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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Feathered Flock- Part II

So here is the entire set of note cards I've made using Lynn Pratt's bird class as inspiration! Aren't they just lovely together?? Here are individual shots so you can see more details. I hope you like them and might just try one yourself. One key ingredient is the Extra-Large Two-Step Bird punch which is currently available from Stampin' Up! in the Occasions Mini Catalog through April 30th only. If you'd like to place an order through me just let me know and I'll be glad to take care of you!

Wood Thrush?

Blue Jay

Gold Finch

and finally, the Oriole again.
Everything used is by Stampin' Up! Cardstock colors, stamps & punches used vary- but if you have any questions feel to ask.
ETA: Thanks for all the comments and questions. I thought I'd try to answer a few of the questions, but also want to point out that on my post below there is a link to Lynn Pratt's classes where you can purchase the pdf file for downloading to get excellent, complete and detailed instructions on how to make some of these cards. Many of the birds are pieced together with multiple punched birds, cut in various ways (for example: the cardinal uses at least 4 red punched birds and one black one). Details are added with markers, white gel pen, punches circles for eyes in many cases and ink sponged on for definition. Also, the punch used is called the Extra Large Two-Step bird punch and can only be purchased from Stampin' Up! Here is a link to the bird punch- be sure to order through your SU demonstrator for the best possible price. If you don't have a demonstrator I'd be glad to order it for you! I hope that helps!!

Feathered Flock- Part I {DCBD171}

Good morning! Are you ready for a new Diva Coffee Break Designs sketch challenge?? This week we've got a very simple, straight-forward sketch which leaves a lot of room for creativity and interpretation!

Just yesterday I found a blog with an absolutely lovely collection of punched birds done with the Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch that I couldn't wait to try. Literally I spent all morning making SEVEN different birds. I can't wait to put these into a collection as a gift for someone whom I know will appreciate them. (Not mentioning any names in case she reads this too soon!)

To see most recent collection and even order a very well done set of instructions go visit Lynn Pratt at Stamp-n-Design or click here to view her original set of bird cards. I am happy to say that I suggested the 3 types of birds in her most recent collection and not only did Lynn put that idea to work right away, she also sent me a copy of her instructions as a thank you! Thank YOU Lynn.

So stay tuned for the rest of my collection- I have even added two birds to Lynn's collection that are common in Ohio. Can't wait to share them with you!

Thanks for stopping by today and don't forget to go check out the rest of the Diva's creations for today's sketch then play along yourself and link your card to the Diva blog!

Have a wonderful sunshine-filled day!

SUO Supplies
Stamps: Whimsical Words (last day to get this is TODAY!!!)
Colors: Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Creamy Caramel, Basic Black, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch, Pinking Hearts border punch, Jumbo Eyelet, 1.24" circle punch, tag corner punch, rope (retired)
Today's TIP:
  • Always give proper credit when borrowing an idea from another artist! It's the right thing to do.
  • Have fun with your punches- they are tools with endless possibilities!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Inspired Watercolored Sympathy

I rarely get to play along with the Inspiration Challenge on Saturdays at SCS. But this weekend I did. We were directed to find inspiration at which was no problem. I used the entire Lavendar collection to guide this card. Obviously I grabbed the soft shades of purple with a lot of white space, and added some texture with the embossing after the stamping and the pinking hearts border punch.

Since this is watercolor paper, after I stamped the images I gently went over them with a wet aquapainter just to let the ink bleed a bit. Lends to a softer more artistic look I think. This card ended up being 4.25x4.5" so it's not quite square.

Topped it off with the vanilla hodgepodge hardward and some wide vanilla organdy ribbon. Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by!
SUO Supplies
Stamps: Oldies but goodies: Art of Life, Easy Elegance, Stem Silhouettes
Colors: Elegant Eggplant, Almost Amethyst, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Wide Organdy vanilla ribbon, Vanilla hodgepodge hardware, Big Shot, Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions embossing folder, Pinking Hearts border punch

Monday, March 29, 2010

Creamy Pink Durangos?!!

Last week's color challenge on SCS was to use Creamy Caramel, Pretty in Pink and Dusty Durango. I had never considered these colors together but as soon as I pulled out scraps of each color I was instantly excited to try them! I'm not a huge Dusty Durango fan, so small doses is just the perfect use for my taste.

This layout is from a sketch on the Clean & Simple Stampin' Blog (FTL84)... always a great place to find a good sketch! It is a 4.25x4.25 square card.

I used the stamp set Happy Moments (again!) and watercolored the flowers with an aquapainter and ink from the lids of the ink pads. The Vanilla paper is watercolor paper which is why you can see some texture. This is my first use of this Pinking Hearts border punch (is that what it's called??) I'm glad I finally broke down and bought it because it definitely is a different look than anything else I've got.

So glad you stopped by today. Looking forward to some absolutely gorgeous weather by the end of this week- can't wait!!
SUO Supplies
Stamps: Happy Moments
Colors: Creamy Caramel, Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Dusty Durango
Accessories: Aquapainter, Pink gingham ribbon, Pinking Hearts border punch, 3/4" circle punch, notch corner punch

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Cool Pool! {12x12 scrapbook layout}

Remember THIS CARD I shared with you last week? Well I mentioned that it was inspired by a scrapbook page which I'm showing you today. I found a very similar page in a magazine and just had to CASE it. Basically the layout is what I copied with the variety of ribbons, but my colors and paper are different. It is such a neat looking page in person, but man did I have trouble photo'ing it, which is why it has taken so long to post.
Here is the facing page, which I added some bits of ribbon scraps to the pictures to tie into the other page. I've left some room for journaling which I normally neglect, but then I drew a blank so haven't written anything yet.

Everything on these two pages are Stampin' Up! products including all the ribbons, although some are no longer available. This is a great layout for using a fun variety of scraps especially if you keep a scrap ribbon jar like I do!

Thanks again for visiting! I hope you'll come back soon.
SUO Supplies:
Stamps: Jumbo Outline Alphabet
Paper: Kraft, Bermuda Bay, Thoroughly Modern DSP
Accessories: Vintage brads, lots of ribbon!, Curly Label punch, circle punch

My first pleated ribbon!

Have you seen this Mojo Monday sketch from last week? I had a chance to stamp on Saturday so decided to try it out. It started out a horizontal card just like the sketch, but ended up being turned on it's side. I also really wanted to try my hand at this fun trendy technique of pleated ribbon. I know I'm a bit behind the times, and I really do like the look, but it was hard for me to use that much ribbon.

I also grabbed my color combo from the Color Throwdown challenge blog. I haven't been able to join them in a while so was happy to put these colors to use. I also added in black as an accent so I'm hoping that's OK.

Thanks for stopping by! I've got more to come, believe it or not!
SUO Supplies
Stamps: Medallion background, Oval All
Paper: Basic Black, Baha Breeze, Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery
Ink: Baha Breeze, Garden Green, Black Staz-on, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Large oval punh, scallop oval punch, black striped ribbon

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

As I promised (warned), here's yet another 12x12 scrapbook spread. The left side was inspired by another magazine layout I found. It is missing the journaling which I'll add one of these days. I used some Razzleberry Lemonade DSP for each of them as well as some dimensional flowers that I've had for a year that just happened to match fairly well. I inked up my chipboard title with the Melon Mambo marker which works great because I was able to get the edges and all the nooks and crannies. Below are close-ups of the individual pages. Hope you like!

Thanks for stopping by!

