A Touch of Fall In The Air

Well yesterday there was a touch of cool air in the evening. It was a blessing! Today, not so much and the rest of the week, heat again! What are gonna do in Texas! I haven't put my wonderful SU set of stamps away yet, or maybe I took them out again, either way, I still love this set. It's old, but a handy dandy set of stamps. So perfect for Fall. This time I used the basket full of leaves stamp and after the leaves were colored in with Copic markers, I used a nice blinging gel pen to get some shine in the picture. The only bad thing about the card, I used up the last of this ribbon! I had a small piece left from the 2 yards I purchase in the beginning of the summer, but now I have none! I love May Arts ribbons. They are so rich in the colors. The paper is Cosmo Cricket.
This morning was an adventure. I went to CCA to see what help would be there for us. I got all the info and now it's the waiting game to see what they can do. I got an appointment in NOV, but I did get on the list to see if there is anything earlier then they can call. I got Barry an appointment with the health office next Monday. I'm hoping that they can get his MED's for a better price then we have now. All in all, it's a waiting game for sure!
Now I must hurry off to make some more cards because I have bill that need to be paid today and still don't have the full amount. What is this world coming to? Who knows what will happen tomorrow!
P

4 Of A Kind

Aren't these the cutest cards you've seen today? Well maybe you haven't been blog hopping yet and these are the first one's you've seen. If so, I hope you like them. I finished up the set of 4 and added them to my ebay store. Check them out if you must! I made them pretty simple without lots of ribbon. I'm going to need more of the American Crafts plaid paper. Now to find it in a store near me. I don't think Barry wants to drive an hour or more to get some of this paper again. I think I'm right on that count.

I have sunburned knees today and trucker arms! The seats at the ball game were in the sun all day! I'm glad I remembered a hat, but forgot the sunscreen. The tip of my nose is a nice red color as well. Oh well, at least it was fun!

Today I'm trying to finish up some projects that must get done and maybe do a few things around the house. It's the Jewish holiday's today, but I think I feel anything like the holidays today. We talked to Barry's Dad last night and seems to be doing ok. Who knows at this point. I seem to be doing ok, but we all know how that is!!!!

Gotta run, have a great day!

Hugs,

Paula

AN APPLE A DAY

I know, I know, I've used this set before and make other cards using red and green apples, but the reason I'm showing you this card today is because of the cute buttons I used next to the apples. I have some left-over heart buttons from Valentine's Day (at least one or two that's pasted) and I while looking for something to add to the front of the card to give it a nice finished "Paula" look to it, I found the heart buttons. A light when off off and I made them into apples with just the addition of the green brads. Well at least I thought they were cute and my friend Pat must have to since we purchased my card in my eBay store! I do have to tell you about my friend Pat who lives in WY. I love how customers because dear friends. We crafters are the very nicest of people and Pat is certainly that. She sent me several Magnolia stamps this week that she's bought and is allowing me to stamp images from them before I send them back to her! She is even sending along several more that she's getting in the mail next week! I swap images from in town friends all the time, but out of town friends, that's going the extra mile!
Yesterday was a very pleasant day. First we had brunch with Evan and his best friend Michael who moved back to TX this summer with his wife and girls. They have been friends since we moved to TX in 1988. Mike married and moved to Kansas about 8 years ago. They get together every so often, but it's nice to have him back near us. He does live 45 minutes away, but everything is TX is far away. He was spending a "boys" day with Evan yesterday. After we went to Denny's, Barry and I headed out for the Flight Museum at Love Field. Yesterday was free museum day around the country and we printed out passes and off we went. It was really fun and a great place to spend some time. Next we headed out for the Rangers ball game. We're still using our free tickets and we got there early enough for free parking as well. The team won a great game and we saw 4Th of July type fireworks after the game. It was a really good day!
Today we're headed back to the ball park with the boys. It's the last home game of the year. We go almost every year because they give away lots of stuff. We're never won anything, but it's nice to go and enjoy the day with my sons.
I have to finish up some design work tomorrow and start on another week of making cards to sell. Have a great day! Be safe!
Hugs!
P

Glald The Week Is Ending!

