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 Friday, September 21, 2007
For what are you grateful?
9/21/2007 12:26:26 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
My dear friend, HikerGuy, sent me these gorgeous flowers to celebrate life – this week I got the test results that say my cancer is in remission! As I sit here working, the warm scent of the stargazer lilies and roses fill the air, and for that I am grateful.



Throughout this health challenge there have been so many acts of kindness for which I am grateful:
•Meals cooked, full of nutrition and love
•Errands run that I couldn’t do myself
•Chores around the house I was too weak to manage
•Visits from loved ones when my blood counts were so low I couldn’t go out of the house
•Cards of encouragement
•E-mails with silly stories to make me laugh and powerful stories of survival to lift me up

Yet we don’t need to have survived cancer to know and show gratitude. What are the little things that make your life meaningful?

I love having my kitten cuddle with me. Love to watch the hummingbirds fly around my balcony garden. Love to sit outside in the morning with my cup of coffee and watch the neighborhood awaken. For all of that, I am grateful.

This week’s challenge goes like this:
1.    Create a 1-page layout with the title An Attitude of Gratitude
2.    Include at least three different photos
3.    Use autumn colors (Autumn begins this Sunday) as your palette
4.    Include two different embellishments


Post your pages to Gratitude Challenge in the forum before October 5.

Before I sign off, I want you all to know how grateful I am for you, too. The creative community we’re all a part of here at MM provides me with inspiration and support that makes a positive difference in my life. Thank you.

Peace and love,
  Patty



9/21/2007 12:26:26 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [1] 
 Thursday, September 20, 2007
Scrapping Everyday Life
9/20/2007 10:12:01 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
In light of Katie’s blog, I wanted to share with you what I created during our fun craft time. I was also inspired by the Love, Elsie Jack + Abby line from KI Memories because it has a lot of neat designs and embelliMySanctuaryWeb.jpgshments for scrapping about your home, and the color scheme was perfect. I recently moved down to Cincy and purchased new bedding, which was no easy task, because I’m picky and don’t like a bunch of flowery things. After many hours of shopping online … I finally found a coverlet, sheets and pillows that I absolutely love. The brown and blue colors mixed with a  simple but graphic design, is completely my style. I wanted to scrap a part of my everyday life, and the simple things like a new bed and bedding that can seriously make you feel, well … warm and fuzzy on the inside. I entitled the page My Sanctuary to emphasize the feeling of rest and peace that I find there. What does your everyday life look like? For more ideas on how to scrap your everyday life pick up a copy of That’s Life by Nic Howard.

Create something...inspire everyone.

GinaMarie

All paper and epoxy stickers: KI Memories: Love, Elsie Jack + Abby line
Adhesive letters and wide ribbon: Making Memories Noteworthy collection
Arrow: American Crafts, Clubhouse chipboard collection
Transparency: My Mind’s Eye


layout inspiration
9/20/2007 10:12:01 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [4] 
 Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Feeling Crafty
9/19/2007 10:37:34 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

Fall1.jpg
Last night, GinaMarie and I were feeling crafty, so after work, we got together at my place for some hot apple cider and scrapbooking. As mentioned in a recent blog, I've been wanting to make a page about fall, since it's my absolute favorite season.

I decided to use product from the Love, Elsie Jack + Abby line from KI Memories. I felt the colors worked wonderfully for an autumn-inspired page, and I had fun mixing and matching all of the coordinating embellishments.

I'm happy with the end result. I like that I was able to incorporate an array of different colors, and the Love, Elsie accents were playful additions. I also loved using the fabric patterned paper.

When I started the page, I planned to include handwritten journaling with a few of my favorite fall memories. That changed, though, as the page neared completion. Instead, I ended up using a few key words: books, blankets, traditions, colors and memories. I cut the words from the back of the Jack + Abby Words patterned paper. I then used the American Crafts chipboard arrow to connect the title to the key words.

—Katie

layout inspiration
9/19/2007 10:37:34 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [6] 
Oh, Happy Day!
9/19/2007 6:48:07 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
Yesterday I saw my oncologist who told me my most recent bone-marrow biopsy results show that I am CANCER FREE!!  I'll still be under his care for five years, and will still need to do some treatments over the next two year (but they're not the kick-a$$ chemo variety). 

The German philospher, Meister Eckhart, said:
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.

Last night I vascillated between laughter and tears of joy. Today I'm a bit speechless. So I'm sending out a prayer of gratitude to the many of you who have shared your survival stories and support--thank you!

