Wednesday, May 30, 2007

precognition or is it just a dream?

I've been having the weirdest dreams lately not what you'd call pleasant either, more like disturbing. Just enough touches of reality to make me go, huh? Kind of freaks me out. Why does your mind do this when you are asleep? Some are way too out there to become real, but some just seem like they could happen...

Then there are the dreams a few years later that I go OMG! my dream is happening NOW. I've had a few of those experiences lately. Throws me off balance. I don't like the idea that my life is mapped out ahead of time at all. I dreamed about friends before I met them and about my husband before I met him too... Yup, a little freaky.

If I have to have these type dreams I wish they were a little more helpful! not just there to freak me out! What good is precognition ?

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

You have to Read them!

Janet Evanovich's Plum series has to be some funniest novels ever written! I just started re-reading them waiting for the next one to come out on June 19th! I can't wait till the 19th! I'd read them all before and I was still roll on the floor laughing! Laughing till tears rolled down my face. Just the character descriptions in these books makes you laugh.

Do yourself a favor and Read One for the Money. I know you'll be hooked! Here's the web site http://www.evanovich.com/

HAPPY READING!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

About the Preds

We've spent almost every major holiday with the Preds. This year it was Thanksgiving, and New Years. Easter, April 11, 2004 was the first playoff game ever. We've done the day after and before Christmas. There are layouts in my two peas gallerys reflecting just how important a family activity this is for us.

The comment was made that it tease, "I'm so upset" Well, I am. It's like having your best friend move thousands of miles away or your pet die. AWFUL!

Imagine not being able to scrapbook (or do or see you favorite hobby)any more unless you took a long trip some where else and you could only do it once every few years. Or just watch it on TV... It would totally SUCK!

So upset! ( I love my Preds)

I'm so upset right now! I know in the grand scheme of things this is a pretty silly reason to be in tears, BUT I'm a HUGE hockey fan. I love the NASHVILLE Predators, this whole sale to the highest bidder is making me ill. The news ghouls speculating that this new owner wants to move the team is just upsetting. We've held season tickets since the beginning. We're transplanted northerners and hockey is just a bit of the north I'd like to hang on too. We enjoy it so much! Guaranteed date night with my husband at least once a week during the season. A chance to yell and get aggressions out. I love it! All I can say is this SUCKS!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Bragging about my daughter!

I'm so proud of my daughter, Courtney. For the third year in a row she has been on the principals list all year ( A average). She is working toward her goals. She join a service group, BETA, has helped the community with out my urging. She stretched herself and joined the Cross country team and kept improving.

She is now raising funds for her Australia trip. It has to be the funniest fund raiser ever the flamingo project! You plant flamingos ( those ugly lawn ones) in people's yards. Attached to the ugly birds is a sign saying to call Courtney. There is a fee for removal $10, you can have them placed in someone else yard for extra $5 and you can buy insurance for $5 to never get them back for $5. a real racket, huh? Any way it's a fun joke to play on someone, you don't get cookies, candles or candies you don't want. It very easy. One our flamingoes actually sings I found it at Big Lots. It's a hoot! Any way it's a cool fund raiser for just about any thing! I'm thinking it would be good for her mission trip next year. World Out Reach is going to Guatemala on a mission next summer. Courtney really wants to go and help.

Jim and I are both so proud of her!

Monday, May 21, 2007

Peace and Quiet!

I love my family. I love having company. I Love when they all LEAVE!
The quiet calm of Monday morning by 8:00 AM is like a balm to my soul. Then though I enjoy all the activity it just wears me out. These few hours to re-energize are priceless to me before everyone comes home, the phone rings, and the cirus starts again. I LOVE MONDAYS!

