Foodie Fiction Love

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I prescribe to the 8-year old theory postulated by Ms. Alison Lee of Craftcast fame. I don't actually know if this theory is her brainchild or not - but it's excellent. My own interpretation of this theory is that if you want to connect with what you truly love - think back to when you were in second or third grade and you'll find some really great clues.  This idea has worked great for me when it comes to connecting with what I REALLY love.  When I look back on those times, I base my age on where my family lived. We hoped around our town a few times when I was in elementary school - so second and third grade are pretty clear.

Between first and second grade, I visited the classroom of my sister's godmother and found those old school SRA cards and was immediately sucked in. I wanted to read all of them. When I entered the second grade, I remember begging my favorite teacher of all time to let me read those cards - not realizing at the time that they weren't specifically geared for me. She finally gave in...but I had sort of moved on. I think this is around the time I was reading the Ramona books. I loved this year - this class. Coincidentally, it's also the year I remember feeling inferior at coloring and art. I envied the artistic abilities of some of my classmates. And being a little perfectionistic - I wrote myself off as ever being any kind of artist...a longer story for another day

In third grade, my class studied China and I loved everything about this year long project. We did tons of reading, researching, coloring, etc. My teacher made the whole subject come to life. I loved it. I remember the school library and loving the books there. And then there was the bookmobile. Over the summer, my sister, cousin and I would bike down to the local park and borrow books from the traveling library known as the bookmobile. That place was heaven...basically a food truck for bibliophiles. And I definitely was a bibliophile.  BTW: I've put a picture of a supercool bookmobile at the top of this post.  This was NOT my bookmobile.  I wish - it's quite cool. 

Twenty eight years later and I'm still in love with books. I could go into it more - but this post is already getting quite long and after three long paragraphs, it might just be time to get to the point. As time goes on, our passions and interests evolve. It's a natural progression of things. I find that my reading is often filled with what I'm loving in my real life - cupcakes, scrapbooking, books, art, etc. So it comes as no surprise that my newest love is foodie fiction.

I'm currently reading this...

I'm absolutely loving this book. Prior to this book, I read The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister. Loved it. Previous to that, I read From the Kitchen of Half Truth by Maria Goodin. Loved it too.  I can't wait to read The Lost Art of Mixing, Erica Bauermeister's follow-up to her previous novel (listed above). I've definitely fell down the rabbit hole and want to read and see more of this hybrid genre.  I've found a number of resources on Foodie Fiction and other possible reads. So excited.  I also have a lot of books on my Kindle and Nook apps ripe for the taking or reading as it may be.

It's a funny thing really. I wouldn't consider myself a foodie - although I do love food. I spend most of my money on books and craft supplies so there isn't much left over for extravagant meals. I call myself a cupcake connoisseur, but that will all be changing very soon. It has come as a little bit of a surprise that I love this sub-genre of fiction as much as I do. There's just something about these books that make me happy. Maybe because food is such a sensual experience? I just know that it's my new obsession. I plan on keeping everyone posted on my reading exploits in the fictional foodie world as time passes. Can't wait to read more.

Today I have plans to get a few errands done, eat at least two meals, drink lots of water, and stay dry.  We've got a path of strong storms traveling towards my area.  Praying that everyone stays safe.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to do some crafting and reading.  I have some cards to make for gifts to a very helpful friend.   I bought those stamps from Monday's post yesterday.   I'm a hot mess.  I have the impulse control of a gnat.  Anyhoo...I hope everyone is having a great day. Congrats on making it this far down - rather wordy I was today. :) Until then...

The Curse of the Ereader

There was a time, just a few years ago, when anyone would ever bring up the idea of an electronic reader, I would raise my hands to the heavens and shake them violently and swear I would never, ever, ever give up my books. I loved the feel of their pages. I loved their smell. I loved running my hands across their spines as I walked in the bookstore or the library, preferably the bookstore. I didn't like the idea of old books, but I loved the idea of new ones.

And now...in 2013...I've completely flipped to the dark side. I prefer the feel of my iPad in my hand. I prefer NOT to feel the thickness of a long book, it seems foreboding and overwhelming in so many ways. And I will duplicate books for their electronic versions for the smallest reasons: for old yellowing pages, for fonts I don't like, for large books that are clunky and difficult to hold as you fall asleep. I have completely embraced the idea of the ebook and in some ways it disappoints me.

