ARE YOU READY FOR SOME CHRISTMAS FUN?

I know, my second post of the day! It's a record for me too. And it's Saturday! I just wanted to show off some of the new cards I added to my Etsy shop this morning. I'm getting so tired of the fee's that ebay is charging me. I'm going broke with them and with the lower fee's I can pass those along to my customers! Aren't I a nice person! Why, yes, of course I am! I pulled lots of papers out of my stash that you might not think of as traditonal holiday paper, but I love the unexpected! I've got 30 cards listed now in my new little store, so go and check them out before they fly out the door!

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,

P

SNEEK PEEK DAY!

When it's a 100 outside, thinking of Fall is a good thing! Today's card is made using a brand new set of digital images that will be for sale tomorrow at Deedee's Digis! This is one of many new sets along with some other great one's she's got. Head on over and check them out! If you've never given the digital images a go, now it's time to try for the holiday season. There are several things that I love about them. Since I love to have everything instantly, you can with the digital images. Instant! The other thing that I really love is that you can make them any size you want to! I made the scarecrow large for this card, but I know I'll be making her in many different sizes as well as the verses that come with the set!

Barry went to the doctors yesterday and they ended up taking him off most of the med's he's on for now. They added something different instead. They think the back pain near his kidneys has been due to the new medicine he was taking. He'll go back in a month for more tests. So for right now, he's ok. Then he went to the Texas Workforce (unemployment) and spoke with the VA guy there. He was able to help him so he can rewrite his resume and pointed him in some directions he might look for jobs. They have nothing right now. There are so many Vet's looking and many are younger then Barry. It will work out. I know it will. I tell myself this every day. Just some days are harder then other. Today was one of "those" days. It's hard to be up with you don't have jobs and have a ten spot to your name! I've been selling cards, but that money goes to us eating, let along gas. That is another story for another day! I pray every night that I will wake up from this long nightmare in a nice tropical place!

Love to all who enter!

Hugs,

P

CHRISTMAS IN JULY, ANYONE?

You know how sometimes you get an idea in your head in the middle of the night and it keep you awake for a while, well, that's what happened with my Sealife Christmas! I pulled out my old SU Crab & Co set and used the Santa hat to dress up the clam and it went from there. For the inside of the card I used the palm tree from Aloha set, another SU set. I am in love with the way it turned out! I made one yesterday and it sold 1,2,3 on ebay, so I made several more today and just put them on. I need for them to fly out the door just as soon. I know they will. I also added some more sea life cards. You might say I hung up for the sea!

Not much new in the Zoo. Barry is still looking for work. He applied to a great sounding job today. The man got right back to him and said that the company won't even consider anyone who's been out of work more then six months! He's a recruiter, so he has nothing to do with setting the policy and doesn't think it's right, but there's nothing he can do. He'll be on the look out for anything else that comes up. I think he feels bad. Good, maybe that will help. Barry has a doctors appointment tomorrow. He's been having some pain in his back near his kidney's this week and they told him to come in. Thank goodness it's VA. After that he's going to see the VA guy at unemployment for some help with his resume. I think he needs to rewrite the part about school and his part time jobs. Again, I hope anything will be the answer to this continuing problem.

That's it for me tonight. I'm off to make some hamburgers for dinner. Come back this weekend. On Sunday is the new month and Deedee's Digis has some fun new sets to roll out. You won't want to miss the sweet Mouse in the House for Christmas!

Hugs,

P

YOU CAN'T HAVE TOO MANY FISHIES!

One thing I've learned this week many fish cards, they are additive! I wan to make more and more! These little guys from Whimsie Doodles are so cute and they just seem to call my name. I like anything that's easy to color and bright and bold! I'm sure somewhere in the mighty oceans there is a fish that wants to look just like this one!

Today I'm busy trying to work on cards for the ebay store. I sold some yesterday and last night so now I need to restock. What fun to wake up to some sales. It's been a while! I am going to do a small show at the Assisted Living place that Barry works at in 2 weeks. I spoke with the lady in charge yesterday and she wants me to set up a small table of cards for the people to buy. Most don't get out often and she thought they would be interested in buying. I hope so. I've asked my DT sisters for ideas to sell to them. I know they don't have tons of money, so they have to be priced just right. I was told 3@$10 was a good price so I'll try and make some that will cover that. I think it will be fun. I also told Esther that I would do a small "make-n-take" as well. I'm thinking of a 3x3 for that. Any ideas you have for a nursing home would be great! Please feel free to leave them in the comments. Thanks in advance.

I'm off to create before the MOJO leaves! It's been known to just sneak away while I'm in the bathroom or off to the kitchen!

Have a great day!

Hugs,

P

ME BEING SHABBY!

