm going to become a regular.



Sunday, March 4, 2012

First Week of March

It's 5:15am. I've been up for over 2 1/2 hours. I really need to rework my internal time clock. Daylight savings time starts next week. It's either going to be a gift or a curse -- possibly both.

I tried to take more photos last week. Some days were better than others. With the warm weather coming to Houston (many claim that it never left) there will be more daily photo ops to capture. I've started to channel my "inner paparazzi." and 'm definitely feeling more comfortable walking around with camera in hand.

It's Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo time http://www.hlsr.com/. I'm attending this year and in big news, I'm plan to --hold your breath --  TOUCH some animals. As a Native TEXAN and rarer still -- a NATIVE HOUSTONIAN, the time has come for me to get in touch with my "cowboy roots". OK,  I will at least attend the rodeo, photograph the animals and buy new cowboy boots.

I saw these lovelies online and I want to make them mine:

Handcrafted Lucchese 1883 Matte Ostrich Leg Cowgirl Boot - Snip Toe (on sale for $439)




Vintage boots found on pinterest.


In other news, I have my Texas Tax ID Number and will be setting up my business bank account on Friday. My creative juices are starting to flow and I'm one step closer to living my dream.