Inside the Bubble

I am alive.....

I just realized its been over a week since I've posted.  I've truly been living "Inside the Bubble" fighting off this yuck virus/sinus thing that's been going around.  I won't bore you with the details, but I didn't want anyone to think I had fallen off the earth. 

It was such fun having the house alive with the laughter and chatter of Shannon and her 5 college friends a week ago.  They all did quite well at the theatre competition they were participating in at Cal State Fullerton and arrived back home to Flagstaff safely, despite the snow! 

Now, my oldest daughter is in the process of moving to a different apartment with her girlfriend, although, she is taking care of EVERYTHING...its so weird not to be involved in her move....I guess she's grown up!  sniff..sniff...Actually I'm quite proud of both of them.  Well, I need to drag myself to bed as 5AM comes early.  Next post I'll try to have some pictures and more uplifting news!  Ciao!

Happy Valentine's Day

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Valentine's Day!

The puppies have arrived.....

My Puppy Love Tags, that is, from Karla's tag swap.  They are ALL so adorable that the pictures don't do them justice, but, I have to share them!  Karla personally created the cover tag for each and every tag packet and that's a LOT of tags.  Thanks, Karla!  Without further adieu, here they are:

Here's the overview of the full packet.  Cute, huh?

 #1 - Here's Karla's beautiful cover - a little blurry (sorry!)

#2 - This tag was created by Christa Norvell. Adorable!

#3 - This tag is signed, but I can't make out the name. If it is yours, please leave me a message so that I know who made this cute tag!

 #4 - This fun tag was created by Stephanie Oyler AND she used a Valentine that was her Dad's from 40 years ago. Love it!

#5 - This adorable one was made by Kana Conger.  The two color pom poms are so unique!

#6 - This gorgeous tag was made by Jen Kerschner.  Thanks, Jen. Its absolutely beautiful!

#7 - Last, but certainly not least, is this cutie.  Please identify yourself if this is yours, so I can thank you!

Now, let me introduce you to the inspiration behind this entire swap....my "cyber-adopted" puppy, Tinkerbella.....

Isn't she just the sweetest thing?  I was honored to have my name for her chosen by Karla, so I consider her my cyber adopted pup!  Notice the beautiful glass heart around her neck.....Karla so generously awarded these to those of us whose "puppy names" were chosen.  Here's a closer look, but is a little blurry....

Thank you Karla for your creativity and generousity!  What a fun swap.  A big cyber (((HUG))) goes out to all of you that lovingly created my tags.  I will be anxiously awaiting information on the missing artists!  Happy Valentine's Day (a little early)!!

The End of the Rainbow

  This weekend we have had unusually rainy, stormy weather here in Southern California, including a lot of rain, thunder, lightening and even hail, but how often do you see the "end" of the rainbow?  I borrowed this picture from our local newspaper, but its pretty incredible!

Speaking of incredible, I took an awesome class yesterday from Lilia down in San Diego at Paper Tales.  Lilia is such a fun, upbeat teacher who has such a knack for finding and using vintage elements.  Here are a couple of sneak peeks from the book we made....I still need to finish mine!

  The cover.

  A couple of the inside pages.

Lilia altered a vintage jewelry box to hold her book.  Too cute!  In fact, she's a cutie herself...here she is!

 

And, the day at Paper Tales was such a warm, inviting class, hosted by the lovely Michelle White.

Her store not only has all the latest, greatest scrapbook/stamping goodies, but has vintagy items scattered throughout the store.  Definitely a MUST GO to store when you are down in the San Diego/Point Loma area.

 

Michelle in the "looking glass"

 

I was originally going to take the class with a friend who had a last minute family emergency, but I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in to find Jenny Morgan, Erin and a new friend, Sandy (who I had met at Scrapbook Oasis) at the class, so we had such a fun time during the day at our table.

Oh, and of course, I can't forget our other new friend and classmate at the class who was so doggone creative.....

This is "Olive" who took the class with her owner.  She was a perfect lady for the entire class!  I have to get to work on finishing my book, but will share pictures of it when it is completed.

Words to live by...

I was just doing my daily blog reading and one of the blogs I read faithfully, is Tracey's "Notes for a Cottage Industry".  The last few sentences of her post today really struck home with me, in these challenging times we are living in right now.  Here is the excerpt......Thanks for the reminder, Tracey!

For now, I am continually mindful of the blessings I do have, today, and I intend to enjoy these simple pleasures. (Like Jack Johnson says, " We got everything we need right here and everything we need is enough..." ) Little reminders from God that things are under control, whether I can see that or not. There is a plan. I'm just not on the "need to know" list. (I am on the "need to trust" list)
   So...if you catch yourself letting worry creep in, try looking at just today.

Oh, and take time to savor those simple pleasures in your life.

What Grade would YOU give us?

 

Tonight my friend Jane, who teaches middle school art, came over to put our heads together to make a sample project for one of her classes.  She brought a paper mache mask and a piece of poster board.  She wanted a somewhat abstract piece of art that incorporated the mask with a "found item" from your household.  We used a stack of leftover 4th of July napkins and made this piece.  I think it turned out pretty well, but do you think we should receive a passing grade?  Here's a picture of Jane holding the flag, in which I think the second picture shows the dimension a little better.  Long may it wave!

Super Bowl Sunday!!!!!

  Enough said.....Go Cardinals!