Candy Clouds, Lullabies and Paper Flowers

Moving Day

2008-03-07T08:12:00.003-06:00

So, I finally did it! I gave Blogger the ol' hidey ho and have moooooved on! Come see my new digs Here!

See ya soon!!

Amanda

Just for Angie

2008-03-05T15:48:00.003-06:00

It appears as if I've been tagged!!! lol... Okay, Angie... this is just for you, cuz I love you so much, and I'm sorry your printer is being a meany.

Random facts about me:
1- I can't swim. Never learned. No desire too. As white as I am, I know that's hard to believe. I am terrified of water. My dad signed me up for lessons when I was 8 or so, and it was a nightmare. He gave in after 2 lessons.... sorry Daddy!

2- When I was 19 I worked for WRFX in Charlotte, NC~ a classic rock radio station. One day the program director realized that they hadn't given away a Korbel Champaign Hot Air Balloon ride like they were supposed to, so up in the balloon I went. We took off from behind Southpark Mall, and my dad followed me as far as he could on the ground in his truck. Very fun.

3- I am a music fiend. Most people know this about me, but some people don't. I can name nearly any song in the first 5 notes.... and most of the time artist and album too. It's an uncanny knack I have.

4- I am a closet Karaoke lover. Kind of goes along with the last fact. I just bought the American Idol Karaoke Revolution for the Wii... and I am having so much fun with it!! lol.... don't ask....

5- I can't stand olives or rye bread. I've even told people I'm allergic to get out of eating them. But... secretly... I'm not allergic. Ok... I SO just busted myself.

6- If I lived near a casino, I would have a gambling problem. I LOVE blackjack. Usually I'm pretty good at it. I'm glad I don't live near one.

7- My favorite time of day~ believe it or not, is waking my kids up for school during the week. Now, this may be hard to beleive because anyone who knows me knows that I am anything but a morning person. But, in the mornings~ when I get to wake them up...see their messy hair and those big first-thing-in-the-morning grins... that does it for me. Completely.

Okay... so I'm tagging...... MONICA....CATHERINE...PAULA....KRISTY....and HEATHER A!!!

Hugs,
Amanda

Catching Up

2008-03-05T15:31:00.003-06:00

Once again, life has interfered and kept me from updating the ol' blog. On a good note, I'm about to be done with BLOGGER. I'm in the process of setting up a new one over at Squarespace. I read Tiffany Tillman's blog, and it was so cute I couldn't resist. It's a bit more customizable, so I can't wait to get it up and going.

Yesterday I had the appointment with Dr. R, my wonderful cosmetic surgeon. The procedure I am having is actually quite a bit more expensive than we were planning on, so we may have to wait until September. Hopefully not, but we'll see. I am still sticking to Weight Watchers, though the urge to devour a hamburger in a single gulp has crossed my mind more than once. I've lost 10 lbs. so far. I can't really tell. But, the scale says I have, and I know it doesn't lie. It just reminds me of how far I have left to go. My spirits are high, though. And, I'm so completely excited about the surgery. After talking to Dr. R yesterday I am much more comfortable and less scared about the whole thing. And, when it's all said and done, I'll have a clean slate- a second chance, if you will. Goodness knows we all deserve a second chance.

Another exciting thing.... I'm in The Apprentice Challenge at LittleDreamerDesigns.com. I've made it to the second round. We'll find out if I've made it past there next week. I'm going to be on eggshells until then. I've learned a lot so far. And they've told me it's safe to post my kit here for all to see, so here it is... Please take a moment if you will to stop by the LittleDreamerDesigns.com gallery and leave me some love!

And, the way coolest thing ever.... THE PURPLEPAPERFLOWERS.COM GRAND OPENING STARTS FRIDAY AT 5PM!!! Yep. I'm a little bit excited about that. We have sooooo many fun new things going on over there. Make it a point to come by.

For now... I think that's it. I'm behind, as always, so I'm off to work again.

More soon~ Amanda

Nearly Friday

2008-02-28T16:48:00.002-06:00

It's been just a weird week. Kristy has been out of the office, and with my Mom visiting, it seems like everyone's schedule is a bit off. I'm in week #2 of Weight Watchers. Week 1 I lost 6 lbs. This week I'm having no trouble sticking with the program, but I'm struggling with it a little. I feel tired all the time. I hope this passes soon. I have way too much to do to be tired all the time.

Medical stuff keeps creeping up on us. My body must know it's nearly time for the surgery. Doctors visit after visit.... ugh. No fun. But, I'm not "sick", and that's the important thing. Somehow (knock on wood) we've all managed to miss this assortment of bugs and flus that have been going around.

I've decided to participate in the Apprentice Challenge at LittleDreamerDesigns. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. I figured that, since I've never had any formal design training, this might be a good thing. I'm curious at how well (or badly) I will do.

Today I saw a wonderful thing. I was outside the school waiting for Nicholas... and he walks out with his nose in a book. It was so great to see that. He's nearly done with "Diary of a Wimpy Kid part II". He loves it.

We are gearing up for the PurplePaperFlowers.com official Grand Opening next weekend. I'm excited about that! Stay tuned for all sorts of fun stuff and happenings.

Well, off to do a 2nd grade poster on Jackie Robinson....lol

More soon... A

Blog Neglect- GUILTY

2008-02-21T13:05:00.002-06:00

Yes, I am completely guilty of blog neglect. Hopefully now that I have some time to breath I can catch up a little bit. Sorry for falling so far behind!!

Since last post... Vegas for PMA. Was a great show! I did manage to get over my staph infection, though I think the scar is going to be there forever. LOST money at the Blackjack tables... but all in all a fun trip.

Then... off to Annaheim for CHA. I can't even begin to describe what an amazing trip that was. I have to extend a special thanks to Anthony at CHA for all the help and dealing with my frantic phone calls... and to Chris at Canson (you know who you are!) for all the entertainment. We gave away 3,000 "Get Digi With It" pink shirts. The workshop and seminar was a blast. Everything was just over all great. Well, except Paula, on her very first CHA trip, got the flu and had to stay in bed the whole time. That completely sucked.

Came home... slept for about a week it seems. And am now in major crunch mode at work. SOOO much to do after the show, I just don't know where to start!

On a personal note, things at PPF are great. We have a great community there and a steady stream (finally) of tutorials going up. All is good.

And, after seeing all the pictures from CHA, and a major wake-up call from Doc Walter, I have begun some life changes. I started Weight Watchers this week. My goal is to lose 65 lbs... 30 of it by July. So far so good. And, I am going under the knife next month to finally have my long awaited breast reduction (yay!!). And, while they've got to be in there anyway, I am having a tummy tuck. :) I have never been so excited and scared about something at the same time.

Ben is turning 6 on Saturday. That makes me so sad! My little baby boy is growing up. Needless to say, I've been spending lots of extra time in the cuddle department this week. We've ordered a Spiderman bounce house for his party, and I can't wait to see what his cake looks like. Our cake lady always does these amazing cakes for their parties, and I'm dying to see what she creates for this one.

More very soon~ Amanda

In Vegas and ready to Come Home!!

2008-02-02T01:59:00.000-06:00

So, I'm in Vegas for PMA, and it's been great! The show has really been fantastic. We are on a roll and have some fantastic projects up our sleeves. BUT.... I have managed to get a staph infection on my ankle!! Plus, being in Vegas doesn't help... it's so dry out here I get all swollen up anyway. So, I have elephant ankles and a big ugly infection on it. Ladies, be careful when shaving your legs... good grief! It's not like I even have a good story to tell!

Oh well.... played Blackjack twice... so far lost $200, but won $400... so I guess I'm up.... I'm so over Vegas.... I wanna go home!!

Pity party in progress... will post more soon.

100th Post!!

2008-01-28T23:41:00.000-06:00

Lol... so I just signed in to put up an update, and it tells me this is my 100th post! Wahoo!! Yes.... I really AM a geek, methinks...lol.

I am waiting for the washer and dryer to finish while packing for my trip tomorrow, and have decided to catch up on some "me" time. Something I love... which I know will come as a huge shock... is digital scrapbooking! Only, I haven't scrapped or even shopped for supplies in such a long time. So, I took the night off and visited some of the new places that have popped up, and paid visits to old friends. I've downloaded some fantastic things... and I am in love with the new Prima Hybrid site! I think I just about bought all the digital downloads they had! Nothing like having a little mad money to spend.... (keeps me away from the Blackjack tables tomorrow...). LittleDreamer has some cute new things up, and I'm about to go visit DesignerDigitals. What a fun night! I've almost forgotten it's nearly midnight.

Tomorrow I leave for Vegas! I can't wait to see Angie and the other gals I've been missing. Not sure what to expect at PMA, but we'll hope for the best. I will update from there, I promise.

More soon..... A

Dizzying Day

2008-01-24T17:12:00.000-06:00

So MUCH to do, so little time, and I am officially taking the day off tomorrow. I found out last night that I'm being slammed on the "bad blog", as the digi-scrap community calls it. Hubby says that is a sure sign of success. I think it's just bad taste... anyway, I'm trying to let it slide off my back and not get upset or angry about it.

I am, however, THRILLED to say that PurplePaperFlowers.com is growing its own community! Being open has never felt so good. The tutorials are going up, and everyone that has signed up has been so very nice. It's like coming "home"... it's great.

I am 4 days away from leaving for Las Vegas for the PMA show. I just can't wait to see my friend, Angie. We only get to hook up at these trade shows, and she's so much fun. I can't decide if I want to take my video camera or not. It'll be fun.

Tomorrow I'm spending the day with Paul. I think we are going to try and catch a movie. He's bound and determined to get me away from this laptop for a while.

More soon~ A

Fun Stuff

2008-01-20T12:49:00.000-06:00

OPEN OPEN OPEN!!! PurplePaperFlowers.com is NOW OPEN!! WAHOOOOO!!! And, I just added these fun little jewels in yesterday! Go check it out!!!! I am definately doing the happy dance today!!!

Household Appliance Manslaughter

2008-01-15T16:17:00.000-06:00

It's not quite as gruesome as it sounds. I have a history with coffee makers. I don't even drink that much coffee. And, I don't buy cheap coffee-pots. But, none-the-less, our Black & Decker coffeemaker is done. Only after about 6 months... it's quit completely. Ugh! That's our 5th one on 4 years!! Who does that!

Then, yesterday Paul was vacuuming. A novel idea at our house...lol. But, our Bissel that's less than a year old- completely died!! So, now that's two new appliances that died...

But it doesn't end there. The cordless phone (of which there is one in our house...how weird is that...) is on it's last leg. The 1 and 8 just don't work anymore. So, gotta get one of those too.

Let's not talk about the vertical blinds to the patio or the curtains that rest there-on.... or the cornace-board in the guest bathroom. Doesn't my house know I'm trying to build a website and get ready for CHA!! I simply don't have time for this... ugh.

More soon.... :-)

Flashback

2008-01-07T20:36:00.000-06:00

Today I was working diligently, as always.... lol... and things were just meshing and coming together just right. I made a color pallette, and before I knew it... BAM! There was this! I don't know if it's the colors or the peace signs... but I really like it. It's in the PPF shoppe! Go take a look!!!

I haven't had much time lately to do any "Real" blogging... but I promise to catch up as soon as I can.

HUGGLES~~~

ssssssssshhhhhhhh.... I've got a secret

2008-01-06T10:48:00.000-06:00

the site isn't done... but some parts are! (oops... that was too loud) you can go to www.purplepaperflowers.com/shoppe.... and see... hehehe the forum and gallery work too..... but don't tell.....

Come What May

2008-01-04T19:36:00.001-06:00

What seems like forever ago, Paul and I rented Moulan Rouge. I was so excited to see it. I am and have been a huge Nicole Kidman fan, and I have a crush on Ewan McGreger the size of Australia...lol (that's only funny because that's where they are both from). But, I thought the movie was a bit of a farce, as I'm sure it was meant to be. It was outlandish...and weird. But, it was, in fact one of the most romantic and poetically beautiful love stories I've ever seen. The song "Come What May" is one of my favorite songs. It's so soft, sweet, and a little out of rhythm.. making it all the more appealing.

Those three words, "Come What May" seemed just right on for the re-build of PurplePaperFlowers.com as well. We have overcome obstacles this year. Things I don't care to air out in public... and don't wish to share. We are like the little engine that could in a way. But, Come What May, we will survive to be stronger than ever.

It was this inspiration that drove me to get the Design Team of PPF together for an amazing collaborative kit called~ of course, "Come What May". There is some amazing talent on the team! I can't wait to reveal this amazing kit. I am blown away by some of the submissions so far. Just blown away.

And so it begins... the countdown to the opening of PurplePaperFlowers.... stay tuned.

Being ever so cryptic tonight.... Amanda

BIG PurplePaperFlowers Announcement!!!

2008-01-02T23:17:00.001-06:00

Da Da Da DAAAAA (Can you hear the horns blowing???)

Hi Ladies and Gents!
I'm so excited to have the new team at PurplePaperFlowers.com in place!
Thank you to everyone who applied. There are so many great artists out there. I wish I could have taken you all. Here's the new rollcall for the shoppe... it's a group of AWESOME ladies!!

I'd like to welcome

Blythe Evans!!!
Paula Phillips!!!
Crystal Wilkerson!!!
Cindy Freeman!!!
Gina Arzaga!!!
Julie Staley!!!
Neverland Scraps!!!
KJ Conners Designs!!!
Melissa Daniel!!!
Vickie Hennessy!!!
Rachel Martin!!!
Kaye Winiecki!!!
Sherri Tierney!!!
Danielle Engebretson!!!
and last but definately not least.... Cherie Shields!!!

We have some amazing things up our sleeves! The countdown to the re-launch is about to start! Get prepared.... we sure are!!

Congratulations gals! I'm so happy to have all of you on the team!!

Amanda Dykan

Winding Down

2007-12-30T20:44:00.001-06:00

Between Christmas and work, and the site re-launch, it's been a crazy few days. The site is coming along better than expected, thanks to the wonderful work of Kathy Moore! But, overall, I'm just tired. All this work is winding me down and making me want to nestle in for a long winters' nap. I think that's all I need now. A warm cup of cocoa and a long hibernation. Not too much to ask, right?

I hope everyone out there has a great New Years! Be safe and careful... Happy 2008!!

The Croup on Christmas

2007-12-24T17:29:00.000-06:00

So, it's Christmas Eve.... and all through the house, not a creature was stirring.... wait, what's that sound??? Oh, that's just Amanda~ hacking up another lung. Yes, boys and girls. It's official. Pnuemonia has hit the Dykan house and it isn't pretty. Thankfully all the boys are fine. It's just me, and I hope it stays that way. Fever, coughing, all the fun stuff. So, there'll be no Christmas dinner being whipped up in the kitchen at my house.

The whole thing actually has me pretty bummed. I know Christmas will be wonderful, as Santa has a full list of goodies on the agenda. He's been requested to deliver a Spiderman bike and a Wii, both of which I am 100% confident he will come through on. So, the guys are going to have a fantastic day, and I can't wait to see the look on their faces. But, I just hate being sick in general, so I'm being mopey about it.

Plus, Mason and Kate have officially left to move to Chicago. That leaves me really bummed, as it was really nice having my big brother and his great girlfriend around. But, I know they have to do what's best for their family. But, I'm being mopey about that too.

The only thing I just refuse to be mopey about is the fact that being under the weather has challenged to me to do the mundane work of uploading product to the new website! That part has me thrilled. The new PurplePaperFlowers site has me smiling all the way to the moon and back. I know I still have a lot of work left to do- as does Kathy (the awesome webgal), but we'll get through it with little problems, I think.

