Anna Inside Out

Moved....

2006-08-08T22:05:00.000-08:00

...my blog here.

::Edited::
Fixed! Thank Laurie G for pointing that out :)

Do you know when you've been Nuked?

2006-08-01T23:27:00.000-08:00

I do. Every day for the last 20 months! I've never made a secret of this little man's wild tendencies but this weekend he seems to have been particularly BUSY! Not sure if you can read it on the page so here goes:

"You know you've been nuked .....when a certain little man breaks your keyboard, mouse, takes apart your salt and pepper grinders, removes the batteries from every appliance he can get his hands on, including the TV and DVD remote, pulls your mac off the breakfast bar onto the floor, bites your friends child, squirts Lysol into his mouth, gets you up for the day at 4 am, clocks you in the nose when you ask for a kiss, says “3, 4” when you give him the “1,2,3”, runs away from you when you need to change him, bites though the LCD on your $200 razor phone dismantles the lamps! All in 72 hours"

We call him "Luke the Nuke". My Dad, king of humour in our family, came up with it. I would never imagined that would become his nickname. Ironically, his Great Grandmother wanted him to be named Thor which I think in hindsight was probably spot on for him. Just today I learned about Loki, the Norwegian God of Mischief. Aspnes is actually a Norwegian name as Erics Great Grandfather arrived in Minneapolis from Norway. He was an electrical engineer. How apt? Maybe he's going to follow in his Great Great Grandfathers footsteps.

Credits: Journaling block, Definition and Date Stamp by Katie Pertiet over at my new home, Designer Digitals. Lovin' it over there.

So, onto other things... Check out this.

Cool huh? My dear friend Ronalyn did it. I signed up and she did the rest. I tried to get a grips with it first, and failed miserably, so she graciously said she'd set up for me. Now, how cool is she? And how lucky am I to have a friend like her? Not only does she love on my children when I'm busy creating but she's always wanting to help me out. Such a sweet post from her too. She knows I'm not one for all the mushy stuff but LOVED her post. She totally gets me. So as soon as I pluck up the courage to go over there and make a post I'll be moving.... I know, I know...moving again. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't do do anything by halves ;) But seriously, I'm so frustrated with blogger, not being able to upload my photos...

I'll be checking in with you tomorrow...

Thank you!

2006-07-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

Everyone, who posted, lending your support in my decision....so cool....so appreciated.

Last week was a tough week for me. Exhausted from CHA and a 7 hour plane ride home, lost luggage, Luke teething, sleepless nights with both children, Eric absent, a HUGE deadline coming up, and then amongst all of that, switching stores... It was a lot to handle, and culminated in a nasty migraine yesterday.

So not much achieved this weekend, other than resting. I guess once in a while we all need to take time out, even if I do maintain sleep is a waste of time. My body has a way of forcing it upon me these days.

So, more important info on the Storefront. I'm now live at DD, as of yesterday. Wowzers! What a great bunch of ladies and such a warm welcome! I have most of my newest sets moved over from SBG. The rest will be moved over this weekend. I will also be closing out of SBE at the end of August and all these sets will be off;ine for a month and then re-uploaded to the DD Store at the end of September. Phew! What a palava it is to move...

Psyched to get a mention on Rhonna's blog. I just love that lady!

I took this photo last week, as a result of an article about lighting, that I read in Outdoor Photographer. Love this mag, and have a subscription, kind of by accident really. I originally subscribed to Photographic which was then taken over by Shutterbug and so I started receiving Outdoor Photographer in it's place. Good Stuff!

Change

2006-07-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

...My mum always says change is as good as a rest...but having spent the last 31 years in a military community, change is something I have become very accustomed to. In fact I don't know any different. Change is not any easier for me but it is inevitable and something that you just learn to accept.

While at CHA, I made the decision to join Katie over at Designer Digitals. I want you to know this decision has been made quickly and had I not attended CHA I would not even be contemplating this. Needless to say, it's been a tough for me to walk away from SBG. Not only is this my second move in so many months, but I'm walking away from an awesome team of designers, who perhaps feel, I've not given them a chance. I've always relied heavily on my instincts and so I feel this situation isn't any different and I just have to go with them.

I realize there is a lot at stake here: My reputation and that of SBG, of which both hold equal value in my book, so before rumours thrive I want you to know this has been amicable and professional. This move has everything to do with me and my goals and nothing to do with any fault of SBG. I have only good to tell of the team and this site.

And to my customers...I thank you for your continued support, and I hope you don't mind me moving just one more time. Without you, none of this would be possible. I look forward to seeing you over at DD soon :)

On that note, I leave you with an image I took last night. Can you believe the leaves are already turning? Not even August and we're heading into Fall. "It's all good"!

More Fotos....

2006-07-27T16:23:00.000-08:00

"Ali"

Barb Hogan & TIffany Tillman

Eeek! Can't remember all the names of the girls on this table but include HMers 2005, 2006, Miley Johnson and Kelly Lautenbach. IF you see this and you're on this photo, please remind me of your names :) Oh, and Barb is here again too :)

(Left to right) Lisa Cohen, Nancie Rowe Janitz and Lauren Teather. Thank you Lauren for the Chicago treat :) Will email you as sson as I get through all my mail :)

More fromt he CK Reception:

DCWV Booth - COOOOOL Chairs :)

(Left to Right) Michelle Coleman, Debbie Pearson, Taran Conyers, Traci Sims

Elsie also has some great pics on her blog, if you haven't already been over there :)

The Fotos...

2006-07-27T05:13:00.000-08:00

I'm back!

2006-07-26T15:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you! Had so much fun at CHA! Glad to be back. It was a bit of a trek (7 hours). Have you also noticed that coming back always takes much longer than going? In fact, it's taken me a few days to get back on my feet. Lost luggage and Luke getting in his molars, compounded with sleep issues, has meant not much sleep for any of us. It's been a busy time back home!

Totally amazed at just how much the children have changed in just 4 days. Luke's speech has come on in leaps and bounds and Ella really blew me away on Monday when she decided that she was going to wear pants. Now that's a first in a LONG time! I was also impressed at her efforts in making her bed until I realized Daddy had taught her to sleep on top of instead of underneath her covers... Seriously though, he did a great job. Maybe I need to take trip a little more often ;)

So the show! Fun times...Busy...Lots of people and cool stuff everywhere. I got to meet a bunch of people, some I had met before, and some I hadn't: I just have to say Barb Hogan is just plain COOL, as is my new friend Debbie Pearson, as well as many others, just too many to mention.

Favorites from the show:

1. Michelle Coleman and Nancie Rowe-Janitzs new line with Fancy Pants Designs

2. Basic Grey, of course ;) I'm totally into their Magnetic Embellishments and their "Lily Kate" line.

3. MME new Bohemia Collection. If you haven't seen it, check out Ali's little Ad. Also over there were Jen Wilson, Lisa Cohen and Traci Sims debuting their new lines. Lots and lots of digi faces :) :)

4. Westrims 5 X 7 digital albums. I've been looking for these for about 4 years! Finally!

5. Fontwerks: Stamps by our own Katie Pertiet. Tia Bennet introduced me to owner Kah-Mei who amazed me when she told me she is a full time social worker.

6. Oh and did I mention my new papers with Carolees Creations? ;)

This time I got to see a different side of the industry and talk to the scrapbooking "celebrities" such as Ali, Elsie Flannigan and my friend Rhonna. It was neat to hear and see how it REALly is. Ali is really laid back and down to earth, Elsie is soooo young, and Rhonna, well she's REAL, and stands way taller than her 4ft 11 frame. Far too much picture taking for my liking though..

The CK reception was a buzz of past and present CK HOF & HMs, CK Staff and contributors. I was quite taken aback when HOFer 2006 Tiffany Tillman, literally ran up to me and told me she loved me - WOWZERS!. Ali Edwards eat your heart out! LOL! Well it's as close to fame as I will ever get. Fun fun times! About 30 of us got together afterwards for pizza and drinks, and pretty much took over the hotel lobby, where I met yet more people. Ok, so I've seen more people in the past week than I've seen in 6 months LOL!

I think it's official...I have more on-line friends than I do in real life.. More photos to follow..

Edited: Blogger is acting up so I'll have to add the photos later. Honestly, I'm not keeping you on tenderhooks...... Blogger is REALly acting up ;)

Tschuess!

2006-07-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all your sweet comments, and to those who post every day. I wish I had the time to visit you all on a regular basis too, but there are just not enough hours in the day. It's always great to hear what you have to say.

Heading out to sunny Chicago for CHA today! Looking forward to meeting new people and catching up with friends, feasting on endless eyecandy and perhaps even meeting a few "famous" faces. These shows are always a blast, whichever way you look at it, but mostly I'm looking forward to some sleep. Late nights and Luke waking earlier than usual, has left me tired. I think I look tired in these photos (thank you Ronalyn :) We were up at 4am this morning so I thought I'd make the most of a less than desirable situation (I am not a morning person) and have some fun with my new art. Eagerly awaiting my Scrapbook Shortcuts, Quizzes & Questions to arrive in the mail so I can add some meaningful journaling to these pages. There's a page of mine about my childhood and some very 70's photos hidden in there somewhere :)

So while I'm gone, if you want to read more about me, check out this...

I'll be home on Sunday night...

NEW!! Art at Studio Anna

2006-07-17T21:25:00.000-08:00

Here

Mommy, we do scrapbooking now?

2006-07-17T21:14:00.000-08:00

This is what I hear a lot of right now from Ella. Almost, as much as "do you want some bubblegum?" I think I'm creating a monster! At the age of just four, she's already onto her second album, and doesn't require a whole lot of assistance. I crop the photos, but she picks her own papers, cuts, sticks and pastes all on her own. She's even got the hang of the stapler. I help her with titles and punching holes only. She did 4 of the above pages on Saturday night. I kid you not, she can scrap for hours. Ali Edwards, eat your heart out :) Oh, and did I mention she even took these photos too with a disposable camera. Wicked or what?