Peace and love,
 Patty
p.s. I'l post a photo soon of my hair. It's amazing how fast it's growing!!





9/19/2007 6:48:07 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [11] 
 Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Pet Projects
9/18/2007 10:37:29 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
I asked my collegiate daughter whether she preferred I send e-mail messages or letters She said she gets so many e-mail messages, a letter would be a welcome change. She and I are cat lovers, so when I saw a series of cat stamps by Stampendous in the Memory Makers supplies, I decided to craft a series of cat cards. Here they are:



I may add a cat quote on one or two. I love the one I saw on a Hallmark card—“All the world’s a cat toy." I like choices, though, and I found plenty of quotes about cats and dogs at scrapbook.com, including this one we can all live by:

Ten Things I've Learned From My Cat:

1. Relax & Enjoy the Sunshine
2. Take Long Naps
3. S-T-R-E-T-C-H to stay limber
4.Purr when Someone rubs your Back
5. Find a Cool, Shady spot when it's Hot
6. Enjoy it when someone waits on you
7. Take up a Hobby: Birdwatching . . . or Fishing
8. Curl up under a Warm Blanket when it's Cold
9. When you're mad--just glare
10. Let Someone else untangle the Yarn
       
                            -Rita O'Dwyer

Maybe you’re inclined to scrap a layout of your favorite feline or canine. You’ll get all the inspiration you need in memorymakersmagazine.com Idea Gallery. Once you’re in the gallery, use the "Find Page Ideas" search box. Just drop down the theme box and select "Pets/Animals."

Do you have a pet page (pun intended) of your own you’d like to share in the gallery? There’s no better time to submit than now. Click here to learn how.

And if you have a favorite cat or dog quote, post a blog comment so all of us animal lovers can enjoy it.  

Holly


9/18/2007 10:37:29 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [5] 
 Monday, September 17, 2007
paperclipping.com Interview
9/17/2007 8:36:14 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
Check out Beth's Memory Makers audio interview with fun, friendly Noell Hyman at paperclipping.com.



9/17/2007 8:36:14 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Friday, September 14, 2007
Want to get organized?
9/14/2007 12:21:13 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
You all responded in full force to my request for suggestions on how to carry my pages back and forth from home to office. Thank you!

Because of the overwhelming response (100+), and because it was just too hard to pick one good reply, we chose our winner at random. The Making Memories Embellishment Center is going out to jab*hope*. To read her great organization suggestions, and a wealth of other helpful ideas, go to Armed and Ready in the forum.

On a personal note, I'll be getting test results next week from my doctor which will tell us if my cancer is in remission. Every day I feel a little stronger and a little better, and in my heart I believe the cancer IS in remission. Thank you to all of you who've been sending me your support and positive energy. I'll share the results with you next Friday.

And perhaps we need to do another creative challenge next week? Stay tuned ...

Peace and love to you and yours,
 Patty



9/14/2007 12:21:13 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [3] 
 Thursday, September 13, 2007
Inspired
9/13/2007 10:30:11 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

I'm grateful that this job continually inspires me.

Yesterday, in between editing pieces for our February 2008 issue and planning for our March 2008 issue, I was fortunate to meet an artist who has been a BIG inspiration to me: Kelly Rae Roberts.



(me, Kelly Rae)

A few months ago, when I found out Kelly Rae was writing a book for North Light Books, I was thrilled (not only because she was writing a book but also because I knew there was a possibility of meeting her).

Kelly Rae combines inspiring words with beautiful images, creating art that truly speaks to me. I've purchased two of her prints (see below) and the "Wear Red Shoes" print currently hangs in my cube.




When I met Kelly Rae yesterday, I got a sneak peek at some of the art that's going in her book (it's fabulous!) and got to hang out in the photo studio with Kelly Rae, her book editor, designer and photographer.

I returned to my desk feeling happy and inspired. I have a number of art and writing projects I want to work on, and after talking with Kelly Rae and seeing some of her newest work, I have a renewed sense of spirit. I can't wait to do some creating.

Being inspired and being able to inspire others is such a wonderful part of scrapbooking, memory keeping and art making. Who is your biggest inspiration? And how do you inspire others?

All the best,

Katie


9/13/2007 10:30:11 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [4] 
 Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Wanna see your page in print?
9/12/2007 3:25:58 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
MM Page Call for March/April 2008 Issue

We want to see your One World layouts for the March/April Reader Idea Gallery in Memory Makers. The issue is going to focus on earth-friendly ways to scrapbook, as well as celebrating the idea that we’re all part of one big, human family here on planet Earth.

