What a way to celebrate my birthday every year - it always falls around National Scrapbooking Day! This year, I'll be playing at two sites - that is when I get the chance!
Of course, I'll be hosting at A Cherry On Top, as usual - and for those of you on the East Coast, that's the 2am shift! Thank goodness for the time difference here in the UK.
I also hope to do some playing at one of my other favourite places, Faith Sisters! So be sure to check out both!
April 27, 2009
April 20, 2009
MS Society Wheel & Walk Roundhay
My son Tommy and I will be participating in the 4.2km Wheel & Walk at Roundhay Park in Leeds on Saturday, 11 July. We are walking on behalf of my dad - Tommy's Pop-pop - who was diagnosed with a rapid progressive form of MS just last year.
If you'd like to sponsor us - we're hoping to raise at least £100 - please visit our Just Giving web page. Through Just Giving, you can make a donation using your debit or credit card. You can access our page HERE.
Thanks so much for being a part of this walk with us!
If you'd like to sponsor us - we're hoping to raise at least £100 - please visit our Just Giving web page. Through Just Giving, you can make a donation using your debit or credit card. You can access our page HERE.
Thanks so much for being a part of this walk with us!
April 11, 2009
New digi scrapbooking magazine!
I'm excited to be a part of this as one of the in-house writers - My Scrapbook Art is launching a new e-zine, Flourish!
Publishing monthly, it will highlight the best of the best from around the digi scrapbooking world! The first edition comes out very soon, so if you'd like to sign up for this free magazine, visit the My Scrapbook Art website. You can sign up right from the home page!
Publishing monthly, it will highlight the best of the best from around the digi scrapbooking world! The first edition comes out very soon, so if you'd like to sign up for this free magazine, visit the My Scrapbook Art website. You can sign up right from the home page!
March 12, 2009
Westhead Update - Spring 2009 - Part 2
Andrew continues to be busy at work, though he recently enjoyed a two-week holiday, which also included the boys' week-long mid-term holiday. Compared with the normal two weeks that many of us are used to when we start a job, most jobs here in the UK start with something like 6 weeks!
For part of the holiday, we all traveled down to Southampton to visit with Andrew's sister, Jean, and her husband Ian. Using their house as a base, we managed to visit Marwell Zoo and Stonehenge!
We have managed to put the house up for sale on the market, and it has even been viewed several times. The housing market here, just like the economy, is touch and go at best, so we're praying that God will allow it to sell according to His timing. We are also praying about what we should do after the house eventually sells.
The troubles of our neighbourhood continue, though it seems that through working closely with the local police, councilors and other council departments, we might finally being some light at the end of the tunnel. Other neighbours are also finally coming forward, and the police and anti-social behaviour unit have now identified a number of youths. We are now just waiting for the "process" to begin!
In addition to our own mini campaign against the troubles here, the West Yorkshire Police are also unrolling a new campaign to better work with communities to identify and tackle specific issues within communities, which also coincides with a new pledge for local police nationally by the Home Office. In our area, as a result of all the past reporting, we are now seeing regular patrols. These PCs and PCSOs have actually caught some of these kids in the act! We can only hope that all these events will lead to more peaceful evenings as the weather gets better.
In addition to all of these public meetings, and the regular responsibilities at home, teaching Sunday School and helping out at Ambassadors at church, I've found myself doing a lot of babysitting of late. I've recently befriended one of our neighbours, a young, single mother with two little boys. Her oldest attends school with Jonathan, while the younger is just 6 months old. It has been a blessing and a challenge to offer her the friendship and support she needs, as well as hopefully being an example to her. Please pray that our friendship will be strengthened and that she will be able to see Christ's love for her through me!
For part of the holiday, we all traveled down to Southampton to visit with Andrew's sister, Jean, and her husband Ian. Using their house as a base, we managed to visit Marwell Zoo and Stonehenge!
We have managed to put the house up for sale on the market, and it has even been viewed several times. The housing market here, just like the economy, is touch and go at best, so we're praying that God will allow it to sell according to His timing. We are also praying about what we should do after the house eventually sells.
The troubles of our neighbourhood continue, though it seems that through working closely with the local police, councilors and other council departments, we might finally being some light at the end of the tunnel. Other neighbours are also finally coming forward, and the police and anti-social behaviour unit have now identified a number of youths. We are now just waiting for the "process" to begin!
In addition to our own mini campaign against the troubles here, the West Yorkshire Police are also unrolling a new campaign to better work with communities to identify and tackle specific issues within communities, which also coincides with a new pledge for local police nationally by the Home Office. In our area, as a result of all the past reporting, we are now seeing regular patrols. These PCs and PCSOs have actually caught some of these kids in the act! We can only hope that all these events will lead to more peaceful evenings as the weather gets better.
