Philosophy 101

Have you ever noticed that much of life's enjoyment consists in how you interpret the trivial events and details of your day?

For example: I took the girls to a Strawberry Farm this morning to pick berries. I had to use the coughcough*facilities*coughcough during our visit. I must say that the technology of HoneyBuckets (porta-potties - or outhouses depending on where you live) has vastly improved. Upon entering said HoneyBucket, I steeled myself for the aroma that would certainly greet me upon first inhaled breath... but no need. It smelled faintly of Wild Raspberry Rain - or some other Glade scent. It was downright pleasant. Well, I'm choosing to view it as pleasant. (refer to opening statement)

Another example: I received an e-mail notifying me that I won $100 as a Runner-Up in the Creative Imaginations contest. Now - I could easily choose to be an ungrateful wench about the $10,000 Grand Prize that I didn't win. But, I'm a civilized person. I don't need to throw a tantrum. I will gratefully clutch my $100 prize and spend it gleefully.

Also - we have an 8-foot pool in our backyard. The girls are enjoying it immensely. Almost as much as they would enjoy a full-sized pool. It really doesn't take much to create a lot of joy for kids. That, my friends, is something to learn from. A huge life lesson to gird your loins - or something like that.

No topical photos to post... just a couple from our photoshoot at Emages yesterday!

Random Thoughts...

1. I am FAMOUS. Well, not really. But there is a really cute new Design Team page at Scraptalk.

2. Karen Burniston told me that you can emboss things printed on your Inkjet printer. Which, of course, I filed in the back of my mind as one of the techniques I would probably not need to use, but feel really cool knowing about.

Then - tonight - I printed on a transparency - without using the transparency setting - and as the ink is rubbing off on my fingers - I remember Karen's suggestion. Brilliant! Of course - you have to be super careful about MELTING the transparency in the heating process. Yeah, uh, well... chalk that up to lessons NOT learned during Chemistry class.

3. I love the line in Grease where Rizzo tells Marti that "I feel like a defective typewriter. I skipped a period."

and no, I'm not pregnant. Just popped into my head for some reason tonight.

4. My 3-year old was crying today because American Idol is all over. I don't have any words of wisdom related to this - it's just weird.

5. My all time favorite song TODAY is by The Fray... perhaps you've heard it? It was the Number 1 download at iTunes for 8 weeks or something. "Over My Head"

Seacrest - Out.

Phew! That was a long race!

Today is the final day to post a layout for the Creative Imaginations Studio Basics 101 contest!

And I thought I was being so cool last night - by finishing a double page spread. But the official rules say it can be no larger than 12" in any direction - so I did not post my spread in fear of having that final LO disqualified.

Some rebel I turned out to be. HA!

But when the prize is $10,000 worth of Cropper Hopper, Sakura, Bazzill, and Creative Imaginations products... it is best to mind your P's and Q's.

Some of my entries:

She DID it!

I am still brimming with pride... nay, it's fair to say that I'm giddy... after seeing the way-way-off-Broadway production of BUGZ! starring none other than my own dear Taryn.


Yes, ladies and gentlemen, katydids and katydads... in a landmark performance as Monarch Butterfly #5... our own redheaded sweetheart.

Considering that this is actually the FIRST time she has been able to be up in front of people without freaking out, bolting, crying, hiding, etc. She picked a good time to come out of the chrysalis! Speaking parts... 5 production number songs... she fluttered thru the program effortlessly.

If I didn't know any better, I would wonder who this imposter is. But I have compared dental records - and she is, indeed, still Taryn. We did have some dress-rehearsal jitters accompanied by a tantrum on Tuesday morning. But today - Nada. Zip. Zilcho. Yippee!!


I'm not ready to sign with an agent yet, mind you... she's not diving into Drama Camp anytime in the near future. But, she did enjoy the experience. And because of her participation, she's not flunking out of Kindergarten as I had feared at the beginning of the year. (hee hee)

The Stink Bugs of course, got to steal the show... and I would swear that the Army Ants had WAY more lines... but we'll just overlook those little issues. Maybe I'm fortunate that I won't really have to be a showbiz Mom and sabotage the other kids' costumes with superglue and itching powder.

I will just leave you with a few choice morsels of the play... some lyrics from "Be A Lady" (LadyBUG)

If someone treats you rough
And life is kinda tough
You think you've had enough
But, be a lady!

If someone isn't kind
And friends are hard to find
You just say nevermind
And be a lady!

Be a lady
Whoa-o-o
Be a lady
Whoa-o-o
Be a lady - That's what I am!

If someone isn't nice
Their heart's as cold as ice
Well, just take my advice
And be a lady!

If someone hurts your pride
You'd like to run and hide
You just keep dignified
And be a lady!

Be a lady... whoa-o-o
Be a lady... whoa-o-o
Be a lady! That's what I am!

When all you see are dots
Complexion's full of spots
Remember all you've got
And be a lady!

When all your friends have fled
And all you see is red
Just keep a level head
And be a lady!

Be a lady... whoa-o-o
Be a lady... whoa-o-o
Be a lady! That's what I am!

Time's almost up...

for the $10,000 ScrapRoom Makeover Contest at Creative Imaginations!

some of my recent LOs with the Studio Basics 101 Lush products...

The sweetest thang...

Not a lot of words today... just this: