Stacked Stones Studio!

I have sucumbed to the lure of the digitial scrapbooking page. Notthat I want to abadoned my tried and true tactile version -- it is just that is allows me to expand my horizons a bit...and probaly the thing I like best is that I don't have the SCAN it in -- stitch it together beofre sharing it with you. But on the downside...I LOVE my stamps...paint....brads...tools....tearing papers and the ability to change every embellishment so much that this could only be a form of scrapbooking that I do occasionally. However, I love that I learned something new today. How about you? What's new in your brians?

There has been so much happenin in the past few weeks...and I just haven't been able to catch up. One wonderful surprise for me was that Royce arranged for me to attend a Youth Conference being held in Chatanooga, TN the weekend before Thanksgiving. While I attend LOTS of youth conferences...this one was different because Weston's band was leading worship. I got to be the official photographer...and it was a great learning experience in shooting in that kind of environment. His worship band... Five Smooth Stones had won a national worship leading contest...and were invited to lead worship at this conference. The band is 5 guys....ages 15-16 and for being as young as they are -- I think they are pretty terrific...of course, I am biased because Weston is the drummer. However, the response to them at the conference was awesome...so fortunately -- someone other than myself think they are good. Royce and I had T-shirts made up for them to sell (a total surprise to them) with th...

For my friends and family -- both here in Nashville and back in Dallas. I am blessed beyond measure to have you each in my life. {If you don't see your picture here -- it doesn't mean that you are not my friend...you are -- and I am also incredibly grateful for you -- I just don't have a picture of you on my actual computer}

November 22, 1963 was a sad day for America. Just as we remember where we were when the tragedy of 9/11 struck...and when the shuttle Columbia fell from the sky...those of us around the age of 45 and older also remember where we were when JFK was shot in Dallas. For me, I was with my new parents (I had just been adopted) in Iowa...and what I remember is seeing my mother staring at the TV screen and crying. This was something that she didn't normally do -- so even at my young age I knew something wasn't right. Royce thought it was really strange that I had grown up in Dallas and never gone down to the Sixth Floor Museum or to Dealy Plaze and the "grassy knoll." I think growing up in Dallas it was just such a tragic memory that Dallasites wanted to forget. However, I have always watched all the specials on TLC and Discovery or CNN about JFK's assasination -- and about the Warren Commission. We decided to take Weston down there today...and it was fun to see his brain...

I can't upload pictures tonight for some reason...bad blogger...bad! However, I can tell you that today was one of my favorite Thanksgivings -- EVER! Royce and Weston came to Dallas with me to spend it with my family for the first time...and we had so very much fun. It was so delightful to watch Weston in the "big brother/cousin" role with my niece and nephew -- who clearly adored him. Weston -- who has never met a stranger -- took Tyler along to the park after lunch to find a pick-up football game. I did sneak over with my telephoto lens and capture a few moments...but you know how teenagers are -- you have to pick your moments to embarrass them -- so I resisted getting close for really great pictures for the trade 0ff of letting them have some good guy bonding time. Which was the only hard part of it all...Lindsey (8 yrs old and a bit "smitten" with Weston) really didn't understand why she wasn't invited to go play football with the guys. Fortunat...

I loved this picture I snapped from the turn lane on a busy street in the early morning fog. I love that I am learning enough about my camera to be able to capture it. My title refers to that old saying, "Change is in the air." First of all...I figured out how to change my blog! Woo Hoo! That is a huge step for me. This time last year, I had no idea what a woman my age would have to say on a blog...so there is one big change. Secondly, I am making some changes in my career life as well. Not sure what all the answers are...but know that some changes are coming. As of November 1st, I began doing consulting -- and am working hard to make the house payment -- so we will see about what all that brings. But I have been doing some soul searching too...and reading a great book called Second Calling , by Dale Hanson Bourke. It is just wonderful...it addresses purpose and calling in the lives of those of us women that have hit the 40-ish mark. Men typically hit their "...

what'll you give me for this gal?

