MMMM

Look what I picked today. You know the summer is officially here when you can pick blackberries. The wild blackberries reside across the road at my house. I had almost all of them eaten, when I decided to take a picture. Oh, how tasty the first berries of the season are. I will pick enough tomorrow to make us a cobbler. Of course with ice cream! In the summer I don't have quite as much time to scrap, with all the flowers and veggies. But, that is OK, I love both hobbies. Especially, the ones you can eat. I have finished up, both Heather's and Robyn's Challenge. I will post Heather's tomorrow, and then Robyn's, who is the guest designer for Scrapbook Cafe on Wednesday. Thanks for taking a peek. DID I MAKE YOU HUNGRY?

Almost 1:00 AM

Yes, like I said it is already Saturday at my house, maybe I won't even go to bed. But, I do have a full day planned today. My sister, Valda, is coming down this morning around 9 and have we the work to do. My other sister, Rita, will be celebrating her 40th anniversary in July. Valda and I will be putting the invitations together, assembling the favors and we would love to get the program printed and folded. We need to make about 100 of everything. But, I have a dilemma, I can not decide which of these I think is best. Ruby, is the stone for the 40th anniversary, so we decided on the color scheme of ivory, black, and ruby. Can I have all of your input as to which you like the best. I sure would appreciate it.

Do you remember?

Do you remember this post from last week ?.. It was of a Robin building a nest in some tall shrubbery, where it is eye level as we go down our deck steps.

When I came home today and had my hands full, with groceries this robin came flying out of the bush at me. I thought he was going to flog me. I went back later and peeped and this is what I found. I can't wait to see them hatch out and grow. I will probably get a peck in the eye, if Mama Robin thinks I'm getting too close.

There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before.- Robert Lynd

Pat's Challenge RED, WHITE &BLUE

Pat's challenge this week was to make something creative, using RED, WHITE and BLUE. This was my take on the challenge. Thanks for looking. The photo below shows the decorations for my dining room table. the centerpiece is a duck my son made me 17 years ago when he was in high school. I added to it the ivy, pinwheels, a bow, and some star garland. This next photo is of paper garland I made out of different patterned patriotic papers. I used small red, white & blue grosgrain ribbon to string the stars on. I tied little bows out of same ribbon between each item.
This is a close up of the windmills and drink umbrellas in the centerpiece
Below is the paper windmills, I made to go on my large outdoor grapevine wreath, I added ribbons on the bottom of the windmills, so they would also blow in the wind. The sun was about to set, but I like the effect the tree shadow presented.

The napkin rings in the next photo was made by taking some white rings I already had and adding 1 inch grosgrain ribbon around them. I then added two red stars that was cut from the mini star garland I found at Big Lots. Well they were really children's necklaces that I cut and used for garland. I used the blue place mats and red napkins with the white rings I made. The glass of water sports one of the little umbrellas made using a circle of paper and wooden skewers.
In the next picture you can see the mini star garland used to embellish the red Dollar Tree candles.
I know that the next picture is blurry, but it was getting close to deadline time, and I did not retake the picture. These are some Dollar Tree coasters, covered with the patterned paper, then embellished with odds and ends I have had forever.
The last picture is of the cupcake picks I made for the non-existing cupcakes. But you can imagine, chocolate, or vanilla. It's your cupcake, make it your favorite. I really had planned to make some pretty decorated red, white & blue ones, but I ran out of time. Some of the templates that I used can be found on Martha Stewart's web page. I had supplies to make some other things, but I ran out of time.Thanks for looking at this long post. I won't make a habit of making such long post.

OH NO

I did not fib on purpose, but as a young lady that I know,used to say when she was little "On Account of an accident". I had several unexpected things going on last night, including some visitors. And I always enjoy my visitors. So I will post Pat's challenge before the 10:00 pm deadline tomorrow. But now I know not to promise like before. It is a challenge to come up with something new everyday to share with everyone. My niece (all grown up now) had a birthday awhile back and this is her card. I made most of it digitally, then added the flower and dragonfly after printing it. Thanks a lot for checking by.