Friday

2006-07-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

So Friday was pretty eventful, but before I divulge, here's Ella and Isabel, Ronalyn's daughter, doing some multitasking. I laid out the photos in Photoshop and then printed it on Epson Heavy Weight Scrapbooking Paper before adding all my paper goodies.

I ironically got my first speeding ticket on Friday after dropping the children off with Ronalyn. I say ironically because I hate "speed", roller coasters actually turn my stomach, yet I often drive a little over the limit, just a couple of miles, which I know is enough to break the law. I guess I'm just always keen to get from A to B. On this particular day, I didn't even realize I was speeding. I thought I was doing the limit. Go figure!

I got off with a warning and Eric gets reprimanded by his First Sergeant. It doesn't seem fair somehow.

The day however picked up when I got an email from the infamous "Fred" at Creating Keepsakes, inviting me to the CK reception next Saturday at CHA. Now, do I want to go and hang with Ali for a night...? Hmmmm........Are you kidding me ? ;)

I also had my hair done. It's been a while, and I suddenly decided to be spontaneous, as I often do, on the way to the salon. I walked in and asked the girl if she felt being creative and pretty much told her to do whatever she wanted - I need the change :) In hindsight it was very brave, as I have never set my eyes I walked out a few hours later a new woman! Ronalyn and I are taking pictures tomorrow so I'll share before I head off to CHA.

10 things

2006-07-14T00:25:00.000-08:00

My days are filled with so many little things that I want to be able to hold on to forever, like Luke, today, dumping out his cereal over the kitchen floor, to make room for his Goldfish. I know I shouldn't have but I just couldn't help but laugh. This page celebrates my wild wee man, Lukee. I purposely set my camera for long exposures to create the blurriness in the images, to better capture his movement.

Also, I cleaned my house a little. A gorgeous day so I got outside and washed my windows down. I love clean windows and am often puzzled why we don't have window cleaners in the States i.e people who make a living by making their monthly rounds around the housing estates with their ladder and window "squeegey" (it's what I call my window cleaner thingy!)

Ronalyn's little girl, Isabel, came to play this afternoon, and we scrapped. Well I say "we", as in the Royal "we": They scrapped and I supervised. Ella really gets into it, and can sit for hours just playing with the paper and sticking stuff. I poked some holes into their pages and they had a little taste of freestylin' - Not bad for a 3 and 4 year old. My page of the "event" is half way scrapped. I had to break away this evening and get down to some work.

I also had a little fun on Ebay this afternoon, buying up some cool ribbons to spruce up my digi and not so digi pages, then went to Joanns with Ronalyn. She's been asked by SS to scrap a page for a special issue. Talk about psyched! WTG Ronalyn :)

Us and Ours

2006-07-13T00:16:00.000-08:00

Here.

Digi Scrapping

2006-07-11T22:24:00.000-08:00

Ella's little friend, Megan came to play today and I got to hang with her Mom, Jutta, from Germany. Always fun to get together with fellow Europeans. I really enjoy our Tuesday morning getogethers.

I've also been having some fun in Photoshop today. Credits include: Stock Photos from here, Papers and elements from here and my Esther Collection. I just changed the colors to fit my photos.

Random Weekend Stuff

2006-07-10T23:42:00.000-08:00

We did this.

Scrapped an album of my trip to Valdez.

Missed church because Mai's flight was delayed.

Tried to visit Eklutna Lake but it was closed due to a forrest fire.

Said goodbye to my MIL, Mai.

Discovered Just Let Me Scrapbook which sells paper by collection, amongst other things. No more searching for a few papers. Simply ingenious! Placed an order for some fun papers for Ella's birthday photos

Photo-Editing using my new actions

Ordered a bunch of 9cent prints from Snapfish: 9CENTSTAR. Coupon valid until the 17th of July. Did you know you can now pick up your prints from your loacal Walgreens? Too bad we don't have one here in AK (sigh).

Moved Ella into Luke's room as she's been sleeping there for 3 weeks anyway.

Took the side off Luke's crib. Getting him to stay in bed and go to sleep has now become a nightmare.

Bought an 8 foot folding table from Costcos, so that Ella and I can scrap.

Moved all my "stuff" from downstairs, upstairs.

Went to Joanns for a "look see" and bought some ribbon.

Photo by Ronalyn

P.S. Will share some photos of my/Ella's new art Ella's/Luke's new playroom tomorrow :)

Do you want to win this?

2006-07-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

Check out this and this.

The Scoop...

2006-07-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

...As promised...

The Party was eventful to say the least!

I had everything planned:

Location: Squadron Chalet at Lower 6 mile Lake: Booked
Cake: 1 Huge Princess: Ordered
Balloons: 24: Ordered
Menu: Veggies, Chips and Dip; Pizza from Costcos; Soda, Juice, Water: From Costco: Check
Pinata: Plus Candy: From Costco: Check

Eric set off to the chalet at about 10am to set up, and the first glitch in the plan was when Eric called to tell me there was a "slight" problem: A Black Bear in the car. Yep! You heard me right! While Eric carried pizza's inside a Black Bear had climbed into the front of our car. Eric, getting first prize for stupity, then decides to poke this bear with a stick, to get it out of the car, his main priority being to save the leather seats. Anyone who knows anything about Black Bears knows not to provoke a black bear. They can be extremely aggressive. He says, "you know when they're really mad, when they show their teeth and throw their claws to the ground (in this case my car seats). YIKES! Talk about up close and personal!

Eric maintains at no time did he feel threatened (yeah right), however I think I was quite within my rights to FREAK OUT, literally! Thankfully no-one got hurt, the insurance company had a bit of a laugh at our expense, but the car's definitely going to have to go in for some TLC.

Still reeling from the tale, it then crosses my mind that we have 50+ people, including small children, coming to a place which is potentially not the best place to have a birthday party. So Ronalyn steps in (thank goodness), and gets animal control on the case. Of course, when they arrive at the scene, both the bear and Eric have gone, so they think that the whole tale is a hoax. Apparently, new MPs are sent up there on a wild goose chase (in this case bear chase) as part of an initian process. Long story short... We press on with the party.

Next the cake.... at 11.45am just over an hour to go til we kick off...they have no record of our order... Can anything else go wrong? Thankfully not. They came through with the cake in the nick of time and although we were still setting up when our guests began arriving, it was a great turn out, and I think everyone had a good time. Everyone Ella cared about was there! There were lots of little girls running around in princess dresses, gifts galore, lots of fun with the pinata, and thankfully, no sign of anymore bears. Huge thanks to my Mother-in-law, Mai, and my husband, for ensuring constant flow of pizza, and Ronalyn, for her fabulous photo skills (especially as I kind of dumped the task on her last minute) Love you, lady! As well as everyone else for coming! Without further ado... You can see the photos here.

New ART at Studio Anna

2006-07-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Here.

Be back soon to tell you all about our weekend! Hope you had a good one.

Happy Birthday Ella!

2006-07-02T23:28:00.000-08:00

Just had to post this. Photo was taken in April but this is my wee girl (though she now constantly tells me she's my big girl!) turning four in about half an hour. Am I sad? Not at all. I love to see her growing up! Paper is from the Studio Girls Spa Page Set.

Bee...zy

2006-06-30T22:47:00.000-08:00

...as a little bee around here lately. Sorry I haven't been around this week.

Ella and I have been finishing her Disney album. Too much fun. Will try to scan in a few pages this weekend.

Been getting ready for this. It's jammin' over there, and, what can I say? But what I always say ~ It's simply FAB :) Lovin' being a Studio Girl right now.

MIL is coming into town tomorrow, and big BBQ with friends (Actually the other way around, but you get the gist of it, right?)

Manic preparations for Ella's 4th Birthday on Monday. Whoaaaaaaah! How can she be that old already? Let's just say this little madam is a bundle of sass right now. Throwing fits because she has nothing cute to wear. She may have skipped the terrible twos but she's making it up with the fours. A friend of mine once said, "Four year olds are like two year olds on crack". I could not relate at the time, but oh.... Do I ever now.

Talking of relating, who saw Ali's post about "moments". That was me today. Didn't go anywhere exciting but having tidied up my desk this afternoon, I had an hour to kill so headed over to the BX for a latte, and a moment all of my own. Picked up a few mags, including Creative Techniques . Cool Stuff! It was rare, and nice.

This layout is inspired by Ali. Love her mantra for just going with the flow and recording those everyday moments. Telling your story. This was us, our neat little family of four last Saturday night. You don't get too many chances for eating Al fresco up here and so we enjoyed this one.

Did I also mention I saw a black bear today? Just lollopped across the main road in broad daylight this afternoon as I was heading out. Now you don't even have to go down to the woods to get a surprise around these parts. Didn't get a photo, but Vanessa did a week or so ago.

Eric also made the Anchorage Newpaper, and is talk of the town literally right now. He caught a 65lb King Salmon on Wednesday morning. It was about flippin' time by all accounts. The number of hours he's spent on that bank and come home "fishless". I have to say though 2 years and it's been worth the wait. I did a page for him but used the newspaper article so I don't feel comfortable posting it. Email me though if you want to take a peek. This King was a beast!

I've also just discovered this. What rock have I head my head under? Some very cool actions here. Love the Urban Acid.

Ok, well I've gabbed enough for one night. Have a great holiday weekend everyone!

Conclusions

2006-06-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a week of change for me, and therefore some conclusions

1. I'm a much better Mum to my children when I'm not with them all the time, and you know they're happpy when they don't want to leave at the end of the day. Hmmmm...What does that say about me then ;)

2. I feel better when I'm working out! So thrilled to be back at the gym, for the first time since having Luke. I rediscovered step and kickbocking. There's nothing like it to get your blood pumping.

3. Photo-Editing is faster and less tedious with Photoshop Actions. Make your own or check out Itty Bitty Actions. I've just finished editing my Disney pictures and uploading them to Walmart as I type. It's a project for Ella and I this week while Luke naps.

