Greetings ... I've been running all over the place the past few weeks but thought I had better post a new card.  I haven't been very creative even tho' I have a bunch of new playthings from the upcoming SU catalog ....  I did make some Mother's Day and birthday and anniversary cards for my daughter Pam (and Craig) but did not take pix .... she always has all 3 of these big days within a week ...

Our challenge this week over at VC Rocks was to do some doodling on a card - I used a new stamp set "Papaya Collage" for the frame and bird and then I doodled around the frame, inside and outside.  The colors I used are Calypso Coral and soon-to-be retired Confetti White cardstock ... I will miss that paper for sure.  I used Calypso Coral, Baja Breeze and Daffodil Delight markers for the doodles.  The ribbon is also new - 1/8" Taffeta Baja Breeze.  The brads are not Baja Breeze but they match pretty good - not sure what color they are but guess they are retired by SU sometime back.  Who, me ... a hoarder?  No way - I always end up using my retired supplies sometime!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend - my grandson Adam graduates tomorrow evening with his open house on Saturday.  He, along with all my grandchildren, has been homeschooled and is soooo smart!  Wish he could share some of his techy expertise with me!!  But at least I always know who to call!

See you next week if not before ...

God Bless, Shirley

April 30, 2012 - I'm Back ....

Well, it has been way, way too long since even I visited my own blog.  So sorry, just got busy with life.  Sooo much has happened since October.  I had to stay at the hotel for a full month before I could move back home due to the flood that occurred here at home a few days before Larry passed away.   It was quite a learning experience for me, but I honestly feel that God's Hand was in it all, as it gave me a chance to begin to live without him with not being in our home.  I have been busy sorting out lots of paperwork that Larry kept .... funny how I never knew he saved all his income tax returns since the late 50's!!! lol ... but they have been shredded along with so much other paperwork.  Sure kept me busy for weeks and weeks .....

My grandson got married April 7th - it was a beautiful wedding and I was so happy to be a part of all the festivities.  Josiah and Maigen are very happy together and I pray for a long and happy and joyous life together.

Anyway, so now it is time to get busy creating again.  Oh, did I forget to tell you that I am a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator again?  I decided that I needed to do it for me to keep busy with some fun stuff.  Sadly, I have not been stamping a lot, but I have been having fun with my Big Shot machine - wow, that little bugger can do some cool things.  

The card above was one of our challenges for VC Rocks, our summer group of dedicated and very fun-loving gals is back in session and we have had a fun first month set aside for returning members.  We were to choose a bunch of items earlier then were given one or more challenges each day.  For this challenge, I chose to use Night of Navy, Always Artichoke, Rich Razzleberry and Confetti White cardstock. We just learned that Confetti White and Confetti Cream will be retiring - they've been around forever and I still love to use them.  Oh well, they come and they go .... The butterflies were made with my Big Shot, my new favorite tool ever that SU has offered.  I fought getting it for a long time because I knew I would want all the accessories ... and sure enough, I do!!  We have had lots and lots of challenges and guess what???  My stamp room was even clean - for a few days anyway.  It is still in a workable condition, so I plan to be more creative and will be posting more often.  Besides, we will be having Blog Hops for your awesome viewing pleasure so I need to be ready.

Looking forward to hearing from you as I get back in the groove.

Hugs to all, God Bless, Shirley

Lots going on ....

Just a short note to my friends who check in every so often to see what I have been creating and posting .... I have had my hands full lately with my husband in the hospital for 3 1/2 weeks then passing away one week ago. During that time we had a flood in our home so I have been living in a hotel so am not able to have my creative outlet - will be back as soon as possible. May God bless each and everyone of you - hold your loved ones close and take this extra opportunity to tell them you love them again - and again - and again. Hugs, Shirley