Gravestones

I did want to show ya the plain ol grave markers before I got a hold of them! I've found myself addicted to Martha lately, but I'll leave my stalking tendencies for another post. I did purchase her 6 pack of glitter from Michael's though, with a 40% off coupon (of course). I can't say enough good things about this stuff, and no, I'm not being paid for this but I'm always available if someone would like me to review their goodies!! Hint! Hint!. I just really liked it because it was so fine and the colours were already in a package so that I didn't have to think about what would look good together. I didn't use her glue though, I know, shame on me. I did use a tiny paint brush and some good ol podge. This ended up being the neater part of the glittering catastrophe, more on that later. Didn't seal these either, so far the glitter doesn't seem to be everywhere.

Skeletons in my Closet

Everyone has skeletons in there closet right?! RIGHT?! *crickets* Ok, fine. I brought mine out for some fresh air to romp around my glittery cemetery. Well every fashionable skeleton should have some glitter...at least I didn't dress them up!!

I bought four of these cuties for $1.00 at Dollar Tree. They did look quite homely, even for dead plastic. I straightened out the bodies, screwed their heads on right (wouldn't you love to do that in real life), and used black paint to make them look...well...old. I had won a giveaway for FolkArt's Extreme Glitter Paints by Plaid over at Nothing But Country and I knew this would be the perfect project. I did learn though NOT to brush over anything, but paint it on and leave it, looks better that way. Only had to coat these guys once too! I loved the effect, so I'm going to see what other colours they have so maybe I can start on Christmas before it gets here. Oh...almost forgot, didn't need to seal the paint either, the glitter isn't flaking....yeah!!!

Main Display

This is my big display. It's about 6 feet long, so lots of play space! Most of the items came from the Dollar Tree. The candle holder was $12.00 at Michaels (but can be re purposed), and three of the headstones came from there, but I think they were only $2.00. Every one of the headstones was embellished in some form or other. All of them got "dirtied" up a bit with black paint, also painted to highlight things that were lost, and lots of glitter!!! I loved the gargoyle, but he was sooooo plain. I painted his wings black and dipped them in glitter, and also used green glitter for his eyes. I'll post some close ups of the skeletons and glittery stuff in another post.

Halloween 2011

Ok, nothing like waiting til the last minute lol. As we all know I'm the president of the procrastinators organization. We pride ourselves on getting things done...tomorrow! I did actually have the display up about two weeks ago, but there are these annoyances that keep popping up that are cutting into my bloggie time. No names Layla, Homecoming, Birthdays mentioned of course. I really like how it turned out, I just wish I could have motivated myself to do more displays. By the time I realized I wanted to do cobwebs from all of pictures, the stores were out of the good stuff. I tried cheese cloth, not the same. I've pinned some awesome ideas, so if I start now, I maybe will have some of it ready by the same day next year!! I'm going to break this up into a few posts so I don't overwhelm you with my craftiness all at once.

Two Thousand One, Nine Eleven

Two thousand one, nine eleven
Three thousand plus arrive in heaven
As they pass through the gate,
Thousands more appear in wait
A bearded man with stovepipe hat
Steps forward saying, "Lets sit, lets chat"

They settle down in seats of clouds
A man named Martin shouts out proud
"I have a dream!" and once he did
The Newcomer said, "Your dream still lives."

Groups of soldiers in blue and gray
Others in khaki, and green then say
"We're from Bull Run, Yorktown, the Maine"
The Newcomer said, "You died not in vain."

From a man on sticks one could hear
"The only thing we have to fear.
The Newcomer said, "We know the rest,
trust us sir, we've passed that test."