So, I'm taking my meds and hoping to be back in the land of the living before long. I'm giddy with delight at the thought of what the new year will bring. I'm excited for the release of the new book and CD's. I'm thrilled with the prospects of the promotion at CHA, and I'm actually really looking forward to the trip to Vegas in January. Time to start saving, I can tell.

To everyone out there who might be reading this.... well, Happy Christmas!!! Merry Holidays~ Season's Greetings~ Ho Ho Ho and all of that... I hope your Christmas is bright, fun, and germ-free. :-)

And, I DO have Santa's phone number! Ben gave it to me today. I have to share the conversation....

"Mommy, can you call Santa to see what time he's coming tonight?"
"Honey, I'd love to, but I don't have Santa's number."
"I DO! It's 1-800-HO-HO-HO."

All I could do was laugh and promise to call. What a smart kid I have.

To all a good night.... Amanda

Couldn't Stand It

2007-12-19T22:29:00.000-06:00

I couldn't go to bed without posting a couple of my new kits. I'm kinda proud of these! They'll be in the new store.... hehehehehehehe.... :-)

Behind on Blogging

2007-12-19T22:16:00.000-06:00

Winter may not actually start until this Saturday, but it has hit the Dykan family full force with cold, flu, and sickly season. We've all been yucky for the last few days. Plus, with Design Originals deadlines closing in and a new website on the make, blog time has been slim to non-existant. Sorry for that.

Good news.... T-shirts are ordered for CHA!! Yay! The design looks NOTHING like the one I posted. Yes, I'm a big tease. Been called worse. ;-p It's way cute and everyone will want one. So, if you are reading this and will be at the big show, don't forget to come see me and get one. Thank you to Angel, Barbara and Jennifer (you know who you are).

Other good news... my best friend from back home, Jennifer Chaput, is expecting multiple little ones!! She herself is a triplet... so we'll see... Congrats Jennifer! I can't wait to be an Auntie!! Please have cute sweet girls that can grow up to marry my cute sweet boys!!!

Even more good news... the Phillips family all seems to be home and well from their hospital excursions this week, and Paula turned in her oh-so-beautiful "projects" (lol... almost spilled that one!) to Design Originals today. They look so great. I can't wait for her to get them back so she can give a couple to me!!

It's almost Christmas! Send CHOCOLATE!!! Dove is the preffered brand... :-)
Promise to get Christmas cards out tomorrow. They are all addressed and ready to go... no stamps yet.

Got major happy holiday bonus from work today! Wahooo!! There WILL be a Christmas at my house after all! Yehooo!!!

And... that's all I wish to devulge for now... :-)

Hope everyone is having a happy holiday season!!!

Holiday Hugs~ A

Best Laid Plans Trumped by TLC

2007-12-14T20:05:00.000-06:00

Today I had every intention of skipping out of work a little early... going to get my nails done, do a little Christmas shopping, get some groceries... you know. Have a little "me" time before picking up the boys. So much to do, and so little time to do it in ~ and all that. Well, the best laid plans were somewhat "ruined" when the school nurse called me about 10:45 to tell me that Nicholas, my oldest, had a tummy-ache and wanted to come home. No problem. "Me" time can wait; my little boy needed me. It took me a little longer than I would have liked to get things wrapped up at work, so I had Paul's Dad pick Nicholas up and bring him home.

So, about 11:45 I walked in the door and Nicholas comes running up to me and wraps his arms around me; so happy to see me. I smiled down at him and said, "You don't look sick". He gave me this little sly smile he has and I knew the jig was up. Then I remembered when I was in second grade. I would cry and cry with a tummy-ache until my Grandmother would come pick me up. My Grandmother later told me that the nurse would just look at her and say, "She just needs a little TLC". That, I realized, was exactly what was going on with Nicholas today.

Knowing that the little one in question was, for the most part, okay, we ventured out to the grocery store. Just the two of us. We talked and laughed. On the way home he put his little hand on mine and said, "Mommy. I sure enjoyed spending the day with you." I can't have imagined a better way to spend the afternoon myself. Though I know he really should have been in school taking his spelling test and going to the library.... I think everyone is entitled to a TLC day every now and again.

We bought "The Fantastic Four and the Rise of the Silver Surfer" at the store, and have since watched it twice. Unfortunately the little guy did break out with a fever earlier, but a little Motrin and he was all good again. What a great day.

So, if you get the chance to share a TLC day with your kid... just do it.

More soon~ A

A Little Drama

2007-12-12T22:07:00.000-06:00

So, my family can attest to my gracefullness.... or lack there of. But, yesterday's events goes a little above and beyond. Let me begin by saying that I'm completely fine. However... there was a little drama yesterday afternoon.

I really would like to say I saw my life flash before my eyes. But, no. It wasn't like that at all. It was drizzling, and I was driving down Loop 820 here in Texas. I had just turned right off of Jacksburo Hwy. onto 820. Two hands on the wheel....not on the phone. The radio wasn't even on! No eating, drinking and driving, any of that. My front right tire hit a shallow puddle of water, and that was it. I was spinning out of control. The next thing I saw was me facing ongoing traffic. A couple horn blasts.... then I was on two wheels in the median- facing the wrong direction. I had to have turned completely around at least one and a half times. Thank you to the police officer who stopped to see if I was okay. Thank you to all the cars who moved out of the way when they saw me spinning. Thank you to the state of Texas for not putting a concrete baracade there for me to run into. And, though I'm not a terribly religious person, I can't ignore the fact that a larger force reached down and put a bubble around me. So, thank you, big guy.

I escaped the whole ordeal just fine. Of course, knowing me, I managed to bonk my noggin on the window. Doc says I have a cracked cheekbone and a mild concusion. lol... go figure. No bruises really to speak of, except a big on on my right hip. But, really sore... and who would've thunk that a concussion would give you the tummy jitters....

Good thing I'm not writing anything really important today. I think the redneck-speak is starting to show through.

Going to bed while the gettin's good.

And, thank you to so many of you for the nice comments and congratulations lately. It's been really sweet.

Hugs,
A

Bye Bye For Now

2007-12-11T20:57:00.000-06:00

Just a note to let you all know....PurplePaperFlowers.com is going "bye bye for now".
As most of you know, we had some problems with it from the beginning. I have tried time and again to get it fixed, but we finally bit the bullet and elected to hire someone else to fix it. So, we are beginning from square one. The new site promises to be spectacular and so much fun- eons better than what we could have imagined with the first go-round. So, we are saying "Goodbye and Goodnight" until after the first of the year. All oustanding product orders have been shipped. Rest assured that, when we return, we will have an astounding assortment of new product and digital kits. Can't wait to see you all back then after the first of the year! Until then, you'll just have to stay tuned to my ramblings here for the latest updates.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support through all of this.

FUN New Announcements!!!

2007-12-10T13:02:00.000-06:00

Okay... so here's one of the the big secrets I couldn't talk about until today!!! Daisy D's paper company has chosen their 2008 Design Team- and I'm on it!! I'm so excited I can't stand it. I can't wait to see all the new product and be part of the creative process. So, THANK YOU to Daisy D's... and to the 9 other gals who made the team with me! This is an exciting day! Be sure to check out their blogs! I have them linked on this page.

Also, I have to share some new pictures. Kristy and I took new photos for 2008 publicity shots, and I love the way they look! Here are a couple...

I'm back to work now! More soon.... A

Lady Cottington

2007-12-09T16:50:00.001-06:00

I was inspired by the pressed fairies book to make this kit. So, I had to share! It'll be up in the NEW PurplePaperFlowers.com very soon!!

A New Me... kind of

2007-12-08T12:45:00.000-06:00

Well, we are on track for the PPF site being finished- complete and new- by the end of the year. I'm so excited! I've done a new color palette, and am re-making all the graphics. I think a new start is in order. So, here's the first kit featuring the new labels....

My style has changed so much since I last added anything to the store. It's going to be fun to upload all the new goodies! By the way, I'll be doing a new Designer Call this month! If you're interested... let me know.

And- I have more exciting news to announce on the 10th!!!

Sneezy, Dopey...Doc

2007-12-06T12:13:00.000-06:00

So, it sounds like the seven dwarves have taken up residence in my office. I am definately Sneezy today. I haven't had much chance to do a lot of blogging lately, but I've been in creative mode- so of course I have to share.

This one is just a simple little kit of Kraft papers. I'm so in love with using those in my layouts.... so I had to make a kit.

I have several more to post, but it seems Blogger is having photo posting issues... so I'll share later. I have some exciting news about new product at CHA~ but I can't tell you yet... darnit. Stay tuned...

More soon~ Amanda

CHA Preview

2007-12-05T11:09:00.000-06:00

EVERYONE is going to want these shirts!!!! Come get yours at our CHA booth!!

A Few of My Favorite Things

2007-12-02T01:04:00.000-06:00

What a day! My best friend, Paula, arranged for a full day today of "some of my favorite things", as she called it~ to celebrate my thirty-something-ith birthday. All day, we did nothing but my favorite things. We ate my favorite food from my favorite resteraunts, and spent time with most of my favorite people. She did all this without asking. She didn't need me to tell her the flavor of my favorite cake, or my favorite color, my favorite resteraunts, or my favorite shopping places. She just knew. Just by being my friend, and paying attention, she just knew. She and some of my closest girlfriends went in together and gave me the most perfect present I can think of. It was just perfect.

This wonderful girl came into my life about three years ago. We've only really been friends, though, since about October of last year. Now we're inseperable. I can't imagine not having her in my life. And, most of all, she didn't have to ask what my favorite things are.

If you have someone like that in your life, please, tell them how special they are to you. Paula, Cindy, Gina, Heather and Lori~ I hope you gals know how very special you are to me. Thanks for making it a great thirty-something-ish birthday.

~ A

Happy News

2007-11-30T11:57:00.001-06:00

A couple short years back I began to long to learn digital scrapbooking. At the time, the only educational book on the market was “Digital Scrapbooking for Dummies”. I purchased it, but it didn’t exactly tell me what I really needed to know to use Adobe Photoshop- a program I already owned. I few calls to the local college later I found a course on Photoshop at the local college- TCC (Tarrant County Community College). I took the course, which was supposed to run for 6 weeks on Saturday mornings. So it began. I knew virtually nothing about the program- only that when I opened it the vast blank screen with all the toolbars and pallets scared the tar out of me.

The first Saturday morning of the class I arrived early, and sat down to begin the course. As the other members of the class began to file in, each more diverse than the other, I started to feel a little silly and inadequate for my reasons of being there. The professor went around the room and made each of us tell why we were there, and how we planned to use Photoshop. There was a soldier on leave, who planned to use the knowledge to get a higher position in his command. There was a retired woman who needed the knowledge to go back to work and compete with the younger, seemingly more qualified college graduates. In all the group of us, only one was an actual college-aged student who was taking the course as part of her standard curriculum. And, more than that, out of the twenty-odd people there- I was definitely the only one there wanting to learn Photoshop so I could scrapbook. To be honest, I felt a little silly.

At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom with seemingly lots of time on her hands. I took what I learned in that first class and created a stack of about 7 scrapbook pages. The next Saturday I took them with me to class. The instructor seemed impressed, and the college-aged girl sitting next to me wanted to know how I had done it. By the end of class that day, I was up and helping some of the others go through the lessons the instructor was teaching. Each week I went home and practiced what I learned and took the time to look up additional tutorials. I wanted to learn as much of the program as I could. I had found a new flame in me about scrapbooking digitally, and I couldn’t put it out until I had mastered the skill.

By week number 4 out of 6, the instructor pulled me aside and gave me a finishing certificate. “There’s nothing I’m going to teach in this course that you don’t already know,” he said. These words echoed and made me extremely happy, though I knew I was in no way a Photoshop “expert”. Over the course of the next year I practiced, learned more, and eventually wrote the “Digi-Scrappin’ 101” book for Design Originals. I have become overwhelmed with the outpouring of thankfulness from the scrapbooking community over this book. My goal has been to spark the same fire in others that I held within myself, and so many have written me that I have done just that.

Along with Kristy Krouse, my co-editor here at Design Originals, we have striven to educate not only the consumer about digital scrapbooking, but the retail stores as well. I remembered back to the time when I wanted to learn so baldly to scrapbook digitally, and couldn’t find anything to help teach me. Armed with that memory, and the experience of being in the retail industry for so long, Kristy and I set out on a course to bring digital scrapbooking into the traditional arena. I built a panel formed of “experts” in the digital scrapbooking arena, and put together a presentation to help retail stores understand the impact of the digital consumer on their business. It hasn’t been an easy battle. There have been times when each of us wanted to give up and throw in the towel, but then we hear something wonderful from a store about how they were able to teach a full class of new digital scrapbookers with our books, and it helps up to move forward.

This morning, though, I received the Email that brought this whole process full circle. The director of technical education from the very same college I took my Photoshop course at sent me an Email, requesting that my book be made course curriculum for a new class they are offering called “Digital Scrapbooking in Photoshop Elements”. I actually had to read the Email twice! It seemed too good to be true. Now, the actual same college who taught me the tools I have used to build a career which I love so much, is using my book to teach others the very same thing. I can’t tell you what an honor this is!

We gave the news to Suzanne McNeil, our owner and founder, and she actually got teary-eyed! I have never been more honored to be part of such an amazing project or company. So, from me, to all of you, and to Design Originals, thank you so much- and keep scrappin’.

The Turkey Day After

2007-11-23T15:49:00.000-06:00

The parents are in the living room digging the new tree out of the bag to put up with the grandbabies. This is our first Thanksgiving home in over ten years! It's been a nice, quiet trip. I'm taking the opportunity to catch up on some work and deal with my sister's aggrevation today. The kids are watching Rudolf in the back bedroom and the dog's on the front porch enjoying some leftovers. It's quite the relaxed scene out here. We've all become game experts, as my sister has brought home her Wii for the weekend. Nicholas is determined to ask Santa for it. He doesn't know we've already bought it for him. Ben has his heart set on a Spiderman Bicycle. So, I think I'll be hitting the nearest Toys R Us when I get home to pick it up. I think this year is going to be a small Christmas. But, with those main gifts I think we'll be alright.

We have definately indulged this week. I've gotten to have NC barbeque... which I greatly miss in Texas. We had a huge meal yesterday, and surely there will be a trip to a fish camp before we leave on Sunday. The diet starts the minute we get home. My goal is to lose 20 lbs. by PMA. I think I can do it. I've been kind of excercise crazy lately. We'll see how it goes...

Saturday we took the 1 1/2 hour trip up to Winston-Salem to see my Grandmother. That day also happened to be my birthday. My brother and sister showed up to surprise her. It was a great day. We took a ton of pictures... and then left the camera in the car. When we went to dinner on Sunday night, the car (my fathers' Ford F-250~ big truck) got broken into. They took over $2000 worth of stuff- including the Nikon D-80 camera, a laptop computer, a GPS, a cell phone, sunglasses and other things. I have to say I was in shock. It was a nice part of town that it happened in. We saw a report on the news the next day that it is a gang in Charlotte on a spree. There were 5 cars in that particular lot that got hit. The gang members got in and out of the cars in under 15 seconds. Unbelievable. Luckallly, though, everything they took is covered under their homeowner's insurance. But, it's been a nightmare for them this week, trying to get it all sorted out.

Then, last night, my sisters' boyfriends car was stolen. Ugh! It's all so scary and crazy. I hope it doesn't come in three's....

Well, it's back to work. I'm working on a Christmas collection that, so far, I just love. I'll post it when it's finished. But, in the meantime~ don't leave anything valuable in your car! I guess the Christmas season is theft season as well.