Please review these submission guidelines carefully:

1.    You may submit only three (3) pages to this call.
2.    Send hi-res .jpgs to: editorial@memorymakersmagazine.com with RIG0308 in the subject line.
3.    Include the title of the page, journaling AND a complete supply list.
4.    Theme: One World
5.    Indicate if your page is all-digital.
6.    No stock photography.
7.    Deadline for submission is midnight Wed 9/26.
8.    Submissions must be new—never-before-seen, never posted in an online gallery, never published in another magazine.

If your page(s) is chosen, you’ll be notified via email with further instructions.

PUHLEASE, DO NOT POST YOUR PAGES HERE :-)

Peace and love,
 Patty



9/12/2007 3:25:58 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Weddings and Anniversaries
9/11/2007 6:17:28 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
stairs.jpgLast weekend my niece got married, which I had thought would make for easy blog photos. Ha! There’s a reason brides hire professional photographers. My husband's no slouch of a photographer, but with a constantly moving crowd and tricky lighting in an unfamiliar place, even he found it hard to get good photos. Between my husband and daughter I came up with a couple to share. (I shot with film and haven’t finished the roll.)

The wedding and reception were held in an old school building that had been renovated and repurposed as an antique shop/restaurant/event hall. The bride and groom are the ones about to descend the stairs. I like this candid shot—something you probably wouldn’t get from a professional wedding photographer. Click here for tips on taking candid wedding photos.

1grmachocolate.jpgI was touched by the wedding favors. Inside the gold box is a chocolate from a candy store in my mother’s hometown. My mother passed away several years ago—she’s the only grandparent who wasn’t at the wedding.

Of course, when there are weddings there will also be anniversaries. Recently there was a forum discussion about ideas for a wedding anniversary album. Check it out and add your own ideas.

My mother once told me that she had seen her grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary. She and I saw her parents’ 50th anniversary, and a few years before she passed away, she celebrated her own 50th. My husband and I are a long way from 50 years, but we’re making steady progress. I wish my niece and new nephew 50 years and more.

Holly



9/11/2007 6:17:28 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Monday, September 10, 2007
Feels Like Fall
9/10/2007 11:29:17 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)


Tree.jpg
 
When I stepped outside this morning to head to work, I thought to myself, "Today is the first morning that feels like fall."



The thought made me smile because the in-between fall season is my favorite. For me, fall brings warm mugs of apple cider, changing leaves, pumpkin-flavored dishes and desserts, cozy sweaters, crisp air, bright sunshine, my birthday, possibility and hope.

In our October issue (on sale September 18), the MM team shares favorite fall quotations, and we ask you to share your favorites, as well. Post Autumn quotations, reflections and pages here.

I took the photos featured in this blog during the last few fall seasons, and I'm looking forward to snapping some great photos this year, too. I'm thinking that a collection of favorite fall photos would make a delightful theme album!






—Katie


9/10/2007 11:29:17 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [5] 
 Friday, September 07, 2007
Can this scrap space be saved?
9/7/2007 11:01:28 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)



I don’t have a good reason why my scrapping space (which is my living room) looks like this. Perhaps it’s because I love sitting on the floor creating my next project in child’s pose (hey … I do yoga whenever I can these days!). Or more honestly, perhaps it’s because I’m overwhelmed with all the product I have and don’t know where to begin.

But thanks to GinaMarie’s blog yesterday, and all your helpful posts, I’m inspired to do something about this mess. However, I have a specific organizational request: Tell me how you transport pages from one location to another. I often work on things here at home and then need to take them to the office—I want/need some kind of tote to take my pages back and forth.

Send me your tote ideas at Armed and Ready by midnight Thursday 9/13. Then we’ll pick one outstanding, innovative, cool organizational idea (not just about totes but from all the ideas we get) and send that lucky scrapper Making Memories new Embellishment Center (valued at $74.99!). Here’s how Making Memories describes their “epicenter of creativity”:

A large wall-hanging storage unit for all your crafting supplies. This beautiful piece of finished furniture includes: multiple shelves for storage jars or tins, and a dowel for ribbon organization.
(Jars, paints, supplies, etc., not included.)

Here’s a photo of the wall-hanging unit, with our lovely birt
hday-girl GinaMarie!



Looking forward to hearing your ideas.

Peace and love,
 Patty



9/7/2007 11:01:28 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [45]