Saturday, May 19, 2007

About my home

My home has four bedrooms, three full baths, two stories, 3,500 square feet, a three car attached garage, and is brick. The bonus room and back yard are the best extras that is where we do lot of our playing. My scrap/craft area with the lovely built ins and counters is in the bonus room along with our fully stocked bar, shrine to our favorite sports teams, and big screen TV. The back yard has a lovely view of a farm and has the lazy L in ground pool that we and our friend use all summer . My favorite room is the master suite. It is huge! it contains my four poster bed I dreamed of since I was a kid. it has my lovely attached bath with my HUGE tub. I'm a bubble bath girl! My least favorite room is the laundry room for obvious reasons ( I HATE DOING LAUNDRY!) the last room we purchased furniture for was the bonus room wrap around leather couch. We bought most of the furniture for this house when we moved in it. I'd have to say the worst piece of furniture is a hand-me-down bed in the guest room. It is heavy 70s style king size bed. The head board is just ugly! Hey but it was free from DH's mother, and it is comfortable for the guests. I'd have to say my style is comfortable maybe leaning toward country. We love over stuffed furniture that hugs you. I decorated in autumn colors. I like to bring the out doors in doors. I collect pottery, coffee memorabilia, & half dolls, and DH collects decoys. These are all displayed through out the down stairs. Our house is usually fairly clean not perfectly so. it gets cluttered at times, especially my craft/scrap area. Probably could use a really good spring cleaning since we've lived here 3 years now. Time to throw out some stuff! This is pretty much our dream home. It's paid for!

Friday, May 18, 2007

Scrapbook saving tips

What to do if missing a sticker letter AKA cannibalizing letters ( this also works with chip board)

It has happened to all of us we are going great guns on a layout, and BAM! you run out of a letter you need. You are doing a title or accentuating a journaling, and you are missing the 5th E. or e. Instead of running to the store , which may or may not still have the stickers you require, here is a quick fix. This will work with most block or standard letters really fancy ones it may not work or need more adjustments.

all the lay out "See Ya next Fall" the letters are cannibalized not enough E's

For capital letters

A’s a V can be used flipped upside down, and part of straight letter like a L or I or i can be used for middle with trimming.

B’s P or R and a small c

C’s O, Q or G can be trimmed

D’s C and L or I put together

E’s F and a small I

F’s E with bottom trimmed

G’s C with a small I or a Q trimmed

H’s N trimmed or two small l’s and small I

I’s L can be trimmed

J’s T and t or c

K’s L and i

M’s W or N and V trimmed

N’s M trimmed or V and L

O’s Two C or Q trimmed

P’s B trimmed or d upside down

Q’s O and y or two CC and y

R’s P and I
B trimmed and i

S’s two c
T’s L small i
F trimmed

U’s two small ll and c or O trimmed

V’s A flipped with the center trimmed

W’s M flipped and trimmed or L and V

X ‘s two small ll

Y’s i v

Z’s N or LL trimmed

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Another new coach purse....BUT it was deal!

Hi! My name is Kate and I'm addicted to shoes and purses. I love shoes and purse it doesn't matter what your waist line is you can't out grow a purse! Shoes, who doesn't feel sexy just trying on a pair of Jimmy Choos? When ever I'm feeling blue I go into my closet and try on my babies. Some people might think it is silly to be so hung up on shoes and purses, but they make me feel wonderful! I can't look at a Mary Frances hand bag without smiling. She understands the need for whimsey, and magic. So what if I've only worn my Manolos twice out of the house (they deserve a special occasion). I can feel like Carrie Bradshaw in my walk-in closet. Remember the Vogue closet well I have my own version. Lucky ME!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Watch out have decorative scissors and USE them!

When I challenged myself ( and others, if any one ever joins in that is) to use some of my old tools I really didn't think I'd fall in love with them again. BUT I'm really loving using my decorative scissors again! I really love my giant grass and scallop scissors. They are really coming in handy. Just to make one or two sides of a mat POP! Making my own paper lace and scalloped edged papers like the Bazzill and SEI, it's FUN! Plus I save a bunch of money, get the exact color I wanted.

Some one suggested a crimper as one of the old tool challenges. To tell you the truth I have no earthly idea where mine are, but I'll do some digging! What a GREAT IDEA!

Old tools with new ideas! MAGIC! They really are!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

This mirrors my thoughts on friendship ....

"True" Friendship None of that Sissy Crap
Are you tired of those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound good,
But never actually come close to reality?
Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.

Just the stone cold truth of friendship thats worth anything.

1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against The sorry bastard who made you sad.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much Worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well Again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.
9. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. "Why?" you may ask; "because you are my friend".

