by Susan Itell | Jan 20, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Hello my friends and I hope that you do not click me off as I do not have a post for you today….unfortunately I have some sad news that happened yesterday afternoon and it is hard for me to write about a card right now….As you know if you follow my blog regularly, I use my blog not only for my love of paper crafting and my Stampin’ Up! business but also as a forum for you to get to know me!
I was doing a “Kind and Great” thing yesterday by going to help a friend to do grocery, errands and to just PERK UP as her husband is out of town at a horse show ( Hannah’s trainer and this is his full time job) and she is very “down” with having a severe riding injury that required extensive surgery 3 weeks ago. I know, I know….living and breathing animals is a full time job but one that I adore and is part of my life and I just love my “horse friends” and I know she needed me to perk her up!
We had a fabulous time….laughed…complained….did the grocery store….bank….made a “plan” for the big snow storm that we are to have potentially on the East Coast this weekend….(she will be coming to our home if it hits) and then as I was driving home I had a call on my cell from a number that I did not recognize. I took the call and on the other end was a man that was so upset….it was the Fed X driver and he said that he was making a delivery to our home and hit a dog.
Naturally my heart dropped….I knew that all of the dogs except Norman were in the house as he prefers to be out…..he is the Beagle that we rescued from Gulf Port Mississippi 4 years ago when we were at a Horse Show….then my heart sank lower as I had had a text from James at lunch saying that he popped home and got his ski clothes to take some students to go snowboarding last night and I thought that he might have left the dogs out as he knew that I was on my way home.
My dogs are a HUGE part of my life and darn, it has taken the loss of several dogs to try to get a grip and understand why it is that they embrace our lives and then leave us way to soon. It was my dear, sweet Norman that had a terrible life before Hannah and I brought him home 4 years ago from Mississippi.
He had issues of distrust but he never, ever would have hurt a teeny little flea. It literally took us years to get him to know that he was safe and “ok”, that his life was good – I called him the “Mayor of our Farm”….be preferred to be outside and then when it was on “Norman’s time”….you would hear a scratch on the door and one of would say, “Norman wants in”
I know that many of you must think we are NUTS to have so many animals but we are fortunate to have a place where we can have them. We know that this will not be forever as we really, really want to down size as the kids are all grown but I truly believe that our animals have taught us some of the greatest life lessons to us and our children.
Sorry I am rambling but I will leave you with a story that is one for the record books…..John truly thinks that I need to write a book as he feels that the “life lessons” that I adore and embrace are ones that need to be written down. I do this for my children but I would be afraid that if people really read some of the things that “happen” – they would say. “YOU SIMPLY CANNOT MAKE THAT UP”
Most Horse people are crazy people (I do not think that as I am one of them) but I will say that we do very strange things for our horses. Hannah and I were in Gulf Port at a show. This show is a five week one so I was camped out there for the whole time and Hannah would come over on weekends from college to ride. On Mondays, the show is very quite and many of the people that come to the show circuit would go to the local Humane Shelter and volunteer time with dogs and cats.
This area was hit VERY hard from Katrina and there was still very visible damage to the area. The Humane Shelter was amazing, totally rebuilt and doing great but it was terrible with the amount of stray animals they pick up. There was Norman. No one wanted Norman as he was boring to most people that wanted to adopt a dog.
Norman just sat there. Norman wasn’t even in a caged, rather he was in a play yard as he just hung out. As I went there on Monday’s I said to a volunteer, “What’s his deal” – she said that he was picked up as a stray but no one wants him because he just sits there!
Well I think you know me well enough by now, my heart was open and ready to bring Norman back to Maryland to meet his playmates! While we we making the 21 hour trek home we had a blow out (major one) on the trailer in Birmingham Alabama during their rush hour and I was on an over pass (I told you …there are things that you just cannot make up)
Here it was….. myself, Hannah, her boyfriend Aidan (poor guy – he must think we are nuts)….3 dogs….2 horses stuck on an overpass in a sketchy section of town and blocking traffic – all I could think of is WHY ME????
I policeman finally made his way up to us as the traffic was backed up for miles and I burst into tears….he was super sweet and meanwhile I have John on the phone and AAA will not do road side with animals in the trailer and I said there is no way that I am unloading my precious horses on a major highway to fix a blow out!
The policeman called some friends and they jacked the trailer up with the horses and fixed it enough to get me off the overpass and then plan B went onto effect (darn, I learned a lot this trip)….we ended up loosing 4+ hours over this whole ordeal and Hannah and I knew that we would not be able to drive straight through….
Believe it or not there is a website called horse motels…..I could not believe that I would be looking at this but I was exhausted and desperate! We found something that I thought would work in Tennessee and I felt bad as when I called the owners of the “BBB” – …ready for this…“Bed, Breakfast and Barn” I told them that I could care less where I sleep but I was picky about my horses….
We got there around 11 p.m. and it was great – they had our stalls ready…the owners were very nice and then they said some dreadful words…I forgot to ask you….from experience we have learned that most horse people also have dogs….do you have dogs? I had a HUGE lump in my throat as of course I have dogs….and Norman, by precious rescue that was so challenged….