In addition to all of these public meetings, and the regular responsibilities at home, teaching Sunday School and helping out at Ambassadors at church, I've found myself doing a lot of babysitting of late. I've recently befriended one of our neighbours, a young, single mother with two little boys. Her oldest attends school with Jonathan, while the younger is just 6 months old. It has been a blessing and a challenge to offer her the friendship and support she needs, as well as hopefully being an example to her. Please pray that our friendship will be strengthened and that she will be able to see Christ's love for her through me!
March 05, 2009
Westhead Update - Spring 2009 - Part 1
Spring is blossoming here in England!
After such a long winter, which included the worst snow our area has seen in 18 years, it is such a blessing to be facing more sunny days, and to see the patches of purple, yellow and white flowers brightening up road sides.
When we first left Bermuda, it had been my intention to send out monthly updates, but life has, unfortunately, proven far too busy. It is difficult to believe that it is already March, but the shops are ever reminding us of the fast-approaching Easter season with the sale of chocolate eggs, which appeared as soon as Valentine's was over.
One of the biggest events since the New Year was Jonathan starting nursery at Fitzwilliam Primary, the same school Andrew and his siblings attended as children. Andrew, in fact, laughed at how little the main school building has changed since he was a boy!
Originally, Jonathan attended 2-1/2 hours every afternoon, but since the mid-term holiday, that has increased to 3 hours a day. He has settled in beautifully, and loves to go to school. I even got a big thumbs up from one of the teachers a few weeks after he started, to let me know that Jonathan actually SPOKE!
His speech has drastically improved, though he is still very shy about talking away from home.
Tommy is proving to be quite the little history buff, as the subject seems to becoming his favourite. He absolutely loved learning about the Black Death and the Great Fire of London during the first half of this term, and is equally excited about learning about World War Two during the second half. He did, however, get somewhat distressed about the evacuations of children from London during the German bombing raids.
He has recently given up on football on Saturday mornings, which, in a way is a bit of a blessing for us, as it means we now have more time on a Saturday to do things as a family. He apparently wasn't the only child who could no longer face running around in 0˚C weather, often in wet and/or semi-frozen conditions.
He has, however, recently begun karate through a 5-week taster course being given through his school, Crofton Infants. He begged us to be allowed to try it, and after speaking with the karate instructor about some of our concerns over how it would be taught, we agreed. He is absolutely loving learning about karate as a sport, and would like to go on to take more lessons, but is still looking forward to being old enough to begin fencing!
After such a long winter, which included the worst snow our area has seen in 18 years, it is such a blessing to be facing more sunny days, and to see the patches of purple, yellow and white flowers brightening up road sides.
When we first left Bermuda, it had been my intention to send out monthly updates, but life has, unfortunately, proven far too busy. It is difficult to believe that it is already March, but the shops are ever reminding us of the fast-approaching Easter season with the sale of chocolate eggs, which appeared as soon as Valentine's was over.
One of the biggest events since the New Year was Jonathan starting nursery at Fitzwilliam Primary, the same school Andrew and his siblings attended as children. Andrew, in fact, laughed at how little the main school building has changed since he was a boy!
Originally, Jonathan attended 2-1/2 hours every afternoon, but since the mid-term holiday, that has increased to 3 hours a day. He has settled in beautifully, and loves to go to school. I even got a big thumbs up from one of the teachers a few weeks after he started, to let me know that Jonathan actually SPOKE!
His speech has drastically improved, though he is still very shy about talking away from home.
Tommy is proving to be quite the little history buff, as the subject seems to becoming his favourite. He absolutely loved learning about the Black Death and the Great Fire of London during the first half of this term, and is equally excited about learning about World War Two during the second half. He did, however, get somewhat distressed about the evacuations of children from London during the German bombing raids.
He has recently given up on football on Saturday mornings, which, in a way is a bit of a blessing for us, as it means we now have more time on a Saturday to do things as a family. He apparently wasn't the only child who could no longer face running around in 0˚C weather, often in wet and/or semi-frozen conditions.
He has, however, recently begun karate through a 5-week taster course being given through his school, Crofton Infants. He begged us to be allowed to try it, and after speaking with the karate instructor about some of our concerns over how it would be taught, we agreed. He is absolutely loving learning about karate as a sport, and would like to go on to take more lessons, but is still looking forward to being old enough to begin fencing!
February 22, 2009
A quiet afternoon...
So much to do and so little time! DH is out of the house, and so are my kids, so I've been left with an afternoon to myself!
Unfortunately, a late night is slowly catching up with me and now I'm so drowsy... I went for a quick walk down the street to the shop to pick up the paper and a pastry, and came home to get some more work done for my upcoming classes, but discovered that the cream in the pastry had turned off! YUCK! I'm not really in a mood to go back and ask for my 50p back, but... oh, well...
Yes, I'll be teaching again soon! We've set up classes at Ackworth Garden Centre, beginning the first Wednesday in March. I'm so excited! We've had a lot of interest, and I think will be adding one or two more classes soon, as well!