I always love looking at the shabby cards I see online. I just love them with all the little bits and pieces. Some people just a touch for them. Well yesterday I was determined to mine that touch to make one for myself. I found bit of this and that on my desk and set to work. Now it might not be as shabby as I wanted it to be, but I'm happy with the way it turned out. I love how the big button finished up. I had a tiny bit of wrinkled ribbon at I was sent as a gift from a DT sister and it was THE perfect color. A bit of Cosmo Cricket paper and some BG from last year---perfect! The image came from some freebies that were posted last week. If you like this one, you should see all the others I have in my collection. I can't wait to play with some more. Anyway, I hope you'll agree, it's Shabby enough!

Today Barry is working at the Assisted Living Home for the whole day!! Say a big YEA! Someone could come to work today because she had a car brake down. Now I don't wish ill on anyone and with my luck it's usually us that would have had the car brake down, but because of this we had a bit of good luck! I hope he has a good day. He was really looking forward to it. I know he said before he left this morning that he was just almost every hour during the night. He'll do just fine. He went in a little early to make sure he knew what he would be doing all day!

Since he's busy all day, I get the day to myself. Sweet! What to do first? Well, first I have to go and pay the water bill so they don't turn it off. That always helps when you have wash or go to the bathroom. Next I think I need to mail a card out to my sweet DT sister I'm in a swap with. I didn't make it to the post office yesterday because of the AC problems. Which is now working and cooling us off. Then I think I need to create, create, create! Nap in the afternoon? Sounds good to me!

Well, you have a wonderful day. Think only Happy Thoughts!

Hugs,

P

IF ONE THING CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE BLOOM'S...

Life is never dull! Or Easy for that matter! So today we're waking up to the AC not working right! It started yesterday afternoon that the house seemed warm and it got worse as the day went on. I called my son Larry and he called the AC guy who replaced the compressor last year. We're now waiting for him to come and see what's wrong. Barry changed the filter this morning at 6 AM, and it started to cool down some, but we've got ice starting to form on the compressor outside, so we turned it off. It's not bad, but it's early in the day still. Hopefully its something that can be fixed and we'll move on to something good happening!

Not much planned for today. I'm doing the wash and need to do some cleaning. Barry says he's going to help. By help, he means cleaning off the top of his dresser. Anything will do! Now if he was to do the toilet, or clean the floor, but that would be too much like real CLEANING!

At least I don't have to worry about cooking today. Barry worked last night and I went to the kids for dinner. I took home leftovers and all I have to do is heat them up later. Barry has a Lion's meeting so I'll have some time to myself tonight. Hopefully it will be cooler and I'll get some work done.

I guess you want to know about the card I posted. It's so pretty. I was looking around my desk and found this pretty verse all printed out and ready to go this weekend. I have this pad of paper that I've had for years from M's and it just seemed to leap into the desk at the right time. The verse is from Deedee's Digis. I think I'm in love with the wrinkled shabby ribbon. Someday I'm going to have to buy lots and lots of colors. By then the stuff will be "out" and we'll be onto the next newest thing, but for now, I'll play with the few colors I have!

That's it for now. I'm off to put the wash into the dryer and maybe get a quick shower. Take care, happy days, and I'll see you soon!

Hugs,

P

IN YOUR FISH FACE DAY!

Fun yes? I really think he's so much fun and someone will want to take him home! I just added him and lots of others to my ebay store! This little fish is from Whimsie Doodles. This whole collection always brings a smile to my face when I work with them. I colored the fish with copic markers to match the papers. The polka dot is from BG and the gingham is from a DCWV pad.

So what's up today with you? Evan is suppose to come and mow my lawn before the city fines us for "too" long grass! Barry has to work this afternoon and evening and I need to make a few more cards to add to the store. Yesterday was productive for only working a few hours. I got 7 cards done. Some of them included DT for Deedee's Digis, which I was happy to get done on time, and a few Christmas In July cards, and even a birthday card or two! I still need to find a place that doesn't charge an arm and leg to mail some 6 1/2 x 3 1/2 envelopes to me. It's the Small Note size like SU sells. I love to work in that size, but I've used up my stash. I found some online for a reasonable price, but by the time you added the shipping, it almost cost twice! I keep checking my local stores, but no luck so far. I'm on a quest because it's a great size card!

I can't believe another week is here. Where has the summer gone? I had hoped Barry would be working in his own field by now, but that's taking a little longer than we thought and that's hard. I had hoped we'd be able to get away for even a day or two, but that's not happening, so it's a summer just like the last two we've had. But, hey we keep plugging along and hopefully the dawn will break soon!

Take care and have faith!

Hugs,

P

OMG, It's Friday!

Not that Friday means a heck of a lot when you're not working. It's just another day, but somehow it seems like the thing to say! YEA, it's Friday. Off for the Weekend, and the saying go on and on. You get my meaning! We don't have any plans for the weekend. It's just too darn hot to do much of anything right now. Maybe we'll get some much needed rain. That would be wonderful. Evan is coming over to mow the lawn. The city says our grass is too long. What do they know!!!