I still love my magazines and I still love my craft books but even those are going by the wayside as PagePerfect and electronic magazines are taking over. And I wonder if I'll miss those days when I walked through the bookstore with my hands running against their spines or if thirty years from now I'll be explaining to my great nieces and nephews how there was a time when you bought books in a real store and you opened them and turned their pages - that you didn't swipe a screen. I wonder, and it makes me hope...that...someday, my great love for the written word in my hands on real paper will return and the immediacy and the ease of the ebook will be less important...and then I realize there is goodness in both. Until then...Happy Reading!

10 Book Quotes on the 10th

Although this year is shaping up to be the year of scrapping and really not reading. I still wanted to share these quotes from some of my favorite books last year. I tried not to include any spoilers despite one quote that cracks me up from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - actually two quotes. Nevertheless I restrained myself and came up with these ten. I hope you enjoy. Until then...

1. “What are you going to do with your life?" In one way or another it seemed that people had been asking her this forever; teachers, her parents, friends at three in the morning, but the question had never seemed this pressing and still she was no nearer an answer... "Live each day as if it's your last', that was the conventional advice, but really, who had the energy for that? What if it rained or you felt a bit glandy? It just wasn't practical. Better by far to be good and courageous and bold and to make difference. Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you. Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance.”
― David Nicholls, One Day

2. “That's the thing about pain...it demands to be felt.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

3. “You are so busy being YOU that you have no idea how utterly unprecedented you are.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

4. "What a slut time is. She screws everybody.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

5. "You are so busy being YOU that you have no idea how utterly unprecedented you are.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

6. “We think, in some ways, we have all done this our whole lives, searching for the book that will give us the keys to ourselves, let us into a wholly formed personality as though it were a furnished room to let. As though we could walk in and look around and say to the gray-haired landlady behind us, "We'll take it.”
― Eleanor Brown, The Weird Sisters

7. “You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows that they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.”
― Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus

8. "Even under the best of circumstances, there's just something so damn tragic about growing up.”
― Jonathan Tropper, This Is Where I Leave You

9. “I think that if I ever have kids, and they are upset, I won’t tell them that people are starving in China or anything like that because it wouldn’t change the fact that they were upset. And even if somebody else has it much worse, that doesn’t really change the fact that you have what you have. Good and bad. ..Maybe it’s good to put things in perspective, but sometimes, I think that the only perspective is to really be there. Because it’s okay to feel things. And be who you are about them.”
― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

10. “Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there's a tomorrow. Maybe for you there's one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through you fingers. So much time you can waste it.
But for some of us there's only today. And the truth is, you never really know.”
― Lauren Oliver, Before I Fall

Reading Love

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Meet the newest member of my book family.  I had a great coupon from my local book chain and it could be the coolest thing I've ever bought.  As you can tell by the title - there is nothing high brow about this book.  It's not meant to teach you how to draw figures.  It's meant to teach you how to let go and have fun.  It's meant to teach you to connect with your childhood self - the one that didn't give an eff about perfection or greatness.  For me - I have to go way back to connect with that girl....way, way back.  But she's in here somewhere.  It's nice to see little glimpses of her.  So without further ado...my first two assignments.

If you're wondering...I used my non-dominant hand to draw these birds.  They mostly look angry and suspicious if you ask me.  Great exercise.  I love it.

Next up, I was drawing birds upside down and man alive was that an experience.  I actually like them a lot from this angle - but was even more surprised when I turned the page right side up.  I made birds.  They're huge.  Some of them look a little like silly mutants, but who the eff cares...I drew birds!

So there it is for today.  A little bit of reading mixed up with a lot of new crafting experiences.  I can't wait to do more.  The next exercise seems super hard - but I'm game.  It's supposed to be silly and different.  Gotta love that.  I hope everyone has a lovely Tuesday.  It's my last day of vacation.  I plan on laying around with my banshee kitty, getting silly with it, and making a layout of the boy with inspiration from the title of this book.  Have I mentioned how it's helping me so much.  Thank you Carla Sonheim.  Anyhoo...again, I hope everyone has a great day.  Until then...

I Feel A Breakthrough Coming....