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, But only you can feel the true warmth.

Monday, May 14, 2007

I HATE PMS

I think hormones have the best of me today. I feel extremely blue with no good reason. Friday I was really happy and energetic by Sunday night I felt weepy. Nothing has changed. I had a lovely weekend. Was spoilt for mother's day with flowers and a gift of a massage in my future. I got to do exactly what I wanted lay in the sun with a good book. I was even the Lay-out-of-the-day at Scrap Galaxy yesterday. I hate PMS!!! I wish there really was a magic pill to take it away.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Butterfly Blessing

Lord,
Bless me with the ability of a butterfly to endure the changes that will happen to me in my lifetime. Help me to accept these changes with a positive and loving attitude.
Bless me with the beauty of a butterfly to allow me to reflect the colors of my soul, being and individuality, and to look for these things in others.
Bless me with the ability of a butterfly to create and instill the feeling of wonder, passion, and excitement towards all of your living creatures.
Bless me with the butterflies' ability to pollinate your flowers, so that I may cultivate your human garden with love and compassion.
Last, but not least, Lord,Bless me with the grace of ascension, so that I may ascend into your glorious heaven like a rising butterfly, when my journey here on earth, is complete.
Amen
J. Dilts, 3-18-99

Friday, May 11, 2007

Sophia~with meme and two funnies

Sophia ~ with the meme and two funnies.

TWO: Two Names I Go by: Kate and Kathleen
*Two Things I am Wearing Right Now: T-shirt& yoga pants
*Two Things I Want (or have) in a Relationship: Love & Friendship ( I have them both)
*Two of My Favorite Things to do: Read and photograph butterflies
*Two Things I Want Very Badly At The Moment: A Cannon Rebel digital camera and law suit to go away
*Two pets I have: Dyson, and Furball ( I have more)
*Two things I did last night: watched TV and scrapped
*Two things I ate today: Banana and coffee
*Two people I just talked to last: Courtney and Katie
*Two Things I'm doing tomorrow: go see personal trainer and do laundry
*Two longest car rides: To Florida and to Ohio
*Two Favorite Holidays: Halloween and Christmas ( Halloween by far my favorite)
*Two favorite beverages: diet coke and coffee

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Old Tool Challenge!

You know you have them tools you had to have that are just collecting dust. They are still good but some how just not in fashion at the moment. those decorative scissor, colluzzles, punches, metal tools, etc... I bet with a little thought and imagination you can put them back to work with a new twist. Come join me! let explore the island of unused tools together and make something WONDERFUL!

1st challenge is decorative scissors
2nd is colluzzle circles
3rd heart punches

Send me you efforts I'd love to post them! The challenge will change weekly. suggestions welcome!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Driving Pet Peeves

Maybe it is PMS, but people are really getting on my nerves today! Just driving around town I think raised my BP. I wish I had a loud speaker system on my car sometimes...Probably better that I don't I'd probably get shot....

Here's some handy tips for the morons out there

They put turning signals on your car for a reason USE THEM.

When you are going to turn left get into the turning lane PLEASE don't turn left from the RIGHT lane.

There is a speed limit in the parking lot of 10 MPH for a reason!

If you see me signaling to turn don't speed up and cut me off!

Get up to speed on the ramp when you are going on to the high way, and blend with traffic.

Lastly you are supposed to park your car between the lines. You car isn't that special you need two parking spaces!

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

New challenge for me!

I admit I'm a bit of snob when it comes to scrapbooking. I never really thought of digital as "real" scrapbooking. You point and click and presto a layout! No cutting, stamping, painting, distressing,etc... just clip art in layers. ( Are you rolling your eyes at, ME ?) I figured I better at least give it a go. I try every technique at least once so I can say I can do it. I've been resisting even trying digital. ( Yes, I know it's juvenile). So I bit the bullet last night and did it. I have to say it was fun. Getting the hang of using the tools challenging. I had quite a few aborted projects. I must say way less mess!( Just my left over soda can). I doubt I'll become a much of a digital goddess probably a hybrid queen. I really like the effect of layering photos. The lay out I posted is MY GUY! in one of my favorite places on the planet. Thanks for looking! And please don't judge me too harshly for being a scrapbook snob! ROFLMAO!