My sweet little Pure Innocence girl is made today with some of that wonderful BG Olivia paper that I received as a gift. I hated to cut into the pad, but I hated it more not using it! I combined two different sets of stamps for this card. The cupcakes are from the Tea Party set, but they fit perfectly in the little wagon. I wanted to paper piece her dress, but I didn't want to use up any more of this sweet paper, so she's colored with Copic markers!

Last night we went to the Assisted Living Home where Barry is working to help out with their first Las Vegas night. The people that played games had a blast. It was so fun to see them have a good time. Some didn't want to play but after they did, you could see the joy of just being around people they had. Several of Barry's Lion's Club members also came to help. The woman in charge, Esther, was wonderful with the older folks. They are so lucky to have her working there!

So, what's up for you this weekend? Beach, lake, Mall? The movies are always a nice way to spend the hot summer days. I'd love to spend it shopping. NO I don't need anything except glue, but it would be fun to have unlimited amounts of money and just spend, spend, spend. In my dreams I don't even do that, but it would be nice. Someday. When Barry and I first got married we bought a sign for our wall that said "SOMEDAY". We're still waiting!

Have a wonderful day and hurry back!

Hugs,

P

More Christmas In Jul

I'm sure it's nuts to be making Christmas cards when it's 106 outside, but sometimes you just have to do something that's not the expected! Today's card uses a Pure Innocence from last season. I can't believe I've been using these images for a year. She's so darn cute. I dug in my paper scraps and came up with this card. The polka paper has birds on it, but I don't' think you really see them and I love this color combination! I put her in my ebay store this morning. I've sold a total of 3 cards this week. I can't believe it's this slow. I guess I forget from Summer to Summer how business falls off and with the economy like it is, cards are the last thing people need to buy. It's too bad we still need to eat. I'm so tried of being worried about how to make ends not even meet, but get within a mile of each end!

Barry's gone off to a job interview. It's for a teaching job, or so they say. I don't trust this company. They sell insurance and I'm sure the whole bottom line is to try and get him to sell! I'm not trusting at all anymore. He applied for several jobs yesterday that he had everything and then some of what they were looking for. He even got a reply back saying he didn't "fit" what they wanted! We know it was a lie. The job was for a JR Programmer! Some JR with 44 years behind him! I am not a charitable person and always hope that the person who turned Barry down finds himself or herself in the unemployment line right behind him someday. I know that's a mean thing to say, but I'm sick of hearing he's not good enough for what they want! All they mean is that he wants to be paid more then 7.25 an hour and they think they can get someone for 7.24!

Enough of that nasty stuff. We're off to the Assisted Living Home tonight. Las Vegas night is at 5:30 and we're helping out. It should be fun.

Have a fun day and stay cool!

Hugs,

P

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Every year I say the same thing. I going to start making Christmas cards early and not have to rush, rush, rush in November, but that usually doesn't happen. When I saw this new digital image yesterday I heard the calling. Make Christmas cards NOW! She's the newest image from Heather Ellis. If you don't already know, she's the designer behind the Pure Innocence children. Some of her designs are make into stamps over My Favorite Things each month. I love all of them! I used some brand new BG papers that I got as a gift. I love using pastels for holiday cards. I don't know why, but the usual red and green never get me as much as the softer side for holiday cards. The little verse is from Hero Arts. I had to cover up a mistake I made when stamping the verse on the panel. It wasn't straight, so I covered it up. I like how it turned out! I posted the card and within minutes it was sold to a dear customer that couldn't help herself! I'm sure more will follow.

It's another hot day in Dallas, and that means we'll be staying in the AC. Nobody wants to go out in the heat and get sick. If I had a million bucks, I'm sure I'd do something. I told Barry I'd love to drive to the beach and enjoy the water, but as the beach is about 6 hours from us, we won't be doing that today. If gas weren't so darn high, we might, but that will have to wait for another day! Even the pool is out of the question right now. Oh well, a shower is always good!

Tomorrow night Barry and I are helping out at the Assisted Living place where he works on the weekends for their first Las Vegas night. Does this say it all when it's going to start at 5:30, right after dinner! OH well, it will be fun to watch the older folks enjoy themselves and that's what it's all about!

Well, I hear coffee calling my name, so I'm off. I hope you have a wonderful day. Stay cool and safe!

Hugs,

P

Summertime In The City, And the Livin' Is Easy...

It's another hot day in Dallas and it makes me want to just sit back with a nice glass of iced tea and do nothing! Yea, like that's gonna work! I did just play with some new toys that came this week. This darling Pure Innocence image. I can never have enough of these sweet girls. I love the boy one's too, but when I make cards with them, they don't seem to sell as well. Anyway, back to this card. The paper is the brand new BG that I got as a gift this week along with some new lace from MFT. I'm am a lucky girl to have good friends, so this card is for you. Notice the pins I used near the ribbon. I got those at a clearance rack at M's. I couldn't resist for a buck!

