michelle ward

milestone month

Look at that sweet face.  Seems like yesterday that I set up the sheets, and wrangled the boys into the linen coat and saddle shoes, then took photos with real black and white film that I actually had developed. 

Today I will be a photographer again....how many rolls of film would it take to cover this day?  This month?  All the memorable moments will be captured on a small piece of plastic inserted into my camera.  How is that possible?  And how is it possible that this little one will depart in a dapper tux, with a lovely girl, and attend his senior prom?  I am a wreck.  Full of joy but a bag of nerves for this big day.  I was worried the fancy attire would be an issue but Sam tried it on and modeled for me like it was no big deal.  Even the shiny shoes.  I am wagering he might be the first on the dance floor.  Yes, really.  Crossing fingers that the chaperones text me every ten minutes as I sit with Brianna's mom in the hotel bar, anxiously waiting for reports.  It's good to know the insiders.

 

Prom tonight.  Special Olympics track meet next weekend.  Graduation on the 21st.  Milestones that fill us with pride.  And happy tears.  Pass the tissues.

I'll be back tomorrow with photos!

frondly yours

I just learned that Debris Journal is currently full for the event in July.  *dances a jig*  There is still room in Frond Chronicles.  I've been working on another class sample....I am addicted to making and using these shapes, inspired by real plant life, with a little creative license. 

 

 

See, even the wishes have *winks*.  If you want to know more and are thinking of attending the event in New Jersey in July, visit the CREATE site HERE.

 

Thanks for all the birthday wishes.  For me and for Shannon. 

I'm heading home.  See you in a week.  *waves*

 

happy birthday to us

Whether you say Always Remembering You or Remembering You Always, it simply means you never stop thinking about someone.  Especially when your heart is so filled with love.  And sweet memories.  And sister secrets.  Especially because you are missing her.  The day she left for heaven is significant, but the day she was born is the one to celebrate, especially if your share that same birthdate. 

 

 

 

Roses fill the gardens.  Roses fill the vases.  Piles of cards and packages.  Lots of joy here.  I'm a lucky girl.

 

 

*blows kisses*  xoxo

happy mother's day!

I didn't have time to make a new graphic for today....down and out with a stomach bug.  Eww.  So the above is a repeat from last year.  Hope this day brings you sunshine, maybe some flowers, and a handmade card.  Oh, and good health!  And to my mother (and grandmother, Graham and our kids, when and if you ever see this...), I love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

pulsing along

Tomorrow afternoon I'll be sitting by my computer, listening to Creative Mojo with Mark Lipinski.  His guest co-host will be Seth Apter.  During the show they will have additional guests:  Lisa Hoffman, Julie Prichard, Angela Cartwright, Pam Carriker, and me!  I will be on the schedule just before it ends.  See Mark's post introducing everyone, right HERE.

Click over to toginet.com for a brand new, LIVE, 2-hour show.  Call into the live show with your questions or comments for the guests:  (877) 864-4869   Time zones:  3 pm -5 pm EST, 2 pm – 4 pm CST, 1 pm – 3 pm MST, 12 pm – 2 pm PST.  The show will be archived (on the same site) for your listening pleasure in case you miss it. 

EDIT:  Phew, that was nervewracking.  My PULSE was certainly raised.  It was fun and flew by.  The podcast archive is up.  Visit HERE and see right sidebar, 3-28-12.

Then on Saturday, (3/31) I will be a guest at The Ink Pad, NYC for book signing and an artist's panel, hosted by Seth.  Panel includes:  Julie Prichard, Karen Cole, Danny Gregory, Roxanne Evans-Stout, Jill Zaheer, and me!  If you plan on joining us call the Ink Pad to reserve a free chair: 212-463-9876. 

Seth's doing an amazing job promoting his book, don't you think?  Have you been following along on his blog?  One last thing....Thank you for all the pre-orders!  I'm thrilled with the response!! 

lucky day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I had full intention of making and sending cards this year but I didn't get them completed in time so here is a virtual one I can share with everyone.  I have been busy at the studio table making these....but they were for iHanna's annual postcard swap.  I was full messy mode and found a fun format to work in, or is it formula?  Maybe it's neither.  Maybe you could call it a series.  I like to formulate series.....and I LOVED breaking in my new stencils from SGP!

