Seeing RED!

Everything looks better RED!  I have this obsession...I admit it....I confess....I am addicted to RED!  I have driven a RED vehicle since I was 17, except for the sad years I had to drive a blue minivan...my sweet husband surprised me with a brand new van with a big RED bow on it but it just wasn't the same.  I was soooo glad when I finally got a new car.  We shopped for months trying to find the perfect one!  I didn't really care what kind, it just had to be RED!  I finally found it, a RED Yukon XL...my kids named her "BIG RED"....she was a jewel!  I just recently traded her in for another and can you guess what color it is...?  YES, I got "BIG RED'S" little sister, another Yukon except for the short bed! 
What does this have to do with crafting...well, when I started to paint a few pieces of old furniture I inherited...guess what color I was leaning towards?   Yes, your right on RED!  I am really satisfied with the results even though the table took one coat of primer and about 4 coats of RED but it was completely worth it...!  The table has a home in my craft room for now and the chair is at my desk!  Mission accomplished.....now off to get more RED paint.  Nothing is safe from RED around here!

Purse...turned Camera BAG!

I think I made the perfect bag even better!  I found the cutest bag big enough to carry all my camera STUFF!  I have a camera backpack that is wonderful but it makes me look like I'm going on a hiking trip!  This perfect bag...it's big, so cute, and can carry everything I need but there's one problem....everything drops to the bottom and clanks together.  My solution, make a bag insert to pad my supplies.  I know, it's not an original idea but the ones I've  priced are way beyond my budget.  My  insert is padded and made of flannel so it will protect my camera supplies.  I even made a couple of dividers with velcro in order to change up the inside depending on what I need that day. 
The best thing about the project....once I take the insert out....the camera bag is back to being a purse without a hassle!
I know I should of taken pictures while I was making it  but I got so excited I completely forgot!
I promise to do better next time...!

 

Hippity Hop!

Thanks to Jenn at Rook NO.17 for the cute Moss Bunny Topiaries idea. You can find the original tutorial here.  I made a few changes but the main idea stayed the same. I found the rabbits at Pier 1 just like she suggested. I white washed my pots but instead of the numbers on the original idea, I stamped along the top of the pot rim with a stamp loaded with distressing ink...turned out great! Just what my kitchen table needed to help celebrate the season! Thanks again to Jenn for the super, spectacular idea...it was really simple to complete! Hopping off to complete a few more projects I have in mind!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

How can I tell other than by the calendar that SPRING is here...well the allergies are here to stay! I love this time of year, time to plant flowers and get busy with making the outside pretty again! I wish I could have all this Spring goodness without the runny nose and itchy eyes but guess you have to take the good with the bad.
I found a quote that describes my feeling about Spring..."The day the LORD created HOPE was probably the same day HE created SPRING."-author unknown-
I am always rejuvenated during this time, a newness seems to take over my attitude! Now if this new attitude will just get busy, all will be well. I am trying to get all the things required for college entrance for both of my children finished, bitter sweet. One will be transferring to Texas and the other moving off to Florida. Both states are too far from me but that is their destination and I will learn to love it because that's what they want! We have always told them to follow their dreams and they will be happy. You make your own happiness, you can't wait for others to make it for you!
Now on to making my happiness...not sure what that is at the moment. My job for the last 20+ years has been MOM. I know that job never ends but the job description does and that's what I am having to deal with at this moment in my life. I know God has a plan for us all and I will listen close to my heart and go forward.
"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today."
-Indian Proverb-
Time to go spread some seeds of HOPE today!
deb

What have I done lately.....?

Good question...my creativity has been on hold recently...! About the only thing I have made in the last few weeks is a computer envelope for my sis's birthday. I monogramed a few things along the way for gifts and that's about it....haven't felt the creative bug bite me in awhile...I think I need a boost of some kind. Not sure what that might be, I will be searching for the cure diligently!

"You are responsible for the TALENT that has been entrusted to you."

Now on to being responsible...:)

Inspired to create!

I have been in baby mode this week.....a special friend is having a little boy next month! Her theme is FIRETRUCKS...fun, cute, adorable! I monogramed a few items along with making a hooded bath towel and a wall hanging! Fun to get back into the painting again...it's been awhile!
Something about baby things inspire me...I sure miss mine being little. I loved making dresses and outfits for both of mine along with painting special things for their teachers.
Now...on to the crafting room to get more organized...I feel a wave of painting and creating coming my way!