More soon~ A

In the Movies

2007-11-14T21:37:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited! I hope you like the new little addition to the blog. It took me all weeek, but I made a little slide show to take home to my Grandmother next week. I have to say, I've tried several video editing programs now, and this one is definately my favorite. I used the Vegas Movie Studio software from Sony. It ran about $50 at Costco. But, it's extremely user friendly. It has more options and tweaks than the default Windows Media Player that comes with your PC, and- I'm sorry to say this, Angel..., but it's also much easier to use than Adobe's Premiere Elements software. The main thing I like about it is that, when you publish your slide show, the finished project is large enough to fill your screen. You can save it as a large .avi file, or the program will compress it for you so it can be uploaded to the Internet- like I did to mine. I give the software an A-. The "-" is mainly because of the learning curve. Considering I've only been using it for 4 days, though... I guess I did pretty good.

I hope you like it! I'd love any feedback. Please comment on this one.

Oh~ you can turn off the "Mood Music" by hitting the pause button in the upper left corner before you play the movie.

More soon~ Amanda

Aspirations

2007-11-13T10:16:00.000-06:00

I've always wanted to write. In the sixth grade I had a notebook I carried all the time. The notebook contained the most intricate fairy tale anyone could have imagined. One notebook turned into five, and I still never finished it. There came a point when I just gave up and started a new project. In middle school I met my friend Jennifer. We carried a notebook between us, where we sent notes to one another and miscelanious ramblings of the time. What I wouldn't give to have those now. In the eighth grade I entered a poetry contest. I wrote a morbid poem about a sad little girl... and came in third place in the nation! I had actually pretty much forgotten about the contest until this morning. But, through Classmates.com, I got in touch with my Eighth grade english teacher, who kindly reminded me of it.

So, in high school I joined the journalism team and wrote for the school paper. I took an internship at The Charlotte Observer and worked in the entertainment magazine department. All the while, holding on to that dream of writing the great novel. Needless to say, that hasn't happened. I've always had a creative mind. That's what most of the adolescent trouble I got into was about. I was too creative for my own good. When it was easier to tell the truth, I would just as well tell some extravagent story- no matter how far-fetched it was. So, yes, I spent a lot of my high school years in trouble of my own accord.

Today, not really much has changed when I think of it. I am still contriving all these crazy stories in my head. But now, they go tucked into the back of my mind until one day I have the time to write them down and give J.K. Rowling a run for her money. Until then, I'll express that creative outlet through graphic design as best I can... and hopefully not forget what it is my children are bound to inherit. Today I'm not a fan of poetry unless it's in the form of song. I don't read much~ because there simply isn't time. But, those written aspirations are still there, and I'm still young. It's never too late, right?

More soon~ A

Another Post... Same Day

2007-11-07T08:02:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's early... I'm killing time before I have to get ready for work. While cruising some of my favorite blogs I ran across this on CD Muckosky's, and had to join the fun... So. You do it too! Cut and paste it to your blog and send me a link. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

This made me laugh so hard I had to take a break and play along.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
-Calico Sienna
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
-Neopolitan Chocolate(that just sounds wrong in so many ways!)
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) - A- Dyk (Okay... once again... SOOO wrong!!)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
-Purple Tabby
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
-Gail Salem(As a General Hospital nut I can attest... that's PERFECT!!)
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) -DykAm (so now I'm officially CHANGING my last name!)
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
-The Red Tea (So that either sounds like a virus or a villian... trying to decide)
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
-Billy Walter (too funny)
9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
-Citrus Butterfinger (Good to know there are always options if this whole writing thing doesn't pan out...)
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )
-Hart Lee (is that a perfect name or what!)
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
-Hawthorne Howard (Okay... so I don't know if "Howard" is actually a city, but I really have to go get ready for work now...)
12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
-Fall Orchid
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
-Peach Jammies
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
-Muffin Willow (almost choaked on my tea over that one)
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
-The Digital Rainbow Tour (lol... okay, so now I REALLY need to change my last name!!)

Okay. So join the fun and pass it on! Yes, Kristy... I'm on my way to work!!! lol

It's Funny

2007-11-07T07:39:00.000-06:00

It's funny how little things will just so often raise you up and put a little glitter in your step for the day. This probably sounds funny- considering the source- but something happened yesterday that just made me want to smile and keep on smiling. About a month ago I received an Email from a paper company (who shall remain nameless), whom I just love. They were looking for Design Team members. Well, since I am "all digital" now, I took it all in stride. After all, they are a traditional paper company. I replied to the note and basically said, "Hey, if you want a digital guinea pig then I'm your girl". I entered the contest as anyone else would and posted a link to my galleries... all the while emphasizing that I am "digital". Honestly, I didn't expect to hear anything back~ and kind of forgot about the whole thing. Then, yesterday, out of the blue, I got another note from them saying that I made the finals! I have to submit two more layouts and then an altered art project that I've done. The whole thing just blew me away, and really made my day!

I guess the irony in that is because I do have a line of published books. Being published shouldn't be that big of a deal to me anymore. And, don't get me wrong, I never want to slight what it is that I do for Design Originals, or what they've done for me. But, the fact of the matter is, I have a book deal with them. They kind of have to publish me now, know what I mean? I've never won a contest with my work. I've had cards published before in Paper Trends magazine, but I have never received any kind of recognition for my digital work. To even make the finals in a DT contest for a traditional paper company with all digital layouts was really a big deal to me.

I whipped up this layout last night to enter as one of my last submissions.

I still have two more to do, so we'll see how it goes. If I don't make it, I don't make it, and that's okay. But, I do have to say that it's really cool to get recognized.

Also, yesterday afternoon I was browsing DST and saw a post in the designer forum for no reason other than someone made a call out to a girl to tell her that her avatar picture looked great. It seems like lately there is so much negativity swirling around amidst the forums and boards that it was really great to see all this positivity. So, this is my challenge to anyone reading this. Simply~ pay it forward. Do something nice and random for someone else and see how it makes you feel. Hopefully they'll pass it on, and the world can be a better place for just a little while.

Have a great day, everyone~~ Amanda

Digital Scrapbooking Day

2007-11-03T19:48:00.000-06:00

Such a fantastic day! This afternoon Kristy took some amazing photos of my little ones. They turned out so great. I can't pick a couple to post, so I think there's going to be a slide show on here later. So, we left Kristy's studio and went for a Mom-and-Sons lunch at The Purple Cow. The kids looked so cute in their sweet duds eating purple ice cream. It was great. They then went for a sleepover at Paul's mother's house, and I've come to scrapbook. It's been a relaxing night, and I got to host a chat over at Scrap-A-Faire! (www.scrapafaire.com) I'll host another tomorrow at 3p, so I'd love to say hi to you. Stop in! Other than that, I'm loving having a relaxing evening with the girls, and taking advantage of all the great sales going on for Digital Scrapbooking Day! It's also exciting for me to finally announce, our new re-vamped PurplePaperFlowers.com is nearly done. Be on the lookout for big changes!

Hugs~ and more soon.

Amanda

I'm Not as Nice As I Thought I Was

2007-10-31T18:31:00.000-06:00

Last night Paul and I took a night out and ventured up to see "Evanescence" in concert. I'm a nut for their music. It's deep and dark and really inspires me... in a good way! I love the purity of Amy Lee's voice along with the crispness of the piano against the heaviness of the guitars and drums. I knew, when we went, that we'd be in the minority and be some of the oldest people there. I was right. Lots of teenagers- and lots of teens with their parents. I liked seeing that. I hope when my kids get to be teens they'll still want me around enough to go do things like that with them. It had been so long since we went to a concert that I actually forgot their would be opening bands. The first band to come out was just awful. They were called "Julien K". It was a mix of Human League meets Adam Ant on some kind of bad acid trip from the 80's... in heavy metal (I know, right...). Really bad. Then, "Sick Puppies" took the stage. I have to say, they weren't bad. But, the lead singer had such a terrible mouth! Every other word was "F..K" this and that... with the audiance being primarily teens... yes. I was definately offended. Then, Paul and I smelled something funny... at a heavy metal concert....no...NACHOS!! We laughed so hard. Since when do you go to a hard rock concert and smell nachos!!

But then, the most awful thing happened. A couple walked in carrying a little girl who couldn't have been more than a year old. No headphones or earcovers.... it was litterally sickening. Who would do that! First of all, it was about 9pm... and secondly, the noise was sooo loud! Luckally, there was an intermission soon thereafter, and I didn't see them return. I was fuming. I just wanted to take that child away from them and say "No. You lost your parental rights". I know I shouldn't judge... but I am anyway. Who, pray tell, would DO that?

The rest of the concert I kept thinking of that little girl. It was hard to focus on the music. But, overall, I did have a good time. I loved hearing Amy Lee sing in person. She was a million times better than she is on TV. I even got teary a couple times... her voice was so powerful. I fully reccamend seeing them if you get the chance... but go late so you'll miss the opening acts.

Happy Halloween!!!

Amanda

Saturday in the Fall

2007-10-27T10:39:00.001-05:00

What an amazingly gorgeous week it's been! Today is no exception, and it's supposed to stay this beautiful for at least the next week. I couldn't be happier. This week I have been learning a new program at work, and it's been fantastic. It's a fun challenge, and I've picked up on it pretty easily. This program allows me to actually lay out my own books! Yes, I think that's a really cool thing.

Last night the boys and I made a trek to Target to pick up some new Halloween decorations. Now the house is all decked out for the fall. We now have spooooooky skeleton head lights and pumpkin lights hanging from the front porch. There's a new wreath on the front door, and all my decorations from years past have made their way around the house. It's quite festive!

It looks like the kids and I will be leaving on Friday, November 16th to go home to the Carolina's for Thanksgiving week. Paul will come out for the holiday, and then leave a little early (work schedule...blah...). This is the first time in over 10 years we'll have made it back. I'm really excited to go and be with the family. My parents will have all their kids under one roof for the holiday, which is a rarity. I'm really excited to get going. Plus, I'll be home for my birthday~ which is really the best birthday present of all.

It's also time around here to go shopping for fall clothes! I love the warm fuzzies of sweaters and warm things for the cold weather. Plus, it hides some of that extra flab... :-) I can't wait to get out and take pictures!!

Oh, I hope the fall is here to stay for a while.

More soon~ Amanda

A Project Finished!!

2007-10-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

Wahooooo!!!!! The "Designing With Fonts" book is officially DONE!! Oh, I'm so excited about it! I think the book looks great. There are a ton of lessons in it, and some really fun techniques. Here's the last layout finished for the book...

I think I definately needed to be done with the book. Today I am having a ulcer attack.... too much stress? Hmmmm. Who knows. Couldv'e been those chicken wings last night...

Speaking of night... time for night night.

More soon~ A

All in a Day's Work

2007-10-19T19:17:00.000-05:00

It feels like I'm a new woman!! Spent last night boxing up the leftover contents of the craft room to put in the garage. Finished up this morning. It's so weird to have the entire contents of my paper scrapbooking life condensed to one small rolling cart~ really weird. Paul and I went through the whole house and straightened, put away, boxed up.... etc. This afternoon the cleaners came to tackle the deep cleaning. Now, here I sit, alone in the house, waiting for Paula and Julie to get here for scrapbooking night. It feels so strange, great, and odd- to have a completely clean house. What a wonderful feeling! I'm so excited.... they'll be coming back in two weeks, and it's WELL worth it! I'm addicted to digital scrapbooking- and house cleaning!!! lol... well, only if other people are doing it (the house cleaning, I think...)

So, Julie's here and Paula's on the way.... time to scrap!

More soon~ Amanda

Silly Nonsense things

2007-10-18T15:21:00.001-05:00

So, I got this Email from a friend, and I couldn't resist filling it out and posting it. Here's the thing, if you read it and you get tagged at the end, you have to fill it out and post it on YOUR blog! Why? Because those are the rules I just made up.... okay. Here goes...

1. What is your occupation? Graphic Designer
2. What color are your socks right now? None
3. What are you listening to right now? "Like the Weather" by 10,000 Maniacs
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Taco Bueno
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yep. Thanks Dad!!

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Magenta
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Paul
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yep.

9. How old are you today? 31
10. Favorite drink? Sweet Iced Tea
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Ugh. Sports! Really!!!
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? That's my secret....shhhh
13. Pets? 1 cat, Scully. 1 dog- Rocky the boxer, and two beta fish.

14. Favorite food? Chicken and pasta
15. Last movie you watched? Oh...I think it was "Pride and Prejudice" with Colin Firth

16. Favorite Day of the year? Would have to be Christmas
17. What do you do to vent anger? I'm a cabinet slammer.
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbie or My Little Pony.
19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Definately Fall

20. Hugs or kisses? Kisses

21.Cherry or Blueberry? Cherry
22. Do you want your friends to email you back? Everybody likes to get Email- I think. Unless it's spam.

23. Who is most likely to respond? Paula

24. Who is least likely to respond? Mom

25. Living arrangements? Married with Children

26. When was the last time you cried? Sometime last week

27. What is on the floor of your closet? Oh.... clothes, shoes, it's a mess.

28. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this
to? N/A

29. Who is the friend you have had the shortest that you are sending
this to? N/A

30. Favorite smells? This is probably weird... but I love the smell of gasoline being pumped and the smell of Home Depot. My favorite smell, though, would have to be the smell of my little boys right out of the bathtub.
31. What inspires you? Shopping
32. What are you afraid of? death
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheeseburger

34. Favorite car? Ford Mustang, but I've never had one.

35. Favorite cat breed? My little Scully! She's a calico tabby cat.
36. Number of keys on your key ring? 3
37. How many years at your current job? 1
38. Favorite day of the week? Friday
39. How many states have you lived in? 4
40. Do you think you're funny? Sometimes

Okay... so Paula, Heather A., Cindy, Julie and Mom~ YOUR'E IT!!!

Writer's Block

2007-10-13T15:42:00.001-05:00

So, I hope Kristy's not reading this today...lol. I am at The Scrapbook Pad. I'm supposed to be working on some more lessons for the font book, but I am having a major case of writer's block. It's nice to be out of the house on such a pretty day. I'm seeing lots of familiar faces I haven't seen in a while here at "The Pad", so it's kinda nice. Of course, I'm the only one sitting here with a computer today- so there does seem to be a group of women across from me looking at me as though I have three heads. Other than that, it's been a really nice day. Wish I could get with the program and do some productive writing, though.

I just found out today that the store I used to frequent- and have had such a love/hate relationship with- Recollections- is closing! Not just that store, but it seems they are shutting down all the stores and the corporate office. While my relationship with them for the last year has been tense, I would never wish that fate on anyone. I am terribly sad to hear about the closing of the company, and especially for all the employees I used to work with. The irony in all of it is that I actually had resigned myself to extend that olive branch where the local store is concerned. I was in there last week to buy a few things, and it was nice. I said hello to the store manager. While it was still tense, I feel that at least I made an effort. I was hoping that all this tension could be worked away, and that time had healed it~ especially after the warm conversations I had with some of the corporate office employees at CHA summer. The whole situation leaves me very sad.

However, in an inevitable flight, I'm sure lots of the old patrons from Recollections will make their way down to The Scrapbook Pad. I'll be very happy to see them, as I can normally be found there on the weekends. Who knows, maybe we can even get the old "Second Saturday" group back together. That'd be really nice.

In two days from now Nicholas will turn 8 years old. That, to me, is incredible. I can't believe he's that old! I also can't believe we've been living in Texas that long!!! We moved here two weeks after he was born. What's even funnier is that now I've lived in Texas as long as I lived in Charlotte, NC. Weird.