Monday, May 7, 2007

Struggles-working on over coming one

I'm over weight. I've fought weight since I was a teen. Back then I thought I was fat weighing 130 pounds ( I'd kill to weigh that now). Mom signed me up with her for Elaine Powers work studio when I was 17. I lost 31 pounds at 5'6" I was under weight. I stayed pretty much in my ideal body weight range till after I had my first baby. That when I started to gain weight not bad, but after my second baby I lost my battle with weight. By 2002 I was in a size 20 and over 200 pounds.

When I saw the photos of myself from the first convention I was totally mortified. I resolved to lose the weight. Since then I've been yo-yoing back and forth from 185 to 229. Gaining and losing the same 30 pounds. I'm currently on my third struggle back down to under 200 pounds. Last year I was under some major stress with a breast cancer scare, problems with my ex BF, and on going law suit. I'm a stress eater. Everything but the law suit has worked out for the best, BUT I'm stuck with the results of my stress.

I think this time I'll really make since for the first time my husband is fully on board. He is going to the personal trainer with me. Totally on board with the diet and exercise program, more so than I. I just wish he'd been there when I was trying to lose weight in 2002-2003. I'm a tad bit irritated with him about that, but the main thing is he is on board now. That is water under the bridge and it can't be changed now nor can I blame my eating on him. It so nice to have SUPPORT!

He is doing it so he'll be healthy and around. I'm so happy he is on board now! The weight was killing him. High Blood Pressure, borderline diabetes, cholesterol out of control...SO MUCH better now, after a month his doctor was VERY pleased. When he goes back for a check he may get off some of his medications!

So far after our first official weigh in the one month mark, Jim had lost 18 pounds and I lost 9. We've both lost more since that time. We also lost a bunch of inches! My goal is to be under 200 again by the end of May and for my size 18's to be lose!I took pictures of my fat bulges before we got started. I'm going to start making a weight loss album in a few months after those bulges are a memory. Still too fresh to start yet, but I think after 4 months. Will be a good time to document how far we both have come. We started mid-March so in July I hope to be starting our weigh loss journey album!Wish us luck!!!

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Jaded?

This is how I spent my NSD. I was SO looking forward to this going to the CK convention been a while since I went to one. Christy even came from Kentucky to go.

Sorry to be a downer, maybe I'm jaded or been to one too many events like this, but I was SO disappointed with the Nashville CK convention. I didn't take any classes or go to a crop, so maybe they were the cats-meow some how I doubt it. It seem so generic. No personality, no flavor could have been in any city in the USA or Canada. There wasn't even a banner as you went in, it seemed so cheaply done. The vendor floor was same-old-same-old! I could have gone on line and ordered anything on the sales floor. Not a new supply out there matter of fact there were several booths Like Deluxe Designs that were just selling off their stock because they are going out of business. The two busiest booths were everything is a dollar and the MAMBI clearence booth. To tell you the truth is was a bit depressing. I have to say I'm very glad to out of the business! It looks like it is dying a slow painful death.

I did buy stuff but no where near the amount I have in the past. I'd be up to $500 in no time. This time Christy and I went through the floor twice maybe $150 spent, again because I could buy it either on line or in a near by store.

I use to look forward to the conventions because I'd get all sorts of NEW stuff I'd never seen or tried. It was a exciting learning experience. I'd learn a lot at the demos or make and takes. SEI had a demo they used as Nag-Posh in 2000 iron on designs. Can you say recycle? Wow, I was underwhelmed. I guess for a new scrapper the demos and make and takes were good, but for a seasoned one...Yawn. Same as 2005. That is how long it's been since I went to a convention or trade show. In two years no one came up with something new? Did CK fall flat on putting out cutting edge stuff, I'd say YES. Maybe there isn't that much cutting edge stuff out there, or maybe it just true I'm jaded.

Christy and I did have a good time catching up. We had a wonderful lunch, and evening. But I think I'll skip the convention next time it comes around.

Friday, May 4, 2007

Company!

