A Day To Remember

Hello!  It's the last day of May and it's already feeling like Summer here!  We're in our second day of 90 degree heat and it's supposed to continue through the weekend.  Today I bought a kiddie pool for Kayne (and a new book for myself).  We're ready for Summer, even if it doesn't officially start for three more weeks!  But tonight I'm sitting in the air conditioned comfort of my apartment and blogging.  I have a card to share with you and my last post for the Blog Every Day in May challenge.

First up, my card!  Here is a birthday card I made for a co-worker.  She loves to bake (more than I do, I think) so I chose Baking Betty from the Kitchen Fun Teen Scene collection by Simply B Stamps.  The sketch is from Try Stampin' On Tuesday (#120).  I created a frame using my Romantic Rectangles Nestabilities die from Spellbinders and used foam squares to pop it up over the image.  The sentiment (from My Favorite Things) is stamped on one of the Spellbinders Fancy Tag dies.  Border punch is Martha Stewart, of course.  I added flowers, flat back pearls, and a tiny rolling pin.

Markers used: Copics.

Day 31 of the Blog Every Day in May challenge: A vivid memory

I  have some cool memories: meeting my all time favorite band, Bon Jovi, live and in person; taking a train by myself cross-country to CA when I was only 20; living in Monterey, CA for a year where I would wake up to the sound of sea lions barking; visiting the UK and seeing Stonehenge and climbing Glastonbury Tor on Halloween...  When I think back, I've had a pretty cool life so far!  But the one moment in time that will probably always be etched in my memory is the day I had my son!  From those first pains that I chalked up to a bad burrito (oh, yeah, I couldn't get ENOUGH Mexican food when I was pregnant!) to going to the hospital a month before my due date only to be released hours later and THEN having my water break in the car to hours of waiting and working to bring him into the world- it is all so vivid!  I still remember the joy and the worry as they whisked him away from me for the NICU to examine him.  And then I got to hold him.  I was immediately smitten and not a day has passed since that I haven't held him, kissed him, told him I loved him.  There is no greater moment for me and if I had to forget everything else this would be the one memory I would not be willing to part with!

Wow, I did it!  I blogged every day in May!  Now, I think I'm taking the weekend off!

Markers used: Copics (E11, E21, E00, E79, E23, E31, E37, E74, R20, R85, RV10, RV34, N4, N6, N8, BG10, BG72, Y11, Y35).    

{hugs}
Regan

Letting Go

Blog Every Day in May Day 30: React to this term: Letting Go

Wow!  Only one day to go and I've completed the challenge!  And except for last night's snafu I've been on time and everything!  Oh, yeah, and incidentally, my wireless router is fried.  *pouts*

I have a hard time letting go.  Especially of people that I've outgrown or were never right for me in the first place.  Friends, boyfriends, even jobs.  Moving on is always something I do reluctantly.  I don't know why I do this or what I'm afraid of.  Change is scary, I suppose, but without it how do we grow and experience all that life has to offer?

On another note, I fear I'm going to be that kind of mother who doesn't want to cut the apron strings!  Let my little boy go?  Never!  lol  His future wife will just have to deal.  :-)

Today is also my 3 year blogiversary!  Three years ago today I started this blogging adventure and now 500+ posts later I'm still crafting and blah blah blahing away!  I think that is worthy of  celebrating so I will be back soon with some sort of blog candy. 

{hugs}
Regan

 

Me: The Soundtrack

 As usual, my procrastinatuon has gotten the better of me! I am typing this from my phone as I have tried unsuccessfully for over an hour now to revive my Internet connection on my laptop. I had shut it down while some thunderstorms passed through and though no lighting fried my electronics now I can't get online! Today's, er, yesterday's Blog Every Day in May theme was five songs that speak to you.  Music is a huge part if my life and it was no easy task to pick only 5 songs. Songs make me think of certain people or places or times in my life. They hold memories and emotions. I wanted to post videos/links but a list will have to suffice for now.

1) Bitch by Meredith Brooks. I'm multi-faceted, what can I say?



2) You Outta Know by Alanis Morrisette. Pretty much how I've felt after the demise of each of my long term relationships.



3) Gonna Get Over You by Sara Bareilles. This was how I felt for a long time after one.



4) Miracle by The Corrs. This is a lovely song about expecting new life and before I even ever dreamed I'd be a mom it made me all gooey inside.



5) Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac. It was almost my name and I have a thing for goddesses, especially those of Welsh and Celtic origin.



I will try to get up and running so I can update this post.* Maybe the Internet needs a good night's sleep too!

Updated with Grooveshark.*

{hugs}
Regan

My Weekend in Photos

Blog Every Day in May Day 28: Only pictures

{hugs}
Regan

A Letter To My Readers

Blog Every Day in May Day 27: A letter to your readers

Dear Readers,

I feel like I haven't had much to say or share lately and I appreciate you sticking with me!  Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to visit and read and leave comments!  I read every one and they mean the world to me!  It has been a busy month and I'm hoping to get back in the swing of things soon.  I  took on this Blog Every Day in May challenge not realizing how much thought and effort it would really require.  As a result of my fly by the seat of my pants approach to blogging I fear I haven't given it the thought and time it deserved.  However, I have come this far and I'm dedicated to seeing it through.  Four days to go!

