Here Comes Santa Claus

 

For the last CCEE Stampers Challenge of 2014, we were asked to feature Santa on our cards/projects.  I used my absolute favorite Santa by Flourishes.  This was a pretty simple card to stamp, but I had some fun creating the layout.  I added some piercing to the small vertical areas on the sides of the base card.

Can't wait to see how Santa is featured on the cards/projects of the rest of this fabulous DT.  Join me in checking out their creations at the CCEE Blog.

AND

At this time I would like to say what a joy it has been to play with this team throughout 2014.  Many of them are longtime Splitcoast stamping friends while others are new friends.  What they all have in common is that they inspire me and motivate me to grow in my chosen craft.  They cheer each other on, have shared grief in the loss of one of our members nearly a year ago, are forgiving when real life gets in the way of stamping, and just generally share in each others joys and woes.  Thanks to each of you for being my friends.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to all meet in real life, face to face??????  I can dream, can't I?????

AND

I would like to wish you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons.

Merry Christmas

and

Happy New Year  

I will have one more post for the Crazies Challenge and then will return in

2015

with a CCEE Challenge and Crazies Challenge in the first week of January.

Sketching It Up with the Crazies

It is the third challenge of the month for the Crazy4Challenges DT.  Frances, our hostess, gave us a fabulous sketch to work with this week.

I stayed very true to the sketch.  I used an image by Impression Obsession.  Only a tad bit of coloring was needed.  I used designer paper for my horizontal panels and textured the red circular panel.  I added a touch of piercing in the upper left hand corner to 'balance' the brads.

Be sure to check out how the rest of the Crazies used this fab sketch at the Crazies Blog.

and......
 

I want to wish my sweet little girl, Angel, a very happy 4th birthday.  My birthday is tomorrow, so we will celebrate together.  (Unfortunately, mine is not my 4th........I hit the big 65 this year!!!))

Happy 3rd B'day, Teddy!!!

Today is Teddy's third birthday.....my how time has flown by. He is our rescue Shih Tzu, and is one of the loves of our lives.

Happy Birthday, Teddy!!! 

Crazies Go Crazy for Folds

The Crazy4Challenges challenge this week was to use multiple folds on our cards/projects.  I am not really a stamper who gravitates toward fancy folds.  I appreciate the fabulous fancy fold creations of others, but I find I just don't seem to send the fancy fold cards I make.  Who knows why???  Anyhooooo....so I just wasn't sure what I would do for this challenge.  Well, in my stamp cave I have decorated the walls with cards sent to me by my stamping friends......they give me both happy memories and inspiration.  Well, my eyes settled on a card Dawn Lusk had sent me a while ago.....a lighthouse card done with a similar fold to what I ended up creating.

I used a stamp (by Repeat Impressions) of my very favorite place  ......Cape Neddick Light in York, Maine, lovingly nicknamed Nubble Light as the lighthouse is located on a nubble.  Here is a picture of the real Nubble Light.

Be sure to visit the Crazies Blog to see all the fancy folds I am sure this DT used.....they are so talented and creative......I sometimes wonder how I was lucky enough to be on this team from its very start.  Thanks for that go to Hoots and Cindy Haffner who started this team!!!

A CCEE Tribute to Charlene Merrick

The CCEE Stampers, both current and alumni, are honoring our dear friend, Charlene Merrick, on what would have been her birthday.  Cancer may have taken Charlene away from us much too soon, but she will live on in our memories and in our hearts forever.  We were blessed with her friendship, her kindness, her sense of humor, and her caring as well as being inspired by her talents.

I have known Charlene through the Splitcoast community for several years, but in 2011 was lucky enough to have met her face to face.  Our time together was short, but wow...it was fun.

Here you can see Charlene posing near a local diner in our downtown area.  She was so tickled to see that it was named Charlene's.  She noted that she rarely saw anything with her name in a title.

