Valuable Resource

Tanner thought I should share this cool link with all of his friends and I couldn't agree more

Vet HelpDirect

like WebMD for your furry, feathered even scaly friends.

It's that time of year again...

So... this may only appeal to a few readers, but since CSAP is about to take over my life and maybe yours too, here's a special video to celebrate this oh so special time.

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Monday Quote

The greatness of art is not to find what is common but what is unique.”
- Isaac Bashevis, Singer

And speaking of unique, I think I had heard this song once or twice on the fab Pandora, but watching it on the Grammy's brought me to a whole new level of appreciation. So much so I went to youtube to watch the video and I can't remember the last time I sought out a music video. I love the 'dancing' it's a perfect fit for this song.

Congrats to Adele for winning best new artist, hope she doesn't suffer the one hit wonder curse.

A quick layout

Can you handle a few more playground photos, I know they'll make my mom happy so the rest of you will just have to deal...

I love this photo, even though it violates all the photography rules about shooting into the sun, I think the silhoutte look is a nice change.

Look who didn't want to get out of the swing...

Speaking of grumpy kiddos, here's the layout I posted this week for the Scrapbook Destination blog sketch. I love this picture of Connor...

I can't believe it's 7:30 on Sunday night already and I still have laundry to do.

Hope your week is off to a great start.

Playground Fun

I spent a few hours on Thursday afternoon with Shelley, Sienna and the dogs at Chatfield and you know me I took a few (ok 80 or so) pictures. I'm still sorting through and dabbling a little bit with PS actions from the Pioneer Woman site. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the first batch.

You Wanted Woodland Creatures...

ok so maybe it was just MK who wanted woodland creatures...

Speaking of MK, she said she needed a product barfer on the DT, I thought I can do that...I know you may find it hard to believe, but once upon a time I used to be a product barfer stylewise. Somewhere between retail spots I migrated into my current linear, layered style.

since it's been a few years, I started surfing to find inspiration and boy did I...to get back in the groove I decided to 'case' this layout I found at the imaginisce website. I'm pretty sure I used all of the a sides of the papers in the line and a few of the b sides, it's pretty much an exact copy with a few extra creatures thrown in.

what's sad to me is that the imaginisce website didn't give the designer credit...now that's not right...if you know who's work this is please let me know no I can give proper credit.

Happy Friday!

Can I Call You?

I admit this is a little slow moving, but stick with it, I promise it should bring at least a smile to your face or maybe a little laughter to your soul.

A quick post

for a quick layout, I love it when things come together.

I had some journaling in my head for a few weeks thanks to the journaler's junction challenge 'Oh Grow Up'. I just didn't know what picture to use or what layout design would be like.

Then I saw the pub ad challenge for this week and my brain started working

To top it off I read Stephanie Howell's blog and she had an amazing layout(I think almost all of her layouts are amazing) featuring these Cute Buttons. Since it would be a while before I could get my hands on them, I rushed home with a plan B. Paint my own buttons! Then I just needed to find a picture and came across this chalkboard photo and thought perfect.

In my excitement to execute my plan, I forgot to turn on the oven so when I was done with the layout an hour later I came to the kitchen to a cold potato. Oh the price we pay for the sake of art.

here's a close up of the buttons, I know you want one...

The Wiki World

I'm continually fascinated by the wiki world, particularly the wikihows that pop up on my google home screen. Most of the time I don't actually click on the topic, but today I couldn't resist...How to Be Creative.

The author found this interesting video that made me think...



What?!? You mean I don't need every scrapbook supply ever created? This can't be right...then again I have been more productive(although not necessarily creative) in the newly purged room.

How about an altered project to show off this new creativity. We have had these Cosmo photo boxes sitting around the store for some time, I knew they would make something cool, just not sure exactly what so I set out to make a Valentiny project. I could only wish to have enough love notes to fill this box.

Supplies:

Photobox: Cosmo Cricket

Patterned Paper and letters: Pink Paislee

Flowers: Prima

Here's the rest of the article in case you need a jump start...

