all-state 2013

Mike made All-State again. This year he was in the Symphony Orchestra - mostly strings, relatively few woodwinds and brass. It was a nice change of pace for him. The music selections were beautiful. Four students from his school made All-State this year - all in different bands... Mike in the Orchestra, one guy in Symphonic Band, one in Concert Band, and one in the Jazz Band. Congratulations to them, and all the talented musicians from all over the state.

decorated envelope

I like to decorate envelopes before mailing to my artsy friends. Usually it's just random stamping, and usually I don't take pictures. But this one I thought I'd share. My friend Dena sent me this gorgeous notecard, and usually I would save something like that forever. But - I am so proud of myself for not hoarding this time - I cut it up and stuck it on an envelope back to her. I couldn't resist adding a couple of friends peeking out behind this lavish lady - can you see them? The "same outfit" stamp was from a Viva Las Vegastamps grab bag - you never know when a silly stamp might come in handy...   I also used the back of the notecard as the address label - it was too pretty not to.

another tradition

Every Christmas Kim makes wonderful soft caramels for people on her "Nice" list. She delivers them in a pretty bag, with a tag and ribbon. Last year I thought it would be fun to challenge myself to make a thank-you card using all the wrapping bits. It was so much fun, I did it again this year. Here is this year's card. The bright paper is the goodie bag - I used one of the Spellbinders cut/fold/tuck sets. The sparkly bit in the center is a silver twist-tie (that was used to close a cello bag inside the paper bag) folded into a little rosette. The ribbon is tied on the inside of the card. I also like to use the tag - cutting out and reversing the To/From.

Inside:

Last year's card:

happy new year

This week I started a fitness program. It's a local group that has had a ton of great success stories. I wanted to post here and make it extra official - no slacking. It's a 16-week "boot camp" program, with really tough exercise classes, support group meetings (nutrition, etc.), and a running club. I've been to boot camp classes three times this week (I am so sore all over!), and I may try a running club tomorrow morning (eek!). I can't even run a block, but they tell us that people like me are broken in slowly.

I like that the exercises are nothing fancy - we just have to bring some hand weights and a mat to class. But they're nothing like the old aerobics classes I went to back in the 80's. This is a full hour of harrrrrd work that includes both strength and cardio. I started it with Susan & Sue, and have seen other people I know in classes. Woo hoo! I'm excited to get fit, shed a few (ok, more than a few!) pounds, and make some new friends (everyone in class is soooooo nice - not those snooty fitness club rats).

Wish me luck!

christmas tradition

When Mike was little, one year I wrapped gifts in brown paper so we could decorate them using foam stamps and acrylic paint. The next year, as Mike and I stamped packages, Jim decided to paint pictures on packages. A tradition was born. Each year we paint packages for each other. I’ve saved them all, put into artist porfolio books. It’s fun looking back at what we’ve done the past ten years—especially how much Mike’s interests have changed as he’s grown.

Here are some from this year. Mike painted this beautiful cardinal.

Here’s one by Jim. Santa is taking a Sonic break.

I’ve got a snowman toasting a marshmallow; don’t get too close to that fire!

two cats and an ape

Couple of cats pics from several weeks ago. Yes, I have a concrete carousel gorilla in my yard.

it's been a while...

It's been ages since I've posted here - hopefully I can get back into regular postings. An update on my Scrabble charm fundraiser:  so far, I've donated $760 to the high school band program - woo hoo!

Craft show season is over, thankfully. Every year I ask myself why I do it. I put tons of time and money into making things and I really don't make that much money from it. I don't look forward to making mass quantities of anything. Set up and break down is a huge ordeal. Show fees keep going up. Maybe next year I'll make the break.....

Here's a picture of some button rings I made for craft shows. I also have button bracelets. I won't bore you with photos of snowman poop, post-it note holders, and other caca that I only make because it sells.

Isn't this metal hand wonderful? I can't remember where I got it. I know I've gotten a lot of cool metal items at Hobby Lobby, but it seems I've had this hand longer than Hobby Lobby has been open in our area.