Look, I made something

You would think I must be on some kind of roll! Actually, I've been working on this page for a couple of weeks. And, it's been done for a few days now. But, hey, I did something, I got it done, and I posted it on my blog! Yay!

The month featured here is Sept. of 2009. It was a very busy and crazy month in our lives. So, I had a lot of journaling to include on my 8x8 page. Usually I just have some writing on the side with the 4x6 pic. But for this month, that wasn't going to work. So the paper that the pic is matted on actually folds open and underneath I have included all my journaling. It's actually a 6x6 piece of paper with writing on both sides and can be taken out and read. The little arrow/game spinner at top keeps the page from coming open. I like it. I think it turned out pretty good. And, the colors are different then I would normally use. I got the yellow gold from the Scrapfest sign and decided it looked pretty good with the photos and the other paper. So, I ran with it!

Thanks for peeking! Later 'gaters!

Hello? It sure is empty in this room...

I know I haven't posted in forever. And, I'll admit, I might not post again forever after this. But,for today, here is a post for all to enjoy! Or, the three people who actually read my blog!

So, a blog is really a public confessional, right? If not, well I'm using it as one today. As much as I love taking pictures and scrapbooking, I have to admit, I really hate photo editing! Really, absolutely, hate it! Why you ask? I think it's mostly a time issue. Let's go through the process...

1. Upload the pics to the computer and clean off the camera card. Sure, this goes pretty quick but I had to include it as the first step of course.

2. Look through all the photos and admire the good ones you got. Delete the crappy, blurry ones.

3. Decide which photos you want to print out for scrapbooking. Or, if sending photos to get printed, decide on those. Is it just me or does this take awhile? Seriously. Ok, it's probably just me. I take too long to do things sometimes, I know. But, it seems like hours get wasted just on this step. Anyway...

4. Edit. (rolling eyes) This is where the crap gets out of hand for me! I love what I know how to do in Photoshop. Don't get me wrong. But, I'm not super fast and I still get so bored and annoyed with working on photos. I just want it to be done. Snap my fingers, click a button, make a wish, something, anything, and ta da, they're done!

So, this is where I adjust the colors if I need to. And crop down the photos. Sometimes I'm cropping for size. Or file size so that the pic isn't huge and I can upload to the internet or send in an email. Or maybe I'm cropping out some weird thing in the background. Or, maybe I want to zoom in. Or, make a collage. Or fool around with the colors or some other added effect. Maybe, I should quit fooling around. That would save some of the time. Ok, so...

5. Then of course, after doing all of that stuff you have to resave the photo. And rename it. And maybe save it in a new folder. Maybe not.

And it just seems like this stuff takes me FOREVER! Plus, I'm doing it for dozens, maybe hundreds of photos! FOREVER! This is time I could spend actually scrapbooking. Or writing on my blog for heaven's sake!

Needless to say, I get annoyed with photo editing, so I just don't do it. I still crop and adjust and make collages for the photos I want to scrap. But, I am years behind on uploading photos to a printing place, just to have them. That's a whole other story too. Uploading photos. Thank you internet gods for deciding that those of us in the country don't deserve fast internet. So, it takes 16 hours to upload photos. Or, I can only do 10 at a time or something because otherwise it will time out or something stupid like that!

(Wow, is just me, or has this post really turned into a rant? I'm really on a roll today!)

So, I'll tell you what brought on this post about photo editing. Because I want to post more photos on my blog and my facebook. Photos that I take, and photos of my scrappy projects. But, I don't want to screw around with editing them! Plain and simple, that's the real deal. But, I recently completed a really pretty scrapbook page that even my hubby thinks looks good, and so I want to share! I don't want to worry about a perfect picture, or perfect lighting, or resizing it to upload fast. I just want to take a quick photo and share it with ya'll! So, you know what? That's what I'm going to do. I'm gonna take the damn picture, put it on the computer, and add it to my blog post!

Farmer's Market

The cooler, almost fall, weather must bring everyone out to the farmer's market! As I am here at work this morning, I am amazed how many people are out and about at the market in Charles City. Wednesday was a nice day. Not too hot or cold, and yet there were hardly any people at the farmer's market. Now, today, it is sunny but only about 50 degrees and that place is packed! Must be our natural instinct to get ready for cooler weather by gathering and collecting. Makes me excited to cook up that butternut squash I have at home. Mmmm! If that won't make it smell and feel like fall, nothing will. Now, I'm back to work for the day. Support your local farmer's market and anyone that grows natural and organic.

I am still alive

Yes, I'm still here and still kicking. Just don't have time for blog posting lately. I blog for work so I get kind of blogged out after that. Plus, I seem to be too busy lately to take the time for my blog. But, a comment from a friend pushed me to put up something! LOL! You know who you are. So, other then work and golf, not a whole lot going on in our life. But, I can share with you a couple of the awesome pics of my sister that we took. These are for her senior pics. We got some really great shots of her and we are working on getting them edited and up for her to see. Hard to believe she is a senior this year! Hey, I remember when she was a baby and I would take care of her while the folks were at work or whatever. Now she's a grown up and almost done with school. Crazy how time flies!