Classic, almost vintage, whimsical Easter

This week's Diva Coffee Break Design challenge is a color challenge which I don't think you'll have any trouble with! Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink and Close to Cocoa. Easter came to mind right away when I considered these colors... One of the scrapbook pages I did this weekend was inspired by a sketch and includes a LOT of ribbon. I loved this layout right away and Lisa mentioned she'd like to try it on a card. Well I'm trying to beat her to it. LOL! This isn't quite the same, but has the idea of a ribbon variety being showcased. Initially I had a bow on every ribbon but decided it was too messy looking on a card and the Easter image was being overshadowed. So, I trimmed them all except one, added the Latte button to the center and called it a day.

The main image from An Eggcelent Easter is watercolored with an aquapainter and Watercolor Wonder Crayons. Used the markers for the detail on the eggs. Sentiment is from Well Scripted stamp set.

Notice the texture on the Close to Cocoa background? That is a new-to-me textured impressions embossing folder called Finial Press. I think it goes perfectly with this classic, almost vintage, slightly whimsical style, don't you?!

Anyway, thanks for visiting with me today! Hope your day is great! Be sure to go check out the Diva blog for more ideas with this color combo and a chance to play along!

SUO Supplies
Stamps: An Eggcelent Easter, Well Scripted
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Close To Cocoa
Accessories: Latte designer button, Finial Press Textured Impressions folder, Big Shot, Top note, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter, ribbon: Pink & white taffeta, Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery grosgrain, Pretty in Pink gingahm, wide pink organdy, wide celery twill

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A few Fish Stories

Here's another layout I finished this weekend. Both layouts were inspired by sketches from various magazines. The papers I used were all from a retired SU collection called Playground (I believe). I can't say enough about how wonderful it is to work with Stampin' Up! collections of patterned papers when scrapbooking. The coordination and excellent design choices make pages a snap! The alphabet title on this page is an old alpha for my Sizzix that works in my Big Shot (woohoo!) and the little scribble detail is a sizzlit available through Stampin' Up! called
Swirls Scribbles. Did you notice the scribble detail here again? I used the throw-away part from cutting it out for the previous page as a stencil and sponged some white ink over it. Worked like a charm for making fun coordinating accents. The word "stories" is an alphabet I borrowed from Lisa and I'm not sure of the brand or name of it, sorry!

Here's the entire layout as it will be in my album. And I've got a Stampin' Tip for you that I've learned from experience!
Stampin' Tip:
  • If you are behind in your scrapbooks but work chronologically (as I do, these pages are from 2005) then take some time to save your thoughts behind the pictures when saving them on your computer. This will help tremendously when journaling and you will be SO GLAD you did 5 years down the road! Trust me! ;)

Thanks for stopping by! You know I'll be back tomorrow with my Diva card and challenge and maybe another scrapbook layout. Have a great day!

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Circle Circus (for circles on the chipboard "fish")
Papers: Playground DSP, Whisper White
Accessories: Swirls Scribbles Sizzlit, Big Shot, Chipboard, non-SU Sizzix alpha

Monday, March 22, 2010

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow- a Scrapbook Layout

First off, a big SHOUT OUT to my friend Lisa Henke for hosting a fabulous scrapbook weekend! We had a blast: I met some new friends and completed 10 pages in my albums!! What could be better?? Well, I got to hang out with my sister and her family for a night as well! Thanks to this fun productive weekend you will get to see some scrapbook pages over the next few days and I must say they are a notch better than my normal work so hopefully you won't mind.
Here is a fun page on which I HAD to squeeze NINE pictures on to tell the fun story (fun to my family at least). During a trip to visit my aunt and uncle at their lake house in Virginia we spent a beautiful afternoon on their dock, which included the guys all getting Buzz Cuts whether they wanted them or not. I got many fun pictures of my dad and his brother which I have very few of so this page will hold a fond memory for a long time.

Stampin' Tip: This type of layout full of 2" or 2x4.25" pictures is a great way to accommodate a BUNCH of pictures. It was hard for me to do that much major cropping but I love the result.
Here is the right side of the spread which includes the title on some key points for journaling. I used the retired Pina Colada Simply Scrappin' Kit for the designer papers (aren't they awesome?!). The layout on the right was inspired by one Lisa found in a magazine of hers. She taught me by example that using magazine layouts is a great way to get fabulous pages done!

My title is done with the Naturally Serif Decorative Strip alphabet die and the Big Shot. Yes I will be adding this to my next order! The "gone tomorrow" I just wrote with the white gel pen. I added the wide Old Olive ribbon with every intention to switch it to my Riding Hood Red when I got home, but now I've changed my mind and will keep the Olive.

Gotta run, but thanks so much for stopping by today! It's raining here but that's OK because I MUST spend some time getting my taxes ready by this afternoon so toodles!

SUO Supplies unless otherwise noted
Paper: Pina Colada Simply Scrappin' Kit, Old Olive, Basic Black, Real Rust
Accessories: Circle cutter, Naturally Serif Decorative Strip alphabet die , Big Shot, jumbo white brads, Playground designer buttons, butterfly punch, non-SU white number stickers

Friday, March 19, 2010

Spring Planting

I'm leaving today for a scrapbook weekend and since I haven't posted much lately I thought I'd show you a layout I did last week. Hopefully I'll have some great new layouts to show you starting on Monday... if not you'll know I did more socializing than scrapping!

These pages are for my family album and I'll do the same pictures with similar layouts for the kids' albums too. They are not the BEST pictures, but will bring happy memories down the road of the spring planting with dad. Somewhere I've also got pictures of the harvest, but I couldn't find them for this layout so they will have to be their own page someday!

As you know this is a mostly SUO (Stampin' Up! Only) blog. However, I do scrapbook with other products at times depending on what I have on hand. These pages were done with a kit by Creative Memories. And while the papers are lovely I couldn't help but be disappointed with the less than perfect color coordination (with the other products that I didn't use from this kit) and the relatively small number of items in the kit. Using other products almost always makes me once again appreciate the artists at Stampin' Up! and the quality of their products. But I paid for it, so I was darn well not going to let it go to waste!

Thanks for stopping by and have a super-fantastic-sunshine-filled weekend!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Cottage Wall Lattice Birthday

I'm back at ya with another Diva sketch today! Be sure to play along- and don't worry, you can flip it, stretch it, rotate it... just use it as your guide. We won't kick you out, I promise! At least I hope not because I've turned the main square in the sketch to make a more interesting lattice die diamond instead.

Today I just HAD to use this new set Vintage Labels- I've been meaning to but hadn't managed to use it yet. The color challenge on SCS this week is Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulance, Old Olive and neutrals of your choice. This is close- I think there's some Orchid in that striped paper somewhere.

Stampin' Tips:
  • Did you notice the Organdy ribbon is woven through the lattice die cut? There are so many things to do with that die- I highly recommend it if you don't have it already! Want some other ideas for this die?? See my list of labels on the right and scroll down until you see "lattice". There will be 7 other posts with ideas not including this one.

Gotta run, have a super great day!
SUO Supplies
Stamps: Vintage Labels (still available for FREE until the end of this month with any $50 order!!)
Accessories: Lattice Die, Big Shot, Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Trim punch, White Organdy ribbon, Cottage Wall DSP

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Welcome Sunshine!!!