"Courage doesn't hide in caves
You can't bury freedom, in a grave,"
The Newcomers had heard this voice before
A distinct Yankees twang from Hyannisport shores

A silence fell within the mist
Somehow the Newcomer knew that this
Meant time had come for her to say
What was in the hearts of the five thousand plus
that day

"Back on Earth, we wrote reports,
Watched our children play in sports
Worked our gardens, sang our songs
Went to church and clipped coupons
We smiled, we laughed, we cried, we fought
Unlike you, great we're not"

The tall man in the stovepipe hat
Stood and said, "Don't talk like that!
Look at your country, look and see
You died for freedom, just like me"

Then, before them all appeared a scene
Of rubbled streets and twisted beams
Death, destruction, smoke and dust
And people working just 'cause they must

Hauling ash, lifting stones,
Knee deep in hell, but not alone
"Look! Blackman, Whiteman, Brownman, Yellowman
Side by side helping their fellow man!"

So said Martin, as he watched the scene
"Even from nightmares, can be born a dream."

Down below three firemen raised
The colors high into ashen haze
The soldiers above had seen it before
On Iwo Jima back in '44

The man on sticks studied everything closely
Then shared his perceptions on what he saw mostly
"I see pain, I see tears,
I see sorrow -- but I don't see fear."

"You left behind husbands and wives
Daughters and sons and so many lives
are suffering now because of this wrong
But look very closely. You're not really gone.

All of those people, even those who've never met you
All of their lives, they'll never forget you
Don't you see what has happened?
Don't you see what you've done?
You've brought them together, together as one.

With that the man in the stovepipe hat said
"Take my hand," and from there he led
three thousand plus heroes, Newcomers to heaven
On this day, two thousand one, nine eleven

Author Unknown

A-Z Survey

I saw an A-Z thingie on "A Girl and a Glue Gun" and since I just can't pass these up, I decided to post my answers.

A. age :: 38

B. bed size :: queen

C. chore you hate :: washing the floors, the dishes, laundry, cooking, the whole domestic thing!

D. dogs :: Layla Rose (brindle boxer puppy)

E. essential start to your day :: diet coke

F. favorite color :: white, black, dark red

G. gold or silver :: both

H. height :: 5'4"

I. instruments you play :: piano years and years ago

J. job title :: IT slave

K. kids :: furbabies (Meez,Miaya,Squeakers,Layla Rose) & step daughter Dawn

L. live :: Ohio

M. married :: to the love of my life

N. nicknames :: Debs, Trouble, & a few I can't mention here

O. overnight hospital stays :: always outpatient thankfully!!

P. pet peeve :: people that do not take the time to listen

Q. quote :: corinthians

R. righty or lefty :: righty

S. siblings :: not a one

T. time you wake up :: 6:10am

U. university attended :: none

V. vegetables you dislike: beans (any kind), squash, brocoli, cauliflower

W. what makes you run late :: changing outfits 3x

X. x-rays you’ve had :: dentist,hip,knee,foot

Y. yummy food :: pizza, chocolate, & any and all desserts

Z. zoo animal favorite :: elephants,giraffes,zebras, & cats

National Dog Day

So today is the day to spoil our furry little children, the puppy dogs to be exact. Anytime I can yap about my baby Layla makes me smile. To celebrate I brought her home a stuffed football to run around the house with. Unfortunately because she's been running around at top speed, I can't get a picture of her with it, so you have to settle for yesterday's pic of her. She loves stuffed toys that have squeakers, and she follows me around the house squeaking while I do all of my chores =) If you post your furry baby pics, leave me a link so I can drop by for a visit!

I WON!!!

I'm so excited to announce that I won FolkArt's Extreme Glitter Paints by Plaid giveaway over at Nothing But Country. Can't wait to recieve them...already have a frame in mind lol. A very big thank you to MaryBeth and Plaid!!!! If you haven't checked out her site yet...well, why not?! She always has some great projects to add to the to-do list!!

My Signature...

So I'm reading "How About Orange" and she has a quiz on there from Ethan Allen Furniture, "What's Your Signature". Well, I love quizzes so far be it from me to pass this one up. I was a little surprised though by the results:



'The results are in – your Signature Lifestyle is Vintage. Vintage is a visually engaging mix of color and texture. A masterful display of the art of juxtaposition. Its thoughtful, collected vibe springs from a peaceful coexistence of seemingly unrelated elements. An eye-catching interplay of sunwashed fabrics, distressed finishes, and bold and graphic patterns add an element of surprise to any room.'





