HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Usually during this time of the year I am forced to STOP and think. Yeah, traditionally we think of food, and yes this year is no different. My family and Dave's family will get together at my In-Laws house where we will have way to much delicious food. This year we will be a few members short - some by choice and others by no control of their own.



I used to try and get everyone to share what they were grateful for but that tradition just fell to the way side. So here is my list:

I am grateful for:
The Creator because after so many years of "wrong" teaching I've finally learned that the Creator is Love and true peace.
the protection the Creator has extended to my son who is in Iraq
My husband - because he's the best!
My children - because they have made me stronger
The Lovely Ms Isabella - because she makes me smile and warms my heart
My health - no comment needed there
the ability to enjoy sunrises and sunsets - because I see beauty in nature and I get to see the work of a true artist
my extended family - personalities! but they make me accountable
numerous friends - who share my joys and my disappointments
my BFF - because I know you are there for me and you inspire me (thanks Nathalia)
my partner Heather because you see my strengths even when I don't
my friend Jennifer who is more like family
my job (oh yeah I said it!)because it pays the bills - lol and also I've gotten to know and to share with my 2 co-workers (who fall under the friend catagory now) Terry and Brandon - hey you guys make work not so much "work."
my art - because I feel my best when I create or when I take that perfect picture (which by the way I'm still working on)
my home - it offers comfort and security
my car - it takes me places I would otherwise would not be able to get to

the list could go on and on and I don't want to be a bore - but I would love to see your list. So please do share.

Have a great day!

I'm Back

We had a wonderful time! The weather was perfect, the beaches were beautiful and the people were amazing. We explored, swam, snorkeled, hiked, learned and ate (a lot!). I started to get a little home sick - more like I missed the family that was still at home. I'm glad to be back.

I'm sharing 2 photos taken in the Northern area of the Yucatan - where part of the Mayan Civilization developed. It is now called the city of Chichen Itza. It's what we called the ruins - but I guess the appropriate name is the archaeological site.

This first picture is of the Piramid of Kukulcan -



This second picture is the Astronomical Observatory. Here they studied the stars and the plantes. The Mayan people developed 3 calendars - one of which we currently use today and this is the building where it came from.





I'll be sharing more photos later - or maybe I'll actually get a chance to scrapbook then!

On Vacation

Yay! We are off to a tropical paradise for a much needed rest. Personally, I have some issues to sort out. I feel like I've come to a cross road in my life again and I have some serious decisions to make.

I leave you with some of my recent work. Pictures of some of my children and of coarse the lovely Ms. Isabella- that picture was taken by my friend Heather. I'm loving and learning my camera. Nikkon D-80 with kit lenses and Dave recently got me a new lens. The Nikkor 50 mm f/1.4D. It arrived just in time to pack it and take it with us. I cannot wait to see the kinds of portraits we'll be able to take with this lens. All photos were taken in manual mode f-stop 4.5, ss100 - 125, ISO 200.

Thanks for checking on my blog I'll have an update in about 8 days! See ya!

6 Months old

My sweet Isabella will be one year old very soon! I'm playing catch up now. This is her 6 month old photo shoot.
Bazzil Bling paper
Basic Greay (fussy cut) Loved this paper!
The embelishment studio lace
buttons and flowers from my stash - don't remember the source
Stickles - if you love glitter but hate the mess Stickles is the way to go!

My Man

All supplies are from 2 Spotted Dogs, Seeing Stars Kit - August 2007.

So what do you think Duckie or Kangaroo?

I can tell you that she hates anything on her head. So she does not like either one of these costumes. I think they are both very cute on her.

Wonderful Gift

It's so refreshing to receive an unexpected gift. I made these cards with a gift I received. The Embellishment studio Rocks! http://theembellishmentstudio.com/Home_Page.php
Anyone who knows me knows I love vintage lace and buttons. Well Baby! Do they ever have it! I'm working on something with the kit from September but here are 2 cards I made for the Card Challenges at Two Spotted Dogs.





Two spotted Dogs July/August Kit - paper.
The Embellishment studios - Lace(isn't it beautiful?),"Play" stamp (H.S) Hambly overlay starfish.
Me & My Big Ideas rhinestone flower
Ali Edwards round stamp
Glitter glue

THANK YOU NATHALIA