Meet HILDA!

Hilda was a pin-up girl from the 40's to the 80's. As a matter of fact, the use of her image is second only to Marilyn Monroe! I absolutely love her! A pasty skinned, red-headed, plus size model. This is one of my favorite images of her because she is being creative. In the rain nonetheless. It is kind of scary to think this is what I would look like in my yard in a flower bikini painting a pretty landscape! More pictures of Hilda, my hero, and the Saturday ART Walk later!

MY NeXt EVENT!

This is where I will be Saturday. I can't wait to spend the day with family and friends. Not a bad way to try and stir up a little business either! I will be displaying several of my altered pieces and scrapbooks that I have done for various people in hopes of getting a little extra work. This was definitely a GOD thing. Literally, the very moment I told my director I would not be returning to my job next year, a friend of mine sent me a message suggesting that I give it a try. Never in a million years would I have had this idea on my own! She saw some of my work and thought that others might be interested in what I do. I am very nervous to put my work out for public perusal, but am pretty sure if no one ever looks at it, I can't sell it. If you are in the area, come by. It's gonna be GREAT fun!

My BaBy is GROWING So FaSt....

This is my Lillybug! She has just lost her second tooth. I just can't believe we are already at this point with her!! Time has flown by. She has always said,"I can't wait 'til I am five so I can lose a tooth!" That's how she has introduced herself to everyone since I can remember. She doesn't do that anymore because it is not such a big deal since she has lost one. So many precious memories we have. So many more to make!! Just wanted to share a pic of my sweet snaggle tooth. This is the face she goes around sporting so everyone can see!!

Such a SAD day.

So sorry to say that today is marked one of the saddest of my life. For someone who is NOT an animal lover, that's saying a lot.

In my haste to get my child to the doctors office, I ran over my fifteen year old baby, Mattie. She is the little furry dog on the right. Yes, my children saw the whole accident and were traumatized. I feel like complete and total CRAP!

This baby is what first drew my husbands attention to me. He thought she was such a cute puppy, he wanted to hold her. Never mind the saucy redhead holding her. This baby was with me when I was so sick, in the hospital, no friends because of a loser boyfriend, multiple moves, two births , and so much more than I can even remember. I am trying to take comfort in the fact that she was really old and probably not gonna be here much longer and had multiple health problems. Still, she always greeted me with love, even when I know it hurt her to get up. Loved me without conditions. Never expected anything from me but a little pat on the head. Some would call me stupid for feeling this way about a DOG, and I never have been a fan of animals, only this one. So, today the girls and I buried her under a Red Maple that Andy gave me for Valentines Day the first year we dated. We will plant some things there a little later in the Spring. I am sorry if this sounds crazy, I have been there. This is my blog though.:( Bear with me. I just don't know what else to say.

Thanks for listening.

NEW LOOK!

This my new SPRING look. How do you like it? I love my other theme, but wanted to freshen it up for a new season. I am so ready for Spring. I hope this change helps it along!;D

A Little Glimpse Into My ScrapFest Classes!

Finally, I get to show a little sampling of my ScrapFest classes! I am doing my three tiered hanger but with a totally different twist! It went over so well at my last event, that I wanted to bring it to a larger venue. The layout is the same, but all new ideas! Oh yeah, same pic. of me cause....uh...there aren't but a couple of good ones and this is one of them! I can't wait to show you all the whole project! The main theme is "Counting My Blessings!" If any of you are like me, sometimes you need a little reminder and I made this to hang in a prominent spot so that I can catch a glimpse of some of the little things I should be thankful for! You will learn tons of techniques and how to use a lot of unconventional "Scrapbooking" materials! OOOHHHH it's SO fun, I can't wait! Pop on over to http://www.scrapfestproductions.com/ and join us!

Creating Embellishments for ScrapFest!

Here are a couple of samples from the Creating Embellishments class I am teaching at ScrapFest. This class is gonna be SUPER fun! We are going to make six different embellishments that will be immediately ready to add to your pages AND you will take away TONS of techniques and ideas for using different household items in the scrapping world! I am so excited about this class because I love to see reactions when I show people some of the unique things we use. Definitely a class that breaks you out of that BOX! This class will also provide lots of little extras so that you can create more goodies on your own!

My Valentine Happy!

This is what I got for Valentine's Day. Don't get too excited. It's not brand new, but a precious thought nonetheless. This is my wedding ring that I have been unable to wear for the past nine years. Weight gain, babies, so on have made it too small for my finger. So for V-Day my hubs got it and had it resized to surprise me. Along with a poem he wrote me. We have been married ten years this year and this is one of my favorite happies so far!! So sweet. I love him more each day.

This is a cool little "thing" my friend Kerry showed me. This site took words from my blog and made this neat graphic. Not sure about some of these words!

Just Wanted to Say THANKS!

As I am sitting here this morning snuggling with Lillian and drinking coffee, I started thinking about how thankful I am for the blessings in my life. Being able to sit here with my baby is one of those. I get a little weepy thinking about her going to "BIG" school next year. She has so many questions about school.

Next, I was looking at a picture from an event I went to recently and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. The photo is of a group of ladies that I have gotten to know so well. They have become some of the closest friends I have had in a long time. They have brought me through many difficult situations by sharing their experiences and letting me be a part of their lives. I am so glad that God brought them into my life and showed me that I can have friends that don't live in the same town with me. They have given me personal advice, spiritual advice, creative encouragement, TONS of laughs, and just truly built me up and made me feel like I have self worth again. They are so open with love and encouragement. I have not had that in a long time.

I know I am getting mushy, and I have other friends that I love dearly, you know who you are without me even having to mention you;), but this morning I wanted to focus on these girls because one of these ladies has an adoption in the works and hopefully all is about to be complete. Your story amazes and inspires me. Truly Gods hand is on your family. M. you are on my heart and mind this a.m.

Thanks for being so genuine and letting me be a part of each one of your lives. Can't wait to see y'all soon and for our rustic getaway this summer! Love y'all.

AB