Quick Seasonal Decorations

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, you just might need a simple centerpiece or a side table touch-of-the-season. Here are a few simple ideas that you can pull together quick-as-a-wink!!

A candle in a glass vase, sconce, etc and a bit of color!! Cranberries add that touch of red and feeling of the season. Also great for Christmas!Twigs, acorns, a few leaves and you celebrate the Holiday with an Autumn feel!

A little red... a little green.... candles and glass! Always a winner!

My favorite... gather and polish acorns... glue on their caps... remember that big trees grow from these tiny pretties. Speaking of polish... grab a few small pumpkins (some white if you can find them)... wash them and polish them with furniture polish. A lovely luster! Table-worthy. We're celebrating Thanksgiving at Boyd's parent's home this year. His brother and his sister and her family... also Kristin is here from Chicago!! Yeah!! I never take time with my daughters for granted. My other daughter Wendy and her husband Darin are going to Hawaii for the week. I wish them a safe, fun, and relaxing trip.

I believe in the power of prayer! Prayers for my friend Marcia, her dad 'Dutch', and family at the loss of her mother this week will be appreciated.

Make this a great day!!

Joni

2009 December Day-by-Day Album

This is last years 2008 December Daily album... And here is the new... in-progress... 2009 album!

Boy, I sat on this project for a long time... wanting to do something REALLY different! Finally I just jumped in one day and created an album that looks a lot like last years including the acetate covers! The paper cover, under the acetate, was done digitally this year!! The great part is that you can't make a mistake... there are no rules and it's whatever works for you!

Here are a few inside pages (no dates yet) to give you a feel for it's flavor. On December 1st I will journal an introduction page about my feelings, etc, that day.

I'm fond of layers of different sizes and shapes.

I did put a date on this page because it's St Nicks day at our house and I sort of have a feel for where I'm going with this.

At the end of the album I put this "Christmas Memories" page. It's always fun to reflect on memories.

That's just a quick sample, but I hope I've motivated someone to give a December Daily album a try! You will be so happy you did... and it's such fun!

Make this a great day!

Hugs,

Joni

New Things!

For my birthday, my sweet husband gave me this cute little 7" TV for my desk. I just love it!! I spend a lot of time at my desk with my computer, photoshop, and just plain old creating! It's sitting on a cable box and has lots of channels. The History channel is on all day at our house and I throw in a few Lifetime movies... mysteries only! My little corner of the world is just perfect for me!! By the way, the TV also plugs into the car's lighter! ALSO NEW... My daughter, Kristin (the Chicago girl), got a tattoo on her foot... a daisy!! That's a first in our family! But... it's really cute on her dainty little foot! I was surprised how much I liked it! She did say that the process hurt. Kristin works for Sanford that makes Sharpie markers and I really thought she'd drawn it on her foot with a Sharpie marker!

I've got my December Daily album done and ready to go on December 1st. I'll share photos on my next blog of the album . Last year we were in Phoenix AZ on the 1st & 2nd... so palm tree pictures! When we flew home on the 3rd Green Bay was covered with snow and ice. Such fun to have that documented!

Make this a GREAT day!

Choose happiness!!

Hugs,

Joni

This is the cutest!!

I was reading Karen Walker's Blog "Random Reflections" several days ago and fell in love with her adorable stamped owl cards (Karen is also a scrapper & photographer). I mentioned to her that I'd love to give card making a try and "where do I start..." to get the quality she creates. She responded with a great site that caused my heart to beat rapidly in anticipation. The blog belongs to Nicole Heady and sent me into a frenzy of excitement... no kidding!! My creative juices were running!! http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/

Look at these adorable cardstock houses... too cute!! You'll see more on the blog.

I love this little red house created by Debbie Olson... love the colors!!


This is a house by Nichole Heady and Lauren Meader! It is so precious!!

Another view! I love the boughs and the buttons. The boughs are made with a Martha Stewart punch which after much searching I just found & bought from Paper Wishes.

A close up of the curtain stamp with the window stamp over the curtains. There are so many, many stamps in the set!

Look at the lovely card created from the same stamp set.

A close up of the card!

The pattern for the house is a PDF file ready to be printed on cardstock with your printer! Lauren Meader created the pattern... she's so talented!! Check out her blog!! Delicious!! The house pattern is only $5.00 and can be downloaded... and used over and over!!

My directions (PDF file) are printed and my house is next to be printed. Just trying to decide on what color cardstock to use. I ordered the stamp set last night at midnight when it was released for purchase... now I just have to wait for the mail to bring it to me!! But meanwhile, I can get the house put together... or several!!

Make this a great day!

XOXO

Joni

WELCOME to our home!!

