All About Eve Challenge #3 - Escape

Ah... I just LOVE the challenges at the "All About Eve" blog!

"What is that one place or one thing that makes you forget everything? Is it a trip abroad or in your mind? A chick flick? Shopping? Scrapbooking? That perfect piece of pie? Everyone has that one thing or that one place that makes everything else disappear. Tell us about it."

My take is a bit different. As I was looking through photos I came across the one I used here on my layout. It shows my girls walking ahead of me, just a little further than they usually do. It made me think about their journey to independence and how their confidence builds a little more every day.


My journaling reads as follows:

"Watching the two of you becoming a little more independent each day brings my heart to a peaceful ESCAPE from normal mommy woes and wonders. Seeing you encourage each other to explore a little further brings me bittersweet joy. You're growing up so quickly right before my eyes and I'm so very proud of you both!"

Studio Friday - Week of July 27, 2007

" FAVOURITE RESOURCE(S)!

What is the most favourite resource you use to seek encouragement, understanding, enlightenment, inspiration, strength, to gain further knowledge or fun? Is it a book or a magazine, a quote, a website, a photo, another artist? How often do you turn to your source and at what point on your creative path?"

As a scrapbooker there are many, many online sites that I can go to to seek inspiration. When I get scrappers-block I tend to browse the awesome galleries to find inspiration. I also love scrapbooking magazines and idea books. There are so many great scrapbookers online that all I need to do is browse blogs and websites until my creative mojo starts flowing again. My favourite sources of inspiration are online galleries and other scrappers blogs.

Siblings!

I don't have any siblings so I cannot really relate to what my 2 girl's go through, with each other, on a daily basis.
Morning either comes in smooth or it comes in all chaotic. This morning started like WWIII. Mackie was up 1st and enjoying her morning dose of Sesame Street. Ellie sleeps about an hour later than Mackie does and that's actually nice because Mackie doesn't always wake up on the right side of the bed, know what I mean?! Her morning time is crucial.
Well, Ellie was up a little early today......Garbage truck........ damn.
So down she comes, THUD, THUD, THUD, THUD on the steps. When she's woken prematurely, she's an evil deity.
She graced the room with her scowl, fixed her attentions on her SISTER and promptly went over to her and "WHAM" fwatted her on the head with her teddy bear and went over and plopped on the couch.
Of course, that sends Mackie into a crying frenzy and Ellie refuses that she was the provoker!
I'm not personally familiar with sibling dynamics. I am learning as these 2 grow up together. Yeah, I've heard stuff from my mother ( one of 4 girls) and my cousins (2 girls and a boy) and a few other friends who have siblings, but seeing how horribly these 2 little ANGELS treat each other sometimes is really shocking! They will brawl like wrestlers and then the next moment be on the couch together snuggling.
In this house, ELLIE, my 3 year old, is the dominant of the 2. She's a BOSS, a DICTATOR, A NAPOLEON of sorts. It seems that Mackie winds up crying 90% of the time and Ellie walks off, head held high as if she's accomplished great things.
I KNOW that their bickering is normal sibling rivalry, but my 5 year old seems to, more often, behave like she's the 3 year old and Ellie's the OLDER sibling.
How did this tiny 3 year old rise to become the BOSS of her older sister? Can someone explain it to me because I'm a tad confused!!!!

Sisterhood of Scrap - Challenge # 9 *UPDATE*

Here's My challenge for the Sisterhood of Scrap Blog Stroll !! Click on the link to see other fabulous challenges!!

My challenge for you is to create a layout using the following:

*There will be a prize drawing from everyone who does my challenge.*

* - Doodling with a white pen

* - 4 pieces of chipboard

* - 3 different pattern papers

* - Title to be in a circle or arch!

Have fun and be sure to leave me a comment and post a link to your layout so you can be counted in the prize drawing!!
~Gabi

People who have completed my challenge - Check out their fabulous creations!!!
Laura
Cheryl
Lois
Emily
Charlotte
Jessie
KSmith
Deanne

Gettin' Sketchy - Challenge #15

I loved this sketch from the moment I set eyes on it over at "Gettin' Sketchy"

I just had to accept the challenge. I love the showcase of just 1 photo on the 12 x 12 layout. Here's my take on the sketch.

