Digging deeper....

I have been giving allot of thought to my scrapbooking (or lack there of) lately -Thinking about how I have to make more time to get more done (don't we all) and how I have been doing more journaling that reflects how I am feeling in the here and now. Observing things around me, life as it is happening and writing about it. Living life and telling about it.

I have always been a huge advocate of jorunaling, and using your own hand writing in your albums. Journaling is probably the easiest thing for me to do when creating a page ( I know I am the oddity out there) I often have the journaling done before I even have the page idea. Lately I find that I am journaling then finding a photo when I create a page. This is backwards to most people. Most will take their photos, and create the layout and journal at the end if they journal at all. I am wanting to take my scrapbooking to a deeper level, to truly leave a mark of my heart on the pages I am creating.

Journaling for me is the key to going deeper. I have several journals (books to write in) around the house, in the glove compartment in my van, in my purse so that I can write when the desire hits. Scrapbooking is more than getting the photos into albums for me, since day one scrapbooking has been a creative outlet for me. I love the creative process, the paper , stickers, embellishments, ribbons etc.. I know the importance of documenting life and events, recalling the things that are important in our lives. I want my albums to reflect who I am as well as what I do, all aspects of life, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Telling about the good the bad and the ugly so that when others look at my albums they see a well rounded person, not just the happy times. I want others to see the true me, my true family and how we deal with life. Not just the posed photos of family vacations and happy birthday photos.... Life is full of ups and downs, good times and bad, happy celebrations and not so happy ones. I want my albums to reflect all aspects.

I am on a new journey in the process of scrapbooking - not quite sure where it will lead but I will keep you all posted along the way. In the mean time here is a question to help you on your own deeper journey ( I would love to see your answers if you are willing to share post a comment if not journal (answer the question) just for you and your own scrapbooking journey......

This question is taken from a book I picked up at the Seattle airport recently called "IF. . . " by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywell. It is a book filled with questions that start with IF... it is a great jumping of point for journaling when you are stuck.

IF you had to choose the single most valuable thing you ever learned, what would it be?

For me. . . I think the most valuable lesson I ever learned was that how I treat people is how I can be expected to be treated in return.
(The golden rule) I have found this to be true. If you treat people with respect you will be respected, if you mouth off and are rude, it will come back to you the same way (if not worse) If you care for people when they are hurting, they will in turn care for you when you are hurting. Being nice will get you a long way in life, it will see you through the good and the bad times.

CONGRATULATIONS

To Cindy Lee- Webster who correctly answered "Changed the Sheets" her email arrived in my in box at 6:30 am on Tuesday! It must be true what they say about the early bird catching the worm! Way to go Cindy!
This was great fun, I laughed at many of your answers, thinking of the possibility of my dear hubby doing some of these things. Thinking it would be great if he did. Now that being said he does tons around the house, 98% of all the laundry and he keeps my van fuled ( I hate the smell of gasoline! EWW!) He is a keeper for sure!

Here is a sampling of what was said

Vacuumed the house
Washed windows
Cut the grass
Cleaned the oven
Hired a maid (OH how I would Love that!)
Made dinner
Cleaned the toilet
Scrapbooked! (Ha Ha Ha!)
Breakfast in bed!

Many of you answered correctly - next time I may not give as many hints! LOL No worries there will be a next time and a next time! It was very fun!
Thank you for making my day.
It is always good to know someone is reading!
Happy Scrapping
Di

New books and a book review

These titles have just arrived!

And the review is in... Thank you Marilyn for taking the time to read and report on "Scrapbooking your Family History the Complete Workbook"

"On a scale of 1-10. I rate this book a 12.

To anyone who is beginning or working on a family or heritage album, this is one book you don't want to miss.

Do not be discouraged when you open the book and flashy layouts don't jump off the page. This book is designed to help us bring meaningful journaling to our albums. The layouts in this album are beautiful in their simplicity and the messages that they convey.

The book features checklists, page planners and worksheets to help you. The checklists get you started with the planning of your album and the forms help you with family trees and organization. But the part I love the most about this book are the worksheets. On the left-hand page is a layout and on the right hand page a worksheet or a photo layout page to help you get started. When you read the information on the layouts you can see how the worksheets helped lay out the foundation for the journaling.

