Gratitude

"there is always something to be thankful for"

 Lots to share so let's get to it shall we? the above is a collage I did and printed to make my cards for Thanksgiving this year. 

 This is what happened last Thursday into the night:

  Some snow was predicted but it was supposed to turn to rain. Instead we ended up with a total of 9 inches of snow and then sleet! It wreaked havoc in the whole surrounding area with numerous accidents and road closures that some had to sit through in their cars all night long!! Those that were able to make it home from their work said it took hours to reach home when it should have been a 15 min. drive. Thankfully my hubby called off that night - he would never have made it in. And y'all know how I feel about snow to begin with:(     

 However....

  it also turned out to be my lucky day!! I found out I had won a $50 GC from Simon Says Stamp for their Monday Challenge, AND I won a prize package from Ranger Ink from the Dina Wakley MEdia Challenge on Instagram - how cool is that??  can't wait to get whatever Ranger sends, and I always seem to have an ongoing wish list at SSS:)

 For T Stands For Tuesday I would love for you to stop in, have a white chocolate raspberry scone and a cup of coffee:

 Of course I also have a nice variety of teas for those of you who prefer that. 

I often tend to eek in a challenge project at the last minute for the Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog and this is no exception. I made some quick and easy tags for the theme of "All That Glitters is Gold"

 I started with printed tags (Recollections) then simply added gold glitter glue (Stickles by Ranger); poinsettia stickers (Nicole); and Baker's Twine (Darice).

 For the Simon Monday Challenge Blog (this week the theme is "Let It Snow") I have this card:

 The snowman snowflake is an ornament that comes off the card. I attached the silver loop inside the card using a bit of washi tape so it would be easy to remove and add to the tree. 

Products: white notecard; silver glitter fun foam (Michaels); large snowflake die (Darice); patterned paper (The paper Studio); snowman sticker (Nicole); Tim Holtz Small Talk Occasions stickers; silver thread.

 Almost forgot to share my calendar spreads for October:

 And I have one final project to share (aren't you glad it's almost over:):)

 This journal page is meant for Art Journal Journey hosted by Erika this month with the theme of "Vintage or Modern", and for Paint Party Friday:

 Quite modern, no? I thought after I finished and photographed it that the yellow was too bright and I should have mellowed it a bit. But, so far on IG the consensus is that it's good. Acrylic paints; Dina Wakley image and washi tapes; Carabelle Studio stamp on left; faux stitch stamp (Whimsy Stamps); Archival Jet Black ink; Tim Holtz Snarky Small Talk Sticker.

 Wishing all who will be celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday a happy, blessed day. And my gratitude to all of you who kindly take the time to stop by and leave me some love. Mwah!

" We can only be said to be alive when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

                                                                           Thornton Wilder

This Week's Inspirations

 Hello Peeps! Oooh, the weather in the Northern hemisphere is getting colder. I got up Sat. AM to open the curtains to- a SNOW squall!!! :( . Thankfully it passed very quickly but it was quite cold and blustery all day.  I know I have to accept that tis the season...

  I have a tag to share for the Simon Monday Challenge and Simon Wednesday Challenge (theme is "Thanks/Thanksgiving" for both), and Try It On Tuesday (thankful):

 Products: manila tag (Ranger); burgundy card stock; Tim Holtz- Worn Wallpaper, Paper Dolls, Small Talk Occasions Stickers, Alpha Tiles, Thinlits dies 660222; Distress ink- Vintage Photo; Distress Oxide ink- Frayed Burlap, Archival ink- Maroon; 3 dots stamp(unknown); fabric tape - Recollections; buttons- Gary Burlin & Co.; natural twine.

 For T Stands For Tuesday I will share another breakfast I had during our last stay in Cape May:

  Blueberry pancakes, and coffee of course at the Ocean View restaurant;) Yes, they were delicious! And it just came to me- do any of you have pancakes for your dinner? I remember as a kid we would have pancakes for DINNER rather than breakfast every other week!

 I  have this journal page to share at Art Journal Journey (theme is Vintage or Modern) hosted by Erika this month; Paint Party Friday; AND Simply Neutrals hosted by Wen! Wen is celebrating Simply Neutrals 50th by offering a gorgeous giveaway so do check it out, and leave her some love. Of course it would be great if you'd link up with something neutral too!

  Although I am working between at least three art journals, I am currently in love with my newest which is the Dina Wakley Media Journal!!! And I can't get enough of Tim Holtz Snarky Small talk Stickers either! Other products on this page- Tim Holtz Paper Dolls, layering stencil- Linen; Distress Vintage Photo ink; Archival Jet Black ink; Distress spray- Fossilized Amber; gauze scrap; white gesso; black ink.

 Hard to believe Thanksgiving Day is next Thursday already! Anyone have any special plans? I'm paring down the menu, keeping it simple, and will only have my Mom and our son and his GF. Hubby and I have tickets for a show Wed. night (which I wasn't so happy about considering all the cooking and cleaning, etc. I'd be doing from Mon. thru Thurs.) but by keeping the meal quite simple it's do-able.

 Well, that's it from me for now. Will be around to visit. Happy week!

" We do not experience ourselves as a gift until we are engaged in the act of creating."  
                                                                         Elizabeth O'Conner

It's November

 

 It's gotten cold, and two major holidays are fast approaching! Are you ready for it? I think I'm doing pretty well. Just finished my prototypes for both my Thanksgiving cards and Christmas cards and have begun working on them. I am also ready with my new calendar journal for next year! Fingers crossed I stay ahead now:)

 First up, for T Stands for Tuesday I'll share the dinner I had the other weekend when we went to Stefano's Restaurant again and met with my oldest BFF (and I don't mean she's old-we're the same age. I mean that she has been my dearest friend for over 50 years now!!) and her hubby for a great time!

 I had the cheese tortellini with pesto along with the house salad, bread and dipping sauce, water and merlot. Of course I got two meals out of this, and it was a special treat for me! Hubby doesn't like tortellinis so I don't make it at home. Share something beverage related - whether it's a photo, a painting, poem, art project,etc. and join us. It's such a lovely group with many varied and interesting posts. There is a linkup every Tuesday at our wonderful host's blog!

 For the new Simon Monday Challenge (Make Your Own Background) and Tag Tuesday Challenge( Poppies) :

 The tag background: yellow, light green and red acrylic paints. Script stamp (Love To Stamp) stamped repeatedly using Archival Leaf Green ink. Spatter stamp (Inky Antics AOP Long Hair Flair stamp set) repeatedly stamped with Versafine Onyx Black ink.

 Finished tag:

 Larger view:

 To the background I stenciled the flowers (Magenta) using black acrylic paint. The sentiment rubber stamp(Magenta) was stamped on white card stock using the Versafine black ink then edges were sponged. Washi tape at bottom is Dina Wakley. Tag edges were also sponged with the black ink and a fabric bow (Offray) was added at the top.

 And I have a journal page meant for Paint Party Friday, and Art Journal Journey hosted this month by the lovely Erika who has chosen the theme of Vintage or Modern.

  I would definitely label this modern. Fun and messy with lots of bits layered over the painted, stenciled background. The image is Dina Wakley as is the little strip of washi tape (blue).Layering stencil(Clocks) is Tim Holtz, circles stencil is TCW. And of course, the sentiment is Small Talk Snarky Stickers from Tim Holtz :) I am having SO much fun with those stickers and have a few more journal pages to show soon using more of them!

 Thanks so much for your comments which are always appreciated. Have a great week. See ya soon!

" In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures."      Cynthia Rylant