They asked me if it was ok if they stayed in the barn and I said, “I am sorry….my dogs are used to being inside and I guess that we will have to continue to drive” Well I think she felt sorry for us and I wish that you could have seen Aidans face – poor guy – he has no idea what he is getting himself into (they are STILL together)….the 3 of us….and the dogs….all went to a SINGLE room and had a slumber party and after we were settled in, we laughed and laughed……
There was NO WAY that I was going to let my new rescue dog that was just neutered stay in a strange barn over night…..I swear you can not make this stuff up! It all worked out (as it does when you are positive and have faith) and we were able to make lemonade out of lemons….
I thank you for letting me express myself to you today! I still am in shock and I treasure my buddies….we do not know what will be thrown to us every day. Please take each day, embrace it, be kind, try to make a difference as we all have “stuff” that we all are dealing with!
I will blog tomorrow as it is a PPA day and I have it ready to go but I am going to take Friday off….and will be back for the 2 day weekend blog post! I thank you if you have read through this long post but at the same time it was a comfort to me to be able to share with you something that is so near and dear to me heart!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 19, 2016 | Paper Pumpkin, Uncategorized |
I admit that a huge smile is on my face when I see that little red box with the NEW Paper Pumpkin in it. I think the element of the surprise is always what make me smile when I see the box. (sounds like a little kid when they get a new toy)
One thing that I am guaranteed each and every month is:
- I will have a FUN project for some “me time” as everything is included in the box!
- I will get a new “Stampin’ Spot” (that is a small cube of ink) – This month it is Watermelon Wonder
- I will get a new Stamp Set – This month it is a true Valentines classic one that will be used for years and years
- I know that I can count on having extra left overs as Stampin’ Up! is always generous to make sure you have ample. (Many times I switch it up so I can use the embellishments for a future project. (that is what I did this month)
- Because I subscribe to the Paper Pumpkin Program, I have the opportunity to purchase additional kit refills if they become available.
- All of this for just $19.95 a month and that includes shipping
I know that some of you are reluctant to make a purchase without seeing the months offering but to me that is part of it that makes it super fun….the element of a surprise and you just need to trust me on this one – they are great kits…they are always a fun time for yourself to create. Even if a kit on month might not be my style 100%, I always find a way to use it.
With us being in the Sale-a-bration mode, you can get a 3 month subscription to the Paper Pumpkin program for $55.00 and that will allow you to pick a FREE SALE-A-BRATION ITEM….tell me, how can you go wrong?
Grab a “Cup of Joe” and enjoy seeing this months kit
(I adore Stampin’ Ups! Videos they are doing with this program…super short and fun!)
When I saw this kit I immediately knew that these goodies would go to my son that is a teacher in the Boston area! I called him and he was excited for me to do this for his class – I made each of them a heart with a fun sentiment and then asked my son about what candies he wanted me to send to him – I loved his response….
“Mom, I want to make them something myself” – wow…I think it is wonderful that he loves to cook…and WOWZERS, he has become quite the baker (one trait that I do not have) but when I asked him what was he going to make he said – “GRANOLA” – “I make great homemade granola and put it in a little bags, it will be perfect for them on their yogurt” I just had laugh as I was totally thinking a great chewy and decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie! (He’s my super fit runner)
If you are interested in a great deal – I would say go for the (3) Month subscription as not only is it on sale ($55.00) and also you will be able to get a FREE Sale-a-bration item…. you will be set for (3) months of FUN kits that come delivered right to your door! You can click here to go to the direct link.
Friday I am going to share with you another way that I S T R E T C H E D this stamp set for a SUPER CUTE treat for Valentines…trust me, you are going to want to POP back and no worries if you do not have this kit – the idea that I am going to share on Friday can be used with MANY stamp sets….it’s a KEEPER!
- If you want a PRODUCT SHARE, today is the last day that I will be offering them for the Occasions Catalog, CLICK HERE to see the offerings I have and then if you want something, please email me and put in the subject line – PRODUCT SHARE so I can spot it!
- It is Tuesday and you know what that means, time for NEW Weekly Deals – CLICK HERE to see the offerings this week – my pick….WOW – there are 2 that I would go for….the Party Punch Pack (perfect little and quick accents) and also the Berry Basket (I know that these Dies are super $$$$ and this is exactly why I would go for it – 25% off YES!!!!!) Click here to see some adorable baskets I made….this is a GREAT die…a true and timeless classic!
Enjoy the day….stay warm and make someone smile!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 18, 2016 | Uncategorized |
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Happy Monday and a BRRRRRRRR it’s cold Monday here in Maryland but then I guess it is January! We have been super lucky with the weather but the weathermen says that it could possibly be snow on Friday as promised, I am showing you another card that is appropriate for Valentines or just a “love” card in general!
I think that this stamp set, Watercolor Wonder is easily in the top 10 “keepers” in the Annual Catalog! It is soooooo versatile……sooooooo on trend……a fun, fun set!