Grateful for my talents...Gods gift to me!

deb

2011 Ready or Not...Here it is!

2011 is creeping in whether I am ready or not! I had great plans for 2010, "Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men"...!
Looks as if I will need to revamp my plans and see what I can accomplish is 2011. Both children (YOUNG ADULTS) will be gone from the nest this time next year sooooo my #1 plan is to try to prepare myself for the empty nest!!! I hate even saying it..it sounds so SAD but that's where my attitude needs an overhaul. I will start today, HOPEFULLY, to get a better attitude and start working on MY future!
I am 51 and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up..I have been a Jill of all trades up until this point...College Graduate...Display Girl...Store Manager....PTL President...Crafter...and MOM, my best job so far! I cherish all the MOM duties the most, I have never had a job I loved as much!
I strive to become a better person each day, most days I could use a little help but I'm trying! I want to be a better seamstress...take better pictures...take better care of myself...love life a bit more each day. I depend on God to help me with these things, I want to begin a closer walk with him. That's my goal at this very minute....

Living in the moment...minute by minute
deb

Southern born and sooo glad!

It's been a heck of a weekend....flew to Baltimore, Maryland to visit MICA, better known as Maryland Institute College of Art! The weather turned off COLD and WINDY...I think it stays that way up north. That's why I am glad I was born in the south and plan to live here forever!!! Austin and I did a little sightseeing on Sat. and on Sunday we took a taxi to the school. The day consisted of a LONG talk from the MICA staff then a COLD school tour. The freshman dorm looked like a prison...I wouldn't even consider letting Austin live there..guess that says it all! The day was long and cold! We were unable to get a taxi back to the hotel so we took the train, one more adventure. We didn't make it back to the hotel...only part of the way! We ended up walking about a half mile to flag a taxi and finally made it back to the HILTON! Never so glad to get to a hotel and rest my weary bones. We ventured out that evening and found the Cheesecake Factory, best meal we ate the whole weekend!

Morning came finally and we caught a taxi to the airport...made it to Dallas, boarded the plane to return to Shreveport. Couldn't be that simple, the plane was broken and we had to get off and wait around for about an hour to eventually board another plane. We arrived in Shreveport about 4! So glad to be in our hometown...needless to say I am staying home for awhile and I hope Austin decided the NORTH is better left up there and will pick a college in a warmer climate!

Side note...I slipped in the tub on Sunday morning, fell flat on my back, bumped my head on the back of the tub and have had a dull headache since. I am hoping it will go away, it worries me it still hurts but hope all will be well soon! Thank goodness I didn't pass out...would of hated to have been hurt so far from home!

Better days ahead...no question about it!
deb

Birthday XX for Amelia!

Birthday celebration for my daughter...she turned 20...or my interpretation  XX....!  She was excited to see what her theme was this year but when she walked in her expression told me the story!!!  Her first question was...Why all the X's?  Guess they don't teach Roman Numerals like they did when I was in school...you know, way back in the dark ages!  Once she got the idea...she loved it!  So much for my being clever.  The party was a success and we enjoyed a good laugh as well.  Really need to put my thinking cap on to come up with something for next year...21...HMMMMM!

FALL

Fall...a time to change. Fall... a time for a new perspective.  Fall...a new beginning.  Fall...it's hard to believe the change in the temperature outside can ignite all those feelings.  I am ready for them all! 
I recently got a new camera and as much as I love it, I hate it in the same breath I say I love it!  I know the camera doesn't take the shot, I do!  That's the problem, ME!  I become so frustrated that I become my own worst enemy.  That's where the new perspective comes in, I am working on getting one!  I am trying to take one day, one photo, one moment and capture that moment and quite worrying about the results.  It is what it is!  Cherish the moment and move on, quite worrrying about whether it looks like someone else's photo,  will anyone like it, is it edited right....none of those things matter.  I like it, that's all that really matters.  Well...enough talk!  Heading out to get the change started...one photo at a time!

"It's better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation." -Herman Melville-

Week 35- I Heart Faces Photojournalism Photo Contest

This week I Heart Faces contest entry theme is photo journalism. My collage tells the story of the Rangerettes 1st game of the season wearing the "World Famous" Red, White and Blue. This was the first game to be dressed in the Kilgore Rangerette uniform with the new 71st Line. They are now 701 together for the next year! So proud of my daughter, Amelia, who is a member of the 70th Line! It was a fun night!
www.iheartfaces.com

Week 33 • Got To Wear Shades Photo Challenge!

Beach Time photo entry for Week 33 in the I Heart Faces Photo Contest....Amelia loves her bug eyed glasses....we had a great day at the beach! The water was a little green but we managed to have a fun time. First time at the beach for both of my kids...even though they are 19 and 17...!!! Better late than never!

Florida MONTH!

Well...the month of July was a Florida travel time. Brian and I took Austin to visit a college in Orlando..Full Sail University! It's an art media school, he wants to be involved in Computer Animation...very talented young man! The school is really cool..very innovative in their approach to education. Not sure how I feel about him being that far from home, but we will survive and I will be visiting Florida more often!!