It's an 8-week course that teaches the basics of scrapbooking, as well as a variety of paper-crafting techniques utilizing a variety of products distributed by Do Crafts, here in the UK.
This is just one part of what we hope will be the relaunch of my scrapping business, like I had in Bermuda, under a new name - My Happy Scrapbooks is the current contender! I'll be advertising for custom albums, teaching and craft parties.
Unfortunately, a late night is slowly catching up with me and now I'm so drowsy... I went for a quick walk down the street to the shop to pick up the paper and a pastry, and came home to get some more work done for my upcoming classes, but discovered that the cream in the pastry had turned off! YUCK! I'm not really in a mood to go back and ask for my 50p back, but... oh, well...
Yes, I'll be teaching again soon! We've set up classes at Ackworth Garden Centre, beginning the first Wednesday in March. I'm so excited! We've had a lot of interest, and I think will be adding one or two more classes soon, as well!
It's an 8-week course that teaches the basics of scrapbooking, as well as a variety of paper-crafting techniques utilizing a variety of products distributed by Do Crafts, here in the UK.
This is just one part of what we hope will be the relaunch of my scrapping business, like I had in Bermuda, under a new name - My Happy Scrapbooks is the current contender! I'll be advertising for custom albums, teaching and craft parties.
February 14, 2009
Freebie just for you!
Well, it's been forever since I did any digi designing, but to create my new blog header, in honour of a reveal at A Cherry On Top, I thought I'd create my own mini kit.
I'd love to see anything you make with it, so please drop me a note!
Retro Rainbow
I'd love to see anything you make with it, so please drop me a note!
Retro Rainbow
February 10, 2009
It's only been 9 months...
since I last posted to this blog!
Well, maybe I'd better get better at it, since more people will likely be reading it from now on!
The family and I have been in England for about 6 months now, and it's been quite an adjustment, from just the weather, to the troubles with the youths in the neighbourhood. But, we are settling in, finally.
We've found a fantastic church, and are all involved in some way, shape or form. Andrew is playing guitar with the music team during the Sunday evening service, while I'm teaching Sunday School and helping with your youth club on Monday nights, which both boys attend.
Our Tommy is doing wonderfully in school, and absolutely loves his history class. They've been learning about the Plague and the Great Fire of London, and he's had his daddy searching the internet for more information.
Jonathan started school just a few weeks ago, and attends the nursery attached to the school in our village in the afternoons. He can't wait to go to school most days, and always greets me with, "Mommy, me hadda good day!" and a smile!
Andrew's settling in at his new job, but is definitely looking forward to having this week and next off on holiday. Next week is mid-term, so our plan is to travel south to Southampton to visit his sister for a couple of days, if the weather holds.
England has had the worst snow in 18 years, as well as flooding in parts. We've been okay - lots of snow and it's been very cold, but we're getting on!
I actually hope to be teaching soon - a scrapbooking class at a nearby garden centre, where I also go to a craft club. Everything looks just about ready to start, so just the final details need to be coordinated! I can't wait!
Well, maybe I'd better get better at it, since more people will likely be reading it from now on!
The family and I have been in England for about 6 months now, and it's been quite an adjustment, from just the weather, to the troubles with the youths in the neighbourhood. But, we are settling in, finally.
We've found a fantastic church, and are all involved in some way, shape or form. Andrew is playing guitar with the music team during the Sunday evening service, while I'm teaching Sunday School and helping with your youth club on Monday nights, which both boys attend.
Our Tommy is doing wonderfully in school, and absolutely loves his history class. They've been learning about the Plague and the Great Fire of London, and he's had his daddy searching the internet for more information.
Jonathan started school just a few weeks ago, and attends the nursery attached to the school in our village in the afternoons. He can't wait to go to school most days, and always greets me with, "Mommy, me hadda good day!" and a smile!
Andrew's settling in at his new job, but is definitely looking forward to having this week and next off on holiday. Next week is mid-term, so our plan is to travel south to Southampton to visit his sister for a couple of days, if the weather holds.
England has had the worst snow in 18 years, as well as flooding in parts. We've been okay - lots of snow and it's been very cold, but we're getting on!
I actually hope to be teaching soon - a scrapbooking class at a nearby garden centre, where I also go to a craft club. Everything looks just about ready to start, so just the final details need to be coordinated! I can't wait!
April 14, 2008
I hate boxes...
Goodness - we're not moving for three months, yet there are already boxes everywhere! Empty, full, ready to ship, stuff to sell... They are everywhere...
And of course, there are those boxes of stuff we don't want that the kids keep pulling toys out of...
I feel like I'm living in the middle of a disaster area. Our house is Ground Zero, and probably will be for the rest of our time in Bermuda.