All the checklists, forms, page planners and worksheets can all be downloaded so you don't have to write in your book. Having them beside you as you read is a plus so you can jot down notes and ideas. So if you are creating a family album and need some motivation for journaling or planning this is one book you won't want to miss."

Ah Vegas the city of lights....

Vegas the city that never sleeps - here are some Vegas facts for you - Just in case you ever wondered!

Number of slot machines in the city 197,144

Annual visitors to Las Vegas, in millions 36.7

Number of conventions hosted annually 3749

Amount in miles of lighted neon tubing on the Strip and Downtown 15,000

Year first casino was licensed 1931

Annual state gaming revenue, in billions of dollars 9 (that is a whole wack of cash!)

I just thougth those were some interesting if not somewhat random facts I found about Vegas. It is a place like no other, and one very interesting place to people watch. People from all walks of life, young, old ( I can not believe the number of stroller's people are pushing!) All that is interesting but we are here to work, and work we do - today we were in classes from 8 am - 6:30 pm. Our brains are full of tons of great stuff - here are a few photos from our day!



Di & Ali Edwards Jesica Sprague Pam @ FAO Swatrz
(Digi Dynamo!)



and to close.... the wraper of the Dove chocolate today " Smile and you will sleep soundly today"

I do not think there will be any trouble there tonight.

Good night all.

Talk to you soon ( photos tomorrow???? we will see what is coming and let you know)

Don't fall over... or faint!

I would not want any of you to fall over because it is only 8:30 and I have already sent the INKLING! That is one for the history books for sure - you better make note of it because the likely hood of it happening again is slim to none! You see it is a rare occasion that it is quiet enough in the house at this time of night for me to concentrate and get my thoughts together, but tonight for some reason the girls were getting ready for tomorrow!
Lining up books, paper, pens..... I am doing the happy dance here on the eve of the first day of school.

What a better time to tell you a little about what will be happening at our FALL CLASS KICK OFF this Saturday at the store....
If you are shopping / checking out the classes / working in the SCRAPLOFT (booked for private parties!) you will be enjoying

25% off all purchases (excluding class fees)
Save 10% off all class fees
Receive a FREE COPY of Rebecca Cooper's book - REAL LIFE SCRAPBOOKING if you spend $100. ( shop early there are limited copies available)
Meet TIM - Master of "SCRAPPY HOUR" and have a chance to do a FREE MAKE & TAKE
(What is "SCRAPPY HOUR" It is our new monthly scrapping adventure that will happen on the last Saturday of each month from 10:30 - 11:30 Each month we will feature a new product, technique or give you new tips for your old stash...... It will be an adventure to remember!)

Best of all - Class samples for the FALL CLASSES will be available for you to see!

We are looking forward to a great Day - hope to see you there!

FALL KICK OFF

We will be kicking off FALL in a big way at Remember Me

Next Saturday (September 8th) from 9:30 - 5:30

Class Schedule

Samples to view

Savings on class registration

Make & Take

Discounts & Savings throughout the store

Prize draw

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend

September 1st

Sometimes we simply make life more difficult / stressful than we need to. Every once in a while as I wander through my blog reading I come across something that truly makes me think, THIS was one such entry. Melody Ross founder of Chatterbox inc, and current creative director is one of the most down to earth bloggers I read. Her "Today's to-do list" hit home with me I hope you will all enjoy it too.
I would add a few more to the list to choose from - clean, say NO if needed, LIVE!

It really can be that simple if we want it to be. We simply have to learn to say NO and stick to it.
Think on it a minute - let me know what you think.....
Happy September 1st!
Di

Lessons from Chocolate . . .

I love DOVE promises their rich flavour and smooth texture do a little happy dance on my taste buds each time I pop one into my mouth. Unfortunately for me (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) they are only available in the USA. Thankfully we are only 40 minutes from the border, and Mary visits often enough to keep a little stash at the office. A little chocolate can go a long way in changing ones outlook on life. Especially these little gems!

Now I am a little particular about my chocolate, I has to be dark! Some may call me a chocolate snob. Oh well, it is a risk I am willing to take! Mind you I will eat milk chocolate, given no other options, it is not my preference. Sometimes a girl just has to do what a girl has to do! This chocolate preference was solidified when I heard that recent studies show there are health benefits to dark chocolate, which is the perfect justification for my little vice. All this aside the main reason I love DOVE promise is quite simple - there is a little message on each wrapper. Some are quite silly, others are quite insightful none the less each time I open one of these little treats I anticipate the little promise enclosed in the red or gold foil. For a while I kept the wrappers and just read them because they put a smile on my face.

