Do you Remember?

Do you remember where you were when the towers were attacked? I'll never forget.  I was getting ready for the first day of preschool.  I remember seeing it live on TV and the first thing I did was call my mom and dad.  I then called Mike to inform him.  He works close to the Federal Reserve and the Arch so I wanted to make sure he was being careful.  I remember the faces of the mothers dropping their children off at school worried that their children would be okay and reassuring them that they would be fine.  I remember picking my children up from school and hugging them like there was no tomorrow.  We put our flag out, the one we only put out on holidays.  It has never come back in the house.  I remember going to church with my family.  I cried and prayed.  To this day I can't watch the TV when they show the towers colapsing.  Today I'm remembering and praying for those lives lost, their families, and those  firefighters who worked endlessly.  I am also praying for those in the Armed Forces and their families who have sacrificed so much. 

Just Wondering????

Do any of you just get a creative block?  I'm really struggling to actually make something, anything.  I have the ideas in my head but can't seem to start on them.  Should I just stand in my studio until a start?  I need to get my mojo back!!! Any ideas?  I'm just throwing this out to the vast universe of the internet.

Today is my baby boy's birthday.  He is now 23!  Hard to believe.  Happy Birthday Gregory!  He's such a great person.  We went to dinner to celebrate the big day.

Friday's was my baby girl's birthday!  I can't believe she turned 25!!  She has become a beautiful and sweet woman.  I'm so proud of her.  She is a great teacher and working hard on her Masters degree in Elementary Guidance Counseling. Last night we went to the Cardinal game to celebrate.

Today I'm learning about the Cinch Binder.  I've been watching several You-Tube tutorials and... I think I might have the hang of it now.  I tried using it a couple weeks ago and couldn't figure it out.  Made a mess out of the paper.  The tutorial really helped.  I was missing some key tools on the machine!  I can't wait to try it again on a card book.  I'm binding together all of Greg's graduation cards.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed I can do it this time!  This week might be a good time to work on projects since it will be too hot to be outside.  I can't believe another hot week.  I love summer but not everyday in the high 90's and humid.  Maybe we could have a couple of weeks in the 80's?

Just a quick note to say I'm still here.  I have finally gotten the basement cleaned just in time for the big July 4th weekend.  I am now preparing for Greg's graduation party.  It has been a busy summer.  I'm looking forward to sharing pics of the July 4th festivities and the grad party. Greg has finally heard from
UM-St. Louis.  He is going to work on a Masters in Accountancy and play baseball.  I'm very happy for him and thrilled that I will be able to go to home games!  It's hard to believe but Steph has her first day with students tomorrow!  Of course she'll get 3 weeks off in late September, early October.

The big news in my house is that I cleaned my art studio!!!!  I can walk into it now and have several open places to work.  What is it about a clean area that helps the creative juices flow?  After this weekend I can start plannig for classes at the Inkspot.

Have an artsy day!

Freedom Isn't Free!

I know we have all heard this saying, but it really hit home to me this year at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France.  I thought today would be a good day to post these pictures.

Omaha Beach                                                                                                                                                            Half of the wall that has the names of soldiers whose bodies were never found.

The beach and the English Channel in the background.

Many of the grave sites were unkown soldiers.

Let's keep our service men and women in our thoughts today. 

Happy 4th of July!

Enjoy your families!

It's Official!

It's official!  I'm going to teach classes at The Inkspot in Kirkwood.  I'm very excited.  Julie and I met today to finalize everything.  I will probably start teaching in August or September.  I love stamping so this is a great opportunity to work with all the stamp companies I love.