Updated on August 6, 2012: I removed this post for a few days after reading this article.  I was quite disappointed by the news - and removed the post immediately.  However, after taking a few days to think about it - I think it needs to stay.  It meant something to me at the time and it still does despite the controversy surrounding it's publishing.  The book is no longer available - but this is still part of my story.  So...I've returned it to the blog with the complete understanding of the questions surrounding the book's accuracy.  I say all this just to say it's a part of my story and it's the story that matters.

I'm sitting in my local Starbucks looking over my highlights and notes from the book Imagine by Jonah Lehrer. I feel so literary and productive sitting on my iPad writing this post. Frankly its a good thing I'm feeling slightly up because I can't decide if I've been temporarily paralyzed or am in the process of one of the greatest personal creative breakthroughs yet.

As you might remember, I read the above book for a podcast and loved it. With my dwindling creative energy, I decided to take a second look at this book before beating my head against the wall hoping for some creative insight. I found this quote.

"Before we can find the answer - before we probably even know the question - we must be immersed in disappointment, convinced that a solution is beyond our reach. We need to have wrestled with the problem and lost (Lehrer, page 6 - Kindle)."

Holy cow was this an eye opener. I am in this stage right now in so many areas of my life. This has been the point where I've always given up in the past. It's the point where I've let in the "nots" and called it quits. No one talks about this part of the process! No one says you feel like you're at the gates of hell before the light appears. No one talks about the suck fest that is the down cycle of creativity - life in general. It reminds me of that moment on "Friends" when Monica and Chandler realize relationships don't last if you give up after every fight.

These thirty seven words gave me hope. So a big thank you to Mr. Jonah Lehrer and the overwhelming disappointment and gloom that's getting me to the next level creatively. Let's hope it's real for me and you (as it may be). So here's to a little creative suckage on a melting Monday (it was 94 degrees at 10:00). I hope u have a wonderful, cool day in your little space of the world. Until then... (originally posted on 7/23/2012).

Reading Pledge 2012 Update

I know it must seem like the bulk of the time I spend on this blog is book related - at least recently.  I would give excuses but it's part of my personal project to get back to the things I love most.  I'm right on time with my pledge at this point and am in the process of reading two books.  I've made it a habit this year to have at least one fiction book and one non-fiction and/or creative book in progress at any given time.  It's been working out pretty well and I'm loving it. It's nice to be reading more again.  So what's going on now...

Like many avid readers, I have jumped on the Fifty Shades trilogy band wagon.  I'm about two-thirds of the way through the final book and I'm really feeling the need to disembark or throw up in my mouth a little bit.  Really, I'm pretty fed up with the mind-blowing sex with the tragically naive, beautiful (and she doesn't even know it) girl.  I'll finish the trilogy.  I've put in the time but it's really pissing me off right now.  I think I'm going on my third week of not reading this book - wasted time indeed. If I had the physical book I would have tossed it across the room on several occasions.  Unfortunately this is not possible with the ereader.  One strike in its favor I tell you.  Who knew almost 1000 pages of reading about the hot, damaged guy in love with the innocent, vulnerable girl could make me start looking for sharp objects?

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Moving on...I started reading Imagine by Jonah Lehrer in preparation for the upcoming podcast on Paperclipping Roundtable.  I've had the book for a while and am LOVING it.  It has a similar tone to the lovely works of Mr. Malcolm Gladwell.  His books are little bursts of knowledge and I just soak it up like a sponge.  Loving the opportunity to read about creativity and imagination.  Loving the opportunity to become acquainted with another amazing non-fiction writer.  I also am enjoying my time away from the red room of pain.  Reading Fifty Shades is turning into my red room of pain.  I exaggerate...slightly.

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So that's it for today.  If you're interested in joining in on the book club read for the podcast, hop on over to the Paperclipping blog.  The podcast panelists are all reading the book and will include the regulars (Noell, Nancy, and Izzy), Ali Edwards and Stacy Julian.  I cannot wait.  They will be taping the episode next week.  Yay!  


Today: I plan on writing my summer manifesto inspired by Ms. Ali Edwards.  I'm only running a few weeks late.  I also plan on coloring more than ONE image today.  I have exactly 16 days to finish 55 cards - which roughly evens out to three to four cards per day.  I also plan on treating myself to a big cup of coffee, blueberry muffin, and possibly finishing at least one book.  Hope everyone's having a lovely Tuesday.  Until then...