It's a FRIDAY! The weekends this May are going to be BUSY. We have something going every weekend this month. Lots of company coming to visit. It starts tonight. My friend Christy is coming down to check out the Creative Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention in Nashville. We'll do a little shopping, a little eating, maybe enjoy an adult beverage or two, and a lot of gossiping. We need to catch up!

Christy use to be my " wing man". She helped me when I'd go away to teach as my assistant. She's funny, irreverent, and has about the same twisted sense of humor I do. We both have pitched our rose colored glasses long ago, and neither of us could ever be accused of sugar coating anything. It's really been along time! so looking forward to this weekend.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Where's Andy ?

Remember where's Waldo? We do that with my brother's travels and places he lived. He's kind of an adventurer. Got a call Tuesday night from my brother, Andy. I admit the news he told me I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around. He said that they were moving to Qatar. I'd never even heard of the country. Geography not being on of my strong suits so that isn't really that amazing I'm embarrassed to admit. It's in the Middle East. They'll be there for at least two years that will bump Andy's retirement up so he can retire by 50 if he wants. He'll be heading up a language unit of some kind at the embassy. They've lived in other countries before (Germany, Israel ) so this shouldn't be such a shock. I guess it is the time frame they'll be in there by the end of summer. I was hoping we'd get to meet up this summer for a vacation. That means Christmas plans for Cancun are NOT happening. I'm really bummed about that since our Thanksgiving plans last year were tanked due to Cindy ( my SIL). She had an ovarian cyst that made her quite ill, poor girl! (Those suck I know first hand having one removed that twisted my left ovary when I was 23). I guess we'll be trying to see them before they go. we'll just have to fit that in this summer. Don't know that we'll make a trip to Qatar. The tourist photos look pretty awesome it's right on the ocean at least part of the country is. But it's right next Iraq. Who knows! It may be an awesome vacation spot. I guess we'll be learning a lot more about Qatar! Always good to expand ones horizons, right?

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

About me as a Scrapbooker

I’m Kathleen Childers also known as Kate to my friends. I’ve been scrapbooking since I was a child. I’ve always kept clippings and photos in albums, but when I was invited to a Creative Memories Party in 1996 I learned a whole new style of scrapbooking.

I have no one favorite style of scrapbooking some layouts are very simple, and some are over the top with embellishments and pattern. I scrapbook to suit my mood and the photos.

I love new and old techniques. I use what ever is challenging, and inspiring to me, and what will work with my photos and journaling. Right now I’ve been playing with punches, die cuts and Spirograph patterns. My first love was punch art. Now I find it fun to mix it up with stamping, quilling, Iris folding, doodling, adding brads, wire and glitter, making it “new” again.

I like just about every line and have used just about them all at some point. I can find paper I love in just about any line. My favorites right now are Bohemia line, K & Company, Basic Grey.

I’ve been published over 50 times in various magazines, books and on TV. My work has been in Simple Scrapbooks, Memory Makers Magazine, FW Books, Cantata books, Debra Beagle’s Creative Lettering, and Ready Set Create. I’ve been a guest on DIY Scrapbooking. My work was shown on Carol Duvall, and the Michelle Gerbrant TV shows. I’ve taught for CKU Nashville, Camp Memory Makers, and various other conventions and events. My work can be currently seen Simple Scrapbooks Focus on photos column May/ June 2007 issue, and in new on line magazine Ready set Create April / May 2007 issue in the Go Yellow article two of my layouts are featured. I’ve also been featured twice as layout of day artist on Scrapgalaxy March and April 2007, and will be May 13th again.
I was founder and first CEO of the Simply Southern Scrapbook Convention, and D&K's Simply Scrapbook and Stamp Convention.

I enjoy scrapbooking because it combines three of the things I love best, my family, photography, and creative /art/craft type activities.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Learning new things

Today I'm going to attempt links. I'll have all my favorite sites to share. There will be a plethora of scrapbooking sites of course, but also a an equal amount of Halloween type (ever want to build your own "life like"corpse?), favorite books, lite recipes, cool jewelry, purses and shoes ( I love jewelry, shoes and purses). Any way hopefully I'll master the skill of adding links. Wish me luck!