 

So here's the LUCKY part of today....Stencil Girl Products is now encouraging me to sell my designs on my site, Green Pepper Press.  I have uploaded all the stencils, including four new ones released this week, at my site.  Next week I will add the paypal buttons for the shopping cart.  I will also be revealing some new rubber that coordinates with the stencils!!

 

confetti time

First, let me say Thank You to everyone who came by for Seth's book launch celebration.  Loved hearing from so many new readers, and love seeing all the answers to the questions!  It felt like I was in a confetti storm - it's been a festive week. 

 

In case you didn't get the memo, today is Oreo's 100th anniversary.  Can you believe Google didn't jump on that?  Hello, where was the clever variation of their logo?  Two cookies that drop down into milk.  Easy.  Oreo is a treat available worldwide.  Where is the respect?  I wonder if they will pass over Titanic's anniversary next month too?  I didn't forget....I made a page.  Yes, 100 dots.  And a few quickie carvings to help me mimic some Oreo-ness.

 

 

We scored some birthday cake confetti frosting Oreos last week.  We don't usually stray from the original.  Double Stuff probably makes alot of people happy but I think they are too much.  Now these dunkers were cool - did you ever see them?  A few years ago Shannon brought these to the cabin.  I howled at the cleverness.  Never saw them after that but never forgot them either. 

 

I'm off to dunk a few of the standard issue Oreos in my coffee.  But before I go....let's meet in the comment section again.  It was so much fun to see the conversation that was generated by the questions in the last post.  How about another?

1.  Are you a cookie person? 

2.  If so, what is your favorite?

3.  Do Oreos fall in your top 5 of cookies?

 

Check your Pulse

If you haven’t already met him, I’d like to introduce Mr. Seth Apter.  Our first exchange of blog comments dates back to 2007.  Always encouraging and enthusiastic, his remarks were not only appreciated, they became a foundation of a friendship.  In addition to being a mixed media artist, I’ve come to regard him as a curator and collaborator, which you will agree if you’ve frequented his Altered Page.  He regularly presents his own handsome work, as created for himself (like the "making Waves" series above), or as part of a collaborative project.  Some years ago he began presenting The Pulse – an ongoing self-imposed assignment where he surveys artists on a number of topics of interest.  A visit to his blog is always fun and informative and you will find yourself hopping around to the many useful links he provides, to events, exhibits, and sites, while widening your circle of acquaintances.

The online project has now manifested itself in book form.  Seth has once again culled from a community of artists, and invited many to share their art and their perspective by anwering many types of questions.    I am priviledged to be among the spotlighted contributors.  His book will be released this month so he is celebrating by presenting 31 artists in 31 days.  Visit his blog for daily updates, plus a chance to win a copy of his book, HERE. 

Queue the trumpets, sound the drums....

I have observed, both in the book preview available on Amazon, and the posts on his blog, that he doesn’t answer his own questions.  Ok, he did participate in chapter one of the Pulse on his blog a long time ago, but since then we have not heard his opinions.  Don’t you think it’s time we start asking him a few???  Pick up the pen Seth, (or poise your fingers over the keyboard), it’s your turn. 

Later this month I will be one of the guests for the two hour podcast where Seth will be co-host with Mark Lipinski at Creative Mojo.  And then I will join a group of artists for a live panel at The Ink Pad.  Looking forward to celebrating creativity and what it brings to our lives....and finally meeting the man!

March 28: Podcast with Mark Lipinski on Creative Mojo. Seth will be Mark's co-host for the entire 2 hour podcast which airs live from 3-5pm EST (and which will be archived for listening anytime). They will talk all about The Pulse of Mixed Media and be joined by contributors Michelle Ward, Angela Cartwright, Pam Carriker, Julie Prichard, and Lisa Hoffman. Get your questions ready as this radio show has a live call-in feature!

March 31: Live artist panel at The Ink Pad in NYC. Seth will be joined by contributors Leslie Marsh, Karen Cole, Jill Zaheer, Julie Prichard, Roxanne Evans Stout, and Michelle Ward. The panel will be video taped and available for viewing on Create Mixed Media sometime in early April.

EDIT:  HE HAS SPOKEN!  Please continue to join in the conversation taking place in the comment section below.  Seth has been a good sport about taking on the questions above...here are his answers:

1. I have always worked small and enjoy the challenge of having something small make a big impact. By far my largest piece to date was 3 feet x 3 feet and I made it as part of my Graffiti Wall collaboration with Julie Prichard and Lynne Hoppe. My most recent series of paintings, called Interior Angles, was created on 12" x 12" panels - and I have to say that I definitely liked working larger.