We spent part of a day in Mystic.  A visit to Mystic Pizza was a must for Charlene and her friend, Sandy.  Both were fans of that movie.  We actually had Mystic pizza for lunch.

We packed a lot of laughs into our short visit, and this will be one of the memories I will always cherish of Charlene.....my sweet, dear friend.

The CCEE Stampers have created cards this week in Charlene's honor.  We could case one of hers or use some of her favorite things (among these being penguins,, M & M's, and the color purple).

Here is the card I made using Charlene's favorite shade of purple, called Vintage Violet.

Sending smiles and birthday wishes to you, my friend!!!

CCEE Stampers Go to the Dogs

Happy Halloween!!!

 

Anne is our CCEE Stampers hostess with the mostest for October.  She explained to us that October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month.  Because of this, she asked us to make dog-themed cards/projects.  This was an easy one for me.......as our two fur-cuties are both rescue dogs.

Angel, on the left, is our precious, sweet, one-of-a-kind girl who will be 3 years old in November.  We are not quite sure where she got that 'clown collar', but with those curls, she is surely a girlie-girl.  Teddy, a Shih Tzu, is also a rescue; both of them coming to us from Tennessee.  He just turned 2 years old at the end of August.  He is 'all boy'.....and loves his big sister.  Angel, meanwhile, 'mothers' Teddy, so they make a good pair.  I cannot possibly tell you who benefits  the most from adopting a dog......the dogs or the new human family........all I can say is that it is fabulous for all!!!!

Anyhooooooo.....be sure to go to the CCEE Stampers Blog to see the other fabulous canine creations.

I am back.......and ready to STAMP!!!

After a week in Maine, I am now feeling refreshed and with a sense of tranquility.  In this picture, taken at my fav Nubble Light, along with me, is one of my fellow travelers.  Fred will be 95 in August, and he does a great job of keeping up with us during the week's vacation.  This trip started out many, many years ago as a day trip......and now....about 45 years later...has grown to a day short of a week AND we do less now than we used to do in a day.  LOL!!!

A good time was had by all....and some time in the stamping cave is in my future.  Sorry I was MIA for my challenge teams for the last two weeks.

A Sad Goodbye

Today we are saying our official goodbye to the 41 year old only child of two very dear friends.  Jay passed away unexpectedly on June 9 at his home, just one day before his 42nd  birthday.

I have known Jay since he was a twinkle in his parents' eyes.  In his early years there were many weekend days when we packed him up and went yard saling or went to Misquamicut Beach on the Rhode Island shore.  He spent many hours after school playing with (and teasing) his pet beagle, Starry.  In high school he really came into his own and became a master woodworker.  Throughout his short life he created many pieces of wonderfully inventive and outstanding pieces of furniture for his parents, himself, and even for me.  (I have a bookcase he made me in my stamp cave.)  Late high school is also when he developed a love for working with metals, diamond plating, and stainless steel.  His skills in all these mediums grew, and eventually led him to his life's work.

Jay most recently worked for a Boston based company which did work all over the United States.  For this work, Jay was the creative genius behind the scenes.  He imagined, planned, and created robots to do work using the power of water.  He then supervised the use of the robotics at nuclear power plants, at the local submarine base, on barges. along with many other locales all around the United States.  He was well liked and admired by so many in his field AND by his family and friends who marveled at his creations.  Even when he 'lost me' in the description of his work (I am not very mechanically inclined), his enthusiasm and attention to detail amazed me.

However, it was his role as a father where Jay truly excelled.  His son, Brayden, was truly the apple of Jay's eye and the weekends and vacation weeks they spent together were such special times for both of them.  They had many traditions they shared, including a love of the outdoors, eating out at their favorite restaurants, mini golfing, bowling, and the exploration of nearby museums.  Brayden was truly the center of Jay's existence.