And, here is our nephew with his new birthday present! He was pretty excited! His big brother was too!

Wish I had some new scrappy stuff to show you but I haven't really done anything lately. Been doing lots of crafting and creating at work, but not too much at home! Hopefully one of these days!

So, here's some pictures

Following my sister's recommendations that I post more pics and stuff, here are some from my birthday last week. Denny and I golfed in the morning and I shot the best score I ever have!!! Cool! Then we had dinner at his folks. After some water balloon fights, we drove up to my folks to hang out and have some supper. All in all, it was a good day. And super nice out.

So, my sister says...

that I need to post more! What? I say. You mean once a month is not good enough? LOL! She wants me get some pictures up on here and show some more of my scrap pages. I can't do that today because I am on the laptop and don't have access to the photos. So, that will have to wait until another day.

But, today I can tell you about my new job! I am excited and proud to tell you that I am working at The Rustic Corner in Charles City!! And, they actually opened a second store on Main Street and that is primarily where I work. The Rustic Corner carries lots of awesome home decor items, artwork, candles, garlands, towels/napkins, and lots of other neat things. They also carry scrapbooking and craft stuff! That's right, you heard me, I have a job in a scrapbooking store! A dream come true for sure. The crafting stuff is mostly what's in the new store-The RC on Main. There are some of the other items there too, but mostly the crafting. So, I spend my time looking at, touching, and playing with scrapbook paper and embellies! LOL! Love it! Also, really enjoying the people that I work with! They are fun and very nice! So, I've got the Rustic Corner's blog listed on my blog there on the right so you can check it out. Plus, I'll probably be doing most of the posting on the blog there, so be sure to read it and see what's going on! In fact, there is a post up now showing some really cool candles that we decorated with crafting supplies. So, check 'em out!

Also want to say Happy Belated 18th Birthday to my sister! She turned 18 last week and I'm so excited for her. Can't wait to take her out and get into trouble with her! LOL!

Remember, check out the Rustic Corner blog and stop into the store and see me sometime!

Prima for May

Here is another batch of lovely Prima goodness! Purple isn't at the top of my list, but this collection sure does make it look good!

Happy NSD!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

Oh, and....

Happy May Day

Happy Free Comic Book Day

Happy 20th Birthday Dylan!

Lots going on today! Me, I'm scrapping! ; )

Prima for April

Here are the Prima picks for April!! Lovely!

By posting this here, I have a chance to win all these goodies! Check out the Prima blog for more info.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Today is my hubby's birthday! I want to let him and everyone know that I Love Him very much and I hope he has a great day!!!

On a side note-this is also my 100th post to my blog! It's a subject that deserves to be post #100.

Prima Picks March

It's another month of Prima goodies! I post this on my blog as a way to spread the word about Prima products and because it makes me eligible to win a prize pack! And how gorgeous is this? I love green and this group delivers! Yummy stuff!

Netbook Typing

Yes, that's right, I'm coming to you from the world of netbook users and owners! We recently purchased ourselves an Asus 10" netbook!! It's so fun and cute! And it's so light and easy to hold and move around! I think I love it! LOL! Plus, Denny can use it for business and it will be very handy.

State pool is this week too. Denny is playing in the Master's division in 9 ball, 8 ball, and of course 8 ball teams! This is the first year he has chosen to play Master's in the singles. But, he wanted to give it a try and see how he does. Plus there's less people, so it's a little quicker to the top! Looking forward to a few days away from home and lots of pool playing. I will try to remember to post mid week and let you all know how it's going. But, I can't promise that I will remember. ; )

It's me, I'm here

So, I've gotten right back into the swing of things-meaning that I am not blogging like I should be! I don't know what it is with me, sometimes I go crazy with entries and sometimes I just disappear. Well, to catch you up on what's going on. We bought an elliptical machine a couple of weeks ago, so that has been our newest workout obsession. Ok, maybe not obsession, but we're trying it out! LOL! Recently we also purchased a program card for it for me to use. It has workouts built into it and it motivates you to keep at it! I''ve done two of those now and it really is a workout! But I feel good to accomplish them and know that I am doing something! I'm also trying really hard to quit drinking pop. At least at home. This is easier said then done, of course. But at least I'm trying. Really getting into tea and iced tea lately. It's healthy and calorie and sugar free so it's a good choice.

Still haven't found a job. I'm looking, nothing is looking back! LOL! Hopefully something will turn up. So, if you know of something that I would like, let me know.

Taking this opportunity to say Happy 60th Birthday to my Dad!! His b-day is actually Sunday March7, but I probably won't post again before that. We put an announcement in the Cresco shopper which will publish today. So, I'm sure he'll be thrilled about that! But, hey, you only turn 60 once and it's no fun if someone doesn't pick on you! I'm also having him and Vicki and Christian over for dinner on Sunday. Then I suppose we will have a drink or two and play some pool or maybe even the Wii. I guess we'll see. But, hopefully it will be fun and be a good birthday for him.

