my_weblog

Hope, Renewal & Love

For nearly four years, I stood the road of widowhood alone, never really knowing God's plan for Ethan and me. I knew that no matter what, it was going to be grand, and that I had to trust in his actions and guidance in bringing me through the darkness that flooded my life after losing Eric {belated}. I kept telling myself that this experience wasn't without reason'(s), and that given enough time, all would unravel to reveal a greater beauty, a place of hope, renewal and love.

A couple of months ago, I met up with a cute fella' at a small local coffee shop in River Falls, Wisconsin. He turned out to be a last minute arrangement, my second "go" at the dating process. I agreed to catch up with him via a cup of joe just prior to classes. From there, the rest is history. Today, I finally get to introduce him to you - his name is "Eric". He's an amazing guy. Plain and Simple. He's a heart of gold, is compassionate, caring and makes me feel wanted. He's a loving father and a protector of his community. We spend a great deal of time together and enjoy each others company immensely. Right now, we're exploring the differences between small town & big city life. I'm a total city gal. He's a country boy. I love that about him. He has a sweet nature and charm to make just about any girl blush. He's genuine all around. And so, we're calling it "official" and today, you get to see him for the very first time! Say "hello" to Eric :) 

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And this is his way-too-cute canine, Rayna. Having a background in veterinary medicine, I just can't get enough of her. She reminds me just how much I love animals, and why it is I worked as a vet tech for five plus years. She's cuddly, affectionate and gives free kisses!! 

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Eric is wonderful with Ethan. The two play in unison while doing things that boys often do. It's the first time since the loss that Ethan has had a "real chance" to explore the idea of time with a male role model who's close to "mom". It's been such a positive, uplifting experience for him thus far, with a couple bumps here and there. When I see them together, I'm reminded of how precious life can be..fathers especially. 

I created this layout two weeks ago - I held onto it 'til the right moment presented itself to share it with you here. It's called "Lucky Lady". This gal considers herself awfully lucky to be where she's at right now. I'm enjoying and appreciating every little bit of it. Gonna hang on to it as long as possible. 

 

The unraveling continues, one layer after another. There is surely love, hope and renewal at the end of this girl's rainbow. And as I move forward in this next chapter of my life, I invite you to be a part of it. Do continue to visit, even if updates aren't as frequent. You can always find me at Crate Paper as well. Take care, friends!

A Gossamer Blue Extra + Halloween Update

After a week of paper writing and time with Eric, I finally clamored my way to the scrapbook room for a couple of nights to finish up playing with Gossamer Blue's November Kit. After the first layout with the kit, I started another, but hadn't quite put it all together. Stealing two nights, claiming them as my own, was a wonderful release from the week's stresses. I'm nearing the end of Fall Semester at River Falls. Good thing 'cause I'm burning out. Almost ready for some vacation time!! :))

I love a pretty pinwheel flower. The challenge is making them. Very rarely am I motivated to take out my Martha Stewart's "Scoring" board. It's haphazardly large and takes us a huge chunk of desk space. Always in the end though, it's worth the fuss. Pinwheel flowers are a texture fanatic's dream!! They're even better when dressed in pattern paper, topped with layers of circles, buttons and rhinestones. And rarely is "one pinwheel" ever enough, unless it's the size of the Eiffel Tower! Odd numbered wheels lend greater visual interest.

If you're looking to create your own pinwheels, here's a useful link to the BOARD. It's worth the expense, trust me - and to get them pinwheels to stay put, use American Craft's awesome 1" "Red Super Stick Tape". Trim a big section from the roll and set the pinwheel on top of it. Easy Peasy! 

 

As additional support for your pinwheel, back it with a slightly larger sized circle. I trimmed one from a sheet of Vanilla cardstock using a Fiskars "pinking" decorative scissors. I set the pinwheel on top the cardstock, and trimmed ever-so-carefully around it. This one extra layer of paper goes a long way in providing a steady base on which to set the pinwheel. Pinwheels tend to be flimsy when by themselves. Anchor them down with this extra backing and you're good to go! 

 

Creating splatter continues to be an evolutionary technique that is loved by scrapbookers and altered crafters alike.  With the hundreds of colored mists now available, splatter is inevitable. Seems like we're always on the hunt for new application ideas. The mixing of materials is kinda fun, too. I still tend to stick with mists & punched paper. Others use spray paint, glue/glitter, sequins, pen ink, etc. Maybe someday, I'll break the mist habit, put on my brave hat and try a new "splatter-friendly" medium. That's a HUGE maybe. Laugh.

*For quick confetti, keep around an assortment of circle punches ranging in size from .25" to 1.25". There's also the Martha Stewert Punch All Over the Page  "Confetti Punch" option. It's available in a variety of styles. And yes, you'll have to adhere them one at a time to your page - sorry! No way around that tedious task...

 

Real Glass Glitter - do you own some? It's much prettier than the plastic stuff. And over an extensive period of time, as it slowly ages, it turns an antique silver. I purchase glass glitter from Rose Mille, a vintage specialty store out of Stillwater, MN.  I've spoken about them here prior. Rumor has it they now have a separate location for their craft supplies, along with a brand new creative studio!! Been meaning to get over there and check it out..I imagine it's beautiful!! 

Above, I covered the entire window opening of this chipboard Polaroid frame with AC's Red Super Stick Tape and then gave it a dusting of silver glass glitter. I topped it with a light blue clipboard sticker, a pink chipboard heart & Arrow, a precut dotted banner, epoxy dots, a tiny tag and alpha sticker.

 

A creative house entry sets the tone for this embellishment compilation. A tiny tag and brad serve as the door, followed by a "choose happy" sticker pair propped up with pop-dots.

 

Some of my favorite alpha stickers just so happen to be from Bella Blvd. This latest "Gulf High" Alphabet Set from their new "Kiss Me" collection found it's way onto my layout. I outlined with a white gel pen. Their alpha's are fabulous because they sell as a "set" on one 12" x 12" sheet. Pairing them is a breeze!! No typography errors here! 

 

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Now I'm going to take you a completely different direction. I'm a wee bit behind on sharing news of our fun-filled Halloween festivities. Ethan was an Angry Blue Bird this year - and his mood just about matched it. The poor guy wasn't feeling up to trick 'r treating as usual, though we did make it around the block still. He looked as cute as pie and got a lot of compliments on his handmade costume! It was my first go at creating a costume for him, including a matching "blue feather" hat. I was a proud mama. 

Ethan brought along a friend on his trick 'r treat journey. His name is Curtis. They met at the bus stop and are in the same Kindergarten class. The two are best buds!! :) They're nearly inseparable...it was Ethan's first year trick 'r treating with a bud! Amazingly, the two of them grew tired at the same time when running house to house, collecting candy. I thought I was going to have to carry both of them home! Laugh.

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Eric has the cutest dog in the whole wide world. Her name is Rayna. Ethan absolutely loves her to pieces. We let her hang out, run around the house, and the two of them play catch together. For Ethan, it's a brand new deal 'cause he grew up with cats. For years, he's been begging me to trade them in for a dog. Well, this is close enough..and check out the patch around her eye!! She's a joy to be around, no doubt. We luv her already.

Time to grab a cup of joe at Starbucks (I have a crush on their "Salted Mocha" coffee drink)! And oh, before I leave ya, Gossamer Blue's November Kit is "Sold Out"! I know, Mega-Bummer!! If I had extras, you know I'd share with ya! Take care, friends!