My Weblog

Where does the time go...

I always feel when I'm away from my blog for a few days, that time seems to have disappeared. Where does it all go? What did I do? What did I accomplish? I always end up feeling behind because I'm not really sure if I've accomplished anything..and then, I'm stuck catching up with the next few things on my to do list. It's a never ending game and one in which I think many of you are familiar with.  Now I sit here thinking about how I spent my time these last few days...what have I been doing?

Lately, I've been taking advantage of the "normalcy" in my day to day life. Eric is doing well on his new chemo and we're enjoying our time together. It's a quiet time in our lives. Sometimes I worry it's the quiet before the storm...I just never know what I'm going to be confronted with tomorrow..the real key to living with cancer is "staying in the moment". That's what we've been doing...

I've been focusing some of my energy on catching up with new scrapbook product. Lot's of it is finally hitting the shelves. I'm sure all of you guys have been checking it out..I love this time of year when tons of scrapbook product is being released. It gives me a burst of inspiration and gets me scrapping (and buying). After picking up some new Scenic Route paper, I put together this layout about my passion for kitties:

In between checking out new scrapbook product, I've been spending time with my husband's family. They've really been wanting to share some time with Eric.  They're aware that at any moment, his health could quickly change. During one of our visits to my MIL's home, I was introduced to an old toy that my husband's family used to enjoy when they were kids..an old metal xylophone. Ethan really got a kick out it. I thought it was the perfect photo op...

For the locals interested in taking a class or two with me, I'm looking at putting together some classes for the month of October. I'll be teaching at The Scrapbook Shop in St.Paul. Currently, I'm working on ideas. I'm going to focus on new product of course and new techniques. Stay tuned for details. 

A little bit about me

It's been two years since I resigned from Parkview Cat Clinic. I spent four years of my life there as a feline specialty veterinary technician.  Many of you may not be aware that specialty feline practices even exist, but they do and if you can find one in your area, I encourage you to check it out (if you have a cat). The quality of care is supremely high. No dogs (though I do love them immensely). No loud noises. No weird smells. Top notch feline specialists. I loved my job at the clinic, but left after burning out from the biz. It's quite typical for a VT to leave the vet industry just after five years...it's a really tough job and one that forces you to examine the difficulties animals endure to find good homes and good quality life..I've saw many cats that didn't have either. It finally caught up with me..along with the concept of administering pain in exchange for health. It works fine in human medicine because humans can rationalize discomfort, though most animals can't...including cats. I just couldn't do it anymore. I'm still very passionate about cats. I have five of my own. Yep, five. I'm one of those "crazy cat ladies". I don't think one can be too crazy though to support the lives of animals, whether it be dogs, cats, birds, etc. They all need comfort and support to have a good life and I'm willing to give it to no end. I wanted to share some pics of my cats with you guys. This guy is Simon. He's my black and white guy..he's so gentle and sweet:

There's Chewy!! Ahhhh, isn't he adorable? Just love'em.

A few quick things here. First, I'm still in the process of working out the "layering tutorial". I will be able to provide more information concerning the tutorial within the next week. I'm still trying to create a lesson plan for the tutorial...I'm wondering if the individuals interested in this tutorial want to do a project to learn various layering techniques? I'm thinking a "mini album" format. Let me know what you think this...I'm open for suggestions..what would guys love to do to learn my layering techniques? Second, if you didn't pick  up the Studio Calico Kit, it's still available (I think it is anyway). If you don't get the kit, at least check out the gallery of work that came out of the kit. I was head over heals for the layouts I saw there..so inspired by the composition of the layouts and the way the girls worked with pattern paper. Pure eye candy. Lastly, I'll be camping next week starting Wednesday and I'll be gone till Friday. That means I won't be posting anything during that time. Just think, no coffee drinks, no internet, no scrapbooking, and no baby! Just us and mother nature. Ahhhh, the great outdoors.

Studio Calico September Kit Available Tonight!

Yep, I'm going to do some sales pitching here, but for good reason. Studio Calico's September kit goes on sale tonight at 12:00 AM EST. They sell out quickly and so do the add-ons (which are priced to sell fast). I would recommend picking up the purchase immediately (if you can keep your eyes glued open till late into the evening). If you don't have a subscription, don't worry..you'll still be able to buy a kit. Check at the sneak peaks at Studio Calico's home page (wait for the design team pics to pass first). Good Luck ladies!

