Those were the days

when Mom simply said "Let's go," and after throwing some clothes into a bag off we went. My mom had her "stuff" together.

This comes to mind because I am in the midst of getting ready to be gone from home for a while. My sister is having a baby and I'm going to hang out with her for the big event. Every day my list gets longer instead of shorter, regardless of what I'm accomplishing each day. It may not help that I'm planning the being gone part, and the staying home part for those not leaving, plus the dog and feeling guilty about leaving work and well, I could go on.

I guess it comes down to wishing some one else was in charge, even though I thrive/love/demand to be in charge. Happy day.

Harry and Me Pt.2

The Harry Potter Exhibition in Chicago is amazing! It is not huge - but the descriptor that come to mind is DETAIL. Every bit of ephemera, clothing, wands, etc. there was so incredibly well-crafted. I've watched a bunch of the movies since we returned home and even though I was specifically looking - the detail that actually exists is not visible on the screen. This all the more interesting because they still put in the time and care to complete the items. McGonagall's Yule Ball Dress has some of the most exquisite pleating all over the bodice and sleeves and it is a beautiful, rich, green color. Unless you know to look for it, you don't notice. Some goes with the wonderful textures and fabrics for some many of the costumes. The audio tour includes snippets from the French designer about some of the choices they made when doing the costumes and it is enlightening. She spoke of incorporating silver and stars on the Slytherin Quidditch uniforms to make them more militaristic feeling. Never would have known why the costumes portrayed that without hearing the motivation, but it works.

I was so happy to be there that I simply could not stop grinning. I just wanted to scream - I didn't, I contained myself, but it was difficult.

It was so worth the trip.

Harry and Me

We have a stamp at the store that says "Does this mean you are a grown up now?" It's intended to go with Birthday cards but it has struck me this past week.

Last Friday, Kirk called and asked how I felt about driving over 500 miles one way to see the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Science Museum in Chicago. I can't believe he felt the need to ask; he should have known the obvious.

This is notable, not for the wonderful exhibit that I would definitely return to more than once, but because I have never driven by myself that far, I tend to classify myself as a chicken driver - although perhaps not any more, and I had to work Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm. The boy did some math - go, Aaron, go! - and informed me that we drove 21 hours in 43.5 hours. I felt so adult! Actually, I still feel like I accomplished something in addition to a really sore tail bone.

Another point that does not cease to amaze me is that I got up voluntarily at 4:20 AM to be on the road by 5:00 AM. This in and of itself is huge because I hate morning - I do not like to get up in the morning - and it was my idea.

All in all, it was a growth spurt on my timeline and now - look out - here I come!

25 Years?!?!!!!

Where does time really go? I know what I've done in the past 25 years, but I'm having trouble believing that a twenty-fifth class reunion for Moscow Senior High Class of 1984 is being planned. Not that we're having a reunion but that 25 years has passed. I know we got married, finished college, moved to Los Angeles, worked, moved to Buffalo, had two children, worked, modified my career choice, but in some ways it does seem like we were just in class - moaning about the goverment take home exam and planning for Prom. Just recently I watched a movie called "The Lather Effect", and it touched on this same theme. I have to admit, however, my high school days were NOT like that movie. Come to think of it, neither are ANY of my days.

Certified

So, it's official - I have a certificate and everything. I am a Copic certified instructor. It was a very interesting day. We had a very good introduction to the Copic marker lines, and air brush. There were some interesting blending techniques and special effects that we learned to make with our markers. I have to say probably the biggest to do about the class was that now I look at things differently - how would I color that? How would I shade that?

I think it may just come down to being addicted to alcohol - alcohol inks, that is. One of the most exciting products that we have received in the store lately is the 24 new colors from Ranger in the Adirondack Alcohol Ink line. Sharon and Jessica went to a retailer's show this past weekend and Jessica took the alcohol ink class with Tim Holtz. (How's that for name dropping.) Any way, I can't wait to see what new information she has to share.

I just previewed this post - that title could really be taken in so many ways. Oops! LOL

HA HA

I haven't really fallen off the face of the earth - it just seems that way.

I've lost some of my creativity and now that spring has arrived - I think some sparks are flaring again.

One major reason - the arrival of 23 boxes from Marianne Walker at Imagination International.
She is teaching a Copic Marker Class locally, and these boxes contain her class materials. Even better, I'm attending! I am so excited about learning how to really get the most from these incredible tools.

Copic markers, in general, are so amazing and the colors will make you drool. They bring a lot of joy back to coloring, and I saw the cutest technique today in a Split Coast newsletter about creating texture with the Copics. I can't wait to try. You can find the tutorial listed under resources at Spiltcoaststampers.com.

The other big killer has been the loss of my Dining Room and Living Room to stamp stuff. I'm sure you recall the Dining Room table saga. Well, mutliply that by one hundred million, and then you'll know where I'm at. It is overwhelming, but I need my house back - so off to the organization, put suff away mines I go.

OK, let's try again

This blog thing has me a bit discombobulated. (Hey, the spellchecker even says I spelled that one correctly.) Here's the deal.
1. I am not a picture person, and the whole point of a stamper's blog is to show finished pieces of work. I have never been a picture person, and even though I try, I am not a good picture taker, nor am I a good subject. I don't have a great affection for looking at old pictures, although I will sit down and enjoy it. I don't miss it if I don't. Many of the cards on the blog have been scanned, so that I can maybe handle. I make no promises.
2. Although I am oh so capable at talking and talking, and even writing and writing, I've been asking myself if I even have anything to say that any one wants to hear. Even that sentence proves that point.
3. I am fabulous at having good, no, GREAT intentions - but my follow though is pretty poor. Evidence for this is so clear - just look at the last date I posted. Kirk tells me I should make a layout of all my intentions that lacked follow-through. You should see my basement and all of the bits and pieces of all the stuff I've bought for projects, recipes, gingerbread house kits (3 or 4 types) I've collected and then never done anything to show for my efforts. Most of these involve doing something cool with my kids and then not wanting to deal with the messy aftermath.
One of my favorite Randy Travis songs reminds me that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Hope that is just a saying.
4. See post from Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007 below about procrastination. Guess that 76% has really been at work lately.

I will try to step up and do a better job, especially for the few of you that bothered to subscribe to the blog.

Thank you for reading and have a good day.