AWESOME NEWS!!!

(No, not pregnant, nor did I win a million bucks (but I feel like it!)....

I was chosen to be a "Visiting Therapist" at I Am A Scrapaholic for October!! That means I'm a Guest Design Team member!! WHAHOO!! All I can say is WOW!!! Like a million times!!! WOW!!

I never thought that I would get the call. I have applied to several sights, but I never had enough confidence that I would be chosen. There are so many more people out there that are great crafters, so I am humbled. I hope you won't be disappointed.

There are a lot of great people out in the cyber world that I have had the pleasure of meeting, share creative and life stories, and just being there for that extra bit of support. I might not have had the pleasure of meeting you person, but I know you will be there to lean on. I have been blogging for a little over a year now and never knew this "world" would be such fun.

Now, all I have to do is get my box of goodies in the mail - so I can hit the ground running.

Thank you friends for all your support and patience as I embark on my new journey.

**Huggs**

Weekend Story Continued....

Ok, so continuing from yesterday....(WARNING: I'm a little winded here)

So I went to the auction site(they even brought in a refreshment stand can you believe it!) and cased the joint. After walking around and getting the feel for everything, I got me a number and first up for auction was an old flag. So distressed and cool looking - I will probably hang it on the wall in my living room. ($2) I walked through the house and found this pristine suitcase, so I brought it out for them to auction and won....a steal $1! Then on a mission at this point, I went back through the house (I'm hooked now!) I found a pile of books and things in one of the bedroom closets and found a box of old letters and some post cards. I asked the person who was overseeing the auction (must have been a relative or friend) and she said "why would you want old letters and such"....she said I could have them - 1919-1920 letters and envelopes with stamps! I also ran into a woman who won a lot of paper items that were sprawled out over the auction table when I came back outside. I asked about them and to my surprise, she said she was opening an antique store in town. She welcomed me to stop by and go thru the box. That story later!

I had to limit myself - I only had $20 on me and one a van to haul stuff home. Gee, I wish I had a pickup at that point. After most of the other items were auctioned, the auctioneer walked everyone thru the house to see what else could be had. We made it to the basement where I won a washtub $2, old chair $2, and a few clip on lights $1 & $2! They had an old Hoosier cupboard and it went for $15! (this is when I needed a pickup truck- geese!!) and an old drop leaf table $10!

So it was getting later and we went through the whole basement. Then we all got in line to pay for our purchases and I noticed they were giving stuff away that wasn't auctioned off...hmmmmm. (it pays to pay attention!) So the nosey person I am, went back inside. There in the living room was a pile - pile for the trash that no one wanted! From this "pile" I was able to take an old makeup hard case, and a VCR. (Our VCR at the cottage broke so I figured maybe it would work). Then not seeing anything else, I was walking down the front steps and this man called out, "Here, I found this one too, it might just work. If not, nothing lost - right?" So I got 2 VCRs and a makeup case FREE!!! All in all I spent $10 - I LOVE AUCTIONS!!! I can't wait to go to another one!!!

Here is a pic of some of the stuff:

Ok, so after leaving the auction and closing up the cottage, I headed to the store in town. Not officially opened yet, but getting there. So I pilfered through the box and picked out a few items, then browsed the store. I found more button cards (no price marked on them), and a post card(again no price). Here is what I was able to walk away with for the remaining $10 I had in my purse!

Then after that, time to start heading home. Only after I stopped one more place....and this is what I found (had to write a check for these-LOL!!)...

Ok, I hope you all enjoyed my finds. Next, I need to buckle down and finish some projects. Stay tuned for some GREAT NEWS coming hopefully tomorrow. I have a school meeting so we will see.

Thanks for stopping and reading the novel! LOL!

Until tomorrow friends....

Old Vintage Finds

Old, meaning I'm real late in posting this....geese, like it's no surprise. I have just been busy and the thing last in line is posting. Although I'm getting faster at downloading and posting, it still takes time.