Boy am I thankful the sunshine is back today! In fact, it is expected to be fairly nice and warmer this whole week from what I understand. WOOHOO!! Today I decided to take a break from the stresses of tax preparation and actually stamp a little. I've got tomorrow's Diva challenge card done so be sure to stop back tomorrow for a great new sketch. For now I'm sharing this card with you. I used the Mojo Monday sketch challenge from yesterday. LOVE this sketch! It's got some great details that are specific, but can also be interpreted in so many ways. Love that!

I intended to make a sympathy card today since I am out of them, but decided I was too happy and just felt like making a happy card. This old set of textured papers is called Parisian Breeze Specialty papers. I'm so glad I have some left to play with- they are gorgeous and really the star of this card. I only added a bit of piercing and some kraft taffeta ribbon, then embossed the sentiment from Well Scripted (a favorite!) and that's it.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are enjoying sunshine in your neck of the woods today!

Stampin' Tips:
  • Short on time or inspiration?? Grab one of SU's wonderful packs of Designer Series Paper, ANY of them, and let the patterns and colors do all the work!
SUO Supplies
Stamps: Well Scripted
Papers: Kraft cardstock, Parisian Breeze Specialty papers
Accessories: Kraft Taffeta ribbon, Scallop Trim punch (yes I'm aware that I use it constantly!)

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Lisa's Challenge!

As I mentioned yesterday, Lisa and I challenged each other during our afternoon of virtual stamping together. Her challenge was a 1,2,3 LIST challenge in which we were to use:
1 piece of DP
2 embellishments
3 layers
and just to make it a little more challenging-NOT an A2 size card.

I did the best I could and at least it got me stamping again. My one piece of DP was the printed sheet music I used, 2 embellishments are the punched flowers and the punched bird. My three layers (use your imagination) are the Cheesecloth stamped background, the next layer is the stamped & embossed grass (Inspired by Nature), and finally, the third layer is the flower and bird punches. I know- it's a stretch! But it is 4.25" square card so I accomplished that part for sure!

I have a thank you note card from my sister that inspired this card- in fact I did my best to CASE it. From the colors, to the use of the grass, flowers and birds. It's not my favorite, but it was fun and got me stamping again!

Thanks for the fun Lisa!

SUO Supplies
Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Cheesecloth background, Picture This
Colors: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Summer Sun, Ruby Red, Bermuda Bay
Accessories: Big Shot, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, hole punches, Boho Blossoms punch, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Two-Step Bird Punch, white embossing powder, tiny flower punch is a very very old non-SU punch

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Daylight Savings Time- here I come!

Now don't get me wrong, I am NOT excited about setting my clock up and losing an hour of sleep... but my pal Lisa and I had some time to virtual stamp together today and decided to challenge each other. My challenge was to use products that start with D, S and T!

Here are the things I used to fit the challenge:

D- DSP (designer series paper), deckle edge scissor
S- Sahara Sand, Stitched felt flowers, Scallop Trim punch
T- try as I might I can't stretch anything to start with a T. Oh wait, this is a thank you note! There, that's my T!

This is my first use of the stitched felt flowers by SU. Aren't they fun?! And I used a sketch from my February Stampin' Success magazine that all SU demonstrators get each month. Are you wondering about my sheet music paper? I've always wanted some and today decided to photocopy piano music from one of my favorite songs I used to play called "Old Friend" onto Whisper White. I crumbled it up then smoothed it back out and swiped it with some Sahara Sand ink then trimmed the edges with the deckle edge scissor.

The sentiment is from the hostess set called Picture This, punched with the Modern Label punch. Do you like my scalloped corner? I used the photo corner punch to layer the Rose Red paper behind it. I really like how that looks!

Had a crazy busy week this past week so here's hoping for a little more normal pace this week! My stamps have been sorely neglected lately.

Stampin' Tip:
  • Can't find a particular pattern of paper you're looking for? Try scanning something or downloading from the internet then run some Whisper White cardstock through your printer! Works like a charm!

Thanks for stopping by!

SUO Supplies
Stamps: Picture This
Colors: Sahara Sand, Melon Mambo, Rose Red, CHocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Accessories: Stitched Felt Sweet Pea flowers, Scallop Trim edge and corner punches, Modern Label punch, deckle edge scissor

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Long time no see!

Goodness, sorry it's been a while since I've posted! Honestly, it's been a while since I've stamped! I've had a number of things going on lately that have kept me super busy- don't worry, mostly good stuff. My hubby is finally getting a new truck (well, used but new to us)- he's been driving his current one for 15 years! And I have a new mattress coming today- finally! I don't even want to admit how old our current one is, but a clue would be that it is older than ME. No we didn't win the lottery, it is just long over due for both of these things. Let's just hope that all our major appliances continue chugging along for the foreseeable future!

OK, enough chatter, on to the card. Today is a Diva day- thank goodness for Diva days to get me stamping even when I'm not sure I've got time. This week we've got a color combo that might make you cringe... until you try it. It's fun, trust me! The first time I saw this color combo was on something amazing by Angie Tieman. When I find it I'll come back and link to hers- it is just beautiful!
Stampin' Tips:
  • When using Sweet Treat cups, be sure to plan ahead and consider how the recipient will retrieve the treats inside. I've punched a 3/4" circle in the paper covering the back and covered that hole with a Full Heart Punch that is adhered with a repositionable adhesive.
  • Don't be afraid of funky color combos. Remember, you don't have to use every color in cardstock form- you can add a hint of color with just ink or ribon.
  • For good color balance remember this rule: when using two colors your accent color should only be used about half as much as the primary color. When using three, the third color should be used a third, and so on. Make sense?
  • There are some excellent tips on SU's Color Coach color wheel!
I hope this Diva Day will get you stamping as well! Thanks for stopping by!
SUO Supplies
Stamps: Something Sweet
Colors: Soft Suede, Cameo Coral, Certainly Celery, Bermuda Bay
Accessories: Sweet Treat Cups, 1 3/4" circle punch, Modern Label punch, Celery twill ribbon (no longer available), small heart punch, Eyelet border punch, crimper

Friday, March 5, 2010

Stenciled Wonderful Friend

Today I noticed on (Stampin' Up!'s CEO, Shelli Gardner's personal blog) that the challenge for March is to use a stencil for a project. Love that idea! I bought a pack of the Folk Flowers Decor Stencils from the Occasions Mini Catalog a while back and have only used them once or twice. In fact, I hadn't used this pattern at all yet. So I was excited to get it out and play! This time I sponged Whisper White ink onto only certain parts of the design to get this look.

I added a few extra touches with the Scallop Trim edge at the top and some piercing and dotted grosgrain at the bottom. I really wanted a Melon Mambo brad for the center of the top flower, but since there aren't any I decided to just punch out the center of the flower with my 1/8" hold punch so the paper shows through.

The one part I'm not sure about is the dots on the "friend" piece. I think that might be a little over the top for my simple design. What do you think? I may just make another one just like it but leave the dots off and glue it right on top. I'll wait to hear from all of you though!

Stampin' Tips:
  • Only want to use part of a design in a stencil? Block off the other areas with strategically placed sticky notes. Have a smaller area to block off? Either tear the sticky note, or try using one of those sticky note flags that are really small.
  • Have old In Colors and not sure what to do with them? Why not try combining them with a current In Color for a fabulously unique color combo! (Shown here are Marigold Morning and Melon Mambo)
  • Don't have a brad in the color you need? Try punching a hole instead and allowing the paper to show through from behind!
  • Want to see more Decor Stencils? Click HERE to see SU's entire collection!
I hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by today. Feel free to go play along with Shelli's challenge- I'm sure she'd love to have you!

