tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86300039867622068102024-03-13T15:15:09.040-04:00The Card CastleWhere else would a cardmaking princess dwell?Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.comBlogger965125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-766086623827216582013-01-03T17:06:00.000-05:002013-01-03T17:06:13.664-05:00I've moved to a new blog. It is simply called J.M.A. Jacki Marie Artist. Come see me.<br />
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Fresh New Blog~ <a href="http://jackimarieartist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">J.M.A. Jacki Marie Artist </a></div>
Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-56017739270443997042012-12-01T11:50:00.001-05:002012-12-05T21:13:16.405-05:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-88293057623212301862012-09-22T12:21:00.000-04:002012-09-22T12:21:15.785-04:00Sunrise <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just after that last post the sun came up. So I was where I wanted to be on my birthday. On the beach watching the sunrise. There's so much to tell and I don't have a lot of time so I'm going to let you see for yourself...Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-12425782944165842502012-09-14T06:45:00.002-04:002012-09-14T06:45:47.637-04:00Rain, Rain... I'm not going to let the rain stop me from celebrating!<br />
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After a little while the rain stopped so I took a walk on the beach. It wasn't hot and sunny, but still beautiful! </div>
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So far this morning, it's raining again... so... no sunrise on the beach this morning. I'm going back to bed and going to the beach later. The way I see it, it's still a win/win situation. :) </div>
<br />Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-24350585247672146862012-09-14T06:00:00.000-04:002012-09-14T06:24:50.044-04:00Happy GOLDEN Birthday to me! So... it's my birthday again. As always, I spend the days and weeks before reflecting on the previous year. Three years ago I spent time writing a post defining <a href="http://thecardcastle.blogspot.com/2009/09/happy-new-year-to-me.html" target="_blank">47 lessons learned</a> I've learned and added an addendum to that post <a href="http://thecardcastle.blogspot.com/2011/09/happy-49th-new-year-to-me.html" target="_blank">last year</a>. This year I'm going to do something a little different, I guess. This year, I'm writing this in advance because, today, I'm Living my life like it's GOLDEN on the beach in Florida.<br />
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Happy FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY to me! </div>
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No fancy party for me. What I really wanted was to feel the sand between my toes on a beach when the sun comes up on my birthday... so that's where I am... with family and friends by my side.<br />
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A year ago today, I never imagined that I would be where I am today. I don't just mean that in the literal sense either... which is on the beach with my sand between my toes. :)<br />
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<li>I officially filed for divorce this summer. </li>
<li>My both of my boys are living with their dad. I was expecting to be a single mom, but I'm an empty nester-- prematurely. </li>
<li>I spend most of my non-working hours <i>alone</i>. This took some getting used to after all the years of being a mom with many kids and their friends around all the time. And then even when the 5 were in school, I had my dog shadowing me. I'm adjusting and learning not to let <i>alone</i> stop me from doing what I want to do... including going to a restaurant or the movies.. maybe even Karaoke, huh?? It's actually quite liberating, kwim? </li>
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<li>I'm working 45-50 hours a week managing a retail store. (yes, this is a new job since the last post) </li>
<li>I rarely do anything creative that isn't work related. (I get to do beading from time to time at work.) Now, THIS is one thing I am working to change. ASAP! </li>
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Instead of lamenting over the changes (I did for a moment) I'm choosing to celebrate my new opportunities. You know me, I may get knocked down, but I don't stay down long. I miss my boys terribly, but celebrate the fact that they had the opportunity to make choices for themselves. I'm proud of the women my three girls have become, but, I miss them as well. I'm enjoying the the freedom that being alone has brought me. I'm going to spend some time identifying my dreams, maybe even dream some new ones, and pursuing them this year. Yes... it's my time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Card Size: approx. 5"x7"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Digital image: <a href="http://www.mosdigitalpencil.com/superduper-girl/" target="_blank">Superduper Girl Mo's Digital Pencil</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Stamp: Words Stampin' Up</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Various card stock, vellum, glitter, glue pen</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils </span></div>
