February Ephemera Freebie

I love February - it's a short month, I can forget about all the January pressure to make everything over, it's the last real month of winter (or so I tell myself), and Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

In keeping with that romantic sentiment - here is another vintage freebie ~ make something romantic and enjoy - please share if you're feeling brave - I'd love to see what you've made!

Now where did I put my bliss.....?

Every January we are bombarded by messages encouraging us to revamp, reorganize and reprioritize. The television talk show circuit is rife with professionals ready to help overhaul our finances, personal appearance, home, health, life. I'm compelled to make lists, read magazine articles, listen to the experts. Now, there is the added pressure of finding bliss. Bliss is a word I just can't wrap my head around. What are they talking about? Like most women, I'm starting to stress about falling short in yet another category...... the “bliss” scale. In addition to the sudden urge to lose ten pounds, look ten years younger, or check ten things off my new daily online organizational calendar, something else keeps popping into my head.... How can I find my bliss if I can't even find my car keys!

There are hooks by the back door, a basket on the hall table, and a key chain bigger than the one for the restroom at the gas station. What's wrong with me? According to the experts, an invisible army of perfectly organized women exists with everything they need at their fingertips. Why can't I do all that stuff? Should I take more vitamins, make a duty roster for the kids and post it on the bathroom mirror, hire a personal trainer? I'm starting to feel panicky. I put my coat on and slip my hand into the pocket and find bliss at that moment. The realization hits me: our bills get paid, the kids are happy, there's food on the table, a roof over our heads, and we love each other. This past year was challenging for my family in almost every way possible, but we pulled together and persevered. My bliss is, I'm still here, so is my family, and I'm holding my car keys. I have to run, I'm late for a makeover at the beauty shop.

January 20, 2009

My husband and our oldest daughter are together today in the nation's capital. Early this morning, they woke and walked together to the Washington Monument and beyond, to participate in the making of history. I spoke with them early this afternoon. They are elated, emotional and a little exhausted but are sharing and making memories today that will last a lifetime.

I thought this particular piece of vintage ephemera appropriate, considering the occasion and it's celebratory nature. It's this month's freebie - so please send me a photo if you are inspired by it to be creative.

Pace سلام שלום Hasîtî शान्ति Barış ...... Peace.

MACM - Button Heart Valentine's Day Card

I think this is a great card idea ~ especially after the holidays. I always end up with a box of those little "extra button" envelopes - mostly white and clear - which would look great on red, pink or purple cardstock. I do think you could send it through the mail - however, I would wrap it in tissue/bubble wrap and send in a padded envelope. More like a little gift? You could rubber stamp a heart in a darker or contrasting ink and mount the buttons on top - eliminating the need to sketch your heart or erase pencil marks (that would drive me nuts).

Do a miniature version of this and make a beautiful gift tag with tiny white dress shirt buttons (raid your husband's closet and remove the extras from the lower inside front tail of his shirt ~ the price is right and tucking the shirt in will be less bulky!).

Or if you've been really ambitious and have cleaned your closet to make room for the new things received over the holidays ~ some of those "throw away" items of clothing probably have some great buttons on them!

Dexter Gordon: Montmartre, Copenhagen, 1971

"Saucy Joanie"

Another great piece of ephemera....reminds me of Lady Joan. If you create something special with this beautiful old girl, please share it with me so I can forward it to Joan. ♥

Happy People Dancing on Planet Earth

Holidays making you feel a little blue ~ watch this video - I DARE you not to smile ~ get up and dance!

Ephemera ~ Harvard Girl in Winter

Wanted to share this image with you ~ for Emily ~ who is in Boston taking graduate classes at Harvard.....miss you and can't wait to see you at Christmas!

Finally Friday - Gifts Card/Tag (Two Peas In A Bucket)

Quick and easy ~ perfect for last minute wrap-ups when you've run out of tags. Also consider using pieces of the gift wrap to make the "boxes" ~ matchy, matchy, that's for me!

