You Just Never Know

This has been an interesting week for sure!  It all began last Thursday when I noticed I had a whelp on the left side of my forehead.  Not giving it much thought, I ignored it and went on with my daily routine.  I really didn't think much more about it until Sunday when the lymph nodes on that side of my head were noticeably swollen and the whelp begin to throb like a toothache.  Still I kept on with my "to do" list for the day, but began to "favor" it a little more and the site begin to swell more and more.  This is when I realized that I have probably been bitten by some varmint while I slept.  Then I REALLY was panicked...OH MY GOODNESS...I got bit in my SLEEP....this thing may still be in or under my bed!

Tuesday brought on more distress as my body was fighting this infection brought on by venom.  Tuesday night proved to be the worst ever.  About 1:00 am, I began to feel sick and experienced stomach virus type symptoms....you know the kind...the kind you DON'T want to have in the middle of the night!  Well, that tailspened me to call my doctor in the morning.  Upon hearing my story, they wanted me to come in immediately.

Upon her examination, she agreed that I had been bitten by something with venom, but since I didn't see the actual insect, we could not determine what kind; but she guessed a possible Brown Recluse spider.  She said that normally this would require a hospital stay for three days but we were going to treat it aggressively for the next three days and hopefully keep me from having to do that.  I received two injections that day, and then had to return for two more days in a row for more.  She wanted to re-evaluate it today and see what the next steps should be.

Today, I woke up with the upper portion of my eyelid swollen as though I'd been in a fight.  I had to laugh, because this was just too weird!  Even though I had a new issue, I felt that the antibiotics were beginning to do their repairs and the actual bite site was not as painful and swollen as before.  The doctor agreed - Praise the Lord!  She was very pleased with my progress and said I am now on the road to recovery.  I do look like I've been shot in the head, but at least my hair covers it up and you can't really tell it's there unless you look up under my bangs. 

I am grateful for the numerous friends (thank God for Facebook!) who prayed for me and had me on their church prayer lists.  I give God all the glory for wisdom, direction, and healing.  Looking forward....I am pushing onward to teach next week.  I am so excited to be returning to the classroom - that has to be God, because I thought I would not be teaching anymore. 

It just goes to show...you just never know who may be sleeping with you...

Until next time,
Pamela

Up From The Dead...

Again, I can just imagine what you may be thinking regarding me and my blog since I haven't posted anything since May!  May!!!! I was even shocked at myself to see that I had not posted for two months.  I am terribly sorry and I pray that it won't be as long again!

Since May, a lot has come my way.  Last spring I "retired" from teaching/tutoring...I thought!  Even though I am still a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, the opportunity for me to tutor again has come my way (without me looking for it).  I am very excited at the prospect of teaching again - which has come as a HUGE surprise to me.  I will be independently tutoring as well as working in a Co-op here in town.  The opportunities with this are endless and I know that God has good things in store not only for me, but my students as well. I had a friend post on my Facebook the other day, "Teaching is in your blood, Pamela.  You are every color in the crayon box."  I thought that was so sweet and her sweet words encouraged me tremendously!

So, I will not only continue stamping and posting cards, I will also be including some articles and photos of my new adventures with tutoring.  Because of this new venture, I will be writing some unit studies for elementary grade levels as well as some literature units for middle school students.  I will be making them available for purchase as a instant down-loadable PDF file!  Of course, you will be notified when those are ready for the public. 

There are other things that are in the works, like:  Speaking at homeschool conventions again (so excited about that), speaking locally at support group meetings, and even working with my own grandchildren.

Now I have to be more organized that ever just to juggle all that comes my way.  Until the next time, happy stamping and I hope to be blogging again real soon!

Blessings!
Pamela

Retiring Colors

Retiring Colors

Just a quick note ....if you are interested in ordering product in the retiring colors.   Please place your order as soon as possible.   There are some colors that are going fast.  If you're ordering card stock,  please note that if the regular card stock isn't available you will receive the textured card stock (no extra charge).  

Re-inkers & ink pads will available in May...but may go into backorder status.  In June they are available while supplies last.   My advice is if at all possible don't delay..... if it's something you can't live without (you know what I mean...right?).