Simple things in life!

It has crossed my mind on occasion that there could be a mini album waiting to hatch here too. Simply because everything in life deserves at least a page right? (NOT - more on that next post!) However I do believe that there is inspiration around every corner - this was just one little corner. I can see the album in the theater of my mind, one promise per page, with our without photos. It could be a mini album dedicated to eating chocolate, the history of chocolate, the process of making chocolate. . it certainly has possibilities for sure.

Simple lessons, simple inspiration!

Why do we make life so hard?

We really can learn lessons from chocolate as funny as it sounds.

Yesterday's promise read " Watch the Sun come up"
Others that have made me smile
"Create with abandon"
"The Best things in life are Chocolate"
"Exercise your heart today"
"Go against the grain"
"Eat Chocolate before bed to sweeten your dreams"
"Dance even if someone is watching"

Little nuggets that just make me smile, and take a pause in the middle of my day to think of something totally random.

It is just simple fun!

I think we all need more of that in our lives.

More class photos

Classes

Upcoming class photos

MOM & ME - Teacher appreciation album in a tin!

This is an adorable way to say thank you to your teacher and a perfect Mom and child (or Grandma, Aunt, Uncle....) to do together. The mini accordian album fits perfectly into the decorated tin. Everything you need to create this unique one of a kind project is included in the kit (except adhesive). Cost $18.00

Saturday June 23

1:00 - 3:00

Teacher: Pam

CARDS! CARDS! CARDS!

This class is the best value on the market! All supplies (except adhesive) are supplied to create these lovely "Thinking of You" themed cards. You will stamp, tear paper, punch, ink, colour, use

brads and layer paper as you make these 4 Cards! All for $10.00.

Sunday June 24th

1:30 - 3:30

Teacher: Rae

SUMMER LAYOUT - Splash -

Create this lovely 2 page spread suitable for any theme - sample shows lake fun photos - use 6 full size 4 x 6 photos on this page layout that has been scraplifted from the current issue of Canadian Scrapbooker - learn how easy it is to use magazines as inspiration. Ribbon, uttee, chipboard, ink, paint, flowers, pattern paper & cardstock will all be used! Please bring 6 4 x 6 photos of like summer theme with you to class.

June 27th

6:30 - 8:30

$18.00

Teacher: Pam

OH CANADA
Let your Canadian pride show!

Create this great 2 page layout with a bit of a twist - not traditional colours for this patriotic page adds to it's charm! Play with Chipboard, incorporate stickers and pattern paper to create this amazing project!
July 5th, 2007

6:30 -8:30

Teacher: Pam

Gratitude - an overwhelming sense!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The response to our call for postage paid cards is so huge - I have gotten 3 large packages in the mail this week from BC & Beyond! Customers are binding together with workmates and collecting - in a few short days Chris M and friends, Sylvia, May, Jennifer & Kyndra from BC Transmission Corp brought in a pile. Kensington school in Burnaby worked together and dropped off almost 1300! A friend in Oklahoma (Hi Teri!) told me she is sending a huge box our way!

Tonight Karen C told me how her and her daughter were sitting in a garage waiting for new tires to be put on their van, while waiting they went through every magazine in the joint! Every day we receive new cards, one or 2 at a time, or 100's it does not matter because every SINGLE card brought in brings us closer to a cure! Every card marks a step in the right direction!

It is amazing to me to see how a community - our community of scrapbooking - can work together and do such an amazing job! Give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it!

Keep them coming! We are now well over 6000! Pretty cool for just a few months of collecting!

Tears of gratitude and blessing....

When you wake up in the morning do you ever ask yourself

"Self what is today going to be like?" Or "Self what are we going to do today?"

Some mornings as I am just waking up, listening to the rain (come on I live in Vancouver - it happens allot) or feeling the sun shine through the crack in the curtains (Yes that happens sometimes too!) I think, O.K. God what is going to happen today?