I've made contact with the school choice advice centre in Wakefield, so hopefully they can give us some direction with choosing schools for the boys. We've found three, but have really discovered that the best schools for each of the boys are different. So we'll just have to wait and see about that.
I've also made contact with the Yorkshire Post. They don't have any openings at the moment, but have told me where they advertise, so I'll have to keep watch. I've also contacted a Christian magazine and a couple of crafting magazines. So, we'll see...
This is such a struggle making this move. I'm doing as my husband wants - sorting through everything we own and packing it all up - but I have no peace at all about moving. I'm even extremely hesitant to put in the letter to Tommy's school saying he won't be there next September.
I really feel like I'm moving to this massive spiritual wasteland. I know that there are strong active believers in England, but it just seems hard to find them. There seem to be tons of activities for kids, but the emphasis on the Word of God seems lacking.
Pray that I may find a good Bible-believing, ministry outreaching church that has an active youth ministry with a focus on Bible teaching and scripture memorization.
And of course, there are those boxes of stuff we don't want that the kids keep pulling toys out of...
I feel like I'm living in the middle of a disaster area. Our house is Ground Zero, and probably will be for the rest of our time in Bermuda.
I've made contact with the school choice advice centre in Wakefield, so hopefully they can give us some direction with choosing schools for the boys. We've found three, but have really discovered that the best schools for each of the boys are different. So we'll just have to wait and see about that.
I've also made contact with the Yorkshire Post. They don't have any openings at the moment, but have told me where they advertise, so I'll have to keep watch. I've also contacted a Christian magazine and a couple of crafting magazines. So, we'll see...
This is such a struggle making this move. I'm doing as my husband wants - sorting through everything we own and packing it all up - but I have no peace at all about moving. I'm even extremely hesitant to put in the letter to Tommy's school saying he won't be there next September.
I really feel like I'm moving to this massive spiritual wasteland. I know that there are strong active believers in England, but it just seems hard to find them. There seem to be tons of activities for kids, but the emphasis on the Word of God seems lacking.
Pray that I may find a good Bible-believing, ministry outreaching church that has an active youth ministry with a focus on Bible teaching and scripture memorization.
April 05, 2008
It suddenly hit me...
It suddenly hit me yesterday about how soon our move to England really is.
Our current landlord is hoping to renovate and expand our apartment, which makes perfect sense, but is waiting until we leave. Well, to make it "official" he gave us notice for the end of June, mistakenly thinking that we were leaving in June. Well, we're actually not leaving until the end of July - we want to stay in Bermuda for the summer ministries at church and give the boys a good chance to say goodbye to friends and family, instead of jumping on the plan as soon as Tommy finishes school.
So, it's only four months away. Gosh. I can't believe it. And I'm already surrounded by boxes. We've started clearing books off of shelves to pack and ship snail mail at book rate, because they're so heavy and that rate is so much cheaper.
Then there are the boxes of things we're going to get rid of in the house sales that are cluttering up my living room too.
To try and "help" myself through all this, I've been scouring the internet, looking at how I'm going to decorate our house in Fitzy, complete with photos and price information on each item for each room. I'm doing pretty well so far, except for the kitchen, which I really can't figure out what I want to do with...
I'm also reading a book I found aboard the Logos II book ship, called, "But Mom, I Don't Want to Move," or something like that. It was published by Focus on the Family. It's helpful, but a bit depressing as well...
Our current landlord is hoping to renovate and expand our apartment, which makes perfect sense, but is waiting until we leave. Well, to make it "official" he gave us notice for the end of June, mistakenly thinking that we were leaving in June. Well, we're actually not leaving until the end of July - we want to stay in Bermuda for the summer ministries at church and give the boys a good chance to say goodbye to friends and family, instead of jumping on the plan as soon as Tommy finishes school.
So, it's only four months away. Gosh. I can't believe it. And I'm already surrounded by boxes. We've started clearing books off of shelves to pack and ship snail mail at book rate, because they're so heavy and that rate is so much cheaper.
Then there are the boxes of things we're going to get rid of in the house sales that are cluttering up my living room too.
To try and "help" myself through all this, I've been scouring the internet, looking at how I'm going to decorate our house in Fitzy, complete with photos and price information on each item for each room. I'm doing pretty well so far, except for the kitchen, which I really can't figure out what I want to do with...
I'm also reading a book I found aboard the Logos II book ship, called, "But Mom, I Don't Want to Move," or something like that. It was published by Focus on the Family. It's helpful, but a bit depressing as well...
January 26, 2008
Here comes 2008!
Okay, the start of 2008 has come and gone and now it is practically February.
I have been busy - and it's more than just that I suck at this blogging thing. The last few months did get very hectic, especially with my work for the paper. In November and December, I was doing as many articles per month as some of the full-time writers, and then the boys and I went away for Christmas, leaving DH behind all alone.