P.S. For those of you that LOVE the trilogy - you know who you are - I'd like to apologize for my remarks.  I hope this doesn't take away from your own reading experience.  Please don't let my views deter you from reading the books either,  remember you're dealing with a girl who pinned this and is wondering if she can make a sign for when she leaves the house.  Nutcake, indeed. 

Reading Loves and Slumps

It's that time of year - the time when I switch books mercilessly looking for the "perfect" fit.  The time when I buy tons of things looking for the holy grail.  This is the time when I worry I might never find another good book again.  I search for the answer to my slump - words to reignite my love for reading.  The great truth is...there is no "perfect" fit at this time of year.  While spring represents an amazing rebirth - it in no way relates to my reading or creative life.  So - I'm still here searching while doing my best to remember this is part of my process.  There is no need to scream to the heavens or take up book burning as a new hobby.  My reading love will return...someday.  My current victim (or book) is this beauty right here...

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I have the feeling it's a great book.  It's just not the right time.  I enjoy every moment I read it - but have no drive to pick it back up.  This is a key slump indicator at this time of the year.  At other times of the year it's an indicator I might be reading a lemon - but not now.  Sometimes I wonder if this is not the time to be reading potentially great reads.  I don't know if my mind will ever see books at this time as truly great.  There is definitely a high statistical improbability of finding any kind of page turner at this point in my reading cycle.  I was reading this - and put it on hold.  It's definitely not a fourth quarter read.  It's going on the summer book list.  I can't wait until summer.  Summer is the time when my blogging and reading life blossoms.  If I could only bottle that lovely goodness year round.  If only...

I hope everyone has had a lovely Tuesday filled with great reads.  Until then...

My 10 Favorite Books on the 10th

It started out hard - coming up with 10 of my favorite books and then I realized I needed categories: fiction, non-fiction, creative/crafts, etc...and then the big questions started coming.  Do I need to separate children from adult fiction?  Where does YA fit in? Someone help me I have eleven books!!!  Which begged the question - am I making this harder than it needs to be?  Of course I am...so here we go...

My Top 10 Favorite Fiction Books - Adult & YA

1. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving- I read this book in high school and fell in love with it and all things John Irving at the time.  While my love for John Irving has evolved, my love for this book has not - it is still as pure as the first time I read it.  I'm listening to it now on audio and finding it to be a perfect delight.

2. Unless by Carol Shields - I have only read one book by Carol Shields and it was her last.  It is beautiful in a way defying description.  I remember feeling like I was in the main character's head - living her life.  I felt a true kinship with her.  It's a reading experience I really treasure.

3. Probable Future by Alice Hoffman - I love a book with a little magical realism or in this case A LOT.  Alice Hoffman introduced me to magical realism with this outstanding book.  This sub-genre has led me to other great authors like Sarah Addison Allen.  It's absolutely fantastic.  Another book I've listened to on audio.

4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - It was required 11th grade reading and possibly the only required reading book I read in high school besides Wuthering Heights.  While I regret every single solitary moment I spent with Emily Bronte', I will always treasure the time I spent with Atticus, Scout, Jem and Boo.  One of the few books I've read twice.  I re-read it last year when I started to wonder if I was idolizing it in my mind without really remembering the plot.  My suspicions turned out to be partially true - still it makes the top five.  It's fantastic.

5. Looking for Alaska by John Green - I would bow at this man's feet if it wasn't one of the highest forms of blasphemy.  I try and read every word he writes.  I'm currently in the process of reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson.  I find him to be remarkably talented.  I loved this book more than words.

6. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - Anderson tackles an unspeakable tragedy with such gentle rawness it's almost too beautiful to describe.  I shutter at what the Twilight series could have been in her hands.  She is an outstanding writer.

7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - This man uses words like Michael Jordan played basketball at the height of his career.  This book is both hysterical and heartbreaking.  I have so many passages highlighted on my Kindle.  It makes me believe in the beauty of the written word.

8. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - I loved this book.  It's another book with a magical realism thread weaving through it.  It's also another book I've listened to on a long drive.  It's amazing in every way.  However, skip the movie.  Eric Bana is beyond reckoning hot - but the book is so much better.

9. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield - I read this book prior to reading the final Harry Potter book.  It's a book about sisterhood and twins.  It's unsettling and a little creepy.  However, the mixture of having a close sister and the experience of reading the last installment of the Harry Potter series, with the Weasley Twins being so prominent, really altered the way I feel about this book.  It's one of the few in my top ten where my life circumstances and other readings have woven together with my overall experience with a book.

10. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver  - A really beautiful book about a teenage girl's last day of life and her chances to make things right.  Another book requiring a mass of tissues.  Love it so much.

I'm sitting here feeling a little insignificant and completely overwhelmed by the inadequacy of my words in relation to this list of books.  Reading is my first love.  These ten books are a big part of that.  They reflect almost 20 years of reading.  I'm unsure I can do them any justice.  I feel beyond blessed to have had the privilege to read every last one of them and so many more.  They are a part of my soul.  Until then...

First and Foremost...I'm a Reader

It seems strange to write or even think this...but I can't remember a time I could not read.  I cannot remember a time when I didn't love reading to my very core.  I can remember times when I've had slumps and believed without a shred of doubt I will never find another good book to read again.  Fortunately, the heavens open and my higher being takes pity on my book slump and sends me something precious.  It doesn't happen often...but it's happened twice in the last month and I just have to share.  So without further ado...two books that will be a definite fixture on my top 10 book list.

This book has a very interesting point of view.  The author uses the first person objective point of view in a completely fresh way - there is no use of the word "I" - it is only "we."  "We" as in the three sisters making one whole person.  Having sisters myself - I understand the notion that three parts can make one whole even when each part is it's own individual being.  The three protagonists in this book are self-proclaimed failures.  They all return home due to their mother's illness in varying states of disrepair.  I will not give away a single other plot point except to say this book is utterly divine.  The point of view is somewhat awkward at first - due to it's infrequent usage in MY book world - but it's well worth every sentence and moment spent.  It made me appreciate my siblings in a way I haven't for a very long time.  Now on to the next lovely...

This is John Green's second book on my top ten list and I think it's better than the first, Looking for Alaska.  There are some naysayers out there that believe the plot is formulaic and predictable and I am DEFINITELY not one of them.  I love this book.  It is hysterical.  It is also sad in a way my own simple words cannot express.  I will not allow any spoilers to escape my lips or fingers - just buy it.  If you don't like it...then read it again because something is SERIOUSLY WRONG.  Just kidding (sort of)!  

So there you have it.  Two amazing books keeping my 52 book pledge going along well - although I believe I'm two books behind.  I love how Goodreads feels the need to inform me of that each time I go into update my profile.  I often want to yell "suck it" at the screen.  I'll get there - don't rush me.  For those of you wondering about my top ten - it'll be on a future reading post.  I hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday with their nose in a very good book.  Happy Reading!  Until then...  

Making Space for My So-Called Crafty Life

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I got this book last week after ordering her first book online - Page After Page a few months ago.  Please note: I haven't read the first book as of yet - but liked some articles on writing she has published.  So I started this little gem (book above) last night and was struck by one theme - making time for the things that matter.  Heather (have you ever noticed I'm on a first name basis with EVERYONE) talks about taking things away in order to develop and maintain a meaningful writing practice.  She discusses giving up television, hobbies, movies, etc.  She suggests making a list of all the things you do and identify the items on your must list (meaning you absolutely cannot live without it - think breathing).  It got me thinking about three major things...

• Blogging - How do I make space in my life for this blog of mine in the form I envision?
• Crafting - Is my heart still in it or is it something I can or should take a break from for a while?
• Writing - Is this something on my heart?  Do I want to pursue this curious part of myself or do I just like the idea of being a writer?

Then I started panicking about the smaller things like - what television shows will I give up?  Will I have to stop going to movies?  Will I need to give up my afternoon nap?  Do I have or want to use three years to develop any kind of practice in my life let alone reading 100 books and doing a LOT of writing, research, and note taking.  I guess in the end it brings us back to the beginning.  What matters most?  What parts of my life do I want to cultivate/blossom into something more?  What do I want to use to nourish my soul?  Heavy stuff, I think...But well worth the effort.  So that's me this Sunday....putting off cleaning by thinking.  I am so cognitive (wink,wink).  