My Tilda is ready to sweep out the old and begin again! At least that's how I feel today! Barry is finally making process in school this week even though he still says he can't work as quickly as the other students. I called him on it last night. I get so tired of hearing that same old song so I told him it was BS because when I ask him to explain things to me about what he's doing---he's right on! I know how hard it is for him doing this and how hard the past year has been, but I'm tired too. I just he just thinks he's the only one suffering. I wish that were so.

Today I'm sharing a card I made the other day using what I could find on my desk. I love doing that. Then I feel like I'm making some dent in the HUGE pile of paper on my desk, but it doesn't seem to be going down any. I think I have something growning in there! I'm busy finishing up some cards this morning to add to my ebay store today. Please check them out. I swear they get prettier and prettier each time I make some. I was looking at some other cards for sale yesterday and think I've under priced mine, so if you need to get a good deal, hurry on over!

We have lots of baseball plans for the weekend. Tomorrow Barry and I are going to the Rangers game with the tickets we were able to trade in from two weeks ago when we went home. On Sunday we're taking the boys to the game with us. We got all our tickets from the gift we received for the holidays this past year. I really, really enjoyed going to a few games this summer. It was a great treat for us. I'm asking for the same thing again this year! Barry is also got a Lion's thing tomorrow morning. I was invited to a baby shower in the afternoon, but because of the baseball game, I'm going to pass. I'll miss seeing my friends, but I would miss the chance to be with Barry even more.

Have a wonderful weekend!

P

The Bloom Men---Texas Sized!

Yes, they say we grow things big in Texas and if you look at my son's you'll see that it's true! This picture was taken right before my son's left Maryland to return home last week. Left to right is Sid (Barry's Dad), Barry, Lawrence, and Evan. Aren't they the best looking guys you've seen this week?!~! I can't believe they are all mine! Evan was a preemie born at the end of 7 months and I think he's finally caught up in size! Barry's Dad is doing OK. Either one of the boys or I speak to him every day. We take turns, that way we don't drive him nuts with phone calls. I remember after Barry had his surgery, it was nice to hear from people, but after a while you just wanted peace. I'm sure it must be the same for him.
Barry just called to say he's on his way home from school. His bag broke again. We seem to be having a rough time with them staying on right now. I don't know if it's the weather or what, but it's a pain I could live without. OK, so much for that.
Today I'm busy trying to create. I have 3 cards done and more idea's then I can get out of my head. If only I had a helper to do some of the stuff, but then again, I wish I had a helper in the cleaning end of my house too and that's not happening either!
Oh yea, Barry finally figured out the type of classes he's taking right now. At the end he'll be able to teach! I know, he should have known this before, but because he doesn't like to ask too many questions, he just signed up for what classes they said he needed. He loves teaching so I think this should get him a great job when he's finished. When we lived in Tampa he taught at the College near us for several years. Just getting him finished right now is the name of the game. I saw a few jobs in Hawaii that were teaching jobs for Web stuff. If there jobs in HI, then there must be jobs in TX. I would rather be in Hawaii, but we'll take what we can get! Just think, Maui sunsets every day. It's something I could live with!
Hugs and Love to all who enter!
P

Isn't She Lovely?

Do you know have that song in your head? Good ole Stevie Wonder! Today the sun is trying to come out. Yesterday, on the other hand, was very Fall like! It was cloudy and misty all day. What a nice change for us. Too bad we didn't have it over the weekend when the AC was out, but that's how it seems to go! Today I'm showing a card I made and sold yesterday. Sophie will be dancing her way into a new home soon! I used so many pieces of scrap that I found on my desk. I'm proud of that!

Today I'm busying trying to make some more cards. It's a Fall kinda day for me. I'm hooked on all those wonderful shades of oranges and greens. They are my favorite colors to work with. So warm and inviting. Barry is suppose to be at school at day, but you never can tell. He has a cold coming on, and as we ALL know, men can't handle that! I wish I knew about this being sick with a cold thing when the kids were small and there wasn't anybody else to take care of them. WHY didn't anyone tell me about this club? Must be a guy thing!

So that's my life. Nothing gets any better. It just rolls along from one bump to another! Every day I wake up thinking today is the day. Today is going to be a great day. I have faith that if I say it enough, one day it will be a great, great day---maybe it's today!

