Monday, August 29, 2011

Earthquakes, Hurricane, New Windows, Hello Peeps


And how was your week..... Mine went like this:  Last Tuesday we had a 5.8 earthquake here in Northern Virginia. Hmmmm, never knew they were that noisy.  Here on this coast (east) earthquakes don't happen and the first thing I thought of was there was an explosion somewhere. Or in the back regions of the mine - a terrorist attack? Nope, we don't have earthquakes.  But we did. Rather interesting, I sometimes over think things and see things in amazement.


 A freaking 5.8 earthquake - yes I did pick up the few pieces that were knocked off shelves in condo.


By Thursday our thoughts got over the earthquake and we were now focused on a hurricane called Irene. Well, Irene did do damage but here in my humble abode, wasn't that bad in Sterling, VA. I was not complaining.


However, the greatest event of the week was my new windows. Now, although I live in a condo, the cost of the windows are mine, not sure how the association got that one through while we were all sleeping, but they did. So since we got a new roof, new siding, why not go on and get the windows.


It was a production. Little did I know I would have men hanging out my windows. (I am on the third and fourth floor - what a show.) Had photos of the men hanging on my FaceBook post for those who friend me there.


Since all furniture had to be moved away from the windows, all curtains taken down, why not start washing and cleaning everything.


 I swear I worked from dawn till dusk on Friday just cleaning and cleaning. Got most back to normal:  bedroom,


dining room,

 kitchen, a n d -- the living room almost. Yes, I am purging. How many tacky glue's can a girl have?


Made one trip to Goodwill and still working away on old magazines. I, can honestly tell you I am grateful for the show Hoarders. While purging I run the questions thru my mind;  1) trash; 2) give away; or 3) keep. I started giving some of my cross-stitch kits away - they have just been sitting. Let someone else have the joy of sewing them.


I am breathing in and out slowly. Listening again to Wayne Dyer's "The Shift" as I drive to and from work. It does my soul good to listen to him and his positive way of life and thinking. I have not created any art work and was, once again, thinking of walking away from the blog for a while. AND then before I put the Summer 2009 Artful Blogging  magazine (a Stampington & Company publication) in the Goodwill basket, I read:

"When you blog, you are opening up your heart, your studio, your art, and/or your home. In many ways you bare a part of your soul. People begin to know you well and care about you and what you are writing about. An artful blog that is created by you with your words and photos and insights is a special gift that only you can give. It's always worth the work to give the gift of yourself."


So, after the year we have shared together with my breast cancer and the comfort, care, prayers, and love you all gave me, hey, I will hang in while I get this purging done and go through my dry spell. My muse is off on vacation but I know she will be back shortly. And, I still have a few more alpha ATC cards to share with you. The news for this week is that I will be going to the US Open Tennis Tourney in NYC on Thursday and will have some photos for you.  If you would like to "friend" me on FaceBook, please feel free to do so. I have been posting there more recently than the blog - why, because I do it from my little "crackerberry" - LOL.


Sunday, August 21, 2011

Meet the Covens


Not really all that happy with this fourth ATC card in the Women of Salem. But will keep it right now. Originally it was going to be called "behind closed doors" but I wasn't happy with that and kept adding stuff to the card then came up with the title, "meet the covens" - hmmmmm  I did write some more titles down so I can do a few more of these. Not done with it yet.


Well, to update you, I did get my "wood" floor in my office and spent all last week moving selected items back in. Still tossing at the office and at home.



This past week I learned that my condo neighbors had a scare with their pug who had to have surgery to remove a cancerous tumor.  Poor Divot was still spunky as I delivered a care bag to her which included a toy, "chef Michael" puppy moist foot, and some doggy ice cream, Frosty Paws.


I received an adorable thank you card featuring Divot herself. Had a left over Frosty Paws box and you know the "rest of the story" - LOL


Gathered papers together and stamped and "dressed them all up" for a special pup.


Made the little grocery store notebook and gave to Divot's Mom.


The inside pages were aimed at Divot's mother who is an assistant principal at an elementary school.



The ribbons on this little book was kept to a minimum.


Need to still get some things done. My new windows are going to be put in the condo on Friday. You all have an awesome week!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

In Her Own Time


Just finished one more lady from "Salem," aka, Salem Women......


Yes, in her own day, she made the headlines,


Who knew, some traveled outside of Salem. Who knew?


Also promised that I would show the next Grocery Box Book, "Grow."


Love these boxes from Triscuts, they are now harder to find at the store.


Made this one as a gift and started decorating it randomly.


DID NOT realize that I put the "gal" on the Scarlet Letter - I swear I didn't until I went back through the book. LOL


Had to use "raggy" ribbons/ties on this book.  Seems to all work together.

Found this quote the other day:

"Millions long for immortality
who don't know what to do
on a rainy afternoon."

Susan Ertz

Something to think about......

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Yes, it is A to Z peeps, once again


No, I have not run away from you and no I have not forgotten our next three letters, F, G, H.


I enjoyed all of these and in fact the "F" was one of the very early alpha ATC.


Enjoyed working on the G because I always love the Gypsy in my soul.


H = Help Wanted. Pink Poodle and all.


I have been busy the last two weeks. Last week made a quick run to the Queen's Ink a shop about 55 miles away. What a pleasant surprise to see how they have built up the shopping area.



Also had to clean out my office to get ready for a wood floor. This is the office I have been sitting in for 17 years.... 17 years. Yes, I did find some dust that old. Tossed files, and got it empty.




Can't wait to see it on Monday.... and yes, you too will see photos. Headed to dinner and a play tonight. I did get a "grocery box" notebook done and in the mail, will show it to you tomorrow, in the meantime here is a little peek at it,


We are getting some needed rain this afternoon, tonight, and tomorrow. At least I did get tennis in on Thursday, Friday, and this morning. Tomorrow is out, shucks! But I have Hoarders tv show going to get me motivated to grab another "bag" from the craft room to go through!

Friday, August 5, 2011

Java on your Mind?


Good morning Honeysuckle Peeps. Early day, early rise, and it is a wonderfully cooler Friday. And yes, I still have to run off to work...... But in the meantime, God bless all of you in the middle part of the country with your over "100" readings.  This morning we are sharing our coffee over my note from the Universe. All I can say is, how did the *bleeping* Universe know I was going to the Queen's Ink in Maryland, and a dangerous place for me, to spend a Xmas gift card??? Here it is as it arrived at 4:48am this morning:

The entire world will be a richer place, Marlynn, once you have my studio organized and have your art style.
We knew this when we helped you pick your dreams.
So let's get cracking,


Man-oh-Man - you gotta be kidding! With this mess in mind, I need to watch Hoarders again.  OK I will get the bed cleaned off this coming weekend, promise, and will show you the photos ..... Da*n you Universe, you know how to get me off my butt.


Well, anyway, I am working on this card above as part of a thank-you note.... See you this weekend. Oh, oh, the Universe is sending another one...... hmmmm, guess the "U" heard me whining?


When the external begins to define the internal,
instead of the internal defining the external,

one begins living as a mortal rather than as a god.
Trust me, as a "god" is better.
Zing,
The Universe