My daughters haven't seen our 'new old house' put together. So these photos are for them! But I welcome you to peek into our little cottage home too!

I made this seasonal wreath a few years ago but it's holding up well. This is in the computer room... looking into the living room. You go up 2 blue steps and you are in the living room.
Here is the living room with an informal dining area (see the hutch sticking up on the left).

The fun part of this house... built in 1943... are the little built-ins here and there. Like this bookshelf! And going down 2 steps to the computer room.

My goal was "cozy"!! And I'm really pleased with the way it's turning out. The red blue and yellow run through most of the house, although I had the kitchen painted 'Bisque' to provide a blank canvas to work with. I've accented it with red, black, and tan (pics another day)

You can see through to the den (my favorite room) and the door to the right is the 'front door' which goes onto a covered porch. The fireplace behind the couch is in the process of getting a painted Scandinavian design... not completed yet. That wall is also brick but I had everything painted yellow (brick included) and it's difficult to see. The coffee table is amazing... the top is on hinges that allow the whole to to slide up and forward and a great place to have dinner with a movie. It's all about comfort!

Make this a great day! Choose happiness!!

XOXO

Joan

Before and After...

Yes... this is the chaos (somewhat organized chaos) that was my desk and work space at our house in Green Bay.
And then we moved to Oshkosh several weeks ago and I had to sort it all out. BIG JOB!!

Now we are in our 'new old house' and I am loving my new organized spot. I found this wooden desk organizer at Achievers... a chain scrapbook Store. It holds sooooo much!! It certainly helped my desktop!!I found this great little red shelf at Potterybarnkids.com. Perfect for treasures that I like to look at over-and-over and things that inspire me!

Here's a peek at my half of the new-old computer room. I am really enjoying working in this area. I didn't realize how much I needed ORDER to create in. I actually designed and made my Christmas cards the other day (another post).

I am so happy about our move... now that it's over!! I needed a decorating project and this house needed redecorating. I took pictures yesterday and will gradually share them with you this week and next.

Make this a good day!!

Joni

PS Today's my 66th birthday!!

More photos about that in the next few days!!

Mickey Mouse's Makeover!

This is Mickey in his 1928 debut as 'Steamboat Mickey' in his first cartoon. This often pops up in trivia games as a question!In the 50's Mickey took on the look that we all know and love to this day... cute, sweet and lovable. Easily identifiable by children and adults all over the world. He represented fun, love, kindness, and safety.

Well folks... this was in the news today! Mickey's makeover! More rat-like and mean-spirited!

M-i-c-k-e-y M-o-u-s-e (you have to sing it)!! Disney... how could you??

Do you have a favorite memory sparked by thinking "Mickey Mouse"?? Why don't you share it!

MINE: In the 50's I was an avid fan of the original Mickey Mouse TV Show. I ate many dinners on a TV tray in front of that show! I knew every song and dance routine and every Mouseketeer! I felt so safe and warm watching that show in our little house in Milwaukee. Life was good!

Make this a great day!

Joni

Free Holiday Class!!

I was sooooooo excited when I saw this notice this morning... and it's FREE!!

Jessica Sprague's classes are OUTSTANDING!!! I have learned so much from her... she is a great teacher!! And this class is for anyone... anywhere!! And you don't have to be a digital scrapper... just take the class and Jessica will teach you all you need to know (through on-line videos). You will come out with a finished album ready for your holiday memories!!

I made one last December and I read it every now-and-then. Such fun... such wonderful memories!!

This class is FREE... you have nothing to lose!!
Go to jessicasprague.com... register (takes 2 minutes) and you'll be all set to go!! Just have to wait until the 16th to get started. I just put the dates on my wall calendar so I won't forget! If you don't want to continue at anytime... you don't have to!! You're doing this from the privacy of your home! I'll be here to help you if you have any problems or don't understand something! You can even involve your kids... they catch on faster than adults!

Her videos are available 24/7 and you can replay them as many times as you want. She always has wonderful freebies for you too!!

Can't wait!!! Join me!!!
XOXO
Joni

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2009

The last day of October and on to 'dreary' November... somewhat rescued by my Birthday on the 9th and then Thanksgiving.

Instead of Halloween decorations, I decorate with a Harvest theme. Then everything can stay up until the Christmas decorations are lovingly unpacked and carefully placed here and there and everywhere. This will be a special Christmas as we're in our new 'old' home!!

This is a photo from 1953 when my friend Susie (on the left) and I (with the crimson lips) had a joint Halloween party for a bunch of girlfriends. We had a 'rec room'... popular in that era... and it was perfect for parties which we had a lot of!! Ooooo... the good old days!!

