Random Cute Moment With Cody...

Cody, being well known for his little cheeky streak, likes to ease his way onto the chair at the computer desk and start tapping frenetically at the keyboard or clicking away with the mouse like a little maniac. I caught him at it a couple of days ago and I said, "Cody!! What are you doing?!", to which he replied..."I'm just doin' my email for tids (kids)".

I can't really say anything against that...I mean, how many times has he asked me what I'm doing only to hear me say, "Im just checking my email"...

Multitude Monday - Round Two

Well, it's Monday again and so time for another 20 things for which I am grateful. Today's list includes, but is not limited to, the following items - in no particular order:

21. Quiet moments in which to regroup, refresh, regenerate. It's imperative to my survival and sanity!

22. The public library. Oh my word. How I love the library. I get in there and I'm like the proverbial kid in a candy store.

23. My safe and happy home. Chaotic and cluttered - but safe and happy.

24. The opportunity to NOT work outside of the home right now. I'm really enjoying my time at home - really enjoying the cliche-but-oh-so-true quality time with my children - especially little Dookie. He needs it the most, and with him being my last baby...it's particularly poignant.

25. CFOX morning show. I can be in the foulest, most irritable mood, but if I'm lucky enough to have a moment to listen to a bit of the morning show at CFOX, it gets me laughing and feeling good again in no time. Because this is not a program that I consider appropriate for my young children's ears, it's a real treat when I am actually on my own at a time when I can catch it.

26. Cherry blossoms. They are everywhere! What a gorgeous winter this has been, and spring has tiptoed in early!

27. A loving, suportive husband.

28. My new little 'pocket camera' that my husband got me for Valentines Day. So easy to keep in my pocket or purse. Still love my digital SLR, but this little Sony is quite the little workhorse. Lots of great features, and more megapixels than my Canon!

29. Spring Break on the horizon. Hopefully, we will take a drive down to Seattle where my sister, her husband, and their two little girls live. A visit with my sister is long overdue! Better yet, we might even make it a round trip on the train. The Amtrak Cascades is not a bad way to go and the little boys will love it!!

30. Rubber boots. There's a certain satisfaction in being able to tromp around in the rain and know that your feet will stay dry and warm. "There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." — Sir Rannulph Fiennes. Problem solved!

31. Good, clean drinking water right from the tap!

32. Naps. No explanation necessary!

33. A sense of humour. I can't imagine where'd I'd be without it.

34. Structure and routine. For me, for my children. Couldn't have it any other way.

35. A migraine that didn't quite happen. Got the sensitivity to sound. Got the blind spots/auras...then...nothing. Severe discomfort averted.

36. Clean laundry. Sure it's a bit of a chore to fold and put away, but it's a small price to pay for knowing exactly where to go for clean socks and undies!

37. An engaging paperback novel with a clip-on booklight to take to bed with me. Even if I know I am way to tired to get beyond the page that I'm on, it's insurance - peace of mind towards a good night's sleep.

38. Airborne. My magic elixir. Works every time.

39. The sweetness of little boys.

40. The good fortune of being born into the most beautiful city in the world and being able to raise my children here.

Share The Love Sunday - Second Edition

Hello, and welcome to the second edition of Share The Love Sunday. For an explanation of how Share The Love Sunday works, view my page here.

Today, I would like to share three Etsy shops that really, really make me wish that I'd learned how to sew!! I think I'll have to add 'learn to sew' to my bucket list - not that I could ever hope to get this good!

1. Adopt An Alien

2. Card Table Playhouses

3. Softies

It amazes me what people can do by taking basic, raw materials and creating such whimsy, fun, and cuteness! I could just stare at these projects for hours - it's almost meditative to me. Soaking up these artists creativity sparks my own (although, sadly, I have yet to produce anything anywhere close to being this delightful). Sigh. Pure bliss.

So what goodness have you got to share?