How to Be Creative

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Can creativity be taught? That’s a question without a simple yes or no answer. Creativity may not be able to be taught directly, but what you can get better at is frequently aligning the circumstances of life which foster the greatest chances for true creative expression. Creativity is not like a lightning strike, but more like something which manifests itself inside those who learn to foster it and create the right conditions for it to prosper.

Steps

1. Ruthlessly limit your selection of tools to only the most vital. The more limited your set of tools is, the more creative the output will be. Having a limited set of vital tools forces creativity and really challenges you to use what you have to produce the desired results. As a byproduct, you’ll get incredibly good with that small set of tools and refine your use of them to a point you can literally do anything you like with them. You’ll be far sharper than someone who merely dabbles with a larger set of tools. Learn how to be resourceful.
   


2. Don’t listen to feedback, keep following your own path. The problem with asking for feedback is invariably the feedback will be given infused with that person’s preconceived notions of what the outcome should be. Others will unconsciously push you in a direction that they see as best. This is done with good intentions; however, it actually hurts your internal creativity. Now this is different than sharing your work--by all means share, but listening to feedback is not a good decision if you want to truly find your own path of creative self-expression. Once you're finished with your creative work, whatever it may be, then you can listen to feedback. Just don't let criticism (even the constructive type) stifle your creativity during the creative process.
   
   
   
   
   • Keep in mind that people will generally display resistance to your idea, because good ideas change the existing dynamic, and people, for the most part, like things the way they are. When you present something that challenges the status quo, many people (friends, relatives, co-workers) will feel threatened.[1]
     
   
   


3. Having a routine is actually not a bad thing. Routines are positive if they reinforce a healthy, creative consciousness and negative if they destroy that. While breaking your routine once in a while to force new ways of thinking is good, what if growing/learning/experiencing new things was built into your routine as a given? The people who get stuck in a monotonous existence and speak negatively about routine have simply not developed a routine that puts them on a path of internal growth. The key is to discover creative rituals that put you in a more creative mindset.
   
   
   
   
   • Many writers not only have a minimum number of words they must write each day, but they also have almost superstitious requirements for the circumstances under which they write. The 18th century German writer Friedrich Schiller, for example, kept rotten apples at his desk and soaked his feet in a tub of ice water while he wrote![2]
     
   
   
   • Don't be afraid to seize control of your environment and make it work for you. Ray Bradbury wrote the book-burning story Fahrenheit 451 by leaving his house and writing in a library. Stephen King insists on utter silence while writing, while Harlan Ellison listens to high-volume classical music.
     
   
   
   • Set aside a block of time each day to foster your creativity. Kick the session off with a creative exercise or ritual that triggers a flexible state of mind. Whether it's meditating, freewriting, listening to a particular song, or rubbing your lucky rock--do whatever gets you "in the zone" and set a daily goal (e.g. one sketch per day, 1000 words a day, an invention or song a day).
     
   
   


4. Let go of perfectionism. Your natural output uninhibited by concern for creating something correct or incorrect will always produce creative results. There are limitless paths to achieve creative success; there are so many shades of gray. Imperfection is human, and sometimes the most creative artists leave mistakes unfixed on purpose. Nature itself is beautifully imperfect. Many try to be so perfect that they scrub away what made their work special in the first place. In a world saturated by overproduced, unnaturally perfect, and clean--the unpolished is the most creative and in many cases most inspirational.
   
   
   
   
   • Work on the "bad" ideas--even if you are only coming up with what you feel are "bad" ideas, you are still being creative, so develop them, and it could turn into a great solution!
     
   
   


5. Ignore trends. If you want to be truly creative, you absolutely must ignore trends. Block them out--pay zero attention to them. Trends are the polar opposite of creativity. In many forms of art (especially music) the masses of artists are following whatever the hot trends set forth are. Then there is the other, smaller group of artists that are pursuing their own path and not really paying attention to external trends in their form of art of choice. There is certainly more money, fame and instant notoriety for following trends, but most of what is popular is hardly creative. If you want to make something truly unique, trends are irrelevant. Looking inside yourself is where you will discover a greater wealth of creativity than available in any hot trend. Here are some more suggestions for insulating yourself from trends:
   
   
   
   
   • Don’t watch TV, don’t listen to the radio, and remove the vapid elements of popular culture from your life. These things aren’t bad for you in moderation, but they are great at normalizing your thoughts with the rest of society, and do not foster true internal creativity. Realize everything that you experience, every piece of content you consume plays a role in shaping your personality, even if at a subconscious level. It is all influence one way or another. You are in many ways a product of your experiences and stimulus. In one sentence, your creative output can be thought of simply as a personal interpretation of external stimulus. The best part about this is you get to control the input.
     
