Five Random Things About Me

I saw this on another blog and thought it might be a good way to introduce myself a little.

1. I like animals. I have two rescued cats, Pima and Mouse. They are my kids. I love them but I wish I could teach them to dust or something.

I love big dogs! Two very special big dogs are Daphne and Daisy. They live with my parents but I consider them mine too. I’m the #1 dog sitter. You can see pictures of them as well as some of their friends and relatives here.

I’m learning to appreciate all breeds, shapes and sizes of dogs through volunteering at the local animal shelter. I walk dogs on as many Saturdays as I can and help as other various events throughout the year. I used to do rescue transports and home visits for rescue groups.

2. I’m not a morning person. I’m getting better as I get older. I don’t wake up easily especially in the winter. I’m not the kind of person who can just jump out of bed and be raring to go. It takes time to get moving. It is best not to be too cheery around me until I’ve been up for a little while.

3. I am not very artistic (my brother got that gene). I dabble in different things: stamping, bead jewelry, quilting, etc… I enjoy trying different techniques and projects. Participating in swaps has really forced me outside my box and to try different things. I’m also my own worst critic.

4. I cry at the drop of a hat. It gets really bad when they start airing the sappy Hallmark commercials around Christmas.

5. I watch too much TV. I’m trying to back off some and have been successful in cutting back to only watching on 4 nights a week. I’m slightly addicted to Grey’s Anatomy, more for the McScenery than anything else! My closet favorite is Men in Trees (don’t tell).

Quote for the day

Let each man exercise the art he knows.

Aristophanes, Wasps, 422 B.C.Greek

Athenian comic dramatist (450 BC - 388 BC)

Getting Things Done

The jewelry show went well and some of my stress has been relieved. I was able to spend all day stamping with friends at a “Stamp Till You Cramp” workshop done by my Stampin’ Up demonstrator. Susie does a great job and is very creative. I always learn something and we made some really great cards. I came home and used several of the ideas for the winter card swap.

We have another jewelry show this weekend so I’ll be spending the week making jewelry and then I’ll be able to work on the other projects on my list.

I did get the Trash to Treasure: Junk Mail swap done and in the mail. Here is the card I made using an envelope and words from a credit card solicitation. I’m glad I was able to put it to use rather than shredding it for the landfill.

What have I been doing with all my time and why don't I have anything to show for it?

It has been a while since I posted any artwork. Not that I haven’t been making any just that I don’t get it posted. I’ve been busy making cards, ATCs, chunky book pages and calendar pages for swaps. Sometimes it feels like I never have anything to show for all the work because I mail everything off. Realistically I know I have a lot to show for it because I get great stuff in return. One of these days I just need to take some time to make things for myself so I can put it on my walls or in my books and say that “I MADE THAT”. I try to scan everything I make but it isn’t the same as having something tangible to hold in your hand.

I have done three swaps lately that include getting my own contributions back. I sent in pages for two chunky books and a collaborative calendar. I’m beginning to like these kinds of swaps more and more because it is a group effort and all of the contributors get to see what everyone else made.

Maybe if I make a list of things I’ve done lately I’ll feel like I’ve accomplished something. So here it goes:

CC SWAPS
Bathing Beauties Chunky Book pages (35 pages) - FINISHED
Alphabet D card (1 for 1) -FINISHED
Trash to Treasure Desk Drawer card (1 for 1) - FINISHED
Anything But Rubber card (1 for 1) - FINISHED
Latest Purchase card (1 for 1) - FINISHED
Alphabet E card (1 for 1) - FINISHED
White Chunky Book pages (36 pages) - FINISHED

MIDWEST STAMPERS
2007 Calendar – September (12 pages) - FINISHED
“Your Choice” Scary Creatures card swap (6 for 6, not identical) - FINISHED
Autumn Card Swap (6 for 5, not identical) - FINISHED
Autumn Trading Card Swap (7 for 7, not identical) - FINISHED
Card of the Month for August, September and October (1 for 1) - FINISHED


Here is what I’m looking forward to for the rest of October and for November

CC SWAPS Pending Swaps (updated 11-19-06)
Trash to Treasure Junk Mail card (1 for 1) - FINISHED
Fabric Swap card (1 for 1) - FINISHED
Alphabet F card (1 for 1) - FINISHED
2007 Collaborative Collage Calendar (14 pages) - FINISHED
Alphabet G card (1 for 1) - FINISHED
Stitches card (1 for 1) - FINISHED

MIDWEST STAMPERS Pending Swaps (updated 11-19-06)
Winter Cards (6 for 5, not identical) - FINISHED
Card of the Month for November - FINISHED

Mom and I also have three jewelry shows coming up. It’s a good thing I have her because I’ve been sick for the last 2 ½ weeks and haven’t had any energy or a creative inkling. It is just too hard to cough up a lung and create at the same time. I have made a few pieces of jewelry and hopefully will be updating the web site soon. Mom has been very creative and making wonderful jewelry for the shows. She and dad have also been providing TLC and meals when for there needy, sick daughter. I don't know what I would do without them.

So it is time to get off my soap box and get creative!!! If only I didn't have to have a day job...