-S-

Tuesday

Can you believe half of 2008 has already passed. This year is just flying by. The week before a holiday is always so busy and hectic at my work. Everyone wants service before the holiday, and the phones go crazy. It is so nice to sit down and look at every ones blogs when I get home. It is my moment of quiet time before starting the evening meal, watering my flower and vegetable garden, gathering the beans and stuff, and usually a load of laundry. Sometimes I wonder how did I do it all when all five of our sons were still at home. Actually, to look back on it, it seems like I had more time back then. But then I was a lot younger, and didn't have to sit down between each chore and take a break. :)

Pat's Saturday night challenge was to make something using red, white and blue. It can be a LO, a card, something altered, just what ever fancies you.

Here are the "*ingredients*" for my entry, that I hope to get finished tomorrow evening and post on Wednesday morning. If you can guess what I am making. Let me know.

Where did that weekend go????

As you start down the steps of my back deck there is some shrubbery that is at eye level. Every time I would go out the back door, a little bird would fly off. I watched it and it was making a nest. This is the finished product. Isn't nature wonderful? I think this little birdie must be a very good housekeeper, look how neat her little home is.

I was going to get 3 different little projects completed this weekend. Nope, it didn't happen. I don't know why, it just didn't fall in place. Maybe tonight, I can be able to concentrate more.

Can you guess what we had for Sunday Dinner?

Heather's Friday Spark

Heather we are so glad you are back home. I missed your post, and your Friday Spark. This week we were to make a card and the only stamp we could use was a sentiment stamp. My friend since childhood is celebrating her birthday next week, so I used Heather's challenge as an opportunity to make her a birthday card. The black and purple floral paper is from tinkeringink, that I picked up at Mine By Design.The rest are just your basic card stock. The Stamp is by Inque Boutique.

My husband left at 3:45 AM going fishing this morning. At least my hobby doesn't get me up that early! Well, on second thought, I may have stayed up almost that late playing before. wink*wink*

Thank You

It is early Friday morning, and I have nothing to post, So I just want to thank all of you. Especially the ones, that faithfully checks every day to see what I have created. Thanks for the comments, all of you are pretty creative in your comments too. The comments are what make me smile and want to keep doing this. So from my house to your house .Thank you

Pat's Saturday Night Challenge

Pat had us make an organizer this week. I followed her lead and used the organizer by Kaiser. I also needed some organization in my life. Now if I will only actually take the time to fill in all the info on the pages. I love it when you find something you have forgotten that you had. I had this all put together and went to ribbon drawer to see what I had. I was digging deep, head first in that drawer and came up with the coordinating ribbon for the K & C0. papers that I used. I danced a little jig. *wink*wink* The flowers on the front I cut from the scrap paper, and put each layer on the little foam dots for dimension. Added the flower blings , my initials on 3 of the ribbons and little hearts on the other two. I used a rub on that is hard to see on the front that reads "Moments to Share". I thought that it fit the organizer because that is what we do when we remember some one's birthday or anniversary.

Supplies used: Moments To Share-K & Co., Kaiser Chipboard Organizer, Bellisimo Monogram Letters, Heidi Grace Alphabet Stickers, K & Co. Paper, 1'' Rings by Karen Foster, K & Co. Ribbon Spools, Heidi Grace Alphabet, and Blings from stash.

Good Morning

Well, yesterday, didn't turn out for me as well as Monday did, but they have always said we had to take the Good with the Bad, or vise versa, it is 5:30 AM and I am not quite awake yet. I was up till 11:45 last night working on Pat's Challenge. And NO I do not have it posted, it still isn't complete. I have a good bit to go. It just isn't coming along as well as I would like. It is the embellishments that are getting to me. I have every container, I have in the house, laying open, even my sewing stash. But I have till ten tonight. Everyone enjoy the day. I will have all day to think about what I can do to the cover when I get home from work.

