Graven Angels

Over at Paper Traders, I am managing the current round robin journal project but was disappointed that I couldn't commit to actually participating this year.  Working 50-60 hours per week at my two jobs has left precious little time for making actual art.  What time I do have is spent doing more management type work for the group, although I have been trying to host the occasional ATC swap.

Even though I did not participate in this year's round robin, I did make a spread in my mom's journal which has the theme of Graven Angels.  Everyone's work so far has been lovely but they tend to be dark and somber - no surprise, really, given that it's all about cemetery statues!  Yet, death has never felt like a dark spectre to me so I wanted to make a page that was lighter and more introspective...

...in fond memory of George, Grandma Betty, Jennifer, Grandpa Holso, Alyssa, Uncle Ronny, Danny, and Aunt Joyce.  I love and miss you all and I'll see you someday soon!

Spring is here

Baseball is starting, the weather is warming up, the ice plant is blooming, the rain is tapering off, everything is green everywhere you look... Spring is here!

To get into the spirit of the season, we had a pennant banner swap on Paper Traders.  Here is a picture of the one I made (which is now winging it's way to Linda)...

... and I was the lucky recipient of Darlene's beautiful creation which I will be hanging up in my studio to get my creativity blossoming  =)

Random Observations

I know I haven't taken much time to write here lately... I have been so busy and so tired. But enough with the excuses - here are a few random observations I've had recently:

NATURE
During the last rainstorm, tiny rainbows were following every car ahead of me in traffic...
We had some black storm clouds one day that made it as dark as an hour after sunset...
Today there was a little ladybug resting on my car door...

WORK
Crushing on the handsome (single) soldiers who are transferring here...
Have had some super busy workdays the past couple weeks...
The boss is leaving for a three week cruise...

HOME
Finally put all my luggage away from my trip last month...
Bought new pants that actually fit - I'm down more than 3 sizes from a year ago...
Loving the "Genius" feature on my iPod...

ART
Found my muse - at least long enough to get a couple projects done...
Hosting a "Fun with Maps" ATC swap on Paper Traders...
Planning to attend a rubber stamp & scrapbook expo this weekend...

CHURCH
Dear friend's hubby was recently baptized - and her daughter will be doing so soon...
Attended the temple this month...
Making a personal commitment to go to more Single Adult activities this year...

SPORTS
Reserved my tickets to see the Padres take on the Rockies next month...
Excited for football season to start - Go Broncos!

Really Really Red Valentine Altered Tin

I made this little altered tin for another swap on Paper Traders. Gluing down all those micro beads was a pain - LOL! The tin won't close because the nest is too big but I think it looks cute and it should be displayed open anyway... don't you agree?

Love my Padres!

About 20 minutes ago, I climbed into bed and turned on the news to wind down my day... they announced that the Rockies were hosting the Padres tonight and the game was tied 8-8 in the 8th inning. I quickly surfed through channels until I found a broadcast of the game and now it's the top of the 9th and the Padres have earned 7 more runs this inning... and there's still only 1 out... the score right now is 15-8 Padres... and I'm sitting here with a big ol' grin on my face =) I love my Padres!!