Below is a Mr. Linky list if you'd like to add a link to your own Share The Love Sunday post. (1) Make sure the link you submit is to the URL of your post and not your main blog URL. (2) Include a link back here.

Thanks!

7 Quick Takes...

I came across this fun meme over at The Conversion Diary and I thought I'd join in, so without further delay, here are my 7 Quick Takes:

1. Another Friday, another challenge over at The Inspired Scrapper. This one is simply to use flowers. Spring is springing, after all! Check it out, and join in via Mr. Linky!

2. After being married for almost eight years and having three children, my husband and I are now looking to buy our first home. It's a nerve wracking process at times! In the past, whenever I've heard anybody say they were 'devastated' when an offer that they've made on a house hasn't worked out, I would think, 'Relax - it's just a house - find another!'. Nice, eh?! Now - I understand how somebody could feel that way.

3. This is the final weekend of the 2010 Winter Olympics. I'm going to miss it! Living in the host city has been the opportunity of a lifetime - I wonder, have I done enough? Have I taken advantage of all the goings on? How are my children going to remember this time? I think that Vancouver is going to feel some post-event blues. I think I will too. On the positive side, while I've enjoyed watching all the Canadian and International coverage on televsion - I'm looking forward to NOT having the TV on for awhile!

4. I never thought I'd ever say this, but...I actually prefer McDonald's coffee to Tim Hortons and Starbucks! I used to look at McDonald's coffee with complete disdain. Then, sometime this past year, McDonald's offered free coffee in the morning for a period of a few weeks, so I started hitting the drive-thru on my way to work for my freebie, and marketing works, folks, because McDonald's proved to me that their coffee is now not only improved, but superior! I actually crave it now and will go out of my way just to hit the drive-thru. I still feel a bit embarrassed to be seen drinking their coffee (I'm sure that will pass), but...I'm a convert!

5. I have been blogging for over three years now - I can't believe it! I started this blog when my last born child was about three weeks old - feels like a lifetime ago. At the time, I wasn't sure about this whole blogging thing, but three years later - I absolutely love it! I think I'll be blogging forever - although, it will be interesting to see how blogging evolves and what it will consist of in the years to come.

6. I am mulling over the idea of getting a dog. For years, I was dead-set against having any pets, but now...this little itch for a dog is getting bigger. I'm not going to make any sudden moves - it's a huge decision. Like having another child, in a lot of ways. A dog is a big, long-term, and somewhat expensive commitment, and not one that I take lightly. I think I'll have to dedicate an entirely separate post to discussing the pros and cons of adding a dog to our family. I hope my husband's not reading this...I don't think he's anywhere near being ready for a conversation about this! The kids, however, would be ecstatic. We'll keep this quiet for now...ssshhh...

7. It was harder than I thought it would be to come up with '7' quick takes, and I don't know if they'd all qualify as 'quick', but this was a fun meme to take part in and I will definitely be doing it again!

A Short But Sweet Card Making Session Today...

Today I found a bit of time to indulge my crafty side by participating in two sketch challenges at two of my favorite sketch blogs.

The top card is based on a sketch from Card Positioning Systems, CPS #155. The bottom card is based on a sketch over at 2 Sketches 4 You - Laura's Sketch #46. Two very similar sketches this week!

Thanks for visiting - wishing you well this Wednesday evening!

Multitude Monday...

While poking about on Facebook today, I saw that my friend Heather had a link to her blog entry for today, which featured a list of things that she was thankful for. I loved the idea, so I am adopting it here. For a full explanation of this concept, go to the Gratitude Community. Basically, the idea is to somehow acknowledge 1000 graces or gifts in your life with gratitude.