As I shared with you before, I am not a huge believer in purchasing a stamp set (unless it makes your heart pitter patter) for a holiday that is just one day! Before I get a bunch of emails, let me clarify that – Easter is a season…..Christmas is a season…
This stamp set covers it all…so in my eyes – IT’S A KEEPER! Is it also so forgiving – what do I mean about that???? Easy….you can do a stamp “here and there” and it always seems to work out! This is the best – right????
I have blogged before about the other stamp I used….I call it a “sleeper stamp” – WHY…..EASY = most of you flip right past it in the catalog but then when you see it – you say, “Where did that come from” This is what I call a classic…..I ask you, How long has ruled paper been around? – bYou can check it out at the end of the post.
You can see that I matted it with Blushing Bride but you bet that I used the inside of card stock as WHY NOT???? Use up as much as you can! I am a HUGE believer in this and once you get used to it – it becomes second nature to you!
You know me, I love my envelopes and today is a double-whammy! It is a great thing to make your mailman smile…..remember, kindness matters!
I hope that today’s post has shown you that these stamp sets combined create a fun, simple and classic card! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or need help!
Tomorrow is another Valentines Day….and then I promise, I’ll take a break! (well for a couple days) I just know that this is the time for you to pace yourself – I am super proud that I have all of Will’s (my oldest peep that is a teacher) Valentines for his “munchkins” = they are super cute but more importantly – THEY ARE DONE!
Please do not forget that tomorrow is the last day for you to take advantage of the product share as I will be ordering tomorrow and having it expedited so you can have your goodies in a snap! Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 17, 2016 | Uncategorized, Valentines |
It’s Sunday and it is time to Step it up a bit from yesterdays post. I am just in love with my little friend and again, I really do not know which card I like better…they are both cute in my eyes! I loved the comments and maybe we need to let Caleb say which one he likes better!
The biggest difference is that I used the watercolor paper and the aqua painter to color him in and also add the slivers of red around the edge! Here he is…..what do you think? Here they are side by side….now it is time for you to decide!
Darn I wish that we all lived closer so you could see both of these in person side by side…the photos just do not give our little friend justice and trust me, he deserves it as he is so darn tootin’ cute! You just have to smile when you see his face!
In hindsight, I think that you could really get by with just using the Thick Whisper White paper to do a quick wash over his body with the sahara sand….Because it is so faint, I think it would work and I know….I know – I should have tried it but I also like the texture and feel of the watercolor paper. (I will try it today and report back tomorrow) as tomorrow is another super simple Valentine idea.
I know that you have heard me say this a million times but a mechanical pencil and a good eraser are your friends when crafting. Being straight without a help of a ruler and/or a stamp-a-ma-jig does not work with me – (brings out the inner pre-schooler in me) – these are simple tips that will make you shine and also once you get used to using these tools, it become second nature to you!
The other tool that is a crafters must have is the silicone mat – (oops, I forgot to share a link below) but this as you can see is “well loved” – I actually have 2 of them as I like to put adhesive on the back of a bunch in I am making several of the same cards! I love the fact that if you were a bit “glue happy” and squeezed it too much, that just letting it sit for a bit – you will be good to go! LOVE MY GREEN GLUE!
There you go….“Mr. Frog” in his Sunday suit! He just makes me happy and I already have an idea on how he will “get dressed” for St. Patricks Day! In yesterday comments Mary Ann (our sheep herder) said he is perfect for a square card and she is right….he is! There are times that when you have a shape like this that it lends itself to a square ….actually – I think that all of the stamps in this set do that…what do you think?
One day I should do a post on all of the stamps and then pull it together as a “gift” for someone – this really is a fun set….whimsical but not too silly!
Now let’s wait to see what Caleb thinks….he is our official “Jr. Stamp Master” and he is dear Eddies biggest fan……speaking of Eddie – he is doing great. THis has been a great week for him and his appetite is great. Yesterday he went down to the barn with me and we played ball and he had so much fun…it is funny – he adores the fireplace, (his command central) but if I say, “Who wants to go to the barn” he is always the 1st one up and eager! That little guy brings me so much joy!
Have a fabulous day…and I hope that I am continuing to show and share with you ideas on how to make Valentines cards without purchasing a stamp set that is so specific for that 1 day! I think that you are going to like tomorrows post….super simple with a smile factor!
Please do not forget to email me if you are interested in a Product Share as Tuesday is the cut off for orders (this is my final share this month) Shares are THE BEST WAY to go to be able to see, feel and play with our products! Enjoy the day, make someone smile and I hope that you will be back tomorrow!
p.s. – I forgot to mention about the hearts – they are from the Beautiful Ride Stamp Set but if you do not have that set I am sure that you have a heart in another set! After I colored it with the red, I took the new Wink Of Stella Brush Pen over it….a perfect accent for the hearts!
Remember, my gift to you this month with any order over $75.00 is a Wink of Stella Pen, this is a fantastic accent – click here to see that post and also the card I will sent to you…..the hostess code for this offer is 3RPTW7MB but you will always see the hostess code in the upper right of my blog!
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