Oh! And look what's coming soon :)

For Laura

2006-06-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Laura Vanderbeek and I go back to year 2002 when we were on the SBB Design Team together and our paths have crossed continuously since. I have to admit our busy lives prevented us from really getting to know each other back then but when Eric got orders to Alaska, we began chatting, as she shared her childhood experience of life at Elmendorf AFB. She has suffered highs and lows in the few years I have known her: She and her husband, Tyler, had a new house built, then a car accident that resulted in back problems for Laura, followed by the beautiful news she was finally able to begin trying for a second child and was quickly expecting. She struggled with shortness of breath towards the end of the pregnancy, but no-one could have imagined she'd be diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer that causes the swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck and chest, just weeks after giving birth to Colton.

Laura is undergoing brutal treatments of chemotherapy and as a result has lost her hair, yet she is coping with such grace, in spite of not being able to care for her young family, to fulfill her role as a wife to Tyler or a partner in their Photography business. When Julie Mead asked if I wanted to help, there was no hesitation, and thus with a little help from April Anderton, Gina Cabrera, Kristie David, Rhonna Farrer, Ange Barton, Dena Simoneaux, Mirranda Reinhardt, Lori Barnhurst, Karen Aicken, Kay Eflin, Maya, Wendy Morales, Michelle Coleman, and Clara Wallace, we were all able to create something spectacular.

Check this out!

It is with this For Laura Page Set that we hope to raise a little additional income to help her get care for her children and cover the bills while she is unable to work.

A raffle has been organized as well, where in buying a ticket you could win some really cool prizes.

You can also follow her progress and offer your emotional support here.

This just in.

Thank you!

The Alaska Zoo

2006-06-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

Some photos from Sunday using my lens baby :)

Comings and Goings

2006-06-19T06:12:00.000-08:00

Mum and Dad left very early on Saturday. I always find it hard to see them go, in fact it's the hardest thing about moving away from your home country, is that you are separated from your family. The military factor doesn't help either, as they have the habit of sending Eric to all these remote locations. But, I am very lucky! I am close with my family and we make a point of trying to see each other every year. Thanks Mum and Dad for coming, and helping me, while Eric was gone! You are the bestest :) And yes, Dad, I know, that's not a real word, nor is it a typo :) My Dad is a stickler for the English language and fancies himself as a grammatical genius (wink, wink).

So with their departure came Eric's arrival. He was early and I was glad, Mum and Dad leaving had left a hole that was conveniently filled by Daddy! We skipped church yesterday to spend the day as a family, as of course, it was Father's Day! We went here, which was super fun with the kiddos. Ella tripped up and grazed up her knees really well, then twisting Daddy around her little finger, to do everything for her for the rest of the day. I also enjoy those first days of his return as Daddy becomes the focus for both of them and I get to take a back seat for a while.

GAP is having a wicked sale, and I picked up this for half the price shown at their site. I'm such a sucker for a bargain, and needed something a little summery. It's been pretty rainy and cold this year so far, but I just booked my tickets here and I think I'm going to need something a little cooler than my usual GAP jeans and a white tee :) Psyched!

Today, is huge step for me. I'm finally putting the children into daycare, just part time, 2-3 days per week. I have struggled over this decision, as I have always been afraid of missing something, that, and it's hard to find someone you are happy with, that you trust with your children. That person for me is my friend Ronalyn. She loves my children and they love it over at her place. When I had Ella and Luke, I had always intended on staying home for them for as long as they needed me, but I had no idea back then about scrapbooking and the places it would lead me. The past year has been a roller coaster of opportunity and adventure in this industry that has led me to a place where, in order to be the best Mum I can be, the children need to be taken care of by someone else for just a few days a week. They derserve it, and so do I.

On the other side...

2006-06-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

This is what I did yesterday. Mum and Dad leave first thing tomorrow, so just spending our last day together...On the upside, Eric comes home late tomorrow night, jsut in time for Father's Day! Have a good one :)

IMPORTANT

2006-06-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is my last post! I guess you could say I'm a bit "gobby" today, but in my defense (hehe) ~ I'm just trying to catch up!

This is really important. I've saved it til last, so please read, if you have the time. I came across this the other day , while visiting freestyler Gens blog. It struck me because, I am one of lucky "ones", who have been fortunate to find my way out of this underestimated disease. Don't get me wrong, it's always something that could affect me again, and requires conscious effort in times of great stress. There is a misconception that anorexia is about losing weight, it is, it starts there, but it's so much more. It's about "control" or the feeling of "lack of" and it gets inside your head so that you do not realize what is happening to you. It happened to me at 16, when I started college, moved in with my friend and her suicidal mother (unbeknown to me at the time), broke up with my "childhood sweetheart", and my parents moved away to Canada for a year. My life was spinning out of control, and I did what I had to, to cope. The scariest thing about this disease is that you are not consciously in denial. When you look in the mirror you don't see the skeleton you really are. I'm not sure how low my weight dropped, but I estimate that at my "lowest" I was probably 80lbs, which is very scary on my 5ft 9" frame.

Alex wasn't as lucky as me. I got away with a serious case of pneumonia, but i still have my life.

The facts:

For young women between 15 and 24, the mortality rate for anorexia is twelve times higher than the death rate of all other causes of death. I had no idea, (and I suffered from the disease). Did you?

So just when you thought I had revealed all the skeletons in my closet, there it is.
I hope you'll join me in getting the word out about this fatal illness and rememembering Alex, who I didn't know, but feel like I did. I just grabbed a shirt here.

Thanks for listening.

Lens Baby!

2006-06-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

If you've not seen or heard about these, check them out here. Just plain cool! And a super way to add instant creative flair to your pics :)

Glacier Aialik

2006-06-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

Posting some more photos of that stonking glacier :)

Testing

2006-06-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

So here's my first attempt at a photomontage> Aialik Glacier in the Kenai Fjords is one mile in width and just a hunk of ice.

Friends

2006-06-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

Interesting teaching at Church on Sunday: The first "Friends" in a six "parter" about "Social Issues". It's ironic, because during the ride to Church I had been chatting with my Mum about how hard it is to make friends when you're constantly on the move. It's easy to have many acquaintances but good friends come but a few in a lifetime and friendships take time to develop, something that we, in the military, don't always have too much of when you're moving every 3 years. I've been living in Anchorage for 2 years now and it's only just now that I think I've finally found a "good" friend, the type you can descend on in good times and bad, outstay your welcome and eat out of house and home. Ronalyn and I have always had our passion for photography and creating in common, but I think we're also on the road to true friendship. She is not perfect, and neither and am I, but she has consistently been there for me and asked nothing in return. I can't remember the exact words. I should have wrote them down, but the gist of Sunday's teaching was:

Friends commit their resources to achieve your success
Friends risk their reputation to save yours
Friends invest their time in your future
Friends sacrifice their dreams to make yours come true
Friends exercise their voice to reveal yours.

Monday, Ronalyn took the children for the entire day so that Mum, Dad and I could go on a Glacier Cruise. I did one last year with the children in tow and needless to say it was a nightmare. So grateful to Ronalyn for making my life so much easier, though we could have picked a better day weatherwise. While you have all been basking in sunshine in the lower 48, and even in the UK, as I understand, we have been under heavy skies for far too long. Of course, we picked the rainiest day to do the cruise but it did not marr our determination. As we were amid the swell of the Alaskan Gulf, I was having my doubts though! I don't think anyone, including the crew, expected the ride to be so rough. It was good though, if not to have a break from the children. The glaciers are as impressive under cloud as they are on a sunny day. I wanted to post my first attempt at a panorama, incorporating 4 shots, but blogger is acting up again. Seriouly considering upgrading to Typepad. Hope to be able to post some pics soon :)

Just in :)

2006-06-12T00:28:00.000-08:00

Watch this space......Can you keep a secret?

OOooops!

2006-06-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Ronalyn, gave me a wiggin' for not posting this the other day: For those that don't know, I am the featured artist at Scrapartist this month. I contributed to their "Soulful Father" Collaborative Page Set, and there is an exclusive set "Summer SoNo" in store over there. Don't forget to check out the FREE Quick Page. Apologies! I've just been busy lately. Enjoy!

More on Valdez:

2006-06-10T23:29:00.000-08:00

1. We discovered there really are black bears roaming AK and you'll see them when you least expect it. Saw a wild black bear bound across a field. In seconds it was out of sight, but only minutes after it's disappearing act, a lady on a bike came dangerously close to the place where the bear had been.

2. Some places are SO quiet, there is no need for traffic lights. Really!

3. Valdez has a "thing" for funky painted fire hydrants.

4. Don't take Luke into a Restaurant. He's bound to scream and clear the place.

5. However many sets of clothes you take for the kids, your going to need more.

6. Thankful to DH that he talked me into a DVD player in the back of the car.

7. Valdez is not quite as proud of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill as it is of the Earthquake.

8. Total number of times the kids fell out of bed: 3 (in one night)

9. The Alaskan King Crab is AWESOME!!

10. Alaska is beautiful even when it rains.

Valdez

2006-06-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

Yayy! Blogger's finally letting me share :)

Betcha...

2006-06-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

...thought I'd fallen off the face of the planet! Nope! Just took a few days R&R (British Army term: Rest and Recuperation)with Mum and Dad, and the kids of course, to Valdez. For those, who have never heard of the place or think that we hopped across the pond to Switzerland (sorry Sophy - Couldn't resist that one ;), Valdez is a tiny little town about 6 hours drive East of Anchorage. It's famous for the 9.2 Earthquake that rocked AK in 1964 on Good Friday, and the huge oil spill of the Exxon Vladez, which also took place on Good Friday in 1989. Surrounded by enormous peaks, they're big into the quiet life, but that doesn't mean boring. Deep Sea fishing for 100lb+ halibut, Kayaking, Hiking, and Heliskiing are high on their list of priorities.

I had intended to let you know before we headed out, but time just got away with me. On the one morning I actually needed to be up at 6am, Luke decided he was going to sleep in. Don't you just love that! Anyway, I thought you'd forgive me if I returned with some "splendid" photos (hee hee). This kicks off the Summer for me and hopefully the start of my posting Alaskan photos. Lots planned for this summer. Another trip to Homer, visit, to the Musk Ox Farm, bear viewing tour, fishing for salmon on the Kenai (not me but DH, I might just catch a ride with him for the photo ops) and another glacier boat tour along the Kenai Fjords. For those who haven't been following my blog for very long, we get about 3 months of Summer here in AK where the temps usally stick in the 60s and 70s and it's nice enough to brave the bears and the elements to see the State in all it's glory. Winters are just too cold and too snowy to get out and about with 2 young children, so we have to make the most of it in our small windo of summer.