I never really thought of myself as vintage. Don't get me wrong, I love vintage and think sometimes I was born in a the wrong era, but I like a lot of different styles too. Then I looked through each of the rooms that they gave as examples, and for the most part, other than changing out an accessory or two for colour, I liked the examples. The closer I creep to 40 maybe I'll end up being considered vintage lol. I always considered vintage as being cream & burgundy, roses and lace. Now that I read there conclusion, I may have to agree *s* You wouldn't believe the crimes I'd commit to get a hold of that beautiful cabinet they have pictured!!!

Waffles

Today was going to be a great day, I slept in til 10, woke up refreshed, let's have waffles for breakfast I think to myself. I very rarely get to cook breakfast anymore because one of us isn't home, or we need to get up and get going somewhere. Kinda' special morning. I wander into the kitchen, get out the mixing bowls, and reach for the cabinet where the waffle recipe is. It's not really much of a recipe, just the list of ingredients. PANIC!!!!!!!! The recipe isn't there. I spend the next half an hour searching for it. Can't find it anywhere. Now I know what those keep calm posters mean lol. Take a deep breath, lets look in my favorites, I'm sure I've booked marked one. Thankfully, I have one bookmarked..."Waffle of Insane Greatness" posted by Steph over at Plain Chicken. With that kind of title, I'm all over it.



I read over the ingredients...don't have buttermilk. Oh well, 2% is going to have to do. Cornstarch?! mmmm....hey, check it out, a brand new box. We are in business. Start mixing my dry ingredients. Why in the world do I not have baking soda?! Well, we aren't going to mention that. Warm up my heart waffle maker. Yes folks, I do have a real one, but I said today was special ok?! I mix my ingredients, I sorta' wait my half hour. Ok, no not really, just 10 minutes. The rate I'm going, these aren't prolly going to be that good. It says not to use cooking spray. Oh my. I don't use it, what's the worst that's gonna happen? Cook my waffle up, open up the lid, oh wow, does it smell good. It's a nice crust on it and it really did come right out without a battle. Throw it on the plate, smother in butter and maple syrup, and the next thing I know, I ate it all!!! I forgot to take a picture!!



These are the best waffles!!!!! Since I accidentally inhaled it so fast, I had to make myself another one. Sorry, no staging, no prepping, take the picture so I can eat it!! So a big shout out to Steph for saving my tail and posting the greatest waffle recipe!!!!! Thank you (hug).

Paris Journal Cover

When I was at WalMart last week I picked up some composition journals for $.40 knowing I have some great scrapbook paper in my stash to use up. I carry a small one in my purse that lists what stamps, punches, etc. that I have so I don't duplicate. I did want to have a bigger one though that I can keep track more easily, and when I see projects that I want to do, I can check to see if I need to go shopping *s*. I know, any excuse I can get to shop!! If you'd like to create something similar, I have listed some fairly simple directions.

Composition Notebook
Scrapbook Paper
Mod Podge (I used hard coat)
Lots of stamps and inks
Sharpie
Scissors
Nail File

I traced the shape of the notebook on the back of my scrapbook paper and tried my best to cut a straight line. Podge the cover, make sure to get the edges good, and press on the paper. I didn't use a roller or credit card, just my hands to smooth it out because the paper is a pretty thick piece. Now to the fun part, the stamps. I tried to match some inks to the background, and then for the text I used black. I went slightly crazy with the stamps. I ran a nail file over the edges to make sure they were all even. I used two colors of distressing ink (Tim Holtz's Antique Linen & Tea Dye) and black ink to go around the edges. I'm sure there are a "few" scrappers that would cringe at the way I use the distressing ink. I dab a wadded up tissue on the ink then rub or dab it onto the paper. Yes, I know there prolly is a real way you are supposed to do it, but what fun would that be?! When I was finished I realized that it looked unfinished around the edges were the paper was Podged on, so I edged around with a black sharpie. Coat with at least one layer of Podge, but I will do two when I make sure that I'm done playing with the stamps =)

Stamp Credits: Tim Holtz (Visual Artistry Collection - French Market), Stampology (Everyday Elements), Hampton Art (FootLongs - Cupcakes), Hero Arts (Paris), Scrappy Cat (Everyday Assortment), and Hampton Art's Studio G Wood Stamp.