I'm not really sure what I'll do today. Yesterday we went to the $ movies. It's .75 on Monday for Seniors Day. We saw Robin Hood. It was certainly a different story then I'm used to seeing about Robin Hood. It was very good. How can anything be bad when it's only .75? I should make cards, but with none selling this week in any of my stores, it does seem pointless. I have a few new images for Christmas. I might see what I have in leftover paper from last year and make some of those, but then again....

Have a blessed day and hurry back!

Hugs,

P

Lazy Days of Summer!

Oh my goodness, don't we all want nothing more in this heat to lay back and just chill! It's so hot in Dallas this week that everyone wants to stay in the house and keep cool! I'm all for that. I hope you like the 2 new cards I made this weekend. I got these fun images from Bugaboo. I really enjoy the images that the company makes. They are all fun and easy to create with. Notice the little verse with the bear? It's part of the new line of digi images from Deedee's Digis. I just printed out one of the ones that worked with this bear and mounted it. The polka dot paper came from deep in the drawer of left over pieces. I don't know who made it. I that it would be a fun paper with these images.

Today Barry had to go see the lady who gives him his gas cards. He had to turn in more paperwork about looking for a job. Like he isn't doing that? Crazy I tell you, crazy! Well, as long as he can get help with the gas for the car, he'll do whatever it takes! I need to get up from the computer and do something. Like the wash, the dishes, the cleaning---you know---something! I don't know if I create anything today. I had cards in the ebay store that didn't sell. I've moved them to the new ewillow store. Maybe a new location will help!

If off and running now!

Have a great day and stay cool!

Hugs,

P

Oh Sunday Sunday Gave Me No Warning....

If you're as young as me, you'll remember those words from the Mommas and Papa's song---Monday, Monday! I loved their music. It was a time of love and peace Man! We could all be hippies and kick back---who needed anything but the good life? Times they are a changin'! Did we ever really wear those flowered shirts and bell bottom pants? What were we thinking?????

I hope you like the cards I'm showing you today. I was a busy little girl yesterday. Barry had my computer all day until he went to work at 3, so I had to play or watch TV. I did both! I made a set of 4 cards even though I'm only showing you 3. I found this green piece of paper all by itself left from a package of SU papers and it matched up pretty well with a piece I bought on sale at HL sometime ago. Each card in the set has a different saying, but I think they'd make a great gift and so I added them to my ebay store yesterday. Now to sell something---anything---would be a great way to start the week!

Today we've got no plans to do anything. Barry is sleeping late and then he'll be back on the computer to finish up some paper work. I should create, but who knows on that one. He has to work again this afternoon and I'm going to the kids for dinner. Larry is making Turkey burgers. I'm not really sure on this one. I'm going with an open mind, but only partly open! I hope they have some good veggies to eat as well, just in case!

Well, I'm off to make a pot of coffee. I love the smell of coffee perking as much as I like the taste.

Have a wonderful day.

As we used to say Peace and Love Man!

P

In my never ending quest to make and sell cards, I've tried something new today. You may have noticed a link at the top right hand page of something called ewillow. It's a new venture where you can sell your handmade goods. You can check out the link and see the cards I've added today. Maybe I can reach a new customer or two. I'd love to leave ebay with all the fees they add, but I still need to sell. So we'll see how the new store goes!

Today's card was made using a brand new baby set called It's A Boy from Deedee's Digis! She had created several new sets this week including a set called It's A Girl and a Baby Shower set, as well as a new wedding set. Go and look. They are priced at the right price and I know you'll want to grab them all up! I printed out the onies image several times, colored it, and cut it out! Easy stuff! The paper is from that never ending stash of stuff! I use and use, and still it grows!

Barry's finally gone off to work today. He's been on the computer since early this morning. He's so busy sending out resumes and looking. I'm very proud of him. Now if our prayers get answered, he'll find something that will work for him!

In the last several days I've received so many RAK's in the mail it's hard to thank everyone. I've tried over at SCS to keep up, but today I got a gift in the mail from a friend and it's was so wonderful. She included brand new BG paper pads, ribbon, lace, and several new sets of stamps!! I think I'm in heaven! I really don't know which set to use first. She sent a set of Unity stamps that I'm wanted for some time. I can't wait to ink them up. I think they'll go perfect with the new paper! I am so blessed to have made some wonderful friends in my time. I thank you all! When I'm feeling sorry for myself, all I have to do is seek out friends and life is better!

Big Hugs,

P

ALOHA! MEANS HELLO AND I WISH GOODBYE!

This little gal is where I want to be on a sweet sunny day or even a rainy day! She's a lovely image I found this week on the web and couldn't wait to make into a card! I found some beach paper in my stash from a trip with my friend Gretchen that she bought me and it was perfect for this card. Now I have about an inch left of the paper. It's so perfect for summer cards!