This is a pic of the purchases I made when my sis and I hit some new stores to the south of us about 2 weeks ago. Notice the Music Bingo?? 1967 and in it's ORIGINAL WRAP!!! Guess how much??? $4 !! It wasn't marked and "bingo" just my price! Now for the dilemma....do I open it and share or hoard it until I can find it on Ebay for a million dollars???? Comment and let me know what I should do.

I found some rick rac, silver plated flatware, 12 matching clear jars (good for my buttons/ribbon), free vintage music(love the pics on the front), clipboard, and 3 french booklets in 3 different colors (I asked my son to see if he could translate - no such luck), and 2 flower frogs (one medium one small). Great buys!!

This weekend I went up north to cut grass...kids had games and I needed a break! Boy, did I get one! The riding lawnmower quit....at the top of the hill thank goodness, but I wasn't even half done. So I got some well needed exercise, more than what I needed - almost like the Biggest Loser type of exercise! (and afters "MY FRIEND" visited, which now that I look back, is probably the reason I could push that riding mower back into the shed!!! RRRRR) Today my side and arm hurts from pushing!

Not all was a loss though. I was able to get the grass cut by hand on Friday (I left work a little early because there was a threat of rain) and whahooo....me time on Saturday!!! Time to hit the antique stores!!!

On my way to the local store, I noticed an auction sign on the road. While at the store, I mentioned to the owner about it and she knew about the details. So, I figured, no husband or kids waiting on me so I'm there!! I found the place and was just ecstatic when I pulled in. This is the first "house" auction I had ever been to. When I was younger, my mom would take us to the local auction house, but that was the extent. I also was able to stop another store on my way back home.

Well, it's getting late, so more about my Satuday tomorrow - stay tuned!

Until tomorrow friends.....

Lights out & Vintage book page

Well, it hasn't been a dull around here in the least bit. Unfortunately, right after the Steeler game on Sunday night - POOF! Lights went out! (luckily it was after the game!!) And they stayed off till 4 pm yesterday - about 17 hours! Now, I really feel for those affected by Ike.

Had to call off work....couldn't see a thing as we didn't have a fashlight nor battery in site! Mothers should know that kids EAT batteries - duh!! I pushed Mr. Highschool Senior out the door, then kid #2, only for him to return home after the bus driver said they had a 2 hour delay. Then, two hours later, by word of mouth, school was cancelled. "Gee, mom, what do we do now?" No computer, no TV, no house phone unless you have an old rotary or push button that plugs in directly to the wall. Next best thing - the cell. I was thinking the same thing....a day off work, can't see in the basement to craft, can't blog, can't watch Dr Phil or HGTV....and DH was also home. Trying to decide whether or not to go and get ice to fill the coolers....it was kinda numbing....We did manage to get 5 bags and as a result of the outage, I only lost a half gallon of milk and some half empty containers of things.....a great time to really clean out the fridge! (one chore accomplished!LOL)

Oh ya, Alan actually got together with the kids at the bus stop, played basketball and more misc. "Outdoor" games during the blackout, and they got together today too. Hmmm, do you think he will miss the PC??

And now for another vintage item. I got this on the Soccer tournament this summer up in Erie. It's a page from an old book and is kinda cute with some dry humor. It's nice if you are a fisherperson. It is pretty torn and fragile, so I scanned and cropped it for you.

Feel free to save it.

Until tomorrow friends....

Labor Day Weekend

What a great weekend. A long weekend. BEFORE school this year and NO BASEBALL or SOCCER!!! Yahoo!

One thing that really threw me for a loop, was that both BOYS actually WANTED to play a board game-Scrabble! Board game WITH the parents! WOW!! I just had to take a pic of this one... The first game was loaded with questionable words, but we continued on(making our own rules)and actually played a game every night! Can you believe it?? With two teenage boys???

Saturday, everyone came up to visit. We weren't sure my parents would make it as my dad had another health issue, but they made it. My sister and the family came up and we had a great day fishing at the lake.

Me and my sis went to the local antique store and met everyone later to fish. I did pick up a hanky ($1), more jars for my buttons, a couple packets of rick rack($1 ea), a pair of baby shoes (for $2.50!), and a "Log O' Life" book. I will try to post some pics and maybe scan some pages to share with you. What a great day!