Jay was willing to share time and stories with anyone.  He was a loyal friend and a loving son.  His integrity was admirable.  He also took joy in the accomplishments of others.  He used to marvel at my cards and was even pleased to receive a few of my Ukrainian decorated eggs which he proudly displayed in his home.  He probably had no idea how his compliments warmed my heart.  I am blessed to have received some of Jay's handwork for holiday gifts.  These I will always treasure.

His early passing is such a loss for those near and dear, but also for the extended community touched by his personality, warmth, and interests. 

My heart breaks for my friends and their grandson.  I hope that they, and all of the rest of us too, are able to find comfort in an overwhelming treasure trove of happy memories.

Rest in peace, Jay.

30+ Inches......Phew!!!!

I have not had much time for stamping.  NEMO, the historic blizzard, hit Connecticut with hurricane force winds, thundersnow, and snow falling sometimes at a rate of 5-6 inches an hour.  During and after the storm, my shovel was permanently attached to my hand/arm.  If I wasn't helping with the driveway, I was shoveling snow off the bushes or shoveling out a 'toilet area' for our dogs.  We went out 3 times Friday night and several times on Saturday before we got it all done.  We had a total of 30 - 36 or so inches.......hard to tell as the wind was blowing it all around.  In the dogs' toilet area, I shoveled at least 50 inches (or more) as drifting snow would fill it in quickly.  Incredible!!!!  One very positive thing for us was that even though our lights blinked, we never lost power.  Sadly, this morning it was 0 degrees, and there were thousands who still did not have power.  Let's hope that ends for them very soon......I can't even imagine no heat in this weather!!!

I do not have pictures to share as I was too busy shoveling.  When I did think about pictures, the sun was already setting.

However.....today I am sharing some cards I made in recent weeks for challenges at SCS.  I am not going to give details.......just sharing the cards....if you have questions, just ask in your comment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by.  Stay safe and warm.

Tag....You Are IT!!!

Brenda challenge the CCEE Stampers to use a tag on their card.  I must say that I just love this card.....it has it all....SANTA, holly and berries, glittery trees, bling, satin bow, and a banner sentiment panel.  AND.....to finish it off...a wonderfully holiday colored plaid....what more could I ask for??????  Aren't you just sometimes so thrilled when everything seems to come together????  I am always pleasantly surprised when it happens!!!

Now be sure to check out the other tag-inspired creations at the CCEE Stampers Blog.

In the personal news category.....I have just returned from a fabulous week in North Myrtle Beach, SC.  Three dear friends came with me this year, and we enjoyed ourselves........lots of relaxing, swimming, shopping, siteseeing, swimming, and, of course, OCEAN GAZING.  The week went by way too fast!!!  Here are a few 'raw'pictures (haven't had time to do cropping/photo fixing yet).....

A pic of my three friends, a bit windblown, on the pier at North Myrtle Beach.

 

The large ferris wheel on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk.

 

A pic of some birds NOT following the stated rules...lol!!!!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Disappontment Changes to Excitement!!!!

On Saturday I was supposed to go up to West Springfield, MA to the Heirloom Productions Stamp Show.  It is an annual event which I have attended several times.  However, Saturday was a stormy day, and with my weak peepers, I cannot drive a highway in heavy rain.  That 'spittle' the cars send off blinds me.  So, on Saturday I sat with a pout that once again my eyes were keeping me from a stamping event.  (I really don't pout often, but this was a STAMPING EVENT.....IYKWIM!!!!!}

Well, now we move to Sunday......it was starting off bright and sunny and wasn't supposed to storm until late afternoon.  Luckily for me, the meteorologist was right for a change.......so I got my rolling bag ready and off I went to Springfield.....about an hour and half ride from here.  I knew I couldn't stay too long, but the enticement to get there was to meet THREE SCS stamping friends.  AND.....I accomplished that!!!!