My camera is on it's way back home! Canon FEDEX'd it on Wednesday and so it should be there today or tomorrow. They changed out the bad chip and now it should be super fine!

Nothing new in the job hunt for Barry, but he is trying hard to find something. It's so sad that he got paid for his job today and his SS on Wednesday and we only have a small amount left and I'm sure that will be gone soon! I really want to be rich. Yes, dirty, stinking rich! You know where you have more money then you could ever spend! Ok, so it was dream, but dreams are good!

Have a great day and hurry back!

Hugs,

P

Rock N Roll Bookmarker!

Today I'm showing off my new bookmaker. If you don't already know, I love to read. I've always loved to read mysteries! My first love was Nancy Drew and Trixie Bellden. I remember saying up my money in the summer and going to the Dime Store to buy books. I still love a good mystery and of course fun book marks! Today's was made using this fun, fun set of digi images from Deedee's Digis! Wouldn't a child or child at heart love this! I used some paper from a DCWV scrap pad and a piece of white chipboard for the center to create this. What did we do before Spellbinders? Now I can't make a thing without using at least one!

Not much new at the Bloom Zoo today. Things are about the same. I am thinking of adding some pages to my blog to allow me to sell my cards there instead of another online site. The fee's are killing me, so we'll see how that goes. Also thinking of adding some ribbon and maybe card kits. What did you think?

Well, I'm off to do something. Take care and love to all who enter with only good vibes!

Hugs,

P

Digin Deep In The Pile!

What I mean is that I dug deep into the pile of my slightly used rubber stamps and a BIG box of stuff out in the garage to make this card today. Yesterday I was saying good bye to Barry in the garage and looked down at the "box" I have in stored in there and what popped up to the top of the box but this fun plaid paper! I really did call me to come and reuse it from the heat! The stamps have been sitting on top of a pile of "need to use" stamps I pulled out a week or so ago in my craft room. How can you "gotta" have a stamp one year and the next just let in sit there? My stamps ask me that all the time! I really have to say I like the way the card turned out. I used the same set for my FIL's birthday card and made another to add to my ebay store.

Yesterday did have it's ups and downs to say the least! The up was that my camera is being fixed by Canon at NO cost to me. Praise the Lord because I couldn't afford to buy a new one right now. I should have it back by the end of next week! Second wonderful thing to happen was that a dear friend who has been a rock for me, sent me a wonderful gift in my paypal account that enabled me to go to Walmart and stock up on some much needed supplies for the kitchen! YEA FOOD! Someday I hope I can the good fortune of meeting her in person! I hope she likes the card I sent her! She has a heart as big as the TX!

Barry went to two job fairs yesterday. Neither one had anything even remotely near what he does! One was huge waste of gas and the other at least he got to leave a resume or two! But at least he's trying! Yes, trying me will too!

Today is starting off good. I have coffee and a bagel in the house. Barry is still in bed and no bill collectors have called yet. See what a good day! I really need to get the wash done and see what projects I have to work on for Deedee. I have a post tomorrow that needs to be written up. I did a small project for that, so come back tomorrow and check it out. For now, I wish you love, peace and hope!

Hugs,

P

Baby Girl!

No, I don't have any news to spread around. If I was going to have a baby girl at my young age, no laughing now, that really would be news, but NO, the reason for the card was my DIL asked me for a shower card for a baby boy. I made this card but in blue and green for her and liked it so much I made one in pink! This was made using some more scraps of paper on my desk and 2 different SU sets. The little saying and star came from one, and the animal is from Wild About You. Still one of my favorite sets, after all these years! I can't wait to get my camera back. I hope they'll fix it soon and return it, but with most things in my life these days, nothing is a sure thing. I keep thinking I'll get an email and it will say, sorry we can't fix it for free, but we'll be happy for $$$$! I don't like using the scanner to take my pictures. I love to get a picture in the nice bright sunlight instead, but we must make do with what's around!

Barry went to the Workforce Commission today and filed the papers that he's finished with school. That's just so school won't get paid any more money then they've already gotten from the state. He'll still be able to go to school and work on finishing up what he needs to. It will just be getting him there. He has to file paper work every week for the next 4 weeks in order to receive the gift cards for gas he's been getting. Tomorrow he's going to a Job Fair. I don't know anybody that's gotten a job by going to one of these, but if you don't go, you'll never know! Then he's suppose to talk to the guy about a sales job at school. Big Deal! I wish life would get easier for just one day.

Well, enjoy your day and hopefully it will be blessed with sunshine and sweet dreams! Chocolate is good also!