Here is Pap teaching Jolynn how to fish. Then Jolynn playing with the worms that Markie needed for his hook. How cute is it when Girls play with Worms?? (note: by the end of the day she had a squished worm that she had as a pet-ewe!!) Everyone headed home that day, and we played another game of Scrabble.

Sunday, we spent the day fishing - Markie actually went with us while Alan hung out at the cottage and finished a puzzle he started. We ate and rented a movie for the evening...and played another game of Scrabble. (You'd think we'd be pros by now- right?) You also must know that we do have tv, but only 2 air wave channels - 4 if there is no wind and everyone holds their breath! LOL!! We got the new box for it and can actually watch a non-fuzzy screen, but occasionally we get a few blips when the signal goes out. It can get annoying at times too. Cottages should be without tv, but I'm a news watcher and it is still weird not hearing about Pittsburgh news, but at least you'll know if it will rain or not.

Monday we cleaned up and headed home early to get back in the swing of things for work the next day. All in all it was a great summer ending weekend. Next, fall and closing up for the winter.

I think I'll just think about the first day of school tomorrow, my day off to take those first day of school pics, and getting caught up on some of MY things.

Until tomorrow friends....

ETA>>>OOPS..I forgot to share my beautiful sunflowers I planted at the cottage...I just love sunflowers....Enjoy!

Heartbreak, Nature and Miscellaneous...

It's been quite a few weeks...

The HEARTBREAK...Markie's girlfriend of 3 weeks, came to the family birthday party and within 3 days "dumped" him. I felt so bad because he even made a bracelet for her one night when he was at my sister's house. A small token. I could tell as soon as he walked in the door the day it happened. First infatuation, first breakup, and the last time it would be his "first". He was so happy at his party....

(face of the not-so-innocent has been scribbled out, just as if Markie would have done it himself, to protect her identity)

To top off the day, he was rushed to the ER earlier, before this smiling picture! All was ok....a real eventful Sponge Bob B-Day for sure!

Some NATURE..... One day while at work, my kids looked out the back porch door and to their surprise....Turkey dinner!!! (Sorry I just couldn't resist!) A Mamma Turkey and 6 of her little chicks - in the suburbs! Let's just say they don't leave little poop either. They climbed on my outdoor furniture and did their business. Markie was the cameraman on this one.

Now, the MISCELLANEOUS....Work has been exhausting - auditors are gone and now I have to get caught up on my regular work.

Markie had a procedure done at the hospital yesterday and fortuately, everything went smoothly. We didn't have one complaint about the service - which is amazing for a hospital. It turned out too that one of our anesthesia nurses actually lives right up the street from us - a little more comforting. I was a "nervous mervous" as soon as I saw the procedure room - it reminded me too much of my c-sections. Markie is feeling better today, with a little soreness he's getting around and just took the car to the store. No baseball for the week will be the hardest.

COMING SOON....Some ephemera pictures to share so you can download them - I just remembered I had bought some years ago AND found them - sooo cool. More about me becoming a "Floozie", some cards and vintage finds.

That's all for now...gonna do some crafting....

Until tomorrow friends....

(P.S. As you can see, I'm trying to change some things on my blog - a little slow - but working on it. I'm too stubborn to "cheat" and download a template so I have to teach myself, so wish me luck!)

Happy Birthday Mark!

Happy Birthday Mark!

17 years ago, I can remember going to my OB appointment on a Monday a week over due with you and the doctor telling me you were only about 9 lbs. After the doctor decided that that Wednesday (2 days later) would be your Birthday, I was so excited!

When you were born I was so elated, and when the doctor said "It's a.....Boy!" I couldn't believe it. I also couldn't believe that you were 10 lbs 3 ozs!! 2 days and more than a pound bigger!! I started calling you my kindergartener! No newborn clothes for you!

Today, 17 years later, I am still proud that your mine and wondering where all that time has gone.