I went prepared, and headed down to our local Camera shop here in AK, the Friday prior. I was in a quandry about the new lens I wanted to buy, and actually went with a completely different lens in the end. They hooked me up with all kinds of accessories, including a circular polarizer filter, and I was not disappointed. Love the customer service of our local camera shop! I haven't given up on the 70-200mm IS USM. Watch this space....

Lots going on this end, so I'm going to have to love you and leave you... More to catch you up on soon. I'm having problems posting photos at the moment, so check back for some Valdez pics!

Quandry

2006-05-31T22:56:00.000-08:00

I need a zoom a lens now summer has arrived here in AK (Though it's pee'd it down all day today! Go figure!). I lost (i.e. got stolen) my 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 last fall while I was in Vegas for Memory Trends. Loved to hate this lens. Admired it's range but loathed it's slowness. I have been much too spoiled by my 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8. So the big question is do I go with the satisfactory replacement at an affordable price or go for the King sized (and silly priced) 70-200mm 2.8 IS USM? It's a tough one. I actually made it to the camera shop in Anchorage today and tried it out... yikes! I'll let you know what I decide.

So I had some questions about the Xyron Design Runner Discs that I designed, and now available in Michaels or Joanns. You can see them here. I just got some in the mail the other day and looking forward to playing with them this weekend. That hand held printer is one fancy piece of kit! I've signed myself up for another night of paper scrapping at our local LSS on Friday. Yayyy!

Spent the morning with Ella at her end of year preschool party. Lots of crafts! It was fun! I also got the chance to help a friend out too which is always really rewarding.

All in all, it's been a good day. Would have been an even better day if I had just had a little more time. Everyone has 24 hours in a day, no more and no less, but somehow I always feel like I have less than everyone else, probably because I have the desire to schieve more than is possible in one day. I really enjoyed Zalaine's blog entry this morning on how overstretched we are these days in all areas of our life. Love Zalaine. Wonderful and wise.

Seeing as you enjoyed yesterday's pic so much ~ I leave you with another! Thanks always for peekin' in :)

Tootin'

2006-05-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

Picked up some canvases and paint at Michael's this weekend for a few art projects I've got lined up and was thrilled but a little overwhelmed to see my Design Runner Discs on the shelves. Somebody pinch me, please. So cool to see my name in print on the packaging.

Finished up the last of my deadlines today so going to kick back with the family for the next few days. I leave you with a photo I've been dying to post but really wanted to scrap first. Maybe in the next few days I'll scrap and repost it. Enjoy!

Happy Memorial Day!

2006-05-29T07:12:00.000-08:00

Busy times! So sorry to have been "A.W.A.L" (Military term: Absent without authorized leave) a.k.a just not here. I've had a bunch of deadlines to get through, been enjoying some of the sunny weather, and of course, Mum and Dad are here. We haven't really been too much farther than the backyard but we're planning a trip to Seward, and possibly Valdez, soon. Hoping there are some Alaska photos in the offing :)

Eric left for Maryland for 3 weeks late on Friday night, but before I dropped him off at the airport we watched the much talked about Davinci Code and ate a very civilized dinner "sans" the children. I hadn't been to the movie theater since pregnant with Luke so it was fun, but the film was VERY long (for someone who has a hard time sitting still), and to be honest, was one of those movies that takes some brain power, not to mention concentration, to keep up with the plot. I kind of felt like I'd ran a marathon when it was all over. Thank goodness dinner was next on the agenda. Highlight was the chocolate mousse! What can I say? I'm a dessert girl :)

Of course, scrapbooking is never too far from my mind, and the chocolate mousse got me thinking about how food can conjure up memories. For example, as I sat there sharing my chocolate mousse with Eric, I found my mind wandering back to the 1980's where we would take family holidays to the South of France and enjoy the real deal, "pot au chocolat", in quaint and very authentic French restaurants. In the 1990's, I had a brief passion for cooking, with the emphasis on brief, and these small pots of heaven would often feature on the my menu. So this is another page to add to my list. If you feel so inclined for a challenge, then pick a dish or a food, and do a page on what memories it conjures up for you. I haven't forgotten about my Thankful page and will hopefully get around to posting them soon. Stay tuned....

Thanks so much for all the comments on my "big news". I have to admit I've been second guessing myself a little on the move from SBE, but then that's my nature: I'm English and as a Brit, we hate change. Anyway, pressing forward, you can actually think TOO MUCH about this kind of stuff. I can now confirm I will be one of Maya's Studio Girls and you will be able to find my "stuff" at Studio Anna. I'm going to take this opportunity to purge some of my sets, particularly the older ones, and "refine" my collection so to speak. Also hoping in the next few weeks to have some new art for you. Well, got to run!

Hottin' Up

2006-05-23T23:48:00.000-08:00

Luke had me up at 4.45am this morning so it has been a LONG day, just running from one task to another. Thank goodness Mum and Dad are here so I was able to squeeze in a nap. I'm not a nap-type-of-gal but sometimes you just have to, and today was just one of those days

It's heating up here in AK as temperatures soared close to the 80's this afternoon. Now when you've been living in minus temps for so long, that is piggin' hot!

Big news for thise week is that I have decided to remove my designs from the Scrapbook-Elements store at the end of the month. While I have enjoyed my 1 1/2 years with Sunni and John's team, new opportunities have arisen, and with my new well being I'm just ready for something new. I will be revamping my collection which will be relaunched at a new site in June. I'm psyched! Stay tuned for more details...

In the meantime, I leave you with a photo post recital from Sunday. I feel another album coming on :)

Crazy Busy

2006-05-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

It's been non-stop since Friday! Mum and Dad arrived safely, and Ella's recital on Sunday was fab. She looked sooooooo CUTE! Haven't had time to do too much with the photos yet but I leave you with a little thank you I received from Shawna, for one of the books I gave out. I do not give to receive, but that little gesture in my mailbox, really made my today. Thank you, Shawna!

Masking the Masking Tape

2006-05-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

So, I've started scrapping the Preschool Shoot photos. I'm not finished yet, still a few more pages to go, but I wanted to share some pages so far. Ella and I were shopping on Wednesday for plastic flowers to "grow" in her sandbox, and I stumbled across some masking tape. I saw this last week, and so made a point of using the masking tape in this album. To be honest, I really was skeptical about the whole masking tape "thing", but I thought I'd at least give it a go, and I have to admit, I'm pleasantly surprised at it's versatility. Most of all I love the fact you can just tear a strip off to adhere stuff, but I also found myself twisting it, painting it, stamping it with paint and stamping it to remove paint, writing on it, layering it, using it as a mask for paint and get this: For the cover of my album " I masked the making tape" How cool is that? Just loving how fast and Easy Freestyle is! Got to run! Mum and Dad are arriving today and Eric is giving me rocks about getting off this computer. Later :)

Fun at Preschool

2006-05-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

I've been dying to post some of these but the weekend was so busy, I didn't get around to going through them and editing them a little in my trusty PS, until today. On Friday afternoon, I spent the afternoon at Preschool. Ella's loved this year and I wanted to do an album on a typical day at preschool so I decided to hang with all the kids. It was fun! Ella just so happened to dress herself that day and insisted on the wacky hair (So just for the record, I am not responsible for the dress code, hair, or the fact that she wore her shoes on the wrong feet and insisted they were right). Last Friday was show and tell day, and I completely forgot, so quick thinking came into play and I volunteered myself as her show and tell. The theme was the ocean so I had my best fish face on hand! The kids were great and I got a true feel of what it is like to capture their personalities.

Ella's been after some plastic flowers to plant in her sand box, so went to Joanns after school today, and I picked up some neat "save the children" material scraps which are going to come in really handy with my new little project. Also in my cart, was some masking tape. Hoping to knock out a page for this challenge ~ In all my free time, LOL! It'll just be added to my neverending list where tasks are prioritized according to deadline and the fun stuff gets thrown in inbetween.

Speaking of fun stuff! I spent yesterday afternoon, which also turned into an evening as well, over at Ronalyns. Luke is enthralled with her boys collection of matchbox cars and Ella and Isabel are like peas in a pod when it comes to dress up, which left Ron and I many hours to scrap. One of the local stores is closing down here so there's nothing like a bargain and new supplies to fuel your creativity. I added another 7 pages to my HERitage Album.

Mothers Day

2006-05-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Mothers Day! Hope you all had a special day. I wanted to post this yesterday, but honestly, I just was having too much fun with the family. We didn't do anything special. I took Ella to church (more on that later), while Eric cleaned the entire house for me. Now that's what I call a priceless gift! A spot of shopping which is also fun, then I just sat back and observed the children enjoying the park. It's been beautiful this weekend. Almost warm enough to take my hoodie off.

So a tribute to my Mum. Here's me and her 30 and bit years ago and then right before I fell pregnant with Ella. Heavily inspired by Rhonna :) My Mum is just the best, so safe, you know? It wasn't always this way, but I hope I can be that kind of rock for Ella and Luke. She and my Dad are coming to visit next week for a month. I can't wait to see them. I just love spending time with them, learning from them, enjoying them. Motherhood, Parenthood, Family.... It's a beautiful thing!

Photography

2006-05-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

More from "the shoot" last week. Ronalyn borrowed my stand over the weekend, which meant I could move onto other projects. Hoping to get it back today so I can have a go at some photos of Eric and I. I'm really happy with these. I hardly did any post Photoshop editing which is always what I aim for in taking a photo. To me, it's a good photo if I don't have have to do any touch-up. I am continually inspired by other talented photographers, such as Audrey Woulard, Tara Whitney, Lynne Stacey, are just a few of my favourites, and the more I learn, the more I'm convinced I become that it's all about the light, of which it's all or nothing here in AK. I had the opportunity to talk shop with Karen Hamilton a week or so ago, and though I'm a huge avocate of natural light, I'm seriously considering this. I just need to win the lottery, and seeing as I don't play, I best come up with plan B....