Hugs,

P

HAPPY MONDAY CHALLENGE

Today is Happy Monday Challenge over at Deedee's Digis and this is my card I made to play in the challenge today! I love this layout! It's perfect to use up those extra pieces we all having laying around and with the oval, everything is front and center! Today I chose to use a wonderful set of digis that can be found over at the store. Deedee has so many to chose from that you need to click right on over and check them all out! Today I've chosen to use a set called Little Miracles. I printed out the verse and then the little dragonfly. There are over 60 sets to chose from! I used some Basic Grey papers and some fun Prima Flowers to finish up this card! I've listed it and 3 others as a set over at my ebay store!
I can't believe it's Monday already. Where did the weekend go? Barry worked and so did I. I worked on cards for the store and he worked at staying out of my hair! Successful weekend! Today he's got to find out what's up with school. He's got to know weather he can continue until he passes his test or if they'll pay for him to take the test. Hopefully he'll get the gas cards so I won't have to worry about gas for his car for a while. This past week it really did come down to gas for the car or food. What has the world come to when we have to deiced weather to have gas to go to work or school and eating? I don't know if there is answer to that question. We just keep moving and hope it's forward!
Hugs,
P

Me & Bear Just Sittin' & Enjoyin' the Day!

Isn't she sweet? I love using these darling bears from Deedee's Digis. She has drawn so many to add to her wonderful digital sets and they are so easy to use! With this one, the verse was right there and I could print it all out at one time. Easy enough! I'm a big fan of easy! I used Cosmo Cricket papers on this card. I like the fresh clean look of those too, but I'm almost out of this pack. I can't believe I've used up so much! I need a pat on the back for that!

My Texas Rangers seem to be taking the race to heart this week! We traded for Cliff Lee! Now for those of you not interested in baseball, I feel sorry for, but for my family, we are very happy to see his arm come to TX! Larry is taking Madelyn and a friend with her Dad to the game tonight and our new pitcher is going to start the game! Talk about luck! I guess if we really had luck, we would have won the last two games, but that's the way of the game!

Barry is going to work this evening at the Assisted Living Home. I'm looking forward to a few hours of my own time. He still doesn't know what's up for next week. He didn't get to talk to the guy about the sales job at school yesterday. When I asked about it, I didn't get a good vibe from him and he didn't seem to want to talk about it, so I let it pass, for now! I just want to have a nice easy weekend. I have to make some more cards to put in the ebay store. I have a bunch right now and I'm hoping they sell very soon. I just want to make it until Wednesday.That's when we'll have some money in our accounts. Getting ahead is out of the question, just making may be also--who knows! I found some Tuna Fish in the closet and that's for lunch. Dinner, who knows at this point! Oh well, I don't want to bore anyone on that subject again!

I'm off to do lunch and create. I colored some images in and made my item for the Wednesday post over at Deedee's, so I'm ahead of the game.

Have a blessed day!

Hugs,

P

PUCKER UP SWEETIE!

What a face! Isn't she the cutest beach baby you've seen today? Beach baby is a freebie that I ran across several weeks ago. I know that the company that made it was using it to make cards for someone who was very ill. Other then that, I'm at a lose as to where it came from. Please let me know if you know so I can give credit where credit is due for the digi. I love the big bright bold bathing suit. This gal is not afraid to show it off! The paper is from a DCWV pad I bought in the Spring. Ribbon is SU.

Yesterday turned out to be a decent day except for the rain! I sold 2 cards and after I put gas in Barry's car, we went to Red Lobster for early dinner or late lunch, which ever you want to call it. Barry had one card left that the kids gave him for Father's Day. It was a nice treat. After I put gas in his car, we had a total of 7.51 left to our name, so a free meal was heaven sent! I pray I sell some more cards today so we can make it through the weekend. Barry's SS check doesn't come until Wednesday and that seems like a long way off. But I know we'll be ok and somehow make it.

Today might be Barry's last day of school. He still hasn't found out. I don't know what's going to happen. He did talk with the sales manger of the school yesterday about a job. They are looking for someone to market the classes. I know he could do that. He's going to meet with him again today. I think it would be an ok job for him, but to see the whole year of training wasted makes me want to cry. Crying seems to be something I'm getting good at myself. I am so ready for the good life to happen!

My plans for today are few. Watch a little TV. The darn DVR calls me and I listen to what it says too much, but it does take you away from the real world and that's not all bad. I should work on some cards. I need to keep restocking my pile in the ebay store. I swear they keep getting prettier and prettier everyday! Someone asked about how much paper I have in my stash that I'm able to make so many different ones. Truth be told, I have a HUGE stash of printed papers! I've been making cards for over 10 years and collecting as long. I have drawers full of paper and shelves too, but there is always a new piece calling my name when I go to the LSS! Funny how that happens!

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,

P

The Sum Total of My Work Yesterday!