Hugs and Love to all who enter my tiny little world!

P

Don't You Wish You Could Remember Your Password?

That's my big problem today. I couldn't remember my password for blogger! After having a one-sided conversation with my brain, we finally figured it out! Do you know how hot it can be in Texas without AC? So Very Hot! The air guy is coming this morning sometime. With Barry out of work so long, our savings are shot, and so I called my son's to say we needed some help. They are going to take care of whatever problem we are having with the air. I'm thinking it's a big one. I'm so glad they all have good jobs!
Yesterday was my 39th anniversary. Where oh where have the years gone? Friends called in the early morning hours and asked us to join them. That was so nice. It was Judy's birthday as well. It was too bad we had to return to our home cause it sure was hot, but we kicked up all the fans and I slept at the end of the bed in order to get all the air, so it wasn't too bad.
I uploaded a bunch of cards on my ebay store this morning. I took some of the ones I sent my MIL home with me. One of those sold already. Now I'm trying to work a few more to list.
Not much else is new (thank goodness) in the Bloom Zooland World. We'll know more when Justin will be going to Basic Training later today. It's either going to be in Nov or Jan. Either way it's cold up in the Great Lakes area! He's getting his physical today and doing lots of tests to see what type of school he's going to be going to after Basic.
Take care and thanks for coming to visit!
P

I CAN'T TAKE ANY MORE!

You know just when you think enough is enough, you get more! We arrived home last night from DC and staying with my FIL this week to having no air when we opened up the house! I know, it's unbelievable that this must "stuff" can happen to one family. I feel like I LIVE under a permanent black cloud! Of course we have no money to replace the air conditioner if that's the thing. In all honesty, I don't know what I'm going to do. Call my son's and let them know I guess. I'm not really sure why I even got up this morning. I'm scared to go in the kitchen. Something might fall on me!
While I'm at it with the bad news, I do have something else to report. While we were away, my grandson told his mother that he enlisted in the Navy. He's 19 and never even discussed this with his parents! Larry is his step-dad, but he's raised Justin from a small child. Justin waited to tell his mom while Larry was away with us in DC. The air thing just tops my week!
Let's see, I messed up a shipment of cards last weekend and a lady got really pissy about a set of stampin up stamps she bought on ebay for .99! Now do see why I want to run away? If I only had the money!
Sorry I have nothing new to show you today. I did have few cards, but I took those with me and my brother's girlfriend got those. We had never met her until this week. She's a very, very sweet person. I'm happy for him that he found should a great person.
Well that's my story. Not a pretty one today, but all mine. If you have any suggestions as to how to get my life on track, feel free to let me know!
Hugs to you all for your well wishes on the passing of Annette.
P

Were In DC

Thanks for all your kind words and prayers at this time for my mother-in-law. We are up in DC staying at my FIL's home right now. Larry and Evan are with us until tomorrow. We're be returning back to Dallas on Saturday. It was wonderful to see so many people come to the services yesterday. We had a lot of out-of-towns come in. Tonight the Barry, the boys and I will be meeting up with my brother and his GF for dinner and then they can get to see his boys as well. Barry wasn't too happy about going out, but his Dad won't be alone. Other family will be there as well.
Again, thanks for your prayers. I'll writer again.
Paula

Sad News To Report

We had a call at 5:30 this morning to let us know that Barry's Mom had passed away. She really was so much pain that at least now she's not suffering. I know we say that type of thing and it's suppose to easy the pain. Maybe it does somewhat. I feel so sorry for Sidney. Two days ago they had their 65th Anniversary. That's a long time to be with someone. We don't know how he'll be without her. I don't think he liked living this past month as a single guy. He didn't like doing his own wash at all. Cooking was just OK. Barry and I will be flying up there tomorrow morning and staying all week with his Dad. Thank goodness Evan had miles for flights. We'll be staying with his Dad.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and all your prayers.
Love and Hugs,
Paula

A DAY TO DO SOMETHING GOOD

I'm sure you know that today is a sad anniversary of a terrible deed done to man. Yes, it's 9/11 and because of this our world changed in ways that we'll never understand. For me, it became the beginning of the end. I worked for American Airlines on that day. I can't believe it's 8 years ago. I can close my eyes and see it like it was yesterday. We were all scared. We were all shocked. We huddled around the TV in an office and then openly cried. Our world would never be the same. Within a year many of us were laid off from the airlines. Many of us have never had our lives be the same again. So on this day we should remember those who we lost and gave so much, and to honor that day we should all try to give back something to our community to remember the hopes of those lost!