Talk about nostalgia... this is a song we used to sing:

Oh... it's Halloween and gob-lins are about,

you can see them lurking in the gloom.

But a way up in the sky...

there's a witch a-swishing by...

with a big black cat a riding on her broom.

Take care!!

Beware!!

Of the cat a-riding on the witch's broom!

BOO!

Have a fun day!!

joni

LOVE TO COLLECT...

This is a layout I digitally scrapped about my newest Lori Mitchell figurine. I just love her Trick-or-Treat children wearing adorable costumes. This is Jack Squash!! My daughter Wendy sent him from Phoenix. Thanks Wendy!! I now have 5 little Lori Mitchell characters... all standing in a gang (remember when "gang" was a fun word?) on the top of a bookcase waiting to ring a doorbell.

Do you have any Halloween collections?

This is a short post as Boyd is being released from the hospital today and I still have a few boxes to unpack. At least I'm down to 'a few'!!!

Make this a good day!

XOXO
joni

I'm Baaaaaaaack!!!

I can't resist blogging at this time of the year! I love Fall, Thanksgiving, and the Christmas celebrations!

I had this pumpkin photo in my stash and just had to share it with you. I think it's such fun!! I love decorating inside and out for Halloween and Fall!
I love watching the spooky movies on TV this week! Turning off the lights and lighting a candle or two.
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Below is a digital scrapbook layout I did as part of MY MEMORIES album. Nancy Drew was probably the first mystery books I read... I was quite young when I got hooked on them. At that time Nancy was as scary and mysterious as I got. Boo to you, Nancy Drew!! And such fun memories of you and Ned Nickerson, your father Carson Drew the attorney, Hannah the housekeeper, and partners in crime... George (girl) and Bess. And don't forget her roadster!

Spark any memories for you??
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Update on Boyd:

He is in the hospital again... retaining 20+ pounds of fluid and needed oxygen. His kidneys are not in very good shape and he may be facing dialysis. Poor guy... and he never complains!

Update on Us:

We have moved to Oshkosh Wisconsin to my old house. It's cozy, homey, and charming... but smaller than our house in Green Bay!! I will post photos when I get the boxes unpacked.

Make this a good day!!

Love to you all... feels good to be back!!

Joni

What's Happening!!

It's been quite a while since I posted on my blog, but life has thrown us a few curves.

Boyd started running fevers again and we were in and out of our doctor's office, the Emergency room and the hospital... for weeks and weeks! He was frustrated and I was just plain scared!! He gradually became 'short-of-breath' and another trip to the doctor. This time she admitted him right into the Intensive Care Unit. They finally did a heart catherization and found that he had suffered 2 heart attacks. Being a bad diabetic, he had not felt them as he had lost sensation in and around his heart (neuropathy) and they didn't show up on a cardiac monitor.

So then we started dealing with a Cardiac Surgeon and surgery was scheduled. But one blood test kept showing an infection in his body. Now we had to start working with an Infectious Disease Doctor to find out what was going on and surgery was cancelled.

To wrap this up... there wasn't an infection and Boyd had Open-Heart Surgery this past Thursday. Surgery went well but his diabetes is causing some problems. He's in Cardiac Intensive Care right now with tubes and wires sticking out all over. They're watching him closely for renal (kidney) failure... another side effect of that nasty disease Diabetes.

I spend my days at the hospital and get home and crash!!When I get up in the morning I've been working on my layouts... that really relaxes me! If you're interested in seeing any of them... just click on Designers Digital on the top-right side of the blog.

Please keep Boyd in your thoughts and prayers.

Joni

The Day After Monday

I really wanted to post every Monday but due to life's 'have-to-get-this-done' moments, I couldn't post yesterday!

Mother's Day was such fun! Kristin came up from Chicago... stayed in Oshkosh (see why I'm moving to Oshkosh) and then we met half way in Appleton on Sunday. We had an early lunch and went shopping for furniture for our Oshkosh home. Had lots of good luck (more below) and ended the day with a stop at Starbucks for my Spring drink-of-choice... a Grande Strawberries and Cream Frappaccino! It is yummy, yummy, yummy! Tastes like fresh strawberries smell!

My Furniture shopping was very successful... because of Kristin's help. It's so helpful to have her with me to get second opinions from and bounce ideas together. Besides... she knows the house so well and has good taste. We picked out this red comfy couch for the den. Kristin has the same couch in camel... same manufacturer... and I got it for half of what she payed in Chicago. Hers has worn well so I knew it was a good purchase.

I bought a living room couch and loveseat and 2 nightstands, also! They will be delivered this Saturday. Can't wait!! Good photo op!