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I made this card last month and this is probably the only card I've made ALL YEAR. I love this image by <a href="http://www.mosdigitalpencil.com/superduper-girl/" target="_blank">Mo's Digital Pencil</a> because this is exactly how I see myself... crown and all! Except maybe not the boots... I would probably have <a href="http://www.converse-allstar.biz/converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-low-top-purple-canvas-shoes-p-696.html" target="_blank">purple converse</a>s. </div>
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And now because I always like to share something that might be beneficial to someone I will share two things that I've learned as a result of working the two jobs I've had this year and one more from being alive on this planet... </div>
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<li>First: Take out your wallet and look through it. If it was lost what will they see? I'll wait while you check.... They have your driver's license, or ID, credit cards, health insurance card, various store rewards cards, picture of your cat or dog or kids or grand kids, everything but a phone number or email address to contact you!!! Fix that now! Part of my job was managing the Lost and Found for several months. There are a lot of good people out there who would return your stuff to you, if they knew how to get in touch with you! </li>
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<li>Second: CLEAN your watch! Take it off. Turn on the light. Put your glasses on. Turn it over and look at it. 'Nuf said. </li>
<li>Bonus: This one is for the ladies... Go to a reputable store that sells lingerie. Get a bra fitting expert to measure you. I did and learned that I was WAY OFF! Simply life changing. Believe me. Do it sooner than later. :) </li>
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I'd like to leave you with a word of encouragement... Don't let fear dictate your steps. Take chances. Make mistakes. Learn from them. Experience is the best teacher. Go get it! </div>
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As always, I'm choosing JOY today and everyday but today's word is GOLDEN! ~ Jacki</div>
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<br />Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-61321519622375893882012-09-08T08:40:00.001-04:002012-09-08T08:40:10.016-04:00This is a test...<div><p>I'm planning to post from my phone next week during my celebration.... </p>
</div>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-90789088469112055372012-04-25T23:19:00.000-04:002012-04-25T23:19:16.000-04:00Constant Change<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="color: #783f04;">“I've
learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life
does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can
tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a
rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've
learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll
miss them when they're gone from your life. I<span class="text_exposed_show">'ve
learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a
"life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've
learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on
both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned
that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the
right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have
to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch
someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people
will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people
will never forget how you made them feel.” <br /> ― Maya Angelou</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learning involves change. </span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">The only thing constant in life right now is change. </span></span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">My life is continuing to go through drastic change. But I am learning <b>and</b> growing. Change, even drastic change is inevitable and constant. Compared to what some of my online friends are going through and have gone through, my change is minimal. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">The biggest change is my marital status. After being married for nearly 25 years, I left my husband and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">moved into my mother's house 10 months ago.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm separated and getting divorced. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second biggest thing is that since December, I've been working full time for the first time since my first daughter was born 24 1/2 years ago. AND </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">I love what I do. I work for </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Travelex C</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">urrency Exchange. We are located in the Guest Service Desk at the mall so in addition to exchanging currency, we do all the guest service-y type things. It's actually the perfect job for a financial-minded-jack-of-all-trades-people-lover like myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the third m</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ajor change in my life is I've gone from making cards and blogging about it EVERYDAY, to not making cards or blogging AT ALL. As far as the blogging is concerned, what I'm going through is too personal. It's not something I want to write about online, but in my journals. And the card making used to relax me, but now it doesn't. And there are just not enough hours in a day. A few months ago in the last post, I thought by getting my room (somewhat) set up that I would start making cards again, but no, that didn't happen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you who, like me, would wonder "what ever happened to 'So and So' who used to blog everyday?" This post is for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do miss the friendships that I made through this blog and the Yahoo blog before that since 2004... I still pop in on Facebook, so, if you are on there, be my friend? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Definitely, keep in touch. </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would love to know that you are praying for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As always... I'm still <a href="http://thecardcastle.blogspot.com/search?q=choosing+joy" target="_blank">Choosing JOY</a>... It's always a deliberate choice... and some days it's harder than others. But I know that God is with me, just like Joseph in Genesis, God is with me.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So long for now from your card-making Princess... Choosing JOY! Jacki</span>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-69542683545681954932011-11-09T23:32:00.003-05:002011-11-09T23:32:51.198-05:00It's time...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNmO8tc7phg/TrtTNmcBwPI/AAAAAAAAI4g/jE6jDvoKhWA/s1600/coloring+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNmO8tc7phg/TrtTNmcBwPI/AAAAAAAAI4g/jE6jDvoKhWA/s400/coloring+table.jpg" width="400" /></a>It's been many many months since I've made cards on a regular basis. I'm not ready for regular basis just yet, but I'm definitely ready to make some cards. I got my coloring table set up today... I still have a little more to unpack before I'll be totally ready, but I want to start selling cards again. Just saying that aloud makes me happy. I'm still looking for a job, so in the meantime, I'll be resorting to what I'm used to. Not only am I making cards, I'm developing a couple of classes. I may even try Michaels again now that they are back in the business of offering classes. More to come soon...Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-52815925839972673942011-10-10T09:20:00.000-04:002011-10-10T09:20:52.423-04:00Pink for OctoberI turn this blog pink every year during the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.<br />
If you haven't had your check up this year, make your appointment today. Good for you if you have, but take a moment to call a friend or a sister and remind her to do so also.<br />
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With my move and all the changes in my life, I'm a little behind schedule this year, but I'm going to make my appointment asap.<br />
And then I'm going to send the cards shown here to two friends who have been impacted by breast cancer.<br />
Have a blessed day and don't forget to take care of yourself.<br />
<br />Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-64557970171200949422011-10-09T18:45:00.000-04:002011-10-09T18:47:39.332-04:00Fall-ish and Fruity.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fall is here! It's my absolute favorite season! And next to flowers, fruit are my next favorite images to color. I'm not sure why fall and fruit go together in my mind, but they do. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZKgAz1i7cQ/TpIavlGiI9I/AAAAAAAAI3k/2uMA_fGSEhc/s1600/green+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZKgAz1i7cQ/TpIavlGiI9I/AAAAAAAAI3k/2uMA_fGSEhc/s400/green+fall.jpg" width="311" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xBF4RLbnhE/TpIavwDw79I/AAAAAAAAI3o/feSOkHmUBSs/s1600/red+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xBF4RLbnhE/TpIavwDw79I/AAAAAAAAI3o/feSOkHmUBSs/s400/red+fall.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is an image from SU from a few years back. I colored them with Prismacolor pencils. </span></div>
Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-48216445261930646652011-09-14T07:55:00.001-04:002011-09-14T07:55:00.114-04:00Happy 49th New Year to Me!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #765599;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;">I put a lot of thought into a post I did 2 years ago for my birthday. I spent a lot of time reflecting on some key life lessons and came up with a list of 47 lessons which I posted on <a href="http://thecardcastle.blogspot.com/2009/09/happy-new-year-to-me.html">my birthday in 2009</a></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;"> Consider this post an addendum to that post. Life lesson 48 and 49. Number 48 was an eye opener last year. I'm constantly learning... It's a good thing. </span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #361e54; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033;">I don't have forgiveness issues. I don't have trust issues. If I don't trust someone, it was because I was betrayed. We often mistake forgiveness and trust. I should forgive quickly. It's for my own good. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033;">Trust, however takes time to rebuild.</span></b></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15px;">It's not always what you say or do but how you make people feel. How they feel has to do with their perception of what you say or do, based on their experiences. What is the key? Get to know the recipient and tailor the message.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">So Happy Birthday to me. :) I'm determined not to spend the whole day on the computer this year. </span></span></div>