So, gonna try and get back to work now. Enough playing.... :-)
More soon~ I'm sure.... A

The Cutest Kids Ever

2007-10-11T19:02:00.000-05:00

So, everyone thinks their kids are the cutest. But, here's the thing. Mine really are. Yep. It's true. I am the mother of the two cutest kids that ever lived. Sure I want to hang them out back by their toes every now and again~ but what good mother doesn't! Last night they were being especially sweet, and I took them out in the front yard for some good ol' fashioned fun with the camera. Fall has finally come to pay us a visit, and it's been considerably cooler out the last couple of days. They had such a good time. Yes, I do also have the Mac Daddy of all camera's, but I'm not the world's greatest photographer. I'm ashamed to say that I'm actually not all that good at taking pictures. But, I'm lucky- because my kids are so darn cute anyway. I just have to share a few shots...

Get ready... this is a long one... :-)

2007-10-09T16:28:00.001-05:00

So, it's been a while since I've sat down at the computer for a good ol' blogging session. My friend Catherine reminded me today that I need to do that. This afternoon, while working on some pages for book #3 I decided to take a little break and spill over to DST (DigiShopTalk), since I hadn't been there in a while. It was there that I discovered a link to another blog, where a traditional scrapper gives her opinion on what is happening in the paper world. I thougth it was great. And, it's crazy, but I can't find her name on her blog to give her proper credit. So, I'm posting her post here....

"As you know, I’m fairly “scrapbook obsessed.” (REALLY???? We hadn’t noticed!). Which means that, yes, I scrapbook but also that I think about it 24/7, read all the scrapping books and magazines and blogs, participate on message boards, watch scrapbooking on tv, attend and hold crops, work as a scrapbooking consultant and have my own little s/b business as a compliment to that, etc. etc. (Yes, I could go on!). As a person who is this involved, I have some opinions on what I think is happening in the scrapbook industry so I thought I would share them and see what you think. Note: When I refer to the scrapbooking industry here, I’m talking about paper scrapping not to include digital. First of all, it’s no secret that in late 2006/all of 2007, the industry has slowed down. By that I mean it’s not making as much money for the biggies, i.e. the magazines and the major scrapbooking product companies. Secondly, tons of local scrapbook stores (LSS’s) are closing with only a few new ones opening. Since LSS’s used to be the heart of the industry, I take this as a major hit. I think there are 4 major reasons for this downturn: the economy, the internet, digital scrapbooking, and the industry itself.

Okay, the first and easiest reason is the economy. Not that the economy is horrible, but it has taken a hit in the last few years with gas prices so high, mortgage rates going up while home values stagnate or recede, and jobs being outsourced to other countries where they can pay someone 50 cents an hour to do the same job an American would be paid $12/hour for (major pet peeve of mine, but we won’t go there). But the bottom line of our economic shift is that we all have less disposable income to spend on scrap supplies. Yeah, I know, horrors! Everyone I’ve talked to - ladies like me who have scrapped and shopped for years - has had to tone down their spending. I used to fill my Honda with gas for $25, and now it costs $45. There went the $20 I would’ve spent on supplies last week, and that adds up to $80 less from this one consumer over the course of a month. May seem small but not when you multiply $80 by the millions of scrapbookers who routinely shop. Before we used to think nothing of dropping $80-100 at the LSS every few months, but now it might happen once a year by using those gift cards from Christmas. Because our money is so tight, we’ve become smarter shoppers who rely on…big box craft stores and their lovely coupons. While this is convenient and cost-saving to we consumers, I feel it has really hurt the industry. I’m the most guilty of it than anyone I know, so I’m not saying we shouldn’t do it, just pointing out that it has had a definite effect. When I can get a Colorbok 12×12 album using a 40% off coupon for $12 instead of $20, or use a 50% off coupon to buy a Crop in Style Cube for half-price, I’m going to do it. But when I do, I’m taking the money I would have spent at the LSS and giving it to Michaels which is a huge nationwide chain. As much as I adore Mikes, they are not contributing to my community, donating items to my crop, or supporting my local scrapbook community like an LSS would. When we continually give our (few) scrappin’ dollars to Mikes, Costco, Hobby Lobby, et al., we are making it virtually impossible for the LSS to stay in business. When I asked one local owner why she was closing her store, she said, “Everyone thinks running a store is so profitable because scrapbook supplies are expensive. But it takes A LOT of pieces of 69 cent patterned paper to pay my light bill.” In other words, sure, there is a good mark-up on scrapbook supplies but it’s not like owning an appliance store or a car dealer where each sale can net you hundreds/thousands of dollars. A person has to walk out of the LSS with a bagful of supplies (or a full-priced Cricut or a full-priced QuicKutz) for them to see a significant profit per sale. I don’t know of one LSS owner who is making a killing, even the very savvy, business-smart ones. When I used to have 7 LSS’s within 100 miles, I enjoyed shopping at them so I could have the latest and greatest and enjoy the atmosphere there, even if it cost a bit more (see THIS POST for more on my love of LSS’s). But after I heard that comment from the owner, I made even more of a point to spend my scrap budget at LSS’s. Now I’m down to 1 LSS and I go there at least once per month even though it’s a 45-minute drive. The rest of the time, I do use my coupons and look for deals at big box stores. I suppose as a matter of principal, I could refuse to shop ‘big box’, but #1-I’m not that strong (LOL), and #2-Would it really make a difference if one lone scrap shopper in America made that effort? Nope. It would take a banding together of many of us, and I don’t see that happening. For most of us, the slowing economy has made it so that we put our budget ahead of the things we enjoy about our LSS’s.

The second trend that has negatively effected our industry is the internet. It’s tied in with the big box/economical reasons above but, basically, there are so many advantages to internet shopping that many of us have transitioned to it either partly or fully. There are so many positives to buying scrapbook supplies from the internet: easily view everything that’s available, compare prices to get the best deal, and take advantage of screamin’ deals on Ebay - all in the comfort of your warm, dry house while wearing your jammies! The only negatives: credit card/ID theft issues, waiting for the package to arrive, and sadly, taking our money away from the LSS’s. The major upside is that the internet has allowed any scrapper who would like to open up their own ’store’, whether it be Ebay, Etsy, or a full-on store website. As a scrapper who recently quit full-time work and was interested in working from home, I can appreciate how that kind of opportunity could be irresistable and even considered it myself. However, this freedom in e-commerce has led to a saturation in the scrapbook market…and the eventual failure of many online stores. Don’t get me wrong, I think you can still make some pocket money in this type of venture but I don’t see many people making a full-time income from it. There are many huge sites that have done very well for a long time (ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOBBIES, EMBELLISH IT, etc.), but they are rare in my opinion. (If I’m wrong on this, please educate me :-). Bottom line is that if we’re all shopping online and forcing vendors to give us the rock bottom price or go out of business, and forcing the closure of LSS’s which offer all the products that keep the big magazines/companies going, then we as online shoppers have negatively impacted the very industry that we so love.

The third big effect I see involves digital scrapbooking. I don’t know any official statistics, but I’ve concluded that a large portion of paper scrappers (maybe 50%?) have transitioned partially or fully to digital scrapbooking. I base this on the number of people who talk about it on MB’s, post their digital pages, demand representation in the ‘paper scrapbooking’ magazines, and the number on digi-websites and blogs. I’ll bet Costco is making a killing on 12×12 page printing! Digital scrapbooking is very popular and it has to have had an effect on the paper scrapbooking industry. It goes something like this: A paper scrapper wants to try digital scrapbooking. She looks around online and downloads one free digi-kit from 50 different sites. She tries the digital thing and realizes she can complete a whole album while sitting in the car with her laptop at 5 of her son’s baseball practices. Not to mention no fuss, no mess, no sticky desktop to clean when she’s done. She thinks, “Why didn’t I try this sooner?” and tells all her friends to try it, which they do, and they all love it. Ms. Digi Scrapper looks at all of her paper scrap supplies and says, “I’d better stop buying supplies because I will never even use what I have, much less new stuff. And besides, why pay money when I can get all those digi-kits for free?” Now the only money she is spending is on printer cartridges and digital page printing (although I hear from lots of digi-scrappers that they don’t even print most of their pages; the pages live in their computers to view onscreen, post on their blog, or e-mail to relatives). Anyhow, even if some of this 50% of scrappers remain hybrid, I’d bet they still don’t spend anywhere near the amount of money on supplies as they used to. As for the creators/sellers of digi-elements, are they getting rich? Have we just transitioned the profit from the paper scrap companies to the digital designers? Personally, I don’t think so. Again, why pay for something when there are so many freebies? I love the ARTICLE Kim Guymon at Scrapbiz.com wrote about this subject and she explains it very well. But, again, the bottom line is this huge transition to digital scrapbooking has changed the face of the scrapbooking industry as we know it. I imagine if you’ve gone totally digital, you aren’t concerned but as a ‘completely paper’ scrapper, I kinda’ wish it wasn’t happening. I’m not blaming anyone - the digital scrapbookers or their industry - I just wish digital had come along after my lifetime or something, LOL. It’s like when I get mad sometimes and DH says, “Why are you mad at me?!?” and I say, “I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at the SITUATION.” (Pout, pout).

“Fourthly” and lastly, I place some blame on the scrapbook industry itself. I think they have bowed to the pressure we put on them for something new, “the latest and greatest”, all the time and they just release too many dang products! Coming from me, this statement probably shocks you, right? I can shop like nobody’s business and drool over all the new products. I discuss them here on my blog and post links to enable your shopping as well. But just because we want the new stuff all the time, doesn’t mean the industry has to provide it. I think the popularity of the scrapbook magazines with their ads for new products, their awesome pages and articles featuring the new stuff, and all the internet advertising of same has pressured the makers of scrapbook products to keep putting out new collections. Well, I’m no expert but I imagine that costs a lot of money - designing, advertising, attending trade shows, sending reps to the stores, and filling orders. When the industry was really thriving, that was all well and good. But now that it has slowed, we’re still expecting tons of the latest and greatest, and they are still delivering. How can that be profitable? Add to that the new companies that continue to appear and it boggles the mind. A few of the longtime, larger companies have recently gone out of business and I predict that more will follow. I’ve also noticed limits on production that frustrate stores and consumers. It has to eventually fall apart, as much as I absolutely hate to say that.

So there are my thoughts on today’s paper scrapbook industry. I think about it a lot as I read the message boards and hear so many complaints lately like this: “CK has gotten so thin”, “My LSS closed :(”, “The freebies at CKU/Expo have gotten so limited,” and “Why is there no Michael’s coupon every week like there used to be?”. I’ve noticed that CK, the premiere scrapbook magazine, has changed to a company with horrible customer service and thousands of loyal subscribers dropping their subscriptions. I see Creative Memories, the premiere (or at least original) scrapbook home party company, firing employees and making decisions that continue to alienate their consultants and, hence, customers. To me, the answer to these questions and the reason for the negative trends all lies in the fact that the scrapbook magazines and the companies who make the products are not thriving like they used to be. As scrappers, that’s just something we have to realize and live with. Hate to be Debbie Downer, but I think it’s only going to get worse… Please don’t shoot the messenger. I’m not happy about it either, fo’ sho’. Now tell me what YOU think - I would love to know if I’m ‘in the dark’ or ‘on target’."

Now, this lady is bright, brilliant and lovely. On most of her remarks, I have to say that I agree. However, I viamently disagree with her "Fourthly" part of this article. And, here's why it's important....

Most of you bloggers and readers out there know that I come from a traditional background. I became enamored with digital scrapbooking once I tried it, but it took me a remarkably long time to "try" it. Now that I'm in it, my goal is to make my pages look as realistic as possible. I want people to have to touch my pages to see if they are real! A lot of the women who I have been meeting as of lately are digital scrapbooking veterans. They've been doing it for 5 or so years, and the novelty has worn on them a bit. Now they are eager to get their hands messy and embrace the texture of traditional scrapbooking again.

I've also noticed a significant trend. Traditional scrapbooking was pretty scarce say- 10 years ago. What was around then was the "Creative Memories" looking supplies that everyone is familiar with. The papers were solids consisting of bright and pastels. The patterns were basic stripes and ginghams. The selection of embellishments was limitid to bright cartoon-like stickers, and a small assortment of die-cuts found at the local library or school. Scrapbooking was nothing at all like it is today. Traditional scrapbooking went through it's twists and turns just like most things do. Scrapbookers graduated from the stickers and die-cuts to start using stamps, paper piecing, and other techniques. Think of the waves that have come through, hitting everything from the heritage and altered lines to the crispness of Bo' Bunny papers. Then came the Basic Grey, Daisy D's and the beautiful lines of today.

Now, let's look at digital scrapbooking by that very same perspective. Just 16 months ago I started digi-scrappin'. At that point, there were really only two stores I frequented. I have to say that most of the others didn't carry items that I liked to use. It was that same difference between shopping at "Creative Memories" or an elite store like "Archivors". A lot of the elements out there looked unrealistic and very "Photoshoppy", as we called it.

Today, just 16 short months later, it seems that digital scrapbooking is following the same trend that traditional scrapbooking did. The digital consumers are switching over from traditional, making them more demanding than the digital consumer of yesterday. There are now very few digital stores that don't have the callibur of quality I want to see in the products I buy. The items are no longer boxy and one-dimensional. Often when I browse a gallery of a digital site I am simply blown away by the layouts done.

I am smack dab in the middle of the traditional and digital industry with my job. I see trends on both sides, and I am all too aware of the number of stores closing on a monthy basis. But, I am adament in my opinion that there is still a large market- and will forever be- a huge market for traditional scrapbookers. The answer lies when the retailer realizes their digital customer and embraces them both. Catering to the digital consumer is just as important as catering to the traditional. Sometimes even more-so. Because, the digital customer is very likely to buy something in the store to add onto a digital page. However, the traditional customer is going to keep spending... what did our author above say??? $80-$100 every few months!?! To me, that is unreal. I am the digital customer, and I'm spending $30- $60 a WEEK just on digital supplies, not to mention albums, refills, ink, paper and prints.

And, let's talk about that. Sales are down everywhere- yes. But, digital sales are going back up. The holidays are nearly upon us. So many retailers are missing out on holiday sales just because they don't carry kits on discs or accesories for digital scrapbookers! Do they even know that the new- more affordable- Bamboo Wacom tablets are out? So, I'm interested to see what happens in our industry. But, I don't think that digital is going to kill the traditional radio star.

Country Road, take me Home

2007-09-26T00:09:00.001-05:00

I'm home! Ooohhhh, eight days in sin city is too much. I had a fantastic time, but I'm so glad to be here. The boys were just so cute. I think they grew a foot while I was gone. Now things are back to normal, and we have so much to do! The ScrapPink crop is this Friday night, and I'm not sure I'm ready for it. I took a walk on the wild side today and got my nose pierced! I've been wanting to do it for a while, but now it's done. Don't let anyone tell you it doesn't hurt.

Well, I just submitted my layout for the Stand Up and Scrap contest, and now I'm ready for bed. More soon, from a grounded and home again girl.... A

Vegas... Day 6

2007-09-21T23:45:00.001-05:00

What a much needed, relaxing day. Paul arrived last night, and we lost our nights allotment at the Blackjack tables. We played at Planet Hollywood's casino, and it was the premiere night for the movie "Resident Evil IV". Milo Jovia-something was there, but we didn't see her. Today I actually caught up on some much-needed sleep. Wednesday night's 5am excursion apparently caught up with me- so I definately needed it. We had dinner at the Mario Vatalli (sp?) resteraunt. It was fantastico!! It rained here tonight in Vegas, so we stayed in the hotel and went to the wax museum. I never thought I would enjoy that, but I'm so glad we did it. It was a blast. I'll post some of the fun pictures later.

The boys are having so much fun with their Nana! I can't wait to get home and just give them big, big hugs. I may not let go for a week.

Amanda

Las Vegas... Day ... I forgot....