Lately, you have been spreading your wings more and I have to learn to let you grow. Attitude, IM'n, endless computer games and staying up late are the big rifts these days between parents and children, but from what I hear, it's the norm.

Now you'll be a Senior in high school and soon it will be off to college, then a real job, and hopefully a family with some grandkids for me right around the (SMACK!!!) Oh, sorry, I was getting a litte ahead of my self. "Grandma" - I don't think so! (not for a LONG time anyway!!)LOL!!

All I have to say Mark, is be true to you. Don't be someone your not, be resposible and respectful, and strive to be the BEST that YOU can be!

I love ya! (HUG & A SQUEEZE!)

Love, Mom

New Perspective

You know how when you "blog hop" and people not only post about their craft, but other pieces of what they like to do - like photography, gardening, etc?

Here I'm gonna brighten your day with a little "photography" that I'd been trying out. I was at my parents house for Father's Day, and couldn't help myself - I just had to take pictures of some beautiful flowers my Mom has in the yard.

I've also taken some pics of my lonely flowers at our cottage, but nothing compares. (see the frogs??) And if you are wondering about the flowers at my house, well, let's say you'd get pics of alot of "wild" flower - emphasis on WILD!!! (more like weed flowers!!LOL!!)

Here is a pic of a painted barn that I took on our way home. It reminds me of my Grandfather who always had a chew....but when riding in the car with him, you knew not to sit behind him or you had to keep your window closed! LOL!! This has been a trying week - albiet it's only Tuesday, but I think I'll make it! Back from vacation, I have a lot of stuff to post. A great little R&R, but back to real life.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did - especially because they almost look professional. *wink* My favorite is the rose! Let me know what you think. Thanks for visiting!

Weekend Soccer Tournament

This past weekend, Alan and I headed to Edinboro for the PA West Soccer Tournament. WOW!!! That one of the largest tournaments I've ever seen!!! All ages and levels of soccer. If you love soccer, then you were in the right place.

I've never been to a soccer tournament before so I didn't know what to expect, needless to say I've never been to Edinboro so that was a driving feat in itself! Starting Friday night, we had a game. So I took off work to get there early and find my way around. When we got on campus - Holy Cow was all I could say. There were soccer fields at the entrance and all the way around the school campus - 26 fields in all!! Figure 26 fields, 2 teams per field, and the number of players = a major parking mess!

We played Friday against another Pittsburgh team and tied. Then up early on Saturday morning (6am!) for an 8:45 game against our local Washington team. Here Alan is pushing forward against a girl on their team. (I saw alot of girls on the boys teams - you go!!)

We won that game. Then a game at 3 against Hopewell. We won that game too!! When all was said and done, we made it to the finals! Possibly 3 games on Sunday.

We went shopping in between - YEA!!! Here is Alan in the hotel room - notice the laptop and my scrappin tool caddy in the background? Don't leave home without it!!

Well, up on Sunday at 5:45 (UGH!!!) and first game at 7:30 against Brentwood - what a roudy bunch of parents. They had an air horn, mega phone and silly clothes. We won - the first of the finals. Next game at 11:15 against Kinzua. We lost...what a bummer. It was a tough game. All in all we had a great time. I think Alan had his time to shine and had a wonderful experience.

Thanks for stopping....more goodies to come....

Fingers

Do you really need fingers?? Well, I don't think my brain wants any!! I told you a couple of weeks ago that braniac me slammed my finger in the van's sliding door - right?

Well, Thursday night as I was ticked at DH for throwing a hissy for no good reason-he left to go out and cut grass- so I stomped upstairs and figured I'd change the bed clothes and put away the million baskets of clothes in our bedroom.

So, as you normally do, I went to flip the mattress. Keep in mind that this is a QUEEN mattress and I'm ticked - not a good combination! I'm a do-it-yourselfer, and boy did I do it myself!

We have a lower than normal ceiling fan in the room and I had a old snack table for my night stand (I still haven't found the ones I really wanted, so snack table it is for now!). As I was in the middle of the flip, I tried to go around the bed to complete the flip, when the mattress decided to grow a brain and head back toward the ceiling fan and nightstand.

