Get Your Glitz On!

Taking this month's challenge over at the Glitz blog. Made this card based on their sketch. Included lots of Glitz products that came in my Little Black Dress kits. This will be Richard's Father's Day card.

Friday Fill-ins

Yes--I know it's Saturday, but I wrote these yesterday!

1. Family relationships are so weird sometimes.

2. “Life is full of ups and downs. The trick is to enjoy the ups and have courage during the downs.”

3. Trust your instincts.

4. Things usually work out for the best. Trite, but true in my experience.

5. Parents worry about their kids even when the kids become grownups.

6. It’s hard to take back what was said.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a cocktail (do I say that every Friday?), tomorrow my plans include the Hawks’ game and Sunday, I want to Skype with Claire in Australia!

Girly Cards

Seems like there have been a lot of birthdays in the last couple of weeks. I made these cards using the January Stamp of the Month from Close to My Heart. Most of them also use a new paper pack called Wings -- except for Erica's which is basic black & white.

For Amy and Ellen

For Samantha



For Gretchen



For Erica





 Happy Birthday, Ladies!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Up is not my favorite direction. I'm plagued by a fear of heights.

2. The flu is going around.  Daniel had a fever last week.

3. Coats and scarves, mittens and boots: are neatly organized in the coat closet. One of my projects while we were snowed in!
4. I can't remember the last time I had a nice back rub.

5. I'm thinking about whether or not I should drive up to North Carolina this weekend.

6. I hope my dad will be OK after falling and breaking his hip this week.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my third glass of wine, tomorrow my plans include the NW youth group Mystery Dinner Theater and Sunday, I want to do what needs to be done.

11 Books to Read in 2011

Last year I challenged myself to read a classic every month. If you read my previous post about discipline, it won't surprise you to know that I didn't completely succeed. I did read a handful, though, and enjoyed them. This year I thought I'd make a list of the classics I'd like to read and post it here for accountability. I'm not sure they all qualify as true classics. Some are favorites from childhood, a few I want to refresh in my memory and a couple are to fill the "holes" in my reading history.


11 Books to Read in 2011

The Yearling--Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Rascal--Sterling North

Caddie Woodlawn--Carol Ryrie Brink

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn--Betty Smith

Madame Bovary--Gustave Flaubert

Anna Karenina--Leo Tolstoy

Sense and Sensibility--Jane Austen

Wuthering Heights--Emily Bronte

West with the Night--Beryl Markham

Out of Africa--Isak Dinesen

1984--George Orwell

One little word: Discipline

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”
 ~ Lao-tzu

One little word: a look ahead to 2011

I've never really liked New Year's resolutions. But Ali Edwards' one little word concept appeals to me. Choose one word to invite into your life and see where it leads you.

Choosing my word this year hasn't been easy. There are two that jumped to the forefront and they are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Discipline.
Spontaneity.

To choose the first and live with it successfully for a year might lead to feeling satisfied and accomplished.
For years I've thought I lacked discipline. I start all kinds of things that never get finished. I sign up for online classes with a burst of enthusiasm which dwindles as the days pass. I start tracking my Weight Watchers points on Monday and let it slide by week's end. I know I need to add a couple of days of cardio to my exercise regime but it never happens. I haven't been able to sustain a daily spiritual practice. I can't even take my vitamins every morning for longer than a week or two!

To choose the second would probably be more fun! How many times have I said or thought, "Let's.........." or "Why don't I........." only to talk myself out of it? Why not just let go and be joyful and childlike?

I can't decide. I've got about 24 hours to make up my mind.