I found this on the web a long time ago and it has a special meaning to me. Sorry to whoever it belongs to, but thanks for making me smile.

Presents

Yesterday was my husband's birthday, but guess what? I am the one that got all the presents. Pat mentioned this to me in a e-mail, and it is true. I got a goody box from her, with many many nice things. As I use them I will tell you, that it was something from Pat's gift to me. The second present was some good news I was waiting to hear about one of my sons. So Monday, turned out to really be a nice day. Thank you, Allan, for sharing your birthday with me. *wink*wink*. And Pat for the goodies.

This is another birthday card, which is very very simple, but sometimes that is what fits the receiver. Not saying this person is simple, but they enjoy the simpler less cluttered things in life. I am also working diligently on Pat's Saturday Night Challenge. I hope I get it completed in time.

I hope everyone has a spectacular Tuesday, I wish for you a day like my Monday was.

Happy Birthday to My Allan

Today is my husband's birthday. Happy birthday to him. If he loved flowers as much as I, I would cut him a bouquet for his birthday. I really don't believe that is what he is expecting though. *wink*wink*Can you believe how fast the weekend passes. I worked outside most of this weekend, so didn't do any paper goodies. But, thought I would pass on some photos of the "fruit" of my outside labors. I hope you enjoy these photos of one of God's gifts to us.

In Memory of my Daddy 1923-1999

This is a picture of my Daddy that was taken in 1943. He was home from the Navy on furlow. It was taken at his home at Shulls Mills, NC. What is so neat about this picture is that my grandmother kept a little journal on the back of it. It started with the date he left and ended the day he was discharged. You can tell it was written at different times, because the writing was done with different pens. My grandmother must have been a very strong lady, because all three of her sons went into service at the same time. I can not even fathom all three of my sons having to go war at the same time. She was one of the lucky ones, they all came back home.

The back of the picture reads: Went to Camp Spartanburg April 20, 1943, there a few days, then went on to Bainbridge, MD for 8 weeks training. Came home June 19 for 9 days then back to MD for a few days then to Norfolk, VA for two days then put on the U.S.S. Yorktown July 5, 1943. Went to the Pacific and Honolulu, Hawaii. Furlow home Aug 18, 1944 went back Sept 2 1944. Furlow home Feb. 24, 1945 for 30 days then to Norfolk, VA Mar 31, 1945, then to NY June 7 1945 Home Dec 14 1945 to Dec 26. Back to Fla. Discharge Feb 11 1946.

Daddy was a gunner, when he was first stationed on the Yorktown, and later moved to a position in maintenance below deck in the refrigeration part of the ship.

All you folks that still have your fathers, daddys, dad, pop or whatever you call him honor him today, and everday, call him everyday and check on him, tell him you love him. Time passes so quickly and one day all you have is memories.

P.S. I know furlough is spelled incorrectly, but I wrote it the same way my Grandmother did.

It's Friday

It's Friday and I am so glad. I think the heat this week, has drained everybody, and we all are crankier then normal. :) We all need this weekend to recuperate. I would enjoy rain, I think things move at a slower pace when it is raining. That way I would also get housework done, instead of playing in the dirt and with my flowers.

A friends grand-daughter is graduating from pre-school today. She has been so excited all week. This is a very special day for all those little ones. But unfortunately I remembered this at the last minute last night. I went to my scrap drawer and came up with these scraps of card stock. That is why I used the color scheme that I did. The little girl bunny is by Inky Antics, 2006 Spring Collection. The "happy for you" stamp is by MSE clear JOY stamps. I used Glaze pens to make the dots on her dress, the red ribbon around diploma, and shoe buttons, but on the picture it didn't show up that well. I went over them a second time, after they dried, so you could feel them, when rubbing your fingers over it. Hope you enjoyed peeking at this one.

Don't forget Pat's Saturday Night Challenge at 8:00 PM.