You know how some days you're so busy and nothing or no one could stop you, well yesterday was not one of those days! I always like to see what the Wednesday Challenge is over at SCS and if it looks good, play along. You can see I liked what I saw and played! The first card was made using a really pretty little set called Cup of Joy from Deedee's Digis. I know I've said it before, but the joy of printing your own images is that you can make them any size you want! I wanted the cup of flowers to be the size to fit in the circle. The papers I used were from Basic Grey. Some collections I have papers left over, but I don't think this is going to be the case for this group. The second card also used a digi image. The cowboy is from Bugaboo. I used a tool I've never used before. The "thought bubble". What a fun thing to do! I just added one before I printed, dragged the edges to make it the size I needed and printed the whole thing! The little verse at the bottom of the card is from Lizze Anne. The paper on this card is from my never ending stash. It's Cosmo Cricket. It's several years old.

Today it's suppose to rain big time, so I need to get a move on early in the day. I've changed up my shipping days for the summer months from my ebay store. I only ship on Monday and Thursday's now, so today is the day. I also have run out of A2 size envelopes! I bought 400 back in December, so I guess I must have sold a lot of cards! Thank goodness for my customers. If they only knew how much they have helped us out. I am so thankful I've had this gift to share with them!

Barry is still going to school, but for how long is anybodies guess. He's still waiting to hear if he'll get an extension again. The worse part is he's not getting the gift cards for gas for the car. I've had to put it in for him the last two weeks. It's money we can ill afford at this point in our lives. I did tell him last night if he's not going to go to school during the day, he can work at something, anything! It's easy for me to pull myself up when I feel down and depressed. I guess I've been doing it all my life, but for Barry it's become so hard. Now he's got to do it more then ever. I lay awake every night praying his chance will come. He's such a good person and really deserves a break in life. I know his is just around the corner!

Coffee is now calling me. I haven't had my first cup yet and I'm in need! Thanks for dropping in today. Hurry back!

Hugs,

P

Sharing!

Just sharing a few cards I made this weekend. The bottom was scanned into the computer. It was after the camera broke! It seems I'm having some sort of problem with it. I posted it on FB over the weekend and thanks to some very helpful folks, I was able to see what the cause is. It's suppose to be covered by a recall, so we'll see. I contacted Cannon today and now I just have to mail it off to them. I hope they'll fix it for free and send it back otherwise a new camera will be on my wish list--very high up on that list!

Barry went back to school today. He didn't want to, but he doesn't know what else to do. He's studying to finish up and then he'll see about the test again. Who knows?!

I have to work on making more cards to fill up my ebay store again. I tell you I have been so blessed this week to sell cards. I was able to put gas in Barry's car and pick up his med's. I may not be making much off the sale of these cards because I've lowered the price so much in order to sell them, but at least it's money coming in. I didn't know how we would eat for the rest of the week without those sales. Barry doesn't get paid from his new part time job until next week. It's been a rough go lately. I'm hoping the end is in sight. I pray everyday that it is. And then I go back to make more cards!

Well, I'm off to see what can be done before dinner. Sloppy Joe's tonight with Cole Slaw. Not great, but still in the OK range!

Take care friends,

Hugs,

P

Doesn't This Card Say It All?

I hope everyone had a great day yesterday. I know we enjoyed just doing nothing most of the day. Barry did go to work late in the day and I tried to create some cards. Not this one, but others just as fun! Today's card was made using brand new Deedees Digis imges. Please check them out if you haven't already. Just click on the link and it will take right there. And if you haven't tried the digital images, Deedee has a free one every Monday to try out! Once you start using the digis, you'll be hooked! The thing I like the most is that you can change the sizes to what you want. So many times I buy a stamp I see online, get it, and then think, wow, it's too small or too large! Well with the digital images, you don't have to worry about that one. I print them out on my own printer and use my copic markers and have no problems. You would never know that I didn't "stamp" them!

Today needs to be a day to get something done. Anything would be a help. I thought I must be the only one who's house is a disaster area, but I learned it's not. I think I need a maid! Know anywhere I could "win" maid service? That would be a great prize! Forget free food or gas for a year, give me maid service for that time! Since I spend most of my days creating so I have cards to sell in my ebay store, so we can have the little things in life, like food and gas for the car, I don't want to clean at all. I don't even want to pick up after myself when I finish crafting. I want to come out one morning and find it all cleaned up. I'm hoping the clean craft fairy will come and visit me soon! Oh well, a girl can dream!

That's about it for today. I need to go and have coffee. It's time! Have a wonderful day and enjoy yourself!

Hugs,

P

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

When we lived in Tampa, this is the way we spent most of the holidays, and growing up I spent my summers in Atlantic City, so the beach is very special to me. Today we didn't get near water, let alone a beach! We are in a land locked part of the state. The "big" water is lakes! I'm not a lake person. We would have done the pool, but Barry had to work this afternoon, so we didn't do that either! Nope, it was food shop, cook, and watch TV for us! Life was good! When Barry went to work, so did I. I finished off some new cards for my ebay store. SO darn cute, but when I went to take pictures of them, my camera seems to be broken! It still takes the picture, but when I look at after it's taken, it's PINK! Something seems to be wrong with the lens. I don't know how to fix it, and have no extra money to take it to the camera doctor, so I scanned the pictures in. They just don't look the same! Back to the card. I guess you're wondering where she came from. It was a freebie from here. I'm making my mission to find freebie images. Since I can't afford to buy any new stamps right now, I'm making the most of what I find out in blog land. You gotta love free!