I have decided to do this in gradual steps - 20 per Monday for 50 Mondays equals 1000 gratitudes. Maybe some weeks I'll get all crazy and go beyond 20; hopefully, I don't have any weeks where I struggle to even make it to 20. I will admit - I am not a religious person, but I appreciate the concept of recognizing the good things, the fortunes in our respective lives. So, without further ado, here is the first leg of my quest for 1000:

1. A nice day at home with Cody

2. Lots of sunshine and record breaking (high!) temperatures.

3. A hubby who has a strong work ethic.

4. Everett Crowley Park as part of the walk home with Casey after school.

5. The joy of blogging.

6. A real-life and online community of women in which to share my love of all things paper crafting, parenting/family life, and photography.

7. One individual doctor, as well as the wider circle of people who are involved in her group practice, who has been such a lifeline to me for almost two decades!

8. Living in a very advantaged country.

9. Strong steeped black tea with milk. All day long.

10. All the luxuries of our modern era - the internet, microwave, washer/dryer, etc.

11. My sister.

12. My new baby niece, Olivia.

13. All my extended family - I got lucky big time!

14. A good haircut.

15. Good books.

16. The ability to smile, a reason to laugh - everyday.

17. Three healthy, beautiful children.

18. Fresh fruits and veggies.

19. Bedtime 'I love you's' from my little boys.

20. The opportunity for Vancouver to host the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Share The Love Sunday - Inaugural Post...

Hello, and welcome to my new feature - Share The Love Sunday. For a full explanation, go to this page.

The blog I am going to share with you today is OhAmanda. I came across Amanda's site the way I come across a lot of sites I love - by just linking my way from one blog to another on one of my daily blurking adventures. Oh Amanda has a feature called 'Top Ten Tuesdays' - I just loved this idea when I saw it! I'm always on the lookout for blogging prompts and inspirations and this one really appealed to me. I've got my first Top Ten Tuesday post all written up and queued to go in two more sleeps!

Because this post is my first regarding Share The Love Sunday, it's been published late on Sunday night instead of early Sunday morning. In the future, as noted in my Share The Love Sunday page, I will have my post done at the beginning of the day, but in the hopes of perhaps catching some night owl bloggers, and also as a test run, I am going to add a Mr. Linky to this inaugural post. Any late night bloggers care to Share The Love?

Saturday Night's Alright For Crafting...

This layout is in response to last week's Inspired Scrapper challenge, which was to use a 'love themed' quote. The quote that I used here is by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and though she intended it in a romantic context, I thought it was also fitting when it comes to my feelings for my son!

The Inspired Scrapper team has knocked it out of the park again this week! The three most recent posts by DT members are based on February's 'Love Is In The Air' theme and use a sketch by Becky Fleck at Pagemaps. I love the way Susan used rolled up patterned paper as an accent - such a great touch! Virginia used a great mix of patterned papers with red being the dominant colour, which lends so much energy and jump to her photos. Erica printed three different photos from three different moments in black and white and then used very pretty colours in her papers for an overall beautiful layout. Love her mixed button accent as well!

As always, I encourage you to check out The Inspired Scrapper - play along with the challenges and share your creation with us using the Mr. Linky feature. There is no such thing as too much inspiration!

For Today - February 17, 2010

Outside my window...Glorious sunshine!! 10 degrees celsius - welcome to Vancouver, host city of the 2010 Spring Olympics!

I am thinking...about my sister-in-law, Keri. She is pregnant with her first baby. She began having contractions over 24 hours ago and has been sent home from the hospital twice. My thoughts are definitely with her today, and with my brother-in-law, Kyle.

I am thankful...for my husband, for my children, for my life. Also for the opportunity to have a 2 hour nap today to catch up on the sleep I missed last night while Cody had a particularly wakeful, calling for Mommy night!

From the kitchen...Homemade Shepherds Pie for dinner tonight. Must not let time get away from me today, or dinner will turn into leftover spagetti from last night.

I am wearing...I just cut and paste this part from my last 'For Today' entry - "my usual at-home uniform - yoga pants, oversized t-shirt/sweater".

I am reading...an actual adult paperback - "The Devil's Punchbowl" by Greg Iles. I've re-read the first couple of chapters twice now since I usually only read in bed at night and I keep falling asleep after a few pages.

