Spokane Falls

I had some fun with sketch challenge #66 on Inspired Blueprints and a great color scheme challenge called "Minty Fresh" on Scrapwhispers.

I threw in a lot of enhancements with acrylic paint and distress ink. Proudly, the hobby title "scrapping" was really taken to heart, as all the patterned paper was leftover scraps.....and they both happened to be 2 sided so I used the reverse of what was used on previous layouts.

I have a pack of random quotes on vellum about family and friends. The quote I found in the pack couldn't be more perfect to describe my fiance!

4th of July in 3D

It's a few too many months early to talk about 4th of July, but I was inspired by a challenge on Scrapwhispers to create a page which uses something recycled..... And I had been saving just the perfect thing for inspiration like this..... The first 4th of July that Justin and I enjoyed together was spent in Portland. As we approached the river for the light show that night, 3D glasses were handed out. The glasses made for an interesting twist on an event that's becoming somewhat ordinary. (Who could call fireworks displays just downright ordinary or dull with all that boom and sparkle!)

Anyway, the awesome challenge was "Go Green & Recycle" by Scrapwhispers, and I caught up on another past sketch (#13) from Inspired Blueprints. The 3D glasses were a nice touch for the layout.

No Bites - No Worries

Free Fishing Weekend 2010 in Washington was June 12-13. We spent that time camping at Bumping Lake near Mt. Rainier. Picked up a cheap pole+tackle package for the trip, and we did cast a line a couple times at the lake, but didn't even have a nibble. Regardless, there was so much to enjoy about the perfect campsite with good friends.

Scrap Whispers' Challenge #88 was to dive to the bottom of the scrap stash and see what old unused items were down there. I found a whole package of old tags for "Outdoor Fun" and "Summer Fun" that just never seemed to work...until now! I also have a bottle of felt flowers that just never seemed to have the right place. Fortunately, the 2 coordinate very nicely and worked perfectly to bring out the essence of the camping trip. Also, back in 2004/05 my sister and I posed for an "old tyme" photo. The photo came with a mat that I had hidden away in my scrap stash but pulled out for the background on this layout.

Even the sketch used for this layout was dug up from the old stashes.... I've been meaning to go back and use some of the old sketches from Inspired Blueprints. Sketch #1 was just right to incorporate all these old items into the layout.

Unforgettable photo

One of the blogs I try to keep up with is by a very talented photographer and scrapper who created the perfect sketch to inspire this fun little Thanksgiving page.

Jill's blog also has fun stories and other great recommendations such as good reads. Just one example of her creativity - some time ago she wrote about a friend's wedding she did the photos for. She put some unforgettable examples on her blog entry. In particular, she took an extraordinary photo of the wedding rings - the reflection in one of the rings was the bride and groom!

A must try!

Hot Yoga cleanses, strengthens, refocuses, and enlightens your life. I think it's 1 thing everyone should try at least once in their life. Look up "Bikram Yoga" in your area and be sure to follow the advice for beginners given by the studio.

Tonight at my bikram yoga class, I may have witnessed a live contortionist. The contortions of her body, according to Bikram, are signs of a very fit and focused individual. She certainly seemed fit beyond imagination. I want to share this experience with friends, but it's a session to be selfish in, to extend all focus on one's self - inside and out. Try it if you can!

Right Reasons to Keep a Voicemail

Some of the smallest, weirdest things can have such a lasting impact! Many months ago, I saw the movie P.S. I Love You. Today I realized that this movie has had a small lasting impact on a decision I make almost everyday. With nearly every voicemail on my cell phone, I ask myself, "if this person died tomorrow, would this be a voicemail I want to hang onto just to be able to hear their voice again?". Such a morbid and odd thought to cross one's mind with each message, but it's a natural, imbedded routine now without really knowing how/why I started this habit.

At the heart of the matter, is there a better deciding factor between keepers & deleters? (Especially since they're automatically deleted after 14 days anyway.)

Shhh....another Whispers Challenge!

It's been a long streak of working days, and today will be another to add to that streak. This morning I thought I'd take some time for myself and finish this layout for Scrap Whispers Challenge #64-even though I should be at work already :-\ No matter how much stress I'm feeling or what's on my mind, when I hear Justin's voice, I'm all eyes and ears. So appropriately for this movie challenge, He has me at Hello...each and everytime.

Another participant in this week's challenge, Kelly, is giving away some scrap goodies on her blog. Check it out here!

And have a wonderful week! Next weekend is Memorial Weekend! California here we come :-)