Hold Dear

happy new year's eve!

So here's what we did last night....

It was the big kiss and make-up from Pink Martini for the no-show at a company function in September. Remember that?

This show was so amazing. Pink Martini is SO forgiven! :-) They were just awesome and then to see Carol Channing just totally blew us away! She was SO cute! Glen and I were in utter awe watching her! The show was at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, which is a superb venue. I really love being downtown at night, especially during the holidays! We went out to dinner to Mayas Taqueria with some friends before the show and then afterwards, we went to South Park for a nightcap. It was just a very full, very fun night!

So today I will be doing a bunch of housework, going grocery shopping, finish putting away the Christmas decorations and then working on my 2007 New Year's Intentions. I've got a few! I reviewed my list of New Year's Intentions from last year and whoopsy daisy!...I didn't do so well! LOL! Thank goodness I have a chance to make another run at 'em!

For now, the house is comfortable and cozy. We have a fire going, we just finished our lattes (made with our very our espresso machine!) and Glen and Miranda are watching "V is for Vendetta," a present from Santa. For the New Year's festivities, we are planning on going over to our friends Steve and Anne, to hang out with them and some other pals. I'd kind of like to make it an early evening, though, since we were out very late last night! I would be completely useless tomorrow if I dared stay out late two nights in a row! This girl just don't bounce back the way she used to!

pom poms and limoncello.

It's a well-known fact that I love the dots! And so it's only logical that I would completely fall in love with pom pom garlands! I first saw them on Alicia's blog and then followed her link to Kiddley. These just make me SO happy!

I particularly loved seeing the use of beads with the pom poms because I gots beads! I recently picked this up, container and all, at Goodwill for $2.99.

Even though I already had quite the crazy assortment of beads and bits leftover from Miranda's little girlie days, I still grabbed this up lickety split when I saw it!

I spent most of Christmas day mashing these beads up with some pom poms...

...and got these! Yum yum yum! I LOVE them SO SO SO SO much! As long as there are pom poms in the world and random beads hanging around, looking for a home, I'll be making these for the rest of my life! I've even been DREAMING of pom poms.

I also recently saw on Kristina's blog where she made homemade pom poms! SWEETNESS! She directed me to a tutorial over on Bella Dia.

Hmmm...so many pom poms, so little time!

Also, I was talking with my wonderful Mom about Limoncello. I did not realize this was the drink that, apparently, did Danny Devito in! LOL! So this one's for you Mom!

It's VERY sweet. Tastes like lemon meringue pie or if Lemonheads (the candy) were sweet. If you like Lemon Drops, you'll love this stuff! We keep ours in the freezer because it's the best when it's ice cold!!! Yummmmmmmm.......

studio friday.

Okay, it's been WAY too long since I've joined in on the fun over at Studio Friday but this week, I am playin'! I'm kinda caught up with some immediate projects AND I'm on break from school!

This week's topic was suggested by Lee: PROUD ARTIST OF...!

Lee said, "How about you show a piece of art, or something that you have made in your studio, that really nobody has seen and you are proud of. "

The timing of this prompt is cool because I JUST finished my December assignment for the Just Johanna Design Team and I am totally lovin' one of my cards.

About six months ago, I found a box chock full of art postcards at Goodwill. Yes, I hit pay dirt.

I was playin' around with one of the postcards, just seeing where I could take it and came up with this.

I used lots of Making Memories acrylic paints and those Adirondack color washes. LOVE those! The little stars, scrolls and paisley border are Just Johanna stamps.

After all the stamping, painting, glueing, sanding, singing, dancing, and general mess-making, I mounted it to cardstock to turn it into a card. I'm really really happy with how this turned out and am going to travel down this path a lot more often!!!

Take care and Happy New Year!

Post-Christmas Post.