Some days are simply routine, get up, get ready for work, make sure the girls are up and doing what they need to be doing, take Ashlynn to school, off to work... then at 2:30 begin the whole list in reverse, making sure the girls are doing their homework, get dinner ready. . . The same regular thing. Then there are moments in the middle of the day - when you get your socks blessed off and you literally stand there wondering if it truly happened. I had one such moment today - I am still in awe and feeling warmed to the center of my soul.

Today looked as if it would be a fairly regular day for the most part. I knew there was a "challenge" to deal with when I arrived at the store involving a Visa machine that was down for several hours the previous day. A challenge here and there at the store is nothing out of the ordinary routine that is for sure...

Then it happened, one of those moments . . . you know the ones you have to pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming... a little something that literally made me cry tears of gratitude and blessing.... right in the middle of the store! This literally made my day! And continues to warm my soul - way down deep on so many levels.

A number of INKLINGS ago I wrote about my first camera, a brownie Hawkeye, it was a gift from my Grandma, and how much I wish I still had that camera. I have many good memories of adventures with Grandma and the camera. Sweet Sweet childhood memories. Today as I was working in the store a sweet customer ( I am feeling totally awful I am drawing a total blank on her name, Oh it makes me so very mad at myself when I do this!) came in carrying a blue bag and came directly to the counter, I thought cool, more postage paid cards to add to our stash...

No way, this is way cooler... she looks at me, hands me the bag and says I have a little gift for you.... I'm thinking oh that is so nice, she made my day before I even opened the bag. OH MY - I actually squealed and tears of blessing and gratitude sprang to my eyes when I put my hand in the bag and pulled out MY CAMERA! (Tears are springing again!) It could have been my original Hawkeye - the exact model - it felt the same, looked the same and everything.... How cool is that?

It still makes me smile and warms me to the deep recesses of my soul. First that she would think of me, second that she would remember reading my little story, third that she would ask her husband to pass along the 'extra' Hawkeye that they had gotten at an auction.... What a day! One truly blessed day!

My soul is blessed down right to the core!

THANK YOU! from the bottom of my heart for thinking of me. For making the time to bring it in, for being a blessing. It truly is in the little moments of life like this that make life so full!

WOW!

Just for those brave souls

who may desire to have their scrapbook pages, or paper craft projects published. I have found this cool blog that is dedicated to listing all "pub calls" - I have been asked a few times how to get work published in magazines, or where to look for what magazines are looking for. This BLOG has the answers to those questions and more.
Check often
Good luck to anyone who tries.
Remember that the reward is not in getting your pages published but in the fact that you scrapbooked them for your family in the first place.
Happy scrapping

No photo's required!

I thought this was a very cool challenge.

Over the weekend I was reading Donna Downey's blog which led me to a new blog by a great watercolour artist named Kal - who has issued a 1 + 1 + 1 challenge (go to her blog for complete details) to write a letter dated one year, one month & one day from today about what you will be doing , where you will be at, who you will be with etc..... Use your imagination, dream big. Write it down, then go make it your reality. I thought it would be a very unique writing assignment for a high school English class. Not to mention it spoke directly to my scrapbooking journaling heart.

This past week I have been working on a mini album - a photo's optional project. I am calling it "Recollections" Each page will have a recollection of my past, things that I recall, and remember that I truly do not want to forget (loosely inspired by the movie The Notebook ) Things that I may or may not (in most cases do NOT) have any photo's for. Things like how I used to jump out of my 2nd story bedroom window by grabbing a branch of the tree - and how my dad always wondered (never caught on) why that one branch was always growing funny! Or how in the summer Dad used to get a great deal on " ice-cream seconds" from the Dairy - Naked Revels (no chocolate), Popsicles with one stick, Drumsticks with no nuts - you never knew what you were going to get when you picked because usually the labels were all wrong too. No photos in my collection for these memories....

It is my hope that one day when I am old and my memory may not work quite as it should that this little album will be a source of great joy! Then it will be passed down and the stories enjoyed over and over... Recollections! Remembers!

Tell me what you are working on these days... or what your not! I would love to hear from you.

Upcoming classes

Acetate mini album.