"A True Friend" Blog Challenge

I love blogs. I love surfing and finding others out there who share the same hobbies and interests as I do. I ran across this blog, A True Friend, about a month ago and have been checking out the challenges and layouts that everyone's been doing. I finally decided to step out of lurkdom and join in the fun!
Here's my take on their challenge:

Challenge 7

"For this next challenge we want to see all those gorgeous faces. So the challenge is the face i love."

the layout scanned dark, no matter what I did. I couldn't adjust it. It's not really this dark, it just looks that way on the scan. I hope you can see it. It's Zippity and Me!

Have you ever been on a roll?

Have you ever been on a roll and then viciously interrupted by life calling you to do other things?
I was completely in the zone yesterday, cleaning and re-organizing my studio. I pulled furniture out, dusted, vacuumed, picked up brads, beads, eyelets and various other tiny embellishments. I unplugged everything, dusted it all off, coiled up the cords and made them neat. I rearranged the desk, side table, bench, computer desk and got it all put back up, nice and neat. I was totally happy with my day's accomplishments. I went to bed, happy, slept like a babe and woke this morning with reclkess abandon, wanting to get back to putting everything AWAY that I had scattered everywhere ELSE during yesterday's cleaning frenzy.
Then I remembered. I remembered that I have to take the dogs to the babysitter. I have to get cat food, and pack small suitcases for an overnight to my inlaws. We'll have a great visit with them but my mind will be on my unfinished studio and the STUFF that's EVERYWHERE except where it's supposed to be.
That was it. My cleaning mojo was abruptly halted. It won't be until WEDNESDAY that I will be able to 'pick up where I left off'. Who knows.................. by then my cleaning mojo may move on. So here I sit, blinking, blankly staring at the computer screen, wanting to jump up, grab some stuff and start rebuilding my studio, knowing I have to go up and get packed and ready to zip outta here as soon as my husband gets home. Any minute now, I'll get up. I'm procrastinating, sorting a container of brads and wishing I could just sit here and perfect my studio.

Road Trippin! ~ Jim Thorpe, PA

We went 'road trippin' yesterday. Destination: Jim Thorpe, PA.
It's a common thing for us to just jump in the car, pick a direction and just drive!
The drive was about 2.5 hours so it wasn't too bad. The girls enjoyed the scenery along the way and also Spongebob (in the dvd player).
When we got there we parked and started walking along the main street.
The houses and busineses here are all beautiful, each one seemingly restored to it's Victorian splendor. As we went in to the various shops, we noted things such as the steps, windows, railings, door knobs, gas lanterns, crown molding, plaster etc. The insides of these victorian beauties are also restored. It was a really nice outing. I wish I had taken photos of the insides of some of the places but we were caught up in the shopping aspect and I totally forgot all about my camera!
Look at the patina on this door. It's the original door, never been replaced, painted or altered in any way. It's creepy kinda.... but if you know me, then you know I LOVE CREEPY!

Check out this cellar door. OMG! I LOVE the old cast iron doors. This one is particularly cool. I love the circular iron handles. The grate behind it is awesome too. Again.... all 100% un-touched in original condition. See the grate behind the door? It has a round thingy with holes in it....... I asked a few people what that is and no one knew. I'm on a mission to find out. All of the grates had something similar on them. It almost looks like a telephone mouth piece, sorta-kinda.
I'd LOVE to own one of these Victorian homes here......... the charm, beauty and history is all so fascinating!

Along the road, at each residence, people planted different types of potted plants, hanging plants and window-boxes. It was fun to walk beneath the cascading vines of various flowers. The girls especially had fun as they walked beneath them and they tickled their faces and arms.



There's LOTs to do in and around Jim Thorpe, Pa. There's an old steam engine railroad you can take a ride on. There's river rafting, mountain bicycling, hiking, camping, lots of antiquing, music festivals, curio-shops, antique car shows and county fairs. It's a great destination for a one day excursion or, if you have the time, a 2 week leisurely vacation. We love it there and we'll go back in the fall when the leaves are changing. The mountains are gorgeous then!!

Always wanted to be published?

I am on the design team for The Untamed Scrapper. They are seeking talent for their e-zine! Come on over and take a look!!

"Always wanted to be published? Don't have a clue how to do it? Too many rules and stipulations? Don't have the right product?