   
   
   • Don’t try and fit into a genre. Actively trying to fit your art or work into a genre is severely limiting and a detriment to its quality, if creativity is desired. Don’t try and write for a genre, don’t try to follow trends within a genre, in fact don’t even consider genre when working. Labeling it in a genre is a necessary evil for people to be able to find your work, and you will probably have to do this--but it shouldn’t be something that crosses your mind when trying to work. Genres, styles and methods don’t matter for creativity and originality.
     
   
   
   • Spend a lot of time alone. You don't have to be anti-social, but many people find their creativity really starts to open up when they are removed from others and able to have quiet focus for their creative work.
     
   
   


6. Ignore the past. Want to be really creative or original? Ignore or forget the past; ignore what the world has created up until this point. Sometimes considering the past will make you place a sort of unconscious time stamp on a style. That’s the antithesis of creativity and originality. Create things from within yourself that don’t draw inspiration from what has come previously or even consider it, and you’ll be on a path to creative output. In a creative state of mind, time doesn't exist--a few hours can feel like seconds, a moment can seem to last for hours, and you're completely immersed in the present.[3] Learn how to live in the moment.
   

The article goes on to list some interesting creativity exercises, I'll have to try at some point.

Happy creating!

Monday Quote

"The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby." -Natalie Wood

Speaking of babies, how about a layout with some classic 'baby in the tub' shots. This was for the Pub Ad and Journaler's Junction challenge in Pea Land. The challenge was to use a cliche in your journaling. I came across this when surfing for something to use. I wondered if the origin was simple as it seemed...

The essence of that phrase means to not throw out the good with the bad. But how did that phrase start?In the 1500's, a large metal tub was filled with water that had been drawn/carried and heated, then family bath time began.Bath time started with the man of the house, then the sons and any other men in the house. Then the women and children got their turn in the bath water, and lastly the babies were bathed. (Yes, all in the same water, Yuck).Because baths were only taken once a year, the water was so dirty by the time the babies were bathed, it would have been easy to lose someone in it. Hence the phrase, or saying, 'Don't throw the baby out with the bath water'.

Supplies: Everything is Making Memories except for my fav Rockstar font from QK.

Super Sunday

How did it get to be February? Seriously! January is such a busy month it just flies by. Thankfully I did manage to get the Christmas tree down last weekend, saving me from decorating it for Valentine's Day (aka Thanks for Reminding Me I'm Single Day which would make for an interesting tree no doubt)

Certain members of the fam are jazzed about the Steelers being in the Superbowl today. It's nice to see them excited, as for me I'm ready to move on and see what the future holds for my beloved Broncos.

Here's a new layout I made with the new line from Imaginisce...what's not to love about a line called twitterpated. Really! Check out the tongue action on this niece of mine...I can't tell you how many Christmas photos I have where the tongue is the star, that will surely be a page topic soon. For now we have the present section of the 1st birthday. See the sketch for this layout on the store blog

A couple of cards

It's early Saturday morning and I'm on a mission to get several of the crafty projects I finished recently, posted. I don't know why downloading and cropping the photos has seemed like a monumental task the past week, then again everything seemed a little more difficult this week.

This first card I like to call 'Ode to Inky Button'. I worked a class that the fabulous Angela taught last week on two of my favorite things, Bellas and Copics. She was kind enough to stamp a couple of images of girls I don't have so I could play with them at home. I set out to make an Angela-esque card with Cupcakeabella. While mine is not nearly as cute as hers, I think I worked in most of the Inky Button trademarks. Let's see...Bella? Check!, Ticket edges? Check! Bling? Check! Copic layering? Check! Embossing Folder? Check! Black Ribbon? Check although for true IB style it should be wider. Glassy Accents? Check!