2007-09-20T19:22:00.000-05:00

Today was the last day of Memory Trends 2007. It has been an amazing trip. The show was pretty small, so we really had a great chance to meet and converse with the retailers and other vendors one-on-one. It's been so neat to meet some of the names I've admired for so long. Yes, I've met some "big names" in the industry. I guess I got a little too excited about it earlier and received some criticism for "dropping names" in the last blog posting. So, if I have offended anyone, please forgive the flippantness of my attitude over all the excitement here. You see, I am simply passionate about what I do. It's inspiring to me to meet some of the amazing women and men whom I admire and are so much better than me (that population number is huge)! I don't find conceit in what I do, and I am grateful for every opportunity that has been granted for me. But, I have worked for every opportunity and I am very sorry if that has offended anyone at all.

I have enjoyed meeting everyone who came by the booth! My only sadness is that I was really unable to venture out away from the velvet curtain of my 10x10 space and come see more of the trade show. I was fortunate enough to be present for the announcement of the new Scrapbooker of the Year. She and I had a fantastic conversation. I haven't seen her designs yet, but I'm sure they are amazing. The team at CK always has such great taste. I don't want to spill the beans on who it is, so jump over to www.creatingkeepsakes.com for the big announcement.

I am definately feeling homesick, though. My little boys are weighing on my mind. My mother is in from South Carolina to look after them while I'm gone. They are having so much fun there isn't much time for them to miss me. I've talked to them as often as I can. I'm missing helping with homework and snuggle times this week. Paul is flying out tonight, though. He should be here anytime, and we'll have a chance for some bonding time here in Vegas. Paul needs a vacation so bad. He's been working terribly hard lately, and I've begun to worry about him- as silly as that is.

I'm missing my girls back home- Paula, Cindy, Julie and the crew. They've gone on a retreat this weekend- a much-needed one. Paula has been so busy lately with some new creations for Design Originals, and with her crazy cute children.

Last night Cat and I ventured out to New York, New York and played at the Blackjack tables. For the first time all week I walked away with more than I arrived with! I think Paul and I are going to try and go back there tonight.

It won't be long before I will be moving. Virtually, anyway. I'm setting up my new Typepad blog, and will hopefully make a smooth transition soon.

What a great week! I love this industry.

A

Viva Las Vegas- Day 3

2007-09-18T20:01:00.000-05:00

It's Day 3 in Vegas... Day 1 of Memory Trends. What a day! Oh... the pictures I will have to post tomorrow. It began with breakfast with the Digital Scrapbooking Magazine gals, including Anna Aspens, Angie Svaboda, Renee Pearson, Linda Angelastro, Katie Pertiet and sooo many more amazing gals! Last night we took a walking tour of the Las Vegas strip from The Planet Hollywood hotel to The Venetian. What a walk! There are blisters on parts of my toes I didn't know touched the ground. Anyway, fun night. Won $80. Yahoo!

First is Renee and I at the booth this morning. The second picture is Anna and I at the Shutterfly breakfast. Anna- by the way- a simply DELIGHTFUL girl to meet! So sweet and elegant- and talented! The group of women I have met out here is amazing. Thanks to Renee for introducing me to Angie (whom I've been sleeping with! Haven't you heard...lol--oops. Guess that was supposed to stay in Vegas...lol) who introduced me to Anna! What a whirlwind!

This is Cat and Angie being silly on the strip.

More tomorrow.... hey- Becky Higgens knew who I was today! (lol) Maybe Ali will come by the booth tomorrow.

Hugs, A

Out My Window

2007-09-15T19:01:00.000-05:00

I'm set up at The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.. waiting for Angie before I find my way down to grab a bite. So, it's just me. It's quiet. There was actually a remote control to raise the blinds in the room...so I did. The view is really breathtaking!! I never knew that the hills of Las Vegas could be so..WOW! I can see a myriad of the strip hotels, and it's all just so overwhelming! Not to mention the room itself... it's nicer than my house!!! And, I do consider myself to have a nice house (when it's clean.. not now). It's just gorgeous. So, I'm going to sit here and take it all in for a while before I venture downstairs. What to do tonight...show? casino? Can't decide.

There are 3 plasma screen TV's in my room. It's just crazy!! Wish you were here.... :-) lol

Having fun in Vegas...

A

Sleepy Sunday

2007-09-09T21:36:00.000-05:00

With so much to do...and so little time... it's little wonder I just gave up and crashed today. The couch and I became great friends today. It was, to say the least, a lazy Sunday!! Now I'm up and about with lots of energy... and it's, of course, fifteen minutes until my bedtime.

This is my last week to finish everything and get on the road for Vegas. I'm nearly ready... and definately not packed. Kristy and I have been scrambling to get together our projects for Memory Trends, and the presentation is nearly done. I've learned to use the Movie Maker that came with the new PC! Yes, I was extremely excited about that. If you make it to Vegas, you MUST come by the booth to see the movie. It's rockin'.

We are DONE with all the problems at the PurplePaperFlowers.com site, and completely re-vamping it. The make-over will be done later this week. Wahoo!! Exciting stuff. Be sure to come by and visit this weekend and let me know what you think.

Last night I watched the epic "Pride & Prejudice" movie featuring Colin Firth. If you haven't seen it, take the time to. It's soooo good! Of course, I stayed up watching it until 3am this morning. That could explain the whole "sleepy" thing today...hmmm.

Have a great week! I will check in very soon!!! ~A

Flat on the Ground

2007-08-31T18:49:00.000-05:00

It's Friday...the end of the first week of school. The end of my third week back to work... and I'm ready to just collapse!! What a week! The exhileration of getting up early, and the excitement of being back in the working world is fantastic. I'm loving every moment- but tonight I feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck! Guess the ol' girl is out of shape.

Off to get some scrappin' done... :-)

Amanda

Been a long time....

2007-08-25T12:05:00.000-05:00

Someone said to me last weekend in a quick shout-out across the room- "You need to update your blog!!!" And, yes, that I do. It's been nearly a month since I checked in! Holy cow! Sorry about that guys and gals. Lots to talk about and rant about... where to start...

Okay, first off- I have a confession. Over the last two months I have become secretly obsessed and in love with Josh Groban! I know... but I got the new album (okay, the ITunes download) back in January, and I have just started listening to it non-stop. It inspires me when I'm working, and keeps me from getting the writer's/scrappers block that so intensely haunts me at times. So, I'm officially in love. I think if he came up to the booth at CHA I'd just melt right there. I'm smitten. So much so, I did a kit inspired by "February Song", off the AWAKE album. That kit will be free to you all in the new "Digi-Scrappin' 103- Designing with Fonts" book. Until then, you can pick it up at PurplePaperFlowers.com.

Aside from the obvious new love with Josh, I've also had some big changes come my way this month. I have taken up residence in the offices of Design Originals! Yes- really! I'm so excited to be back at work full-time, and promoting the books and cause I love so much. With Ben starting Kindergarten, the time just seemed perfect. So, Monday-Friday from 9a-2p, you'll find me there.

I bought a new PC (sorry, MAC users). I'm upgraded to 3G of RAM and 500G of internal space. I'm flying! I love my new HP, and I have to say- I also really love Vista. I fought with getting it, but I had to. I also upgraded to Photoshop CS3, and am loving it too. All is really great on the design front right now. It's smokin'!!!

The boys are starting school Monday, and I'm excited, but a little blue at the same time. It's hard for me to believe that in 10 short years Nicholas will be going into his senior year. Where does the time go? Ben is so excited to be starting school. He's taking up Karate, and Nicholas has started Piano lessons. Let's hope I have a little Josh Groban of my own! We enrolled him in Master's Touch Studio in Grapevine, Texas. If you're local and looking- they ROCK.

Kristy and I are prepping hard-core for the upcoming Memory Trends show. We'll be leaveing for Las Vegas in four short weeks. I'm thrilled to be putting on a digital-seminar. My two guest speakers Renee Pearson from Digital Scrapbooking Magazine, and Angie Svaboda, an incredible designer from Omaha. We are staying at The Venetian for the week, and I couldn't be more excited about the trip over all. Paul is coming out to join me for the weekend on Thursday, so we will get a sweet little mini-vacation.

For now, though, my house is in major need of some attention, and my tummy is rumbling terribly. So, I'm off to take care of those things... and I promise to update again before a month is out!!!!!

Hugs to all~ A

New Stuff and and Update

2007-08-04T01:01:00.000-05:00

What a crazy week! You know when things are quiet that I am buried in writing. That's exactly what's been going on. Book #3 is in the works and going well. You'll just have to wait for the subject... but I'll give you a hint- it's on Digital Scrapbooking!!! Okay... forgive me for not posting, but hopefully this fun little freebie will make up for it. I hope you like it! Just a little something I threw together tonight at "The Pad"...
http://download.yousendit.com/C0C688466ABCE978
As most of you know, we have been having MAJOR server troubles with the PurplePaperFlowers.com site. We have fixed them! The site will be down from Saturday afternoon until sometime on Monday. But, when we come back- EVERYTHING will be fixed! You'll notice a big change, and lots of fun new stuff. We'll announce Grand Opening information soon.

It's 1am, and I'm thinking it's sleepytime. Enjoy the freebie! It's my first to post here... :-)

Huggles,
Amanda D

Movin'....kinda

2007-07-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

Today was a whirlwind! Today I decided to "take the day off", so to say. School is about to start, and Paul and I made the decision to split up the boys. Let me explain... for several years now the boys have shared a room. Not that we didn't have room for them each to have their own room, but because they just didn't want to. Now with kindergarten and second grade looming, we thought it might be nice to split up the little monkies and give them their own space. Catherine came over and motivated me to get busy. We moved out the spare bedroom furniture and put it on Craig's List. It sold in an hour! I then realized I didn't have furniture to put in Ben's room. So, I took the money from the Craig's List sale and a little more, and bought him the cutest dresser from Ashley Furniture. It's supposed to be here in about two weeks. The funniest thing, though, was that they looked at me like I had four heads when I told them I was paying cash! I guess noone does that anymore. So, after a long day of moving rooms and furniture shopping, we were shot. We settled in about 7p to watch a movie, and now Ben and Nicholas are actually sleeping in their own rooms. What an event!

Yesterday was a fun day too. After seeing the Recollections corporate staff at CHA, it inspired me to take a day and go crop at their store. Of course, there I sit with my two friends Julie and Catherine, and all our electronics. So many people came to ask what we were doing. Had they carried my books, I think I could have sold ten copies of each. My research was right. After a long day there, we headed up to our home away from home, The Scrapbook Pad. The atmosphere was much lighter and enjoyable. And, I think I did even sell a couple books there too. But, they actually have them on the shelves.

Last night I also finished up my entry for the Memory Makers Masters Contest. The layouts I did were much different than what I usually do, so I'll be curious to find out the outcome. I even submitted a couple traditional layouts.

I'm counting the days until Paula comes home from vacation and the bugs in the site are worked out. Plus, there's some new surprises waiting around the corner.

That Tylenol PM has kicked in, so it's off to bed.

More soon,
Amanda

I'm So EXCITED!

2007-07-24T15:40:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday I was a walking zombie. Today Paul is off. The kids are having a blast, and I've been checking Email and following up with CHA folks. Mrs. Renee Pearson left a delightful note about me on her blog... http://www.reneepearson.typepad.com/
PLUS- she and I are conspiring. I am doing a seminar at Memory Trends, and it looks like she - along with a team of other contributers I'm so excited to have- will be joining me! What a blessed life I have!

I'm off to get this shaggy hair of mine cut- and to join a gym. Yep, I'll be skinny soon!

Huggles,
Amanda D

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

2007-07-23T16:29:00.000-05:00

Tuesday night we came into Fort Worth, so happy to be home! Wednesday I reloaded and got ready to leave again early on Thursday morning. Thursday I took the first flight out and headed to Chicago for the CHA conference. We had just the best time. I met some amazing folks, including Renee' Pearson, CD Muckosky, the RAKScraps gals, and many more. I'm exhausted, and this is about the extent of the blog I'm going to do today...lol (sorry!).

But, I was so happy to run into Heather Ales, Jeannie Jones, Lori Camperlingo, Jeanine Bachtold, Emily Adams, Amanda Lee, and all the other great folks that stopped by to see me! Thanks, also, to Barnes & Noble, who just picked up the Digi-books.

More soon,
Amanda D

Summer Nights

2007-07-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

Vacation is a masterful, amazing thing. Let me paint you a picture. It's close to midnight here in the serene little town of Clover, South Carolina. For miles all I hear is the creaking of crickets, the painful bellow of the occasional whipperwill, and the gentle "plop" of the frogs on the pavement a few feet away from where I sit. I'm out of the back porch of my parents "home on the ranch". It's a gorgeous beach house nestled in the backwoods of South Carolina. Everyone's in bed but me... well, me and "JC", the cat. "J.C.", by the way, stands for "just cat". "J.C." has been around for 4 years, but nobody every got around to naming her, so she's "J.C.". It's really funny to hear it told. She doesn't seem to mind. She skulks around the fields and chases bugs and frogs like she's in kitty cat heaven. I suppose she is.

The summer nights are kind down here. No humidity. Lower 70's. Driving home from dinner we litterally watched the thermastat drop from 91 to 75 (in 30 minutes!). It's a blissfull evening, and I'm definately not taking it for granted.

The kids are tucked nicely in their bed upstairs. I can see the light on in the window from where I am. At 7 and 5 they are big and brave until it comes to nighttime. Then they MUST have the light on for fear of the boogie-man. Mom and Dad have pooped out too...leaving J.C. and I here to take in the evening alone. I have a clear shot of Venus overhead. It's nearly as bright as the moon.

So, yes. The answer is yes. After all the craziness of getting the site up, and getting the book edits done (granted- they were a lot less painful than I thought they would be)...even though the site is still not REALLY done, I am, none-the-less...taking my vacation. I am breathing in every moment. I am taking time to stop and do nothing. Time to watch the kids chase lightning bugs and listen to tales that I've heard dozens of times.... time to breathe and sleep a little longer. Time to sit and drink sweet tea on the back porch and watch as nothing happens out here in the sticks. Nothing could be better. Well....one thing is missing. Paul is still at home working.... Had he come with us all would be complete.

Next week will bring all the craziness of CHA, and the reality of the day-to-day will set back in. But for now, before Kindergarten and Second Grade begin... we are taking the time to enjoy our Southern Comfort in the home of Nana and Grand-daddy.

More later... A

We Are LIVE!!!

2007-07-09T10:04:00.000-05:00

It's happened! PurplePaperFlowers.com went live yesterday afternoon! I'm so excited I just want to dance around. I can't do that, however, because I'm getting sick! I can't believe it...right before the trip to South Carolina... I'm hacking up a lung. Oh well. I'll just stay on the medication.

We still have some tweaks to do to the site. So, it's not completely finished... but it is up! Go check it out and have fun.

Hugs!
Amanda D

A New Day

2007-07-06T15:47:00.000-05:00

I KNEW I'd wake up rejouvenated. Today Paula packed up her little ones and came over. We've been scrapping all day...and it's been great! It's looking like we are on target for the site to open on Sunday! Yay!!! Today the laptop totes arrived... and they are SOOOO cute!! I'm wishing I could just carry a different one every day! lol

I'm so excited about the site launching... that I had to do a couple pages to upload to the gallery! Check out the slide bar to see!

More soon...
Amanda

When it rains...

2007-07-05T12:11:00.001-05:00

Ever have one of those days when you are just ready to wave the white flag or throw in the towel... just say "to hell with it!" Today is definately one of those days. I look around at my mess of a house that I'm struggling to find time to clean...just got a call from my editor that there are big edits to be done... and the site is still not up. I'm pretty much ready to bury my head in the sand and say "Okay! YOU win! I give up!!!" But, something tells me I won't. Today I'll get through it all and do what has to be done. Tomorrow I'll wake up refreshed and wonder what I was so upset about.