To place a Stampin' Up! order - click HERE.

A Lot of Changes Coming My Way

It is amazing what can happen in a month, week, or day...I have a lot of changes that are happening in my life, however, I am still a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I know I have been a slacker in the posting department on my blog, but hopefully, I will be able to catch up soon.  In the mean time...

I am so excited to announce that Stampin' Up! is introducing 5 BRAND NEW COLORS and bringing BACK 10 of the retired In Colors!!  

As of July 1st, (with the new catalog), we will have 40 regular colors and 5 "In colors". There will be 4 color collections…Regals, Brights, Subtles and Neutrals….no more earth elements…some of those moved to different groups.


Sorry this chart is so small….

5 Brand NEW COLORS :

Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso

10 RETURNING IN COLORS :

Baja Breeze, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Rich Razzleberry, Riding Hood Red, River Rock, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango and Wild Wasabi

Current Colors that will Retire in June:

So, now is the time to pick your favorites, make sure you have the ink refills, markers and stock up on cardstock. 

To place a Stampin' Up! order - click HERE.

A Wow Morning!

I was so honored and blessed today to be awarded the "Beautiful Blogger Award" from my sweet, beautiful friend, Cheryl (www.cherylswindow.blogspot.com).  Needless to say I am so overwhelmed that she thought of me.

I remember years and years ago when Cheryl and I were serving together on the Board of Directors for the Florida Parent Educators Association - and we were on a much needed retreat.  I was showing several ladies how to create a scrapbook page...Cheryl had never tried it before...Oh Boy, did I start something!  She has bloomed into an amazing, creative scrapbooker/card marker, and blogger.  I love seeing her beautiful creations and so wished we lived closer so we could hang out and I could pick her brain a bit!  Thank you Cheryl, not only for your friendship, but sharing your creativity with so many people!  You are such an inspiration to me!!!

To receive this award, I am supposed to list 7 things about myself, which has been very difficult for me deciding what to post, so here goes...
1.  Even though I have lived in Florida most of my life, I was born in Guntersville, Alabama.  A small town about 120 miles north of Birmingham.  Guntersville is a beautiful lake town - most people own boats; especially sail boats.  The lakes are filled each summer with beautiful sails and people skiing.  I enjoy visiting my father, who still lives there. 
2.  I have been married to my wonderful husband, Rennie, for 31 years this year.  He amazes me everyday how much he loves me.  He is my biggest fan in all my endeavors and I am extremely thankful for him!  We have two amazing children and three MORE amazing grandchildren. Rennie and I love to travel together.  We say that we both have to live to be at least 150 years old in order to go to all the places we want to see.
3.  I like most food - much to my determent - it is no wonder I have a ton of weight to loose!  I am a serious "cake aholic" - I LOVE to eat cake - any type of cake, cupcakes, danish...it might as well have a skull and crossbones on it.  My daughter is the most fantastic cake baker and this causes me much stress to resist anything she makes.  
4.  My favorite color is RED...red everything except roses...they are too common.  I would have red (and just about do) in every room of my home.  I so seldom wear red, but when I do, people tell me I look good in that color.    5.  Even though I retired from teaching, I still enjoy teaching people how to craft.  This is where my love of stamping comes in.  One of my favorite current classes is working with a group of 12 year old young ladies..  We meet every Wednesday and I show them how to create a new item, such as a card or 3-D project.  They are such delightful young ladies and I hope we can continue to work together.   6.  I love mornings!  I have always been a morning person and am at my best then.  The window in my studio faces east - I often marvel at the sunrises while I am working.    7.  I am the happiest when creating.  I so enjoy coming up with new things - but often I get stalled when too many ideas go whipping through my head.  I laugh and say that my brain looks like an old VHS tape on fast forward most of the time.  Being the thinker I am sometimes is a curse more than a help.      Now I must pass this award forward to 14 bloggers that I follow or that follow me.  This is very difficult due to the fact that I follow 100's! Please visit their blogs and tell them you were sent by me.  http://stampingleeyours.blogspot.com/
http://createdbyu.blogspot.com/
http://andreawalford.com/
http://inkingidaho.blogspot.com/
http://www.mychicnscratch.com/
http://memystampsandi.blogspot.com/
http://www.frozenstamper.blogspot.com/
http://stephaniejomayne.blogspot.com/
http://www.kerinstamps.com/stampin_with_kerin/
http://mirrorimage.typepad.com/caroleannes-1st-blog/
http://stampingwithjudyg.blogspot.com/
http://purelystamping.blogspot.com/
http://astampabove.typepad.com/
http://stampininspirations.blogspot.com/