Several weeks after flying to Orlando...we drove to Destin Beach area, Brian had business and me and the kids tagged along. Lots of HOT weather and GREEN water! Not the best of conditions to enjoy yourself but we managed to have some fun! We left after 5 days and visited a beach in Navvaro..beautiful...water was crystal clear...great breeze...no crowds...we stayed the afternoon and wished we would have come here instead of Destin!

It was a great family bonding time...they are growing up too fast! Love the young adults they have become...great kids...a mom couldn't ask for anything more!

Now it's school time again...Austin is a Senior...Amelia is a Sophmore at Kilgore College. Rangerettes will be our focus for awhile...we love watching our girlie dance. She's excited about being a Soph! Austin is anxious about college but I have a feeling all will be just fine! I know they will have a wonderful future ahead of them...they are following God's lead! I am blessed!

Life is good...

deb

  

Branson Adventures...!

Our Branson Adventure was great....we went kayaking, go carting, visited a wax museum, went to Silver Dollar City, shopped and ate at lots of great resturants! Fun times were had by all...lots of memories were made.

The kids enjoyed the kayaking the best I think...the weather started out great but about 1 hour into the 3 hour trip...rain began to fall! The water was about 50 degrees and with the rain and slopping of the water with the paddles, I was having second thoughts about being out on the river! The rain did stop thank goodness after about 30 minutes, but we were soaked..when the 8 mile adventure was over it was none too soon!

Silver Dollar City was fun...lots of rides for the kids and dad, I am the official photography, no riding for me..not my cup of tea!

So glad we arrived and returned home safely with lots of memories in our head and heart! I cherish these memories and will hold them close ready to retrive them any time my heart desires!

Summer Time

Well...summer is already here...vacation time coming soon! Branson here we come on July 4th...looking forward to a great time with the whole familia !I just know it will be a great time for us to be together..really have to absorb these next few years...kids are growing up and they will be off doing their own thing soon! We will be visiting an Orlando school for Austin to attend after graduation next year! Wow, that can't be possible..he just graduated Kindergarten! Times flies when your having fun and I have enjoyed every minute of my two children....even those times that I thought would never end, but they did and now I wish I could wish them back! Not possible but I plan to take the next few months and take it all in with lots of hugs, kisses and pictures to carry me through once they are off in all directions!
I need to get started on that small business I keep yakking about...I think that will be all that keeps me sane! We'll see what that might be soon but nothing in stone...still enjoying the free moments with the kids!
Another day....just grant me another day....and another and another....Please!

deb
Not waiting for my ship to come in...I plan on rowing out to meet it!

Just call me the BAG LADY!

Well....bags must be my thing these days. I just completed another purse for my daughter Amelia..along with one for her friend Alyssa. I will post pics tomorrow! Trying to get motivated to really get with the program but just can't seem to stay on track. I'm not sure how people work at home...too many distractions for me, the dogs need out...they need in...clothes to be washed...groceries to be purchased....and on and on!

I am making myself a promise today on Mother's Day...I WILL START SEWING DAILY!!!
My mom would be so proud of all the things I have made...she tried so hard years ago to teach me to sew, without much success! I sure do miss her, she passed away Sept. 15, 2009. If only I had one more day with her...but I know after that day...I would beg for another and another. God has a plan and I know she's saving a place for me!
She was such a special mom...if I can be half the mom she was I will be pleased!

Happy Mother's Day MOMA...I will be with you again one day, this is only my temporary home!
deb

GET READY..GET SET...GET CREATIVE

I have been skipping around to lots of blogs these last few days...Wow...there are lots of talented, creative people out there. Now I have get on with my own creations! Lots of IDEAS...now to carry them out and have a final product!
Onward to my crafting room....hopefully when I return to blog again I will have something to share!

Channeling my inner creative SELF!
deb

Caribbean Seas withdrawal!

Wow...was so glad to return home, but sure wish I had a view of the Caribbean Sea from my house here in Bossier City! We had a wonderful time on the cruise to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Kilgore Rangerettes. 7 days is a long time to be cooped up with not much to do until we reached port..Cozumel the first day was great, the kids went scuba diving....2nd day (my favorite) we sailed on a catermeran to Stingray City to get in the ocean and swim with the stingray. Unreal how tame they are, we fed them and boy you better check for fingers afterward, they have the sucking power of a high powered vac! 3rd excursion was to Jamaica, had a nice stroll down the river in a kayak on the Great River! Fun to watch Amelia and Austin struggle to work together paddling instead of fighting each other. Austin ended up being the leader and told Amelia to just enjoy the view!!!

The trip back to Galveston was boring...sun hid for the rest of the trip and when we arrived at the port....freezing weather and snow awaited us for the trip home!

After 10 loads of laundry and a long nap in my own bed I am good as new! Think I might look into moving to the Cayman Islands when we retire...anything is possible in your dreams!

Back to reality!