But today- it's a really freakin' big deal. Off to cry and have a little pity party for a while...

And- is the rain EVER going to stop!!!

Amanda

The Waiting Game

2007-07-03T11:47:00.001-05:00

I feel like I am in ultimate LIMBO. Waiting has never really been one of my virtues. I'm an instant gratification kind of girl... so this is killing me! I'm waiting for the site to be fixed so it can go live... I'm waiting for next Tuesday so the boys and I can get on the airplane and head home to see my family... I'm waiting for Summer CHA to have the opportunity to promote the Digi-books... I'm waiting for the rain to subside... I'm just waiting and waiting in general!

The waiting game has proven to be good for me, though. While I've been waiting, I have worked on a couple more kits that will be available as soon as PurplePaperFlowers goes up. Maybe all this waiting is a good thing.... While I'm waiting I should really really go clean my house.... NAH!!!

More soon,
Amanda

Up, Up- and Away? Not so much...

2007-07-01T17:36:00.000-05:00

Well, we tried to get the site up last night... but it just wasn't happening. Looks like there are some coding errors in the download portion of the template... or somesuchsomething... So... we are in a holding pattern until it's fixed. If this is the only gliche we run into- I'm a happy girl. The site looks great! (I just wish you all could see it..lol!) Just you wait... any day now.... I promise!!!

Amanda D

5...4...3...2...1...

2007-06-30T01:47:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe in less than 24 hours PurplePaperFlowers.com will be OPEN! I'm so excited I can't stand it...but there is still so much work to be done. I really do feel like I'm back at a full time job again! But, it's great. It's exhilarating and exciting and so tiring all at once. I have to say, though, it's looking good so far. I have the BEST webman out there- Jason Krouse- doing all the dirty work for me.

It's nearly 2am!!! I've gotta get some sleep.... Night night all! I'll check in soon!

Amanda D

Doing the Unthinkable

2007-06-23T17:26:00.000-05:00

So, I've done the unthinkable- that which I never thought I would do- and couldn't even have imagined it all. I had the mega garage sale of all garage sales and sold all the scrapbooking stuff. With the exception of about 1/4 of what I started with, it's all gone. I have to admit- part of me wants to cry a little bit. I think most of it is that I'm just tired, though. It will be a huge cleanse, though, to have it all out of the house and gone. Even the stamps- those things I coveted so much. I never have time anymore to do anything with them. Everyday I look at that room with all the fun, amazing supplies- and just want to be done with it! I feel like the release of all that "scrapbooking stuff" has helped me turn a chapter in my life. That probably sounds weird... but, the fact of the matter is that I'm so incredibly tired everything flowing from the tips of my fingers is bound to sound a little wack right now.

The remainder will probably go on Ebay. I'm thinking of putting one huge lot on Craig's List and being done with it...hmmm...there's a thought. And, the funny and ironic thing is that I really don't have any less supplies. All my stamps, embossing tools, eyelets, ribbons, brads, papers, inks... are in endless supply- and all on my extensive collection of external harddrives! Crazy as it sounds, that's all I need.

I really discovered that last night. Paula, Cindy, Julie and my new-found-friend Catherine all rented out the back room of an eclectic little coffee bar in close to the University. We sat in the back all night and digi-scrapped. We laughed, exchanged stories, showed each other how to do things, sang along badly to the 80's music (Catherine! ha!), and just had a blast. When it was time to go, I was as exhausted as I am now. I threw my laptop in my shoulderbag and zip- I was outta there. Just like that. No lugging or hauling or beeping sounds and lights as I wheeled my tote out of the place. Amazing. We had such an amazing time. Thank God for Girlfriends!

But, now- it couldn't be any more perfect. I'll use the money I earned this weekend (and thanks to all who came) to pay completely for my new endeaver- PurplePaperFlowers.com- launching in just 10 days. It's not even bittersweet... it's just sweet.

I'm off to take a nap- and a well-deserved one at that.

Smiling and nodding off~ Amanda

Ridin' the Storm Out

2007-06-13T21:40:00.000-05:00

That's exactly what the last two weeks have been- a storm! I've been in full steam ahead work mode getting the finishing touches put on the next chapter in the "Digi-Scrappin'" series. Now it's done and turned in, and I can breathe for about two minutes before I need to finish getting the finishing touches together for the new site (launching July 1st!!!). I'm all set, though. We just upgraded the memory in both the home PC and my laptop. I'm moving at the speed of light now, and really happy about it.

This week marks a bittersweet anniversary for me. This Saturday in June 16th. This will forever be a pivotal day in my life. So many things changed on that day. The anniversary is looming in front of me and I don't know what to do with these emotions. So, I'm doing the best thing I know how to do- and scrapbooking through it. Saturday the girls and I will be at "The Pad", so please stop by and say hello.

If you're wondering what the major anniversary is, it' been one year ago that my life took a big turn. One year ago today we received a call that my dear uncle had taken a terrible turn for the worse in his hospice bed. We needed to leave and drive as fast as we could to Chattanooga, TN to be with him and the family. So, I called my now ex-boss at the Recollections corporate office and let her know. After the response I recieved, I left with a heavy heart to be with my family. Uncle Ricky passed away on Friday, June 16th- only hours after we had arrived. On the long trip home I made the decision that would change my life- to resign my position at Recollections.

Like a sign from God, I received a message from Suzanne Macneil of Design Originals saying "Let's get together and see if we can dream up a way to work together". Three books later, a website in the works, and a series to come- here I am. I have to admit I am still bitter about the parting with Recollections- as many of you know. I am grateful to have been freed from it, but missing my old friends at the store level. I don't think I'll ever get past that. But, the one year mark means that- I made it. I didn't well up in a hole and die. I didn't fade away into oblivion. I held my head up and kept going- no matter how many times I wanted to dive headfirst off that cliff. I'm here- and I'm better for it.

So, this Saturday I will wake and thank God for taking care of my wonderful Uncle Ricky. And I will also thank him for all the events of the last year- bad and good. Because in the end, all the bad stuff has really turned out good anyway. So, that's it. I am officially letting go of all of it, and handing it over to the one person who will unburdon me.

Love to all- Amanda

Sante Fe

2007-06-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

It's a little past 3p here, and I'm sitting in "Pepe Le Bean" in Sante Fe, New Mexico. It's a quaint little coffee shop, and the closest place I could find with wireless Internet. The owner keeps giving me jabbing looks as I've been here for the last 4 hours. It's not crowded at all, but apparently I'm not buying enough. So, one Dr. Pepper, one hot chocolate and one white chocolate mocha something later, I'm still sitting here. It's threatening to rain outside. Paul and the boys ventured up into the mountains today. I elected to stay here and catch up on some work. For the most part it's been nice and quiet.

We spent the day yesterday with Paul's sister, Yvonne and the rest of the Dykan clan at her wedding. It was a simple ceremony with about 200 guests. The reception was none like I had ever been to before. It was a complete Mexican affair with a current latino-country band, dancing, fajita's, Mexican beer and a Pinata for the little ones. The bride and groom were blushing and crying with joy- and in the end, we all had a great day. The ceremony and reception was held outside (though there were tents to cover the tables). But, you know me and my white skin-- of course I got sunburnt! Ben found himself a girlfriend and Nicholas learned to play horseshoes.

I can't wait to get home on Tuesday, though. I'm missing all of you and my animals very much!Paul's off until Friday, so I'm planning to spend some quaility time at The Scrapbook Pad later this week.

From Sante Fe- signing off for now...

Amanda D

Fun Photos

2007-05-30T10:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Kristy, Paula and I went into the studio for some up to date pictures. We had a blast! They took a ton of pictures. So, we have some new images for the digibooks, and just for fun. Here are some of my favorites.

More soon,

Amanda

Cakes Galore!

2007-05-30T09:31:00.001-05:00

So, I got a call from Paul's mother on Sunday. Keep in mind that Paul's sister Yvonne is getting married THIS SATURDAY. We volunteered to do centerpieces- something I thought was going to be a small little task. She is having a simple wedding, and wanted something like pine cones in glass bowls... I thought I'd drizzle some Diamond Glaze and Diamond Dust, along with a little ribbon and call it good. Whatever was I thinking! I had the bright idea of making paper mache' wedding cakes. I thought that would be something easy... and quick....not too elaborate. I clearly didn't have my head on straight. Two days and twelve cakes later my kitchen counter looked like a small bakery. But, the cakes are way cute, even if I do say so myself. I think Yvonne will be pleased.

Looks like a nasty storm is coming in... got to turn off the computer for now.

More soon!
Amanda D

Neglect

2007-05-23T13:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm starting to hear about it.... I'm sorry I've neglected my blog for so long! It's been a crazy crunch time, with all the new things coming up. I've been working my tail off and making slow progress. The books are coming along, though, and they should be ready to make that June deadline- Holy Cow!

Today is my dear friend Paula's birthday. Happy Birthday Paula! We will be having a celebration for her this Friday night at The Scrapbook Pad. Please come join us! It should be lots of fun. I'm so tickled with the gift I got her. I know she's going to squeal- and it's pink! (her favorite color!)

Aside from that, I have little to report. One day looks very like another when your head is buried in the computer. The end of school is quickly approaching, which means two- maybe four- trips. Sante Fe, Charlotte, Chicago, and Las Vegas. The summertime will bring even more news, so stay tuned.

I also want to extend a little hello to my new fans down in Brazil! Thanks for the notes, girls!

And, congratulations to Jackie Eckles for joining the team at LittleDreamerDesigns! Her creations are so cute.

More later,
Amanda

Announcement!!! Wahoooooooo!!! WEEEhoooo!!!

2007-05-16T13:47:00.000-05:00

So, I promised I would announce this yesterday, and time just got away from me. I was able to make a post on DigiShopTalk... but I wanted to be official and post it here as well! PurplePaperFlowers.com has hired its' new design team! The new team members are... (drumroll please)

Michelle Bradley

Shelle Pukas

Paula Phillips

Julie Staley

Gina Arzaga

Julie Bullock

Kristy Krouse

Tonje Gram

Theres Kubitz

and the artist/author team of Design Originals

I couldn't be happier to make this announcement! The site is still set to go live on July 1st, 2007. We have some great tricks up our sleeves for you guys and gals. Stay tuned! And- congratulations new DT members!!

Amanda

Into the Ocean

2007-05-14T18:10:00.000-05:00

Ever just feel like you are sinking... like you are in so far over your head that you want to just drift back, arms afloat and let it all happen? That's the way I am this week. I am having a severe case of "Be careful what you wish for"... Deadlines approaching (and passed in one case)...and more assignments are piling on. Wow... where does it end!?! And, do I want it to? Heck no! Bring it on...but once again... WOW!

Good news on the homefront about the new web site. Things are coming along smoothly and getting underway. The logo is done and just looks so darn cute I can't wait for everyone to see it. We have our server set up, and ready to go. We met with our Webmaster today, and Jason is just amazing. Our site is going to ROCK with a capital "R". Who knew of all the details that would go into a site, though! I've definately learned that being a digital scrapbooker and a tech-savvy geek are two completely seperate entaties all-together! And, I'm glad I'm the former of the two.

Wonderful Kristy at Design Originals has dreamt up the cover for the next two "Digi-books", and I'm just dying to see them. Looks like my boys made the covers this time. Can't wait to have them released!

That's about all the blogging I have time for today. The rain is passing and I have no excuse anymore... back to the grindstone I go.

More soon- hopefully. :-)

Amanda

TGIF!

2007-05-11T11:38:00.000-05:00

It's a gorgeous day here in sunny Fort Worth! We've had barrells of rain this week, so now the grass is really lush and green- as are the weeds....of course. No school today, so that's doubly fun! Nicholas couldn't stand it anymore today and gave me an early Mother's Day present. It was a book he made all about me. I just loved the pictures he drew and all he wrote about me. Boy, he just nailed me. Was fantastic.

In other news... I've been working night and day on new products and designs for the new site! I can't wait until I goes live and you all can see the fruits of my labours!

Sorry the blogging has been slow lately. It's been really busy with all the work. It's funny. I feel like a real "graphic artist" now. I'm just glad I'm on my own schedule, with really no one to answer to. I have to say it's just great.

Keep Paula in your thoughts. She's under the weather... allergy season is getting the better of all of us, it seems.

Hugs to all!

Amanda

National Scrapbooking Day

2007-05-07T11:58:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm back to my neglected blog...lol

What a great weekend! Paula, Julie, Cindy and I embarked on a mini-retreat of sorts to celebrate the holiday weekend. Yes, I said "holiday weekend". As a scrapbooker by trade, this was truly the most anticipated weekend of the year! We brought in the holiday in style, with a great room at Embassy Suites in Grapevine, Texas (OMG- they have the best breakfast EVER), and we cropped all day and night at The Scrapbook Pad. It was simply fantabulous! Spending the weekend with my closest friends couldn't have been any better. Yesterday, though, I'm sure I was a real grouch. Staying up until 3am apparently doesn't agree with me. Needless to say, I slept really, really late today.

But, I got some fun pages done over the weekend, and got to introduce some new gals to the digital realm. Of course, as always, there were the couple of gals who seemed to take offense that we were scrapbooking via computer...so weird.

Then, last night I came home and got to snuggle with me sweet little boys. What a perfect weekend.

More soon~ Amanda

No One Mourns the Wicked

2007-05-04T00:34:00.000-05:00

Paul and I bought tickets for the May 3rd performance of Wicked in September of 2005. At the time, we thought we were buying them for May 3rd, 2006. But....No! The show was tonight! It was worth the wait. We had incredible seats, and the performers were just perfect. Elfeba was green and beautiful, and Ga-Linda had the most amazing voice I think I had ever heard. If you have a chance, definately go see it before it leaves. Sooooo worth it. If you don't know what it's about, it's the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy arrives. It explains why the Wicked Witch of the West is green, how the ruby slippers came to be, what's up with the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow. It even explains the Emerald City...and so much more. The story is funny, touching and beautiful all at once. And, if you are into details, the costumes themselves are worth going to the show. I think I may have to do a "Wicked" kit! I'm inspired now.

Oh, if you have seen it, tell me- are you defying gravity- or popular? I think I'm more of a "popular" girl... :-)

I also have SOOOO much to report that I can't talk about! I'm about to need a big zipper to go over my mouth. Just stay tuned and wait for July 1st... there's going to be some really kewl stuff happening. I think you'll like it....heheheheheh (insert Wicked laugh here).

More soon~ Amanda

It's Raining Again

2007-05-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's a rainy Tuesday morning here in Fort Worth, and from what I hear, it's supposed to keep this up all week. That's all fine and good with me, though. No plans here..until the weekend. I can't wait...the girls and I are having an impromptu retreat in celebration on National Scrapbook Day, and the fact that we just all need a break from our everyday lives. Friday just can't get here fast enough!

Today is May 1st! That also means that tonight at midnight is the deadline for design team application submissions to PurplePaperFlowers.com. I have a great selection of gals to pick from, but there are some more names I'm hoping will pop in. So, if you haven't sent your application in, please, please do! We'll be doing some great things at the new site. No underestimations allowed... :-)

I'm headed off for a busy day...lots of writing and layouts to do today. But, one last thing before I go. If you haven't visited Michelle Coleman's blog for a while, today's the day to do it. She's supposed to be making her "announcement" today. But, for those of you who don't know- her amazing new site is up already. It's linked to the right here, under "Little Dreamer Designs". Go check it out. You may want to make sure your Paypal account is ready to go, though. You might just drain it...lol

One last funny tidbit...Ben came up to the office to say hello, and then took off down the hall at the speed of light. Next, he came back to the office and proclaimed, "I was running!" I just got a flash of my little boy as Forrest Gump. Oh, brother!!