Learn how to stamp, paint, and emboss on Acetate transparencies. During the process you will create a great little mini album and learn the tips for success with this unique surface. Please brin all basics to class (Trimmer, adhesives, scissors etc)

CARDS, CARDS, CARDS

Make 4 Fathers day cards in this class. You will be using stamps, punches and paper layering techniques to create these cards

Ever wonder

Do you ever wonder why we celebrate (or have stat holidays) the days we do. I mean some are obvious, like Christmas, and Canada day. Where others like, Labour Day and Victoria day are less so. I thought I would take a look into this holiday that gives us a Long Weekend this weekend. So here it is Victoria Day in a nut shell. Just in case you ever wonder. . .


Victoria Day
In Canada, the celebration of Victoria Day occurs every year on Monday, prior to May 25th. It is the official celebration in Canada of the birthdays of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. Victoria Day was established as a holiday in Canada West (Now Ontario) in 1845, and became a national holiday in 1901. Before Victoria Day became a national Holiday, people had celebrated Empire Day , beginning in the 1890s as Victoria approached her Diamond jubilee in 1897. Victoria, queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India was born on 24 May 1819. She ascended the throne after the death of her uncle George IV in 1837 when she was only 18. She ruled until her death in 1901 when her son Edward the VII became king of England

100 things I want to do in my life.....

Quite some time ago (many years) Memory Makers featured an article about the things we want to do in our lives before we are unable to, it has stuck in my mind. The article talked about making a list of 100 things you want to do before you die... It seemed like quite a task, I did not think I would ever come up with 100 things, however when I put the pen to paper I came up with 5o very easily and quickly, and had no problem getting to 100 (actually 148 to be exact)

Just recently I came across the list I wrote, it was fun to read, some things never happened like... doing the Grouse Grind before I am 40! Never did that Maybe before I reach 45! And others that have such as Celebrate 40th birthday in a big way! There are things that will likely not happen because of the cost involved, or change in circumstances. Some things I have no or very little control over - holding my grand babies..

I remember sitting down and writing my list of 100 things. It was a great exercise, to make you think about where your life is, and where you would like it to be. how you are going to change it if it needs changing, it is a great place to dream - big or little dreams! I also think that by writing things down we are more likely to do them, there is a level of accountability to self when we see things written down.

Here are 5 random things that come from that list

1. Milk a cow
2. Ride in a hot air balloon
3. Visit my friend Lisa in Niger (Read some great stories HERE) where she works!
4. Hold my Grand babies in my arms (many years down the road!)
5. Drive across Canada with my family

The next step would be to scrapbook each of these 100 things.... The article suggested creating an album of the list, pre done pages so that when you achieve one of the items on the list all you have to do is add a photo or 2! Voila! Simple album of the things that are important to you...

How cool is that?

One Boy...

And 700 pre-paid postage cards later! Last week I received an email from Colleen, one of my customers asking me when I would be in the store this week, her son had something that he wished to hand off to me personally.

It is not usual for me to be at the store on the weekend these days, though I often make special trips in, to say hi to people passing through, pop in on a crop or in this case come in because it was asked of me. So at 11:00 on Saturday I made a new friend - Colten ! I have seen many photo's of Colten, heard stories but never had the privilege of meeting him. On Saturday he walked in and handed me a bag FULL of pre-paid postage cards. How cool is that? Colten had gone to the Doctors and collected cards, went through the magazines at home, at the School Library he recruited his friends to help him go through the magazines - friends started bringing him cards!

He has many in his Port Coquitlam neighbourhood collecting. Just today his Mom Colleen emailed and said he already has a pile started for the next delivery! How awesome is that! Colten you are my hero - in just over a month this one boy has made a difference! His collection of 700 cards translates to $119.00 for Cancer research! Colten says this is only the beginning, he is talking to Friends and relatives, looking where ever he can to continue his quest! This touched my heart! Cancer is one of those things that has touched so many lives - we may be going through the process, in recovery or we know someone, or know someone who knows someone who has been touched by this horrid disease - this is one great way to make a difference! We will be collecting cards on an ongoing basis with no end in sight at this point! Just think of the possibilities! Colten did and look what he has started! Thank you Colten! You are making a difference in our world! Keep it up!

UPCOMING CLASSES

This is a great little project for anyone wanting to put all of your favorite recipes in one place. Perfect for a gift for mom, grandma, aunt or just for you! Because YOU deserve a little gift too!

Show Dad / Husband just how special he is with this great little album! "HE IS" is a board book album to honor the special guy in your life.