PS- If you are ever in need of Stampin' Up! products I'd be glad to place an order to be shipped directly to your door. Feel free to contact me at stamp_for_smiles(at) embarqmail(dot)com

SUO Supplies
Stamps: Wonderful Favorites
Colors: Melon Mambo, Marigold Morning (retired In Color), Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Folk Flowers Decor Stencil, Paper Piercing tools, Small oval punch, Melon Mambo dotted grosgrain, Scallop Trim border punch, 1/8" hole punch, sponge

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sweet Sunday on a Wednesday!

Have been procrastinating today- avoiding getting my taxes together. Should be some great cards coming out of me in the near future- I'm a top notch procrastinator!! Came across Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge and decided to try it out. I managed to clean my desk off today and ran across this Melon Mambo scalloped square with the heart punched out from another project, and decided to use it. Did two more in Soft Suede and Crushed Curry too.

What a great sketch- I had fun with it! Thanks Karen!
Stampin' Tips:
  • When you find a favorite challenge site or blog that really appeals to you SAVE it in your faves! Go there often!
  • Use scraps! (Did I say that yesterday?? It is a recurring theme for me.)
  • Tired of your embellishment selection? Look to your punches, combine them, and see what you come up with!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Picture This

Paper: Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Sahara Sand

Accessories: Scallop trim punch, small heart punch, Soft Suede dotted grosgrain, Heart to Heart punch

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Good Wednesday!

Hello everyone! So glad you decided to stop by today! I've got two cards for you today as well as a Diva Sketch challenge. This Barely Banana card I made first, and the funny thing is I like it better in person... but once I uploaded them I liked the second one best on the computer screen. I've made both of mine into square cards which was the Clean & Simple challenge this week on SCS. I tried to also use Tuesday's color challenge (Always Artichoke, Crushed Curry and Basic Gray) but just couldn't go with it. So this one is Barely Banana with strips of Kraft (all scraps, thank you!), a flower blossom die cut with Thoroughly Modern DSP in Bermuda Bay, and a simple white circle. That's it. Oh, well I should mention the decorative circle brad as well!

This one just reminds me of a little beach hut with slats for walls that you can see the ocean through. OK, I admit I have a vivid imagination! You should hear about my wild detailed dreams! The blossom is in Cameo Coral and of course the circle is the Bermuda Bay again. The blue is my favorite Ballet Blue!
I just love experimenting with color, especially when I have a given sketch! I often punch or cut out multiple pieces in different colors just to see what I like. In this case I was able to make 2 complete cards with all my options (and still have some pieces laying here). That leads me to my first TIP...
Stampin' Tips:
  • Want to experiment with fun new color combos? Don't be afraid! Cut out those pieces, grab a scrap of something random, close your eyes and pick if you have to... I often choose something that my brain screams NO to but it can end up being just right. Be open minded and keep trying!
  • Avoid wasting paper! Don't avoid cutting it, but if it doesn't work out, that's OK. Just pop it into a large ziplock bag for that color or even color family. Whatever works for you! Then be sure to check that ziplock EVERY TIME before you grab for a full sheet of cardstock. Trust me, it works! I have one ziplock for every color family, including for each set of In Colors. It can get to be a mess sometimes so every now and then I have to go through and throw away the really tiny stuff. If you have the room, use a separate bag for each color and label it. It all depends on how you use color. If you want, have a bag for reds, one for blues etc. I also keep all my neutrals in separate bags. Then each bag is in my filing cabinet where I keep files of all my colors (organized by color family). Sometimes when I want them to look really pretty I'll put them in order how they are listed in the catalog- a beautiful perfect rainbow!

That's all for now! Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to go visit the Diva blog to play along.

Monday, March 1, 2010

White on White Easter

Good Monday morning! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I've got a card for you that I did for one of the VSN challenges on Splitcoast this weekend. The challenge was to use all white cardstock, with only touches of color if necessary. Well, of course COLOR is necessary, but I tried to keep as much white space as possible.

I used the stamp set Greenhouse Garden to stamp the flowers, then added the Easter sentiment in the center. The edges are a bit distressed and the top corners punched with Scallop Trim corner punch, then layered on another piece of white paper. The card base is white also, but with a very subtle texture added with the dotted Texturz Plates and the Big Shot.

I'm so glad you stopped by today! Why don't you leave me a message so I know you've been here! Have a great day!

SUO Supplies
Stamps: Greenhouse Garden, Well Scripted
Colors: White, Blush Blossom, Cameo Coral, Apricot Appeal, Bordering Blue, Perfect Plum
Accessories: White organza ribbon, distressing tool, Scallop Trim corner punch


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SuperDee's House

Sunday, May 06, 2007

The Blur of 2nd Weekend

Friday evening sky - Lower Garden District

Friday night - Ween at Contemporary Arts Center

Friday late night - Umph at House of Blues

Saturday morning - Rotary Downs on the freakin' fairgrounds

Irma Thomas in the Gospel Tent

Upstairs balcony at Saturn Bar

Rotary Downs - Saturn Bar

Out on St. Claude Street

Mystery Street

Steely Dan, man.

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13 Dec 2017
Support Center » Knowledgebase » AMVONET Publish » Folder Contents
 Folder Contents

The contents of each folder will appear on the right side of the Media Library. Each file will have an icon to identify what type of file it is. The list of file types with their respective icons are as follows:

- Files that can be sent out to users (PDF’s, Word files, PowerPoints’s)

- Whiteboard files

- Produced slides

- Audio/video files

- Screen share recordings

- Quizzes that are connected to AMVONET Manage

- 3rd party video files

- Live sessions which can include a combination of everything above.

Article Details
Article ID: 79
Created On: 08 Apr 2011 3:55 PM

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Welcome to the Heroes & Generals Support Center
Important Information - Kindly Read Before You Continue

Please use the Login menu tab on the left and enter your player name and password. They are the same for the game, the Support helpdesk and the Forum.

However, note that the account preferences menu on this page is ONLY for the helpdesk; to edit your Heroes & Generals account settings, please go to the Account Management page.

If you are unable to log in, please make sure to provide your Heroes & Generals account name in your support ticket.

Please note that we are not able to provide you with a time estimate of how long processing your ticket will take.

We will do our best to provide you with a swift and fulfilling service, and hope for your understanding.

You may be able to solve your problem faster by using our Knowledgebase, Forum or Wiki, since many questions have already been answered there.

 Please refer to the Heroes & Generals official Forum if you...

If you want to report bugs, please get in touch with the Bug Hunters.
They are a dedicated group of veteran players who help us find bugs, and help other players report bugs.
They have their own section on our Forum, and they are identified by their blue nicknames.

The Support helpdesk is intended for players who need assistance in installing and running the game, or similar issues, but not for bug reporting.

Heroes & Generals official Wiki and Forum are unsupported features and are community-driven sites. Reto-Moto can therefore not always guarantee the correctness of information found on these sites. Reto-Moto still modetate the Forum and the Wiki and our Terms of Service apply to these sites in the same manner as any other official Heroes and Generals websites. Breaking the Terms of Service on any official Heroes & Generals sites may result in disciplinary actions towards your account.

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Welcome to the Surrey Archives & Museums Online Access (SAMOA)

Browse all of the City's Heritage Collections with a union search, or search the Archives or Artifact Collections separately.
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Wednesday, February 28, 2007

When is it okay, or acceptable to question God? For instance, I have always run on instinct. I do what “feels right.” Now, I do know that my motives and emotions can stray my gut feeling. But when I pray for his help, and ask him specific questions, and he delivers. Is there any reason I should questions those results? I am a pretty deep thinker. And I would like to think that I try keeping God up there on some of my deepest thinking.

