Artbooking Made Easy (S01E05): Halloween Mini Albums

If you are loving this special series of ARTBOOKING videos then please consider choosing me as your CTMH rep.  Online ordering through my CTMH shop couldn't be easier!  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call, text, or email me.

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E04): Spooky Halloween Layouts

Artbooking Made Easy (S01E03): Summer Mini-Albums

Artboooking Made Easy (S01E02): A+ School Layouts

Create with Cricut® Collections

I was just SOOO please with the new INTRO TO ARTBOOKING that I posted yesterday that I decided I just HAD to share this new overview video of ALL 3 of CTMH's Cricut Collections.  

Enhance the artist within you with our stunning Cricut^® Collections! Cut and assemble foundational shapes, 3-D items, and themed mini books to take your scrapbooking to a whole new level. Coordinating stamps sets and various embellishments are included, and with limitless options in shapes, themes, and sizes, our Cricut^® Collections will bring you hours of exciting creative sessions.

Do you still NEED one of these to complete YOUR CTMH  Cricut^® Collection?

Just click on the links below to be taken directly to my CTMH site to place your order NOW (please choose to "join" the current "Crafty Ladies Gathering".  Or Better yet, why not 

CALL me, TEXT me, or EMAIL me

about having your own gathering (traditional or virtual)

With just a $250 total gathering YOU get $40 in FREE CTMH goodies

AND you can choose one of the

CTMH  Cricut^® Collections

FOR HALF PRICE!

• Cricut® Artiste Collection
• Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection
• Cricut® Artbooking Collection

Artbooking Made Easy-episode 1

Welcome to Artbooking Made Easy! In this 8-month series, we will show you how to use the brand-new, revolutionary Close To My Heart Cricut^® Artbooking collection to create works of art! From mini scrapbooks to layouts, you’ll find themes to fit any occasion—just set one dial size and let Artbooking do the rest!

Be sure to "follow me" and you will never miss an episode!

"Grateful" Layout With Huntington & ARTBOOKING

 I have had several requests to work up a class that showcases 

how to use ARTBOOKING.

I've come up with this layout.....

"Grateful" with Huntington and ARTBOOKING.

It shows what happens when you  leave the dial set at 11"  (the overlay, mat, accents, & title).  Then it shows how to change to real dial size for the small frames on the left page.

DON'T throw those scraps away when you cut an overlay!  For this layout I used those "negative pieces" - the leaves  

to color and accent the tree.

I cut all the pieces and put the layout together in no time flat.....

BUT THEN.....

I kicked it up a notch with some alcohol marker coloring, perfect pearls, and of course....GLITZ.  

I also included the September SOTM on the layout....

with a pretty inking/coloring technique.

CALL me, TEXT me, or EMAIL me 

TODAY 

about combining this class into your September gathering*

• learn how to use ARTBOOKING 
• practice some fun coloring/inking techniques
• earn FREE CTMH products when you hostess a gathering

*this layout is just $5 per person when taught as part of a gathering (YOU will be doing the cutting and coloring) 

**COMING SOON - this layout as a $10 PRE-CUT "Page Kit By Carolyn"

I am linking this post to the following linky parties:

CTMH Holiday Mini Sneak Peek

Hey there all you "Crafty Ladies"  as many of you have already seen, the current Autumn/Winter CTMH catalog doesn't have a Christmas paper pack!!!  I know.....I was shocked and dismayed too.  Close To My Heart has decided to do something a little different (and controversial) this year.  The Christmas themed paper pack will be released (along with more lots of Christmas themed goodies and a few Spring/Summer 2014 pre-view items) in a mini holiday book.  Now....here is the kicker (and there always is one....right?) You can't place your orders until October 15th!!! 

 As you know, it takes at least a week for things to make their way from Utah to Texas soooo......we are going to have to plan this one CAREFULLY.....Here is the plan thus far.

YOU:  take a look at the sneak peek below

CAROLYN:   will turn the WOTG into 3 layouts 

CAROLYN:  will create a card workshop 

( I will get to pre-order 2 of each item on Sept 26)

In early October I will begin offering at least two different workshop options along with at least one "I want it ALL" option  @ $100 each (this will get you your choice of  a free "star" item.)  Keep your eyes open.....that post will contain the pay with paypal button along with details on some goodie/ that you will only be able to get by pre-ordering from ME - Carolyn Burch.