I am hoping...that all goes well for Keri and Kyle and I end up with a brand new little niece, or my first nephew, by the end of today!

I am going...nowhere until I leave to pick Casey up from school. Until then, I am going to stay home and see what I can accomplish around here.

I am creating...a fair number of paper projects lately. The trick for me is actually completing them, and getting them photographed and posted!

I am hearing...nothing but the clock ticking. Sweet silence! Such a treat.

Around the house...lots of clutter. Lots of stuff with no real place to go. Once again, I find myself thinking that it would be easier to just pack and move than attempt to organize.

One of my favorite things...a new baby. A new family member. A new niece or nephew for my husband and I, a new cousin for my children.

A few plans for the rest of the week...once I know if new baby is a boy or a girl, I have some gifts to make. Watch various Olympic events and coverage on TV. Take advantage of our beautiful weather to spend more time outside in the sunshine with my kids. Shave my legs.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing with you...



An actual photo of my elusive daughter! I think this might very well be the only picture I've managed to snag of her since my above-mentioned brother and sister-in-law's wedding in July 2009! Actually, my daughter took this picture herself with my camera. We were on our way home after she got a very cute new haircut, a haircut that she was actually happy with! A haircut she likes, a photo to document it that she also likes - wow! We are on some kind of roll!

Happy Friday!

TGIF! Three reasons why this Friday in particular is a great one:

1. Friday over at the Inspired Scrapper means that a new challenge is posted, along with great projects by the designers. Looking for Valentines inspiration in particular? Go check it out!

2. Here in Vancouver, the Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics begins at 6:00 pm PST. My husband was in BC Place Stadium on July 2, 2003 when Vancouver was awarded these Games. I was watching from home on TV, pregnant with our second child, who was born three days later. Since then, we've had a third child, so we've essentially been waiting for this moment for the duration of our boys' lives!

3. To be honest, I can't come up with a third reason specific to this Friday, but come on - who doesn't love a Friday - any Friday?! It's the kickoff to the weekend, and here's wishing you a great one!

The Inspired Scrapper - Sketch Challenge

This week, The Inspired Scrapper offered a sketch challenge, using one of Becky Fleck's sketches from PageMaps. Here is the sketch -















and here is my version of it:



I had fun playing with this one - distressing and inking edges, stamping and embossing with utee (can you see the dots in the bottom left corner?), stitching and stapling - good times!




I squeaked in last minute with this layout - The Inspired Scrapper posts a new challenge tomorrow. Come by and check it out!

Two Cards For Two Challenges...

To begin, I feel compelled to dedicate this post to Kat - thanks for calling me out! (*wink*).

Today's cards are in response to two sketch challenges - the card on the right is based on sketch #48 at Card Patterns and the card on the left is based on a sketch over at Mojo Monday . Both of these sites are great for the card maker who may be in need of a gentle prod to boost creativity and/or productivity.

Vancouver is enjoying a very mild winter right now and Spring is peeking out all around in the way of budding trees and shrubs, and once-dormant bulbs shooting their green tips up through the dirt. This is not good news for a city that is set to host the 2010 Winter Olympics in two weeks, but selfishly, this is great news for me! Aside from the fact that there are multitudes of reasons to love Spring, I’m just very glad that I can photograph my cards outside. I am still struggling to get good lighting with my indoor photography. Plus, I must confess that there is not a decent backdrop to be had inside my house because my housekeeper has been letting her duties slide badly these days (that would be me!). One of my favorite quotes of all times (from the fabulous Phyllis Diller) is a rather apropos way to wrap this post up...

“Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing.”

Womanly Needs...

'Womanly Needs' - this is a poem that I have read/seen before, but a friend on Facebook posted it today and it was good to read it again. I wanted to repost it here, so I did a Google search for the author. What I learned over at snopes.com is that this is a poem that has often been attributed to Maya Angelou but is actually the work of Pamela Redmond Satran.