My computer has been busy helping me create layouts. Since I've joined these Galleries... I am much more motivated and have kept my 'credits of the designers' accurate. I'm having so much fun trying out new techniques, etc.

I'm not going to repeat the 'Credits' here when you can just click on a gallery on the sidebar and see the materials I used... if you want. I look at credits a lot because I see something in a layout that I'd like to buy and I can find the location there. Otherwise...

This is Kristin when she was about 5 years old and we had spent a day at their favorite park.

This layout reminds me of a page in an Eric Carle book (The Hungry Caterpillar, etc). The words are from a picture in my house and I wanted to use them in a layout. No author was mentioned.

I really wanted to document Kristin's battle with braces as they were on for over 8 years. She even had to have jaw & chin surgery (wired shut for 8 weeks)... a blog in itself!! Ever see a Big Mac in a food processor... yuck!

This is Leroy having a good shake at Wendy's in Arizona. I love the way the camera caught the spray in the light.

Sorry to rush but I need to go to Oshkosh and sign my new Home owner's Policy and run some errands there.

Make it a great week!!

Joni

The Day Before Tuesday

ART:

Saturday was NSD (National Scrapbook Day)!! It was a day of shopping the 'digital material'
sales, some 'freebies', and challenges at many scrapbook sites. I've added links on my sidebar (to the right) to the Galleries I'm putting my Layouts in. If you click on a Gallery, my page(s) will pop up for viewing. For me it is also a great way to meet other digi scrapers, find inspiration, get questions answered, and learn about current challenges... and so on.

I WON a $25. gift certificate from Sue Cummings of O'SCRAPS for my layouts using her kit... designed around the word 'EXTRAORDINARY'!!! Some of the layouts are in last week's post. She gave another gal and me the certificate for our Enthusiasm, Quality, and Quantity of our work. THANKS AGAIN SUE CUMMINGS!!

The layout below was a quickie I made yesterday. I wanted to try using dark colored paper as a background.

Credits:All material are from Little Dreamer Designs.
Paper:TNT 'Spring Couture
'White swirl border: Paislee Hoopla Elements
Green Border: Paislee Hoopla Elements
Acrylic Heart & branch: L Reid 'Tranquil Escape'
Green Heart: LBA 'Happy Hearts
'Font: Vivaldi

BOOKS:

I've been reading this Henry the VIII book in chunks rather than chapters... wife by wife. It's a thick book (937 pages) but despite the small print... an easy read!! I just finished Anne-of-Cleves and am about to start Catherine Howard. I read other books between wives (that sounds odd!) As a refresher to those of you interested in English history, his wives were:

1. Katherine of Aragon (Spanish) mother of Queen Mary I. (Died of an illness)

2. Anne Boleyn... mother of Queen Elizabeth I. (Was Executed)

3. Jane Seymour... mother of his only son, King Edward VI (She died from childbirth)

4. Anne of Cleves (German)... (marriage annulled)

5. Catherine Howard (Executed)

6. Katherine Parr

MOVIES/TV SERIES:

We're watching the 3rd season of THE TUDORS on Showtime TV. If you don't get Showtime, the 1st and 2nd season are available on DVD. It's a wonderful presentation of Henry the VIII's life. When we began the series we were disappointed in the look of the actor that plays Henry... much too slim for our background knowledge. However in the book it explains that Henry didn't start to get fat until after the death of Ann Seymour when he stayed in and grieved for her. Also at that time an old leg injury becomes a very painful ulcer and he became very sedentary. Thus the huge weight gain. In the series he's just at that point in his life and we're wondering how they're going to handle this on the screen... a rubber suit??

HAPPENINGS:

We are moving back to Oshkosh... an hour South of Green Bay. I'm really excited... looking forward to decorating from scratch. We'll put Boyd's house up for sale when the market looks a bit more promising. I lived in Oshkosh for 36 years and it's home to my girls. I miss having them stay with me when they're home, but all of their friends are in Oshkosh... and their Dad has a big house. Now they won't have that extra 2 hr. drive each time we get together. Boyd's parents moved to Oshkosh and we need to spend more time with them. His dad just celebrated his 89th birthday. Lots to do...

Make this a great week!

Joni

A Productive Weekend

Helen Hancock introduced me to oscraps.com a while ago. It's a digital scrapping site (Blog, Shop, Forum, Gallery... and more). I popped in there 'now and then' but never really got involved. This weekend I jumped in and entered "a challenge" and posted my work in their gallery. I was totally hooked!! It's a good thing that Boyd does the cooking at this house or we would have starved.