Sigh. Another holiday under my belt. Definitely one of the quietest holidays we've ever had. And low-key as far as presents go too. We bought some presents for Miranda, of course, but Glen and I didn't do much for each other. I bought him his annual "Planes of Fame" calendar that I've been buying for the last 20 years and he bought me a pound of See's Marzipan (my absolute bestest favoritest treat in the whole wide world! And it HAS to be See's!). But, seriously, I'm not complaining. I mean, after all, Glen did just buy himself a new car and I pretty much buy myself any scrapbooking toy I want so life is good! Miranda's big gift this year was two-fold -- we finally ordered some parts to repair her sewing machine and then we bought her a dress form. She loves to sew and we are very much encouraging her!

I did receive an amazing, spectacular work of art from my dear friend Lilli. This woman is so talented and so generous! First of all, look at her presentation...it's already a work of art!

And then the contents? This gorgeous bag made especially for me! :-)

It's reversible and the fabric Lilli used is just glorious! Swoon!!!

And...and...and...look at this detail. My name! Lilli also included a sweet card "introducing" the tote. SO cool Lilli!! Thank you so so so much!!! I will use it often and cherish it always!!!

Lilli also sent a Christmas card that she made but I can't find it! I'm in a bit of a panic about it to be honest! I just need to stop searching for it and it'll turn up. And when it does, I'll share it!

I also wanted to share with you two Christmas cards I received from two of my other wildly talented friends (Gosh! I travel in good company!!!!)

This one is from Sharon...I LOVE her work with faces and how she collages them. Fabulous! Brilliant use of color and such a comfortable balance!

This one is from Jana....the depth and shadows and textures just floor me! This is a portrait of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Be sure to check out her portfolio at www.peak.org\~jaybird. Jana, you are SO talented!!!

Okay...that's it for now...I've got lots more to share in the next few days! I just finished December's Just Johanna Design Team assignment, I've been working on Journal Your Christmas, and I also made pom pom garlands for the tree, inspired by Alicia and Kiddley.

Stay tuned! :-)

Christmas Eve.

We had a wonderfully productive day! We wanted to get out and about but our goal was to stay clear of any malls, shopping centers, etc.  We were successful in doing that and made our way across town doing some things that were meaningful to us. We first went to Miranda's work and visted her and then Glen went to the Salvation Army and donated his Christmas bonus. I had received a dividend check from some stock but chose to buy myself an espresso machine!

We then went to the Willamette National Cemetery to check in on Daddy and Claire. Mom, Renee, and Simone....are you ready for this? The gravemarker is in! Here it is....

It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! I was SO moved!!!! As we pulled up to the area was his was placed, there was a sea of grave markers so I knew his would be there. I, of course, started crying! But it wasn't sad crying. It was that feeling of being emotionally satisfied and the tears just flowed. I am so so happy we did this, dear family. I hope you are too! I can't wait for you to see it in person!!!

After that stop, we headed over to The Grotto. That was marvelous because it was cold and rainy and there was hardly anyone there. PERFECT!

While we were at The Grotto, I lit a prayer candle. This is so powerful for me because it is not only in remembrance of my dear loved ones, but I also use it to set my intentions for the New Year. What I want to do, what I want to accomplish, and I contemplate the kind of person I want to be. I know it's a lot to ask of one $6 candle, but hey, it works for me!

After that we decided to head into downtown to get a pint at Kell's. On the way there we were driving along 82nd Ave and saw this amazing sea of Canadian Geese in a high school field! There were a lot of geese in the foreground but the picture I wanted to share with you shows the thousands of geese that were in the field in the background! Check it out! This was SO cool!

Our stop at Kell's was lovely. Just another wonderful part of our day. We had a pint of Guinness, some soda bread, I had a salad and Glen had him some lamb stew. The man loves lamb!

 

Okay, so we're all tucked in for the night. We have leftover soup, a fire, some books, the newspaper, and a good supply of eggnog and spiced rum to entertain ourselves until Santa arrives! Not sure which Christmas mug I'll use tonight! I've got a grand collection going and just added two new ones today, compliments of Miranda's employee discount!