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Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-1159298524267972062011-09-13T20:24:00.000-04:002011-09-13T21:42:28.461-04:00The reflections of a tropical wedding ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mye11q4Y5wY/Tm-4S4wBeqI/AAAAAAAAI3M/FbP7nCh7u-Q/s1600/IMG_2990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mye11q4Y5wY/Tm-4S4wBeqI/AAAAAAAAI3M/FbP7nCh7u-Q/s320/IMG_2990.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Here are photos of my most recent wedding project. The gatefold invitation was secured with a sticky gemstone.<br />
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Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-64280907053240009732011-08-20T23:52:00.003-04:002011-08-21T00:00:42.972-04:00My first card in months...and least weeks, right? The ones I posted in Jul, were made at some point in June. I delayed their posting until I could send them to the recipients.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took this with my phone last night after finishing it. I meant to re-take it today with the real camera and sunlight before I posted it for the <a href="http://hambochallenges.blogspot.com/">Hambo Hoe Down</a>, but I didn't... and now I'm realizing that this doesn't count for the current challenge because I didn't follow directions. :( I have to score it somewhere. OK, go see the other folks' cards, I'm going back to my desk, after I get some sleep... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love coloring flowers, so thanks Tim. Now go draw some more! I vote for tulips and roses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Paper (Basic Grey), Image is (Hambo), colored with Copics. I'll still try to take another picture at some point. </div><br />
Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-22786437854139354512011-08-16T17:28:00.001-04:002011-08-16T17:30:07.876-04:00I did it...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A couple of months ago, I purged my stamps...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTJxvrf3pUI/TayVCsOrT3I/AAAAAAAAIys/bh7TUfX5h4U/s1600/IMG_2613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTJxvrf3pUI/TayVCsOrT3I/AAAAAAAAIys/bh7TUfX5h4U/s400/IMG_2613.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>I got rid of all but what would fit in the chest of drawers. I sent them to Viva Las Vegas stamps and they are being sold on consignment. <br />
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</tbody></table>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-32459381972577705512011-07-26T07:50:00.000-04:002011-07-26T07:50:19.667-04:00I love these roses...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Pe5JlGcJmg/Ti6cqBCyjJI/AAAAAAAAIzw/bqhx1egga-A/s1600/Paula%2527s+bd+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Pe5JlGcJmg/Ti6cqBCyjJI/AAAAAAAAIzw/bqhx1egga-A/s400/Paula%2527s+bd+card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is still one of my favorite stamps (Hero Arts). Although I've colored it many times, I think this is first time I colored it with the Copic markers.<br />
I made this as a birthday card for a friend who likes blues and peach. True to form, I made it a month before her birthday and she will *hopefully* receive it before her birthday month is over. I could always play it off and call this a thinking of you, or a friend card since I conveniently left off a Birthday message on the front, right?? :)<br />
The card is approximately 5 1/2 inch square.Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-14706348962573767952011-07-19T17:58:00.000-04:002011-07-19T17:58:34.108-04:00How's this for a summer birthday?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnQ-Be2Augc/TiX9Ud4SPwI/AAAAAAAAIzk/uw4P1zyrYOQ/s1600/Beach+card+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnQ-Be2Augc/TiX9Ud4SPwI/AAAAAAAAIzk/uw4P1zyrYOQ/s640/Beach+card+front.jpg" width="352" /></a></div> I really enjoyed making this card. Although, right now, it makes me want to jump in the car and head to the beach.<br />