The CHALLENGE was to make a digital layout using Sue Cummings Week 16 materials from her '52 Inspirations' kits... the word was"EXTRAORDINARY"!! So I created a layout and then another and then... well, you get it! Busy, busy, busy as Eloise would say.
(All materials used were by Sue Cummings... for further details check my gallery at oscraps.com)

1. Boydo at a fantastic ice cream parlor in Phoenix AZ... 'Mary Coyles'. 2. Wendy at her Kentucky Derby Wedding Shower last Spring.

3. My first encounter with a dog in 1944.

4. Kristin running the Oshkosh Marathon in rain and sleet... but still a smile!

5. Wendy and Kristin with best friend Jennifer after the wedding ceremony... crashing for a moment. Love this photo!

I'm planning to post on my blog each Monday. So look for me here on that day. I'm planning on following a format of Art, Books, Movies, and Happenings each week. Today I wandered away from my plans as I wanted to share my new relationship with O'SCRAPS. I know I've found a new home there. YUMMERS!!

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Love to you all!

Joni

Magnificant Monday

ART:
This is my most recent layout. I'm 20 months old and on a "see-saw" which later became known as a "teeter-totter". My mom always sang the little rhyme, "See-saw, Margery Daw..." as she pushed the see saw up and down for me. The song is actually an old English Nursery Rhyme with political meaning as did so many of the rhymes we learned. This was a fun layout to create as I love the work of the designer (Sausan). Stop by catscraps.com to see her work... so fun and whimsical!

Credits: All paper and elements from 'Holy Hoot Cute' kit designed by Sausansdesigns.com (from catscraps.com).

I bought an inexpensive acrylic frame to put my most recent layout in so that I can stand it on my desk. Usually they get mounted on cardstock and placed in in album so quickly that I never really have a chance to look at the layout, critique it for strengths and weaknesses and just plain enjoy it. Problem solved! (My layouts are all 8 x 8 inches)


BOOKS:
I'm currently reading The Cellist Of Sarajevo and enjoying each page. It is a fast read and a real page turner as I embrace each character and their survival.

From Publishers Weekly: Canadian Galloway (Ascension) delivers a tense and haunting novel following four people trying to survive war-torn Sarajevo. After a mortar attack kills 22 people waiting in line to buy bread, an unnamed cellist vows to play at the point of impact for 22 days. Meanwhile, Arrow, a young woman sniper, picks off soldiers; Kenan makes a dangerous trek to get water for his family; and Dragan, who sent his wife and son out of the city at the start of the war, works at a bakery and trades bread in exchange for shelter. Arrow's assigned to protect the cellist, but when she's eventually ordered to commit a different kind of killing, she must decide who she is and why she kills. Dragan believes he can protect himself through isolation, but that changes when he runs into a friend of his wife's attempting to cross a street targeted by snipers. Kenan is repeatedly challenged by his fear and a cantankerous neighbor. All the while, the cellist continues to play. With wonderfully drawn characters and a stripped-down narrative, Galloway brings to life a distant conflict.

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Last year I read Pretty Birds and had my first encounter with life in Sarajevo. I loved the book and read it twice. It gives one such an understanding of what it is like to live in a war-torn country.

Young women served as snipers for both Bosnian and Serbian forces during the siege of Sarajevo; Simon, a prize-winning correspondent and NPR Weekend Edition host, interviewed one of them and has masterfully imagined her life. The book begins with half-Muslim Irena, 17, perched on a rooftop, wearing a black ski mask, sighting down a rifle. Simon then flashes back to the spring of 1992, when Irena, her parents and her parrot, Pretty Bird, must flee their home on the mostly Serb side of the city. When they make it (barely) to her grandmother's apartment, they find her slain on the staircase. Simon's account of the family's refugee life—sans water, electricity and supplies, they eat snail-and-grass soup—is full of brilliant details ranging from the comic to the heartbreaking. When a former assistant principal spots Irena, once a high school basketball star, he offers her a job that quickly has her recruited, indoctrinated and trained in deception and weaponry. That's when the action really begins to move along. Pretty Bird is released for mercy's sake, flies to his old home and is caught by Amela—a Christian and Irena's former classmate and teammate—who concocts a devious and difficult plan to return him to her friend. A deeply felt, boldly told story and clean, forceful prose distinguish this striking first novel.

MOVIES:
We are movie nuts! We watch at least one each evening that we're home. I thought that I'd share... on a regular basis... the good, well-done movies. We are currently watching a BBC miniseries (2 discs) that we are really enjoying. We get most of our movies from Netflix and sometimes from our local video store.