Ok...this was supposed to be a "winter/Christmas" layout...and in real life it is cute as a bug in a rug (ok...that probably doesn't sound cute at all -- but it is what my grandmother used to say)...but the scanner went all SPOOKY on me and this is what I got instead! YIKES. I will rescan later so you can see it for real... My little niece got a snow outfit and wore it everyday (even when it was hot) for a week waiting for the snow -- did I mention she lives in DALLAS, Texas...so there is NEVER snow in the forcast....bless her heart. But it went well with the Daisy D paper....and makes a great story. Ok..have to run -- but will get back to you with a better scan soon. Have a great day!

and fog...and frosty mornings...and although it doesn't begin with an "f," my Rebel camera. I have been having so much fun with it -- getting up early to capture the fog...staying up late to to capture spooky moonlit nights. I have been reading Bryan Peterson's book, Understanding Exposure . It is wonderful...and for the first time (although my pictures don't show it yet) I am seeing the relationship between ISO, aperture and fstop. Way cool. Now if it would just work its way from academic head knowledge to being applied to actual photography that would be even cooler! *smile* I know...I know -- "Rome wasn't built in a day," "Good things come to those who wait," "And everything of value takes time" ... but I want it right now...forget the delayed gratification thing...(can you tell I am doing everything short of stamping my foot?) Happy week to you all...and may all your images have perfect exposure!

No offense to you lefties out there...your hands are probably strong too...but I am referring to Jesus as He is described in Acts 7:55 and most particularly Psalms 118:13-17. My heart has been heavy for several of my friends that are facing big difficulties. I guess we all do now and then...but my heart and my mind have been turning to God's Word for these friends especially the past few days. I love what God promises us in Psalms... " I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous [read that two story ranch, mobile home or Colonial Mansion ] . The Lord's right hand [read that "Jesus "] has done mighty things! The Lord's right hand is lifted high; the Lord's right hand has done might things! I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. " What a mighty word of assurance I found...

I love Kelli Darr Superstar ... Here is why: 1. She has a tender heart 2. She is an encourager. 3. She shares. 4. She makes me laugh 5. She looks great in pink...green...purple...and blue 6. She has the most expressive green eyes I have ever seen. 7. She loves Jesus. 8. She loves her husband. 9. She loves her kids... 10. She teaches me to use my Rebel camera better. 11. She is a linear scrapbooker 12. She knows when there is ONE embellishment too many on her page 13. She isn't afraid of color 14. She knows the value of chocolate 15. She is a good friend 16. She is a good listener 17. She is a good storyteller 18. She makes time for the important things in life 19. She not only knows my love language but is willing to speak it. 20. She lives her faith out in the open. 21. She is a woman that understands balance in life...but is willing to let the scales be tipped out of balance for something that is important. 22. She doesn't take herself or others too seriously. 23. She is a gi...

Oh yeah baby! That's right! Anastasia is ready to romp in the cold crisp air. So much so that she isn't staying all snug in her bed at night and early in the morning...she is FAKING having to go outside to potty. Can you believe that? A potty faker! That's what having a cute face like that around will getcha...a trip to the door where you are hit with a COLD blast of air to your face and up your nightie! And is she contrite? NOoooooooo! She just gets a "wiggly butt" and happy that it is cold and wet outside...runs around until she has sniffed every area of the yard then comes in and sits patiently on the rug while I grab "her" towel and give her a quick rub down....then patters back to bed like she had actually DONE something...and was ready to sleep. I take my chilled feet and body back to my snuggly bed -- and KNOW beyond a shadow of doubt that soon she will be at the side of the bed "faking" it again....but just on the off chance that...

I love this picture of Dalton….most of the pictures I took of him were a bit of a blur. You know that old saying, “a body in motion will stay in motion…a body at rest….blah blah blah.” He was definitely a body in motion.

A few more pictures from our photo shoot. Who knew that kids would be amused so much by a pot of apples. The funniest thing was that they took one bite out of each one and carefully replaced them in the pan...with the exception of Miss A...who ate hers all the way to the core. They were so very cute....lots and lots of scrapable moments. Can't wait. May have to use these for our fall mini album class coming up on Saturday....would be fun to remember this whole session with a little book.