{hugs}
Regan 

PS You guys rock! 

Summer Reading

Blog Every Day in May Day 26:  Something you read online. Leave a link and discuss, if you'd like.

Oh, gosh!  I've been so busy with things that I'm not even sure what the last non-craft related thing was that I read online!  I guess I should read ahead for the challenge and prep a little in advance, huh?  lol  So since the last thing I read online was actually a crafty post, that is what I will share with you.  I am a huge Saturated Canary fan; I think Krista is amazing and I try to read all her posts!  I think I may have a tiny crush on her.  I have gushed about this before.  But what I may not have mentioned is that not only does she draw all those adorable images that we all love to create with but she crafts with them as well!  Check out the sensational card she has made using two of her images HERE.  If you're not yet in the mood for some Summer weather and fun, this will do it for you!

I'm off to a cookout tomorrow and the weather looks to be improving as the week goes on (and they're talking 90s by the weekend)!  If that's not Summery, I don't know what is!

{hugs}
Regan  

Handfasted

It's official: I have a new sister-in-law!  I am so happy for my brother and his new bride!  It was a beautiful and unique wedding, and I was thrilled to be such a special part of it!  Their ceremony was a handfasting, and I was the officiant (this means I solemnized their marriage).  This is the wedding card I made for them.  I'm not even sure if they will have opened it yet when this posts, but I used this gorgeous sketch from Creative Stamp Friends (#77) and I wanted to be able to enter the challenge.  

Here is the happy couple with my son, Kayne, who was their ring bearer.  The wedding was Fantasy/SciFi themed and costumes were encouraged.  When I asked him what he wanted to dress as he kept saying "cowboy".  We decided it was best to let him be what he wanted to be because after all Cowboys and Aliens is totally SciFi! 

I thought that this bride and groom image of Eric and Christina from All That Scraps looked like them so I bought the digi for their card.  I'm so glad that All That Scraps took over carrying the Tickled Pink Stamps line!  These images are so quirky and fun!  I used my Copics to color it and cut it out using the Romantic Rectangles Nestabilities from Spellbinders.  This sketch was a busy one, but I loved it for that very reason!  I added die cut corners, lace, flowers, a rhinestone flourish, rings, a piece of filmstrip, and the Mr. and Mrs. sentiment stamped on a Fancy Tags die (also from Spellbinders). Bride Christina has Stickles on her veil.  Papers are My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Bluebell.

  
What a whirlwind the last couple of days have been! It's a long weekend here in the US, and I plan on relaxing for the next two days!  And I think the relaxing needs to start now!  I will not have a new Corrosive Challenge project for you unfortunately but a new challenge does start in a few hours.  Pllease pop over to see what the theme is and view the eye candy the team has created!

Markers used: Copics (E11, E21, E00, R20, RV10, RV19, N0, N2, N4, N6, N8, BG10, BG72, YG11, YG95, E23, E27, E31, E79).

Thanks for visiting!

{hugs}
Regan     

Pawprints on your Heart

I can't believe my baby brother is getting married today!  Where does the time go?  I am all dolled up, hair and make-up done, and waiting to get dressed so I thought I'd do a quick blog post.  I have a card to show you (I'll share the happy couple's wedding card tomorrow).  This one is a sympathy card for a friend who lost her cat this week.  Pets leave pawprints on our heart, and she is missing this much-loved furry member of her family.  I used Mo's Digital Pencil Angel with Kitten image which I think is a beautiful tribute for the loss of a beloved pet .  I colored her with Copics and cut her out with Spellbinders Classic Circles Nestabilities.  The doily is French Pastry from Cheery Lynn Designs.  I added metal corners, half pearls, and flowers.  Paper is My Mind's Eye - Bramble Rose.

Markers used: Copics (E11, E21, E00, E31, E23, E79, R20, N4, N6, N8, BG10, BG13).

Today's Blog Every Day in May theme is Something someone told you about yourself that you'll never forget (good or bad).

I think the thing that has stuck with me is something a college professor told me when I was still in junior high.  My friend's mother took some samples of my creative writing to one of her professors.  This professor was kind enough to read my work and provide some constructive criticism.  I remember seeing the words "possibly quite talented" in her comments.  The glow from that compliment helped encourage me to continue writing and to pursue my interest in broadcasting.  Teachers are so instrumental in molding young minds and I wish I could thank this one for her encouragement!

Okay, well, it's time to start getting ready!  T-minus 2 hours to wedding time!

{hugs}
Regan
 



   

No One's Perfect

Day 24 of the Blog Every Day in May challenge: Your top 3 worst traits.