Stephen Collins is an ambitious politician. Cal McAffrey is a well-respected investigative journalist and Stephen's ex-campaign manager. En route to work one morning, Stephen's research assistant mysteriously falls to her death on the London Underground. It's not long before revelations of their affair hit the headlines. Meanwhile a suspected teenage drug dealer is found shot dead. These (apparently unconnected) events expose a dangerous habit within modern government of dancing too closely with the corporate devil. Friendships are tested and lives are put on the line as an intricate web of lies unfolds.

That's it for today... Make it a good one!

Love to all,

Joni

Layouts, Books, and a Movie.

It's so relaxing creating a layout. Time flies! But, you do have a product at the end that makes the time worthwhile. I now have stacks of layouts and need to spread them out on the dining table and put them in order and get them in the albums that await them. I have them all mounted on contrasting cardstock. Credits: Paper and elements by Kitty Chen, Kitty Designs, from Oscraps.com; Birthday cake and 'Let's Party' sticker by Erica Hite, "Make A Wish" from scrapgirls.com.
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Boyd bought me this huge solid chocolate Easter Rabbit. I ate the ears and the rest is just sitting there... waiting for one of us to have a craving. When you live in Green Bay WI, you just have to taste Seroogy's chocolates now and then.

Credits: Paper from ivyinspirations.blogspot.com, "Easter Paper 1"; Frame by Chelly Designs at chelsant.blogspot.com, "April Showers Bring May Flowers"; Blue gingham paper and egg from "Hoppy Easter Kit", designer unknown; White rabbit by Kitty Chen, Kitty Designs, "Jungle Animals" from Oscraps.com.
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I watched this movie a few nights ago and really liked it. It's so well done. I was afraid to watch it as I was certain it would be a sad movie. I made it through the movie without a tear but afterwards... it sat in me like molten lead... for days. The ending is STARTLING!! I really was interested in watching the everyday life of a high-ranking Nazi's family... what they were and weren't aware of as far as the Jewish people.

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I often read an author from beginning to end. This is my current read... couldn't put it down last night. I love reading about other cultures. I've read all of the author's books and I would suggest starting with 'Women of the Silk'.

From Library Journal: A work of historical fiction, Tsukiyama's latest novel contains several strong female characters. Set during the onset of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in 1940, it first introduces readers to sisters Joan and Emma Lew, ages 14 and nine. The girls, with their servant Foon and their mother's first cousin, Auntie Go, all live "privileged" lives together in Hong Kong until they decide to flee from the imposing Japanese and emigrate to Macao, leaving their father behind to watch the family home. At the war's end, the family returns to Hong Kong with the intention of rebuilding and reclaiming their lives. Culminating in the year 1965, this novel follows its characters through 15 years of growth, maturity, and self-discovery.


Other books by Tsukiyama...

I hope you'll give one a try.

Good reads with a taste of the history of the time.

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Make it a great week!

I'm off to work on my Digital Scrapping class... and then organize my closets with Spring clothes.

Love to all,

Joni

This and That

BOYD IS WELL!!!
Today the surgeon took out the tube that went into his heart
that his antibiotics were hooked up to for the last 2 months.
The infection is gone and he can start swimming again. YEA!!
I have my honey back again!

Easter Sunday seemed to arrive so quickly this year. This is

a good week to watch Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion" again.

It portrays it all so well.

And then there's the FUN part of Easter... dying eggs, our

Easter Tree, cut-out cookies and CHOCOLATE!!

Check out the Easter goodies sale at www.william-sonoma.com.

These adorable nests filled with truffle-like eggs are on sale.

How cute to have one at each person's table setting.

And you can make cookies OR you can buy these on sale also.

In my world of Digital Scrapbooking, I have just started my 4th class from

www.Jessicasprague.com. It's the advanced class and the last scrapping

class available. I learned so many new techniques in the first hour.

Below is a layout (nothing to do with my class) that I made with the

earliest photo I have of my Mom. Her mother died when she was 5

years old and the courts took her away from her father who worked

on a Norwegian fishing boat. She was raised in 13 foster homes

and never had her picture taken. This was the first. The last foster

parents and her church helped her through Nurse's Training at

Brooklyn Hospital, NY.

Have a wonderful Easter celebration!

Hugs,

Joni

More Memories

I haven't posted for ages because I'm over-my-head in projects.
I've been learning lots of new Photoshop techniques and
making lots of layouts. I haven't posted any of my recent work
because I gave up (for now) trying to record the 'credits'. I use
soooo many different designers and buy so many different kits
that it's easier to just create them and stick them in an album.

I made this layout this morning so I'd have something to post and
I kept track of the designers... gritting my teeth the whole time.



Credits: Paper, "Crazy Bean" by feistuff; Tree, leaves, and stripes by "Kicking Up the Leaves" from Weeds and
Wildflower Designs; Pumpkin, "Pick of the Patch" from Raspberry Road Designs.