Playing

2006-05-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

This morning, I finally got around to building my backdrop. It's been a long time coming ~ Easy enough, the only problem is keeping the kids. I had to move the furniture in order to find the best light, and even then, I'm going to have to play a bit more. Of course, as soon as I got into the swing of it, the phone rang and Ella's play date came over. I tried to Ella's little friend involved to no avail. Nevermind, will try again later.

Album from NSD Crop

2006-05-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

As promised here are some shots of the completed album. Lots of MM paint and Kaleidascope papers, frames, monos and pieces, staples (love staples), Doodlebug silk flowers, junkitz jump rings, and my own "skribbels".

After I posted this weeks challenge. I found this. Love Renee ~ She's just the sweetest person, and this post makes for perfect inspiration in my book.

The Hi's and Lo's

2006-05-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those weekends, where things just start off so great and then things come crashing down around you, leaving you wondering, "what the heck happened?". So apologies for my short hiatus. I've just been trying to make sense of it all.

Saturday was National Scrapbook Day, and so to celebrate, Ronalyn and I completed our 12 hour cropping marathon. It was a quiet affair but I was fine with that. Ronalyn and I had some serious scrapbooking going on and both us completed an entire album, in less than 12 hours. (Ella has a play date this morning but I'll be posting some pages later today). Sharon, from our LSS did an awesome job, providing dinner, ice cream sundaes, and the icing on the cake, a belgian waffle omelette breakfast at 1am. I kind of regret the coffee I had at 3am, as I couldn't sleep til late the following day, but it was worth it!

Saturday night, Eric left for a game of poker and I thought I was in for a quiet and early night until the phone started ringing off the hook. Eric was re-called into work and to cut a long story short, one of his co-workers had gone to the BX (For those not familiar with military "speak", that's our on-base grocery and housewares stores with foodcourt etc..) bought a gun and shot himself in his car in the carpark. The tragedy is not just that this 21 year star airman's life has ended his life but also irreversiblely changed the lives of those who care about him. Some lives will never be the same again. It just makes you think. It just grounds you, you know?

I had a challenge in mind, but in light of this weekends events. I challenge you to create a page on what you are thankful for. I'll be posting mine later. In the meantime this is a page I did for NSD "Why I scrapbook?". I used paper, brushes from Rhonna's Peachy Keen Page Set and a few of my own "skribbels" and printed the photo on photo paper. I painted (MM paints) and embellished a PP from Basic Greys Urban Couture Line with glitter glue and sequins. Attached the photo with a MM shoe brad. Rub ons by 7G.

Happy NSD!

2006-05-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

Just in: Check out SBE this weekend!

Happy Happy National Scrapbooking Day! Heading off for a 5pm - 5am mega crop at our local LSS really soon so not too sure I'll be doing anything other than sleeping tomorrow. Will be back on Sunday with a new challenge. Hope you're all doing something really fun :)

It's been...

2006-05-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

...just one of those days, but you know what? It's all good. Luke had us up far too early this morning, and when Luke is up, then we're all up. My Dad, calls him Luke the Nuke. So, I heard him this morning in the bathroom, went to investigate, and found him having his own little bathing party in the bathroom sink. After I had got him all dried off and new diaper, the next little event was a #2. Nothing so unusual about that, but before I had chance to know about it, he had removed his diaper and proceeded to smear it over our living room carpet. Next on the agenda for Luke, was the kitchen. It became apparent today that he has now got the hang of pushing a chair around the kitchen to get where he wants to go. He appeared before me with a fistful of steaknives ~ yikes!! Needless to say, there was no time for photos! He rounded off the evening by dunking the TV remote in Daddy's tea.

So, as you can imagine, it's been quite a day. I did manage to knock a few pages out this afternoon after I put together some new playmobil for the children. Classic toys here in Anchorage were having a sale I couldn't resist. You almost need a degree in Engineering to put it together but it's good stuff and the children LOVE it!.

Ella also blew us away last night by presenting us with her name. She wrote it all by herself. It's one of those proud mommy moments. You know what I'm talking about.

WTG to Sarah and Zalaine for doing the Act your age and not your shoe size challenge. So is anyone up for another one?

I want a sister

2006-05-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

This is what i have been hearing all day long from Ella, as if I can just go out and buy her one from the store. I hope this is a passing phase because I'm definitely not having any more babies.

You guys are just too nice. A book? Wow, well wouldn't that be something. Only in my wildest dreams....

Caught up on a few fun pages today. They've been at the back of my mind for a while and I wanted to get them onto paper before I forget. Really enjoying Freestylin' at the moment. Thanks for peekin' in :)

The Sound of Silence

2006-05-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

Just another of those everyday moments. I saw a layout in CK a month or so ago by Ali Edwards, the style of which inspired this. I find myself really paying attention to the details these days.

Digi Gal of the Day

2006-05-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

Woohooo! Highlight of my day today when I saw an email in my inbox from Ange sending me the good news that today I'm the Digi-Gal of the Day , so thanks for that! What fun :)

Also thanks for all the sweet comments about my cafepress. I've just ordered myself a couple of Tees and seeing as we're still in the 40s here in AK, a hoodie, so stay tuned for some photos. Hoping to get my new backdrop out at some point this week when things slow down a bit. We seem to hop from one play date to another.

So here's my challenge layout: "Act your age and not your shoe size". I used my Love's Memory Page Set with my own doodles and brushes. How are you coming along with yours? Would love to see if anyone is willing to share...

Live at Cafepress

2006-04-30T01:11:00.001-08:00

I've finally managed to get a few things put together and they are now available at my new cafepress store. It's pretty cool, even if I do say so myself ;) Thanks for peekin' in.

I also got this in the mail today. Very excited to hopefully be doing a bit more photography.

The above photos were taken by me on Friday. A few moments with Ella. She's giving me a run for my money at the moment. I think it's that whole "almost 4" thing where they turn into adults overnight. If I had a dollar for every time she said "NO" to me at the moment, I'd be one rich lady! Got to love her though. That sweet face.

Also the Designing with Digital Books will bemailed out on Monday. I'll contact winners later today... Thanks again for sharing all your stories. They gave me a good giggle.

Wishing you a peaceful Sunday...

It's all Good

2006-04-27T14:55:00.000-08:00

Well it doesn't look like I can even give my last 3 copies of Autumn Leaves Designing with Digital away. If you know anyone who would like one then send them my way.

I enjoyed the embarrassing moments so thanks to all those who posted ~ You are great sports! I personally have had many embarrassing moments, and one that sticks out in my mind happened when I was at boarding school. I was always a bit of a "goody two shoes" at school and liked school. I was teased because I liked to work hard. We were in a Religious Education class and one of the boys threw a piece of paper at the teacher and then proceeded to blame me. Our teacher, bless her, was quite old and believed him, and I was sent out into the courtyard. I never got into trouble and was so ambarrassed to be standing out there.

Anyway, I came up with an idea for a layout yesterday, as I was putting my hair into pigtails, and again it's keeping in the theme of my new obsession "Get Real". I challenge you to create a layout using the following statement:

"Act your age and not your shoe size"

Keep it to yourself or link to it here. I'll be posting mine soon :)

Had a fun afternoon yesterday paper scrapping with Ronalyn. Ella played hookie from preschool. I felt a bit bad about that one but then reminded myself that she's only 3. Check this out.

Took some photos this morning of just another typical day. These are moments I want to remember. Like I said, it's all good.

Oh Happy Day!

2006-04-26T00:44:00.000-08:00

Ella had a friend over so she was happy, Luke took a 4 1/2 hour nap this afternoon so I was happy, got a deadline out of the way and even keeping on track with going to the gym. Feels soooo good, even if I haven't had the time to join in with the third 21 challenge.

The mail lady also delivered some goodies which is always a highlight: 3 boxes of Belgian Chocolates, all the way from Belgium ~ you know who you are, thank you so much, you have no idea how much I will enjoy them ;) Real Belgian Chocolates are like gold dust and are probably the only thing that can top my biggest vice.

The little album that I'm going to use for Ella's Birthday Album also arrived. How stinkin' cute is that? And some new papers to play with: Cherry Arte and some Sassafrass Lass.

I've had lots of questions about my Cafepress store. As you can see it exists, I've just had way to much fun scrapbooking lately, and also finishing up some deadlines. It's the next priority on my list, I promise.

Thank you for the kind comments about The Fit For A Princess Album. So pleased everyone likes it as much as I do. I've had requests for a boys version so I'll see what I can come up with in the next few weeks:)

Despite a sprinkling of snow last night, loving the warmer temps of spring here. I've been doing a bit of spring cleaning myself (in all my free time LOL!) and have some books and stuff up for grabs.

First one is an Autumn Designing with Digital. If you don't already have this book (I know I'ma bit behind the times!) and in the spirit of getting real, post here your most embarrassing moment ~ The most embarrasing wins :) Enjoy!

Now Available

2006-04-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

Check this out! Just couldn't wait to share it with you. Enjoy!

Brilliant Day in AK - Mid 40's and super springy. Feeling a little sore from my workout yesterday but I hear another 21 day challenge is in the midst to keep me on track :)

Biggest excitement this weekend was a sand box for Ella and Luke but trying to get Ella out of a dress and into pants to play outside is proving a challenge.

Fit for a Princess

2006-04-23T00:12:00.002-08:00

I completed Ella's 3rd Birthday Album this week. I've faffed around trying to figure out how to get so many photos into just 2 pages and just couldn't narrow them down so decided on a themed album. Really digging themed albums at the moment. Had an absolute blast doing some "FREESTYLIN'" and getting some mileage out of my trusty Wacom. Her party was just the best, so girly and I really feel I've captured it in this album. Just lovin' it! I ordered a Go Go Girls album to put the pages in. All designed by me digitally and coming to SBE soon.

I also got to the gym today! Woooooooohoooooo! I used to be really FIT before I had children and worked out with a couple of body builders for a while. I don't want to be back in the gym 6 days a week. Who has time for that? Just 3 times will do me just great. I love that buzz afterwards. Working on getting into the habit! Where's Rhonna? We need another Challenge! LOL!