Well, have no fear, the only stipulation here is that you have fun and like using sketches! Add "The View from Untamed" to the mix of publications, now accepting your layouts!

We are taking submissions for the August Issue of "The View from Untamed", a jam-packed e-zine full of ideas, tutorials and inspiration! Submitting is easy!

Select any sketch on Sketch It! uploaded between June 25th and July 25th.

Use that sketch to create your layout and submit your work to: webmaster@theuntamedscrapper.com . (Digital, paper and hybrid layouts all welcome!)

All work must be submitted by the 28th of the month.

You will be notified no later than the 29th if your work will be selected for publication in The View.

Now how much more simple could that get? So come on over and have some fun! I can't wait to see what you have for us!"
~Lissa Ballard

Blog Prompt - 11 July, 2007

This layout works for 2 separate prompts today!

1 - Scrapbook Playground - "Take a self potrait of yourself, scrap it and then blog that page. You can blog the photo by itself it you like but I wanted to make it scrapping related this week. The photo must be taken by you and taken this week. Great prompt, Katajone!"

2. All About Eve -

Challenge #2: Age

"Do you cringe when you are asked your age? Do you lie about it? Do you look much younger/older than you really are? Are you having a mid-life crisis or are you still in the first flush of youth? However old you are and whatever your feelings are about it, let everyone know.

Scrap your age."

I had a blast with this today! I needed inspiration and this filled the need! It also drove me to tackle the task of doing another page for my "About Me" album!

Studio Friday

Studio Friday topic for July 6th:

This week's topic for Friday July 6th suggested by Gabi : TAKING (DIGITAL) NOTE!

As I was browsing through a flea market recently, I came to discover how useful my cell phone's camera is. I didn't bring my camera because I'm not thrilled with carrying it around to places such as flea markets or crowd filled places for fear of it being stolen or lost.
On this most recent trip there was a cloth merchant. Ohhh the lovely fabrics she had!!! I didn't want to purchase them but I DID want to remember the patterns and textures so that I could do a scrapbooking layout. I snapped a pic with my camera phone and instantly had it sent to my computer.
Have you used your cell phone camera to capture images to use in your creations?
-Gabi

Thanks for using my prompt, Tine!!

I was recently in Hawaii for 10 days. It was glorious but it was VERY humid! With my digital camera, I couldn't capture the haze that just hung in the air. I don't have a terribly expensive digital camera with all the interchanging lenses.I COULD, however, capture it with my digital cell phone camera! This photo will be used in one of my scrapbooking layouts. I love the soft slightly blurred way the cell phone captured the humidity.

I have also found my cell phone camera particularly useful at flea markets and antique shops. The other day we were looking at something and it turned out to be a fantastic bargain at the price they had it marked as. I sent a text-photo from my cell phone to my friend who was able to look it up online for me. Technology is astounding.. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!!

A new hang-out for us!

While we were driving around on Saturday, garage sailing, we were directed to this great place for lunch.
Gabriel's Fountain

While we were driving around on Saturday, garage sailing, we were directed to this great place for lunch. Since Laura and Ray-Ray met up with us, we decided to go to lunch together. I got a few cute pictures while we dined. I had been here before but not before it had been completely refurbished. It's a lovely spot and they have fantastic, delicious, WONDERFUL ice-cream too!

Laura and my little one, Ellie

Ellie, Ray-Ray and Mackie

Out behind the restaurant was a nice large field. Propped up on some rocks was this old WW2 Civil Defense Truck. Old cars always pique the interest of my hubby and kids! The girls enjoyed looking at this old truck and posing next to it.

Landscape/Hardscape - Front - Complete!

The front is complete! (except for the end of the walkway which will meet the driveway, which will be complete next week)
It's dusk so the photos aren't lit properly but it gives a good idea.



They used a nice, rich dark brown mulch that has plant food in it and the rocks are river rock.
I can't remember the names of all the plants, shrubs and trees......... but all are drought and deer resistant. We have a ton of deer around here and it's sad to see people put in brand new landscaping just to have it be deer food!!


At the top of the walkway they made a very nice circle. I love it! It adds a nice touch to the walkway.