Supplies:
Stamp: Cupcakeabella
Cardstock: Hammermill(White) Prism (Green) Bazzil (Pink)
Bling: Kaiser Craft
Other: Cuttlebug Embossing folders, QK scallop circle

This second card has quickly become one of my all time favorites. I designed it for the January Frenzy at the store, but of course forgot to post it here...or did I post, hmm I guess I should have checked before I started this post. C'est la vie.



Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzil
Patterned Paper: 'tres old' Tres Jolie, MME
Ribbon: AC
Other: QK Thank You Goosebumpz, Tim Holtz ruler --- I love, love, love this ruler... so I went to find a picture of this ruler in case you wanted to run out and get one and you needed a picture and found something even better...because I know how much we all love Tim, how about a demo from Tim himself.



Happy Saturday!

Happiness is...

Jars full of ribbon and pretty vintage shelf to put them on.

I found this cute shelf at Patina(sadly no web presence to link you too) and thought it would be the perfect reward for cleaning out the scraproom and surviving the past couple of busy work weeks. The shiny red paint makes me smile each time I look at it.

Tanner's Resolutions

I know I shared a few of my resolutions for the new year, now I thought it might be fun to share some of Tanner's resolutions (or at least the ones I really hopes he makes from this fun list we found)

1. I will not eat other animals poop. (is there a 12 step program for this, I think Tanner needs one)
2. Since number 1 will be a hard one to break, I will at least not lick my human's face after eating animal poop
3. I will not roll in other animals poop
4. I'll remember that the garbage collector and/or UPS truck is NOT stealing our stuff.
5. I will not roll my toys behind the couch.
6. I must shake the snow and rain out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.
7. I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to throw up.
8. I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing.
9. I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom end.
10. I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
11. When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
12. We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.
13. I will not eat my Mom's underwear.
14. The sofa is not a face towel. Neither is Mom’s lap.
15. I will not put my paws on the counter or steal any more Christmas roasts.
16. I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and car registration

Monday Quote

When the world changes, the rules change. If you insist on playing today’s games by yesterday’s rules, you’re stuck.

Seth Godin

It's Garage Sale Time!

Today is the big day...I've packed all the crap and hope it moves on to deserving homes. The trick will be not taking home as much from the other sellers as I brought.

If you're a papercrafter in the Denver area, trust me you don't want to miss this sale. I had a sneak peek last night and there are some super bargains! 2.00 stampin up stamp sets---can't beat it. Stop by the store and get ready to shop.

Tough Love

'Real friends are ones that know the worst about you and still like you'

It's time to face the music, my scraproom and Houston's had both reached a point a few weeks ago where neither one of us could really scrap in the area. So we made a plan to help each other plow through the excess.

I've long been a proponent of the the Love and Logic model in working with kids, in training we say it works on kids, dogs, dolphins even husbands, but could it work on friends with out of control scraprooms?

An ounce of empathy...the Scenic Route and Basic Grey is non negotiable and neither one of us would have to part with any products from these companies

Take control with small choices...you can keep two stamps for everyone you put in the sale bin

One sentence intervention: No you don't need two packs of the same paper

and it worked. Both rooms are on their way back to being the clean, organized and inspiring space we want them to be.

I'm thankful for such a good friend.

I'm thankful for a organized space that allowed me to make a this layout in under 45 minutes.

Today is a good day...

To say I was distracted at work today would be an understatement at best...

I streamed the key part of the inauguration and was moved to tears, as I watched it again at home this evening I teared up again.

I believe in this man.
I believe in Hope.
I believe in a better future for the children in my family and those I've served for so long.

And this is why...from Sunday's Parade Magazine

Dear Malia and Sasha,
I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become
successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.
I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our
country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something. She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the
unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be. I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your
patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

I believe it won't be easy
I believe.

Monday Quote

"We must combine the toughness of the serpent with the softness of the dove, a tough mind with a tender heart" Martin Luther King, JR

Those crazy improv kids are at it again...

ooh did you think I abandoned the concept of video thursdays? Nope, just waiting for something really good. I can always count on my Improv friends to bring a smile.