8.31.2010

tomorrow

Tomorrow is the first day of September, which means the end of summer, and:

      The closing of the pool.

      Limited grill time.

      Using the last of the sunscreen.

      No more beach towels to wash.

But it also means the start of a new school year, and:

      Cooler nights.

      Sleeping with the window open.

      Spotting the changing leaves.

      Baking.

      More baking.

      Apple picking and pumpkin carving.

I'm having a hard time getting used to the idea that fall is on its way. More than ever I've been clinging to summer, desperate to wring as much out of is as possible, and so disappointed to see it end so soon. I don't think we ate enough popsicles. The mosquitoes chased us away on prime s'mores-making nights. We never made it to the beach.

A few months ago, I realized that something had to change. I started this blog, and started focusing more on creative outlets. But it wasn't enough. Then I found a job ad that seemed tailor-made for me. And I applied. The day after I sent in my application I found this picture:



Something about that kitten staring up into the light was exactly how I was feeling. I was making things happen. Change was coming.

I got the job, and our lives were flipped upside down -- in such an amazing way that every morning I wake up and thank my lucky stars. I'm happy, my family is happy, my home is happy. And I'm ready to let go of summer and get ready for the next season.

8.11.2010

fluffer nutter

I still have no idea what to call these posts, so today I just went with the first thing that popped into my head. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad...

Some more help from the AAM prompts. This one gives you a snapshot of me as a kid. I realize it would be helpful to have a picture to accompany the post, but alas, life is all about disappointments.

Me Then

I was born in Tucson, AZ.
My parents are six years apart in age, which seemed like an eternity when I was younger.
My siblings were never meant to be.
My town was once a booming mining town in Southern Arizona, but when I lived there it was a hippie mecca.
My school was... both my refuge and my scary place.
Our pets were varied and never liked to stay at home. They all ran away.
It's here that I'm supposed to tell you my favorite childhood memory. But I don't have one. That's not to say I had a miserable childhood. I just have a miserable memory.
Our vacations were stressful and hectic and downright awesome.
My grandparents spoiled me. It was fun being the only grandchild.
My hobbies were reading and... reading. Yeah, I wasn't an active kid.
My favorite foods were anything that was forbidden. Sugary cereal. Kool-aid. Mysterious, brightly colored foods.
My friends lived in books. I was horribly shy for a very long time, and didn't start making good friends until the end of high school.
I loved the color purple and Jordan Knight.
I feared pretty much everything. I was a blast to be around.

Wow. My husband would argue that I probably haven't come a long way, though my love for Mr. Knight has waned significantly. But I think I'm a lot better at making friends now.

8.07.2010

grace

My first layout for Polka Dot Plum uses the gorgeous Grace kit from Polka Dot Plum Designs. The elements and colors are fantastic and I loved how they worked with this picture of Emma trying to stuff her entire fist into her mouth. Emma's nursery colors were purple and green, and so I see this set getting a lot of mileage.



It was so much fun getting a chance to use the awesome products from Amy and Lauren, and I'm so stoked to have this opportunity.

8.05.2010

thursday's page -- and news!

Exciting stuff to announce -- I was selected to be a member of Polka Dot Plum's Creative Team! Now, being a total noob not only to digiscrapping but also to creative teams and such, I'm hoping to make as few blunders as possible.

I thought, in light of today's news, I would highlight some awesome freebies available through Polka Dot Plum's Collabracadabra blog train for August. I used Kami's Grannie's Attic alpha and Love Story mini kit to scrap this picture of me and Fred from one of our act-like-tourists days when we lived in DC.

8.04.2010

wednesday's report

I'm still not sure what to call this (hopefully regular) feature. Send me your ideas.

I've been toying with the idea of working along with Designer Digital's All About Me challenges. As a way of sticking my toe in the water, I may use their prompts for some of my Wednesday posts. Like today's, for example.

Me Now

I live in a tiny Chicago suburb, and am getting used to the Midwestern way of life.
I love Fred, Emma, and Ewan McGregor.
I drink way too much coffee.
I eat more kettle korn than any one person should
I watch more movie trailers than actual movies.
I wish on shooting stars and fallen eyelashes.
I hope my daughter has a happy, long, healthy life.
I laugh when I trip.
I cry when I'm really angry.
I wear shoes that make my feet hurt.
I walk like a guy. Really.
I fear death.