They started on the back today. All they did was the girl's playground area. They edged around it and dug out the sod and put down a landscaping tarp. They filled the area with a rubber synthetic 'mulch'. It's soft and when/if the kids fall off the slide or swings, they land on a sort of rubbery cushion. I didn't take pictures of the back yet. I will tomorrow before they start construction on the back patio/walkway and landscaping! I can't WAIT to have a patio out back!!

*CONTEST* *CONTEST* *CONTEST*

CONTEST CONTEST CONTEST!

Your task is to create a layout on which you have RHYMING journaling.
*note* It has to be your OWN Rhyming journaling ..not a poem or rhyming quote from somewhere... I want this to be YOUR creation!
What you need to do is post your layout on your blog and leave a comment here on this thread with your blog URL by JULY 8th so I can check out your fabulous creation!!
Myself and a few design team pals from various scrapbooking sites will vote. I will post the winner on SUNDAY MORNING July, 9

*PRIZE* - Newest releases of..... Prima flowers, Chipboard letters, rubons and MORE!!

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I"ll get back to you ASAP!

Summertime!! (sisterhood Challenge)

Summer time is such an awesome time... for both young and old alike!

Do you remember how exciting it was to get home on that last day of school?
What are your favorite summer memories of your childhood?
Is it something you did every summer, or perhaps one summer that stands out in your mind?

Blog Prompt by Tina M.

I do! I do remember the feeling on the very last day of school! We almost always had field day or a picnic or a yearbook signing day as our last day of school. The anticipation of that last bell ring was exciting! When the doors open, we all poured out into the school yard, some staying behind to finish signing yearbooks and t-shirts and getting phone numbers to 'keep in touch' over the summer. Truth is, we rarely kept in touch because we were ALWAYS SO BUSY!!
Some childhood summer memories include, but are not limited to:
1. Spending every moment I possibly could at Aunt Donna's with my cousin Kristen
2. Swimming in Aunti's pool
3. Making 'couch forts' and sleeping in them
4. SLUMMING! (playing in the woods by the river and getting dirty!)
5. Watching taped re-runs of Simon & Simon
6. Going to Maine with my dad's side of the family for 2 weeks.
7. The Ice Cream truck!
8. Having dinner out on the patio
9. Being in bed, listening to my parents chatting out on the back patio and the smell of the oil torches and sounds of the cicadas and night bugs.
10. Horseback riding camp with Chris and Kim!

One summer that stands out in my mind was the summer of my sophmore year. I was allowed to bring a friend up to Maine that year and we were wading, picking up shells. The water was right below our knees. We were finding lots of sand dollars. It was great............UNTIL I stepped on a small ray which struck my on the bottom of my foot with such a sharp barb!!! It was the first time I EVER said a curse word in front of my father and it just so happened to be the "F" word!

Landscape/Hardscape Progress! Day 1

Here are some progress photos to show day 1 of the work we're having done out front. In one day, they've take out the old pavers and dug out the area for the new walkway and landscaping beds!!

This is the side of the house where they put all the dirt and grass they dug out!

These photos were taken from my driveway and show the view of the dug out area for the new walkway.


Here's a view from the front yard. In this photo, below, you can see the flower bed is dug out, that's where the girls are standing


Below is shown the side of the house. They dug out a nice flower bed there for a few bushes and flowers to hide the air conditioners! I love the way all of the flower beds have been dug. They aren't just basic lines. I love the curves!


I can hardly wait until Monday when I can take more pictures!

Busy Busy!

It's going to be a fun-filled, jam-packed summer! Today was the last day of school here, though it doesn't feel like Summer at all! It's 70 degrees and overcast.
We're looking forward to many day-trips, car shows, concerts on the lawn at the town center and of course, let's not forget 6-Flags!~ WOOO!!
This morning the 4/5 year old classes had their 'graduation' ceremony. Although it was brief, it was cute! They sang a few songs, recited a little bit of this and a little bit of that and then all involved retired to the multipurpose room for refreshments.

The landscaper came today. He marked off the areas they are going to be working in and it looks like a sports field out there with white lines all over the place. They are doing a walkway out front, flower beds/gardens, some shrubs/bushes and a few small trees. The design looks really nice and they did it on the computer so we actually got a glimpse of what it's going to look like, before they even broke ground. They will start in 4 - 5 days with the front and then the back patio and landscaping will start about a week or so later. I'm PSYCHED! WOOOO!!