Well, I'm off to do something besides play on the computer. Who knows what. Barry is working until 8 and the fireworks don't start until 9, so I may take that nap that keeps calling me! I hope you each had a wonderful July 4th. We Americans are a proud bunch of people even if we don't always agree on everything---we have the freedom to be!

LET FREEDOM RING

It's Almost Sunday!

Where did the day go? We slept late and then it seems to move into real laziness! Barry had to go to work at 3 today so I did finally have some time to play. I was in digi heaven this morning. I went "shopping" for freebie's in blog land before Barry got out of bed this morning. Boy did I find some fun one's. The clown was one of those! I added the verse from a stamp I had in my stash. The paper I've had forever. I love how it turned it. I shouldn't take pictures in the evening with my camera. It only likes the bright sunshine to really show off a card, but I think you'll get the idea!

Today was a pretty good day when you compare it to the last several. I woke up to a sale in my ebay store of the Disney Chipboard Album, and then this afternoon I sold a few more cards! Words can't say how happy I am. All I can think is that I can buy food! Just the thoughts of that make me want to cry. It seems like all I do is work for food. It's sad that there are so many people out there with the same thoughts. We're all waiting for our ship to come in! Many folks have had their whole lives turned upside down, and yet, I sense hope! I know with all the things that's happen to us, we still have hope. We have our love and the hope that a better day is just around the corner!

Have a wonderful 4th. Stay safe and remember to celebrate the freedom we have to think for ourselves. Our government is there for a reason, not to hurt us, like some wingnuts claim, but to stand by us when we need them. As we celebrate that freedom, please remember just because you may not like what someone says, they have the right to say it!

Paula

HEY DUDE! SURF'S UP!

Sweet, I tell you sweet! And surfer bear can be had a bargain price! For the month of July when you spend $15 or more, he's yours for FREE at Deedee's Digis! Check them out! I used up more of the scrap pile to create this card, but was at a loss as to what to do to give it a "finished" look. I have a bag of shells from one of our trips to the beach in my kitchen drawer. Don't ask why it's still there after a few years, it just is! I pulled two tiny shells out and added them to the card. I LOVE IT!

Boy was yesterday one of those days! Barry woke up to tell me he wasn't taking his test, but when he called he had no choice. He would have had to cancelled 4 days before! He took it, but again, didn't pass. I don't know what he's going to do to make sure he does. He found out he can take it 2 more times, but we don't know if he's going to have to pay for them, or the school. By him paying, of course I mean me making more cards to pay for his mistakes! I know that sounds a little mean, but after yesterday, he's lucky I didn't try to sell him on ebay. I was so angry with him. I'm tried of hearing it's the way they "word" the test! Either he knows the info or he doesn't and it's been a waste of a year! Ok, so maybe I'm still a little mad! Then he went to the Assisted Living home where he's going to work part-time. I call it his part part-time job! What else can you call 8 hours a week! The good thing, he did training for 4 yesterday and 4 more today! And he's out of my hair! PRICELESS!

I hope everyone look a look at all the great cards that were posted over at the Craft Blog with the new Deedee's images. So great! They are a great bunch of ladies with super talent. Again, I am blessed to work with a group of women! Two DT's in a row that you know are the best of everything!

I made a lot of cards yesterday. My goal was dozen, but I fell a little short. I think I did 9 or 10. I was very proud of doing that many when my head was killing me most of the day! I was blessed to have a sale early this morning. That's a good feeling to wake up to money in the account! I did spend a little on ebay. I had to buy those clear cello bags I keep the cards in. I never think I've sold so many cards until I need more of those bags! Someday I'll have enough money to buy them in bulk! Wish and dreams!

I have to go and finish some more cards now. My good friend Pat sent me a new SU Catalog yesterday! Talk about a wish list! Sure there were some new stamps I love to have, but I'd love to own many of those colors of cardstock and markers that were bought back! I think I need to add the set that has the two little girls hugging as well. Don't worry, I'm making my list. I just wish I could buy a little at a time, but the shipping is the killer for me. WISH LIST!

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,

P

Lulu Party Today! You're Invited!

To help give the first-ever Design Team a proper start, we're throwing a LUAU today over at the Deedee's Digis group at Crafters Digital Art Center ( -->HERE<-- ), and you're invited!There will be a fun challenge with a freebie that you can earn for playing along, and the Design Team will be sharing creations made with our new sets!

Feel free to drop in anytime throughout the day -- we'll be drifting in and out to share creations, chat, and answer any questions you may have about our products or digi stamping. We hope to see you there!
My card today was made using one of the new sets! It's called What's Shakin'! You'll love it, so give digital stamping a try!