Class size is limited in both of these classes so please call ahead to reserve your space.

Also Coming up

Cards Cards Cards - Thursday May 31 st. Create 4 cards for only $10.00

Terrific Techniques - Sunday May 27th -

This months technique focus - Transparencies! $18.00

Watch for photos of the class samples for both of these great classes to show up here soon!

New Dies and a new Die Cut Machine !

Class photos

Classes coming up:

Please call to register 604-520-5874

Ah, technology - you got to love it!

There are days that I love technology. Those days when I am online and sending an email to my best friend who is in Africa and getting an instant reply, oh, I love it. Or when I am looking for medical information and in less than 3 minutes I have what I need an more.

Then there are times like I had earlier this evening when I am trying to get my camera to download photo's, my ipod to load, and nothing works, those are the moments that it frustrates me to no end. After fighting for an hour with "technology" I hit one button (not for the first time!) and all of a sudden it works. Ah, why is it like that, I do not understand! But it works and I am happy - So here are the photo's for the up and coming classes at Remember Me. And I am now loving technology again. When it works it is great - when it doesn't maybe it comes down to the operator needing to be more tech savvy! Hmm, I guess it is not technology, but my lack of knowledge! There is so much more to learn!

Happy Easter Weekend everyone.

Warm Easter wishes for you and your family this Easter long weekend. May it be a time where you celebrate the new life all around you, family and friends. And of course a time when you take lots of photos.

Easter for me is so much more than the bunny and the eggs (tho those are fun!) Easter is considered one of the holiest of all holidays on the Christian calendar. It is a time when we reflect upon and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Personally it is a time of renewal - a time to start fresh and go forward, much like seeing the new growth on trees, and the cherry blossoms in full bloom - Easter is a time to spread my wings a little and take up a new challenge. Not sure what that will be yet this year, but something is coming down the pipe and when I figure out what that is to be I will most assuredly let you in on it. In the meantime I am going to enjoy this Easter and be thankful - visit with family and enjoy! I pray it is a weekend where you are able to do the same.

Please take note that Remember Me is closed Easter Sunday to allow our staff to enjoy the holiday to the fullest.

Have a great holiday and do not eat too many treats.

Here are a few ideas if you want create a deeper meaning to your Easter celebrations.

Resurrection eggs - these can be purchased at a Christian bookstore or you can create your own. They are a set of 12 eggs each containing one symbol of Easter by the time each one has been opened the whole story has been told. My girls loved these as younger children.

Over night Easter Cookies - again these tell the story of Jesus death and resurrection. Note these need to be made on Saturday night for the full effect. Great family activity.

The Jelly Bean prayer - a great visual reminder for kids.

However you celebrate this Easter may your days be full of love, joy and peace.
And of course tons of photos. Now lets hope the sun comes out and graces us with it's presence.
Happy Easter
Di

Do you ever wonder

I had an odd thought today as I was doing the Mom taxi / driving to work thing this morning. Do you ever wonder about those people that are in your life that you "know" but you do not "truly" know. Here is what I mean: Each and every day we are in contact with people, the fellow who pumps your gas, the lady you see walking her dog every day, people crossing the street, the barrista at Starbucks that makes your coffee in the morning. People who we see and are familiar but we do not know their name basically anything about them. People that are part of our lives in a peripheral sort of way, but part of our lives none the less.

I remember reading a story after 9/11 about how New Yorkers felt as their city slowly returned to "normal" how relieved they were to see these people start to re-appear in their regular places. The comfort and security that represented. The knowing that not everything had changed, was like a familiar blanket on a cold day.

There is the one man who we see almost every day after school, jogging home with his daughter, she is about 8 and always has her heavy back pack - I always think 2 things, wow what a work out, and why not carry her back pack for her every once in a while. Well this morning I saw him and he was limping... I wondered what had happened to cause the injury - then after school today I saw the little girl walking with another grown up after school. I wondered if they recognize my van going by each day as something familiar - wondered what people see. Or if I am just odd in my recognition - I think I will scrapbook about that tonight. I have some great pictures of my neighbourhood that will work. How about you do you ever wonder about such odd things or am I just a little odd.