Hawaii ~ Chapter 2

The International Market Place in Honolulu is such a fun, festive place. Along the way there are various signs and statues. This one tells a bit about Queen Emma Kaleleonilani. The girls loved to stop at each one while we read the details and took pictures.

The girls loved hanging out in the courtyard at the hotel. There was a big Koi pond full of brightly coloured, BIG Koi fish for them to look at. I got a couple of good pictures of the girls 'posing' on the rocks in front of the pond.

This is a Banyon Tree . The roots grow down from the branches, resembling a waterfall effect. VERY HUGE and VERY cool to hang out and play under this beautiful tree! Ellie looks like a toy standing beneath just ONE branch of this enormous tree right outside of the Honolulu Zoo.
Mackie always walked ahead of us, just about everywhere we went, she was leading the way!

If you do visit Oahu, you MUST visit Waimea Falls! It's a little bit of a hike up to the falls but once you get there you're rewarded with a swim in the pond at the base of the falls! Here's Ellie, pretending to do a back-flip off the patio area near the Waimea Falls pond.


On our 1st day, we did the Circle Island driving tour. What a gorgeous circle! This was one of our 1st stops. This is Chinaman's Hat. There were very few people there that day. It was well into the 90s and the humidity was sooo bad! The girls didn't seem to mind. They ran right to the shoreline, plopped down and started playing in the sand!

I will have more pictures uploaded tomorrow.

Aloha Oe!!

Ahh...Oahu, Hawaii.. the unspoiled sea air, the black sand beaches, majestic volcanoes, music and frolic!! We were on Oahu for 10 days. Hawaii is gorgeous.... sooooo beautiful!!
The island you see below is called "Chinaman's Hat"

The scenery of Oahu is breath taking. You can go from Tropical beach to Rain Forest in about 2 hours driving time and from City to deserted beach in about 30 minutes driving time. It's phenominal!
The next photo is of a small Island called "Turtle Island"

Yes.. the sunsets over Oahu really DO look like this!!
The island is lush and green due to the daily rain showers. Usually they are either very early in the AM or very late at Night.

There's a lot more......... I need to upload more so I can post them!

Look! My husband is in the local paper!!!!

Some of you know that we do WW2 Living History and reenactment events all over the East Coast. Here is my husband doing a demonstration for the local public middle school. The kids enjoyed the 'hands on' demonstration and were captivated by the ambulance and it's contents!
Below is an article that appeared in our local newspaper, The Courier News


Photo by: ED PAGLIARINI/COURIER NEWS

WWII era comes alive for youths
Bridgewater pupils get field lesson from re-enactor

By CHAD HEMENWAY
Staff Writer

BRIDGEWATER -- A history appreciation group from Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School got a firsthand account Wednesday of what it was like to be a medic during World War II.

"It's always been an interest of mine," said re-enactor Dr. Harel Rosen, who works with newborns needing intensive care. "Now I go around and share the interest and hobby with others."

Rosen said his hobby and collection of World War II memorabilia began with a G.I. Joe in 1965.

It appeared Rosen's passion for history transfixed the eighth-graders in the Veterans History Project Group, who experienced the unique lesson in a parking lot at the school. About a dozen students listened intently and asked questions of Rosen in front of his impromptu field hospital -- a restored ambulance from 1942.

In giving his lesson, Rosen explained how medics lived with infantrymen and gave first aid to the wounded, helping them out of the line of fire. With a collection of surgical tools, a stretcher and other equipment, Rosen was able to supply visuals of how medics were able to stabilize a wounded soldier to get him to an aid station.

Science teacher Michael Russell, a veteran of the National Guard and Army Reserve, started the project group about six years ago at the school. Nationally, the group is administered by the Library of Congress.

"The kids have learned so much through this," Rosen said.

Rosen said the group has met with veterans of World War II, Korea, the Persian Gulf war and the war in Iraq. Most recently, the students were visited by a soldier who served in Iraq, and with whom they have kept in touch.

"Mostly, I think they benefit from hearing a voice and seeing a face one-on-one," Rosen said. "When we have the vets come in, sometimes they get emotional, and the kids see that -- they can connect with the experiences of people who experienced war."

"It's so important, especially to learn about World War II, because we are losing many of the men who fought for us during that time," Rosen added.

Chad Hemenway can be reached at (908) 707-3148 or chemenwa@gannett.com