Scrappin' with Loader

I'm very excited for my day today. I'm scrappin' and lunchin' with a long-time silly and spunky friend who recently moved to Utah.

We have had so many fun experiences together over the years, from earning trips together with Close To My Heart, to shooting a scrapbooking show together (in which Loader handled an unexpected 'technical difficulty' without any difficulty at all. I, on the other hand, laughed until tears were running down my face), to rooming together at CTMH events.

Not only does Michelle keep everyone around her in stitches, but she is a very talented artist. I can't wait to watch her work today and learn from her creativity. Love ya, Loader!

Lots To Love and 5

The newest episode of Close To My Heart's Art and Soul is online now on my website to view. It's called "Lots to Love"; quite an apt title! It's FULL of great Valentine art and ideas you'll adore. Click here to see it for yourself.

Be sure to set aside a mere 10 minutes and 54 seconds to be inspired. You'll love the first layout, shared by my friend, Kristine. It's called "I Love Us," and you can even click on a link below the screen when you're done for step-by-step instructions to make this beautiful spread. One of my favorite techniques shared on this portion of the show is covering dimensional elements with cardstock and using finishing files and markers to top them off. Sidenote: Kristine is one of those rare people that is not only super beautiful, intelligent and articulate, but also super silly and full of fun. I've included a couple of photos here of her, another friend of mine (Michelle L.) and I from a few years ago when we were in North Carolina together shooting a show called "Paint, Paper and Crafts" (PBS). We were enjoying an evening at The Cheesecake Factory after a day of taping. GREAT memories! OK, so back to the good stuff: After Kristine finishes her layout you'll move on to 2 elegant Veranda layouts shown by Tiffany. Lest you think that is all, keep watching for darling lollipop covers and a quick direction on how to make them from Monica. And lastly, our company owner and CEO, Jeanette Lynton shares the valentines she has made for her family. Jeanette is one of the most caring people I know, and it definitely shows through when you listen to her talk about each Valentine and why it fits each family member. Wow! Trust me, it's definitely worth 10:54 of your time.

Be sure to tune in on my website on the 2nd Tuesday of every month for the latest installment of Art and Soul. There is also an Art and Soul widget on the left side of my blog that is always a quick way to enter the CTMHTV portion of my website and view current or past episodes of Art and Soul.

In case you missed the link the first time, click here to watch it. And, click here to enter my website to order any of the great products you see on Art and Soul, or any other great products for that matter...24/7!

And, lest you think I have forgotten the countdown...5 (yes, FIVE) more days until our Easton returns from his mission. I took this picture of E a few months before he left on his mission at a family reunion at Bear Lake (UT). I think it looks like a Hollister ad! lol.

Love Ya, Loader!

This is my friend, Loader. No, her name is not really Loader. But it is to me. She is a doll and I love her. She sent me this little list of what true friendship is this morning. It made me laugh because it truly sounds just like stuff Loader would say. I loved it so much, I had to share it with all of you. Love ya, Loader!

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality?

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of True Friendship

1. When you are sad, I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!

2. When you are blue, I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile, I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared, we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried, I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused, I will use little words.

7. When you are sick, Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have...

8. When you fall, I'll pick you up and dust you off-- After I laugh my rear off!!

9. This is my oath... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask;-- because you are my FRIEND!

How cute is that? Well, I have 2 additions of my own to add to this. These 2 additions are very important to me in a true friendship.

10. When you have broccoli in your teeth, I promise to tell you.

11. When you ask me when we are shopping if your butt looks big in those jeans or if that outfit looks good on you or not, I promise to be honest.