The best laid plans...

You know how the saying goes. I started the year with such enthusiasm about keeping up with my online classes. I was determined not to fall behind this time.  And as often is the case, life got in the way. I’ve been struggling to “right my ship” these past few weeks. I am slowly carving out a new normal which includes getting back to some of the classes I have neglected.

Kim Klassen gave us three challenges in her Beyond Beyond class for this week. I completed the chalkboard challenge. I am hoping to tackle the other two, but no promises.

Here is my version of a chalkboard:

I used some of the techniques she shared in the classroom combined with techniques from this site and I added a few of my own ideas. Boy, this challenge really made me think but I enjoyed the process. There are a number of realistic chalk fonts available for download in case you aren’t interested in making your own. (but I say give it a go)

So have you joined the new “chalkboard” craze? Just check out Pinterest and you’ll see what I mean.   

Stepping up to the challenge.

For those of you who are not paper/ink crafters and/or are not familiar with Tim Holtz, let me first say I’m sorry because he is a very talented guy and secondly let me tell you about his current challenge. Tim posted a tattered floral challenge on his blog. My good friend and crafting buddy, Jennifer is always up for a challenge. We’ve been doing some brainstorming over the past few weeks and came up with, in our opinion, a winner! Today we spent the day in Jennifer’s well-stocked craft room bringing our plan to fruition.

We posted a few BTS (behind the scenes) photos on Instagram a la Mario Rossi.  We threw in a couple “fakey fakes” to throw people off, gotta keep ‘em guessing. Not only did we complete our challenge entry but we had a great time in the process. 

And our entry is…..

 Cute, huh? 

Isn't it time for you to plan a "crafting" day with your good friend? I hope you have as much fun as we did.

Ups and downs of life

Sorry I have been MIA. My mom's memorial service was March 9th in Ocala, Florida. I think she would have been very pleased. It was a lovely service held at her church followed by a luncheon put on by church members. Mom was very popular in her community and I can't count the number of people who told me they were going to miss her. I'm at the top of that list.

I spent the week prior in Florida with my brothers sorting through her things. She lived independently in a two bedroom house with lots of stuff. It was very emotional sorting through her clothes, dishes, photos and other belongs but as I told my brother, I was thankful she didn't have to be there watching us load her life into boxes.

Countryside Presbyterian Church- Ocala, FL

I want to send a special shout out to my husband today, its his birthday. I am so excited! Why am I excited? Well, I happen to be three months older than my husband so from my birthday in early December until his birthday in March he takes pleasure in reminding me that I am a year older than he is. Anything to get my goat! So welcome March 14th, what took ya so long?

Life brings us many types of celebrations, some painful, some joyful. I believe we can not truly appreciate the joyful ones without a few of the painful ones thrown in.

I hope your joyful celebrations far outweigh your painful ones.