Today: pick up laundry, pick up lunch, get a Vanilla Cupcake cappuccino (a much less expensive coffee fix than Starbucks), and make some cards.  If I'm really ambitious I might get my rear end in gear on my art journal page for the week.  Let's see if this girl makes it.  I hope everyone has a lovely Sunday.  Until then...

10 Things

March is a big month around these parts.  There are three rockin' birthdays - me, my sis, and Tonks (our beastly mascot).  It marks the month of state tests, the beautiful beginnings of the 4th quarter at school, and the hope of spring.  I'm going to be honest - March 2011 blew...hard.  I know this March will be so much better. So this March - I'm so happy to start a new monthly feature (10 things on the 10th).  So without further ado...

1. PinterestGate - I am so confused by the variety of posts and information on responsible pinning, copyright infringement, and don't even get me started on their terms of use.  At this point - I've had a hard time navigating this issue.  Fortunately, I found this great article from Steph at Daily Digi and have some big decisions to make.  I'm seriously considering deleting my boards and starting over or going through the almost 5000 pins individually.  Why?  I want to be absolutely sure that everything has been pinned properly.  While I'm definitely not willing to give up my pinboards and what I find to be a great source of inspiration - I WILL do it in a responsible manner.  I'm just so glad that someone has finally put out something on how to positively use the site!  Woot, Woot!

2. Pan-Pastels - I went out and bought 13 colors and a variety of sponges last week to start using on my art journal.  If only having the products in your stash made you an art journaler, I'd be teaching classes in Italy by now.  Must have confidence and compassion towards my art journal beginnings.

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3. Perfection is for the birds...I have this absolute, terrifying need to do things perfectly in a few areas of my life.  I want to be the best scrapbooker.  I want to be an informed, compassionate employee.  I want to be a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, etc.  I want to be able to paint like Flora Bowley and art journal like Dina Wakely.  I'm not that way with my home, style, or body - but I will beat myself up over the other things.  I want to let go - to embrace imperfection.  I've read the works of Brene' Brown.  I've watched the presentations and listened to the podcasts.  I wish I could get it to stick.  I wish I could drink the Kool-aide.  I need to learn to be compassionate with MYSELF.  It's the only thing that matters.

4. Feature blogging has seriously been on my mind lately.  I'm heavily considering starting some feature weeks on the blog.  If you're wondering what that means - I'm actually still trying to get it worked out for myself.  You'll know more as things take shape around here.  I know I'm not an authority on art or crafts - but I can share my own experience as it relates to some interesting topics.  I'm hoping I enjoy this new direction.

5. I've read two fantastic books this month.  I cannot adequately articulate the feeling of contentment and intense joy I get from a wonderful book run.  One great book is a joy - but two, three, four in a row is a blessing.  These two books are going in my top 10 - possibly even five.  I need to clear my head a little and rank my favorites.  Please click on images to go to original source.  

       

6. Maple Bacon cupcakes.  I have two in my freezer as we speak.  They are from my local cupcake bakery and are utterly divine.  I've been interested in the idea of a bacon cupcake for quite some time and was not disappointed.  My local bakery has specials each month so these babies were no longer offered after the 5th of March thus the necessity of the freezer.  So happy to have two more whenever I want...

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7. Freezing cupcakes.  The girls of Georgetown Cupcake gave me an invaluable lesson in their book, The Cupcake Diaries.  Do not put your cupcakes in the refrigerator - it sucks out the moisture thereby creating a dry cupcake.  Dry cupcakes are not acceptable in this house.  Freezing the cupcakes allows for the moisture to be reincorporated in the defrosting process.  I've already tried it on two cupcakes and I'm afraid to say one was more moist than the day I usually buy it from the bakery.  Three cheers for the girls of Georgetown Cupcake.

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8. The Follow Your Heart Line by Rhonna Farrer for My Mind's Eye is rocking my world.  I can't get enough of it.  It is single-handedly responsible for kickstarting my scrapbooking yet again.  So happy with this line.