CAROLYN: will place all pre-orders ON OCTOBER 15TH

YOU: check your calendar and book a class/workshop/gathering for anytime after October 25th.(est. arrival date)

Do you LOVE these colors?  Can't wait to get your hands on it?  Leave me a note telling me what you would like to create in a workshop using the "Sparkle and Shine" paper pack.

National Stamping Month: September 2013

Well School is on again and I am loving those cool crisp Autumn mornings.....NOT!  Well, at least not here on the Texas Gulf Coast where it is still HOT & STICKY....But while I am finding my self longing for those at least slightly cooler days it looks as though the "dog days of summer" will be around for awhile.  

Regardless of what the thermometer says, the calendar does say that September has arrived!

Which means that it is National Stamping Month, and with that comes a wonderful new campaign special from CTMH.  Here is a quick video to see what the special is all about....HINT:  I think it will make you  

CALL me, TEXT me, EMAIL me, or HURRY on over to my CTMH website to place your qualifying order of $50 and get all three of these stamp sets for just $10.  

Mine is on the way and I will have artwork ready to share for September gatherings and workshops - ask about booking a gathering, workshop, or class at your home today!

September SOTM & NSD Special

Hello my fellow "Crafty Ladies" I hope at least some of you are getting to spend at least a bit of this holiday weekend getting crafty. I am busily working on workshops, classes and such for September. Right now I am working with the "Huntington" paper pack, ARTBOOKING, and the September SOTM "Poster Tidings S1309". You can get this SOTM in September for just $5 (with a qualifying $50 purchase). Below is a video from CTMH corporate that gives some great ideas for artwork, and below that I have two examples of what I have finished...so far!

Created at our recent CTMH Texas Bluebonnet Consultant Team Training Retreat.  Designed by fellow consultant Kimberly Schultz

Sneak Peek of the layout I am creating for upcoming September gatherings and classes.  Call or Email about September Class Schedule and/or about booking a gathering at your home (where you can earn FREE CTMH goodies!

Begining September 1st, go to my CTMH WEBSITE - Click to "JOIN" one of the parties (on the lower right of the opening page).  When your total reaches $50 you will be prompted by the system that you are eligible for the $5 SOTM promotion...AND for the National Scrapbooking Month Special Promotion!

Mine will be here soon and I will have artwork to show at September gatherings and classes!

please note that if you order in the month of August you will qualify for the AUGUST SOTM - NOT the September ones.

The "Secrets" to using ARTBOOKING

Well, I have had ARTBOOKING for a little over a month now.  I STILL have not REALLY played with it yet, just TOO MUCH going on.  But, now that so many of YOU actually have ARTBOOKING in your hands I thought I should pass along what I have learned thus far.  Some of this I have learned through trial and error, some I have learned by reading the CTMH consultant bulletin boards.

The one BIG THING to keep in mind is this:
ALL ARTBOOKING designs are linked so you don't have to guess the size to cut your title or icons.  If you are creating a 12x12 layout it will have 11" next to the main overlay.  This means SET YOUR CRICUT to 11" and LEAVE IT THERE!!!!  Each item on that page will then cut proportiaonately so it looks nice on the page....with NO WASTED PAPER.

ARTBOOKING is designed to make perfect pages based on the designs shown in the ARTBOOKING booklet. so when you set your size without using real dial size... it is looking at the size as the "final page size" so 4 inches means your layout is 4 inches and since all the images are linked... it will cut your icon so it fits a 4 inch completed layout. 


What if I want to cut a 6" mini book instead?  Go right ahead....just set the dial to 6" AND LEAVE IT THERE!  Just keep in mind that the coordinating title and other icons will cut out proportionately....so they will be SMALL!

What if I want the cat icon on page 54 to be a true 6"?  If you want any of the icons in a specific size then you need to push "real dial size" and set your Cricut to 6" then cut your cat icon and be done (keeping in mind that the measurements are vertical) 

so if you aren't creating a layout in the booklet and are making your own thing... use "real dial size". 

My Baby Boy's Wedding Card

Today I have a new sister....and a bonus nephew!  I am so happy to welcome Amasle and her little boy Noah to our family.  I wish a lifetime of happiness to my baby brother Dustin and his new family.

Today I am up bright and early and ready to take on another new role.....mother of the groom!  By the end of this day I will have ANOTHER new family member when my baby boy Jacob marries his sweetheart Bree.  This is the wedding card I made for them.

