be yourself: live with passion:

It's hard to believe that I've actually written 300 blog entries...I really didn't think that I would enjoy blogging as much as I do.

So, let's celebrate with a giveaway!

There are a couple of reasons why I'd like to give away a kit to make the mini book pictured here.

First, getting to know you is one of the main reasons why blogging is fun for me. I appreciate the fact that you take time out of your busy schedules to read my blog...it always blows my mind that people actually want to read about my ordinary life!

The other reason why I'd like to do a giveaway is that I'm going to take a few days away from blogging to get caught up. I've got a really daunting to do list right now...partly because life's deadlines seem to come in clusters and partly because I've procrastinated on some business stuff that now absolutely has to get done.

So, since I'm not writing...I thought it would be fun if you did some for me.

Here's what you need to do...just post a comment between now and Monday and 5:00 p.m., Arizona time. Tell all of us what creative project you've done this year has been your favorite. Doesn't have to be scrapbook or paper arts related...it can be home decor, fiber arts, a gardening project, etc. I'll pick one of the comments out of a hat and you will be the recipient of one mini book kit.

Can't wait to read your comments...thanks for keeping my blog updated! :))

It was my first time teaching at My Daughter's Wish...and my first time in Northern California. What a fabulous time it was.

The event was awesome and being in the company of Sheri and the three other instructors was totally inspiring to me. There was so much energy in the group that I had a hard time getting to sleep at night...the brain was in high gear for sure!

My Daughter's Wish is a store that's a crossover between scrapbooking and altered art so all things artsy are welcome. It was fun to shop the store in my free time on Friday afternoon; of course, I came home with a bag full of product that I simply had to have...of course! One of the coolest things about traveling and seeing different stores is seeing a variety of product. Each store has its own culture and style so there are usually things I've never seen that I need to add to my collection of stuff!

This altered torso greets you at the door and it's surrounded with all sorts of containers filled with flea market stuff...my kind of shopping for sure!

The classes were so much fun...I had met some of the women at Creative Escape but it's so different having smaller classes where I can walk the whole room, have direct eye contact and engage in private conversation without a mike...what a great group of women to create with.

On Sunday, Melodee and I had a couple of hours in between classes and Sheri whisked us away to do a little sightseeing. The original plan was to take us to an lookout spot so that we could see the Bay Area, the bridges, etc. Traffic wasn't being all that cooperative so we ended up in Berkeley in the cutest of shopping areas...I can't tell you how delighted I was to find out that Castle in the Air and Paper Source were right there, just a block away from each other. Inspiration heaven, I tell ya!

Castle in the Air is one of those eclectic stores that's a combo of paper arts, altered arts, and dramatic arts and is home to the ultra talented Ulla. I've enjoyed seeing all of the amazing "little theaters" that she teaches...just fabulous. I found some vintage flowers, Dresden paper scrap, vintage labels...among other things...you know how it is, don't you?

I've ordered from Paper Source for years but it's so different seeing it in person...of course, I found all sorts of little things to bring home...the operative word being little since I had only a little bit of space in my luggage. You know, I'm so happy that we had traffic...a bridge is a bridge is a bridge but a paper store...now that's a fabulous thing for inspiration! Thanks, Sheri, for the little detour!

I thought you might want to see a few of the goodies I brought home so...here they are.

Just wanted to say thanks for the weekend...thanks to:

*Sheri for inviting me, for coordinating the event, for sharing her family, and for being a wonderful and gracious hostess. Sheri, you totally rock!

*Diane, Angela, Jessica and Nancie for being fabulous TA's. It was amazing to see how you anticipated what needed to be done even before anyone asked you. You were so great and the classes wouldn't have been as smooth if you hadn't been there. You are awesome!

*Janelle, Renee and Melodee...you are so inspiring! I loved your projects and being able to spend time with you. It's great to know that I have some new friends in the industry!

*The class attendees! I thoroughly enjoyed the classes with you! No complaining, lots of enthusiasm and an incredible thirst for learning new techniques would be the way I would describe all of you...and the talent in that group...amazing! Your passion for memory art is so inspirational...thanks!

There's going to be another Wishfest next year...if you are at all considering it, you should make plans to go. Also, I brought extra kits with me that Sheri is selling at the store so contact her if you are interested in the two projects that I taught.

It was all that I could wish for...and definitely more! Hugs and Happy Tuesday!