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9. I started yet another class - Finding Your Inspiration Station by Amy Kingsford.  So far...I'm pretty much loving it.  I will jump on any opportunity to find and use inspiration in a way that strengthens my own personal style.  So excited.  My first online class was on March 6th.  Lots of really great content in the first week.  

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10. Writing my first ten things post and loving it.  This was definitely a spontaneous post.  No forward planning around here.  Next month will be a little different.  However, there's something to be said for blogging the 10 things that matter to you at 9:00 AM on the 10th of the month.  

So there you have it - 10 things on the tenth at almost 10:00 AM in the morning.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday.  I will be spending mine getting some good coffee, clean laundry, reading, planning, writing, responsibly pinning, and with a little luck...crafting.  Until then... 

BTW: Double arm pump for Shimelle Laine - my inspiration for 10 things on the tenth.

Just One More Thing

When I was watching the Tim Holtz demo from Paperclipping - I was so focused on my love for the markers that I completely neglected the potential yumminess of Ranger's new paper formulated for stampers.  As a stamper that in the past has cussed profusely when the image isn't exactly how I want - the idea of a paper that could not only be easier to stamp on but also give a cleaner, more precise impression is definitely glee worthy.  Frankly, I can't believe it took me FIVE days to talk about it.  I'm so excited at just the thought....

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There are 10 pages in a pack and the price point is a little steep at $7.99.  Frankly - if the paper works the way they say it does here - it'll be worth it's weight in gold.  I waste TONS of paper trying to get a good impression.  Sheesh - I'm getting frustrated just writing about it!

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And just one more other thing.  Tim has a new book out!!!! I have the first volume and it is packed with cool techniques.  I cannot wait to see what techniques and creative goodness he's bringing to the table in this new volume.  Tim is offering signed copies of his newest book on his site here.

So there it is...just one more thing.  Oh yeah, and just one more OTHER thing.  I'm a hot mess.  I think that's it for CHA Week (one month late I might add) - but let's be honest - I could add "one more thing" at anytime.  I hope everyone has a lovely Friday.  Until then...

Honorable Mentions with a Touch of Confusion

I almost called this post six sticks and an eff you but decided against it as it was originally slated to be my honorable mentions CHA post. And we'll get there, I just need to have a slight melt down. I have a chronic illness. I've had it for 15 years and I won't get into specifics. It does require me to take a fist full of meds daily and an infusion every six weeks. No big deal. It is what it is, right? Then the day comes when you get stuck six times for one effing treatment. Four of the sweetest nurses on the planet work for more than an hour to finally get the IV into the mother effing vein they started with - the only one that works. The one I told each and every last one of them - is the only that works.  And it's in these moments, I want to tell the universe to suck it. I know it could be worse, that's what people always say. And trust me - I want to kick them in the face when they say it.  Because let's be honest, it could also be nothing. So I'm sitting here in my doctor's office, finally hooked up to my medicine, blogging to keep from screaming cuz this is for the friggin' birds. Rant officially over. Now on to the festivities...

The following list represents a few more products I'm jonseing over from the CHA show. They didn't make my top ten but I love them just the same.

Faber Castell Gift Caddy

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The price point on this beauty is a little steep at $349.99. However, that's never stopped this girl before. To say I need this would be both histrionic and a complete understatement. I wish it was my consolation prize for being stuck SIX times.  Alas, there is no such prize.

Christy Tomlinson Stamps by Unity

SHE was a daughter Unity Stamp by Christy Tomlinson: Source Image

She Leaped Unity Stamp by Christy Tomlinson: Source Image

After taking both She Art classes and making precisely one piece of subpar art -  it seems somewhat silly to buy these stamps - but my obsession with all things crafty does not have to make sense.  Not to mention - the stamps are gorgeous and everything I wish I could do with what often seems like my own "feeble" art abilities.  Be sure to check out her other stamps here, she definitely has some great variety for those mixed-media lovers out there.  

Melt Art Texture Treads by Ranger Ink

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I can't for the life of me figure out how the heck these things work - but I'm excited just the same. Let's be clear I'm also quite confused - but I'm more than happy to make them a permanent part of my stash.  Can anyone say SGDB (Single Girl Desperately in need of Budget)?   I can assure you no one in this house has the slightest clue.  For a better idea of how these babies work, check out this example on Ranger's blog and their press release.  Don't be fooled - this girl is still stumped.

