BFF

I'll tell ya, I have had some awesome friends over the years. In fact, having dinner this week with two of my favorite pals from my growing up years. But one of my very best girlfriends is my friend, Tammy. We have SO much fun together no matter what we are doing-shopping, scrapbooking, talking on the cell phone. She just gets me-and I love that about her! Here's to you, chica and all my best girlfriends near and far!

The Way I See It

Have you noticed "The Way I See It" on the Starbucks cup? I usually have a cardboard sleeve on mine, but often before I throw out my empty cup I slide the sleeve off and read the column. Little blurbs from the likes of Al Franken or Monique giving their opinion or perspective on a particular subject. Although I may not always share the writer's viewpoint, it is always interesting and often entertaining-a little something extra with your cup 'o joe!

Our perspectives-as unique as each individual, are formed by our life experiences and unique vantage point often evolving as our proximity or vantage point to events change. Often, even siblings from the same families do not share the same perspecitve. Each individual has their own take on things. Their own way of how they see or remember things.

As a scrapbooker or life artist, I am learning to document and share my own unique perspective. I have also realized that as my vantage point changes (I get older) I can enjoy a sharper perspective-a widening of the lense. I was reminded of this today at my Uncle Larry's memorial service. Such a touching service because of the honest reflection on a full life. A life filled with hope, heartache, regret, but also filled with much joy and success as witnessed by many different perspectives. It made me wonder how life's events shape how I see my own life or the lives of others.

Widen the lense-how do you see your life? the world around you? Then, listen as someone else tells their own unique perspective as they give witness to how they see it. I'm so grateful that we all have our own unique perspective-our own life stories. As a tribute to my mom's family and all the unique life experiences they have contributed to my perspective-my life story, I'd like to share a layout I did this past Spring about my Grandma Thiem. I have fond memories of following her and my mother and aunties along as they would wander through my grandmother's lush large flower gardens. At least that's how I see it...

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Ah, how true it is! And yet, we never realize how truly blessed we are by something or someone until it or they are gone. What a cruel realization forcing us to recognize the blessings we should have been counting all along.

I have had so many blessings in my life. A wonderful family despite our dysfunction, dear friends-some of whom are already waiting for me in Heaven, opportunities-many taken, some overlooked and many, many second chances. One of which has been the greatest blessing to me thus far. My beautiful husband who often teasingly reminds me about the life from which he rescued me.

What would I do without you? My soulmate, best friend, lover, head of our home, my prince. I love you so and even more now that you have been gone for a week. I have a renewed appreciation for all you are and all you do for our family. Thank you for this "happily ever after" life you've given me. I love you more and more each day.

As we approach this season of thankfullness and counting our blessings, remember to start counting them today beginning with those closest to you.

Happy ME

Nothing makes me happier than a completed To Do List! And since it's been awhile since I've actually completed one, well today is cause for celebration. So I did me a little happy dance! Good day at work, dropped off Upward Basketball registration, home to pick up Brady from school, change and off to pedicure, then Tae Kwon Do then to pick up Brady's new release game and to Hobby Lobby. Whew! Now, if I can get a few things done after I watch Dancing with the Stars it'll be icing on the cake. Love days like today. Hope I have a few more since we have a full weekend including dinner guests on Friday night. Well, wish me luck!

A New Outlook

Or at least something new out of which to look. What do you think? I was going for more modern than trendy. I wanted to look stylish and hip, but hoping not to appear trying to look young. My eye doctor said it was time to give my eyes a break from the contacts at the end of the day. My old eyes need a rest. Great! So at least having something new and fun like a new pair of glasses seems to cushion the blow a little when you realize things are going-like your eyes.

By the way, what is all this 50 is the new 40, 40 is the new 30 crap?!? Who are they kidding?! I do admit with the bad comes some good. I would say I am beginning to care a little less about what others think and I am quickly gaining an appreciation of time. I hope that I am becoming wiser. But chanting, "40 is the new 30" doesn't stop the aging process. Nor does hair color, new glasses or plastic surgery-unfortunately. But along with the gray hair, fading eyesight and other unmentionable gifts of aging there are some things we can be grateful for. For now though, I'll continue slathering on my Philosphy products and wear my hip specs and do my best to ease into middle age with a new outlook!

I'll be seeing you!

I Love A Good Challenge!

In the contemporary scrapbook world everyone is into Challenges or Dares. There are entire websites dedicated to them! Friends "dare" each other, designers challenge their fans and scrapbookers challenge one another. I've only participated in a couple thus far, but they really get you excited about scrapbooking and being creative. For me, a self-declared scraplifter, it helps me to think for myself and trust my own creative instincts. Although I have to say, it's baby steps for me.

The photo on this entry is one of the challenges in which I recently participated. From Ali Edward's AEzine weekly newsletter, the challenge was to create a summary type of layout for the month for your family. (A really cool concept for an entire year in review album). I didn't stray too far from the original, but due to the size of my collage print I did have "make it work" as Tim Gunn of Project Runway says.

So if you're a scrapbooker, I double dog dare you to try a challenge. Here's a link to one of my favorite dare websites: http://fortheloveofeffers.blogspot.com/

BOO!

Every now and again a gal needs a little inspiration and motivation. Hoping to get motivated to clean my house, I sometimes wander into a couple of my favorite shops. They make me happy and the seasonal displays always encourage me to clean. (My mother never let us decorate for Christmas without a thorough cleaning so I guess that's where that comes from.) Today my motivation was a little candle shop at the mall. I was so thrilled-they carry my favorite candles-Beanpod. They are so hard to find and when I do it's nearly impossible to find my fav scent (Cinnamon Bun). So I snatched up a candle and these great pumpkins. Saw these in Country Home Magazine two or three seasons ago and I just loved them. So there you have it-my motivation and inspiration for getting up tomorrow morning bright and early to clean and get caught up on all things seasonal. Add a little Harry (Connick, Jr) in the cd player and we're on our way!

Here's to a relaxing yet productive weekend!

So It's About Time

that I start talking Scrap since that's really what this whole blog is supposed to be about. And to get my motor goin' tonight was the little indie, "Scrapped". Made me feel so proud to be part of something so multifaceted. As different as each and every person participating. Could get really philosophical, but not gonna do it. Just happy that someone has finally labeled the scrap action I'm into-artistic scrapbooking. YES! That's it. And talk about inspiring and exciting-have ya'll checked out Kristina Contes?! Amazing! She truly ROCKS. (She is featured in the November issue of Creating Keepsakes mag.) I am so jazzed about her and some of the products she is using. I love me some Hambly! Haven't been this excited to shop for product in awhile-really trying to be good. Also, love her idea of using early morning to start the day being creative. Can't get out of bed to exercise-let's see if I can get up to do art! Goodnight!

NOTE: Can someone please let the good folks at Archivers corp headquarters know that their employees need to start reading the scrapbook magazine adds? Can you believe they have never heard of Hambly much less Cosmo Cricket?!? Ugh! Thanks, Cath for trying!

Last Day of Vacation Blues

We are slowly easing back into reality after returning from a week's vacation. Enjoyed the day just doing absolutely nothing before we all return to work and school tomorrow. Looking forward to familiar routines, but sad to see the vacation come to an end.

I think I've just about caught up on all my TIVO while I was gone. What an awesome invention that is! Gone from my TV for a week and come home to find all my favorites waiting for me--Oprah, Ellen, Dancing With the Stars, Celebrity Duets and of course, Grey's Anatomy (I watched it before I even unpacked!) and my new favorite-Men In Trees. Very cute and another new McDreamy.

Just a few more pics from our wonderful vacation as I savor the last moments before heading off to bed.