THE MATTRESS WON! It went down, bending the ceiling fan light fixture and totally destroying the snack table night stand and everything went flying! And-like a dummy-me, myself, and I tried to stop it - with my thumb getting caught underneath.

It sounds weird, but it twisted my thumb to the left - boy was it smarts! Sailor mouth was an understatement!!

So, as a true mom does, ignores the pain and self humiliation, and goes on with the duties at hand. I went to work on Friday, cause like the postman and his mail, the checks had to be done!

I couldn't bend my thumb and figured I needed to take care of it, so I left work early for the ER. After reviewing the X-ray, the only thing they told me was they were unsure it was broke and looked "abnormal". ABNORMAL!! What does that mean??

So, I got a mini splint and they sent me on my way, just minutes after the orthorpedist's office closed for the weekend! UGH!!!

Here I am, trying to type with my trusty splint. You don't know how important a thumb can be until you lose it's use! Wish me luck at the orthopedist this week!!

Memorial Weekend

Although this weekend might be a little chilly here in the East, I hope you enjoy the long lost sun, enjoy family & friends, relax and get ready - summer is right around the corner!

Also, most importantly, REMEMBER. Remember everyone who is important to you, has been a great influence in your life, and those serving our country. Just REMEMBER, in your own special way.

Have a SAFE and FUN Holiday Weekend!!

Enjoy!

Yes, I'm still here...

Well, it's been a real roller coaster ride the last couple weeks. Sorry I haven't posted...just life getting in the way and I feel like I'm always behind on something.

Let's see what's been happening....

*We have soccer and baseball - enough said.

*Finally got my finger X-rayed - not broken - a plus.

*Store closing announcement - :(

*"Sick" day last week - I got to go to my other favorite local store - Vicar Home & Garden and picked up another vintage book to create with. Happy day!

*Mother's Day - Typical. Due to a soccer game, missed our yearly breakfast out with the in-laws. My husband made me coffee and Pop Tarts! Went to the soccer game and then was forced to end the game due to lightening and down pours of rain! Got to my Mom's. Ate homemade lasagna and spend the rest of the day with family. No, boys didn't get their mother anything....the oldest took till 2:30 in the afternoon to wish me a Happy Mother's Day - total attitude.

*My Mother-in-Law's Birthday- I usually get a bunch of plants to put in the front of her house for her and plant them for both Mother's Day and her birthday. It's still raining so I haven't done that yet. Mark and Alan went over after work on Friday. I had to work and Markie went to the JR Prom. Happy Birthday Mum!

*My Mother's Birthday - we celebrated yesterday because of Memorial Weekend. We will be heading north to open the cottage. Everyone was there and we only did cake. Happy Birthday MOM!!

*Junior Prom was Friday - I had to work my last night at YMP so Mark took pictures of himself before he left. I wished I was there to see him off, even if he went alone. He had a pretty good time. It would have been better if there was a girl involved, but when attitude gets in the way, you know what happens. Here are the pics he took:

He came home just in time on his junior driver license. A great night!

LORD STANLEY, HERE WE COME!!!

Penguins WIN!!! 6-0 shut out against the Philly Flyers. WHAHOO!!! What a great game!!! See ya Detroit or Dallas for the CUP!!! GO PENS!!!!

A real sad day here...

Our beloved dog Rascal.

Today was a sad day at our house....I had to put our dog Rascal down today. He was almost 12 1/2 yrs old.

We got Rascal when Alan was just 9 or 10 months old and Mark was 4. We thought they would bond so well, growing up together. He was a pure bred Shih-tzu, but we later found out that he had a heart murmur.

He was the best dog. Paper trained and never chewed the furniture. He was so attached and a loyal friend to my husband - especially when he worked night turn. When my DH went to bed...he went too. When it was past my DH's bedtime, he'd wait at the bottom of the steps, whinning, letting him know it was time for bed.