It's not that we wanted to leave him, but with not being able to get much time off from the hospital, well... there is a world-wide nursing shortage, right?
Christmas was great - it was the first time in 16 years that I got to spend it with my mom. The last time we did was the Christmas before she moved to Australia! Anyway, she was able to fly to New Jersey for Christmas, and the boys and I joined her at my grandmothers. My brother and SIL live very close by, too, so it was great to be together again for Christmas.
The boys were thoroughly spoiled rotten, of course - they have never had a Christmas with my mom! Also, she hadn't seen the oldest since he was three and, well, had never met the baby before! So it was a great family reunion and we were so sad to all part ways at the end of the two weeks.
By now, you're probably wondering what was my big announcement way back in September. I was asked to join the Digital Creative Team at A Cherry On Top. It's been really awesome working with some amazingly talented ladies over there! They certainly have some of the best of the best digital designers offering their wares!
Things are starting to get back to normal around our house, finally, since Christmas is over. Tommy's doing brilliantly at school, and Jonathan's speech is improving daily. DH still works like crazy for all of us, and I'm doing my best trying to keep some extra income coming in with stories for the paper.
We've got some exciting things going on at our church right now, too. On February 16, we'll be hosting the Love of a Lifetime Scrap-A-Thon! The all day event is the first of its kind for Bermuda, and those attending will not only get to scrapbook and craft all day, the cost includes lunch, a tote-bag filled with goodies, two classes, contests, games and prizes, and a special message from one of the other ladies from the church. It is sure to be a wonderful day of fun and fellowship.
As the coordinator for the Women's Scrapbooking Ministry, I'm also planning this event, which is taking some time and energy, of course. It's so hard to believe it's only a few weeks away! But already, the number of people registered is looking so good!
I have been busy - and it's more than just that I suck at this blogging thing. The last few months did get very hectic, especially with my work for the paper. In November and December, I was doing as many articles per month as some of the full-time writers, and then the boys and I went away for Christmas, leaving DH behind all alone.
It's not that we wanted to leave him, but with not being able to get much time off from the hospital, well... there is a world-wide nursing shortage, right?
Christmas was great - it was the first time in 16 years that I got to spend it with my mom. The last time we did was the Christmas before she moved to Australia! Anyway, she was able to fly to New Jersey for Christmas, and the boys and I joined her at my grandmothers. My brother and SIL live very close by, too, so it was great to be together again for Christmas.
The boys were thoroughly spoiled rotten, of course - they have never had a Christmas with my mom! Also, she hadn't seen the oldest since he was three and, well, had never met the baby before! So it was a great family reunion and we were so sad to all part ways at the end of the two weeks.
By now, you're probably wondering what was my big announcement way back in September. I was asked to join the Digital Creative Team at A Cherry On Top. It's been really awesome working with some amazingly talented ladies over there! They certainly have some of the best of the best digital designers offering their wares!
Things are starting to get back to normal around our house, finally, since Christmas is over. Tommy's doing brilliantly at school, and Jonathan's speech is improving daily. DH still works like crazy for all of us, and I'm doing my best trying to keep some extra income coming in with stories for the paper.
We've got some exciting things going on at our church right now, too. On February 16, we'll be hosting the Love of a Lifetime Scrap-A-Thon! The all day event is the first of its kind for Bermuda, and those attending will not only get to scrapbook and craft all day, the cost includes lunch, a tote-bag filled with goodies, two classes, contests, games and prizes, and a special message from one of the other ladies from the church. It is sure to be a wonderful day of fun and fellowship.
As the coordinator for the Women's Scrapbooking Ministry, I'm also planning this event, which is taking some time and energy, of course. It's so hard to believe it's only a few weeks away! But already, the number of people registered is looking so good!
September 23, 2007
September 02, 2007
Keeping busy!
Well, it's been a long, busy summer!
Keeping two children occupied all day every day for two months can be challenging. But, we've made it through with only one week of summer left! Tommy starts Primary 1 a week Monday, and can't wait. He was really good this summer - we did our best to do some fun and educational stuff, including regular trips to the Aquarium/Zoo and the Library. In fact, he was the youngest kid to finish the summer reading programme at the library!
Summer vacation does have its challenges, the biggest being the lack of schedule or routine, making it harder to keep up with writing assignments, scrapbooking, etc. I'm currently finishing up my last article for Bermuda Media's 2007 edition of Building Bermuda. The hardest part was simply tracking people down, especially as it seems the construction industry comes to a standstill in August as everyone takes a vacation.
Also, I've been working on two assignments through Bermuda Scrapper. One is a 30-page album for the son of this woman. He's quite well-known here in Bermuda, so hopefully it will garner some more business. In fact, she has already indicated that she may want to get a second copy of the album!
I've also been working on four copies of a 20-page album for one of the island's best known socialites! That will definitely bring in some more work afterwards! Well, off know - back to the grind!