Have a great day,
Amanda

Sincerely

2007-04-29T08:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was simply fabulous! I have to extend a big (((HUG))) and Thank You to Jeannie Jones and all her staff at The Scrapbook Pad in Colleyville, Texas. I had the amazing opportunity yesterday to meet some fabulous new gals and see some familiar faces during the book signing at The Scrapbook Pad. They went all out, with silver platters of goodies, a huge bowl of punch, and a gorgeous vase of flowers in "Scrapbook Pad" colors. I was really touched by all the support and love that was there. My friend Julie was on hand to help me out and take pictures, which made the day even more supergreat. And of course Paula, Cindy and Lisa were fabulous to come by and show their support. You guys mean a lot to me! Thanks so much for taking the time to show up. Enjoy the pictures. And, Julie- if you're reading this- YOU ROCK!!!

Then, last night Cindy, Paula, Julie and I had a great dinner before the crop. It was the first time all week I had actually felt good. But guessing by the way I feel this morning, it was probably more the company that kept my mind off of it than anything. Does anybody know if earaches actually ever do go away?!?!

Today is going to be a combination of cleaning house, playing on the computer and resting. The boys are enjoying their new "Meet the Robinson's" video game and destroying the living room. That's just as it should be for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Paul is basking in the sunshine and adult beverages out at the Byron Nelson today. What a great day for it!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend! Thanks for stopping by...

Amanda D

Candy Clouds

2007-04-27T22:34:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share today's kit creation. It'll hopefully be posted to NDISB tonight or tomorrow morning. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. :-)

And don't forget to come to the book signing on Saturday!

Thanks!

Amanda D

Early ramblings

2007-04-27T06:12:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! It's just after 6am, which for me, is unGodly early. Still feeling lousy with this cold, or allergies, or whatever it is. I think my thermometer is broken because I'm pretty sure I don't have a fever of 94.6 degrees. Gotta get a new one. Anyway, woke up at 5:15am having a coughing fit, and didn't want to wake up Paul, so I just got up. Should make for an interesting day. I've been on antibiotics since Monday...so I'm hoping this crud will pass soon. Geezzzz. I really shouldn't complain, though...other than a tummy bug here and there I haven't been sick for several months. I guess it was about time.

On a lighter note, if you're in the DFW area, please don't forget to come see me tomorrow (Saturday) at The Scrapbook Pad in Colleyville from 12n-2pm. I'm so excited about my release party/book signing. I KNOW I'll be feeling better by then- if by shear will power!

Completely off topic- my cat is having a heart attack that I'm up! She's walking around the office just meowing her little head off and looking at me like "Hey! This is MY turf this early! What are you thinking, Woman!" She's very noisy. I'm glad we are on the other end of the house from everyone else! lol

Call me superstisious (can't spell...too lazy to open Word for the spellcheck option)... but I have a theory that all things..good, bad, weird, etc...come in sets of three. For me, anyways, it always happens like that. The last two days have brought on some strange, happy and funny things. Two random people from my past have gotten in touch with me! One, from over 15 YEARS ago sent me an Email (mainly looking for my brother...but still- WOW), and then yesterday, a lady whom I knew a few years back was trying to call Airtram, when she misdialed and got ME. I recognized her name on caller ID. She said "I think I have the wrong number", and I asked her if it was the same Debbie I knew from years ago.. and it was! We both laughed and talked for a few minutes. The whole thing was just hilarious. So, that was TWO- in TWO days! So, I'm wondering who'll I'll hear from today, and kind of excited to find out.

Well, I'm starting to get tired again, and it's almost time for Nicholas to get up...so I'll sign off for now. But, since it's so early, I'll probably post later. Can't wait to show you all what I worked on yesterday.

Hugs!
Amanda

Good Charlotte

2007-04-25T18:10:00.000-05:00

Okay guys and gals... Got my first full paper set finished and posted to the NSID site today! Here's a sample, but I was quite proud of it. I love the color pallete, and had to name it after my hometown. I'm off to Paula's Pampered Chef party!!!

Hugs,

Amanda

In a FOG

2007-04-24T18:11:00.000-05:00

Such a week! Sunday night the world started to close in on my head and a cold knocked me clear on my backside. Along with it came- of all things- an EAR INFECTION! Ugh! Yuck and more yuck. Today I am finally back in the world of the living, if not a little foggy-headed. I am, of course, on a deadline... so I have been working. Here's the layout I did today, thanks to Elsie Flannigan. She was gracious enough to grant me a couple pictures of herself for the upcoming book. She's such a doll! It makes me smaile to open my Email and have her address waving at me. But, here it is.... it's not as cute as something SHE would do, but I like it.

Now that I'm feeling a little better I'm ready for a full night of scrapbooking and- of course- American Idol (go Jordin!).

And- I want to congratulate my friend Bobbie Jackson on becoming a grandma today! I swear, you're too young to be anybody's granny, but I'm so happy for you! Can't wait to see the new little doll.

Hugs! Amanda

POSTED!

2007-04-22T20:11:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to debut my store at NDISB! It's up and running for all of you to see. I've been under the weather today so I've been quite the geek, and creating between naps and getting the store posted. Be ready for some fun new things this week. Is everyone ready for National Scrapbooking Day on May 5th? I'm SOOO ready! It's going to be a blast. Paula, Julie, Cindy and I are spending the day at The Scrapbook Pad. I don't know what they have planned, but I know it'll be a blast.

Starting to feel cruddy, so I'm off to bed. The link is at the top of "A Few Good Places To Go" listed to the right. Have fun!

Amanda

Roller Coaster

2007-04-21T16:41:00.000-05:00

Ups, downs and everything in between. That's what the last two days have been. After the confusion at PDW, I was offered a spot on the design team at www.ndisb.com, otherwise known as Natural Designs in Scrapbooking. I am excited to be a part of this team, and thrilled about some of the events they have coming up. Stay tuned! It should be a wild ride. I hope to have my store up and posted tonight.

Everyone who knows me is aware of the issues I have had over the last year with the mighty 11-store chain of "Recollections". I only mention it now because it seems as if I have a fan over there. One who creeps in and posts mean things in forums and comments on my blog. If you are reading, fan, which I am quite sure you are.... I am done with it. I have put up with this since October, and I am finished. Should you choose to keep it up, there will be a price to pay. My retainer has been made, if you get my drift. And, that's all I'm going to say about it. I'm sorry to the rest of you who had to put up with that.

On a lighter note, I couldn't be more excited about happenings in the coming week- and don't forget about the Release Party and Book Signing at The Scrapbook Pad next Saturday!

Hugs~ Amanda D

Clearing Things Up

2007-04-20T12:47:00.000-05:00

Some of you may have noticed that my store at PlainDigitalWrapper is gone. And, it is. I want to clear up what happened for the record.

In three of my kits I used doodles that were "inspired by" Paper Salon. I contacted Paper Salon about doing this and received permission, as long as I made the required changes. I had permission from the stamp company, and not the artist who drew them for the stamp company. This resulted in my losing my spot as a guest designer at PlainDigitalWrapper. I understand their point of view, and thank them for the opportunity they gave me.

Just to avoid any confusion whatsoever, I've taken the kits out of my collection. It's not worth it to me, even if I did have the permission I thought I needed. It's a sad day.

I just got a really nice letter from the owner of Paper Salon apologizing for all the confusion. It's all good. For now, you'll notice I have taken the slide of my kits off. I am moving forward and creating more kits to post for sale at my site, PurplePaperFlowers.com which is due to launch in a couple short months. I will not stop designing.

Thanks to those of you who have sent me notes about this. I really appreciate your encouragement.

Hugs,
Amanda

Amanda D

Waiting

2007-04-19T15:57:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday afternoon, and after much trial and error, my store at PlainDigitalWrapper is up! Yay! I can't wait to do some more kits to post, but I also have much writing to do and layouts for that book deadline that is quickly approaching. Paul and I are taking the early evening, though, and are actually going to have date night tonight! Wahoo! It's dinner and a movie, and then home early for a good nights sleep. After last night, I sure need the beauty sleep... We're just waiting for the sitter to get here now.

It was a late night getting the store in order. I'm just so honored to be a part of it! And, before you know it, PurplePaperFlowers.com will be up and running and I'll have my hands REALLY full! Should be fun. I can't wait....but that's exactly what I'll keep doing...waiting...

More soon,
Amanda

Doing the Happy Jig

2007-04-18T19:04:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited! It seems the team at PlainDigitalWrapper.com has invited me to be a guest designer for the months of April and May! What an honor to be a part of! You can see (and purchase) my designs on www.plaindigitalwrapper.com starting later tonight! My "Pop Goes The World" minikit is my debut article. I'm so happy! Please, please, please...go check it out!

Hugs to all!
Amanda D

Easy Like Monday Morning

2007-04-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

Today I'm a lucky girl. Paul is home from the races and off work. Last night I had a major attack of the tummy flu. Thank God Paul came home when he did. I was off to bed at 9p, and didn't get up until 11a today. And, as silly as it sounds- I could go back to bed! I've eaten and everything seems to be okay so far...

We are booked for Friday night at "The Pad", and next Saturday night as well. There's still space, so please come join us if you can! Don't forget...that's the day of the Release Party/Book Signing and Garage Sale at The Scrapbook Pad. It should be an event-filled day.

Speaking of garage sale... it finally hit yesterday. I've decided to sell all my paper and do-dads for traditional scrapbooking. I have all these beautiful papers and elements that are sitting there, taunting me because I haven't had time to use them. Some of it, like inks, paints, etc.. are perishable. I don't want them to dry up before I get a chance to use them. So, I'm putting it all on the market. It makes me very sad to do so, but I know I just don't have time to do it anymore. I think about all the thousands of dollars I've spent, and my tummy gets a little ill again. I really hate to get rid of it all....any thoughts?

Okay, enough for now. More soon... ~ A

Midnight

2007-04-14T23:17:00.000-05:00

It's late and I can't sleep- again...so here I am. NASCAR is in town so I'm a widow for the weekend. The boys have taken over my bed, and they look so peaceful I'm quite sure I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight. There's always the guest room, but I just know they'd freak out if they woke up and didn't see me right there with them. lol... funny thought... can't have that, though.

Paula and I took an odd Saturday and spent it at The Scrapbook Pad today. So many familiar faces I hadn't seen in a while came in. We also met some new faces... a couple new aspiring digi-scrappers. That's always fun. Paula learned some new tricks and I actually finished a couple pages. It was a brisk 55 degrees most of the day. When I spoke to my mother this afternoon she was basking in the sunshine in Cocoa Beach, Florida...in a wonderful 80-something degrees. I almost wanted to tell her to "bite me"... But, she's my mother, so I didn't... :-)

I have to say, though, I really missed my kids all day! I've been spending every waking moment with them since Paul and I got back from Vegas a few weeks ago. Other than Friday nights, one or both of them is really always within arms reach. So, last night I went scrapbooking, and then again today! I guess I'm getting used to it. You'd think that, by being around them so much, I'd really want the vacation. I really looked forward to today, and had a great time. Paula and I always have such fun, and there's never a lack of conversation...(ha ha)... but at 9:30p I packed up and went to pick up the little ones. I just couldn't stand it anymore! You should have seen the faces of the women in the crop room. "What- somebody's leaving!!!" Nothing personal, gals... just had to hug my boys.

So, I'm off to spend some more time surfing before the Sandman offers to come take me away.

More soon~ A

We're not in Kansas Anymore

2007-04-14T15:09:00.000-05:00

Friday night, come Hell or high water, is SCRAPBOOKING NIGHT!!! Good Lord up in Heaven, don't you realize that sending us floods or tornados is not going to stop the insanity of scrapbooking!!!!

That's what my husband said, anyway. Paula and I piled up in the car and headed into the hazy evening to our friend Julie's house. We laughed on the way, talking about just that thing. It was all fun and games until the winds began to howl outside the upstairs window. The rain pelted down and brought the hail with it. We turned on the AM station radio and listened to reports of tornadoes touch down all around us, including right down the street from our homes. I was so grateful that we had left the children with our husbands for the evening- instead of sitters. The kids apparently enjoyed huddling in the bathroom floor with the big boxer dog and little bitty kitty cat... All was fine, Thank God. The storm passed in ten minutes. Paula rushed down the stairs to stick some pieces of hail into the freezer for her insurance adjuster husband.

Before we knew it we were laughing and scrapbooking as if nothing had ever happened. It was overall a fantastic night. We had a blast. Nothing like a little life-threatening storm to get the ol' adrenaline flowing.

More soon~ Amanda

A Blog About Nothing...a lot of it...

2007-04-12T13:35:00.000-05:00

Sometimes in my bed at night I have trouble sleeping. So, I lie there thinking of what I will blog about the next day. I know, that's strange and silly and shows that I probably have no life...but there it is. Sometimes I think of some really cool things. But, since I don't write them down, the really cool thoughts are often gone by morning. Don't know why that's of any relevance, but I had to share. Maybe I should start keeping a notepad on the bedside table to give you guys something a little more juicy to read.

I also realized this morning that my days are a little backward. Let me explain. Twice this week Paula and I have gotten out to run errands, once with kids in tow and once without. It's so great to have her closeby so we can do these things together. However, as some of you know, I really like my sleep. Often times I drop Nicholas off at school and come home where Ben and I retreat for our morning "snuggle time". I'll make him breakfast and stay up long enough to check Email and make sure there's nothing pressing for me to take care of. Then, around 8am he and I retreat for the big soft snuggly bed where I have amazingly high thread counted sheets. We turn on something like Sprout or Noggin, get warm and cozy, and I drift on and off to dreamland until about 10am. Then, on any average day I get up, take a shower, put on make-up and make myself presentable to the world. He and I, after that, spend our day together in the house, where I've gotten all made up for nobody but the kids and my husband, who will be home much, much later in the day or evening. Then, ironically, there are those days when at 10am, Paula shows up to pick me up for errands. These, oddly enough, are the days when I litterally throw on something that's not too wrinkled, brush the hair and throw it into a clip, brush my teeth, wash my face and call it good. Ironically, the days I look my worst are the days I go out into public for all to see. What is wrong with me!

What strikes me funny about all that is this... when I was younger (say, a teenager until about last year- age 30) I refused to go anywhere until I was completely ready. That meant hair done, makeup on, lips pink or red, clean and pressed, ready to show the world. Heck, I wouldn't even stay home and clean house until I atleast looked cute enough on the off chance that someone of importance (meaning anyone) would knock on the door while I was home. I had to look my best all the time. It drove my mother crazy! So much so that, when I was 18, we went to DisneyWorld. While we were there she didn't allow me to wear make-up at all. So, now we have these horrible pictures of white, pastey Amanda on all the rides- hair slicked back with stark white skin and freckles to boot. I was mortified! But, now, that's really how most of the world sees me during the week. Once again, I don't know what relevance that holds except to tell those of you that have seen me on these trussled days, that I do actually know how to make myself look nice- and NOT be a perfect canditate for the What Not To Wear show. Maybe I should work on fixing that....

All that aside... I have to say a hefty hearty THANK YOU to the gals at The Scrapbook Pad! I got their Email newsletter today, and there I was, all in it! I'm so excited to come do the book signing for you! That makes me a happy girl. I just hope somebody shows up for it! And, I do promise to put on make-up that day!!!

Hugs, kisses, smiles.... Amanda

Another Monday...