2. For my book, I wrote a very, very long list of questions from which I chose the ones that ended up in the book. They were all questions that came to me because I was curious about the answers and I felt that in all cases, the responses would really offer the reader insight into each contributing artist.

3. Autumn is definitely my favorite season in general and the one that is most inspirational too me. It is the combination of the feel of the season, the colors, the weather, the nature, the smells, the food, etc. that really gets me going.

4. One sentence huh? Now I know how my contributors feel when I ask them for only one instance of something. Here goes: Allow what is inside you to be your artistic guide, with a sense of playfulness, a feeling of passion, and not a trace of judgement.

APPLAUSE APPLAUSE!  Thank you Seth.  Hey, while we are clapping, how about the clever title of his sculptures at the top?  "Making Waves"...get it?  Waving hands.  *dies at the geniusness*

happy leap day

I borrowed these images from my post four years ago....love the leap theme quotes.  Makes me want to get on a trampoline.  And spend the day in the studio.  So that's what I'll do.  The studio I mean...we took down our tramp a few years ago.

 

 

good news, more news, and nests

Guess what arrived today?  The new rubber!  I am packing with wild energy - so fun to see the new images, love sealing up the envelopes, and checking off the pre-order list.  Thank you for your patience dear customers.  Packages will depart first thing in the morning.

For locals, or those willing to travel, the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in New Jersey site went live today!  Wow - lots of terrific classes and instructors.  There will be a vendor night too.  I'm teaching Friday (7/20)and Saturday (7/21).  There is alot to scroll through on the Create site.  If you want a quick look at my classes you click over HERE. 

Registration begins Thursday, February 16th at 2pm Eastern Time.  Hope to see you there!  For all the details, click HERE.

 

The current Somerset Studio issue is January/February 2012.  My column, Make It Your Own, is about altering items we find in a craft store becuase we can, and because we feel like being creative.  The supply lists and brief project descriptions were omitted so I am posting here. 

If you look at the magazine it appears the red egg nest is larger or the same size as the turquoise egg nest but actually it is way way smaller.  Looks super cool next to my crows and ravens that are set out at Halloween.

The next crusade was going to be posted today but I'm busy packing rubber so I will get it up tomorrow.

It's 9:00 on a Saturday.....

REMINDER:  Registration for Valley Ridge Art Studio Workshops starts on Saturday, January 14th at 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time.

We've been watching season three episodes of Castle on dvd, which includes my favorite, "Last Call".  It ends with a fabulous scene, if you missed it click HERE.  Piano Man is one of those songs that you love to sing along to isn't it?  So you can imagine I cracked myself up when preparing this blog post as a reminder that registration for Valley Ridge opens at nine o'clock this Saturday. (FYI: it's 9:00 a.m. CST)

The phrase hasn't left the soundtrack running in my mind and I'm guessing if you take a listen it will stay with you too....and will be a fun reminder to register at 9 or whatever time it is in your zone this Saturday morning.  A live version of Piano Man by Billy Joel HERE, or in tandom with Elton John on the Tonight Show below. 

EDIT:  *smacks head*, it begins at 9:00 Central Standard Time....I revised from previosuly posted PST.

 

 

Hope to see you in Wisconsin in October.  There are many fabulous class offerings by stellar instructors at VRAS this season, visit the site to check it out.  ValleyRidgeArtStudio.com

Epiphany and epiphany

We don't begin taking down Christmas until after today, Epiphany...the true Twelfth Day of Christmas.  The first thing we set up following Thanksgiving is our manger scene.  A perfect way remember the meaning of Christmas is to start and end with our Nativity.  It continues to grow with new additions each year.  You can't really see it here, but we have over a dozen angels flocking around the back.  Nearly every item has been a gift....except for a new tree we indulge in each season. 

 

While today is Epiphany with a "E", back in October I had an epiphany with a "e".  After seeing Candyce Marten's article in Somerset Studio, where she fabricated trees from stacks of cut cardboard, I had to give it a try, and add one more silver tree to our sparkley forest.  I got a good start on it then the holiday schedule crept in and I set the project aside until just after Christmas.  I wrote to Candyce to thank her for the inspiration and we shared some lovely email exhanges....then the sweet and precious tree that appeared in the article arrived at our door.  A most special gift!  When I asked her permission to blog about this she asked that I explain how she wanted to return a kindness, and that kindness is contagious.  So true, right?  A simple gesture of sending a note with much deserved recognition of fine work, resulted in an unexpected surprise.  How often to we miss an opportunity to brighten someone's day by reaching out because we can?   Try it....both the homemade tree, and the spreading of kindness, any time of year.