Thinking Outside The Box

Thinking Outside the Box
The Scrapbook Cafe Saturday Night Challenge was to "Think Outside the Box" and use a stamped image in a way other than it was intended:

Can you believe I am this late getting my entry in, I'm usually one of the first to get it done. But remember, we had a power outage at my house on Monday, and over the weekend we celebrated my Mom's birthday. OK enough of excuses.

Mine is different then any I've seen posted so far, so I guess you could say mine is "Outta This World" These are what stamps I used. The celebrate is by Katie & Co. and have no ideal where the grass one came from. I turned the wine glasses upside down, and masked the word Celebrate.

This is what they turned out to be. Now don't laugh.

In case you can't decide what it is, it's a purple ALIEN.

HOT!!!!!

We had another scorcer yesterday, but is suppose to be a little cooler with a chance of rain today. I worked on Pat's challenge last night, but still didn't finish, so maybe I can get it posted tomorrow by the dead line. Like I said the other day this month is filled with birthdays. I have made this card before, and it is a stand by for me, I make 2 or 3 when I make it. I like the colors and of course the flowers. I don't think I have showed it to you before, if I have, just please forgive me. I have baby squash and beans in my garden. I can't wait to eat them. The peas are all gone :(. You think the reason maybe that I was selfish and kept them all to myself. Everyone stay cool.

Summer Storm

Our temps have been in the high 90's here in the foothills of NC, and the humidity is terrible. I do think about the people that don't have A/C in their homes, and all the outside workers. This will take it's toll on their health. We had what I call a Summer storm last night. We had ground to cloud lightning for about 2 hours. I sit out in my sun room, and enjoyed nature's true fireworks. I have to admit, I like storms, I think of it as God reminding us that he is the one still in control, not us. Our power was off for 5 hours, so I just sit and watched the display. I could hear sirens and alarms going off every where and was sad for those people. Coming to work the streets were littered with leaves and branches, and I could hear a chain saw at day break. But this is the reason I didn't get any handiwork finished last night to post, I didn't want to do it by candle light. They are calling for a chance of more this evening also. We do need the rain associated with them. We are I believe they said 14" short on rainfall already going into the summer. They will probably put water regulations again soon, no watering lawns, and car washing, trying to reserve what we have. Hope everyone has a good day. Make sure and go to Pat's page and try to figure out what that is she has a picture of?? I have no clue myself.

Monday Again

And it is suppose to be very hot again today. I had a lazy day yesterday, except for visiting my Mother, I didn't do much of anything. Here is another birthday card. June's calendar has almost every block filled in for someones birthday. This ice cream cone was pieced together and then attached to the card. I did lift this ideal from someone, on a blog, but can't recall who it was. Thank you whomever,for the inspiration. We all will need to have some ice cream today, with this heat wave we are having. I'll take all chocolate myself.

Can you believe?

First things first! Happy Birthday Wanda


As I went out to get in my car Friday morning, I spied something yellow, I walked around to where my little garden is and there it was, the first sunflower of the season. It is just June 6th. This is the earliest I have ever had any to bloom. This one came up volunteer from where I had some planted last year. I got so excited, I just had to go back in and get the camera.



THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF sunflower
While their distinctive and brilliant appearance makes it easy to see why sunflowers have long held our fascination, when they were first grown in Central and South America, it was more for their usefulness (providing oil and food) than beauty. And perhaps this unique combination of striking beauty and utility is, in part, why sunflowers have appeared as such revered symbols throughout the ages.
It’s said that the natives of the Inca Empire worshipped a giant sunflower, and that Incan priestesses wore large sunflower disks made of gold on their garments. Images of sunflowers were found in the temples of the Andes mountains, and Native American Indians placed bowls of sunflower seeds on the graves of their dead. The Impressionist period of art is famous for its fascination with the sunflower, and this striking flower remains today a commonly photographed and painted icon of uncommon beauty.
It is the 3rd wedding anniversary flower and the state flower of Kansas, sunflowers turn to follow the sun. Their open faces symbolize the sun itself, conveying warmth and happiness, adoration and longevity.