So….my struggle is coming from my mom. She doesn’t feel comfortable about the decisions I am making. So, if I continue with where I feel I am led, is that going against my parents? The bible does say to honor thy father and thy mother. Would I be going directly against my mom?

The feelings I have are definitely more than I can put into writing. All I know, is that through my daily walk with God, he makes certain things evident. I do jump around from one thing to another. Is that a SIN? I think that would be putting God in a box, saying he doesn’t work in QUIRKY behavior.

My mom tells me, that in certain areas of life. You must seek wise council. I agree 100%! I think my decisions can’t stay completely focused on what they need to be focused on when my mom won’t even let me make my own decisions.

If I feel confident in GOD, and the decisions I am making. Should I question those decisions because my mom doesn’t think they are wise/good/correct?

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Jun 302015

My precious cat, IbisNot too long ago, I discovered something that I had never thought to look for online. That is very strange considering I’m an online shopping addict and would much rather shop online than get dressed, hop in my van and drive around town shopping for things that would normally be right at my fingertips.

But, when it comes to things that I buy at the local grocery store, I never think to buy them online.

Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter

I had read a review about Precious Cat litter and that it was one of the top three cat litters, and it could be found on Amazon.com. Since I am an Amazon Prime member and Precious Cat was eligible for 2-day free Prime shipping, I decided to give it a try. How convenient, to have a heavy bag of cat litter delivered right to my front door!

Until now, I had always used Scoop-Away cat litter because I found it to be better than other clumping cat litters I had tried. Plus, I could buy it in the 40-lb bag at Costco. Loading it into my van, on the other hand, was pretty cumbersome without my husband to help.

I never liked cat litters that didn’t clump because the cat ended up stepping on urine-soaked litter and then tracked it outside the box. When the clumping cat litter came along I was thrilled to be able to dump the clumped urine along with the waste. Of course, because of this I would constantly be refilling the litter box.

For years, my cat had a problem with clumping cat litter. The problem was, my cat’s hair is so long it touches the floor, and his paws are bushy with long tufts of hair between his toes. He also tends to get litter stuck between his toes and tracks it onto the carpet. Also, every once in awhile, he would carry a present from the litter box, which sticks to his butt along with the clumping cat litter. I have to chase him down to clean him off before he decides to sit down and rub it all over the carpet. I wished there was a solution to this problem. Well, now there is!

When it came time to buy more Precious Cat litter, I noticed another type of litter that was made specifically for long-haired cats. It was a bit more expensive than the clumping kind, but it got pretty good reviews. It is called Precious Cat Long-Haired Cat Litter, and comes in an 8-lb. clear plastic jug with a handle.

According to the product description, “Precious Cat Long Haired Cat Litter is made from amorphous silic gel infused with hydrolyzed herbs. Long hair crystals are made into a softer texture that cats prefer. The crystals trap urine and odor on contact and prevent bacterial growth to keep your cat cleaner and healthier.”

I like how it is lightweight and pours easily without too much dust. It doesn’t clump, so the urine is absorbed into the crystals and stays there, discoloring the litter. It also absorbs the odor. Because it doesn’t clump you don’t lose the litter when you scoop it, so you don’t have to refill it as often. I’m not crazy about the idea of my long-haired cat stepping in urine soaked crystals, but he seems to like it and doesn’t track as much as the clumping litter, and doesn’t stick between his toes. I sprinkle more fresh litter over the top every week to freshen it up a bit. One jug has lasted two months, about the same as the 18 lb Precious Cat clumping cat litter.

The whole litter box needs to be dumped and replaced with fresh litter at least once a month, probably sooner if you don’t like the discoloration. I didn’t think to use a liner, but I just ordered a box of Johnny Cat jumbo liners. They have a drawstring which makes it easy to dispose of the litter and avoid having to clean the litter box too often.

Now that it is time to replace the litter box, I will clean it and use the new Johnny Cat liner.

A few months ago, I bought a new litter box and mat from Amazon. They have worked out very well. I placed the litter mat in front of the box and it catches most of litter, then I just shake out the mat over the litter box.

IRIS Open Top Litter Box with Shield and Scoop

This is a great litter box, and very inexpensive. I was afraid my huge cat wouldn’t use it, but he took to it right away. He no longer scatters litter everywhere.

The litter mat is called Petlinks Purr-fect Paws Cat Litter Mat. I placed this mat in front of his new litter box and it works out very nicely. It catches most the litter that he tracks outside the box, and I just simply shake it out over the litter box.

litter box with shield, litter box genie, pet rug

This setup works nicely


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SMHS Meeting - Custer's Last Stand

18 May 2011

Returning speaker Norman Franks took SMHS members through the Battle of Little Bighorn. Whilst there are many accounts of this famous battle from the Great Sioux War of 1876, members were given a detailed overview from all sides. The film industry has, over the years, played a major role in perhaps clouding what really happened in an effort to ensure an everlasting American legacy.

In 1991 Little Bighorn Battlefield became a national monument that respects all who perished during the battle.

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For just £10 per year, you can join SMHS and be involved in our projects!

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7.30pm for 8.00pm start
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East Sussex.

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This website is Copyright © 2017 Sussex Military History Society


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Sustainable for a Future
my big zucchini

Growing Your Own Spirit

It’s hard for me to explain why it’s so important to grow your own food. There are so man pitfalls to  Big AG  it’s hard to figure out where to start. And of course, even when I do begin, understanding the direness of the situation requires some deeper knowledge of biochemistry and spirituality.

Everyone has heard of the cliche “you are what you eat.”

But almost no one will agree that the food you eat affects your personality, your mood, your spirit…

Whatever your personal views are in terms of spirituality we can all agree that eating something in which the best isn’t put in will mean that the best will not be churned out. This involves your health first and foremost. If you’re eating eggs because you think you’re getting protein from them and then you find out not only are they an insufficient source of protein based on their poor diet but they’re also slightly poisonous because of the way they’re treated for “disease control” and incidentally they’re only treated for disease control because of the poor conditions they live in, you might be disappointed. You might even be angry because all of the advertisements on TV for eggs tout “protein rich” and “rich in omega 3’s” these are out and out lies. In fact eggs should be full of these nutrients however, because of poor and negligent farming practices which are only aimed at profit and not health.

When you are investigating you realize that all of your food is treated the same way. From your meat to your produce; everything is carelessly raised and nutritionally valueless.

This is where the importance of growing your own food comes in. Even if you’re not fortunate enough to be able to grow your own food, it’s worth buying your produce from local organic farmers. Growing your own food ensures, at minimum that no EXTRA harmful chemicals are added.

For me, it is of utmost importance to know where your food comes from. This is why even though living in the city I can’t grow all my own stuff, I at least try to buy as many “whole foods” as possible.

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synthetic resin roof tile

Copyright Notice @ 2008-2012 ECVERY Limited and/or its subsidiaries and licensors. All rights reserved.


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Thursday, January 13, 2011

You Know What They Say

About best laid plans...............

I did try but it was just not to be. Tuesday went well.......... I did home making duties till after lunch and then came upstairs to sew. But my Nemesis came to visit so it was a wee toes up I had instead............

I did manage to finish one of the two mug mats I wanted to make that day...........