Keeping two children occupied all day every day for two months can be challenging. But, we've made it through with only one week of summer left! Tommy starts Primary 1 a week Monday, and can't wait. He was really good this summer - we did our best to do some fun and educational stuff, including regular trips to the Aquarium/Zoo and the Library. In fact, he was the youngest kid to finish the summer reading programme at the library!
Summer vacation does have its challenges, the biggest being the lack of schedule or routine, making it harder to keep up with writing assignments, scrapbooking, etc. I'm currently finishing up my last article for Bermuda Media's 2007 edition of Building Bermuda. The hardest part was simply tracking people down, especially as it seems the construction industry comes to a standstill in August as everyone takes a vacation.
Also, I've been working on two assignments through Bermuda Scrapper. One is a 30-page album for the son of this woman. He's quite well-known here in Bermuda, so hopefully it will garner some more business. In fact, she has already indicated that she may want to get a second copy of the album!
I've also been working on four copies of a 20-page album for one of the island's best known socialites! That will definitely bring in some more work afterwards! Well, off know - back to the grind!
May 30, 2007
Expert Scrapbooker!
That's what they called me in the Royal Gazette a couple of weeks ago!
About 2 weeks ago, the Gazette ran an article on me in their Lifestyle section talking about my custom album business. I was thrilled for the free advertising, so many people have commented on the article, and I've already had several phone calls! I'm just thrilled!
Here's the article:
About 2 weeks ago, the Gazette ran an article on me in their Lifestyle section talking about my custom album business. I was thrilled for the free advertising, so many people have commented on the article, and I've already had several phone calls! I'm just thrilled!
Here's the article:
March 13, 2007
So busy...
Well, it's been pretty busy lately...
I finished up my Guest CT with A Cherry On Top in January, and served as a Guest CT for Katie the Scrapbook Lady (ACOT) during the month of February. I've also joined the CTs for FaithfullyYours.net, a Christian/faith-based scrapbooking website, and with KikiScraps (3Scrapateers.com).
Also, as a result of my joining at Faithfully Yours, Melissa Rose, whose CT I joined some time ago, is also selling there now!
I've been busy teaching a scrapbooking and papercrafting class at the Community School as well. Next week is the last of the 8-week course. It's been a fun class and I've had a great group of ladies in the class. They're all asking for me to teach a second-level course next!
I've also been invited to speak at several seniors groups about scrapbooking and preserving memories. I already spoke at one, and it was quite a blessing. The next one is next week. I also hope to garner some custom album work through these talks.
February saw our family travelling up to Burlington, MA for me to have treatment at Lahey. I had a lithotripsy treatment to break-down some kidney stones, but I ended up developing a blockage and had to have an emergency cystoscopy to open the ureter up with a stent. The stent will be removed in the next few weeks, once it's confirmed that all the stones are gone.
In February, we also said good-bye to our car. Two days before flying to Boston, DH was hit head-on by another driver who pulled into his lane after pulling out of a line of traffic. Fortunately, we've been blessed by some friends from church who are lending us there spare car - his sister recently passed, and he hadn't yet sold the car (in Bermuda, you're only allowed one car per household). DH has been busy looking at cars everywhere and is hoping to buy a 3 year old Suzuki Ignis tonite, Lord willing!
Church has also gotten quite busy. After only a short period of notice, we said farewell to our pastor and his wife, after 16 years of service. It was very hard to say good-bye. I was only 14 when they first came to Bermuda, and it was under their ministry that I went away to study ministry at University, was comissioned as a missionary to China through the church, married (he married us) and dedicated our two sons to the Lord's service. We had a special day to celebrate their service, including two services, a church pot-providence (pot-luck) and dessert fellowship. Thanks to several of our church photographers and some of the ladies in our church's scrapbooking ministry, we were able to compile a 44-page 12x12 scrapbook album, containing photos of them and various church ministries throughout the years, as well as 16-years of church history in the form of bullet points. We also added two pocket pages and created five autograph pages, which were put out during the fellowships for people to leave messages on.
Our pastor's wife was also given a lot of other photos, and so she approached me about doing another album - where to buy stuff, etc. So, as a farewell present, my husband and I purchased a second album, papers, cardstock and adhesives, so she can compile it.
As vice-chair of the deacon board, DH is quite busy as well. The deacons are all sharing the burden of preaching at our three weekly services - DH had the privalege to speak at the first service after our pastor had gone. His next sermon will be in a little over two weeks.
Well, that's all for now - there's still so much more to write, but I don't want to bore you!
I finished up my Guest CT with A Cherry On Top in January, and served as a Guest CT for Katie the Scrapbook Lady (ACOT) during the month of February. I've also joined the CTs for FaithfullyYours.net, a Christian/faith-based scrapbooking website, and with KikiScraps (3Scrapateers.com).