Snowman Soup

I found this on youTube today - looking for quick Christmas gift ideas for teachers and friends. I've seen the "reindeer food" version before - but I love the snowman soup. This video uses Stampin' Up products (I used to demo for them, too) but you could use any snowflake or snowman stamps with your own cardstock. Also, vintage imagery would be great as well. For the labels that say "freeze dried snowballs" you could print a label by hand to match, or use print your own label sheet on the computer. This looks so fast and easy - it would be a great project for kids to make. Super idea. I mean, there's chocolate in it right? Off to check my pantry for some freeze dried snowballs!

Snowman Soup Poem

Here is the "snowman soup" supply list and poem (for the posted video above) - it's listed on several Christmas crafting sites - with variations on how many chocolate kisses to include....more chocolate is better for me! More ideas: stocking stuffer, gift basket filler, 12 days of Christmas gift, Secret Santa present......I better get busy :) ♥

1 package hot chocolate mix
1-2 Hershey Kisses
10 mini-marshmallows
1 mini candy cane or cinnamon stick

Place in a small ziplock bag or in a new mug - or follow the instructions below.

Attach this poem:

"Was told you've been real good this year.

Always glad to hear it!

With freezing weather drawing near,

You'll need to warm the spirit.

So here's a little Snowman Soup

Complete with stirring stick.

Add hot water, sip it slow.

It's sure to do the trick!"

Thinking about Christmas

The leaves are all off the trees, and we've had more than one snowfall at my house (more coming next week). The kids already have their winter clothes, boots and sleds at the ready!

Is it just me or does Thanksgiving seem like a day of rest and lots of food to help us gain our strength for Christmas and the Holiday season? I can't believe I'm saying this because used to hate people who crowed, "I'm all done with my holiday shopping" - but "I'm done with my holiday shopping". I realize this is possible this year: 1.) because my youngest of 4 kids is in Kindergarten... 2.) I've really pared down the shopping list.... 3.) I hit a really great sale at The Christmas Tree Shop... 4.) I've been stashing gifts for the kids here and there as a make a little money from my eBay auctions. I may never be done with shopping this early ever again in my lifetime so this is my written proof. ♥ All that's left to do is the wrapping, baking and crafting. My three favorite things to do during the holidays. The hard part for me: getting all to the post office in time!

This vintage image is so inspiring to me- I have a shoebox full of old postcards from a nearby antique barn - I hope it inspires you to stay home, get cozy, and start your holiday crafting.

If you make something with this gorgeous blonde - I'd love to see it!

Vintage Imagery....Joanie on Holiday

I love this image - I've always called it "Joanie on Holiday". My dear mother-in-law Joan lives in Mijas Pueblo, Spain. She has suffered a stroke and seizure over the past weekend and is in hospital in Malaga. Feel free to copy and create something wonderful with this image. If you like what you've created, please share it with me so I can send it to Joanie. hugs and thanks ♥

....and the Winner of Blog Candy is.... ~ CazJN ~

CazJN - you are the winner of the Blogspot Candy Giveaway - please contact me with your email address - I want to make sure you get your goodies!

Happy Stamping! I'm off to practice my yakkity sax :)

Back on the Sax.....

I realize this is a crazy blogpost title, however, I wonder if I'm a little crazy lately myself. As you may have read in a previous post, I have taken out my tenor saxophone again. For those of you who knew me in my youth and are cheering me on - I appreciate your support (thanks, Margaret ♥). I am also grateful to my family for tolerating all the tooting.......

While I was mulling over whether or not I had any skills or chops left, searching on the internet led me to an intriguing website and forum: http://www.petethomas.co.uk/ and it's companion http://www.breakfastroom.co.uk/. After lurking in the forum group for a month or so, devouring all the posts about technical strides in mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures and which saxophones were considered the best - I've just posted my intro. Both are a fabulous resource for all things Saxophone. It was encouraging and inspiring to read the posts from men and women, younger and older and in between, who have been playing the sax for years and those at every age just beginning to play. Thanks, Pete ♥. Who is Pete Thomas? - click above and find out for yourself - and don't forget to check out his shopping links...Pete donates proceeds from sales to APEC, Leukaemia Busters and IMC Burma Cyclone Appeal.