...ing

I saw this idea over at Primitive and Proper's blog and thought it would be fun! I love to do these question type of things, and they are always so much fun to read. I would love it if you leave a comment for me if you decide to play along.

Making : A mess as always lol. My kitchen table is covered in craft projects that are half finished. Thankfully we don't eat at that table *s*.

Cooking : I found a box of vermicelli rice stuff to make for lunch. In the microwave. Does that count?

Drinking : Diet Coke. If you see me without one...PANIC!!!!!!!!!

Reading: Halfway through Jeaniene Frost's "Eternal Kiss of Darkness".

Wanting: A really good dinner, I'm absolutely starving.

Looking: At Pinterest and my email.

Playing: Rihanna's "Loud".

Wasting: I would say time, because I have only cleaned the kitchen and did one load of laundry, but today is me and puppy day. I don't have many days where it's just us, so I've lavished all of my attentions on her today.

Sewing: I had started on a purse, but got half way through it and lost interest.

Wishing: I could have the opportunity to redecorate my whole house. Oh that would be so awesome to go furniture shopping again...maybe I should also wish for an unlimited budget for that one.

Enjoying: Other than time with Layla today, the time that I get to spend with hubby, which hopefully will be later tonight.

Praying: That I recognize all the blessings in my life and can appreciate them.

Waiting: For Fall. It's just so blessed hot and humid that it literally makes me sick.

Liking: I get paid on Tuesday!!! I want to start my Christmas shopping =) I'm going to be done early this year (yes, I am aware that I say that every year).

Wondering: What lies ahead in my future. I devote way too much time to that, sometimes I forget to enjoy the present.

Loving: Scott and my furry family!

Hoping: That the company I work for wakes up and realizes that most of us aren't real crazy about the new dress policy. We went from casual business to jeans and company supplied polos. I miss getting up in the morning and getting all pretty for work =(

Marvelling: How Scott's aunt has kept going. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and has/had congestive heart failure all in this year. I know they say God doesn't give you what you can't handle, but really, I do think that is a bit much.

Needing: To relax and let things happen as they are supposed to.

Smelling: My wonderful watermelon scented candle that I picked up at Wal-Mart of all places.

Wearing: A pair of navy shorts and a white cami.

Following: My wishing star.

Noticing: That I'm getting gray hair. I need to stop looking so closely in the mirror at myself.

Knowing: That I need to strive harder to be a better person.

Thinking: About how much I enjoy my life just as it is right now.

Bookmarking: Blogs...I'm always bookmarking blogs. Is there a 12 step program for that?

Opening: The pineapple jello that I made the other day. I've nibbled on it here and there today.

Giggling: Over the fact that the aforementioned puppy is now finally worn out and is snoring at my feet.

Feeling: Content.

Easy Keyring

I was looking for something simple to make to give to my niece as she finally got around to getting her driver's license (she's 18). Since she only has her car and house key on her keyring, she mentioned it looked silly without anything else on there. Not a problem, I can fix that *s*

Bag of keychains from the Dollar Tree
Jewelry wire
Alphabet beads
Colored bead(s)
Alphabet wood tiles from Michael's
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic (or any sealant)
Small pliers

The jewelry wire that I used is actually the 3" long stick pin looking (as in I really have no clue the name lol) wire. I put a colored bead on the end, followed by the alphabet beads. The tricky part, since I've actually never wrapped wire before *gasp*, was making the circle and wrapping it around, but I found using 2 sets of pliers really, really helped.