Also, as a result of my joining at Faithfully Yours, Melissa Rose, whose CT I joined some time ago, is also selling there now!
I've been busy teaching a scrapbooking and papercrafting class at the Community School as well. Next week is the last of the 8-week course. It's been a fun class and I've had a great group of ladies in the class. They're all asking for me to teach a second-level course next!
I've also been invited to speak at several seniors groups about scrapbooking and preserving memories. I already spoke at one, and it was quite a blessing. The next one is next week. I also hope to garner some custom album work through these talks.
February saw our family travelling up to Burlington, MA for me to have treatment at Lahey. I had a lithotripsy treatment to break-down some kidney stones, but I ended up developing a blockage and had to have an emergency cystoscopy to open the ureter up with a stent. The stent will be removed in the next few weeks, once it's confirmed that all the stones are gone.
In February, we also said good-bye to our car. Two days before flying to Boston, DH was hit head-on by another driver who pulled into his lane after pulling out of a line of traffic. Fortunately, we've been blessed by some friends from church who are lending us there spare car - his sister recently passed, and he hadn't yet sold the car (in Bermuda, you're only allowed one car per household). DH has been busy looking at cars everywhere and is hoping to buy a 3 year old Suzuki Ignis tonite, Lord willing!
Church has also gotten quite busy. After only a short period of notice, we said farewell to our pastor and his wife, after 16 years of service. It was very hard to say good-bye. I was only 14 when they first came to Bermuda, and it was under their ministry that I went away to study ministry at University, was comissioned as a missionary to China through the church, married (he married us) and dedicated our two sons to the Lord's service. We had a special day to celebrate their service, including two services, a church pot-providence (pot-luck) and dessert fellowship. Thanks to several of our church photographers and some of the ladies in our church's scrapbooking ministry, we were able to compile a 44-page 12x12 scrapbook album, containing photos of them and various church ministries throughout the years, as well as 16-years of church history in the form of bullet points. We also added two pocket pages and created five autograph pages, which were put out during the fellowships for people to leave messages on.
Our pastor's wife was also given a lot of other photos, and so she approached me about doing another album - where to buy stuff, etc. So, as a farewell present, my husband and I purchased a second album, papers, cardstock and adhesives, so she can compile it.
As vice-chair of the deacon board, DH is quite busy as well. The deacons are all sharing the burden of preaching at our three weekly services - DH had the privalege to speak at the first service after our pastor had gone. His next sermon will be in a little over two weeks.
Well, that's all for now - there's still so much more to write, but I don't want to bore you!
January 15, 2007
So much...
It's a new year already and I've been terrible with keeping up my postings. So much has happened in the last couple of months.
Firstly, my designing is being put on the back-burner for now. Digi Scrap Yard had to close its doors and, with so much else going on right now, I've decided to hold-off on designing for a while. I'm sure I'll get back into it before long, but for now, I think this is best.
Secondly, I've been busy with several creative teams. Not long ago, I was asked to join Melissa Rose's team at Oscraps.com. Melissa is a very talented designer and a wonderful Christian woman, so that has been fun. Also, I was digital guest CT at ACherryOnTop.com for December-January. We hosted a crop during that time, so I handled a two-hour time-slot during the crop, running Bingo, doing a fast-scrap and handing out points. It was so much fun.
Also, I'll be joining two other CT's in the very near future - one as a regular position, and the other as a guest position for the month of February. So, be sure to check back soon to see where!
Thirdly, our church Scrapbook ministry is growing in leaps and bounds. Every month, we have more new faces, so I'm sure we're going to run out of room in the lower area where we've been meeting all this time, which means we'll have to move upstairs to the main hall. It'll mean a lot more work, but I'm so excited that we're growing so much!
Finally, well, I'm sure there's a lot more, but for now... I'll be teaching a Scrapbooking and Paper Crafting class at the Community Education Programme this quarter. It is an 8-week course that will run for two-hours every Wednesday night. You can contact me for more information, if you'd like!
Talk to ya soon!
Firstly, my designing is being put on the back-burner for now. Digi Scrap Yard had to close its doors and, with so much else going on right now, I've decided to hold-off on designing for a while. I'm sure I'll get back into it before long, but for now, I think this is best.
Secondly, I've been busy with several creative teams. Not long ago, I was asked to join Melissa Rose's team at Oscraps.com. Melissa is a very talented designer and a wonderful Christian woman, so that has been fun. Also, I was digital guest CT at ACherryOnTop.com for December-January. We hosted a crop during that time, so I handled a two-hour time-slot during the crop, running Bingo, doing a fast-scrap and handing out points. It was so much fun.
Also, I'll be joining two other CT's in the very near future - one as a regular position, and the other as a guest position for the month of February. So, be sure to check back soon to see where!