It rhymes with Boudreaux! Royce and I went to the car auction today and I found a new friend...that I just had to bring home. It is perfect for scrapbooking crops...all the seats fold down...no more reaching in the back seat...just lift the hatch....load and we are off to ScrapIt! I didn't know I could be so giddy about a car...but I think he is cute! (Don't ask me how I know it is a boy...but he is..just like I knew my last car was a girl....Ali the Altima). Ok...enough craziness....just wanted to share. Love you guys...

Is it wrong to love a camera? I mean...not like you love people or God or anything...but just love the feel of it in your hand...like you can conquer the image world? I hope not -- because I am just so much lovin' my rebel. Had a totally fun day Sunday with Chelle and Dana and their five kiddos. We went to an old abandoned house and had just too much fun. The kids were great -- and incredibly patient and who knew that a pan full of apples could provide so much entertainment! I think we got some good pics...I won't make you look at all of them (I took over 300) -- but thought I would share a couple that I liked the results.... Hope you have a great day. And know I love you MORE than my Rebel....I just like it a whole whole LOT!

Guess what is coming to my house tomorrow? I am so excited. I must confess that many of my friends have been the source of great envy as I have seen them take breathtaking photographs with the Canon Rebel. Of course, I totally give them their due -- it might not be the camera at all. However, if I am to have any hope of taking delightful pictures...I need good tools. (This does begin to sound like a rationalization doesn't it). Ok...flat out -- I wanted it...I waited til I had the money to buy it and NOW ------it is mine. well -- at least in less than 24 hours it is. *sigh* Do you think I will be able to get any scrapbooking done at the ScrapIt! crop tomorrow night? I packed my things like I will...but I am guess my nose is going to be in the manual of my new XTi...unless I am conversing with my girlfriends. It is bound to be fun either way. All of you Rebel users...give me your best tip...I learn best by people telling me stuff -- so I have become your local friendly spon...

Ok...I think that my working on this layout has stirred my desire to go back to Italy. I loved everything about this trip...the weather...the country...the people -- the Mediteranian...I didn't even mind turning 40 while I was there! Royce took me there for my 40th birthday because he said, "they appreciate old things in Italy." Yeah right -- he's one to talk. We had a deal -- he only had to go walk through one ruin a day...and he could have as much pasta as he wanted...I don't think I would have a hard time convincing him to go back -- we had such a lovely time. I can't believe that was five years ago...MAN has time passed quickly. Speaking of old things...I took a picture of myself yesterday because I realised that I don't really have any pictures of me since I have lost weight -- and I wanted to use them in a project I am working on...so I got everything all set up -- cute outfit -- late day sunlight...pretty blurred fall foliage in the backgrou...

Ok...so Monday's are usually my favorite day of the week...because they seem fresh and full of potential. But for some reason -- I am SOOOOO happy it is Friday this week. I am looking forward to the weekend....ready to enjoy the crisp fall air that has shown up here in Nashville. YEAH! I always feel more productive and energized in cooler weather...so maybe that is it. Thought I would share a couple more layouts with you (for some reason the scrapbooking "muse" has been with me lately...I have actually been doing one or more layouts a night for a couple of weeks). The one above was very fun to work on...I got some of the Fancy Pants HUGE CHIPBOARD sheets...and I started to take the Big flower chipboard out of the package and realized that what was left would actually make a great "frame." So I went a whole different direction....and this lovely fancy pants shabby paper and a gold leaf pen just seemed to jump into my hands. Go figure. This one is of my nep...

This is a layout that Kelli did after Kelli Darr came to visit This is a layout I did to be a copy cat Clearly....I am not Kelli Crowe. Although I admire her a lot...a whole lot. She is so free (freestyle...get it?!?!) She is very creative She jumps on trampolines She is friends with Kelli Darr Super Star (that's a big one) She can doodle She owns a Bedazzler (can you say "jealous") She makes me laugh -- and I don't even know her She writes a blog with one word on each line. So...I decided to do an Ode to Kelli Crowe layout...featuring my friend Kelli Darr. Don't get me wrong. I am happy to be who God created me to be. I just think she is cool. And you can see that my style really isn't like hers...and that is ok...I still like her.