This picture, kindly taken by Dave of Rubbernecker fame, shows (l to r) Julia Aston, me, and Anne Harmon.  Julia and Anne were working the Rubbernecker booth at the show.  I was so excited to meet them.  AND....ya know what?????  Just like always, SCS friends are just the best.  We chatted as if we have known each other our whole lives.

My next 'visit' was at the Sweet 'n Sassy booth to meet Korin Sutherland.  Her hubby Dave was the photographer on this one.  Korin is such a sweetie.  We visited just a bit as she had a very popular make-and-take-it table which was a favorite stamping spot.

After this, I did spend some time perusing the show.  Bought some basic supplies, and , of course, a stamp and embossing folder or two (or three), but really did try to control myself.  I have so many 'virgin' stamps still at home awaiting  use.

So that was my Sunday......pretty cool, eh????

Giggle along with TS Monday

After a brief hiatus from challenges, the Totally Stampalicious Monday Challenge is back!!  Our goal this week was to use humor......which is really not a chore with this fun line of stamps!!!  I used the Stella Fairy set which always gives me a big grin.  My card is actually a small (4.25 inch) square card.  It is pretty simple in design, but I think it highlights the fun image and sentiment.  What do you think????

So if you want a smile today you might want to put a visit to the Totally Stampalicious Blog....there is sure to be a smile, giggle, laugh, or even a guffaw provided by our fabulous design team.

AND.....I just thought I'd share a pic of the pups....haven't done so in a while......THEY are the reason why I have LESS stamping time in recent weeks.  They are so entertaining that the minutes just slip away!!!

For those of you new to my blog, Both of these pups are rescues from Tennessee.  Angel on the left in the first picture has been with us for almost a year and is just 14 months old.  She is our precious mutt.  Teddy, the Shih Tzu to the right, is a bit over 4 months old and has been with us since November.

Aren't they just the cutest?????

Even in a cold wind, NUBBLE ROCKS!!!

On Sunday, a friend and I took a day's trip up to Maine to do some 'sweets' shopping AND to stop in to check out Nubble Light......one of my fav places in the world.  The day was really pretty mild for December, but the winds and waves were roaring at Nubble.....thus the mulilayerd look.....hat under hood and sweatshirt hoodie under coat........however......no matter what the weather, a trip to Nubble is always a joy.

A Story to Tell....from Photo to Cards

This is the story behind these sets of cards.  About a year ago or so a dear friend shared  photos with me of a young girl having a tea party in the snow.  The girl in the photos is a granddaughter of my friend's friend.  (Are you following me so far???)  Well.....since it was the day of a Tea Party Challenge on SCS, I decided to share the photos with my dear friend Cindy, the Mudda in charge of the Tea Party.  Well, somehow Cindy shared the photos with Leigh from Happileigh Scrappin' Digital Images.  Leigh made digis from the photos and gave them to me.

Here are the original pictures.

I was determined to get three sets of cards made from these images....one set for the young girl depicted, one for her mother, and the third for the grandmother who shared the photo with my friend.  Accompanying this post is a sample card from each set.  I had to keep them fairly simple to make them flat and easily mailable for the recipients.  I hope they like them.

This last one was done using the Sketch Challenge from SCS.

Hope they all like their card sets.

Say 'Hello' to Teddy

If you are looking for my Totally Stampalicious post, click HERE.

Angel has been missing our dear Pepper since September.  I am so happy to say that she is not lonely anymore.  On Saturday we met the 'rescue' transport truck to meet face-to-face this cutie patootie (a rescued Shih Tzu) who was joining our family.  Isn't he just the cutest furball?????  His name is Teddy, and we are glad to say that he and Angel became acquainted in a very short time and went running around the backyard.  Angel is an incredibly fast runner, so I think Teddy has his work cut out for him!!!!

  We soon took the leash off and lots of frisky fun followed.

Thanks for taking time to stop in to meet the pooches.

What a difference a week makes........

