Clean and Simple – Artistic Etchings, Define your Life, Countryside

Hi Everyone.  Happy Thursday night.

Tonight I have two more swaps from the regional for you.  These cards are so fabulous and I hope that you will appreciate them, too. 

It's 9.30 here and I have just finished work, so this will be a very quick post.  However, I did want to give you an opportunity to appreciate the wonderful creativity of your fellow crafters.

This card by MaryLou Kleveland, really showcases the simple things in life.  I loved it.  The twine added just the right touch.  The sepia colors worked so amazingly well together.

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso
• DSP:  Newsprint DSP
• Stamps:  Countryside, Define Your Life
• Acceessories:  Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Hemp Twine, Sponges

I loved this card from Nikki Rueth.  The black, vanilla and crumb cake really worked so well, together.  As did the bird punch.  It was just the accessory to make this card pop.

• Card stock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla
• Stamps: Artistic Etchings
• Accessories:  Grosgrain ribbon, bird punch

So thanks to Niki and Mary Lou for swapping with me.  These cards are fabulous!

On a personal note:  It was another long day, but I did get one of my projects – due for completion on Monday – completed today.  That gives me time to try to get the two projects I needed to complete, completed by Monday – oh yeah… I forgot… and then the two projects my manager added to my list today:-)  Some of you may be asking and wondering why on earth I work the hours that I do.  It's simple.  I have worked for the same company since 1982.  I work for a Fortune 30 company.  I have had 5 different roles in my company in 4 years.  The company I work for has had multiple layoffs since 1992.  In fact, thousands upon thousands of people have been laid off.  Sadly, many of those jobs have gone overseas.  As my tenure was broken, I don't have the pension cushion that many have.  I also live in a very small town, with a small number of employers.  Consequently, like so many of us, I work the hours that I need to work to keep my job, knowing that the company I work for is looking to cut more people and move more jobs overseas.  I don't tell  you this because I want to get into a discussion about politics, or the economy – or anything serious like that.  Just to let you know why I work the hours that I do.  The job that I do is seriously in jeopardy of being moved off-shore.  I know that.  All the people doing what I do know that.  Every day we are asked to train off-shore employees to do what we do.  So… I do the work to the very best of my ability!

This means it totally disrupts my compulsion to get into my stamping space and create.  Creating is one of those things that keeps me somewhat sane!!!!  It really is very cathartic, and a change from my everyday job.  Like so many of us who are juggling jobs, life, children, parents, friends – life in general, I wish I had more time to spend doing the things I love.  Crafting is one of those things.

Prayers tonight for those who need a lift or a warm hug.  My thoughts and prayers, too, are with those in New Zealand.  The decision the rescue workers had to make to decide to move into recovery instead of rescue reminded me of 9/11.  The saddest thing for me yesterday….. looking at a picture of a little white coffin carrying the remains of a 9 month old child.  A victim of the earthquake.  My heart broke for the parents.

You know… when I sit down to write my blog… I have no agenda.  I do not know what I am going to say.  The words come from somewhere inside of me…. unplanned.. unedited… unscripted.  Tonight, was obviously one of those few nights where the happy side of life obviously wasn't coming through!

To quote to words of the immortal Scarlet O'Hara – tomorrow IS another day!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone

Hugs

Jaydee