I spent Saturday at my friend Chris's house showing her how to use Photoshop

Elements 7. She caught on so quickly and made some wonderful layouts of her

3 boys. So much fun to work together... we both learned a lot!

Hugs,

Joni

The dear UPS man was just here... Spring bedding has arrived.

YEA!! It took forever! Now... must hunt for the right sheets.

Also... we saw the movie "Taken" yesterday at the theater.

Really good action movie. Kept us interested all the way to the end.

Trippin' Down Memory Lane

I used the word trippin' (down memory lane) because I have a major stumbling block as I create a layout. I have a terrible time keeping track of the "Credits". I have a little spiral notebook and when I start a layout I write down the paper or element and who to credit them to. However... I change my mind so many times that I have writing all over the place with things crossed off... what a mess! I may change the background paper 5-6 times until it looks just right to me. There must be a solution to this. Any ideas??

Credits: Paper, frame, mesh, flowers, swirls leaves by Cin, "Ava Adore" (from myjuicybits.blogspot.com);

ribbon by Gina Marie Huff, "Jolly Holiday-Ribbons" (from Weedsand wildflowers.com); white overlay by

julydesigns (from digital-crea.fr)

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My Mom was the 'Queen of the Birthday Parties' as I grew up. She and I would

decide on the theme and then she'd surprise me. I still have my Toni doll and the

cowboy outfit. Matter-of-fact I have her trunk with all of her clothes.

Credits: Paper and pocket by Scrapmuss Designs, "Under Construction" (from scrapmatters.com); Checked ribbon

by Simply Sweet Designs; Heart (from weedsandwildflowers.com); bear (from digitalcrea.fr).

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This was a photo I didn't pay much attention to until one day I noticed my

mom's notations that it was the picture she chose for our 1943 Christmas card.

Credits: Paper by Nancy Barton; Bow and holly "Christmas Day Collection" ( from raspberryroad.com); circular

design by Kate Honarvar "Jingle Jangle Christmas" (from pccrafter.com).

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My mom looks so tired as she leaves the hospital with me in my bunting.

Credits: Paper by Kitty-Nikki "Butterfly Girl"; Stars by Holly designs "Sugar and Spice" (from shabbypickle.com);

word art by Jaelop Designs, "Girly Girl Kit" (from jaelop.blogspot.com).

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I have the Spring itch... but still waiting for my Pottery Barn bedding to arrive
(backordered until the 26th) so sometime today I'm going to transform the guest
bathroom with my 'Spring tub' (Rubbermade- for each season) of towels, pictures,
and goodies. That will feel so refreshing!!

Soooo... off to the basement shelves to grab Spring things... I'm very seasonal!

Hugs to you all!
Joni

My Daughter is having a birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KRISTIN!

I know you are traveling today and wouldn't be home to get a card,

however I know you have your PC with you all the time, so... here's

the layout I made to shrink to card size. And you can get it on the plane!

I hope you have a smooth flight and a smooth business trip. Enjoy your

gift too... it's what you requested. You'll look smokin' in those new jeans!

May all your dreams and wishes come true!

And the latest photo of you and Wendy...

You are both so beautiful inside and out. I am so proud to be your mother.
So glad you had a fantastic trip to Los Cabos!

XOXOXO,
Mom

Down Memory Lane

Do any of you remember the old metal clip-on roller skates?
And that skate key hanging around your neck?
By the time my daughters were ready for skates, they were made of plastic. Credits: Paper,"Cool Bananas" from Digital Fingers; Word Art, Elegant Word Art by Bethany: String; Tag by Miss Mint
"Kindergarten Crafts' from peppermintcreative.com.

My mom was full of silly songs that she would sing with the neighborhood kids.

I loved this song because I had such a great mental image of a purple cow,

Credits: "Doodlelicious" by AMC; Frame, Miss Mint "Kindergarten Crafts" from peppermintcreative.com; Cows,

Font/dingbat "DB Animal Occasion".

You need to click on the layout to see the horrid expression on my face. My mom said that was due to the bright floodlights that my Uncle was holding. How far we have come with cameras in

my lifetime.

Credits: Paper, alpha, & hats from "Make a Wish" by Erica Hite from Scrapgirls.com; Ribbon, pink paint, and

word art by Vicki Stegall for '52 Inspirations' from oscraps.com.



Camera shy! That was me! This photo really captures it. Look at that body language

and the frown.

Credits: Paper and all elements are from "Breath of Fresh Air" by Gina Marie Huff from Weeds & Wildflowers.


Have fun and make it a great day!

Love to all,

Joni

Happy Weekend!

I bought some daffodils that were closed up so tight... looked like asparagus stalks.

