Tag Archives: Color Box
Challenged
Glass half full. Positivity. Optimism. Whatever you wanna call it — I have it, and usually in reserve. When I was a younger a friend would tease me by saying that even if I found myself in a hole in the ground, I would find a way to see the bright side. This is why it has taken so long for me to admit to myself that I am struggling with depression. I am still able to see good all around me, in ever day, I just have much less motivation and energy to take it all in. The good news: I’m surrounded my loved ones, I’m taking advantage of resources to help me through, and I know I just need to give myself the grace and patience to work my way through, and I WILL work my way through.
One of those “good” things around me came unexpectedly (as often is the case) in the form of a personal trainer at my gym. Continue reading
Birthday Love, Long Distance
Fun (or not so) facts:
* distance from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Madras, India (MAA) is…8,969 miles / 14,434 kilometers
* time difference between LAX and MAA…13 1/2 hours
* last time hubby and I visited family in MAA…2008 (too long ago!)
* time it takes for a birthday card to reach MAA from LAX by mail…about a week
I’ll admit it…I. am. spoiled! In the late 90′s while living in Japan, if I wanted to communicate with family, I used a totally high-tech call back system and I called my family. If I wanted to instant message friends (and they were willing to meet me at odd hours), I plugged in my phone cable, punched in my modem passwords, waited for the dial-up to connect, and then, by golly, we chatted. This may sound old-school now, but at least I didn’t have to send word via pony express, hope that connections were properly made along the way so that weeks later my communication would, by God’s grace, reach its destination. But NOW…things are even better! We can skype, chat, and vonage our way into the homes of loved ones and not only are we able to exchange our words and thoughts, but we can show off those extra pounds we’ve put on, parade our latest look, and add emphasis with key facial expressions. Being as spoiled as I am, however, even our most modern technology does have its drawbacks. Continue reading
My Rainy Valentine
I know, I know…Valentine’s Day was three days ago, however, hubby and I are celebrating this weekend, and what better way to keep the spirit of love alive than to extend the holiday just a wee bit.
As I’ve mentioned in past posts 2010 (and still continuing) has been quite rough on us. Fortunately, we’re not alone facing the meanness of life. We have our faith, we have our loved ones, and we have each other. Even with the challenges we’ve had so many moments of deep, rich laughter, and of course, over the silliest things. How cool is that!
When thinking about creating my Valentine’s valentine, a particular image and sentiment came to mind — Unity’s Rain or Shine. I love the sentiment, “through rain or shine, you’ll always be mine” — perfect! I used Get Sketchy’s GS#74 as my guiding inspiration for the layout, and knew that I wanted to use red, white, black, and yellow (hubby likes those classic colors) so that the card would have a clean and classic look. Continue reading
Welcome to Paradise!
One of my dear high school friends is moving. This is a good thing (for me). Over the past …many years since high school we have managed to spend only about two of those years in the same state. She has three children — each of them born in different states. I love when we visit. I hate when we say goodbye. But…she’s moving. She’s moving to Paradise. Really — that’s the name of her new home town.
This move puts her and her family (that sounds so grammatically awkward) almost exactly halfway between the home of her parents and the home of her in-laws. Great news for her in-laws, but sad for her parents who have had her a short road trip away. Sad for her to put more miles between people she loves dearly. Happy for her husband and a new opportunity. Bittersweet.
Change is hard. Here’s what I think change would look like on a recipe card: Continue reading
My Heart on a String
New year, new month, new me? Let’s hope so — not the revamped don’t recognize me me, but back to myself me. After all, this is “if she did what she loves”! Since the ball fell in the big apple I’ve been determined to slowly incorporate the things I love back into my life, little by little — you know, baby steps. Much like faith, I am going to take steps with the hopes and certainty that things will get better and I will feel better, and by trusting and taking those steps, THEY WILL. So, I’m taking the risk, stepping out in faith, and putting my heart on the line…or string (you’ll see). Continue reading
Being a Grownup
Being a grownup means rousing oneself from a wonderful Sunday afternoon nap to get ready.
Being a grownup means not snoozing an additional 10 or 15 minutes while hubby starts preparing for guests.
Being a grownup means pitcing in to make the house “presentable”.
Being a grownup means saying “thank you” without being reminded by your mother. Continue reading
Growin’ Love for 60 Years and Counting
Some friends of ours left for Hawaii today to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of our friend’s parents. 60 years! Can you imagine? What a great model of love, respect, and commitment. In honor of such a wondrous event my husband and I thought it would be nice to send a card. I, of course, started it the night before, and therefore chose to keep it simple.
Being the lover of blossoms and all things blooms, and being that the couple live in Hawaii, it seemed only appropriate to use some bright colors and highlight some beautiful flowers. Out of the desire for a CAS (clean and simple) card, bright colors, and flowers came a sweet card celebrating what this couple has learned to do very well — grow love.
Happy Anniversary! To many more celebrations of your marriage. Continue reading
Birthday Wishes
New month, new calendar pages — fresh start — I love it! Not to mention the fabulous 75° sunny and breezy weather that we have been experiencing in Southern California. And what better way to celebrate all this new, new, new than by ringing in a BIRTHDAY! That’s right — today’s my dear sister-in-law begins another new year – Happy Birthday!
So in her honor I got to play with a new Unity stamp in my collection and make this cute little card (with input and guidance from my hubby, of course — truly it becomes a gift from both of us). And contrary to my recent bad behavior — I not only made the card, but also actually sent it in the mail! Continue reading
He’s Goin’ the Distance
Today I had the distinct honor of participating on the Colloquium Committee for a colleague and friend. As part of concluding his Master’s program he was presenting on all that he has learned over the two years, his vision, and … Continue reading
Oh yeah, Baby!
As promised, I have the pics from some recent baby shower cards that I made. With both of these I was experimenting with somehow incorporating wraphia in the card design. For the Baby Shower Buggy card I chose a plaid … Continue reading
Welcome, Baby
A little over a month ago a friend told me about her upcoming baby shower. I hadn’t seen her in awhile and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to make a “Welcome, Baby” card. It’s been quite some … Continue reading
Gift! For me or for them?
Two of my aunts have birthdays this month, so in honor of the occasions I thought I’d take the opportunity to flex my cardmaking skills. For these cards I tried out using peekaboo windows, masking, and my new watercolor colored … Continue reading
Free to follow!
One of the many blessings of unemployment (and believe me, there are some) is the freedom to move through my day as I like. Knowing that I need structure, I build it in, but within that, the direction of each … Continue reading