I started with a white daisy card base and topped it with embossed lattice which I lightly swiped with CTMH whisper ink to enhance the embossing.  I used foam tape to pop the three rectangles.  They were cut using threee sizes of Spellbinders cutting/embossing dies called "wonky rectangles",  all edges are daubed with whisper ink and the smallest is stamped with a CTMH sentiment in whisper. For the finishing touch I added lots of CTMH bulk sparkles to the embossed lattice work.

My Baby Brother's Wedding Card

Today is the big day for my baby brother Dustin & his lovely bride Amsale.  This is the card I came up with for them after all that pinning last week.   I based the colors & theme on the colors of the wedding.   I went with the chicken wire embossing for the "country wedding theme", then added some very softly colored sunflowers from a retired CTMH stamp set.  I placed the brass brads for the flower centers and finished everything wIth a bit of hemp twine laced between the flowers.

ARTBOOKING has arrived!!!!!

That's right.....I have my copy of ARTBOOKING in my hot little hands and am taking a bit of today to PLAY!  As most of you know, this is the big week before the "weddingS weekend".  Tomorrow is packing & pedicures day, Thursday is travel day, and then Friday, Saturday & Sunday are ALL WEDDINGS - ALL THE TIME.  That leaves today as laundry day.....I figured I could squeeze in some crafty time.

I am about to find out if creating a layout with ARTBOOKING is as easy as everyone is saying it is.  I will post my results tonight or in the morning!

In the meantime, don't forget that I am having a 

PRE-ORDER SPECIAL

GET YOURS TODAY

with no shipping AND the "tax is on me"

***NEW:  Also get the AUGUST SOTM FREE***

Houston Area Crafty Ladies - Check your inbox for an email from ME (Carolyn Burch) for the Super-De-Douper Special JUST FOR YOU!!!  If you have NOT received this email and you live in the Houston area, email or text me with your email address and I will send it right out to you!

                                                       Both of these deals are good ONLY thru July 31, 2013

Now Taking Pre-Orders for ARTBOOKING

I've just returned home from Florida and am recovering from the CTMH Convention 2013.  There was SOOOO much scrappy inspiration and fun!  

The highlight of convention is always the introduction of the new catalog.  The top CTMH VP's put on one heck of a show as they guide us through a 3 hour journey to the "big reveal" at the end of the first session on Thursday.  I must say the biggest roar came when they let the "CAT um...I mean cartridge out of the bag".

ARTBOOKING

CTMH's newest Cricut Cartridge

Just WHAT is ARTBOOKING?

Well, let me tell you.....it may just be the greatest thing since sliced bread!

Artbooking is a revolutionary new cartridge that takes all of the guess work out of scrapbooking for you! This cartridge is jam packed with ANOTHER 700 unique images!! (just when I thought CTMH had already out-done themselves and all others with Art Philosophy and Artiste!) Get ready to take your scrapbooking to never-before-seen levels with the new Cricut® Artbooking collection!

 With oodles of images in each of 15 layout themes, you can create several coordinating pages for each theme using just two keys and one dial size. For instance, if you are creating a 12"x 12" page, just set your size at 11" and it will cut every single page piece to size for a 12" x 12" page.   No more guessing on title sizes, accent sizes, etc! 

Images include accents, borders, titles, overlays, photo mats (in standard photo sizes) and more!  In addition to the new font and page designs, this cartridge also includes 10 themed mini-books  also optimized for several different sizes using just two keys and one dial size!  Celebrate birthdays, new baby, vacations, friends, sports, Halloween, Christmas and more!

Artbooking is packed with 700 different cuts, including:

• 15 Themed DOUBLE Page Layouts  all size coordinated. What this means is that you set your Cricut size dial once to cut out all of the elements, and they will be proportioned to fit precisely in the album page size you select. 

No more

"Guesstimator's Asymmetriosis!" 

I can't EVEN begin to tell you how excited I am about this and how anxious I am to get my copy of ARTBOOKING in my hands (I'll admit it, I AM stalking the fed-ex guy!)

• 10 Themed Mini Albums (8x8, 6x6, 5x7) with minimum 8 pages each

• Full page and partial overlays of unique designs -- (think "paper lace" - use them as cut pages or stencil/mist for interesting effects. 

• Oodles & Oodles of phrases, sentiments, titles, themed elements, photo frames, and more!

•  There's also a brand new font released with this cartridge!