TGI Friday

2006-04-21T22:11:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've been running all week and the children today have had me particularly on my toes. Even Ella, fast approaching four this summer, is showing some of her sass. Here's a little snapshot from tonight. Add that to black pen on our cream dining room chair, lemonade on the carpet, green crayon crushed into our rug, and it's been quite a day.

I also wanted to share one from yesterday which I just didn't get around to posting yesterday, of Eric's birthday. The ice cream cake was supposed to be a surprise but Ella couldn't wait to tell him when he came from work. She was thrilled that he let her blow out the candles (a quiet word in his hear) and is even more thrilled at the thought that it's her birthday next :)

New Art!!

2006-04-20T15:26:00.000-08:00

The week's flown by and I just realised I haven't posted this weeks digital art now available for purchase at SBE. Blooming Marvelous is for the girls and Grasshopper is for the boys.

I also realized after posting my Imperfections Challenge from Maggie that you can't read the text, so here it is:

"where do you start? For the record: I have rabbit teeth, long toes, impossibley hairy arms, next to nothing boobs, I’m bad about cutting my nails & flossing my teeth, I leave doors open, and empty glasses around the house, don’t fold anything in my underwear drawer, never put my pans away properly, my desk is ALWAYS untidy, I’m scatter-brained especially with my car keys, I hate to share my food, even with my children, I have a fear of getting fat, I bite the inside of my mouth when I’m nervous or stressed, I have to justify everything, I cannot just live for the
moment but am always looking ahead at what is next, I do not slow down even when my body is telling me to, I push myself beyond my limits I am relentlessly determined and stubborn, I rarely back down, tactless sometimes, I often resent being a mum because of the lack of time for myself. I suffer from depression, I have had an eating disorder and lied about it, I get cranky when I’m hungry, I’m obsessive, 99% is not good enough, I sometimes expect more from my children than they are capable of, I have never told my parents I love them, I’m a hypocrite, revenge is sweet, I’m a sore loser, don’t drink enough water, don’t read enough, I lack patience
. . . . and the irony is that above all I’m a PERFECTIONIST. ~ April 2006

Imperfections challenge

2006-04-18T23:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Maggie for this "Imperfections" challenge, although reading through it I obviously have far too many! I had a lot of fun doing a digital page for a change. It's my first one in a while and I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The 21 Day Challenge has really helped to creatively broaden my horizons. I used Rhonna's Peachy Keen Page Set. Very cool brushes!

What a Weekend!

2006-04-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

Friday, Eric called to tell me he'd probably be deploying in 2 weeks for at least four months so that sent my world into a spin and set the mood for the rest of the weekend. I'm a worrier, so until we knew either way late on Friday, I pretty much had knocked all the stuff out of me. Thankfully, he's not going, at least not this time. Saturday, I was in recovery mode and Sunday was Easter. I had my first day in church for a LONG time. The style of service is much different than I am used to, more of a cultural difference than anything else. Americans are far more open about their thoughts and feelings, and as already mentioned somewhere along the way, I am programmed just to be just the opposite. The sermon however was very fitting to the last day of the 21 day challenge.

Spring is finally here in AK ~ dare I say it as temps "soared" into the 50's. So lots of time outside. Luke threw his shoes at me at 7am the other morning in the hopes of getting an early start. I can only imagine what the future holds...

Big News!

2006-04-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

Just signed up for a store at CafePress so hoping to get that all up and running in the next two weeks. Will keep you posted.... In the meantime, here's my Day 18 and a few of the kiddos from today :) Oh and one of the baby powder session from yesterday :)

Day 17

2006-04-12T23:01:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post some photos of Ella and Luke today. I took the camera upstairs this morning for bathtime and took some fun shots of the children playing with Baby Powder. It's become quite the ritual, but I have left my camera upstairs, Eric's sleeping, and so I'm posting some photos of a Princess Birthday party we went on Saturday for Ronalyn's daughter, Isabel, and also Haeley, both turning three years. Isabel is such a teeny little girl, about the same size as Luke, 20 months her junior.

Sick Again

2006-04-11T22:32:00.000-08:00

Somehow I've managed to catch another cold. I don't know what it is about Alaska but I've been sicker living here than anywhere else in the world, so not exactly getting done what I want to, but just trying to take care of myself, and for a change, I'm happy with that.

I have enjoyed doing the last 2 pages of the 21 Day challenge as the challenge is coming to a close in the final days I can honestly say I'm seeing some changes. I have always seen journals, or diaries as we call them at home, a waste of time, but I guess times change. Maybe it's because I'm getting a little older, or perhaps I becoming more Americanized, whatever it is, the journal, the art, the creating to express myself is helping to sort myself out. Day 15 comes on the eve of a decision to start going to church, a big move on my part, just to check it out, no promises, but open to it all. Day 16 is about the change I'm seeing. I have been reading the blogs of various participants of this challenge and stumbled across Bohemian Girl. She's an interesting lady and certainly has a way with words. When I read her post last Tuesday, it was EXACTLY how I was feeling and so I have used her words on my page. Thank you to the artist I know as Bohemian Girl!

Other than that, Ella and Luke are keeping me entertained. Ella looks like she has the same potential of being as "anal" as her parents. She spent 15 minutes this evening folding every pair of tights and panties to make them neat in her underwear drawer. Is this normal behaviour for a 3 year old? She's also under the delusion that I'm a good cook - Long make it last! Luke is now saying "cheeeeeeese" for me every time I whip out the camera and is driving me crazy taking his pants off! Hmmmm... Cheers to being a Mommy :)

Coloured Chicks

2006-04-09T23:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, so your eyes are not deceiving you, and yes, I had to look twice. You are in fact witness to real life colored chicks. Now, is it just me, or is this a new phenomenon? It must be, or I've had my head in the sand for the last 30 years. While I found the whole thing very disturbing I just couldn't take my eyes off them. Ever had that experience, when you know something is wrong but you just can't help liking it? At first I thought the poor little things had been dipped in ink or something but apparently the eggs are injected with food coloring before the eggs hatch. Personally, I'm not sure what's worse, being aesthetically modified in shell or being "man" handled by by too many over-zealous children at the Annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Makes a great topic for discussion though....

New

2006-04-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

Now available at Scrapbook-Elements: Spiral Text Path and Whimsical Custom Shapes

Super Busy

2006-04-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

Like I said, busy! Just wanted to post my 21 Day Challenge pages for Friday through Sunday. I'll be out again in an hour or so but have some photos to post later...

Day of Rest

2006-04-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

We stayed at home today, all day ~ It was luxury! I don't feel like my feet have touched the ground since about this time last week, and a jam-packed weekend ahead means it will be my last day of rest for a while. Despite being a little tired it feels good to be returning to normalcy again for the first time since leaving Japan. A day at home meant I was able to finsh up a new page set, catch up with day 10 and 11 of the 21 day challenge and I even dozed on the couch for a bit while Luke napped and Ella chatted to herself in full-blown play. I rarely lie on the couch but today I saw the opportunity and just took it. Luke's had a rough few nights working on some more teeth. I even had chance to take a peek at this book, which has been sitting on my shelf for way too long. Maybe that's what sent me to sleep :) Reading just does that to me. A few snaps of us this week. Luke in post nap snuggle mode and Ella showing off her attempt at shaving. Needless to say I think she learned her lesson the hard way on that one.

Day 9

2006-04-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

Another day goes by in the 21 day challenge It's flying by. Frustrated today, not by the challenge but by my "happy button pressing" little man. It appears that despite taping up the doors to the entertainment centre and the buttons on the TV, Luke has still managed to do something to the TV ~ We're on permanent mute til Eric comes home at the weekend. Not big on TV personally, but how do you explain to a 1 year old that he can't watch his Baby Einstein because he's bust the TV? Thank goodness there is one angel among us :)

self portrait tuesday: April challenge: April fool

2006-04-04T21:25:00.000-08:00

What the heck! I felt really silly doing this, but yes this is me, and my fish face. Gets a laugh out of Ella and Luke everytime so thought it was quite fitting for self portrait tuesday: April challenge: April fool, and of course my new "thing": Get Real. The more I look at it the more scary it looks. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone here ~ Can you tell?

Birthdays!

2006-04-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

Lots of them this weekend. In fact it's been such a hectic weekend I need another weekend to recover from this one. Ella's kinderdance class and Ethan's 8th birthday on Sunday. It was Katies 5th birthday at the Imaginarium on Sunday when I discovered Ella loathes snakes just as much as I do. We had our own little reptile demo which was a little too up close for the both of us. It was then onto Gymboree to spend the last of my Gymbucks and BK as a special treat for Ella. A few photos from this weekend plus my pages 7 & 8 for the 21 Day Challenge.

New ART

2006-04-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

New!! Spiced Jewell Page Set now available at SBE, plus a few layouts I did with the set last week. Niecey and I in Scotland last year, plus my parents' friends cottage.

Get REAL

2006-04-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

"Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter,
and those who matter don't mind."
~Dr. Seuss

So here are my entries for the last 3 days. I was going to tell you that I had not posted them earlier because I have been busy. Sure, I have been busy. Eric has been getting ready to go away for a week and it's always a little hectic when they're getting ready to leave. I've also been finishing up my England Album from last year, but I have not to busy to post my pages! I've been spending the last few days trying to decide whether I WANT to post the journaling on my pages. This challenge and just the place I am in my life right now has REALLY got me going through some BIG changes and basically going through all the crap in my life, not so much physically but mentally. The 21 day challenge has become much bigger than just changing a habit. My scrapbooking is changing and I'm revealing things I've never dared reveal before. Scrapbooking is no longer just preserving memories for me but it's becoming a way of life, a process I need as an artist to be creative and a human being just to get through life every day and be happy and peace with it. After 3 decades of worrying about what other people think about me and being typically British a.k.a. "keeping that stiff upper lip" all in the name of keeping up appearances, as an essentially very private person I'm going out on a limb here and "Getting REAL". In helping myself, I'm also hoping I might also just be able to inspire others with this raw honesty. A little deep for a Sunday morning I know, but hey, what you now see is what you get. This is REALLY keeping it REAL.

