Heading Picture

The picture in the Heading is, "Mme Renoir Reading", by Renoir. It isn't quite how I want it, but I've worked at it long enough. Hope your weekend is sunnier than mine--it's 68F, chilly, windy, and cloudy. Perfect day for reading, stamping, surfing (the net, that is!), catching some z's with the cats...

Smile! (Even if you're not on Candid Camera)

The next time you're out for a walk, take note of how many people you meet who are smiling. I've been doing that, and it astounds me that the vast majority of people are not only not smiling, many are actually frowning, and many of those go along with eyes glued to the ground. I don't feel dressed without a smile! We all have problems, days when we're down in spirits, days when it's actually painful to smile. Here's a fact; scientists (don't ask me to cite my source, but I did read it somewhere) have discovered that if we smile if we don't feel happy, our mood will soon change.

The reason? When we smile, endorphins are released, and endorphins give us a sense of well-being. Smiling is also contagious, so the next time you meet an unsmiling stranger, smile! You may just make someone's day.

The cards, "Lazy Afternoon," and "Red Sails in the Sunset," use a technique called CD Reflection. I found it on Java Judi's website. Here's the link: http://javajudi.typepad.com/javajudi/ When you get to JJ's site, scroll down almost to the bottom.

The photo card was done for the ink-spots June challenge; anything summery. This is me and Blackie.

Back from.....

I've been taking a break from card and ATC-making, so haven't been blogging, either. In fact, the "Java Jive" card is one I made in March of 2005. New ones to come, I promise!
Summer has finally arrived in Québec--the apartment pool opened last Saturday! There are several apartment buildings that share the pool, but very few people take advantage of it, which I certainly don't mind! It gives me the illusion of having my own luxurious spa.
I said summer has arrived; I should have said street repair season has arrived. Not just patch-the-hole repair, either. Nope, this is dig-up-the-whole-street-and-make-them-take-elaborate-detours repair. Of course, they don't work on side streets, only major thoroughfares. So quiet neighborhoods are suddenly not so quiet anymore, and have to put up with heavy traffic all summer. Oh, well, I've got the detours memorized now, and there's the pool to cool me off, and my balcony where the cats and I spend mornings comfortably reading and drinking iced coffee . No, silly, the cats don't drink coffee. Hmmmm! I think I hear an iced cappucino calling me right now. Have a great summer evening!

I'm Bugged & I Love It

The bug arrived yesterday--the Cuttlebug, that is, along with my first two embossing folders. Naturally, I just had to make a card with each right away. I've learned that it's not a good idea for me to make cards when I'm excited, because I glued the heart background on upside down, didn't realize it until it was scanned! Oh, well, at least it was a learning experience.

In case you can't tell, I love the bug! It's so easy to operate, and there are new dies and embossing folders out that I'm salivating over. (Hope that last isn't a "yeurk" factor for anyone.)

Thanks to Bren Hollohan for taking care of my purchase.

New ATCs continued

Blogger wouldn't let me post all the ATCs at once, so here are the rest. Except for the cat ATC, the images are by the artist/illustrator, Coles Phillips. He was famous for his "disappearing" ladies. As you can see, he achieved the effect through colour.

New ATCs

I've been making ATCs, and, to paraphrase Baby Bear when he found Goldilocks, "Here they are!"

New Art

Aren't you glad I'm back? Don't answer that. At least, I'm not comming back empty-handed. These were made for the weekly and monthly challenges on the ink-stains website.