Way cool mini class

Terri a friend who has a store in Oklahoma posted this in her newsletter and I thought it was too cool not to share. Many of you are familiar with the Crop-a-dile the amazing easy as pie eyelet setting, hole punching tool. This is by far the best tool on the market - no pieces to loose, it is silent, no hammer needed and it punches through chipboard like a hot knife through butter! We love this tool at the store. Here is a great U-Tube video clip that shows you the in's and out's of using this tool. Take a few minutes (7:49 to be exact) to take a look. If you have not had a chance to see this great tool up close and personal come into the store and let us give you a quick demo. You will fall in love like we all have! Have fun.
Happy Spring Break Day 3!

Break the blahs.....

Spring break is upon us and it would appear that the weather is not co-operating. Here are a few ideas to help with the spring break blah's...

Create a mini "Tag" book.
6 Large tags will be the "pages" . Use photo's, stickers, embellishments to create a mini album. Page title ideas

People
Places
Things
Likes
Dislikes
Favorites
Games
Books
Movies
Dreams
Fears... I am sure you can come up with a list a mile long as well. Add more "pages" as needed. Tie with a ribbon or use a split ring to "bind" the album

Hand the digi camera to the kids and have them take 10 photos of their "favorite things" print out photos and create a 2 page spread from their perspective.

Set up a "photo Studio" at home and dress up and play! Take lots of photos. Have fun

Go for a walk in the rain - take photos.

Pull out a puzzle and work on that together, take progress photos every hour or so.

Good old traditional board games are often overlooked in favor of computer or video games. Sit down around the table and play a board game. Tell stories about games you used to play when you were there age.

Simply pull out the scrapbooking supplies and a few photo's and ask the kids to create a page that reflects them at this age. (No guidelines or parameters - let their creative juices flow) Let them have fun!

Bake cookies (cake, muffins....)

Pull taffy

Make fudge

Hmm, wonder what my girls want to do after they clean their room's (will be taking before and after photos of this earth shattering event.....)

have a great spring break. Think out side the box, have fun. Enjoy! Let me know what you are doing to keep them busy on these lovely inside days......

Classes coming up.....

Classes coming up at the store...

March 14th
Noon - 2:00
"Celebrate Her" Mini binder album.
This Bo-Bunny kit is so darn cute - it would make the perfect Mother's day gift. Join Pam Wed morning and have some creative fun.

$30.00 includes all but adhesive

March 22nd
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Iris Folding Cards
Join Rae and learn the beautiful art of Iris Folding. You will create 2 cards using this unique time honoring technique. By choosing papers that coordinate, and folding you will have cards worthy of framing. The cost is $18.00



March 25th,
Altered Tin using alochol Inks.
This is a fun funky class using the Tim Holtz inspired inks by Ranger. No two tins in class will be the same, each will be as unique as their creator. This is a technique based class. $18.00





March 29th
6:30 -8:30
Card Cards Cards
This months Cards Cards Cards features "Thinking Of You" cards for any occasion. Stamp, layer, colour and create 4 cards in this fast paced class. You will be hooked on card making after this. See images for this class at Rae's blog. Rae will inspire you in this workshop with the simplicity and class of these cards. Come join the fun for $10.00

Time is a gift!

As I was surfing today I came across this, and thought it was worth sharing. It truly makes you think about the little seconds that make a difference in life. . . . . . . I most certainly can not take credit for the writing, only for the finding. I hope you enjoy it.

A Wonderful Gift to You

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening it deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!!!!

Each of us has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day.
If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success.. The clock is running. Make the most of every day.


To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.


Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one.


Sure made me think about how much time slips through my day...

Time and time again....

I turn back to my old "trusted" favorites - it does not matter if it is a pair of jeans, a favorite cook-book, bubble bath scent, or even a movie. I think that is probably true with most of us, we like the familiar the comfortable the tried and true. When I am not feeling well I want chicken noodle soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, the afghan my grandma made for me when I was 12 and a good book - and to be left alone.