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This was made to fit in a business size envelope.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoBr5U11nE0/TiX9UzdZ4II/AAAAAAAAIzo/9GXUCzEhiVI/s1600/beach+card+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoBr5U11nE0/TiX9UzdZ4II/AAAAAAAAIzo/9GXUCzEhiVI/s320/beach+card+inside.jpg" width="240" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DBcEV4p3qME/TiX9VbC3L9I/AAAAAAAAIzs/nb5yzBt9H4M/s1600/beach+card+panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DBcEV4p3qME/TiX9VbC3L9I/AAAAAAAAIzs/nb5yzBt9H4M/s320/beach+card+panel.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-23409288006612272372011-06-05T06:33:00.000-04:002011-06-05T06:33:59.063-04:00Baby, Take a Bow...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnPrCePkqCE/TcF7EUFZraI/AAAAAAAAIzA/t8Lh1bKCCFM/s1600/IMG_2832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnPrCePkqCE/TcF7EUFZraI/AAAAAAAAIzA/t8Lh1bKCCFM/s400/IMG_2832.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello? Testing, testing? Is this thing on? </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't blogged in so long, I just thought I'd check too see if anyone was still here. I haven't blogged and I haven't been making many cards. Yes, my life is crazy right now. I'll tell you a little about it in another post. First let me tell you about this card. This image was purchased from <a href="http://digitalpenciltoo.com/">Digital Pencil Too</a> - </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">artwork by Maurie J. Manning and colored with Copic markers and Prismacolor Pencils (the crown).</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made this card in celebration of a major accomplishment made by my daughter. She graduated from GA State in May. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1AUenBeeLs/TetYplrh1ZI/AAAAAAAAIzU/x34RhGxNh2c/s1600/IMG_1578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1AUenBeeLs/TetYplrh1ZI/AAAAAAAAIzU/x34RhGxNh2c/s320/IMG_1578.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UTtzkymAsU/TetY0FWx-5I/AAAAAAAAIzY/7FsN-lvh6HQ/s1600/Somebody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UTtzkymAsU/TetY0FWx-5I/AAAAAAAAIzY/7FsN-lvh6HQ/s320/Somebody.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were HOT and too serious. "Somebody" had to lighten the mood. (mission accomplished) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DIYPKvbZ-YA/TetYlb3x-QI/AAAAAAAAIzI/1Dp96a1PNfQ/s1600/IMG_1569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DIYPKvbZ-YA/TetYlb3x-QI/AAAAAAAAIzI/1Dp96a1PNfQ/s320/IMG_1569.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My three daughters (in age order). The graduate is standing on a curb-- she's not that tall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_X8n45rpfhY/TetYoSC_n6I/AAAAAAAAIzQ/julI1nGAtXo/s1600/IMG_1576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_X8n45rpfhY/TetYoSC_n6I/AAAAAAAAIzQ/julI1nGAtXo/s320/IMG_1576.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grad and the Parents.<br />
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</div>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-55762162875811313392011-06-05T06:09:00.001-04:002012-07-20T07:57:39.149-04:00Happy Birthday, Dad.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhSrgbyd-Bg/TetUTeFuoOI/AAAAAAAAIzE/BlKOj6kflsE/s1600/dad%2527s+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhSrgbyd-Bg/TetUTeFuoOI/AAAAAAAAIzE/BlKOj6kflsE/s400/dad%2527s+card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
For the story behind this card, go to <a href="http://thecardcastle.blogspot.com/2008/06/fathers-day-reflections.html">this post about Father's day</a> from a few years ago.<br />
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I'm posting this today, because it's what would have been my dad's 81st birthday.<br />
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I was doing some serious cleaning and purging this week and found the notes to what I said at my dad's funeral about him.<br />
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<b>Today We Celebrate a Life Well Lived</b>: Jacki Allen Jones (written and spoken in tribute at the homegoing service for Eugene Allen)<br />
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Dad was a funny guy and often used humor to lighten a dark moment. I remember the first time I saw him break his “Allens don’t cry” rule at his grandfather’s funeral. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">When I questioned him about it later that day, he explained that it was warm in the church and he was sweating from the eyeballs.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Whenever he’d say, “I remember the time...” we’d shake our heads and respond “oh no! Not again!” because we new there was an outlandish tale to follow. To hear him tell it, he had walked on the moon and had taught Hank Aaron how to swing a bat. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The day we moved Dad to Texas in August of 2003 could have been a very somber day, but he chose to make if fun. We laughed and joked all day long. He had a hard time accepting help from others so I advised him to just smile and say “Thank You”. All day, he would over emphasize that <i>smile with a thank you</i> and look over at me as he did it to make sure I was paying attention. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>My Dad taught me some things that I couldn’t really appreciate until I became an adult. </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>I learned to persevere.</b> One of my earliest memories was of a sunny afternoon when I was about 3. My dad was determined to teach me to tie my shoes. I remember sitting there for what seemed like forever when all I really wanted was to do was join the other kids playing outside. Most of all I remember the victorious feeling I had when I did indeed master that skill that afternoon. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>I learned to be concerned about the world around me. </b>While other children played outside, he made us watch the entire funeral for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on TV. Although we were very young (I was only 5), At the time we didn’t like it, but </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">he emphasized the historical importance of that event. I appreciate that now.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>I learned to be faithful and keep your promises. </b>He did what he said he was going to do and was always on time. In fact, he was always 10 minutes early.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>I learned to treat others the way I wanted to be treated. </b>The Golden Rule was ingrained in my brain by him and he lived it and set an example for us. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>I learned diligence. </b>Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Here at Janes, he was our Junior Choir and Chancel choir director. I sang with him from age 8 until I graduated high school. We practiced to perfection and performed our songs from memory. I still remember a lot of the songs to this day. I’ve been a part of many choral programs since then and I quickly realized that not every choir director is as diligent. He set a very high standard. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Eugene Alonzo Allen left a mark on this world that won’t soon be forgotten. </i>With 5 daughters, 15 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren, his legacy will live on. </span></div>
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<br /></div>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-49471816441084321992011-03-19T17:59:00.000-04:002011-03-19T17:59:51.983-04:00For Sale: All My Memories Vituri Urban Shoulder Bag<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thecardcastle.blogspot.com/2008/09/product-review-all-my-memories-vituri.html">All My Memories Vituri Urban Shoulder Bag</a></span></h3><br />
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Click on the title above and it will take you to the post on this blog where I reviewed this fabulous scrapbooking bag. I even used a couple of times to carry my laptop. I love it so much that I bought another one in brown. Now in the spirit of purging, I've decided to only keep one(the brown one) so the black one pictured in this post is for sale. Originally sold for $100-- I paid $50. I'm selling it for $25+shipping. Very lightly used... maybe 3 or 4 times and it still looks new.<br />
Leave a comment with your email address if you are interested.Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-65963549890643731772011-03-19T17:53:00.000-04:002011-03-19T17:53:02.916-04:00Magazines for Sale ( you pay only shipping)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030;">I will send them to you in a flat rate box and you pay shipping only. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030;">I have Paper Crafts, Stamp it, The Rubber Stamper, CardMaker, Gift Maker, Bead and Button, Bead Style, Simply Beads, The Artists Magazine, Bead Work, Digital Scrapbooking,<br />
I also have purple magazine holders. I can fill a box of one kind or make a variety. Leave a comment with your email address if you're interested. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030;"><br />
</span></div>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-60416284908683040332011-03-08T21:56:00.002-05:002011-03-10T11:13:43.984-05:00You're my 'mane' man...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jlB_5qqdGgU/TXbsTPoA8dI/AAAAAAAAIyM/gVsXSkldKys/s1600/lion+hambo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jlB_5qqdGgU/TXbsTPoA8dI/AAAAAAAAIyM/gVsXSkldKys/s640/lion+hambo.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Talk about down to the wire! I posted this just before the weekly 10:00 pm deadline on <a href="http://hambochallenges.blogspot.com/">Hambo's Challenge Blog.</a> I didn't participate last week because I wasn't home with all my card making stuff. I went to GA to take my daughter to visit her friends while she was on Spring Break. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week's challenge is to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">make a masculine card (check) using <a href="http://www.hambostamps.com/index.htm">LION</a> (check) and one of the coordinating sentiments(check), AND also have stripes somewhere in your design (check).</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">My class is over (yay!) and I made an A in the class (yay!).... I'm taking a little break because we have a lot of things happening this spring. My niece is having a big anniversary party/wedding reception that I have to travel for. My daughter is graduating from college in GA in May. Big big deals... Not that I look old enough for either of these milestones to be happening in my life! (shhh let me have my delusions, it's all I have left. )</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">I'm still purging and unpacking. Now that school is over, I can concentrate on that. I've made some big decisions concerning my my card making/ scrapbooking and general craft stuff and purging... Get ready for an even bigger sale than I had last summer. I have less space this time and I realized that I had a lot of stuff crammed in that room that I never use because it's inaccessible. Sooooo ... I'm getting rid of most of the wood mounted stamps and a bunch of the unmounted stamps. Yup. I just said that aloud, so it just be true. I'm going to post this stuff here first, then a big yard sale. Whew. Who needs 38 paper trays anyway? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Anyway, if you want to see my (former) room <a href="http://thecardcastle.blogspot.com/2008/10/organizing-my-craft-room-part-1.html">click here for part one</a> and <a href="http://thecardcastle.blogspot.com/2008/10/organizing-my-craft-room-part-2.html">here for part two</a>, or to see pictures of my various rooms over the years as we've moved around go to t<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joyfulheartart/sets/72157602526114923/">his album on my Flickr</a> account. If you see something you've been looking for and can't find it anywhere, give me a shout. I just might make you a deal. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Well... I'm going to shut up now. I didn't sleep too well last night and my bed is calling me... I'm hoping to post more frequently now that taking a break from school. So as always, choosing joy! Jacki Marie. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-54034641001865564382011-02-22T18:15:00.004-05:002011-02-23T07:15:47.723-05:00Sorry, I'm late...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvopZvzCFe0/TWRCqFR1mRI/AAAAAAAAIyA/4P-36NqL1kw/s1600/IMG_2556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvopZvzCFe0/TWRCqFR1mRI/AAAAAAAAIyA/4P-36NqL1kw/s400/IMG_2556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PRWtgPwIpI/TWRDBEhjGPI/AAAAAAAAIyI/gbpgb544Fho/s1600/IMG_2559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PRWtgPwIpI/TWRDBEhjGPI/AAAAAAAAIyI/gbpgb544Fho/s320/IMG_2559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My entry in <a href="http://hambochallenges.blogspot.com/2011/02/lets-take-trip-to-beach.html">Hambo Hoedown</a> for this week... I used <a href="http://www.hambostamps.com/digitalstamps.htm">Pelican Digi</a> colored with Copics. The two part <a href="http://www.hambostamps.com/fracturedfunnies.htm">message </a>is from the Fractured Funnies line also of Hambo and Basic Grey papers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">School is over! I'll be back later, eventually... with something, but for now, I'm just trying to get this in by the deadline.</div>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-7637479478055189692011-02-15T13:59:00.001-05:002011-02-15T14:00:21.614-05:00Top Secret Admirer Another entry in Hambo's weekly challenge on the Hambo Hoedown...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6c3GOfhb0Jc/TVrExbh6T0I/AAAAAAAAIx0/wtbWIXBNykU/s1600/IMG_2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6c3GOfhb0Jc/TVrExbh6T0I/AAAAAAAAIx0/wtbWIXBNykU/s400/IMG_2521.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ8gjuGvlQM/TVrEwIpkdCI/AAAAAAAAIxw/0fHxKo7w7UI/s1600/IMG_2498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ8gjuGvlQM/TVrEwIpkdCI/AAAAAAAAIxw/0fHxKo7w7UI/s400/IMG_2498.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>I found a few minutes to color late last week and this is the result here in the frame. Then in true spy fashion, he went missing. My room is still is a state of chaos because I'm only able to do a little at a time. Anyway, at some point I must have moved him from this picture frame.<br />
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So on today, the last day of the challenge, I had to start over.<br />
I colored him again and this time before he could get away, I made a card from him. :) The challenge also requires that you include an additional heart so I put it inside with the sentiment. :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is <a href="http://www.hambostamps.com/digitalstamps.htm">Spy- digi</a> from Hambo Stamps colored with Copics.</div>Jacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-43653484321720260592011-02-07T22:55:00.003-05:002011-02-08T00:47:28.526-05:00Game On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TVC0I7ARQ6I/AAAAAAAAIxs/BtPRqA2updc/s1600/Game+On.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TVC0I7ARQ6I/AAAAAAAAIxs/BtPRqA2updc/s640/Game+On.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>This is the first card I've made in a long time. :) I'm afraid it took all the creative energy I had. I tried to make two, and it just didn't work. :( This is my entry for the <a href="http://hambochallenges.blogspot.com/">Hambo Hoedown</a>. Especially with all that I have going on, I'm looking forward to at least making one card a week... but hopefully more.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Football Girl- Hambo Stamps, Football- Hero Arts, Message-computer generated, paper-Basic Grey, colored with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. </span><br />
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BUT, I am doing great in my class despite the move and and the unpacking etc... I'm already in week 6 of 8. I'm still waiting on my grade for week 5, but my cumulative grade after week 4 was 98.5... just sayin'. I hope to finish just as strong. I'm working on "the Big Excel Project" this week. We don't get step by step instructions, but we have to put together all that we've learned so far.<br />