A short time in water and they were open and so beautiful. I have them next to my computer as that seems to be the spot where I spend a great deal of time. Amazing what fresh flowers can do for your mood when we still have a snowy world outside.

I continue to edit old photos, put them in layouts, and tell their story. I'm still exploring my digital materials and my style. I love the clean & crisp look of Helen Hancock's layouts, but so far I've found myself diving into color... can't seem to stay away from it. It's just me!
Credits: Paper, cloth frame, & airplane by Amy Sumrall; Cloud and tag by Chriscrap's "Cocooning 2"; Flowers by Julia Makafinsky,
"French Country" fro Little Dreamer Designs; Border "Doodle Border 2a from Weeds and Wildflowers.
~~~~~~~~
Click on photo to read story.

Credits: Chair by Mimilou Designs, "Tell Me a Little Tale" from Digitalcrea.fr; Books and Word Art by TYO "Storytime";
Crown, ia "Newspaper Crown"; Wand, Pascale A's "Magical Wishes" for Scrapwedo.
~~~~~~~~~~~

1944


Credits: All materials by Danielle Engebretson/Danielle Engebretson Designs. Grass is from a brush that was already on my adobe program.
~~~~~~~~~~~


I loved going to camp each summer but this was the only photo that I could find from all those years. I went to Brownie Camp, Girl Scout Camp, Church Camp, and YMCA Camp. Ooooo... the stories I could tell about the Y camp.
Credits: Trees, from Raspberry Roads"Tree Templates" # 010, 03, 09, 01 also from Kryshart's "The Sky is Falling"; Frame, A Heimann's "Come Out and Play" frame 3; Word Aer, by Miss Mint's "Friends" Kindergarten Crafts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Make it a great weekend!!!

Love to all...

Joni

Ho-Hum

This is what one does when bored, restless, and bouncing off the walls.

I JUST felt like playing and this is what I created...

Queen-Joni-of-Boredom.

I've always thought that 'bored people are boring'.

Guess that's me today! I saw this pic today of last years Easter/Spring tree. It's that time of the year

to go hunting for some small branches and think Spring. I'm trying to INSPIRE YOU!

Some of these ornaments are 39 years old. I bought them in Germany for Kristin's

very first Easter tree in 1970. Boy, time goes so fast. Her birthday is next week.

I found this book at Barnes and Noble yesterday. It's great! Much improved over the original 'Dummie books;. Good quality paper and lots of colored photos... really pleased with it. I spent a lot of time dipping in and out of it this morning. And get this... 30% off plus another 10% off from my B & N card and... drum roll... a $5.00 rebate. Practically free!

That's it for today. I'm off to read and take a nap (they go together in my life).

Love to you all!
Joni

PS My girls get home from their vacation in Los Cabos in Mexico tomorrow. Always glad when they're having fun together but also glad when their feet are on their home turf again.

A Snowy Day

I have this feeling inside me that it's Spring and then

I looked out of a window and we're having a BLIZZARD...

and not the kind you get from Dairy Queen.

I went to Pottery Barn.com and splurged on new Spring bedding.

And I lucked out... the set I wanted was on sale.

We have red night tables so I think this will make us feel fresh

and perky after all the illness in this house. I saw these Easter baskets on Potterybarnkids.com and I wanted to share some

inspiration with all of you. I can think of all kinds of possibilities for decorating

some baskets with liners and trims. I bet Thimbleanna would monogram hers!

I am taking quite a journey with all my memories. It is such fun and is sparking

memories of some things I've forgotten.
~~~~~~

Summer meant screen porches and storytelling in the dark.

Click on the layout to read my story.

Credits: A heimann "Firefly Lane" QP from Scrap Orchard; some elements by a heimann and Ziggle Designs, "Firefly Lane"

from Scrap Orchard; Fonts: Bradley hand and AR Christy.

My mom kept really good notes in our photo albums. Menus, names, presents

received at birthdays and early Christmas days. These notes spark memories

to fill in the gaps.

Credits: Stitching, mimilou "Love" part 1; silver heart, TMS "Choco Cherry"by The

Maltese Scrapper;

Multi-colored heart, SC elements from Weeds & Wildflowers; red felt heart, mimilou

"Love" elements; Striped heart, "Felty Valentines" by Graphic Jam Designs;

hearts on a string, "Crazy Love" from Digital crea.com;red string, Moune-Enormada,

add on.

~~~~~~~~

I love creating these pages but I dislike keeping track of supplies used. I'm just not an organized person. I just keep trying.

Love to you all!

Joni

PS. We saw Australia tonight and I loved it!! A good old-fashioned movie where you need tissues.