There are  3 ways you can get your hands on ARTBOOKING

1. SIGN UP  under me as a Close To My Heart Consultant TODAY and then you'll be able to order this in July, and at the 22% minimum discount that consultants get (that makes this $99 cartridge no more than $77.22 before shipping and handling).    Sign up for only $49 CLICK HERE to see the new Autumn/Winter  New Consultant Kit
2. PRE-ORDER this cartridge FROM ME - BY JULY 31st  for just $99  That's right just click the paypal button and pay $99 (the tax AND shipping is on me!)  Your new cartridge AND the August SOTM (for FREE!)  will ship directly from CTMH on August 1st.
3. Contact me today about booking an AUGUST party (traditional in home gathering OR online gathering).  If your gathering total is $250 or more YOU can choose ARTBOOKING as your 1/2 price item!

My FREE SHIPPING and my "The Tax is on ME" offer only good in US and only good thru July 31st

Pre-Order ARTBOOKING Cricut Collection

Pre-Order ARTBOOKING Cricut Collection $99.00 USD

ARTBOOKING BUNDLE

ATTENTION HOUSTON TEXAS AREA CRAFTY LADIES!!!!

If you are on my email list and are in the Houston Area you will be receiving an email with an 

EXTRA SPECIAL SUPER-DE-DOUPER "YOU CAN'T PASS THIS UP DEAL"

Be on the lookout!  I came up with something extra special for you ladies cause I KNOW you are all going to want this cartridge and you are going to ALL want it NOW!

I am linking this post to the following linky parties:

2013 CTMH Contest Album

The 2013 CTMH Convention was held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Florida.  While I did NOT make the top ten this year I have decided that THIS is the way I like to scrap, and I won't be changing that just to win a contest....

I want to make small books....not mini books but smaller (5 or so layouts with a cover & end page, but still in the 12x12 size, or maybe sometimes in 8x8) that are ABOUT SOMETHING.....

I have lots of stories to tell about things I want my kids to remember and I can see myself making many more albums in this style....a beginning  a middle and an end, not just a pile of un-related pages.  

 In my travel-foggy state (it was a 16 hour car ride back to Texas) it occurred to me that....just maybe....YOU would like to scrap that way also.  I have started to make some preliminary plans to offer not just page kits but ALBUM KITS so YOU can tell YOUR STORIES.  

Don't worry....Don't panick....it will be EASY....with CTMH's new cricut cartridge ARTBOOKING (which will be available on August 1st) and many more tricks I have up my sleeve together we will tell our stories and create priceless memories for our future generations....and have tons of scrappy fun doing it!

If you are interested in earning the new Artbooking cartridge for 1/2 price then contact me TODAY.....all you have to do is have a gathering (online or in your home) of $250 or more and you can choose this AWESOME cartridge for HALF PRICE!!!  BOOK YOUR PARTY NOW.....looks like I am going to be one busy lady in August!

This is the link to my 2013 CTMH Contest Album which I called
"How To Live With a Burch Boy....for the rest of your life"

I am linking this post to the following linky parties:

Convention Swap Card 2013

CRAZY BUSY!!!!

with all the last minute things....ok, like packing which OF COURSE I waited till the last minute to do.  At least everything is clean and I am DONE with laundry, just need to get it all into the suitcase now!

It is a tradition at CTMH conventions to SWAP.  All sorts of things get swapped but mostly it is cards.  After getting sick over Memorial Day Weekend and then spending every waking moment of the following three weeks working on my contest album I had pretty much resigned myself to NOT being able to participate in this fun activity this year.

Well.....I finished my album with FIVE days to spare!!!!  On Friday I decided to put together a card and see how many I could get done.....I actually finished 60 of them!  

Now....feeling guilty that I didn't make anything handmade for my convention room mates......Let's see....21 hours left....hmmmm

card base & CTMH Creme Brulee' topper are cut at 4.25 x 5.5
The topper was put through the Cuddlebug using the "lattice work" embossing folder
I used CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to cut all pieces
CTMH Pacifica Medallion cut @ 3.5"
CTMH Smoothie flower cut @ 2.75"
CTMH Creme Brulee' flower cut @ 2.25"
CTMH Crystal Blue flower cut @ 2"

The Crystal Blue flower is stamped with Pacifica using the stamp set that comes with the Art Philosophy cartridge.  I changed the center by adding a 1" circle stamped using B1417 Perfect Fit-Birthday Occasions (SHOWN) or "Thank You" from B1362 Tag The Occasion (unavailable)

I direct glued all pieces except I used foam tape for the creme brulee' & the crystal blue flowers for demension.  As I layered the pieces I edged everything with stardust glitz.