So believe it or not - that's it for now.  Thanks for letting me vent.  I know it's a small thing in the scheme of things - one IV every six weeks - but it feels good to release a little tension here and there.  And so I leave you with the words of John Green from The Fault in Our Stars, pg. 112, published by Dutton Books - An imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. (2012)...

"What a slut time is.  She screws everybody."

This author single-handedly with the art of prose made my day so much brighter.  I was laughing openly without any sense of shame. It's a great thing to find the funny when you're feeling royally screwed.  By the way - go out and get that book now (after reading the summary pretty please).  I'm not done quite yet - but the first half is more than worth it.  I have a reading post planned for later this week and possibly another CHA related post.  We'll see.  I hope Wednesday finds you well and stick free.  Until then...

2011 Year in Review: 11 Favorite Blogposts

I am so inspired by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer.  I think she's an overall wonderful person and am amazed at her self-taught creativity.  So in her honor - I am "lifting" an idea from her blog.  These are my 11 favorite posts from 2011!

These posts are in chronological year...

March 27, 2011: Finding Your Way

In this post, I discuss how Karen Grunberg's Finding Your Way class impacted the way I scrapbook.  I absolutely loved this class.  I'm not sure if this favorite has more to do with the class or the post.  Who knows?

March 29, 2011: I Need a Little Magic

This post reflects a very low time for me emotionally.  I love the quote and the reawakening that followed.

June 28, 2011: It's Been a Long Time, I Shouldn't Have Left You...

This post marked the beginning of my summer reading pledge.  I read a lot of great books over the next six to seven weeks - it definitely reflects a move in the right direction in terms of getting back to the basics of what I love.

June 29, 2011: A Metaphorical Smack to the Head

While my Dad was here visiting and helping me put back the broken egg shells I called my life - he turned me on to one of my favorite shows hands down - NCIS.  This post has been one of my most popular - clearly a mistake.  I love it - love my Dad - love the show.

July 28, 2011: Process of a Page - CHA Madness Day #4

This post definitely was a low point in terms of my photo abilities.  I believe my battery was out on my digital camera.  However, it marks my first process of a page post.  It's something I want to commit to doing more often in 2012.  I'm very proud of the outcome and content - despite the lousy pictures.

August 4, 2011: Do You Believe in Magic

I think I've done a pretty decent job of keeping my private life separate from this blog.  However, when it comes to anxiety and depression I think it's important to be honest about the journey.  I hope I've been honest with my struggles while maintaining my privacy and self-respect.

August 18, 2011: Simple Gifts - Process of a Project

Another stepped out project post.  I love the bird.  I love the finished project.  And...I absolutely love the person that received this little gift of mine.

August 20, 2011: ISFP

I loved this post inspired by one of my favorite podcasts.  I was completely surprised by my results in some areas.  I also gave an update on my reading pledge and posted this quote - which I think is worthy of acknowledging here yet again...

"Live each day as it's your last,' that was the conventional advice, but really, who had the energy for that?  What if it rained or you felt a bit glandy? It just wasn't practical.  Better by far to simply try and be good and courageous and bold and to make a difference.  Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you.  Go out there with your passion and your electric typewriter and work hard at...something.  Change lives through art maybe.  Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well.  Experience new things.  Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance."

Nicholls, David.  (2009).  One Day.  New York, NY: Vintage Books.

September 17, 2011: Quote Love, Confessions, and High Anxiety

This post is about quotes, books, and my continuing struggles with maintaining my health.  It also marks my love affair with Kate Atkinson - which was cemented when I finished the book above.

October 4, 2011: Movie Mania

I loved this movie - loved the post.  I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt.  I also like my attempts to be funny.

November 12, 2011: Continuum: Am I Spelling that Right?

This posts reminds me of how much I love my new placement in my job.  It also reminds me of how I will move to mixed-media this year.  It's a must.

I hope you've enjoyed my favorite posts of the year.  For the sources on each image, please click on the link to the original post.  Also - I really recommend taking the time to read Julie's post - it's amazing.  I hope to have a few more Year in Review Posts this week.  I know I should have done it last week - but that's just not how life works sometimes.  Here's hoping you are still having a wonderful day!  I have at least one more post planned today - so see you on the flip side very, very soon!  Until then...