Riley's Got His Reading ON!

Wasn't that a great speech last night? Well I thought so and since I value my own opinions, it was a great speech! No, I don't agree with everything the President said. I feel we need a very strong Public Plan, but I was impressed that he was strong and took the lead in this!
Enough of bad things, like who does or doesn't have health care. Today I'm sharing a fun project made using my Reading Riley. He hasn't seem much ink. I think his appeal might be limited to a select few, but I really like him. I saw a bunch of book markers made using scraps and thought I'd give it a go. Most of the one's I saw were 1" x 4". That was a little too small for my old fingers to work with. I made mine a little over 2" x 4". That fit the size of the black check paper, and that's the idea of those fun things made using the left over scraps! I bought this paper last year on sale at J's and forgot about it. I was looking for ribbon when it fell on top of me (yes Gretchen, you do know how that could happen in my studio!) and it worked perfect for that "school" theme. I wish that there would be more "moose" sayings coming from Hanna stamps. I'd like some for winter stamps, besides Merry Moosemas! Oh well, I guess I get to think them up myself!
Today I'm trying to play catch-up with "stuff" again. The wash, the dryer, the dirty dishes. It's a shame the maid has left town! I did make a card this morning and watch the DVR so I'm hoping that counts for something!
Have a great day and hurry back!
Hugs!
P

Today IS The Day To Be Counted IN or OUT

No pretty pictures today. No nice words today. Today is the day to take a stand and be counted. Are you in or are you out? Health care is the issue. If you don't think this is a big deal or if you don't think you need to hear about this issue that effects everyone, then I thank you for the time you've taken to visit and hope you'll come back another day to see those pretty pictures we all love. But today is different. This is an issue that I feel very strongly about. It hits my family very hard! We are among those almost 50 MILLION people that don't have health insurance. As you may know, my husband is out of work. I've applied to so many places I can't keep track. There are very few jobs out there in the real world. I know, I'm just like you and used to say when I saw someone on the street corner looking for a handout because they didn't have work---get a job---different time, different place. Jobs are hard to find. Even my Michael's hasn't hired this year and it's almost the end of the year! What few jobs are out there don't offer insurance! Barry has had Cancer. We could not afford the cost of Cobra and because we HAD a few dollars left in our 401, we can't get state aid for insurance either. We are one of MILLIONS caught in that trap! Forget big business for right now. Remember we are neighbors, we got to worship in the same places, but we are the forgotten one's in this debate! It's easy to say that you're happy with your health care when you company is paying 2/3 of the price. IT's not so easy when you have to pay the 1000.00 a month yourself. TRY it and tell me how you like it! I'm not asking for your pity or crying in the wind today. I am asking you to remember that it can happen to anyone and what would you do if your neighbor said to you, you can't have insurance because I'm so darn happy with mine! That's the tone of this debate. Nothing about taking care of that neighbor. These are the same people who you call the fire department to report their house is on fire, but you won't give them the same rights to health care as you have! There is something very wrong is this debate. I have written many letters to the Congress and even the White House. I feel very strong about this issue. If you feel strong about it, you should write an email to your Congressman. Notice, I'm not asking you to feel as I do about this issue. I'm asking you to think with your head, and not just because you're listening to the talking heads on TV. Give this some thought today and really listen to what the President is going to say. Weather we agree with him or not, give the Office the respect is should have. WE want to teach our children and grandchildren right from wrong, not just how we see the world, but all sides of an issue. We want them to grow up to listen to others, not close their minds to the world around them.
Thank you for listening to me today.
P

Is The Week Just Rushing By or What?