You can shop for supplies to make a card like this HERE

WHAT has Carolyn been up to?

WHEW!  Well.....I'm finally back.  I wasn't kidding when I said I was going to disappear for a while to work on my contest album was I?  And, YES, that is what I have been up to all this time.  Of course life had it's wonderful way of getting in the way of my scrappy time.

I spent an entire week down and out when I came down with strep & a double ear infection on Memorial Day Weekend.....UGH!!!!  Then of course came the rush of the end of the school year.  Wonderful news, my youngest daughter (the 8th grader) tried out for the girls golf team and will be on the team for her freshman year!!  My middle child (the 16 yr old) started drivers ed....YIKES!!!  Right now that mostly means that I have taken 2 1/2  hours out of each morning to transport her to and from - ok, what that really translates into is that I have spent the last two weeks shopping for 2 hours a day (might as well use my time wisely right?)  Good news on that front is that I am all set for both my trip to Florida AND for the up coming weddingS.

Yes, I said weddingS.  My son and his fiancee' are getting married on Sunday, July 21, 2013.....and now....my brother is getting married on Saturday, July 20, 2013!!!  Kinda crazy but my brother's fiancee' went to book the wedding place and that was the first and only weekend available until  after November, and after getting a go ahead from my son and his bride-to-be she booked it and set about QUICKLY planning a wedding.  So, after CTMH Convention (I leave on Monday -and I am creating and scheduling several posts) I will be in full blown weddingS weekend mode.

YES, I did finish my contest album....and I am so stinkin' pleased with the results.....absolutely a 'labor of love' on this one.  Since it IS for a contest I won't post any pictures till after the turn in deadline (7pm, Wed June 26)  check back on Wednesday night to see ALL the pictures from my 2013 Contest Album Entry

HOW TO LIVE

WITH A BURCH BOY

For The Rest Of Your Life

So, I FINISHED with FIVE whole days to spare (breathe, pack etc....).  Then I realized that I MIGHT still be able to get a few swaps done......hmmmm?????

Kaitlyn's Crop 2013 Flyer

This is IT.....I have always heard WONDERFUL things about this crop, and this year I AM A VENDOR! Would love to see you there, go sign up NOW.....it WILL fill up FAST!

Getting Started on my CTMH Contest Album 2013

Well....it's that time of the year again.  According to my CTMH convention countdown clock over there on my right side bar CONVENTION IS IN JUST 43 DAYS!!!

Each year CTMH has an ALBUM CONTEST for those attending convention.  Last year (at my first convention) 

I decided to make an album to enter.  I made the decision at pretty much the last minute and spent the two weeks 

before I left for Dallas scrapping till the wee hours of the morning.  

It was SOOO worth it, I made it into the finalist and had my album displayed "in the room"......

but even better, in the finished product, I have an album that I lovingly began referring to as "my labor of love".   I truly believe will be THE ONE that my children fight over someday!

This is the link to my 2012 Album "The Stars Shine Bright"

Well.....Here we go again!  43 DAYS!  and I haven't gotten past the planning stages yet.  I actually have ideas for TWO different albums floating around in my brain and can't decide on which one.   I want to focus more closely on the RULES while I'm working on this year's "labor of love"

THIS is where you come in my dear bloggy friends!  Take a look at my album from 2012 and let me know what YOU think I need to improve upon and keep in mind during the creation of my 2013 entry.  The RULES (I copy & pasted the rules below) were very similar to this year, the only difference being that last year the theme was "Stars".

With all that being said....if I am MIA a bit during the next 43 DAYS....

well that's because I will be staying off the computer and 

“VIVA!” Album Contest

With the theme “VIVA!”, we are looking for albums that embrace the theme of “LIVE” in unique ways. How you translate that theme onto your pages is completely up to you!The album contest is a fantastic way to document memories and challenge your creativity all while being recognized, and possibly rewarded, for your efforts.

There are no specific components for each layout; however, we will be judging the albums on their creative interpretation of the theme through titling, journaling, photography, and unique use of product.