I Podged the wood letter to make it water resistant, then used more wire to create a loop and hook it onto the main attaching loop.

I thought it turned out kinda cute, and best part...it was easy!!

Pinterest

Why on earth did someone recommend Pinterest to me?! O.M.G. I'm addicted, around 2000 pins. As in just as hooked with it as I am shopping. Yeah. It's like that. You can find my boards here.

Gravelled "S"

This post is brought to you by the letter "S" =)



I'm almost done with my beachy display, I'm just adding a few little odds and ends here and there. In other words, I've changed it at least ten times and can't make up my mind! I did know that I needed an "S". Michael's had their large letters that are normally $3.00 on sale 40% off, AND I had this weeks email coupon for an additional 20% off...woot! I thought about covering it in sand, but that wasn't the texture I was looking for. After rooting through my cabinet, I found the perfect thing!!



Large letter, easier to work with a larger size

Gloss Mod Podge

Pea gravel

1" foam brush

Waxed paper



Covered the kitchen counter with the waxed paper and washed up my letter. I painted the "S" in Podge with a really heavy coat and dumped sprinkled my gravel on. Waited an hour, which by the way, kills me. I have NO PATIENCE!! When I tapped the "S" on the counter the extra gravel came off, which is why I used the waxed paper. It creates a nice funnel to put the leftovers back in the container. Added another really heavy coat of Podge and pressed on more gravel. Then there was another wait. Have I mentioned that I'm not good with the waiting part? I did manage to wait til the next day though before I touched it. I haven't sealed it yet because I'm not sure of the best way yet, but I wanted to show it to you! When I put it on the shelf, it added a little color, so I'm very excited!! You could even say it was worth the wait lol.

Frosting for the Cause

While I was stalking Heather from Sprinkle Bakes, she announced that she guest posted a delicious recipe for doughnuts on "Frosting for the Cause". A site I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't heard of. On top of posting some very delectable goodies, the site promotes woman's cancer awareness and offers touching stories of those that fight the battle. I highly recommend stopping by the site and looking around, you'll be happy that you did!

Watermelon Scroll Frame

Don't anyone faint...I've actually completed a project I started two months ago!! This could be a sign that I might actually accomplish something soon!! I fell in love with Krylon's Watermelon spray paint and have painted a everything in sight few things with it. This frame is from Michael's and only cost a $1 or 2, and I prolly used a percentage off coupon, so I know it was pretty reasonable. It was originally an orange, but alas, it wasn't watermelon. I left the plasticy stuff in the frame to make it easier when I painted, then used a razor blade and cut it out of from under the cardboard backing piece. I was going to just type something up, but I remembered that I had pack of love sentiments printed on velum from JoAnn's. I used the damask print paper that came with the frame for a pretty background. A cheap and easy project, and I'm almost positive that it can be done in a day lol. Thanks for stopping by to look!

Friday's Shoegasm

So I have this thing for snakeskin print. Doesn't matter what it is, nor what colour, as long as I can wear it. So I was on the sight that kills my checkbook (Ami ClubWear), and I saw these beauties. THERE ONLY $30 AND THEY COME IN MY SIZE!!!

Kitty & Dolphin

Free Donuts!!!!!!!!!!!

via


I knew that would get your attention *s* Today is National Donut Day!!!!

To find your nearest Dunkin’ Donuts, click here.
To find the nearest Krispy Kreme, click here.

New Project

When I was on my way home last night I passed a house with a few things sitting in the yard with a free sign on them. They had put out this awesome boat that just screamed "take me home". Who am I to argue? I have a smaller version downstairs in the outdoorsy themed living room, but this is perfect for the dining room!! I'm so excited =) After I clean it up, I'm thinking about painting it white, then heavely distressing it and draping with a fishing net that I picked up from the Dollar Tree today. The weather just needs to dry out so I can paint *big grins*

If anyone has any wisdom to pass on as this is my first real painting project or an idea of what I could do to it, please comment...I'm all ears!!