Day 3

2006-03-29T23:18:00.000-09:00

Day 3 of the 21 Day Challenge. The little girl is me pulling pretty much the same face as I am making in the self-portrait, as in "what the heck is going on?". Loving looking at all the blogs and the entries b.t.w. and if I didn't have 2 children I could spend days commenting on them all.

Popped into Lynne Stacey's blog, amazing photography always, but she has a really neat paint project that I'm excited about. Might have to wait a couple more months though till Luke is a little less dangerous with the paint brush ;)

Ronalyn's got a bunch of pictures of me on her site; a couple of me being with my husband and some of our paper extravaganza yesterday.

Waiting, waiting, waiting......for my AL Freestyle to arrive. Fingers crossed for tomorrow. I'm so flippin' impatient!

Croppin'

2006-03-29T07:19:00.000-09:00

Just wanted to share some photos from yesterday. Luke and Ella really love Ronalyns children so hope we can get together again really soon, as long as she can put up with my Chatterbox tendencies and mess of course ;)

The pic of Ella and I is for SPT. Still trying to figure out where I'm supposed to post my links and if I've even got the grasp of the challenge. Theme for March was time and so this is kind of a continuation of my HERitage and how I am celebrating the women in our family and the continuation of the line.

21 Day Challenge

2006-03-28T22:24:00.000-09:00

As promised here are my pages: A title page, page 1 for yesterday and page two for today. Spent the afternoon at Ronalyn's scrapping. I had so much fun and promise to share the photos tomorrow.

Self Portrait and Cookies

2006-03-28T00:05:00.000-09:00

I didn't actually get my first 21 Day challenge page done so looks like there will be two on the agenda first thing tomorrow. I just ran out of time today. Eric came home with a Dysonat the weekend, and I don't get excited at all about that kind of stuff, but I'm just loving it! I've vacuumed my house 3 times today! It's such a groovy looking piece of kit I don't even want to put it away. So too much time cleaning, and baking, and not enough creating. I did however take a bunch of self portrait photos at last, some of which I hope to feature in my "journal" over the next 21 days. Cookies were great btw...

Spring!

2006-03-27T09:37:00.000-09:00

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush" ~ unknown.

I love this quote! It pretty much sums up Spring in Alaska which finally arrived on Friday. The sun shone and it was actually warm enough to ditch the heavy jacket for something a little lighter. Our days are getting noticably longer and I can't wait to get back into photo mode again.

We had a great weekend just enjoying life! The children fighting, Ella whining, Luke getting into everything he shouldn't and Eric cooking (Yeah!) Maybe it's just that I'm feeling better or perhaps it had something to do with the paper crop I went to on Saturday night, it felt good to be painting again. I'm really starting to enjoy life again. It's been a LONG time since I said that!

Anyway, the crop was a lot of fun and will be going again for sure. Here's the HERitage album I started, thanks to Rhonna and Layle Koncar for their inspiration at the 2peas Garden for the first page. I'm also going to be joining in on Rhonna's 21 Day Challenge. Starts today....

Birthday Party!

2006-03-25T10:44:00.000-09:00

No, not mine, but the one we went to last week. The squadron chalet was so poorly lit and it's taken me until this morning to edit the photos. Thank heavens for Photoshop is what I say! Anyway, some fun ones here, of the children with Ronalyn's children, and check out Ronalyn doing what she does best :)

I'm off to a paper scrapping crop tonight at my local LSS - Yes! You heard it here first. I hoped Ronalyn was going to be able to come too, but looks like I'm on my own on this one. I hope paper scrappers are as friendly as digi :) I've got myself kitted out with some new supplies: MM Foam Stamps & Paints, Heidi Swap Foam Stamps, glitter & rhinestones from my local Joanns, a few papers from the new Basic Grey Urban Couture, just to name a few! I have had this big pile of BW and sepia photos since my Grandma dies in 1997 which go as far back as the early 1900s, so I'm finally going to put them into an album, entitled HERitage i.e. 5 generations: my great grandmother, my grandma, my mum, me and Ella. Big ambitions for tonight ~ I'll let you know how it goes.....

Sick

2006-03-22T23:48:00.000-09:00

It's been one illness after another since we got back from Florida. This week Ella came down with a nasty stomach virus that knocked her for six. I think she picked it up from a birthday party we went to on Saturday. She started with it just as I was heading to bed on Sunday night, so needless to say it was not a good night, or following day for that matter. Poor girl, she's never been so sick. So I spent my 31st Birthday in my Jammies holding the sick bowl for for my wee girl and I would say she definitely had the worst deal. Tuesday was much of the same, but today things started looking up!

Despite my internet being down all day, Ella perked up around noon and we spent the afternoon, dare I say it, paper scrapbooking, and yes I completed my first paper layout in well over a year. It was an interesting experience. When you do your layouts digitally you take for granted that you don't need to worry how you are going to afix your photos to the page. I've had the itch to get messy since CHA but now I'm after new supplies. As soon as Eric came home from work I was out the door to my local LSS, but it was here I remembered why I gave up paper scrapbooking in the first place. Frustrated at not been able to buy everything in one place and the price? I don't want to even go there. I've been really inspired lately by Rhonna and Elsie Flannigan and dying to get my hands on some glitter and ribbons and stuff! I've been cruising the stores on-line so I'll let you know how it goes... In the meantime, I'll leave you with a digital page, I did this morning. I actually did it twice because our power went out shortly before our internet went off for the day! I really need to be better about hitting the save button. All papers and elements from my Hope's Promise Page Set.

Gymboree

2006-03-17T22:42:00.000-09:00

I took the children to the mall today and as with every trip to the mall accompanied by the children, I didn't quite get done what I had wanted. Luke has a will all of his own and was EVERYWHERE. We bypassed the jewelry store "tout suite" as Ella began to ask if I liked diamonds. When does a 3 year old have time to learn about diamonds? This comes only days after asking me if I have a boyfriend? Eeeeek. I answered carefully that I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend because I'm married to Daddy. So she then went on to ask the question "So you married him up?". "something like that", was my reply. We did manage to have a reasonably civilized lunch at Nordstroms though, dining on Angel Hair Pasta and Chicken Pistacio salad. I love the Nordstrom salads. Then we spent some time in Gymboree, bumped into Ronalyn, and amongst other things purchased some butterfly wings. Ella would have worn them to bed if I had let her. Her sense of style is quite unique and the girls all wait eagerly at preschool to see what she will be wearing next. She dresses herself and is very particular about what she'll wear and what she won't. Most of the time it's a cross between diva and fame!

Tonight was also my first night out in yonks! I'm a bit of a home bod these days but tonight I went to dinner with Ronalyn. I even took my camera but what is it about restaurant being so dark? I could barely see Ronalyn who was sat just in front of me, so alas no photos. So nice, nevertheless, to get out without the children and enjoy some chit chat. It was fun!!

Honorable Mention II

2006-03-16T14:37:00.000-09:00

Post number two with the rest of my pages - The system wouldn't allow to post them all in one go.

Honorable Mention

2006-03-16T14:15:00.000-09:00

All in the name of Digi! The phone came at the most inopportune time; Ella in the bathroom, friends leaving the housing and lunch burning on the cooker ~ What a nightmare! Distracted I was, and I can't imagine what CK must have thought in all the chaos but here are my pages. There is one layout missing, as CK will be publishing it in the CK HOF Special Issue. Congratulations to all who completed the assignments and took part. Yayyy for Digi!

Sneak Peek :)

2006-03-16T09:39:00.000-09:00

Coming to SBE on Sunday! Had so much fun with these.

Glad

2006-03-15T21:47:00.000-09:00

The phone was red hot today. Renee Pearson called. She's such a nice lady and was honoured that she chose to talk to me during her lunch hour. She's the type of person that just makes you happy. I also caught up with Ronalyn and finally made arrangements to get together. It's only taken us about 4 months so looking forward to it! I spoke with my friend Lyndsay - Haven't seen her in ages, my Mum and Dad, my best friend in England. It was a good day despite not getting the call I really wanted. I also did a few pages just for the fun of it! It's always great to be creative just because. Heavily inspired by Rhonna again, I did this page of Ella using Denise Docherty's Be Glad Page Set

Spring Cleaning

2006-03-14T22:12:00.000-09:00

Getting in the mood for Spring and have spent the last 2 days pretty much cleaning (and designing of course) Did this one at the weekend, inspired by Rhonna Farrer's 21 Day Challenge pages and using her PeaPod Page Set as well as some of my own stuff. So wanted to join in the challenge but it started while I was in Florida and was just bad timing. Congrats to all those who joined, and poor Sol! I can only imagine....

Things are changing..

2006-03-13T00:02:00.000-09:00

The days are getting notabley longer (in spite of the fact we're a long way off from spring), Luke is now biting, and I cooked dinner and baked 2 chocolate cakes this weekend. I may just become a "model" housewife yet! I bought this Rachel Ray Cookbook which boasts 365 30 minute meals with no repeats. Now if it can be done in 30 minutes then just maybe I stand a chance! I've set myself a realistic goal that I'll do one new recipe per week, and it seemed like a good idea until Eric pointed out that it'll take me about 7 years, give or take a day or two, to get through the entire book. Now that's what I call value for money! And the fact I would rather spend my time fixing some photos instead of food, then just maybe it'll take me even longer...

Talking of fixing photos, I got around to some scrapping and catching up on same favorite blogs this weekend. If you didn't know already the divine Shabby Princess a.k.a. Kristie David is being even more generous in her bid to raise money for the National DMAN Hero Light the Night Team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in now donating 100% of sales from the Bluebell Road Kit to this great cause. If you haven't got yours - scoot on over!

The Verdict

2006-03-11T08:48:00.000-09:00

I love it! The new lens that is, and for all those wondering if the 50mm 1.4 is actually better than the 50mm 1.8... In my opinion, YES! The lens not only looks sturdier but just has a better "feel" about it on the camera. My images do seem a little sharper but I'd like to think that had more to do with improving my photography skills than a better lens. Wishful thinking? Probably! LOL! I guess it's true what they say, "You get what you pay for". The proof is in the pudding. Hoping to play a little more this weekend. The sun is shining and I'm FINALLY recovering from this cold. Have a great weekend!