---

RULES

• Create 5 two-page 12" × 12" layouts.
• Use Close To My Heart products. No products from other scrapbooking, stamping, or craft companies will be permitted. Exceptions will include found objects (fabrics, zippers, office supplies, etc.) Please note that if it is something Close To My Heart carries (buttons, ribbons, etc.) you will be required to use our product over others on the market.
• You do not need to send your album to Close to My Heart, unless you prefer that we bring your album to Convention. Albums can be submitted onsite and must be turned in to the Information Booth no later than 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. You must submit the actual layouts (no electronic submissions). If you choose to send your layouts to the corporate office, submissions must be postmarked by Monday, June 3, 2013. Mail your entry to:
  Close To My Heart
  Album Contest
  1199 West 700 South
  Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
• Layout patterns can be your own creation; however, it is not required. All patterns from Cherish™, Imagine™, Reflections® and Magic™ are welcome.
• In order to enter the contest, you must be registered for Convention 2013, and you must be present to win.

---

AREAS OF FOCUS

• Photography: quality photos (lighting, contrast, focus, etc.)
• Journaling: all layouts must include some form of journaling
• Creative techniques: unique uses of Close To My Heart products
• Color: unique color combinations and color coordination between photos, papers, and embellishments

---

PRIZES

The top 5 albums will be on display for Consultants to judge at Convention. Close To My Heart will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. A Consultants’ Choice prize will also be awarded. (Consultants’ Choice winner may also be one of the prize winners.) Winners will be announced at Convention. You must be present to win. Products awarded will be determined and selected by Close To My Heart

1ST PLACE

Close To My Heart products valued at
$1,250 US

2ND PLACE

Close To My Heart products valued at
$750 US

3RD PLACE

Close To My Heart products valued at
$300 US

CONSULTANTS’ CHOICE

$500 US cash

Of course the ultimate goal is to win one of those prizes but my personal goal is to meet the challenge of
1. Finishing an album I will cherish
2. I'd REALLY like to make it "into the room" again!

Participating in the "Anything Goes Linky Party" at Sew Crafty Angel
Linking to Fluster's Creative Muster #20
Oh What a HAPPY Day Link Party! @ Not Done Growing
Pimp-Out/Showcase Hop!!! @ Deezy Does It!

Sending Love on Mother's Day

 I sit here curled up with my cup of coffee in the early hours of this Sunday morning.  This is nothing different, I'm an early riser and my family are NOT!  I genuinely enjoy this quite time with just me and Kiki the dog 

(no, Kiki you can NOT drink from my coffee cup!)

First up this morning I pull up bloglovin' and catch up on what all my favorite bloggers have been posting.  

OH!  that's right it's Mother's Day, "Need to call Mom, but it's still WAY too early".

You see, 16 years ago I was blessed to bring a baby girl home from the hospital ON MOTHER'S DAY SUNDAY.  

On that Sunday afternoon I brought home this bundle (dressed in yellow gymboree) and

 "I loved her, and cuddled her, and hugged her, and I called her George"

just kidding, I called her MADISON

and since that day "Mother's Day" has kinda taken a back seat to celebrating MADISON....

even when her birthday doesn't land ON that Sunday we usually end up celebrating on the weekend rather than on the weekday...and THAT is just perfect with me.

Then I go to link up with my favorite Sunday morning linky party at Cuddlebug Cuties....

hmmm nothing up yet.  So, I swing by Sew Crafty Angel's and decide to link up with her everything

 goes party from earlier in the week.  THAT is where I discovered

 Pimp-Out/Showcase Hop!!! Brought to you by Deezy Does It!  

After linking up there I went off to explore some of the other blogs and stumbled upon http://menopausalmother.blogspot.com/  I must say it was the title that made me visit,

 but her May 10th blog entry "Stop All The Clocks" left me in tears and longing to reach out to 

my mama, my sister, my dearest friends.....

well just EVERYONE that has touched my life & my heart and to

LET THEM KNOW just how very much the mean to me! 

Still too early for phone calls so I came here to write up this post because all of you, my growing audience of blog followers.  

I want YOU to know how much you mean to me.  

This blog began as  I was searching for "my next door in life" when my world fell out from under me 

(ok, it was a chair....but it DID turn my world upside down and start me on a new path).  

Today finds me with barely a foot in "that door" but I am slowly inching it open a bit more each day....

I can reach hand through and wave wildly....and I can peek through to the other side....

WOW!  more "forks in the road".