I find that I appreciate this poem much more today in my life versus several years ago when I first read it.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honoured...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...when to try harder... and when to walk away

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table...or a charming inn in the woods...when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...what she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month...and a year...

For Today - January 14, 2010

For Today -

Outside my window...It's raining, it's pouring...huge puddles are forming!

I am thinking...That today is a perfect rainy day to be spending time at home with my almost 3 year old.

I am thankful...For good indoor lighting that helps banish a grey day.

From the kitchen...Peanut butter and stoned wheat thin cracker 'sandwiches' and hot, strong steeped tea.

I am wearing...my usual at-home uniform - yoga pants, oversized t-shirt/sweater.

I am reading...a lot of kids books! Must get to library with an adult card!

I am hoping...that I have energy to spare at the end of the day instead of day to spare at the end of my energy!

I am going...to head out with Cody for a walk/bike ride.

I am creating...a lot of cards lately. Hoping to do more altered projects/mini books.

I am hearing...Cody singing to himself while sitting on the toilet

Around the house....trucks, Lego, books, Crayola, 'hockey guys'...all the usual child detritus!

One of my favorite things...a happy day at home with my child/children.

A few plans for the rest of the week...organize/thin-out kids toys, make another trip to the library, and maybe even squeeze in a visit to Science World!

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing with you...

Cody playing peek-a-boo at the park, two rainy days ago.

Thank Goodness For Challenges...

I can't believe how many cards I'm starting to accumulate! I think I mentioned in one of my previous posts that one of my goals for this year (I didn't dare make any 'official' resolutions!) was to have a variety of cards on hand so that I would not be caught short without one at the last minute. Less than two weeks into the new year, I think I'm ahead of myself for once! There are SO many card challenge sites out there - it would be a full time commitment to even try to stay caught up with them, so instead, I'm taking my time and enjoying all the inspiration there is to be had.

Here is a breakdown of the challenges used with these cards - and again, I've got a three card to four challenge ratio.

The card on the left is based on sketch #149 over at CPS/Card Positioning Systems. The card at top middle is in response to a challenge over at Caardvarks, this time using a sketch designed for Caardvarks by Becky Fleck. This card also qualifies for a challenge at the 'new to me' challenge blog, "Just Us Girls" - aka 'JUGS'. I'm telling ya, it's fun blog hopping for nothing more than to come across unique, cheeky, and/or entertaining blog names! The JUGS 15 challenge was to use stitching on a project. I appreciated this challenge because not only do I love the effect of stitching on a card, but I don't do it nearly enough AND - it forced me to clear up yet some more space in my scrappin' lair, this time in front of and beneath my sewing machine, so thank you JUGS for a very beneficial challenge!

Lastly, the card on the right is in response to a 3D challenge at Our Creative Corner. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the four flowers across the middle of the card have three layers plus a rhinestone to top them off. I did this simply by using two sizes of circle punches to cut out additional flower centres from the patterned paper that I used for the card. I then layered them, adhering them with pop dots, and then finished the middles with self-adhesive rhinestone centres. Super quick, super easy.

The biggest challenge that I'm currently facing is how best to photograph my cards or other scrapbooking related projects. I get the best results if I can photograph them outside, but when we're in the throes of rainy season, the opportunities for almost anything photography related are few and far between. I would love to hear suggestions from any readers who are satisfied with their project presentation.

I've Always Been Game For A Challenge...

...and today I found not one, not two, but FOUR card challenges to participate in today - I'm a machine, I tell ya!