It's Tuesday and I've made ONE card this week! I was so lazy over the long holiday weekend. Were you? I know I should have worked on Fall cards, but it was so easy not to! I did make a card this morning and have stamped out a few images, but honestly, it's only 8 AM! On Sunday I didn't even make it out of my PJ's. Yesterday was a lot better then that. The lure of free chicken sandwiches at Chick Fillet got me. It got me 3 times. So much of a good thing is a good thing! I've had my chicken fix for a now. It was nice not to cook and cheaper too! Oh yea, the ride we took to find the perfect chicken sandwich took us to the casino in OK, but it's only an hour drive for us and because I HAD to go to M's for cutter blades, I thought the one on the way to OK would work out the best for our drive! I didn't want a good 50% coupon to go to waste. No I didn't use it on the blades, they were already on sale, but I did get some new brads that I was sure I couldn't live without! At the casino I did turn a $ into 5 so that wasn't too bad a thing. Barry made me cash out my winnings and when I wanted to go back to my machine, a dirty old man (not Barry) was already there! Didn't he know it was my machine? I was on a roll. It's the same one I play whenever we go there. Didn't he see my name on it? I'm a big roller (LOL)! I guess he missed all that! So we left with our five dollar bill in one piece!
Today I have to do all the things I didn't get done yesterday. Wash, trash, clean, and make cards. Not in that order of course.
Have a great day! Head over to my friend Kim's blog http://sewstampscrapbook.blogspot.com/ and wish her well. Her baby is due tomorrow. She's having #5 and because she has so much love to give, this little one will be just as loved as her first! She's a special person!
Hugs,
P

TWO HEADS, ANYONE?

I have no shame. Do you think I've grown two heads and my cards have suddenly become so darn ugly that I'm not selling anything? Ok, I have low self worth right now. I thought I could live with it, but I guess I wrong, again! Do you ever wonder why we keep creating cards, day after day? I think my work is ok. Heck, I really like my work, so WHY ISN'T IT SELLING? Can everyone be away this weekend? Doesn't someone need another "Paula" creation? Maybe I'm over reacting a bit---NO! I guess I better get back to making some more cards. You never know when the rush will hit!
Today's card is made using some forgotten I had Basic Grey papers. I love all those nice neat 6x6 pads most of us collect, but the problem is that I put them in a nice neat pile of other 6x6 pads, and then forget I what I have! Maybe a label would help. When I saw these colors, I knew I had the perfect papers for Fall Lulu Ketto. The ribbon was the last scrap of black and white plaid I have left. It made the perfect size bow. She's so darling and so easy to create a fun card with.
What are you up to this holiday weekend? Barry and I are staying around town. We went to the $ movies yesterday and saw UP. What a neat movie. It was rated G, but I think the adults will get more out of it then the kids. We didn't even make a trip to the Dollar Tree for candy before the movie. It was too close to lunch for that, or maybe I was being really cheap!
Today is another lazy day at the Bloom Zoo. I really need to clean up a bit, do a bit of wash, and watch a bit of TV. The Ranger's Game is on at 12:30 and that takes up most of the afternoon. Like I said, lazy days!
Have a great holiday weekend. Stay safe if you're on the road.
Hugs,
P

Big Boys Birthday

Today is my oldest son Larry's birthday! He's 38 years old! Where oh where did the years go? It seems like yesterday I had him. I remember being so hot during the summer when I was carrying him. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor. It became so hard for me to walk up and down those steps, but I used to take the cat out for "airing"! We had Lefty and her baby Pooh Bear. Lawrence is the first grandchild on both sides of the family, so he has always been the special one. I think there's a place for every grandchild in the family, but the first is always the "one"! When Jewish people have children they name them after someone who has passed away. My Dad died when I was 13, so we named him in honor of him. The Edward part of his name was for Barry's Grandfather's brother who passed away around the same time Larry was born. We made everyone happy with his name! And that was the point of the whole thing anyway!
Tonight we're going to Larry's house for dinner. He's cooking out. I offered to bring dessert, but Tina said that's Justin's job. We're going to just come as guests. Works for me!
Speaking of work. I'm waiting for a package to arrive today from my new Guest Designer spot. I tracked to arrive today! I can't wait to get new goodies in the mail!
We don't have anything planned for the long weekend, except to sleep later then 6 AM and be lazy. That's a plan I can live with!
Have a great day and hurry back!
P