Heathers Friday Spark

This Saturday is my Mom's 85th birthday, so I used Heather's guidelines to make her birthday card. It is just a simple card, but that is what my Mother likes. No show, no frills.

"A Mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly on all that stands in its path" ....Agatha Christie

Pat's RED Challenge

Pat's 14th, Saturday night challenge was all about RED. We could use it in any way we wanted, or at least I think that is what she said. I have been busy this week so I just barely got this one completed and entered before the deadline. Mine is about the National Balloon Rally that we try to go to every year. We really enjoy it. One of these days I will go up in one!! I think that would be such fun. Underneath the picture is a little history of the rally, if you would like to read about it. We have oodles of pictures from different years, but Allan wanted me to use these, because it showed Tony The Tiger peeping up out from behind other ones. After I completed it , he told me it looked better plain without any embellishments but it was too late. They were stuck on for good. I took the original flyer about that year's event and reduced it down to where it would fit on the page. Sorry about the photo, it was taken late and the lighting was really bad.

The Montgolfier brothers from Annonay, France conducted the first hot air balloon flight on June 5th 1783. The balloon’s envelope was made of linen and paper. The unmanned balloon had a volume of 23,308 cubic feet and the air within was heated from a fire on the ground. The first passengers were actually a pig, duck and rooster. The Montgolfier balloon flew one mile from its launch site, where a large crowd had gathered to witness this remarkable new, high-tech event—flight!
On November 21, 1783, Pilatre de Rozier and Marquis d’Arlandes made the first manned flight in a Montgolfier balloon from central Paris to the city’s outskirts. There were few advances to hot air ballooning for the next 170 years when the rebirth of ballooning took place in the 1960s and advances in technology made it possible to build safe, relatively affordable balloons.
Statesville's Role...
In 1965, Ed Yost with Raven Industries in partnership with the US Air Force, began the development of modern hot air ballooning. With the assistance of Don Piccard and TracyBarnes, hot air balloon designs were standardized for Federal Aviation Administration certification. This marked the beginning of the hot air balloon industry in the United States.
In 1973, Tracy Barnes formed The Balloon Works right here in Statesville, North Carolina to manufacture and sell hot air balloons. The Balloon Works entry into ballooning with safe and affordable sport balloons helped to ignite the market for hot air ballooning in the United States.
The National Balloon Rally got its start in 1974 at Aerial Ascensions, a flight instruction and corporate balloon company in north Statesville owned by Bill Meadows. As one of the Balloon Works’ first dealers, Meadows invited Balloon Works’ customers from across the US to come to Statesville for a week of camping, flying and telling ballooning tales.
The Rally moved to The Balloon Works facility near Love Valley, NC in 1978, where it was an informal, week-long gathering of hot air balloon enthusiasts and local spectators. The Rally quickly outgrew that location.
In 1982, Statesville Flying Service, The Balloon Works and the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce combined forces to bring the Rally to the Statesville Airport. The National Balloon Rally—the second oldest balloon rally in the nation— became one of the largest, most successful hot air balloon events in United States hosting 160 hot air balloons and up to 80,000 spectators.
In 1996, the Rally relocated to the Iredell County Fairgrounds in Troutman, NC where it continued until 2006 when it was moved back to the newly-expanded Statesville Regional Airport.
Today, the spectacular event continues to amaze and delight tens of thousands of spectators annually with a full weekend of mass ascensions, sanctioned contest, balloon glow, live entertainment, arts & crafts, exhibits and great food!

EASY PEASY

Well, all you scrappers keep talking about this card or LO being so EASY PEASY.

Well, I decided we need to make up a new drink to go along with this. We can drink it when we get really frustrated with a project when it just won't come together. Have a few of these, and that LO will look just fine to you. But come the next day you might wonder what was I thinking or maybe what was I drinking?

I will take my with a sprig of mint. *wink*wink*