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and THANKS again Cheryl - Love you girl!!!

Blessings,
~Pamela~









  Thanks for stopping by today and THANK YOU Cheryl, again, for this special honor!  Blessings,
~Pamela~



  

Chocolate Bunny Basket

Good Morning!  The weather cannot make up its mind here in Florida - one day is it Spring, the next, it is burrrrr cold!  I think I am ready for Spring!

This cute basket is one that we will make Friday night at my Girl's Night Out event.  The scallop edge background was cut using the Big Shot.  I also used the Textured Impressions Folder on the pink printed background.  I just LOVE this little Chocolate Bunny stamp.  He/She is so cute nestled in the grass that was cut from the Designer Series Paper pack called, Shades of Spring. 

 

 

The dimensions for the solid basket portion are:
(Using a 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper - trim the 8 1/2" side to 5 1/2")
Score at:  2", 5", 7" and 10"
Turn and score at 2"

Supplies Used:
Big Shot Die Cut Machine using the Scallop Square Die
Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder
Chocolate Bunny Stamp
Vintage Vogue Stamp (flowers)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Lavender Lace, Pixie Pink, Old Olive
Card Stock:  Close to Cocoa, Whisper White, Designer Series - Shades of Spring
Dimensionals
Sticky Strip
Oval Scallop Punch
Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
Scallop Trim Boarder Punch (free with a SU $50 order!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,
~Pamela~

Happy Wednesday

Here is another version of the card I posted the other day.  Thanks for stopping by!

I Know....Finally!

Finally, I have a new card to post.  I have been busy this morning creating and trying to get some cards ready for my upcoming workshops as well as my Girl's Night Out class this Friday.  They will be creating this one Friday night.  The Stampin' Up! products used are listed under the photo.  Have a great day!

 

Supplies Used:

SU Stamp Sets:  A Good Egg - #114974 - $ 23.95;  Well Scripted - #117072 - $19.95

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Certianly Celery, Pixie Pink

Printed Card Stock: Designer Paper Series  - #117160 (Occasions Mini Catalog)

Boarder Punch - Sale-A-Bration Catalog (Free with a $50 SU order)

Ink:  Basic Black

Dimensionals - #104430

Snail Adhesive - #104332

Scallop Oval Punch - #114889 - $15.95

Scallop Square Punch - #112081 - $15.95

To place a Stampin' Up! order - click HERE

No Longer MIA!

Hello Everyone,

I have completed my big project, the person I created it for LOVED it, and now I can move on to other projects and paper crafting.

I wanted to share some photos of a girl's Card Club that began yesterday.  I meet with six, very talented, sweet young ladies, once a week on Wednesdays.  Yesterday was our first meeting and everyone was so excited.  Even though the girls had no previous experience with paper crafting, each one of them did a tremendous job!  I have attached photos of the girls (we were minus one yesterday due to sickness :(  I am looking forward to the next time!

 

From Left to Right:  Chadlyn, Sarah B., Sarah W., Lydia, and Hannah

Showing off their cards using SU's "Love You Much" stamp set.

 

Showing off their Blow Pop Valentine Cards using SU's "A Happy Heart" stamp set.

GREAT JOB girls - You ROCK!!!

MIA

Hello Everyone...I just wanted to post today to let you know that I'm not MIA, but working on a huge project that is taking all my days and nights until Monday evening.  I have been contracted to design a photo album for a client for his girlfriend's Valentine's Day gift.  So I have been in paper and photos up to my ears....but I will be back posting cards as soon as possible!

Have a Great Weekend!
Pamela