I have also been knitting along each evening and I now have three pairs of socks completed. One pair was half done at the beginning of the year but the other two were made this year. Too bad that only one pair is on my list of projects to finish for this year. That would be the bottom pair. They will go well with a quilted sweatshirt I made several years ago. It is finished but I am not happy with the way I finished the neck so I will be re-making it at some point.

Today it is off to work again......... Oh well, maybe tomorrow I will get some fun time in.........

  1. I have made several mug rugs but have yet to make one for myself! I guess I need to do that.

  2. Quick work on the mug rug! And spring like colours too.

  3. Hi Susan...The Mug Rug is lovely... The color's are bright and it was quilted lovely... Boy, the socks looks warm and cozy... My favorite one is the multi color one...You are so talented.... :)

  4. Wow. I love your socks. Makes me want to pull out the "singles" I have knit and turn them into pairs. They are just so warm to wear in the winter. Cute mug rug, too!

  5. Love those socks, Susan! You have my sympathy on moving your office; we did that twice where I used to work, and then they moved another time after I retired....a zillion library books and other stuff. What a chore. Haven't stopped by your blog for a while as things were crazy here. Happy New Year a tad late.

  6. I LOVE your mug mat....I really need to make me some...and your socks are so pretty! I'm still slogging my way through a pair of socks - i think i'll never be done:)

Thank you for your comment.......

The Thread and I

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, Do it with thy might.

Ecclesiastes 9:10


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Monday, May 30, 2011

Ten things we learnt from Dot To Dot Nottingham at the weekend

1. Walking across the town hall square in Nottingham to get to the Bodega on a Bank Holiday Sunday after 9pm is taking fate into your own hands
Not strictly for the famed violence, but oh, the depravity.

2. However flabby, bloated and 'experimental' their albums get, live And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead are a noisy riot
Cherrypicking from a decent sized back catalogue there was little flab and plenty of roaring borderline controlled insanity. As if the one-two shouty punch of Fake Fake Eyes and A Perfect Teenhood wasn't enough, they then had to go and play the biggest release of energy on and off stage that is Mistakes And Regrets.

3. Fixers have it going on
A set that in its opening two songs takes on West Coast harmonies, tribal digital beats and positive vibe psych-sci-fi gang appeals is quite something. Many tried to dance.

4. Paul Carlin smacks the hell out of a bass drum
Someone eventually had to find a slab of concrete, or so it appeared, to hold the kit in place when a bass amp proved insufficient. They may be down to just the one tub-thumper, John Baillie Jnr now taking on Blood Brothers-style co-vocal duties, but Dananananaykroyd are forging ahead into a new realm of positive post-hardcore with their usual boundless energy and love of crowd invading - The Greater Than Symbol And The Hash culminated in a dual scream-off encircled by baffled audience members - and hugging. No Wall Of Cuddles, but both started by embracing everyone on the barrier in turn. Shame the vocal mix was often too low.

5. Stagecoach are the most fun
We like to think the woman who got saddled with an unexpected mandolin at the end of the set is still trying to work out what to do with it.

6. Colourmusic believe in noise
And it was only a small area too. Lots of head nodding and general seratonin excitement by the closing Yes!

7. Hot Horizons are better live than on record
So far, at least. More spaciousness and wooziness, some parts edging towards an analogue keys Grizzly Bear.

8. You can be a lo-fi bedroom surf-pop auteur and be any good live
All Dom had to do, it turns out, is rub away the fuzz and the desire to be MGMT. He's got the hooks, the razor-tipped summer pop and the sense of humour.

9. Despite what Simon Reynolds is telling you, maybe taking retrospective leads isn't always a bad thing
Spotlight Kid, as discussed on here before, are very much an attempt to make three minute pop songs from the My Bloody Valentine raw materials - two songs in their set have mini-holocaust sections - but they make something of it with plenty to go at. At an opposing end of the spectrum Ronika could easily be taken for a Little Boots/Ellie Goulding faux-real synthpop type except, prodding away at a Macbook, her reference points are more based in New York's disco-not-disco scene, more Cristina than Baby D.

10. ...but far from always
You know something, you bands taking up big anthemic choruses, Killers synths, landfill solos and general "influences: Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Sigur Ros" fare? You won't get signed.

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Home >> Artists starting with B >> BLACK EYED PEAS Lyrics >> Complete Beloved Lyrics

BLACK EYED PEAS - Complete Beloved Lyrics Lyrics

My love for my girl gonna shine
She the one occupyin all of my mind
She the one that make my life feel complete
Cuz I be like the lyric and she be the beat
The kind of beat that make me freestyle to it
Make me rock rhymes to it make me dance all through it
Yea, and I be doin it right
Time that I love her down's like every night
Everything about her is wow she fine(?)
She one in a million
More like a trillion
Lifted me up like Killian
Cupid stuck my heart like we just begun so

Baby yaaa, you and me gon be together most definitely
Always, be with you for the rest of my days
My love for you is infinite you're all I ever wanted

Every breath of yours is my life
You're my life

My girl's like way past another one's
Ain't really no such thing as a better one
She takin me to limits like way beyond
Got me tappin on that ass like a Savion
Cuz she all fine and stuff
Make a brother like me lose my mind and stuff
Yo, me and my girl stand tough
The hell with ????? cuz I can't get enough
Matter of fact, to hell with your friends too
They don't really understand the things that we've been through
I know we tussle but my love I'ma send you
Your friends can't wait til me and you is through but
You better tell em we ain't breakin up
The best thing about fightin is makin up
And my love for you is infinite
You're all I ever wanted in a girl, are you it?

CHORUS & french singing til end

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For your convenience, we will post the most common questions and answer them right here. Not finding what you want? Reach out directly at Contact Us

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A: Fill out a Contact form or email us at swflvendorevents@gmail.com. Be sure to describe who you are and what your non-profit is all about. Your phone number is important, we will call you and set up an interview with you then, either by phone or in person

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A: Fill out a Vendor Contact form or email us at swflvendorevents@gmail.com. Be sure to describe who you are and what your business is all about

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Q: I have lost money to other Event Coordinators because they cancel events at last-minute or tries to reschedule when it is not a good time for me, Do you insure me a refund in this situation?

A: The answer is yes. If WE cancel an Event we refund you. If YOU cancel on one of our events, there is NO refund. If an act at catastrophic level causes an event to cancel YOU should have Event insurance to cover you.In most cases we would try to reschedule with this scene. If we cancel and reschedule you without notifying you, yes we will refund.

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A: The answer is it is your responsibility to communicate that to us. We must know prior to an event or you risk them being turned away at the gate or us having to ask them to leave by extension of the community. Usually this is not a problem, we will need their name prior to the event and if they drive a car they have to park in a designated area in some of the locations

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Sunday, December 8, 2013

The Smartest Pitcher Who Ever Lived

Greg Maddux - Future Hall of Fame Pitcher
Greg Maddux RHP

(The Professor, Mad Dog)

Rob Neyer tabbed Greg Maddux "The Smartest Pitcher Who Ever Lived"

Greg Maddux won 355 games!

Maddux is one of only 10 pitchers to achieve both 3,000 strikeouts and 300 wins. Plus he won the Cy Young Award in four consecutive years!

Personally, I think that Greg Maddux should be elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.

Maddux was a good natural athlete who won 18 Gold Glove Awards.

David Schoenfield writes ...

If you're too young to have seen Maddux pitch, go over to YouTube and check out some highlights. Here he is pitching eight shutout innings in Game 2 of the 1996 World Series. He threw a low-90s fastball with great movement, making it cut or sink, but with impeccable command and precision.