 

 

Our existing trees have been collected from TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, or Michaels.  The layered text tree was a score from Anthropologie's after-xmas-sale last week.  When I saw this red metal tree at Target (on clearance too!) I knew I could make it my own with a quick shot of spray paint.  Shown here as Before and After with my cardboard stacked tree.

 

As you may remember from past posts about my table top setting, we have a pink tree to go with the pink deer from Judi, a sign for my sister.  Another sweet deer keeps her company, gifted from Linda this year.  And then I found this tin embossed deer from Pottery Barn....a staggering find with the leg raised ;) 

This morning I began journaling about the holiday....love the cut strips fashioned into a tree to remind me of this year, and my new friend.  What traditions do you build on each year?  Put it in your journal.

 

Happy Epiphany! 

Happy 2012

 

Thanks for coming by here and sharing your thoughts, your comments, your enthusiasm, and your stories with me.  I love that this little place is where I have made new friends and kept up with old ones....some whom I've met, and some I only know through the words we exchange.  I enjoy your company.  I am a lucky girl. 

 

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!  Be well and behave ;)

wishing you..

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  XOXO

Withering petals, Workshop in Wisconsin, and Whales

*waves*  Hello!  It's been a while.  When we last spoke I was on my way to Valley Ridge.  We had a terrific time - a full class of enthusiastic artists who painted and played for three whole days!  It was rewarding on so many levels and filled my well for a long time.  Love being in the studio and feeling the energy that gets generated when artists gather.

One of our assignments was to walk the gorgeous property in search of new shapes to inspire hand-crafted tools (stencils and stamps).  It was a perfect break from the work, to take in the scenery, breath in the not-quite-fall-air, enjoy the sun, and observe all that was before us.  I found my way to Katherine's garden - very much in hiberbation and decay, with amazing shapes.  The once vibrant flowers and plants presenting themselves as dried pods and other interesting stages of non-life. 

 

I later learned these were coneflowers - typically adorned with violet petals.  My impression upon observing the dried evidence, was that the flower had possibly been a black-eyed susan, with golden petals.  I am so glad I didn't know they were once purple, as the darker rustier color served as my inspiration for this painting.  I used the river rocks stencil by Mary Beth, adding in a few larger stones to make it my own for the section of ground.  I made my own stencils for the flowers, and included roots since my attempt at pulling a few to photograph came straight from the earth with entire stem and roots. 

 

Some evidence of our walk around the perimeter of the VR property....Mom is there gathering weeds and avoiding coyotes.  (Actually, we only hear them at night....haven't seen one there yet.)

 

Here is the group - thank you ladies!  I loved seeing your individual perspectives, and your fabulous work.  So much fun to see old friends and make new ones.  I had a great time Raising the Bar with you :)

And just days after arriving home from Wisconsin we road tripped up to Canada.  It's been a few years since we have been there and promised the kids a return visit to see our beloved friends, the orcas.  You can read about our previous memorable visits in a past post HERE.  It was so heavy with rain on the first day that the park was not even open.  Drats.  Luckily it cleared enough by the next day that we headed straight for Friendship Cove at Marineland, Niagara Falls, Ontario, to see Kiska and Ike.  A happy ending.

 

 

 

happy 4th!

 

From my favorite American Idol, James Durbin, before he was a contestant.  Not slick, not even in focus...but remarkable, and so him.  Wishing a safe and happy day to you.

 

  

fathers and forefathers

On Father's Day ~  a call to my Dad, some gifts for my husband.  Feeling like a lucky girl for the men in my life.  A hug for my brother as we met him and his family for a few days in Washington, D.C.  In the land of our forefathers, stacked with history....we walked past the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and here....where we have been before, but not quite like this.  At first I was stunned by the quantity of roses and remembrances, written letters and lilies....standing at attention, beautiful and proud.....then I recalled, it was Father's Day.  Like Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day, THIS was another occasion to visit the wall, offer a prayer, give thanks, and nod in respect.

 

 

The next day we visited Arlington National Cemetery and the nearby Marine Corps War Memorial.  More nods of respect.  Honor.  Gratitude.  So much history to learn and relearn as we visited many locations in the city.  So many reasons to return another time.