State pool is coming up too. Seems so far away and then suddenly the time just flies and it's here! It's in Cedar Rapids this year which we are not too pumped about, but we'll see how it goes. Hopefully Denny and his team do really well! He has been practicing and shooting good lately so I think he will do fine! I'll be there to cheer him on! LOL!

Ok, well, not too much else right now. Glad to get a post up again on the blog. I'll leave ya with a couple of pictures. This is the card I made for Denny for Valentines. I love the blue and brown with a touch of red! Makes it more masculine but still focuses on love. Thanks for checking it out and let me know what you think.

Prima Picks

Here is another beautiful display of Prima products! Love all this stuff.

Again, I am posting this here because it gives me the opportunity to win these wonderful items!

Thanks Prima!

Outside Today

This is what it looks like outside today! Beautiful, isn't it?! We had a bit of fog last night and when that happens in the winter in Iowa, we get this beautiful frosty covering on everything! So pretty to look at.

A few new things

I have a couple of new items up in my Etsy shop! A new card that I really like and some destash scrap paper. It's a nice way to get some extra supplies cleaned out!

Another snow storm coming through the midwest! We're looking for a total of 6-10 inches of snow and then windy tomorrow. The drifting will be bad I'm sure. Sure, the snow is pretty, but I'm ready for winter to be over. I'm sick of being cold and driving in bad weather. I'm hoping that groundhog was wrong and spring comes early!

We went bowling with family on Saturday and it was tons of fun! The not fun part is the fact that we haven't bowled for 3 years or more and we've both got some really sore muscles! LOL! But it was worth it and we've decided that we need to go more often! Denny says weekly, but I think if we can fit it in monthly, that would be cool. Maybe even get our own shoes and bowling balls! (Ok, I'm getting a little carried away, I know.)

I finally did some scrapping!

I'm still nowhere near being caught up on my monthly album! In fact, still 6 months behind! LOL! But, at least I'm getting some scrapping done! I have been working on other stuff too. It's not like I haven't been playing at all! Of course I've been making things for my Etsy shop and also doing some cards and stuff. So glad to get a few pages turned out though! Thanks for checking them out!

Supplies-pp-Basic Grey and Making Memories, cardstock-DCWV, letters, brads, and flair buttons-American Crafts, rub ons-Tinkering Ink, pen-Zig, flowers-Prima, jewels-misc.

Also wanted to add-I have a review on my other blog about another Etsy seller. Please check it out!

Fav Etsy seller

I posted my first favorite Etsy seller on my other blog. Please check it out and be sure to visit Etsy when you get a chance! Thanks everybody!

New Cards and stuff

Just wanted to let you know that I have a couple of new things up in my Etsy shop! Having lots of fun making Valentine's cards and stuff! Lots of ideas floating around.

Also, start checking out my other "business" blog. I think that I am going to start highlighting a fav shop/seller from Etsy on there. I would like to do it everyday, but I know I won't remember. LOL! So, I'm thinking twice a week or so. First of all, doing it to showcase some of the talent on that site. Also, hoping to drive a little more traffic to my blog and in turn, my Etsy shop. So, please support me and other handmade artists and check out my posts. Thanks!

It's a Good Thing

I wanted to do a post about my 'one little word' already. I picked the word DO. Skip down a couple of posts if you want to read more about it. But, I've decided already that I picked the right word for me for this year. At least for right now. It has been a motivating word already this year. Especially when exercising. Hubby has been using it as a reminder to keep going and a motivator to DO what I think I can't. It really has helped. When he reminds me what I picked as a word, when I want to quit, it makes me keep going. I don't want to disappoint him and I don't want to disappoint myself and my reasons for picking the word DO. Anyway, what I'm saying is I did a good thing here, picking this word for myself.

How is your word going so far? Have you reflected on it yet? Maybe you should. Just because it's early in the year doesn't mean it hasn't already affected your life.

Check out my Etsy

I've listed some stuff in my Etsy shop the last few days. Just wanted to let everyone know. I've got a couple of handmade Valentine's Cards, just put up today.

Also, I have some vintage table linens up for sale. Very pretty embroidery on these pieces.

Otherwise, not too much to post right now. So far the new year is a good one. If you ignore the snow, blowing snow, and seriously cold weather we are having in Iowa right now! LOL! If you can get past that, it's pretty great!

"DO"

My "one little word" for 2010 is "DO".

Last year my word was move-with the hopes it would inspire me to get up and move more. It did to a point, but I felt this year I still needed some more motivation. So I chose the word DO. But, it's not just about exercise or moving. It's also about doing.

Just DO it.

Just DO something.

DO anything.

DO a little.

DO a lot.

DO enough.

DO what you can.

DO what makes you happy.

DO it today.

DO it tomorrow.

DO it now.

Just DO it! (Sorry Nike had a good line there.) LOL!

I've been inspired by Ali Edwards to pick my word of the year. Here is her post for this year. I believe it also includes links to her last two years and info. about why and how she started doing this.

What word did you choose? Which word would you choose? Think about what you need or want in your life right now. Sometimes a little reflection, even on one word, is enough to motivate you and help make things happen!