A Give Away

I was lucky enough to win a book on Lesley's blog so I wanted to return the favor to someone else. (Go visit Lesley's blog because she has her 10 ten reads list up!)

Here is a book that I read last week. It was very good; one of those that you can't wait to get home to (my new criteria for a good book). It is about a married pregnant woman whose husband is having an "emotional" affair.

If you would like me to send this book on to you please just leave me a comment with your name. I will pick a winner on Saturday and have your book in the mail on Monday!

EDITED TO ADD: We have a winner......Danielle, please email me your address. I wish I had enough copies to send to all of you.

The Genius of Jennifer Bradley

A few years ago I was lucky enough to make the internet acquaintance of Ms. Jennifer Bradley who lives in Maryland. We met through the Inky Antics forum.
Christmas 2007: I started a Card Kindness group so that people who wanted to join could send Christmas cards to each other. Then someone suggested that we do birthdays too. Unfortunately our group has totally petered out.
And then there is Jennifer! She sent us all Christmas cards this year (I have included the ones she sent me and my Mom. I stole my Mom's card from her house so that I can have it in my collection!) Jennifer also sent me a birthday card (the one with the darling elephant).

What a thrill to receive these works of art! Jennifer is a genius at mixing papers, buttons, ribbon, and layering. Her coloring of the images is darling! She told me that she makes about 10 Christmas cards a month so that she has enough by Christmas. That is definitely a goal I would like to meet; but I have not stamped one card yet this year. Something I need to rectify.

Anyway, I just wanted to show everyone how cute her work is and maybe send some inspiration your way!

Thanks Jennifer!!!!!

Attention lovers of beauty......

Run, don't walk, to the bookstore to get these two special publications from Somerset! First up is Somerset in Love. I cannot tell you how great this magazine is for fans of altered art, stamping, vintage ephemera, and just plain old eye candy! I am lucky enough to know several of the artists in this magazine and I am thrilled for them. In fact, one of the artists, Heather Simpson-Bluhm, is the genius behind my blog banner. Marilyn Healy started the collaborative round robin that is the subject of this special issue. I love her artwork. I was lucky enough to participate in her Alphabetica round robin which was such fun. Their work is so gorgeous and absolutely stunning. If you liked the publication "True Colors" then you will love this too.
Right next to Somerset in Love was this eye-catching magazine, Art Journaling. The cover is unmistakably the work of Pam Garrison who is a genius. Lots of inspiration in here folks!

It was the perfect capper on a Friday evening to find these magazines at the store. Mike and I had to run out for toilet paper (!) and so we also managed to squeeze in my 15th time looking at Barnes and Noble for Somerset in Love. Finally, it was there! Then we topped off the evening with my most favorite meal, Taco Bell!!! Following my burritos, I was up to bed to page through these magazines and dream about creating such beauty.

January 4, 1997

The first week of the year brings so much fun to our house. First there is New Year's Day, which is also my birthday, and then there is January 4th which is our wedding anniversary. This was our 11th wedding anniversary.
I am so lucky to be married to Mike! We have a lot of fun and enjoy hanging out together. We were also lucky enough to have a beautiful wedding. Unfortunately, I don't remember much of it. I think I was on another plane of existence that day. So happy that I was out of it!!! It was such a joy to be surrounded by all the people we loved!
I have to say that I loved my dress and my flowers very much; so had to show you them!!!!