 

 

 

 

still learning....at 47

 

Reflecting today....this date, this birthday.  For forty years Shannon and I shared this number, 5/17.  This is my third one without her and it still feels so different.  We are all learning to navigate a landscape that continues to change, aren't we?  Of course we shared alot more than a calendar date.  We shared a room, a wedding gown, a family....and very special connection that some sisters are lucky to have. 

This art shows a partial peek at an assemblage box I made in her memory.  The small deer is a gift from Laure because she knows it's one of my signs for Shannon.  It's set inside a matchbox; that's how small it is.  Raised above the trees, to symbolize heaven.  Set over a paper wing.  And there's the pink rose, of course.  The red wire  - did you spy it?  An "x", a secret kiss from me.  Another sign we have for Shannon is a snowflake, added in digitally because I couldn't resist. 

In the last post Pat shared some wisdom, which I was so happy to learn.  It was a perfect thing to focus on right now as I work in my sister journal today.  Doesn't it amaze you when that happens?  Something is dropped in your path just when you need it.  Like this:  "The Japanese have a concept "aware" that can't really be translated into English but means something like "the heartbreak of beauty of the moment"--the idea that something so beautiful just hits you in the heart when you realize it will be gone soon."  That is new to me.  I love that there is a word that captures the ephemeral beauty that is fleeting.  Like a snowflake.  Like a rose.  Like a deer in the woods.  Like a little sister who is dearly missed. 

 

auction announcement

My friend Jenny is hosting an Auction for Japan over at her site Crescendoh.com  It's a reverse auction.  Visit the site for more details and see all the art that has been donated.  Good luck Jenny!

 

celebrating you, her, them, and me

 

We are blessed.  xo

may day

What a glorious day.  I am feeling grateful for the sun.  I am feeling grateful for the green grass, the growing roses, and the fresh blooms.  With so much destruction due to storms in parts of our country I can't help but appreciate a simple walk across the lawn....and walking through the door to our home, and our family gathered around the table.

I am remembering childhood days making construction paper baskets and cones, filled with cut tulips or lilacs, or handfuls of candy, left on a front porch with a push of a doorbell and a dash into the shrubs to avoid getting caught on a sunny first day of May.  Did you do that too? 

 

Some of our roses are entering their second season, some their third, and a few their fourth.  Every year they grow back fuller and more enthusiastic.  Hundred of buds like the one below are about to show off.  Mother's Day tends to be the grand unveiling....as if they hold a group secret and cannot contain themselves any longer, bursting open in full glory one week from now.

 

What a grand party we witnessed this weekend.  England does it so well.  At first the ringing of the bells and the gathered crowds reminded me of the Diana memorial.  How wonderful to now associate that sound with a beautiful, young, handsome couple....couldn't have been more perfect, don't you think?  Loved watching with my dear friends.  Cheers, tears, and applause.  Loved the RED uniform.  Loved peeking into the day, the pagentry, the history. 

 

royal engagement

 

This first day cover was a gift from my in-laws.  They are good that way, adding to my collection of royal things.  Tomorrow, the wedding!  I'm so excited.  Heading up to Lynne's with Judi today for a royal engagement of our own.  Below we are seen at a lovely wedding party at the Ritz.  Tomorrow morning we will be in our jammies, huddled around the tv.  As Judi said, an event where we won't have to worry what we are wearing.  I'll try to sneak a photo, *wink*  CHEERS!

 

with love

 

to all HIM fans

 

nativity story

Love this.  An old story, with a modern twist.  It was a youtube link in an email from my friend Lynne, who got it from her friend, Donna....and I hoisted it to share here with you. 

 

 

I'm about to bake our cake, a tradition started when the kids were little to remind them of the real meaning of Christmas.  We take baby Jesus out from the nativity, nestle him in frosting, surround him with candles, and sing Happy Birthday.  It was an idea I hoisted from my childhood church - they presented cake at the children's mass each year.  I shared the concept with our current priest....I wonder if he'll serve cake tonight?  Last year he gathered all the kids at the alter and had them assist in opening a gigantic gift.  Out came a helium balloon in the shape of a star.  He let it slowly rise while narrating the nativity story.  So simple.  So clever.  He connected what-they-know with what he was trying to tell them.  Not unlike the video clip, right?