I find the same is true when it comes to my scrapbooking as well. I gravitate towards, favorite colours, embellishments and of course the same idea books - I turn to the same ones over and over and each time there is something new to learn and see. This weekend I pulled out one of my all time favorites (and it is not one of the oldie's but it is a goodie for sure!) "the big picture" written by Stacy Jullian I have read this from cover to cover more than once (and I have sung it's praises as well) & each time I find something new. It has been used it for page layouts, as inspiration to write my newsletter, journaling ideas and to get me organized - but I had NEVER done the little tag book at the back - It is right there, punch out the tags and get started, it does not get any easier than that! So. . . that is my goal for this week! To complete my "Big Picture" tags, or at least get a very good start on them, because as I sit and think about it, these tags should be a work in progress. So I am going to work and progress.

How many of you have "the big picture" book and have yet to start and / or complete the tag book at the end of the book - Join me. . . . work and progress along with me.

I think I am turning into a mini album kind of gal! I love the little projects that have a theme and get done quick. I love the sense of accomplishment when they are done. I am letting go of the every photo, in order mentality and finding much more creative freedom - I am excited to scrapbook again.

Di.

Inspired

The new issue of Canadian Scrapbooker has just arrived. I took one out of the box to read at home - I sat down with the magazine and open it up and the first page I see is "Confessions of a SAHM" by one of our 77in'07 club members - Sonja McLean - Great work. It is exciting to see local gals get published.
I must confess the Confessions of... kept me awake with page possibilities

Confessions of a . . .

• Full time working mom
• Choco-holic
• Junk food junkie
• Scrapbook addict
• Flea market shopper
• Spontaneous mom
• House work hater (te he he - that would be me!)
• Gourmet cook
• Mom taxi service
• Top brass executive
• Teen's / Toddler's mom
• Sleep deprived creative force
• Late night snacker
• Exercise junkie
• reader
• writer
• best friend
• world traveller
• Hollywood star gazer

The list could go on and on - lets hear what you can come up with.

Now that this is written down I can get back to my regularly scheduled day.

Have fun confessing ......

Di

Reading blogs

I spend far too much time doing "market research" (reading blogs...) I gain so much insight into the scrapbooking world. I am challenged - inspired and daily impressed with what I see and read out there. It at times can be mind numbing. Today I came across a story that was rather cool and truly made me think.... Read on (it is sort of long and I am sorry I do not know where I found it.) and then tell me what you think. (What things have come into the world in your life time? This would be a great journaling challenge! Write On!

HOW OLD IS GRANDPA?
One evening a grandson was talking to his grandfather about current events.The grandson asked his grandfather what he thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.The Grandfather replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before:
television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and the pill
There were no:credit cards, laser beams or, ball-point pens
Man had not invented:pantyhose, air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers & clothes washers and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and man hadn't yet walked on the moon.
Your Grandmother and I got married first, . . . and then lived together.
Every family had a father and a mother, mother did the only baby care, and didn't get the government to pay her for doing that.
Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir".And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, "Sir."
We were before gay-rights, computer- dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy.Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense.
We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege.We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums.
We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios.
And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan ' on it, it was junk
The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam.
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.
And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, . . . but who could afford one?
Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
In my day:
"grass" was mowed, "coke" was a cold drink, "pot" was something your mother cooked in and "rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby. "Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office, " chip" meant a piece of wood, "hardware" was found in a hardware store and "software" wasn't even a word.
And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap... and how old do you think I am?
I bet you have an OLD MAN in mind after reading this... you are in for a shock!
Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time.
Are you Ready?
This man would be only 59 years old

Time to get serious

The past 2 months at the store have been a whirl-wind of activity. Year end, renovations, VIS top 100 party, all on top of regular life and family commitments have made 2007 feel like total storm of activity. The tornado seems to be settling and we are ready to get down to business.

If you have not been into the store in the past few weeks you will want to make sure that you come in - there are TONS of changes. New carpet in the main part of the store inspired us to totally revamp and redesign the store layout. A whole lot of work, when you consider that the entire store had to be moved out to make room for the carpet layer - we managed to get it moved, carpet laid and major fixtures moved back in one day. It continues to be a work in progress as we "tweak" things. It is amazing how big and bright it looks. The comments we are hearing are all positive - Thank you! Your positive feedback is a huge encouragement for us.

We are now ready for the influx of NEW and exciting products that are en route. Some have arrived and are now in the store. There are several shipments either at the border or a few days away. It will be like Christmas very soon!

Basic Grey ( Scarlet Letter, Phoebe & Stella Ruby) These papers are gorgeous! Personally I think some of the best offerings from BG so far.