Monday, September 19, 2011

Inspiration Monday...

                                                            Source: Candy Frappe

Monday, September 12, 2011

My Creative Sketches - 1st Challenge!

So excited - my first "scrapbooking" post on my new blog. This was completed for My Creative Sketches first challenge (they have a new blog too!). Can I tell you how much fun this was? I'm definitely using sketches more often in order to work quickly through my stash.

Here's the sketch:


I rotated it and came up with this: (sorry for the yucky photos - my camera is on its last leg!)

This pic of the girls was taken after a long day of exploring in Niagara Falls, Canada. We found a cute little Italian restaurant, right in our hotel, and enjoyed an amazing meal. Out of all the things we saw and did while we were there, the my girls talk about this restaurant incessantly!

Here are a few close-ups...








I used "leftovers" from the "Destination Niagara" mini album (see below) project I was working on last week. All products are from the MCS August album kit, except the pearl bling, which was hiding in the depths of my stash. And oh my goodness you HAVE to check out the DT gallery over there...these girls seriously ROCK!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm on my way out to catch up on a few errands. Hope you all are having an awesome day. xo

Blessings,
Cris

Sunday, September 11, 2011

September 11, 2011

I caught a glimpse of the "sneak peeks that were planned for this day, but have been so wrapped up in the business of my "life" that I haven't really paid much attention the the schedule of anniversary events.

It wasn't until I was in the the middle of making Sean's travel arrangements for an upcoming business trip that I realized what day he was leaving -- Sunday, September 11th. At first I was a little taken aback but then it dawned on me that this would probably be the safest day for him to fly. Security will assuredly be heightened and people will be on their guard. He would be okay. Besides, he's flying business class and has an aisle seat. I won't feel too sorry for him!

I'm not going to watch any of the 10th anniversary "specials" today. It's not that I don't care, or don't want to remember. How could I ever forget that day, or what I was doing, or who I was with? I am comfortable hearing snippets about it over the internet and on the nightly news. I guess I'm not only recalling the horror of that day, but also what has transpired since. My husband is one of the engineers working on the new Freedom Tower. I constantly hear stories about the red tape, and the politics, and the stalling and the back-stabbing going on between the families and the government and the contractors. I feel for the loss we suffered but I'm also wanting to pay tribute in a more pure, less commercial manner. So today I am going to remember, but I am also going to be thankful, happy...hopeful; and enjoy the sunshine and beach.

I hope you are lead to remember this day in a manner which is comfortable for you also. Don't give in to the commercialism; pay tribute from your heart and never forget those who paid the ultimate price just because they were Americans who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.


Blessings,
Cris

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Just Be You....

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of having ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies; Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you; Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating others could destroy overnight; Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give your best anyway.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Destination Niagara...

We've had a couple of weeks of bad weather here on Long Island. We enjoyed a gorgeous summer, then Hurricane Irene blasted us with high winds and flooding. Now the mornings are cool and dry and the afternoons are hot and humid...it's very bizarre. But as long as we're all healthy and happy, I can deal with it!

Wanted to share a quick sneak peek of a mini that I've been working on using the My Creative Scrapbook August album kit. I plan on filling it up with my favorite pics from our Niagara trip. Not sure if the pics are a perfect match for the paper...the tones are a bit off , but I'll figure out a way to make it will work because I really want to scrap those photos and I LOVE this paper line. I'll post more pics when my new camera arrives (an early birthday present...YAY!!!)


Thanks for stopping by today....be blessed!

xoxo
Cris


Thursday, September 1, 2011

NEW BLOG...FRESH START

I'm very excited about my new little blog. I have never been a consistent blogger. My posts always tended to be few and far between, but as I have evolved in my hobby I have found my voice and am excited as pot to start all over again - and since September is the traditional month of renewal (and my birthday!), this is a great time for a fresh start.

Blogging isn't just about sharing stories and artwork; it's about building friendships and being a part of a community. A blog is a creative outlet; a place to write, hope and remember. And it takes up less space than all those old notebooks I used to collect!

So here I go, both feet in the water. Here's to hoping that my blogging dreams will come true!

Blessings,
Cris