Chalkboard Frame

I finally have a chalkboard project!! Ok, it was a really simple one...but gotta start somewhere lol. Just a $1 frame from Michaels and some chalkboard paint, and whoala! I have a captionable frame.





Just love my big duckie that I recieved one year from a good friend and her husband *s*

In Honor of Beethoven

Donna from Funky Junk Interiors lost her beloved Beethoven this month, and she is honoring him by doing a linky party. I believe that my furry little babies are just that, my babies, my children. Their lives should be celebrated the same as ours. These are all my babies that have owned me since I was an adult, in the order of their arrival.

This is Meez, who joined Scott and I on Mother's Day, 1996. He always grew up with dogs, but had a secret love of cats, which not everyone in the family shared. After lots of searching the newspapers (no Craigslist back in the day lol), we found my baby. She has an attitude all her own, which really is putting it nicely. Siamese have their own personality and are usually attached to one human. This cat has been stuck to me like teflon since the day we brought her home. We just celebrated her 15th birthday *s*

Thanksgiving weekend many moons ago, I receive a phone call from Scott saying that it's below freezing at the camper and the cat that he's been feeding since summer followed him inside. Can he bring her home he asks. Well, silly me was always under the impression that this was a kitty. Instead he brings me a 3 year old terror, that hasn't seen a human other than him in a very long time. After much love, she finally came around and became my largest lap baby at 16 pounds. I was blessed to have her with me for 13 years.

Squeakers and her sister Miaya came to me the first weekend in October, 2005. They are also products of me answering the phone and saying, "yes, honey, of course you can bring home the kittens". Someday I will have to stop answering the phone *s*

Squeakers is the dominate of the two sisters. She always has to have the attention, and has no qualms about laying all over my laptop to get it. As she gets older, I find that she looks like my beloved Stray kitty. I've always wondered if they were from the same family. Squeaks loves to lay in the sun, both on the deck and in the driveway. She's the only kitty I've ever had that wanted to go outside. When Scott and I are outside, she's allowed out to roll around the concrete, and since my deck is fenced in, she's welcome to go out there to sun.

Miaya's my next "fluffiest" baby. Her personality is nothing like Squeaks. She's a shy kitty unless you live here, doesn't like to snuggle unless it's with her sis, and has no tolerance for any noise. You couldn't get her out the front door for anything. Her place in bed is always at the foot of the bed on my side. Always. She WILL make you move.

I believe Lucky definitely deserved her name. Apparently she lived with Chad's (ex neighbor) mom, but she was abused by her dog, so kitty moved in with Chad. She liked to be outdoors, so she spent most of her time at my house. I knew Chad was moving, but I had a surprise waiting for me one day when I came home from work. Lucky was in her usual spot on my chair on the porch, but beside my front door was her crate, bowl, and some food. He never asked if I would take care of her, but when I ran into him a few years later he said he knew that I would give her a good life. She was 16 or so when she adopted me, and I was blessed to be her mommy for another year and a half.

Our first puppy together is LaylaRose. She's a brindle boxer with enough energy for at least three people! She's 13 weeks old now and I never knew I could be so much of a dog person. I absolutely adore her, and look forward to our nightly snuggles. There's a learning curve for me with how to train a puppy, but I have faith that she will turn out ok in spite of me and my efforts. During the day, she stays with Scott at work (lucky puppy) and gets spoiled by both of us at night. I want her to stay puppy sized forever, but at 25 pounds now, I know it's not going to happen. She'll still always be our "Puppy Girl".

I hope that you've enjoyed reading about my babies. They are the lights of my life, and without them, this house would be way too quiet!!

Friday's Shoegasm

Spring is finally here...ok...I really shouldn't say that so loud. We are having a day of sunshine, and it's the only day in weeks it hasn't rained. I even left work early ***sssshhhhh*** nobody knows, it's our little secret. Since we are having this beautiful dry weather, I decided that these shoes are perfect for a wispy creamy colored dress. Imagine it now...the breeze lightly blowing, the moon illuminating the waves...you in these fabby shoes walking on the boardwalk...with a man to carry another 7 pairs that He just bought YOU!!! Aaahhhh, the fantasy =)


I'm not big on spiders, well hate them actually, but I think the webs on the bottom of these are hot!