In 1997, he issued just 14 unintentional walks in 232 2/3 innings; I'm sure several of those were intentionally unintentional. He varied his speed so every pitch was a different velocity from the previous one. He mixed in a changeup to further keep hitters off-balance. My old colleague Rob Neyer tabbed him The Smartest Pitcher Who Ever Lived, an apropos moniker; he was always one step ahead of the hitters, even if he didn't have the overpowering fastball of Roger Clemens or Randy Johnson

Fans don't show Greg Maddux respect
Dec 2, 2013, ESPN

Leo Mazzone on Maddux:

"He is so smart, he makes everything so simple,'' Mazzone said. "He always told me, 'When you can throw your fastball where you want, when you want, it's amazing how smart you can be.' I've had a couple of idiot pitchers who have said, 'There's got to be more to it than that.' He's the smartest pitcher I've ever seen. He's the greatest pitcher I've ever seen. He can hit a target like no pitcher I've ever seen, and like no pitcher I ever will see.'' (ESPN)

Career statistics
Win–loss record355–227
Earned run average3.16

Greg Maddux Statistics and History -

Neyer: Maddux one of greatest since World War II - ESPN

Many years ago, not even halfway through his career, I hailed Maddux as the smartest pitcher who ever lived.

Maddux's success driven by his impeccable control - MLB - ESPN

Craig Breslow LHP -
Breslow was given the nickname "smartest man in baseball" by Minneapolis Star Tribune Twins beat writer La Velle E. Neal III

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Pathetic life form

Why: Obi-Wan referring to Anakin as a pathetic life form seems rather crude, whether he knew who he was or not. We, the viewers knew who he was, and it didn’t sound right.

Secondly, that whole segment of the film appears to be “flipped” because we see Obi-Wan’s braid on his left rather than on his right.

How: Have him say just “life form” without the word pathetic, or just cut the line completely along with Qui-Gon’s next line, both of which have no real use.

As for the flip shot, it’s obviously made that way so that Qui-Gon looks like he’s going towards the left, the direction of Mos Espa, to not confuse the viewer. If the braid could be played with digitally to move it to the other side of Obi-Wan’s head, that would do the trick.

1 comment:

  1. Yeah, fix the braid. But I think Obi-wan is intended to be a bit of an elitist (with bad jokes) throughout all the prequels. He gets a little better about the elitist thing gradually (though he doesn't drop the bad jokes until he's spent a couple decades on Tattooine :p )


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Remove robot watching the fight

Why: When Obi-Wan and Anakin are dueling on a thin pipe on high above the lava, a worker droid shows up beside them for no reason, and is pretty distracting for the viewer. For me this was just an unnecessary distraction from the movie, and should be removed, as it serves no purpose whatsoever.

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Monday, February 27, 2012

I've been interviewed

Yes, exactly what the title of this blog post states. I have been interviewed by Sarah over at Homeschool Authors.

Read the interview HERE.

Thanks again, Sarah, for asking if I would be interested in an interview! I really enjoyed it.

- Hannah

[Media Monday] The Way

An "official" music video! By Jeremy Camp, one of my absolute--if not absolute--favorite music artists.

I love the story that the video tells. It's really neat.

- Hannah

Friday, February 24, 2012

[Review] In His Steps

In His StepsIn His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From a theme/message standpoint, this book is phenomenal and adds huge depth and meaning to the all too-lightly used phrase, "What would Jesus do?"/WWJD?

For this I love the book. It made me think. Hard.

From an author's standpoint, some of it didn't end up very...satisfying. While all the central characters were mentioned at the end, I didn't like how the book would follow a character for a few chapters and then drop their part of the story seemingly without warning and only make reference to them from that point forward.

As to the style, it's consistent with the style of the late 1800's, actually being more simple and straightforward than some other books from that time period that I have read.

All in all it's a wonderful book, one I would highly reccomend, for Christians and non-Christians alike.

View all my reviews

- Hannah

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Speech on today's popular YA Lit.

Please take the time to watch this speech done by Joy, Sally Clarkson's daughter.

It is thought-provoking, and I think it makes a lot of sense.

We're in a war, and smart soldiers always know who and what they are up against.

- Hannah

[Beautiful People] Erin Wolfe

It is time for another Beautiful People post! Now....who to pick.
Erin Wolfe. I don't know her very well yet, so this should be interesting for me to figure out.

1. If your character could be played by an actor, who would it be?
I haven't seen an actor yet that looks like her. She is 5'7", and has a slim, athletic build. Her eyes are hazel and her hair is dirty blonde and reaches somewhere between her shoulders and her shoulder blades. She looks somewhat like this photo.

2. Does your character have a specific theme song?
Hmm. She does, I'm just not sure if I've found it yet. Dear X, You Don't Own Me by Disciple might be her song. One of them, anyway, for later in her life--not her growing-up/very young adult years.

3. What's their worst childhood memory?
I don't know much about her childhood, but her worst memory as a teenager is the night her sister died.

4. If your character had a superpower, what would it be?
If Erin could pick a superpower, she would probably pick "heightened awareness" or "superhuman speed".

5. If your character crashed on an island with a bunch of other people, how could your character help the group survive?
She could help with her skills as a stealth soldier who was trained to be self-relient. She has a basic understanding of emergency medical care, etc.

6. Are they married? If not, do they someday wish to be?
No, Erin isn't married. She doesn't really care either way, but isn't a romantic in the least, so she doesn't think about it much.

7. What is a cause they would die for?
She would die fighting for Justice and Freedom.

8. Would they rather die fighting valiantly, or quietly at home?
She would much rather go down fighting.

9. If a stranger walked up to them and told them they were the child of the prophesy, would they believe them?
Erin would probably give the person a weird look and ask them if they were taking drugs.

10. Do they prefer the country, or the city?
She has never been outside of the city; that's all she knows.

- Hannah

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

[Review] This Present Darkness

This Present Darkness (Darkness, #1)This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great storyline. Packed, never slowed down, the action had a great build-up with several twists that are unexpected enough to surprise, yet logical enough to make any reader say, "Aw, I should've seen that coming!"
The only thing that really annoyed me were some tense-changes.

View all my reviews

Monday, February 20, 2012

Friday, February 17, 2012

Fall into a Vortex

Fortune suddenly smiled upon Jo, and dropped a good-luck penny in her path. Not a golden penny, exactly, but I doubt if half a million would have given more real happiness than did the little sum that came to her in this wise.

Every few weeks she would shut herself up in her room, put on her scribbling suit, and "fall into a vortex," as she expressed it, writing away at her novel with all her heart and soul, for till that was finished she could find no peace. Her "scribbling suit" consisted of a black woolen pinafore on which she could wipe her pen at will, and a cap of the same material, adorned with a cheerful red bow, into which she bundled her hair when the decks were cleared for action.

This cap was a beacon to the inquiring eyes of her family, who during these periods kept their distance, merely popping in their heads semioccasionally, to ask, with interest, "Does genius burn, Jo?"
They did not always venture even to ask this question, but took an observation of the cap and judged accordingly. If this expressive article of dress was drawn low upon the forehead, it was a sign that hard work was going on; in exciting moments it was pushed rakishly askew; and when despair siezed the author it was plucked wholly off, and cast upon the floor. At such times the intruder silently withdrew; and not until the red bow was seen gaily erect upon the gifted brow did anyone dare address Jo.