1:00 AM

That's what time I've been up till these last few days and I'm terribly tired. I've not been feeling like myself. I think I picked up my son's lovely intestinal bug this weekend. He's been sick for a week. We're not a very good pair right now. Mom is debilitated & wants to sleep all day long. Ethan wants to be cuddled & held all day long. Still don't have this "sick mom" thing figured out. How do mother's take care of themselves when they're feeling ill while their children still need caring for? I have no clue..I've been putting Eric to work for me. He can only do so much. So, I'm dragging along. It's been a long few days.

I wanted to quickly share a few layouts with you this weekend. I could write about a million different things of course, but my energy level won't allow that. The "Together" layout was sort of an experiment. I usually don't work with small, tiny photos. Thought I'd try something new. I also enjoyed doing some doodling..I sort of confuse myself at times because my style wavers back and forth between fun/funky and conservative/classic. I figure I'm allowed to do both. Why limit one self's art? It's the process that matters, not necessarily the end result.

 

This layout below was done for the MMM contest. I finally get to share with you guys. I also have another that you can see over at Studio Calico. It's the one on the home page next to my portrait. I failed to take a photo of my final "I Wish" layout. Don't know what I was thinking...arg. I really want that page back. Keep telling myself to just let it go..it's hard though. It was about "remembering Eric". It has a significant amount of meaning to me. Still don't get why Memory Makers can't bother to send back a layout to it's rightful owners. That's a whole 'nother discussion that I won't go into here.  Here's my "Diva":

If any of you ever have questions about some of the techniques on my layouts, feel free to email me. I know a number of you have commented on the layering seen on my layouts. I think at some point, I'm going to offer a layering tutorial at my blog. Stay tuned for that in the near future. 

Studio Calico

I've been keeping a secret. It's a good one. I made the design team for Studio Calico. The final announcement was made this morning at their site. If you haven't made yourself familiar with this kit club, go check it out immediately. It's a brand new place. The kits are beautiful. Beyond beautiful. I don't say this lightly either...I waited a long time to find the right design team for me. I've seen many kit clubs in my day, but this one took my breath away. I knew immediately that I had to be a part of Studio Calico design team after seeing just one kit. I also love their website design. Simple. Classic. Elegant. Inviting. I feel very grateful to be on their DT. Go take a peek.

I will be creating three layouts and one card each month for Studio Calico. If you want to view my work using Studio Calico kits, it will be posted at their site (their site only). I will eventually bring the work to my blog, but there will be a delay in doing so. I think it will definitely be worth your time to check out the work on a monthly basis at Studio Calico. The design team is full of amazing talent. Come visit us.

Those Silly People..

Sometimes, I just have to wonder if I'm having to much fun. I'm not your typical 30 year old. I'm a gal that avoids the rules of adulthood at times. I'm a kid at heart. I figure one can't take life to seriously. Once in a while, you just have to let go and have a good time. That's what I did while my husband grabbed some photos of me and Ethan. Check them out...

Here's Mr.Ethan with his first tooth. He's rather proud of that tooth..so am I.

My babes is getting so big...I've been told he's half as tall as me now. Did I mention that I'm one short chic? Yep, a whoppen' 4 feet and 9 inches.

I will have some new layouts for you this weekend. I'm a little mad at myself cause I forgot to take a pic of my "I Wish" layout for the MMM contest. I'll never see it again..it was an original. It's now the property of Memory Makers. I have two layouts to share with you though from my entry. I will post those this weekend along with a new layout I'm just finishing up (lot's of tiny photos and bright colors). I'll also share with you some very special news that many of you have been hinting on...but still don't know. Have a great Friday everybody.

A New Stage and The Arrival of a New Season..

Ethan is at this new stage in his development where he's discovering all sorts of things. Whether it be the great outdoors or the bowls in my kitchen cupboard, it's always something different. Can you imagine seeing the world with such a fresh perspective. Kids notice the smallest things that we take advantage of everyday. Usually, it's the simple things. It's not often that we ourselves slow down to notice these things in our lives. We're busy living our daily routine. My husband is constantly reminding me to "slow down" and be more aware. As kids, we had more time for this sort of thing..now, we have to make time. All of this reminds me that I need to remember the simple pleasures in life. Often, I forget to do this. Hopefully, in a few weeks, me and Eric will get out to Gooseberry Park and do some camping for a few days. This will be the perfect opportunity for slowing down, reading, relaxing, and reconnecting with good ol' mother nature. I'm overdue.