Weathered Frame

So when do you know your project is doomed? From the start or when you're halfway through it and you want to throw it outside? I should have listened to the devil that sits on my shoulder...or my siamese, one in the same really.



Since I'm adding more nautical goodies to my dining room, I bought a few frames at Michael's to paint. Gotta love the $1 price tag!! Since I don't follow directions real well (act surprised will ya), this has more than enough coats of paint on it.



Supplies:



Frame & Brushes

Krylon Bahama Sea (you only need one of the blue paints)

Ceramcoat Tahiti Blue & Craftsmart White acrylic paints

Deco Art Weathered Wood in Medium

Stamps (I used Scrappy Cat - Vacation Swirl)

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Tea Dye

Mod Podge to seal

(I'm giving you the bad directions first) I'm in a primer mood, so I did spray this one with primer but totally not needed. I really love Krylon's Bahama Sea, so I coated it twice. I painted a layer of white because I forgot the Weathered Wood, remembered, painted that on and realized I should have read the directions. I made the mistake of running the brush over where I had already painted, this was realized when I painted the white and it didn't weather. Ssssoooo...we catch up now with the real directions....



I started with the Tahiti Blue, and then the Weathered Wood. DO NOT go over any of the Weathered Wood, no matter how tempting. Add another coat, whatever, but DO NOT (yes I repeat in big capital letters so you know I'm serious) PAINT SAME SPOT TWICE!! Add your white coat in the same direction as you painted the Weathered Wood and let dry.



Because I cannot leave well enough alone, I did use some stamps, after I Podged. Some will never learn. Didn't come out real clear but I think it adds charm to it *s*.

Carnival Ride

So who wants to slow this carnival ride of life down for me so I can hop on?! I have been so overwhelmed this last week it's incredible. Between my car (which still isn't done yet btw), I let my plates expire so I'm running around at the last minute trying to get the echeck in between other commitments. My step daughter decided she's coming for a visit in nine days and I'm about having a heart attack. Her bedroom turned into my room when she moved out over a year ago, so I need to return it back to a bedroom for her to stay in while she's here. I'm not sure she wants to sleep on half finished crafty things...at least the Modge is dry lol. I miss my making messes *pout* Hopefully I can get everything caught up so I can get things done and have lots of pics to show ya!!!! Cross your fingers for me *s*

So Much to Catch Up On...

since I've been sick. Which I still am by the way. I heal at the opposite of warp speed. My voice has finally came back to me and now I can have real conversations with people without them either laughing hysterically at me for sounding like a pubescent boy or saying they can't hear me. My cough still sounds like a pissed off walrus, but what can I do?

I did receive some crappy news today though. I took my car to the shop to have my tires rotated, balanced, and an alignment. I was ready to tell them keep the POS not happy with the news. Apparently, with only 28,800 miles, I need new tie rods, ball joints, and front tires. Short of having a nervous breakdown right there, I just told them I'd take the car home. So on my way to the shop (I spend my days off from job #1 working with hubby), I dropped it off at the place next door that does all sorts of car related goodness. They did agree with the same things being wrong, but thankfully, the quote came a little cheaper. Now my bumble bee is spending the night in the shop again. Still not over the computer system incident in November. Please don't anyone ask me what I think of Fords right now =)

I'm going to catch up on my laundry and I might even *gasp* clean the house a bit...maybe.

Friday's Shoegasm

I'm thinking outside the box this week for my shoegasm. This was forwarded to me, and I know only a true shoe lovin' gal is going to understand why this makes me swoon.

WWWWOOOOOOOHHHHHHHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Ok, just a "little" excited here lol. You know that photo linky party thingie from yesterday at Tracy's? I WON!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so absolutely thrilled, honored, and really, really pleased (not that you could tell or anything). The guest judge was Sarah @ Faded Country. If you haven't visited her site, you really need to, just her header photography alone is a treat!! She had to say about the photos: "I love the simplicity and the way the photos create a soothing feel. It makes me want to go there and lie in the grass and take in the beauty that abounds. What a great place to live and I love the detail of the rope on the poles. Gorgeous place!" So a big thank you to both Tracy for hosting and Sarah for judging =)

Tracy's Linky Party

Tracy is having a 360 degree photo linky party that I'm posting just in time for. She has fabby link parties and I definately have a ton of them to share, but for some reason I always get sidetracked. I really wanted to call this post "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" but I don't live in a bay, just a lake. Hum...wonder if they could make that a song? I'm very excited to participate in this one though *grins* I took these right before I caught "the bug".


I have a boat dock in my backyard and I'm absolutely fascinated with the poles that have the rope around them, the water, and the overgrown grass!! My dining room table (aka my desk) is right where I can look out at this every day. Even in the winter it's beatiful.

There's a ton of snappers in the water so there is no way in hell my toesies are ever getting dipped in there lol. The ones I have pictured are really quite small. I never have my camera when the real ones are out. May have something to do with everytime I see them I may accidentally say something about turtle soup. At least I don't tell them that I think they'd make a nice pair of shoes *s*. You'll have to click the pic to see all my little sharp toothed friends.

And yes, this is an old boat. When I say "old", I mean old, as in it doesn't have much of it's floor left. With all the rain we've been getting though, I'm thinking it's a good start to building my own ark!!

And last, but not least, the geese. I have a family of mallards here, and also several families of geese. As they have their families, I'll post pictures. I'm sure they just love every year me creeping up on their babies to take those pictures too. One of these days, I'm going to be goose food.

My "Day" Job

For those of you who don't know, I do tech support as my day job. When I saw this post from today's LOL Cats I knew it was perfect for me. I have actually heard this statement, plus my computer doesn't have an enter key, a space bar, and several other things that a keyboard should have. Little did I know one time though that they really didn't have a space bar, it was broken.

Why I Will Never Be a Doctor

In my house I now believe it's one thing or another, and that would only be good if it were say....chocolate...or money lol. Last Sunday, I started with the whole scratchy throat sniffly thing, thought it was allergies. By Wednesday, I'm hacking up a lung, my voice is starting to go, and I pretty much feel like crap. I hadn't seen Mom in awhile, so I kept our lunch date (not missing out on crab wontons!!). Napped the rest of the afternoon, felt a little bit better, so hey, I'm cured. Woke up Thursday and went to work and was greeted with "Gee, you look like walking death". Ok folks, it's not even 7 am yet, it's not polite to judge. Made it through the whole day despite the people that think it's most amusing to hear me talk when I don't have a voice. Worked half day Friday, slept most of Saturday, worked half day Easter, said screw it on Monday around 2 am and called off. My ear was killing me, stabbing pains, all clogged up, couldn't hear out of it legit this time not ignoring hubby I slept til um *cough* 7 pm! Up for a coupla hours then back to bed with more frozen food on my head.

Which, here's a tip for those with annoying pets: Even though they may not like frozen veggies, they are aware that the frozen bag on your head that you're trying to hide from them in a towel, is indeed food. The puppy was ok, but the three voracious little hunters that I have chewed a freaking whole in my bag of frozen corn. WTH?!

Ok, back to the exciting stuffs. I made it through most of today *woohoo*, and thankfully I'm off tomorrow. I have a crafty to do list a mile long and this is really disrupting it. If I could just stop napping and start breathing I'm positive things would be soo much better. I have picture frames half started laying on the kitchen table, well mostly anyway. Hubby did say something about this funny string stuff in the living room. I know nothing.

Friday's Shoegasm

*sigh* I love these shoes! They are JS by Jessica Kyte Sandal, not familiar with the designer but I think I may be soon lol. You can find all the wonderful details at DSW.