He loved the kids, going on car rides, seeing people, and CHOCOLATE. (you know he fit right in here - even though it was bad for him!) He didn't care too much for other dogs though, or getting a bath.

I will say he was very talented too. He was a good vaccuum - never missed a morsel. He could jump on a pretty high bed, get up on the back of the couch and look out the window, and he was the only dog I knew that could pull the toilet paper off the roll in the bathroom, around the corner and all the way into the living room without breaking it! He could open a bag of chips or marshmallows in about 15 minutes too!

Unfortunately, during the last month, his health started to go downhill. He started with a cough, and in the end couldn't even lay down to sleep - he was so uncomfortable. It was his time.

I will miss the little pitter of his feet, lying at the end of the bed, his wagging tail when I come home, and unconditional companionship.

Goodbye our friend. We will miss you so.

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

Yep, my "baby" ALAN turns 13 today - Happy Birthday to you (mwah & a squeeze)!

My baby is now a teenager....and that makes me a year older too! Bummer!

We are goin' to the Pirate baseball game tonight (cross your fingers no rain) - his choice of course! DQ ice cream cake tomorrow - yumm!! (his choice too!) Maybe I'll post some pics of the party....maybe (you know how slow I am at posting)!

Friday work is almost over - THANK GOODNESS!!!(sigh)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sad news from MFT....

To all who read my blog, A friend of Kim van der Sanden at My Favorite Things stamp company has lost her battle with cancer. Please read Kim's email she forwarded (probably to all of her customers) and what she's doing to help out the family:

http://www.mftstamps.com/blog/ (Please visit my blog for avtice links and all the deets!)

A few months ago, I posted on my blog about a friend, Tish, who’d been diagnosed with a very rare form of ovarian cancer. Tish battled through 6 rounds of chemo only to discover two additional tumors, one on her spine and one in her stomach. My heart fell when I read her Caringbridge post which broke the news. Since her diagnosis last August, the family has held the motto of DRIVE ON! in dealing with this aggressive cancer and fought a valiant fight.

Tish lost her battle early Tuesday morning, and I found out about it late last night. Tish leaves behind two beautiful, young sons, and a hubby, Todd, who I worked with for several years in my past life. I know Todd much better than I knew Tish, and know just how difficult this has been and will continue to be for the immediate future.

Todd was the most compassionate, tender-hearted *boss* I’ve ever had, and I want more than anything to really help this family. So what I’ve decided to do is two-fold:

1) Starting tomorrow, I am offering a 10% discount on ALL stamps on the site. Use the coupon code Tish at checkout to receive 10% off all all the stamps in your shopping cart. (It won’t discount your other merchandise, just stamps.) The coupon code will run from Tuesday, April 15th-Friday, April 18th.

2) I will donate 10% of ALL proceeds (including money spent on other items on the site) to the family at their April 26th benefit.

I am making it my goal to personally make the payment the FL College Pre-Paid plan for the boys during an entire year which will be about $1200. Please help me reach this goal.

Many hugs,

Kim

If you don't know about this company, they have pretty cool stamps and I have purchased some of their stamps myself. Please give them a look-see and help out if you can.

Thanks...Huggs! Bev

Blog Candy over there...

Hi all! I need all my readers to stop on over to Lorie Ames site at Live-Love-Laugh-Create - she's givin away some blog candy!! A friend of hers, Katie Skiff just started a mini-business - 3 Little Dreams -selling monthly stamping kits that includes a stamp! Can you believe it - Stamping Bella Stamps and Sweet & Sassy Stamps!!

So, Lorie is giving away May's kit with Beachabella! Stop by and take a look and comment to win!

This is giving me the itch to give away some blog candy too....I just have to figure out when and what!

Maybe when my left pointer finger is feeling better....I slammed it in the van door after work today...can you say OUCH!!! (x a million!!!) Bev

Yep, still here!

Well, I hit "enter" and my post went out - duh!! You'd think I'd learn my lesson and not hit "enter"!!

Now, for the rest of the post! LOL!!