Last week we were finishing up a vacation in the Carolinas......walking the Grand Strand in North Myrtle Beach......enjoying the warmth of some 80 degree days.......relaxing with the soothing sounds of the waves on the shore.....exercising in the pool....... Angel enjoying her first visit to the shore (Click HERE to see a pic of our cutie playing near the ocean.)

AND NOW..........The picture has changed.....

Our state is dealing with the results of a nor'easter.......some parts of the state got as much as 18 inches of snow.  Our accumulation is not so much because the first few inches were followed by a period of rain......and then we gained a few more inches overnight.  It is predicted that some areas will be without power for more than a week.  Thankfully, our power did not go out at all!!!!

The state broke records with this storm.......the most snow to fall in October in recorded history.....AND....the most people without power ever, breaking the record set this summer with Hurricane Irene.

Mother Nature can be such a sassy and unpredictable force.

The Carolinas AND a Totally Stampalicious Reminder

I have had some posts recently, but I have actually been away for almost two weeks.  After a stressful September and early October, a vacation that had been put on hold was reactivated again at the very last miniute.  The Carolinas were our destination to see family and to relax  Here are just a few pictures to share......

Yep, that's right....that is our Angel enjoying the Grand Strand at North Myrtle Beach.  What a wonderful traveler she was....all sorts of new adventures for the girl.

This was my view each morning from my bedroom.  Nothing is better than waking up to the sound of the ocean.

.....and last, but not least, time spent with my nephew and his wife in their new home was very special.  We celebrated his birthday with a fabulous dinner and great chatter.

I am not even going to try to catch up on all the wonderful postings in blogland.......when I have the time I will peruse the work of my blogging friends, but just won't have time to truly catch up and comment. 

AND.......please be sure to check out the Totally Stampalicious Monday Challenge.  I do not have a card since we just returned today (Sunday) and I just didn't have the time to 'create' anything today.  A routine should be back in place by Wednesday.  And...while I was gone, Totally Stampalicious had a release.....lots of wonderful new sets, especially fun for holiday cards/packaging.  Be sure to check out the new sets HERE.

My disappointment on this trip was that I was unable to connect with two SCS/blog friends I had hoped to meet face-to-face, but it just didn't work out.....however I know it will during another visit to North Carolina in the future.

A Fabulous Visit with Charlene aka Bertie aka LilLuvsStampin

If you are looking for my Totally Stampalicious post, click here.


Now...on to the REAL news......


I am not one who really likes to share pics of myself.......just hate the reality of them all.....IYKWIM....however, since my dear stamping friend, Charlene (LilLuvsStampin) was kind enough to drive all the way from Michigan so we could meet face to face, I just have to 'get over it' and share some pics.  Charlene will have more to share as I forgot my camera yesterday.  I only got shots in Mystic and at my house.......!  She has already left and is now visiting Cape Cod for a couple of days before heading to Boston to meet up with Julia (artystamper) and Anne (jdmommy).  Quite a whirlwind of a trip!!!

Charlene is to the left.  I am on the right.

  Picture was taken while visiting Mystic, CT.

Charlene and her traveling friend, Sandy, pointing to the Mystic Pizza sign.

  Sandy is a film buff, so we had to visit Mystic Pizza for lunch.

Charlene in front of our local diner, named after her (wink!)

It actually was a real diner years ago, but now is a storefront restaurant.

Charlene and I in the stamp cave.

Doesn't look like those showcase ones that many have,

but it works for me.  Dawn L. was the one who gave it its name

when she visited a year or two ago.  It has cloth walls and no windows....

it is in a real New England unfinished basement.

My tradition when people come to visit is to take a final picture

in front of my fav Japanese maple bush.  Unfortunately, after this pic,

Charlene and Sandy headed on the road for Cape Cod.

I hope that have a wonderful trip and am so tickled that they came

to Connecticut to spend some time with me.

Thanks, Charlene.....you truly warmed my heart!!!!