Just finished up a layout today. Lately, I've been focusing on fall colors. I think when you live in Minnesota, there is something in the air that makes you want to surround yourself with browns, greens, yellows, and oranges. It's that moment before the Fall season brings with her crisp, cold air and golden leaves. It's a gorgeous time of year in Minnesota. To bad it lasts only a few months...

Getting back to normal...

Eric's been home for three days. He spent most of his time back resting in bed. It's been good for him. I really believe the new chemo he's on has stronger side effects. The doctors say they're the same, but chemo is one of those strange drugs that's not always predictable. As Eric gets back to normal, he's spending time with Ethan again. I love seeing the two of them spend time together.  Every time I see the two interact, I try to capture it with my camera. I'm so afraid of things changing. I know at some point, these kinds of interactions will no longer happen. Each and every moment is special right now. I keep hoping for more of them. Dad & Son.

Yesterday, I got out of the house with Ethan. We went to Michaels & Old Navy. Shopping with Ethan is a real struggle. He's not a fan of the stroller and I have only twenty minutes total to make purchases. It's a marathon when we run errands. At Michaels, I checked out Martha Stewarts new fall lines. They were ok, but I'm not a big "theme" scrapbooker,  so I don't buy a ton of the Halloween/fall stuff. I didn't make a single purchase at Michaels (tight budget). I did end up buying clothes for Ethan at Old Navy (always end up buying stuff for the kids instead of ourselves). The kid grows like a weed on miracle grow. I can't keep up. Had to get him some warm fall clothes. I also got a very special call during my trip, but I can't share the details. No, I didn't win MMM. I wish. Smile. Overall, the twenty minute shopping trip went great.

I'm working on a new layout today. I'll have pics of it up tomorrow (possibly in the evening). I know I don't put out a ton of work you guys, but it's pretty obvious why I don't. Time is limited and it takes me two days to put out one layout. I'm just one of those super slow scrapbookers. Laugh. Hopefully, I'm not the only one...

Last thing! I'll be at The Scrapbook Shop Friday night for any of you local gals that are looking for a fun place to crop. I'm going to be out there for a few hours to catch up with friends and do a little mingling. I've been out of the loop for a few days..need to catch up. Feel free to come up to the shop and say Hi. They also have tons of new loot.

Moving Forward

Eric's home, though I can barely tell. He sleeps from sun up to sun down. We've had a few moments to catch up and chat. They're brief, but I've come to really appreciate these smaller moments. They're heartfelt exchanges. Meaningful. Last night, we sat side by side. I put my head on his shoulder. He told me he loved me. It might not seem like much, but to me, it's everything.

While Eric is sleeping, I've had some opportunity (small ones) to scrapbook. I finished up this layout this weekend. Thought I'd share it.

I have this thing for velour right now. Ever since I tried out 7 Gypsies new velour rub-on's, I've been looking for more of it. I saw lots of it at CHA. The reason I like it is because it brings dimension and texture to my pages. When I see it, I just want to "feel it". It sort of reminds me of the stickers I used to collect as a kid. They're fun and different. I hope to see more of this kind of product in future releases.

I never got a call from MMM. I'm ok with that. The reality is that most people who submitted for this contest didn't get a call. 600 submitted. 10 got called. Those are pretty tough odds. Smile. I would love to know what they really thought of my work. Just a general curiosity. Of course, I'll never know. It was fun while it lasted.

Have a great Sunday everybody! Thank you again for words of encouragement and support. They're helping me "move forward". 

another day at the hospital

It's day three. Eric's been at the hospital for two nights..one more night to go. I've been spending a lot of time with myself these last few days and it's actually been ok. I've been spending a ton of time taking care of the house and my son. I've not had a moment to do much else. I did take Ethan to see his dad today at Fairview Hospital. Eric was so happyyyy to see him. Here's the two of them hanging out and Eric's mom helping:

We stayed for a few hours at the hospital and came home. The little guy was tired. I'm now going to try and get some scrapbooking done. Haven't visited my scrappen' area for awhile. I'm so needing to be creative right now. I miss it. Maybe I'll get a layout done today (or two). Here's hoping :)