Yes, I'm still around. This past week has been getting adjusted to a number of life changes...Soccer and Baseball! Getting schedules coordinated, trying to relax and giving some space 'cause I not being able to watch my 16 yr old's baseball practice - he's now driving himself, and on a better note, going to soccer practice gives me an hour and a half of great quiet reading time - time to catch up on all my crafting magazines!! Whahoo!!

I am doing several projects though - sneak peeks coming soon! I'm in a group called SwapsNMore. Mostly you sign up for a certain elements of a scrapbook page like a title, tag, photo mat, etc. and based on new paper line releases and matching Bazzill paper. Then you should get all the elements back in order to create 2 pages (not including the base paper).

I signed up for Basic Grey's line Archaic and Cupcake and am doing two different tags for each. What fun! I've already got my one line done and started on the next. I will post pics later this week.

Oh ya, can't forget about cleaning - UGH!!! I H-A-T-E CLEANING!!!! I figured spring is here (or so they say, I could have sworn I saw flakes today!!) so I'd better start. Alan's B-day is at the end of the month and God forbid if family comes over to a dirty house- not necessarily a messy one!! (you know as well as I do you can shove stuff in an unused room and no one will be the wiser!! LOL!!)

Now it's time for Desperate Houswives - a new episode-finally!!! Gotta go...hopefully I'll post again before the end of the week...cross your fingers!!

Thanks for reading! Huggs!!

Tired of being sick...

I can't stand this!! Last Friday it hit me....I never get sick, never a sickly person..then WHAM!!!

I trudged to work, and finished the only necessary work I had to do....then home I went. In bed, like my head was about to pop off my shoulders - almost like a little daisy flower being popped off it's stem by a curious child! Head was clogged, headache, chills - definitely an infection. A SINUS INFECTION!! UGH!!!

I babied myself (in a house of men, that's about the jest of it) then I awoke on Saturday and HAD to go to my crop. I actually felt tremendously better. I even had a smidgen of mojo and got some pages done - felt pretty good.

Still on the aspirin regimen, I started to feel not so good on Sunday so I kinda took it easy.

By Monday morning, my stomach was upset, so I took off work. Then it was back to work Tuesday. Still stuffy, ears clogged, but I could function.....

Then came Thursday....a day and night of SNEEZING - CONSTANTLY!!! That darn pollen....now my allergies started to kick in...wind blowing, it never ended.

Friday was horrible! Head stuffy, coughing, you name it, I had it! Worked last night till 8 which was great cause I don't think I would have made it till 11!

So we come to today...I didn't work and nothing was planned so I slept in....until 10, got up then snuggled back to bed cause my head just ached and I couldn't hear out of the one side of my head....and slept until 12!! Can you believe it??? 12 NOON!!! Well, came downstairs ate some breakfast, got a shower, got dressed, then back to bed and snoozed all day till about 4:00!

My mojo is lost, my house is a mess, and so am I! I'm feelin a little better now, that's why I'm writing, just so you know I'm still around. I still have one more day of the weekend...maybe my husband will take Alan to his double header soccer game tomorrow and I can get my mojo and house back into shape.

Boy I wish I had a maid - any volunteers?? LOL!!

Until tomorrow....

My First Art Award!!

Today I received an email from Feedblitz that my buddy Charmaine over at Oodabug Alley has selected me from her Google Reader list to receive the Arte Y Pico aka Art & More award.

This award is given to bloggers who share their art creations through blogging and here are the rules...

1. You have to pick five blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and the link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself

4. Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

Here are the bloggers I feel are deserving of this award:

Michelle Gibson at ScrappyCatx3

Joyce Gleason at Scrap for Joy

Lori Ames at Live-Laugh-Love-Create

Maria Vega at Stampin-Mami's Creation

and ...

Lauren Meader at My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence

I picked these people as they have been a HUGE inspiration to me both in a creative way and for just being there. They have offered support both personal and creative, and have given me a huge vote of confidence.

There are sooo many more of you out there, but I couldn't pick you all. I hope that you will continue to be just who you are!!

KEEP UP THE EXCEPTIONAL WORK LADIES!!!!

**Huggs**