2007-04-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

Today has been a conglomoration of frustration and anxiety so far. Little Zachary, Paula's little boy, fell and knocked the back of his noggin on a chair. After a frazzled morning in the ER, both mom and baby boy are home resting. Ben and I headed out to take care of random errands to get him ready for Kindergarten Round-Up tommorow. After the first stop, our plans were stumped because of a simple mix up... we had to go to three different places to fix it. So, really I've gotten nothing accomplished that I needed to today, and it's almost time to go get Nicholas.

Old Man Winter is still breathing his cold air on us, and the day is grizzly and gloomy. I'm hoping the sun will peak out tomorrow and give us some relief from all this drab.

On a lighter note, though, I've sent out invitations to the "Digi-Scrappin' 101" release party and book signing! It will be on Saturday, April 28th from 12p-2p at The Scrapbook Pad in Colleyville, Texas. Please come and show your support! I'd love to see you all. I know I haven't talked to a lot of you in a while. Hopefully you'll come by and say hello. That's the same day as their garage sale, so it promises to be a fun day all around. And hey- there'll be petit fours and punch! You can't beat that, right? Cake is always good. If nothing else, come to get some cake!
:-)

Hugs to all- stay warm out there.

~Amanda

Hazy Shade of Winter?!?

2007-04-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

It's just after 1p on Easter Eve, and I'm having a hard time believing what I'm seeing today. I took the boys to an Easter egg hunt at Paula's church.. and it SNOWED on us the whole time! SNOW! In TEXAS! On April 7th! It is truly a strange phenominon. It'll make for some interesting scrapbook pages, though.

Last night we had a wonderful time at our faithful new home- The Scrapbook Pad. I was excited to see two new computers in the corner. And, they told us that they'll be receiving their big Noritsu printer in a few weeks, so we'll be able to print out our pages there. Life is good. They also had so many pretty new things I could hardly take everything in. And, best of all--- they had "Digi-Scrappin' 101"!!! Yay! Whahooooo! Yep, that felt good to see that there.

But, something else happened that I have to wonder about. A woman who I won't identify asked one of the employees if "those girls with computers" would be allowed to crop on National Scrapbook Day. I have to wonder why that would be a problem! I know that digital scrapbooking is a fairly new phenominon, and that it is, for the most part, just being embraced. But, why discriminate against us? We come in and crop just like everyone else. We spend money... just on different things. Last night I bought a book and a new album. Paula spent about $30. I know Cindy spent about that too. I spent over $50. So, what's the big deal? Heaven forbid we may teach the traditional scrappers a thing or two. Our pages are just as pretty as theirs. And, if the store had a bunch of kits on discs- I would buy them! Heaven knows I buy enough from the digital sites...why would the store be any different? Do those ladies think that "those girls with computers" don't have feelings? Are we not Mothers, Wives, Daughters, Sisters and Friends, just like they are? It's a different form of discrimination. It's hypocritical, especially when those same women santer up beside us and ask us how we do what we're doing. And, we are glad to answer. We are glad to help. We are happy to be there and to be a part of the environment. But, don't ask for our help and then ask that we be excluded. It's not fair.

So, that's my rant for today. Sorry if I offended anyone....

~Amanda

Oh What a Night (or Day)

2007-04-04T18:35:00.000-05:00

Today was a wonderful mid-60's outside. It was a crazy, hectic day. But now dinner is in the oven. Paul and the kids are vegging out and I finally have some time to myself. I'm excited to tell you that the Design Originals website is being re-vamped and about to be done! My sources tell me that it will go live in a little over a week. Then, you'll be able to purchase the "Oodles of Doodles" book digital scrapbooking kits! I'm excited about that in particular because it was my boggle-eyes that stayed up all those hours putting the kits together for your wonder! Thanks to the girls at DigiShopTalk when I had my panic attack about brush sizes. You guys (gals) rock!! So, as soon as I can figure out how to post the previews on here I will. They are very, very cute. The designers over there really out-did themselves. Scroll down to the bottom to see the previews.

Friday is approaching, which means crop night! Yay!! After a flat tire this week, and pulling out my hair over several things I won't mention here, I'm ready for the break and the night out with the girls.

On a lighter note, I received my latest issue of "Memory Makers" magazine yesterday. In the very back in a tiny lower corner of one of the last pages is an ad for the "Digi-Scrappin' 101" book ad. Yay!! It was really exciting to see that. It'll be even more thrilling to walk into a store and see it on the shelves. So, come on, those of you with stores- please buy it up!! :-)

The next books are in the works. I'll keep you posted on their progress and when they'll be released. Enough rambling for tonight.... more later.... Amanda

Monday, Monday

2007-04-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

Oh, it's the end of a long day here in Fort Worth. Did no scrapping today, but I did get the grocery shopping done. Yet, the house is still a mess... I didn't get dinner cooked, and I have a headache bigger than the entire state of Texas. I have a feeling it'll be an early night tonight. I haven't seen television in a few days, so I'm looking forward to nestling in and catching up on some Tivo. Thank the good Lord above for Tivo! lol...

So, hopefully more work will be done tommorow, and I'll have more to post. Until then... goodnight...

Amanda

Perfect Moments

2007-03-31T08:47:00.000-06:00

After a late night of cropping we awoke to the sound of the phone ringing. After three days of solid storms and rain the sun is out and resounding in the sky. It is simply beautiful. The soccer fields, however, leave something to be desired. They are coverd in water and mud- so no soccer game today. Our boxer is looking at me with big sad eyes. I know he wants to go run in the mud. He's looking at me like, "Hey- you forgot me!" The cat is taking a bath on the loveseat. The kids are fighting over which movie to watch, and Paul's reconsiling the bank account. That leaves me here, browsing the scrapbook galleries and blogging. This is pretty much a perfect moment. Relative quiet...a resonably clean house...solice. All is good.

I've come to recognize more perfect moments lately. Like, two nights ago- Paul and I were snuggled in bed. It was softly raining outside. The cat came and nestled between us. Then, I heard a little snore come out of Nicholas. Since it had been storming, the kids were scared. We let them sleep in a pallate on the floor next to us, even though it was a school night. That little snore reminded me of how precious the moment was. I looked over at Paul and said, "This is a perfect moment." He smiled and kissed me on the forehead and said, "Where did that come from?" Then I realized... we just don't pay close enough attention. We have to take a step back, even in the middle of the chaos and the laughing, and even the crying. Take a step back and acknowledge- this is a perfect moment. Life is filled with filling in the spaces between these moments. And those moments- are what we scrapbook about.

More soon~ Amanda

Excitement, wonderment and ANTICIPATION!

2007-03-30T15:18:00.000-06:00

I love it when I create something I love. Yesterday and today I've been diligantly working on layouts. I've only gotten two done, but I really love them. Now, I can't decide whether to use them for the Scrapbooker of the Year contest, or the new book. They are 100% digital. And, I used other people's pictures in them! So, now I'm anxious to show them off (but I can't)... and I don't have my own pictures to put in them. Man oh man...what to do!

I also spent a good part of today working on Paula's blog, and updating mine a little. So, click on the link to the right to see hers, and scroll all the way to the bottom to see the updates on mine. Lots of fun stuff.

It's Friday. Soccer practice has been cancelled for tonight, so I'm digging into my kits and making some more pages. How fun! Now, I just wish the girls were coming over to scrap! If it's Friday night and you're reading this, hop in the car and drive on. It's crop night!

More soon~ Amanda

5 O'Clock

2007-03-28T16:04:00.000-06:00

For a stay-at-home mom, I sure stay busy! Today was full with watching my friends' amazing little boy, taking my little boy to speech therapy, making phone calls to doctors offices and book contacts, setting up a photo shoot, sending out Emails, cleaning the house, doing laundry- and oh yes- I did get a shower today. How do working mothers do it? How did I ever fit into that genre of working moms? Ugh... I don't know. I think I'll wait a while to find out.

Good things happened today, though. I've sent out a call for photos, and I've gotten some amazing ones for the next book. I'm thrilled. I can't wait to get the layouts done! You guys will have to wait to see them, though. They'll be under lock and key until the book comes out in July.

The husband got called to stay late at work tonight... and I'm missing a meeting! Once again, how do the working mom's do it? Well, I guess I really ought to know...

More later...

Amanda

March Madness

2007-03-25T09:51:00.000-06:00

A funny thing happened at The Scrapbook Pad yesterday. Oh, we had such a great time! Paula and I joined the "March Madness" tournament for scrapbooking. We, apparently, were a little too sure of ourselves. After two rounds, we were out! The challenge was to make a page in 10 minutes. Well, our pages were still miles away from ready when the timer went off. So, we kicked ourselves and thought, "Man, we must really be terrible scrapbookers!" And, truth be told, if the challenge was any different we may still be thinking that. But, in that it was a time related challenge, we decided to take it easy on ourselves. After being jilted from the contest early on we had plenty of time to work on our own pages. In the remaining 9 hours of cropping, I finished (count them....) 2 pages! Two! In NINE hours! It's really no wonder I lost in the part of the competition that I did. But, I really like those two pages! Actually, I can't even say it was a full two. One is not finished yet. :-)
For me, though, that's the fun part of the process. I like to lay things out, move them around, resize and shape them- try new techniques- and really get the page just the way I like it. I like to toy with my photographs and make them look just the way I like them. So, I don't feel quite so bad about spending 9 hours on two (okay, one and three quarters) layouts.

Amanda

Bright Sunshiny Day

2007-03-21T11:32:00.000-06:00

It's a little after noon here in Texas. The sun keeps creeping out from behind the clouds and shining on what would otherwise be a somewhat dreary neighborhood today. It's not quite 70 degrees, and the splashes of sunshine just make it balmy and beautiful out. For the first time since Monday morning I am mobile again. My leg is working, and with just a little pain! Never in a million years did I think I would hear myself say this- but next time- I'm ditching the camera and saving the arms and legs. I have had some time to do some serious shopping, though! The excitement of the new CK issue and lots of new layouts from CD has made me inspired. I went on Designer Digitals and stockpiled my shopping cart. I haven't been brave enough to "check out" yet, but I have a feeling that'll hit me sometime this afternoon. I'm nearly in create mode. The boys have cute new outfits to wear for Spring pictures. I can't wait to get them out in the sunshine with the camera and bluebonnets.

It's March madness at The Scrapbook Pad this weekend. Paula and I have signed up to compete in their grand opening scrap competition this weekend. My husband took the day off to sit with the kids while I go. It's going to be a blast. What a great idea! I wonder how many rounds I'll make it through. I'm really looking forward to it.

I have promised a five-year-old boy a happy meal before speech therapy today- so I'd better stop blogging and make good on it.

More soon~ Amanda

Just to be clear...

2007-03-19T18:59:00.000-06:00

I want everyone to know that I'm so GLAD I didn't make it in the SBOTY last year! CD Muckosky is the best scrapper out there since Rhonna. If you haven't seen her layouts in April's CK magazine, take a look. They're gorgeous!!

Amanda

A Little Less Conversation...

2007-03-19T18:35:00.000-06:00

Less talk and more action! I have spent the last few days with my best friend from middle school. She came out and we had a great time catching up, scrapbooking, talking and just being silly girls. It also occurred to me that, as of lately, it seems I have been spending a lot of time talking about things that I'm going to do, and little to no time actually doing it. So, when Jennifer was here I got the new April issue to CK magazine. I skimmed through the book, having been excited about it arriving (as I am every month). After she left today I have become immobile. Having being ever so graceful, I took a tumble in my driveway today. It was really a site to behold. I happened to be holding my Canon Rebel digital camera at the time. So, when I began to fall, the world went in slow motion and all I could think of was "SAVE THE CAMERA!" So that I did. I hugged the camera in tight and wrapped my other arm around it. My knees hit the pavement and I lunged forward. My elbows caught me before I went face first onto the ground. The camera was safe! My knees, on the other hand, were another story. Plus, I somehow smashed my brand new watch. Believe me, a small price to pay for saving the much covited digital camera. Thank goodness! Anyway, this evening has been filled with nothing but my having my leg propped up with the ice pack off and on it. When I had this time to actually read my CK magazine, I saw it. There, clear as day on pages 77-78- the "Scrapbooker of the Year" contest ad for 2007. The ad itself lit a new fire in me. I hobbled over to the laptop and pulled up their website to get the contest details. So, now, I have them. I'm armed with motivation, excitement and a new fever for winning. I lost last year. This year, I do plan to make the finals. So, watch out, ladies! Here I come! I'm placing my order.... :-)

More soon~ Amanda

Home again, home again, jiggity jig

2007-03-13T14:41:00.000-06:00

After a full 24 hours of being stranded, rerouted through El Paso, and having our luggage disappear into oblivion for nearly two days, we are home! I've never been so grateful to crawl between the sheets and fall into my soft pillow. What a trip! We had such an amazing time on Las Vegas. The PMA show was really quite a sight. The incredible booths from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, HP, and sooooo many others really blew us away. It was remarkable that we, with our little instructional book, were able to be a part of it. I felt truly blessed.
While in the throws of all Las Vegas is, we strolled the strip and watched the fountains of The Bellagio hotel... saw "The Phantom of the Opera" at The Venetian hotel (it was amazing, by the way), caught Penn and Teller at The Rio hotel, and even made the trek to "old Vegas". We saw The Horshoe casino and walked among the hundreds of people in the old strip, including a few holding signs telling us exactly where we would be going in the afterworld because we are sinners in Vegas (where do they find these people?). We saw the amazing lights and the Eiffel Tower out of the window of the hotel suite. The weather was just gorgeous the whole time we were there. We even tried our hand at Blackjack. Paul lost, and I won. In the end we broke even between the loss and the gain. It was a blast.
I am, though, very happy to be home. Even with the rain pouring down and the thunder and lightening breaking in the sky- there is no place I'd rather be. Plus, it's hard to snuggle with the kids when you're away from them. That makes for a long 4 days without them.

More soon.... Amanda

Candy Clouds, Lullabies and Paper Flowers

Moving Day

Just for Angie

Catching Up

Nearly Friday

Blog Neglect- GUILTY

In Vegas and ready to Come Home!!

100th Post!!

Dizzying Day

Fun Stuff

Household Appliance Manslaughter

Flashback

ssssssssshhhhhhhh.... I've got a secret

Come What May

BIG PurplePaperFlowers Announcement!!!

Winding Down

The Croup on Christmas

Couldn't Stand It

Behind on Blogging

Best Laid Plans Trumped by TLC

A Little Drama

Bye Bye For Now

FUN New Announcements!!!

Lady Cottington

A New Me... kind of

Sneezy, Dopey...Doc

CHA Preview

A Few of My Favorite Things

Happy News

The Turkey Day After

In the Movies

Aspirations

Another Post... Same Day

It's Funny

Digital Scrapbooking Day

I'm Not as Nice As I Thought I Was

Saturday in the Fall

A Project Finished!!

All in a Day's Work

Silly Nonsense things

Writer's Block

The Cutest Kids Ever

Get ready... this is a long one... :-)

Country Road, take me Home

Vegas... Day 6

Las Vegas... Day ... I forgot....

Viva Las Vegas- Day 3

Out My Window

Sleepy Sunday

Flat on the Ground

Been a long time....

New Stuff and and Update

Movin'....kinda

I'm So EXCITED!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

Summer Nights

We Are LIVE!!!

A New Day

When it rains...

The Waiting Game

Up, Up- and Away? Not so much...

5...4...3...2...1...

Doing the Unthinkable

Ridin' the Storm Out

Sante Fe

Fun Photos

Cakes Galore!

Neglect

Announcement!!! Wahoooooooo!!! WEEEhoooo!!!

Into the Ocean

TGIF!

National Scrapbooking Day

Popular

No One Mourns the Wicked

It's Raining Again

Sincerely

Candy Clouds

Early ramblings

Good Charlotte

In a FOG