Gloating

2006-03-10T14:33:00.000-09:00

Yes, I know, nice ladies don't gloat but then not all nice ladies get a Canon EF 50mm 1.4 lens just arrive on their doorstep. It was an early birthday present from Eric which arrived bundled with a remote for my Canon 20D. Off to play, and hope to come back with some self portraits soon :)

More Snow Fun!

2006-03-09T08:43:00.000-09:00

Loving these photos of the children from Sunday, and best of all barely any editing required which is a bonus, and slowly getting over this cold so getting back to some designing. I've been working on a requested Air Force page set for this weeks upload.

It was also made official this week that I will no longer be writing for the SBB Ezine. Sad to say goodbye but after 2 years I felt it was time for a little change. You will now be able to see my articles in April Anderton's Digital Scrapbooking magazine. Quite ironically, my sister just bought me a subscription for this super publication. Thanks Sarah!

Snow Day!

2006-03-06T22:05:00.000-09:00

Back in AK for a week now and just about recovered from the 10 1/2 hour flight. We enjoyed sunny Florida but it's nice to be home, even if the drastic dip in temperatures has left us all a little under the weather. We've all got a cold and it's snowed pretty much all day today. We did manage to get out this weekend though, even if it was only as far as our back yard. Eric's built a man-made mini mountain that's jsut the right size for Ella and Luke to slide down. Enjoy!

New Art

2006-02-22T11:19:00.000-09:00

Not too busy relaxing not to do a tad designing. These are for the boys, or for the girls, if you are so inclined, coming to SBE on Sunday.

Puzzled

2006-02-21T09:45:00.000-09:00

I've been whiling away the sunny afternoons here doing Sudoku. My Dad's totally hooked, as is the UK I understand, and if I wasn't so busy I think I would be too... Caution: Do not try this at home if you don't want to become an addict...

Talking of my Dad, we went to the local Outlet mall the other day... A bit of a novelty for me as we don't have them in Alaska. He surprised me and bought an early birthday gift, the cutest Fossil watch. Pink leather strap and a digital flower/butterfly display! LOVE IT!

Highlight of my day was that I was told that I had won Sara Carling's Logo Contest. She has a super blog and is a talented designer. As you know I never win anything so twice in two months is a record so far. It always feels good to help someone out and congrats to the other entrants. I had some stiff competition.

Ella and Luke's Cousins are arriving today and we're off to Seaworld tomorrow...

Baskin'

2006-02-16T18:25:00.000-09:00

Enjoying some warmer weather here in sunny Florida. Time spent by the pool is a bit of a novelty when you live in a state that is under snow for about 7 months of the year. We only have just over a week left to enjoy! So getting back to it ~ Thanks for all your congrats and your support!

Breathe

2006-02-14T10:40:00.000-09:00

Wow! What a year so far! I had fully intended on paying my blog more attention this year but life seems to have been busier than ever. Now that I have finally had the chance to catch my breath, I'm happy to be able to spill the beans...

Just before Christmas I started work with Die Cuts With a View and HPs Photosmart Essentials Software on a product that combines the beauty of digital with traditional scrapbooking. The DCWV Digital plus Dimension product line, launched at CHA in Vegas last month, and includes 8 digitally designed and pre-printed 8 X 8 albums (16 pages plus cover) based on the themes of Baby Boy and Girl, Love, Wedding, All Occasion, Travel, Birthday, Family and Friends. Each album is delivered with the custom HP PSE Software, die-cut embellishments and vellum quote sheets. The principle is this:

1. Select your photos to be used in the album within the HP PSE Software and drop them into the included predefined 8 1/2 X 11 templates and print.

2. Cut out the photos and adhere to the pages according to the included guide or according to preference. One sheet of photos is accomodated by two 8 X 8 pages, but not all photos have to be used on the pages.

3. Add the Die Cut Embellishments, Vellum Quotes and any additional Embellishments such as brads or ribbon of your choice.

I reckon you can complete one of these albums in less than a day! Feedback was all positive from the LSS Owners and the Joann Buyers so it's all good news for the Digital Industry. Exciting Stuff!

So, I wasn't actually supposed to be at CHA. It was kind of last minute decision to go. I'd already booked to fly to Florida with Ella and Luke that weekend so timing and circumstances were perfect. I dropped the children off with their grandparents and then backtracked the following day to Vegas. It was the first time leaving Ella and Luke but they have awesome Grandparents and did great in my absence.

CHA was fabulous! Tons of eye candy and many inspiring and talented people to meet and talk to. LSS owners and booth owners seemed less intimidated by digital than they were at Memory Trends in October of last year and I only see this trend continuing. Highlights for me, not in any particular order, apart from seeing my work with DCWV in "real" life of course, included:

* Simple Scrapbook Ladies: I met Stacy Julian and Donna Downey at Memory Trends 2005, and was honored to see Lynda Angelastro again, as well as Molly Newman, Jenny Groethe and Renee Pearson. I was a little afraid to approach Renee but she is as sweet as she is gifted. I was stunned to win one of her fabulous books, Digital Designs, as I never win anything. We vowed to keep in touch and find some way to work together, so stay tuned...

* Digital Scrapbooking Magazine: I finally met founder April Anderton, who was accompanied by her Assistant Editor, Cyndi Wyckoff. April and I have chatted on MSN messenger for ages, and I have to say despite being 3 months pregnant and very sick, you would have never have known. She's as bubbly in real life as she is on-line. Looking forward to working with her further.

* Epson: The lovely ladies that attend the CKUs around the United States, and it was here I also met Angie Svoboda who everyone knows from the digital board at 2peas, and Clara Wallace joint owner of Promos4digiscrappers Yahoo Group and founder of Matter of Scrap.

* Danielle Catalano-Titns, founder of Something Blue Studios and one of the featured artists of the upcoming Simple Scrapbooks Digital issue, had a booth for her digital designs just across from Epson.

* Loved the concept of Zoomalbums

* Lunch with Scrapbook-Elements founders Sunni and John Rafuse, and Designers, Lynnie Smith, Marge Wirth, Sheila Dixen and Gina Jane Johnson.

* Rooming with Jill Miller, published author of Scrapbook-Styles books and Carolyn Holt, independent artist for Paper Adventures

* Kristie's new line of scrummy papers and embellishments with Bo Bunny Press, not to mention Miss R's new line and the new Designing With books by Autumn Leaves.

* Katie Pertiet,founder of Designer Digitals and Wendy Armstrong, DTM at SBB, were both at the Westrim Crafts booth,showcasing their new Digital with Dimension product line.

* Lasting Impressions Memory Mixer is another leap in the direction of digital. Launched at Memory Trends 2005, it's development is still in progress.

* Lumapix Fotofusion: Super easy and intuitive program for the beginner digital scrapbooker. I particularly love the photo collage feature that effortlessly creates random photo collages. I can't wait for them to develop the program further so that the results can be imported into Photoshop.

* Digital Scrapbook Place: Lots going on with these ladies! Amanda and Margie were all smiles and super busy at that.

* My Cubelite purchase ~ My own stock photography here I come ....

* Xyron's Design Runner, launched at Memory Trends 2005, and the buzz is still going strong. I designed the first 16 disks of artwork for this hand held printer.

* Dinner with my good friends Kristi McFadden, DTM at SBB and Dena Simoneaux, former DTM for HP and contributor to the Autumn Leaves Designing with Digital.

Phew! I think that about covers it. I've been recovering in comparably warmer temperatures to Alaska over the past 2 weeks and promise to share some vacation photos over the next week or so.

Big thanks to Lynne Stacey for giving me the nudge I needed to start blogging again.

I'm not much of a romantic and am quite ambivalent about Valentines Day. It means more to me to receive flowers or a card, just because, rather than dictated by a commercialized holiday. (Truth be known I'd rather save the money for a new camera lens). That said, I would feel a "scrooge" not to have hoped you all had a very Happy Valentines Day!

Checking In

2006-01-17T08:33:00.000-09:00

Hi there! It's been a while since I was last here but I've been busy with a new project. Lots of exciting news to come :) In the meantime the poor old blog has been given the cold shoulder and so I thought I'd try and make a bit of a come back with a new layout based on a chain mail I was sent by fellow designer Debbie Pearson. I thought she made some valid points on her blog and LOVED her idea of creating a layout with the answers. Over Christmas I was experimenting with long exposures and had this one sitting on my hard drive.

Eventful

2005-12-30T00:22:00.000-09:00

Who knew how much work Christmas could could be? Until this year, Ella had no idea who Santa Claus is and Luke was barely in the picture. All of a sudden I'm inventing elaborate stories and running around like a maniac all in the name of pulling off the most perfect of Christmases - and magical it was, but boy was it hard work! Mum, my hat goes off to you!

Christmas was eventful to say the least - I had to wake Ella up at 8.30am and she completely missed the sack full of presents on her bed, not mention forgetting all about Santa. A gentle reminder had the desired snowball effect... Presents galore followed and afterwards our little girl paraded around all day in her new ballet tutu. Luke was quite intrigued by the whole affair and added his own unique charm to the day by trying to eat a glass Christmas tree decoration, from which he seems to have escaped unscathed.

Smoked Turkey on the BBQ (Yes! Even in our Alaskan winter) and my husband set all records this year by having it done 2 hours early. Friends arrived and before we knew it at was fast appraoching midnight. A hectic but fun Christmas! I haven't had time to scrap the photos yet, but did the above few pages this week. Luke had his first haircut this week and I think the photos speak for them selves. That little boy has a HUGE temper!

Miss Ella

2005-12-21T15:33:00.000-09:00

Just one of the many photos of Ella I took yesterday! She's growing up before our eyes. Paper and Elements are from my Shine Page Set

Pink Glow

2005-12-20T11:25:00.000-09:00

Crystallize

2005-12-16T01:09:00.000-09:00

Alaska in all it's winter beauty.