Thirdly, our church Scrapbook ministry is growing in leaps and bounds. Every month, we have more new faces, so I'm sure we're going to run out of room in the lower area where we've been meeting all this time, which means we'll have to move upstairs to the main hall. It'll mean a lot more work, but I'm so excited that we're growing so much!
Finally, well, I'm sure there's a lot more, but for now... I'll be teaching a Scrapbooking and Paper Crafting class at the Community Education Programme this quarter. It is an 8-week course that will run for two-hours every Wednesday night. You can contact me for more information, if you'd like!
Talk to ya soon!
November 02, 2006
Welcome Janell & Victoria!
I'm pleased to announce two more additions to my CT!
In addition to Brandie, Janell and Victoria have agreed to work their magic with my kits. I'm just thrilled!
Here's some samples of their work:
Here's Janell's "Eye of the Beholder," created with Asian Spirit - Japan.
Here's Victoria's "Japanese Tea House," also with Asian Spirit - Japan.
And here's one of Brandie's - "Trinity & Great Grandma" using Summer Blossoms.
In addition to Brandie, Janell and Victoria have agreed to work their magic with my kits. I'm just thrilled!
Here's some samples of their work:
Here's Janell's "Eye of the Beholder," created with Asian Spirit - Japan.
Here's Victoria's "Japanese Tea House," also with Asian Spirit - Japan.
And here's one of Brandie's - "Trinity & Great Grandma" using Summer Blossoms.
October 24, 2006
Introducing Asian Spirit - Japan
The first in a line of paper packs, Asian Spirit - Japan, features 10 patterned papers and 8 cardstocks, all 12x12 at 300dpi. To compliment it, and future Asian Spirit paper packs, is the Asian Spirit - Elements pack, which has 9 frames and several different elements.
Both will be up in the shop soon and on sale for 25% off during their first two weeks!
Both will be up in the shop soon and on sale for 25% off during their first two weeks!
October 04, 2006
So much more to say!
It's been a while since I've updated my blog, partly because of problems with Blogger, and partly because I've been so busy.
First, I'd like to welcome my very first CT member, Brandie Hurst!
Brandie is a talented young lady and I'm excited to be working with her!
Second, you should see a sampler kit for my Comic Book line coming out on Digi Scrap Yard VERY SOON! Also, those of you who download the sampler kit will get a coupon towards the purchase of both the paper and embellishment kits. The sampler kit is sort of a stars and stripes tribute to your favourite super hero!
Third, I'm almost finished with my latest digi kit, Asian Spirit. Inspired by the classical artwork of Japan and designed around a rich fall palate of gold, merlot, rust and cream, it should satisfy the hunger for those with a passion for the Far East.
Here's a sample of one of the papers...
Finally, I'm still on the lookout for a couple of more CT members. If you'd be interested in working with a new designer, who is still only creating one or two kits a month, please contact me at bermudascrapper@hotmail.com.
Details are below.
First, I'd like to welcome my very first CT member, Brandie Hurst!
Brandie is a talented young lady and I'm excited to be working with her!
Second, you should see a sampler kit for my Comic Book line coming out on Digi Scrap Yard VERY SOON! Also, those of you who download the sampler kit will get a coupon towards the purchase of both the paper and embellishment kits. The sampler kit is sort of a stars and stripes tribute to your favourite super hero!
Third, I'm almost finished with my latest digi kit, Asian Spirit. Inspired by the classical artwork of Japan and designed around a rich fall palate of gold, merlot, rust and cream, it should satisfy the hunger for those with a passion for the Far East.
Here's a sample of one of the papers...
Finally, I'm still on the lookout for a couple of more CT members. If you'd be interested in working with a new designer, who is still only creating one or two kits a month, please contact me at bermudascrapper@hotmail.com.
Details are below.
September 02, 2006
CT Call
With venturing into the digital design world, I've realized that I need my own creative team. As a result, I'm seeking 2-3 people to join my brand new CT.
Please send 3 samples of your work, as well as a link to your most complete gallery. I'd also like to find out:
1) Why do you scrap?
2) What are your favourite subjects to scrap?
3) Why is it important to you to record family memories?
Send your information to bermudascrapper@hotmail.com. Please save your samples to 72dpi at 500x500 pixels.
As a member of the CT, you will be required to complete at least one layout with each kit, to be posted at at least 4 different sites, including Digi Scrap Yard. This will probably work out to 3-4 layouts per month.
Deadline for the call is September 15.
Please send 3 samples of your work, as well as a link to your most complete gallery. I'd also like to find out:
1) Why do you scrap?
2) What are your favourite subjects to scrap?
3) Why is it important to you to record family memories?
Send your information to bermudascrapper@hotmail.com. Please save your samples to 72dpi at 500x500 pixels.
As a member of the CT, you will be required to complete at least one layout with each kit, to be posted at at least 4 different sites, including Digi Scrap Yard. This will probably work out to 3-4 layouts per month.
Deadline for the call is September 15.
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