The unpacking is going a lot slower than in previous moves because this is the first house we've moved into over the last 20 years that was actually smaller than the last. I'm also in a major purging mode. I've finally decided to get rid of stuff we don't use. I am going to have a massive garage sale as soon as spring arrives and whatever doesn't sell is going to leave via donations or dumpster. I'm even getting rid of most of my stamping/scrapping stuff and selling it. I want my room to be as uncluttered as <a href="http://www.distinctivetouches.com/">Colleen Schaan's</a>. She definitely inspired me. I don't know if I mentioned it before but she moved two doors down from me last year and I was sooo sad to leave her behind in GA.<br />
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Anyway, I must return to my school project. I hope you go to the <a href="http://hambochallenges.blogspot.com/">Hambo Challenge blog</a> and participare in the challenges. The first image is free to start and then you get a new free image just for participating each week.<br />
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Choosing Joy... Jacki MarieJacki Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577724486441963956noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630003986762206810.post-83247591020769392482011-01-10T13:22:00.001-05:002011-01-10T13:23:47.842-05:00New Year, New House...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dec. 30th</td></tr>
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Wow! It's already January 10th! Where did the year go??!! Oh, I know... we've been "moving" for the last ten days. We actually closed on our new house on December 30, moved in a few key items and spent some time with my daughter who was leaving to go back to school the next day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsoXPzSl5I/AAAAAAAAIws/Hx8mGKPm3OY/s1600/6+of+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsoXPzSl5I/AAAAAAAAIws/Hx8mGKPm3OY/s320/6+of+us.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids and I in size order... I'm only taller than the 12yr old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsocoS4prI/AAAAAAAAIw0/nFFCZm6LzLo/s1600/IMG_2210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsocoS4prI/AAAAAAAAIw0/nFFCZm6LzLo/s320/IMG_2210.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pencils, welcome to your new home! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsoflaF-II/AAAAAAAAIw4/6YDzan-OSDU/s1600/IMG_2211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsoflaF-II/AAAAAAAAIw4/6YDzan-OSDU/s320/IMG_2211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are happy... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSso3vkBdlI/AAAAAAAAIxY/Uy_QmyhD9pM/s1600/priorities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSso3vkBdlI/AAAAAAAAIxY/Uy_QmyhD9pM/s320/priorities.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Pepper is in the house! </td></tr>
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We got up the next morning and moved out of the the townhouse apartment on the 31st (where we'd lived since September). That day was rainy, but it was 50+ degrees all day and night. And believe it or not, in Michigan, it was still in the 50s at 11:56 when we brought the last item into the house. Happy New Year! At least we were in by the time the ball dropped. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsox5zhpII/AAAAAAAAIxQ/e-lsqnnhhfE/s1600/kitchen+preboxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsox5zhpII/AAAAAAAAIxQ/e-lsqnnhhfE/s320/kitchen+preboxes.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the weekend, I organized the kitchen... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSso1TukEaI/AAAAAAAAIxU/gIyQURCRuW0/s1600/new+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSso1TukEaI/AAAAAAAAIxU/gIyQURCRuW0/s320/new+rug.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and we bought a new rug for the family room. </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">We settled in as much as possible and then my class started up on Monday. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And then moving day came. A big snow storm was expected. The Dad had it all cleaned off before they got here, but it kept coming down! So apparently movers also shovel driveways... </div><br />
So with the heat off, I sat at the kitchen counter as they brought in box after box after box.<br />
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I'm going to do some reading for my class and save the rest of the pictures for tomorrow. I have the bonus room for my office/study area and The Card Castle. Getting all this set up should be interesting... at least to me. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsoutAwg9I/AAAAAAAAIxM/qbPVtlMi5mY/s1600/IMG_2273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vi5jE8-QemY/TSsoutAwg9I/AAAAAAAAIxM/qbPVtlMi5mY/s320/IMG_2273.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here is where I sat... </td></tr>
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Happy New Year! Choosing JOY, Jacki!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm looking forward to the Hydrangeas! </td></tr>
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