The card on the left is based on a sketch challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Then, over at Color Throwdown (fun name!), the challenge today was to use three colours - 'regal rose', 'chocolate chip', and 'dusty durango'. I just happened to have some papers in my stash with the perfect colours in them. I don't know the paper brand because, oddly, there is no manufacturer name on any of them, but they're all from the same line. They are also some of the oldest papers in my stash, so it was wildly gratifying to be able to use them for the Colour Throwdown challenge. All three cards are made with these papers, plus an old, nay, vintage, hoarded, and coveted piece of 'Chocolate Pinstripe' from Chatterbox. This CB paper is one of my Top 10 all-time favourite patterned papers ever! Goes with everything, and lends just the right touch of sophistication to any project! (Did that sound a lot like a 'plug'? Think maybe I can talk Chatterbox into tossing some free product my way?! What's that you say? Pushing my luck? Yeah. I knew it.)

The third challenge I participated in is from Papertake Weekly. The challenge there was based on 'New Beginnings' and there was room for interpretation according to the criteria, so for this challenge, I used a new corner/slot punch that I got awhile ago and never used. It was one of those purchases where I just had to have it after a demo in a LSS, but once I got it home...well, my time filled with other things, my interest waned, then my memory of what to actually do with it faded...eventually, my shiny new acquisition was tossed in amongst all the rest of the usual suspects, unused and forgotten. For some reason, when I visited Papertake Weekly and read 'New Beginnings', the idea of making myself finally use this punch just jumped into my head! Seems kind of random, but - I was game, so I went with it, and lo and behold - it's my new favorite tool-of-the-moment! So, thank you, Challengemeisters over at PW! I was truly inspired!

Now, onto the fourth and final challenge of the day. Prairie Papercrafts and Stamps is hosting a colour challenge as well, and coincidentally enough, the colours named for this challenge are chocolate and orange - very similar to the colours over at Color Throwdown, so - I stayed with the same paper line and made the card in the above picture on the right. Serendipitous the way it all came together, don'tcha think?!

I added the sentiment 'hello' to both of the larger cards, which keeps them in the 'all occasion' category and allows flexibility in usage. 'Hello' is great just on it's own of course, or you can start with 'Hello' and have the card open to read, 'and Happy Birthday to my best friend!', or, 'Hello', then, 'Thanks for all your help!', or, 'Hello', then, 'You annoy me. It's over.'. See what I mean? Truly 'all-occasion'. I then made up a wee little 3x3 card, sans sentiment, just to round out the photo a bit, in keeping with symmetry and spatial relationship. Huh?! Plus, I needed a card for my mom to say 'thank you' for allowing my husband and I ample usage of her car since we are officially a one-vehicle family but are living at least a two-vehicle lifestyle (AKA hockey/baseball/school/soccer/social life/etc. taxi drivers for our three busy children, as well as, oh, you know, things like going back and forth to work!)

So there you have it - three cards for four challenges. I'm going to call it a night! Happy Crafting, everybody!

Another Day, Another Challenge...

Of the cardmaking kind this time, thankfully! I made these two cards in response to three challenges. Challenge #1, from 2 Sketches 4 you - make a card using the sketch provided in the post dated January 4. The card on the left represents this. Then, Challenge #2, from yesterday's challenge at 365 Cards - use metal on a card. The card on the right uses 2 black metal brads, as well as a heart that I first embossed on a piece of thin metal sheeting using my Cuttlebug and then punched out using one of my big Marvy Uchida punches. This card also fulfils another sketch challenge over at CPS - Card sketches. This is the second card that I've made from this sketch. Operation Write Home (OWH) had a call for Valentines cards that needed to be postmarked to them no later than January 6. I'm a day late, but I'm going to send these two cards to them anyways, along with some others that I've made. Maybe my parcel will get to them in time to make it into a Valentines shipment; otherwise, these cards can get included as general 'love' cards for shipping anytime.

Raising A Teenager Is Hard...