Well, well, this challenge isn't all fun and games, is it?  I am sure you all thought I was perfect, right?  lol  Uh-uh. Nope.  I have flaws and though I'm not proud of them, they are part of what makes me who I am so here goes...

1)  I have a limited supply of patience that is often depleted before I have my first cup of coffee!  Okay, well, maybe it's not quite that bad, but my nerves do get easily frayed.  Uncooperative wee ones, bad drivers, rude people, difficult tasks...  No one is spared the wrath of my impatience.  And I'm Italian so there might be a little yelling interspersed with the exasperation as well.  The plus is I calm down just as easily as I get agitated!

2) I'm horrible with money!  Oh, I'm darn good at SPENDING it!  I have mad skills there!  Just not so much on the saving end of things.  I know I need to be more responsible and plan not only for a retirement for myself, but for Kayne's future as well.  It's one of those things that has always been easier said than done for me.

3) I'm late, I'm late for.... just about everything!  I am definitely not one you would call punctual!  In fact, I actually own a clock that has the numbers all in a jumbled pile in one corner that reads "Whatever".  Yup, that about sums it up!

There, that wasn't so bad.  And just so you know, I AM planning to arrive early for my brother's wedding tomorrow!  It's kind of important that I'm on time seeing as I am officiating the ceremony!  Kayne is their ring bearer and I can't wait for the festivities to begin!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend!

{hugs}
Regan   

Life Lessons

Day 23 of the Blog Every Day in May challenge: Things you've learned that school won't teach you

Savor the little things.
Forgive, but never forget.
Follow your heart, but ask your head for its opinion.
Love deeply.
Laugh often.
Say "I love you" whenever you can.
Work hard.
You will be disappointed and hurt.
It will not break you.
Everything happens for a reason.
And there is joy in your every day.

I have a million things to do  before my brother's wedding on Saturday so please bear with me if my post seem kind of lame for the next few days...  I'm trying to squeeze it all in!

{hugs}
Regan


 

Graduations.. and a Rant

Hello!  Today I actually have a couple of cards to share with you!  I made two custom graduation cards this week.  The first features Graduation Sassy from Sassy Studio Designs.  She is free over on Paper Craft Planet so that you can start their new monthly progressive freebie challenge.  The challenge this month is: You Did It Happy Graduation.  I also wanted to enter the current Dare To Be Sassy Thursday challenge #177 which is Black and White and a Pop of Color.  I created a twisted easel card because the mood struck me and I haven't made one in a while.  Papers are from my stash, left over from last year's graduation makes.  I colored the image with Copics and fussy cut her.  I love DT member Debbie's sassy grad hat easel card so I borrowed the idea from her.  You can find her lovely original HERE.  I used a Recollections sticker and a tassel for the center of the "hat".  I added flowers and a couple of rhinestones in the corners.  The sentiment is cut with a Spellbinders Classic Ovals Nestabilities and matted on top of one of the Fancy Tags die cuts.  I added more flowers and rhinestones as well as a Martha Stewart border punch.

 

 

Markers used: Copics (E11, E21, E00, R20, R39, R81, R85, R89, RV69, YR24, Y23, Y32, YG11, BG000, N4, N6, N8).

For the next card I used the Saturated Canary 2012 Grad Girl image and Sweet Sunday Sketch #184.

She is colored with Copics and cut with Spellbinders Classic Circles Nestabilities.  I then matted the image on the Picot Edge Circles Nestabilities.  I used another of the Class of 2013 Recollections stickers plus added flowers and flat back pearls.  Papers are Lovely Lilac from Stampin' Up and have been in my stash for quite some time.

Markers used: Copics (E11, E21, E00, R20, R81, R85, BV02, BV13, BV17, N0, N2, N4, N6, N8, YR24, Y23, Y32, B02, B06).

Now onto my rant...  That is the theme for Day 22 of the Blog Every Day in May challenge: Rant about something. Get up on your soapbox and tell us how you really feel. (a pet peeve, a current event, a controversial topic, something your husband or roommate or neighbor or boss does that really ticks you off)

Nothing has me on fire today, but I have an ongoing issue with how "politically correct" this country has become.  It borders on redonkulous!  I, of course, do not want to be insensitive or insult anyone, but quite honestly I don't care if cheerleaders in Texas use Bible verses at games or if the Pledge of Allegiance has the word God in it.  Is this really what we tie up our justice system with?  And in my opinion, this applies to so many other areas besides religion.  I'd like to believe that I am tolerant enough to let others have their beliefs and allow them to display them without feeling threatened or discriminated against!  Really, America?  The fact that we are all so different is what makes life so wonderful and fascinating!  If it's not hurting people, why can't we teach our children to be open minded and curious?  Why can't we let others teach us their customs and beliefs?  Why is there only ONE right way?  Let's broaden our minds, open our hearts!  At the very least.. if you respect mine, I'll respect yours.  And this concludes my rant.  

{hugs}
Regan