Me & The Cable Guy

Yes, that's right, the cable guy is coming again to our house! Why ME! This time the new box went bad and we can't get the upper cable channels! Barry told me this at 4:00 this morning! Yes, he thought it was important to let me know---maybe I had to pay the bill? I told him that the bill was paid, and if it wasn't we wouldn't have even the lower channels on the TV and to go back to sleep! Great way to wake up!
Do you love this card? I so ready for Fall to come to Texas. It is cooler then usual for us, but I'm sure we're not done with the heat yet. The Jewish New Year will be here in a few weeks and it always seems to get hot then. Even when we lived up North. As soon as you put your new wool outfit on to go to Temple, the heat would arrive! This was something we could always count on! I'm sorry my in laws won't be with us this year. They've been visiting us for many years during the High Holiday season. It's also Annette's birthday and the kids have always loved to help her celebrate. We'll have to leave room at the table just in case!
She is suppose to start her rehab big time today. She got a good check up yesterday and today she has to go it alone without the pain med's. When she is suppose to be having therapy, she is sleeping, so no more pain medicine! That should speed up the healing!
Barry is at school today and I was trying to work on some cards. I need to go and get some new blades for my cutter. The paper kills them pretty quickly when I'm on a roll. Then I remembered I had 2 new programs on the DVR and I'm trying to watch them instead. Too bad!
I have a package on the way from the company I'm going to be a guest designer for! I'm thrilled at the thought of playing with new things. What is it with us paper hogs that just the thought of new stuff gets the creative juices going again? I still haven't found the fall set I lost somewhere between Monday and yesterday. Who knows where it is? I'm sure it will turn up. I just hope before Christmas!
Have a great day and hurry back soon. Hugs to all who enter with Love in your heart!
P

I'm Giving Thanks!

Several weeks ago I went looking online for the newest Basic Grey papers. What I found was the paper and a very nice lady who has a store and was a dear to work with. Yesterday I got an email saying she was having a really good sale---I clicked over right away! While I didn't get paper, I did get a new gig as a Guest Designer for October! This is the site http://www.stampbystep.com/. The owner is Cheryl and she has very nice selection of goodies on her site! I can't wait to play and make some samples for her to see! Please check out her site and while you're there, feel free to do some shopping!
I didn't make even one card yesterday. I was that type of day. The cable guy came and went, leaving me another new DVR. What did we do before we could record all the shows we wanted? Then I went to the post office. When I came home I found that I had left my MOJO somewhere on the road! To say I had none would be an understatement! Last night I had a great idea for a card and this morning went looking for a stamp set I wanted to use. I know I had the set in my hand last week---now it too has left me! I know it's there, but it must be hiding! I started cleaning up some yesterday and it must have hidden itself away! Well at least this morning I was able to get something done. I've made one Tilda card and have several other images colored and cut out.
Barry is going to a job fair this afternoon. It's a case of if you don't go, you might miss out on that one chance at a new job. Since I didn't win the Mega Millions last night, he still needs to find employment! Too bad! I had my list of want to spend the money on almost done! Maybe tonight with the regular Lotto. Oh yea, I would have to buy a ticket and I'm not sure I have an extra buck for that!
Have a great day!

Happy Tuesday!

Just another day in Paradise! Ok, so maybe not, but I'd like to think I could adjust to living that life! Right now I'm waiting for the cable guy to come, again! Barry thinks something is wrong with the cable box in our bedroom and so now the cable guy is coming again! Morning wasted! I had to try and watch some of the programs I had on the DVR since the man will be taking the broken DVR with him. I got most watched. Guess I'll have to catch the rest in reruns!
I had a busy day yesterday listing lots of goodies in my Ebay store. If you like fun, funky, fashion jewerly then I've got lots for you to look at. Just click on the link to my ebay store and you could find some great bargins you just might need! There's some stamps there as well.
I got this card make yesterday morning and sold today. Isn't she cute? New Cosmo Cricket paper and a gifted image and I was all set!

Well, gotta run so have a grand day!
P