As a general, sweeping assumption, I tend to think that raising a teenaged daughter is harder than raising a teenaged son, although I've got twice the sons than daughters, so I'lI find out for myself soon enough...This morning was one of those mornings that leave me reeling - and all before 9 a.m.! It's amazing how much conflict and nastiness can be packed into such a short period of time. In my mind, I alternate between 'head in sand' and 'in your face' with my daughter. I alternate between 'leave her alone, she's not as bad as some kids' to 'never mind the lowest denominator, this still is not acceptable according to MY expectations and standards!'. Should I leave her alone? What will I come to regret more - too much attention or not enough attention? Is it all goingn to turn out okay in the end - or will it all go so terribly awry? I feel like it is such a delicate, precarious balance and I'm trying to find the balance without any reliable senses, or information. I know that there are books that I can read, but for every book touting one method, there's another book refuting it. I also think that it's all so subjective and individual. Or, perhaps there is a common, frequent, and/or underlying psychology to the teenage brain, the teenage experience, that lends itself to a method or school of thought that can be effectively applied to any/all teenagers...Another consideration is the specific dynamic that exists between MY teenager and myself - I recognize that the responsibility or ownership of this struggle that exists with my daughter is not squarely on her shoulders...What experiences/behaviours/tendencies of my own are affecting how I influence or respond to any given situation or moment with her? How much can I control? How much do I have to let go of? I feel like I'm caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place and I fear that there is no favourable outcome - at least, not one that's guaranteed. And I WANT a guarantee, damn it! This is my daughter, my first born baby - I don't feel like there is any room for error. I also fear that what right now seems like such a difficult time may only be the beginning. Perhaps I'm just run down and worn out in my thinking right now...I've also heard from some people that the age of 14 is pretty much the worst of the worst, and that a corner to turn is not too far off. I just don't know. What is the middle ground between the theory of 'tough love' versus 'unconditional love'? What is the likelihood of 'happy ending' versus 'worst case scenario'? The answers are nowhere to be found, at least, not right at this moment. For now, I think I will allow myself to pour a fresh, hot cup of tea and retreat into my scrapping space with my favorite blogs, websites,and my music. I'm done ruminating and perseverating, for the time being at least. Sometimes the harder you look for answers, the more elusive they seem. For now, for today, for at least this moment, I am going to let it go.

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."
-- Havelock Ellis

A New Obsession - Card Sketch Sites

I am currently having a love affair with card sketch sites. Up until recently, I've found using sketches in cardmaking or scrapbooking more challenging than helpful, but somewhere along the way, I turned a corner, gave sketches another shot, and am now obsessed!

This is a sketch from 365 Cards -

















This is my version of the sketch -







(I sure wish I could take better indoor photos!)















This is a sketch from Card Positioning Systems (CPS) -

















And, this is my take -















This card also includes requirements from today's post, Challenge #45, at The Corrosive Challenge blog, which is to use two favorite embellishments on your card or project. I used ribbon on this card, and rhinestones - two of my favorite go-to embellishments for cards.

I haven't made any 'official' resolutions this year, but one of my aims with paper crafting is to use what I've already got and start digging into my stash - a common sentiment, it seems, among us crafters! I have SO much patterned paper from over the years - boxes of it - so, I'd like to start using it up and making some space under my desktop/countertop where I store it all.

Another of my goals with my card making is to have cards ready and on hand for the numerous family birthdays throughout the year. It's not like I don't know that they're coming, and yet inevitably, I'm flying around last minute as we're about to head out the door for a celebration, frantically slapping together a card. That's just dumb! So, with these two cards, I'm ready for my father-in-law's/grandma-in-law's birthday brunch next weekend! We all have busy lives - isn't it rewarding when you can cross something off of your gigantic, never-ending to-do list - even if it's one of the little things? After all, every little thing counts, wouldn't you agree?

Card Sketch #42...

...from '2S4Y', AKA 2 Sketches 4 You - a fun card sketch site that I stumbled across while on one of my daily blog hopping excursions. Here is the sketch as seen on the site:
















And here is my pretty literal interpretation x 2:



I love this sketch! It's quick, simple, and great for any occasion. I'm getting more and more interested in using sketches - for card making and for scrapbooking. There are a whole lot of great sketches and examples over at 2S4Y - go check them out!