And Here It Is...

But I don't know where I am, and I don't trust who I've been
And If I come home, how will I ever leave?

Well, the photos are a little blurry, but here's how my second layout for Marilyn's book turned out.

I wanted to try a brighter color palette. I also wanted to put a positive spin on the lyrics- as sometimes it's not a bad thing to lose yourself to love.

His arm actually moves at the elbow.

Enjoy! Hugs, Lee

Any Ideas?

I've been in a bit if a slump lately...

The house isn't selling.

My job has become a bore, with a manager who is almost unbearable.

The kids fight constantly.

There's dog hair in the house, holes in the yard.

I'm grinding my teeth so hard my jaw hurts- even with the night guard.

I'm on the last two pages of Marilyn's book, but am a bit stuck for ideas. The lyrics for these pages are: But I don't know where I am and I don't trust who I've been

And If I come home how will I ever leave

I have photos that I love, and yet, can't seem to integrate them.

Any ideas?

Somerset Home News!!

A hearty congratulations for my friend and partner Tammy, who's amazing birds kits are being published in this months Somerset Home. These kits come full of pre-cut bird or rooster shaped papers and lots of embellishments. Of course, they come wrapped in a wonderful cellophane bag, ready for you to complete. But, if you don't see a paper or color that you like, contact us and we'll do a custom order.

Tammy had made one sometime last year, and I told her we should make kits (i.e., she should, as we don't live near each other!) I've been dying to try one myself, but you know how that goes... However, I did score one of these lovelies myself, as Tammy gave me one as a gift. My proud rooster sit on a wreath in my kitchen.

We listed them in our Lollishops.com Twigs & Feathers site, and Amanda Nolan from Stampington came across them and loved them. She thought they'd make a great addition to the Home issue, and I'd have to say I agree. These sweet kits are so versatile, and lots of fun too!

Please head over to Tammy's blog and say congrats! Then head over to Lollishops.com and pick up a few for yourself.

hugs- Lee

Swimming

My sisters and I took our children down to the river in Maryland, at Crystal Beach.

The river and bay meet each other there.

The beach is sandy, with shells galore.

The water is fresh, but brackish.

There are no waves, no undertow, just the occasional wake from a passing boat.

The kids stayed in the water for about 3 hours. It was a quiet ride home.

The One About Marilyn's Book

As you know, some friends and I are working on a round robin based on song lyrics- Lyrical Interpretations. Marilyn's is the last book for me to do, and it's taken me about 2 weeks to do just 2 pages. It took awhile for the muse to speak, then I had to go find the images... you know how that is.

Marilyn's book is based on the song Full Moon by The Black Ghosts, from the Twilight movie. I had the images of the actors stuck in my head for awhile, and I found it hard to not do the pages with them in it. So, I settled and just included Robert/Edward. So here they are, the first two pages:

In the full moons light I listen to the stream

the two stars represent Bella and Renesme

And in between the silence hear you calling me.

the seven stars are the Cullens

Go check out the song Full Moon at Marilyn's blog. Hopefully the next installment won't take me so long!

Hugs, Lee

A Weekend Well Spent

Saturday we took a long drive up to Saugerties, NY, to join my family at a horse show. My parents and my sister have Welsh ponies. The weather was magnificent. We watched the show Saturday, then stayed for a buffet dinner in the evening. I joined in with kids in some games (designed to keep them busy until dark). The kids then played in the dark, swirling glow sticks, waiting for the big firework show. Unfortunately we left about 3 minutes before they went off. It was after 10 and the kids were tired, and we were tired of waiting. Big bummer! But, we could see some of them from our hotel. And in reality, the kids didn't really care. It took them about 3 minutes to fall asleep.

Here are some photos of the family. No pony pictures, though... guess you could say they had a good show! Go check out Clarwood Farm. The pony featured on the first page of the website is one of my favorites.

Matthew

Christine

me

check out the sky!

Adam

Adam

Jason

my husband, Chris

Randy, Christine's husband

hugs, Lee

Offerings

I made these fun chalkboard banners and individual signs for our Lollishops store. The pink one sold today.

I have a blue one in the works. The cream one is still available - perfect for a baby or wedding shower, or any room in the house.

And some of these too. Aren't they fun? They can be hung individually, or strung together like a banner. I have more in stock, let me know if your interested. xoxo

Waxing Philosophically

I've been feeling out of sorts lately. Not really depressed, just not... not something. You know what I mean? The summer is passing by so quickly. Already it is July. Where did June go? The weather has been odd- hot, and then rain and cold, cold cold... now hot and humid again. I've hardly taken any photos this summer. My boys are growing up before my eyes and I'm not capturing it on film. Or should I say memory stick... I have pages and pages of scrapbooking to do, documenting their lives and mine. So they won't forget. Or maybe, to help them remember.

Anyway, I measured the boys today, marking the passage of time with the stroke of a pen on the doorway. My babies are boys. And I am over 40. Hmmm. Where does that leave me? Feeling old, out of shape, with too many gray hairs, and not enough time. Time.

I was hoping to have sold the house by now. Please St. Joseph, help me get the job done. I am ready to be gone, gone to the great north, in an old home, dreaming of paint colors, gardens, and things to come. Finding a school for the boys. Finding a better job. Finding out who my in-laws are, really.

I am not ready to go, for other reasons. My parents are getting older, having troubles that I don't want to think about. I don't want them to get old, with knees and hips that don't work. Financial worries courtesy of JW and the war on nothing. A house in need of repair. Too many weeds and too many animals.

I'd like to say I'm hopeful. Like to, but... This too shall pass, some of it anyway.