She did not think herself a genius by any means; but when the writing fit came on, she gave herself up to it with entire abandon, and led a blissful life, unconsious of want, care or bad weather, while she sat safe and happy in an imaginary world, full of friends almost as real and dear to her as any in the flesh.

Sleep forsook her eyes, meals stood untasted, day and night were all too short to enjoy the happiness which blessed her only at such times, and made these hours worth living, even if they bore no other fruit. The divine afflatus usually lasted a week or two, and then she emerged from her "vortex" hungry, sleepy, cross, or despondent.

- Little Women, excerpt from Chapter 27

This week has been crazy, and since I have not had the opportunity to write a proper blog post, a quote describing a writer that is very much after my own heart will have to suffice.

- Hannah

Monday, February 13, 2012

[Media Monday] On and On

Beautiful, beautiful song by one of my favorite groups, Tenth Avenue North.

- Hannah

Thursday, February 9, 2012

It's Complicated

People are complicated.

And sometimes, I can’t quite frankly understand them. But I try to. Many times I’ve asked myself, “Why does s/he do/say that?”
I’m pretty sure you’ve asked yourself that as well.
There are a lot of reasons—valid and otherwise—why people do, say, think, and feel things.

But sometimes things can be attributed to a person’s past, or in more author-like terms, their back-story: what happened in their life before you knew them, the prequel to the life you see them leading now.
This is just as true in fiction as it is in real life.

In Called, my character Victoria has a claustrophobic panic attack over spending the night in a cave.
Why? Because when she was a small child, a tunnel collapsed on top of her.

In the movie Toy Story 3, Lots’o is a cold-hearted, loveless bear that is adamant that no child ever really loves a toy, and that all the toys at Sunnyside are castoffs, unwanted, unloved, and their end will ultimately involve a one-way trip to the dump.

Again, why? Come to find out, Lots’o, Big Baby, and Chuckles belonged to a little girl once, and Lots’o was her favorite. They were accidentally left behind at a rest area while on a road trip, and by the time the three toys made their way home, Lots’o had been replaced with another Lots’o-Huggin’-Bear. According to Chuckles the clown, “something inside him snapped,” when Lots’o realized he had been replaced.

This past week, I had another experience that often seems downright bizarre to non-writers: I discovered something about a character’s past.

Yep. Discovered.

You can imagine the incredulous, amused looks garnered from several of my family members with that statement.

I have been doing a “Character Development Lounge” with a friend of mine for over two years now, and this time, I have my character Erin Wolfe (side-character in Shadow of Glory and protagonist in its currently-unwritten sequel, Ashes of Light) involved.

My friend and I keep putting Erin and the other character, Sayris, into tight spots from their story-worlds.
Erin, who is usually pretty standoffish, has grown very attached to Sayris and I couldn’t figure out why, because it was so out of character. Then she started trying to block something from her past…and I had no idea what it was.

Then it happened: I discovered that Erin had a sister, who had died. And Sayris reminds Erin of her sister.

Eureka! Things started to make sense. Things began making further sense when I realized that Erin blamed herself for her sister’s death, but as a good friend of mine so aptly put, that…is kind of cliché.

So with that same good friend’s—Luke Alistar’s—help, what little I knew of Erin’s back-story was turned on it’s head and given a good, creative shake. In a half-hour or less, I had a solid, workable background for Erin that made so many things about her make sense that I hadn’t fully understood before. Apparently I had done a lot of foreshadowing with her last summer and didn’t even know what I was foreshadowing, or that I was foreshadowing (God-thing, anyone?).

Now I know why and how her sister died, why she blames herself, why she joined the Dragon Scourge Division (elite military force, akin to our Navy Seals and Army Rangers), what she was involved in before that, and even why she has built up such a wall around herself.

She is as complicated as any “real” person.
And it’s a beautiful thing.

Rak Chazak Amats,
- Hannah

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Of Childishness: annoyance and...humor?

Anybody with young siblings or relatives has experienced the oh-so-wonderful joy of little people that don’t act their age. You know, when your five year old brother is whining for food for the millionth time—two hours after breakfast. Or when a sixteen year old is acting like a ten year old.
Yeah. Those times.
It’s annoying, isn’t it? You think—and sometimes say—“Why can’t you just act your age? Please grow up!”
It’s not much fun in daily life, but while watching the movie Elf* several nights ago, it got me to thinking, why is it that real people who act childish are annoying, but in the movies and in books, they can sometimes be funny?

Dennis the Menace. Buddy in Elf. Russell in Up. Jerry Van Dyke in The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Andy Griffith Show. And of course, others that I either haven’t seen or who’s names and respective movies escape me.

Well, I have been thinking about it, mostly in the context of Elf and Up.
Buddy is a child in a man’s body. He pretty much embodies innocence, optimism, and naivety. In a world so populated with and influenced by pessimists and perjurers of innocence, it’s a change of pace to see an adult that still possesses the qualities of a little kid. Or a little kid who hasn’t been forced to grow up too fast.
Combine Buddy with the other characters in the movie, namely his birth-dad, Walter, you have an instant recipe for humor. Walter is a “man of the world”: prone to pessimism, easily frustrated, and quite the greedy workaholic. The contrast between Buddy and Walter and the way the two opposite personalities played off each other is hilarious.

Buddy is still stuck in his elf-mindset, thinking that anything can be cured by a smile, a hug, eating candy, or singing Christmas carols—very loudly. He has no idea how to act like a normal adult in the “normal” world.

And in Pixar’s Up, Russell is a cute Asian-American boy. He has his own hurts and needs, but has a zest for life and an endless curiosity. He isn’t a smart-aleck with zero respect for other people, but a little boy with big dreams, who, despite being from a broken home, isn’t jaded.

He’s still innocent and loveable.
His attempts at being helpful, along with his childish enthusiasm, provide a fun, comedic balance between him and the older main character of the film, Carl Fredrickson.

I think the factor here that makes it all work is the combination of naivety and innocence, with a little dash of childlike wonder.

I’ve seen several episodes of the Disney Channel sitcoms, Good Luck Charlie and Hannah Montana.

And you know what? I can’t stand those shows.
Yes, a lot of the characters act like children—petty, annoying children—but instead of thinking it’s cute and funny, I kept wanting to give the characters a good shake and tell them to grow up.

The childishness was there, but the innocence wasn't. There was some naivety, but it wasn’t combined with a childlike awe.
Instead you had teenagers and adults acting, well…not very funny. In the two sitcoms, from what I remember, most of the characters acted immature and very similar.

In my opinion, good humor based off child-like characters can’t be forced. It has to flow naturally. In Elf and Up it flowed as a result of character contrasts combined with situations. The characters in both of those movies were different enough that they inevitably clashed and created conflict, the pull-push of opposites.

And conflict always leads to a story.

- Hannah

*Elf is a hilarious movie that, despite being kind of stupid, I enjoy. However it does involve rather heavy language in two places, I believe, and one scene where my younger brothers are instructed to turn their heads. Best watched with TV Guardian/ClearPlay.

[Image credits:
Good Luck Charlie:
Tug-of-war: ]


text:
Sword’s Edge Funded

It has happened.  RPG has funded. We didn’t hit the stretch goal of getting art for “Lawless Heaven,” but I’m not about to complain. Assembling the team to help get this out right now and updating the text before sending it to editing.

That’s pretty cool.

And there’ll be more information to come, as I’ll be using Backerkit to offer pre-orders.

I love it when a plan comes together.

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