 

to you and yours

 

With all the muchness that this holiday brings, I wish for you some peaceful moments to reflect on how much we have already.  Family, friends, full hearts, warm homes and health.   

I hope it goes without saying, that if you don't celebrate Christmas, I wish you a happy whatever-it-is-you-honor.  xoxo

20_-_Trans-Siberian_Orchestra_-_Christmas_Canon

(my favorite track this year)

 

playing dress up

 

 
 


It was a great night, following a weekend of continued home improvement.  Daddy scared the pants off trick-or-treaters at the door with his Slipknot masks.  Sam is perpetually Uncle Sam.  And so cute at it - thankfully he doesn't get the unwelcome and unfunny remarks that people in the street feel compelled to say - political stuff.  Peter pretended to be from Slipknot too (for the unaware - they are a heavy metal band from Iowa).  And Fallon was perfect as Lydia from Beetlejuice.   I told neighbors I was a poem....The Raven ;) 

more trickery

 
As requested, here are more photos from my Parlor Tricks book....followed by some workshop photos I borrowed from Kathy.  It was frightfully fun!

 
 
 
 

 

I've been asked to offer this as an online class which I am giving some serious consideration.  I'm facing a decision - whether or not to have it include a kit that has to be assembled and mailed, or if I should redesign the format so the punched paper and coils are not necessary and all parts could be offered as a printable download.  I would love your feedback.....if you are interested, let me ask you this: 

1.  Would you want to receive a kit that is required to make a coil bound book?

OR

2.  Would you prefer to download all the pieces and print from home?   

 

report from valley ridge

I remember getting ready to teach my first workshop about eight years ago.  I was a wreck.  I packed too much.  I was worried I wouldn't live up to the expectations of my students.  I was sure I would get off track and forget something important.  I had stagefright. 

Nothing much has changed except that now I have the experience to know what really matters ~ show your true self, fire up some confidence and enthusiasm in your students, and get them to realize they have it within them to make cool stuff.  It doesn't even matter what the class is - the point of it all is to relish in the time set aside to honor our creative selves. 

Valley Ridge is the kind of place that makes that time even more special.  The atmosphere is unmatched.  There are not many venues that provide two and three day classes.  Having that second day is such a gift.  You get to stroll into the workroom where your supplies are already unpacked.  You get to pat yourself on the back for what you've accomplished and then you get to take advantage of another whole day to dig in deeper, ask more questions, learn from your instructor and your neighbors. 

These two classes were an absolute blast.  Such a great group of artists!  I left VR feeling fulfilled in every way.  It felt good to be intense and deliberate in creating.  It was rewarding to see the fabulous work.  I loved seeing old friends, and made some new ones.  My spirit is soaring!

 

 

 

 

I can't believe I don't have any detail shots of the Parlor books!  Hopefully some friends will share their pictures with me - I know Kathy will have some....there were terrific tricks happening in our parlors!  Here is a cute story....The first night Kathy and I were remembering the first time I came to VR to teach Roll With It (2005).  We were thinking of the students and I was asking about some of the ones I hadn't heard from in a while.  We mentioned Cindy.  Two days later SHE CALLED at 9:30 pm to ask if the there was room in the Sat/Sun class.  She arrived from Iowa the next morning!  <enter twilight zone music>  I met her at her car....in the backseat was her pillow....No way!  I had just made a sign for my Parlor Tricks book, see below.  Lyrics from Hotel California!  Love that kind of synchronicity!

 


 

 

Terrific to spend time with Kathy.  So special to have Mom playing along with us.  I think she the most 'commitments' by adding content in her book.  (Of course she was the teacher's pet *grin*) Loved every minute of it.  Crossing fingers we can convince Kathy to emerge from sabbatical next fall for another gathering at her amazing place.

Thank you.  * blows kisses*

and the winner is.....

Yay for Brian!  How cool that the only dude who entered was the winner!  (I initially drew the name of my sweet friend Nancy Brill but she claimed to already have the book so I re-drew and got Brian).  I really appreciate the enthusasim you all shared for reaching this milestone.  You made it a fun event, thank you.

Brian, I have your address and will send your book this week.  You gotta visit his site - fabulous journal pages!!

We are revving along on the new crusade - many entries posted already.  Come see what we are up to this month HERE.

I love all the sweet notes about Shannon.  I love looking at the photos and it was really special to share them with you on Saturday.  I love that you linked arms with me in a circle of sisterhood to say She Mattered.  Thank you.