We'll have to computer running tonight to watch for Santa! It's become one of our traditions to watch for Santa on NORAD's site. Gotta love technology!!!

Hope you have a wonderful, peaceful, and safe Christmas Eve!

takin' it easy.

So I've just been taking it easy these last few days. I've been a bit tired lately and have decided not to push myself to keep up with all my projects and those last minute Christmas wild hairs I always get! Got the cards out, a few prezzies and I think I'll have to be satisfied with that this year.

Needless to say, I haven't done much lately in my Journal Your Christmas project. I went to bed last night at 7:00 pm. I woke up around 10:00 pm and then we ended up watching a bunch of episides of the "Dog Whisperer" on The History Channel. Wow, I really enjoy that show! Almost makes me wish we could get a dog!

Today was spent taking care of a few last bits...a stop at Starbucks, some banking, a trip to the Liquor Store to finish up a few gifts and then we played Santa Claus and delivered some gifts to friends and family. We visited Glen's brother and family and took some gifties for the kids and a bottle of Limoncella for the grown ups! That stuff is SO tasty! We bought ourselves a bottle too!!! It was a really fun visit. Here is a picture of the Erica and Daniel. I just love these two...and they're getting so big!!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Glen and I are planning on going to the Willamette National Cemetery to visit his Mom and see if my Daddy's gravemarker has arrived. It would be a good day to go to The Grotto too and light some prayer candles. Doing that little thing always brings me such peace and helps bring me back to center. It helps me prioritze the things in my life that are important which helps me trust that my life is heading in the right direction towards happiness, contentment, and fulfillment.

Okay, before I dive in and start talking about New Year's Resolutions (it IS that time of year!), I'd better run off to bed!

Take care and talk to you soon!

Keep on Journalin'

Wow! I got two more pages done in my Christmas Journal. Just gonna keep at this slow and steady!

Day 10's prompt was to think about gift wrapping. I think I'll include a piece of gift wrap when I bind this but for now, just the illustrations. And as far as the designs on this page, I spent a long time standing in line at the post office on Monday, and I was inspired by the very art deco iron work on the windows at the counter. There is some amazing architecture in downtown Portland. I am always seeing something new that makes me go "wow!"

Day 11's prompt was to think about Christmas trees and ornaments! I knew instantly what I wanted to journal about!

And while we're on the subject of Christmas trees, I think King Atticus has proclaimed this one as his! He LOVES to tuck himself inside nooks and crannies. Gadzooks, he's cute!

A few more pages...

Still workin' on my Journal Your Christmas pages from Shimelle's class. I got the last few cards in the post so I think I'll have more time to work on this now. I am really challenged because NOW I want to start adding paper and stickers and rub-ons oh my! But I'm gonna stay true to just drawing it all and adding red and green accents.

So here are days 8 and 9:

I meant to mention in my last post that over the weekend Glen and I watched "Sergeant York." It's an old one with Gary Cooper and I gotta ask, was there a woman alive that wasn't in love with Gary Cooper back then? What a WONDERFUL character! And what a great movie!

Also, I wanted to share a picture of the sympathy card we got from our vet's office for Geri. Glen took Tommy in on Saturday to have his claws trimmed. We usually do it but there was one that was growing all wonky and cutting into his little paw so we thought it best to let a professional trim that one. Anyways, while he was there, Glen told them about GerGer. Very thoughtful of them to send a card. Sadly, we've lost a few pets and so I know it's common practice for a vet clinic to send a card when there's a loss, but still, it always touches me.

Thinking of you!!!

sunday.

Okay so every day I don't work on my Christmas Journal, I get another day behind. Oh well, I'll get back to it. Kind of ironic that to work on my journal I actually feel like I have to put experiencing the moments and events of the season on hold! He he he!

We got a lot of important stuff done today! Glen spent some time cleaning up the front and back after last week's wind storm. There were some big ol' huge branches in the back yard. And boy did they make noise when they came down! While he was doing that, I finally pulled out all of my soldering equipment and took a whirl at that. I had this glorious vision of making pebble charms for some gifts but...we're gonna have to put that off until next year. It's gonna take A LOT of practice! :-)

Another big thing was we pulled down all the Christmas decorations from the attic. That's a big event because it usually requires at least two people! Just a lot of stuff and it's clumsy to manuever it down the ladder by myself. Remember the attic ladder in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Well, our garage has one of those and then all this GLORIOUS storage above the cars. We keep all our Christmas and holiday decorations up there as well as camping and your basic large junk we have no idea what to do with.

And lastly, we got our tree today! Whew! It's always such a good feeling to get the tree picked out and set up in the house. We sure lucked out for our tree pickin' day too! GORGEOUS weather although it was coldy cold! So here's Glen and Miranda after gettin' the tree on the car.

Yeah, that big puff of black smoke in the background isn't a normal thing. Not sure what that was. We'll have to watch the news tonight.

Here's the naked (blush) tree in our livingroom.

And then after several hours, I got the lights put in. For some reason, this is my job. That's okay though. I love it and no one else does it the way I like it! I'm VERY picky about my lights. They have to be evenly distributed but not too perfect and I don't like them on the outside branches. They have to be mostly tucked into the inner branches and then that way, the tree glows!

This picture's a bit blurry but the tree looks the best when you squint your eyes anyways...so this just helps paint that picture for ya!

Miranda putting on the candy canes (always!) We don't have the ornaments up yet. I have TONS of Hallmark ornaments that I've collected over the years but I don't think we'll do those this year. Just too many options swirling around in my head! Maybe I'll figure it out AFTER I do some decorating on our little plain Jane tree skirt!

Hope you have a happy happy week!

found.

I didn't get any pages done enough in my Journal Your Christmas journal to show you today but I do have a few other things to share!

I would like to direct your attention over to the Free Money section on the left side bar. You will note it has been updated! Since last January, I have been putting all the money that I found in a jar. Even though I've been finding a dime here, a nickel there, I hadn't updated my Free Money. And guess what? My MOM busted me! In fact, she sent me a card with some "found" money for my jar as a reminder!

Isn't this the best??!!! So with my mom's contribution of .32, the total in my found jar is now a whopping $2.60!

In addition to thinking my mom is just the coolest ever for even sending me the card, she also wrote something in it that I LOVE! She read that found coins aren't just spare change, but "unassembled dollars." That is SO cool!

As you can see, the money I found, or that found me, it didn't add up to too much but you know what? It was still fun saving up it all up for one year. And that got me thinking about something. With the new year approaching, are there other things I would like to save or keep track of for a year. January 1 is gonna be here in a flash! Here are some things that I'm gonna try to start doing January 1:

• Save all the heads up pennies I find for one year.
• Keep track of all the books I read for one year.
• Keep track of all the movies I watch in a year.
• Keep track of my receipts for scrapbook supplies for one year.
• Keep track of how much we spend on groceries for one year.
• Keep track of how many rainbows I see for one year.
• Keep track of the people that are nice to me for one year, ala Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory. Maybe even make them a fruitcake next Christmas! :-)
• Keep track of how much money I spend on parking downtown for one year.
• Keep track of how many gallons of gas I use for one year.
• Keep track of how much I spend at Starbucks for one year.
• Keep track of all my expenses for a year, or otherwise, start a budget!
• Keep our checkbook balanced, starting January 1.

I LOVE this kind of stuff! I love starting over with each New Year. Making resolutions or commitments or declarations or promises or whatever you want to call them. So here's my chance...a new year.

Oh and then one other thing! I finished making our Christmas cards for this year.

With all the rubber stamping I've done this year, I just really felt the need to do something very simple for our cards. I just bought a QuicKutz and so just used that to make some stars, some purty paper and wrote "peace." That's what I'm feeling this year. And that's what I wish for the people I love and care about. And that's what I wish for the world.

Peace.